HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-10-11 Select Board Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
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2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Select Board
Date: 2022-10-11 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Agenda:
Purpose: General Business
Meeting Called By: Caitlin Nocella on behalf of Chair Mark Dockser
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of
operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an
adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonab ly anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
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7:00 Overview of Meeting
7:05 Public Comment
7:20 SB Liaison and Town Manager Reports
7:30 Close State Election Warrant for November 8th, 2022
(Deadline November 1st)
7:40 Discussion on Green Communities Legislation and Town
Meeting Warrant Article 22
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed
at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting.
Page | 2
7:50 Discuss Future Agendas
8:00 Approve Meeting Minutes
8:10
Consider and potentially act on response from owner of
17 Harnden Street (BH Waltham II LLC) to Request for
Proposals to Purchase Real Property for Municipal Use,
including an Executive Session (Purp ose 6) to discuss the
acquisition and value of 17 Harnden Street
November 8, 2022
State Election Warrant
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, Laura A Gemme on October 14, 2022 notified and warned the
inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the
time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places
within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 3 Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 6 Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7 Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive
Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
The date of posting being not less than seven (7) days prior November 8, 2022 the date set for the
State Election in this Warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be posted on the Town of Reading web site.
___________________________________
Town Clerk
A true copy Attest:
________________________________
Laura Gemme, Town Clerk
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN
SECRETARY OF THE COMMONWEALTH
STATE ELECTION WARRANT
MIDDLESEX, SS.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of
the Town of Reading who are qualified to vote in the State Election to vote at
Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Reading Memorial High School - Hawkes Field House - Oakland Road
on TUESDAY, THE EIGHTH DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2022 from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM for the
following purpose:
To cast their votes in the 2022 State Election for the candidates for the following offices:
GOVERNOR and LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ......................................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
ATTORNEY GENERAL ..................................................................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
SECRETARY OF STATE ................................................................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
TREASURER ................................................................................. FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
AUDITOR ..................................................................................... FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH
REPRESENTATIVE IN CONGRESS ..................................................................... SIXTH DISTRICT
COUNCILLOR ................................................................................................ SISTH DISTRICT
SENATOR IN GENERAL COURT ....................................................... FIFTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT .................................... TWENTIETH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
REPRESENTATIVE IN GENERAL COURT ..................................... THIRTIETH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
DISTRICT ATTORNEY .............................................................................. NORTHERN DISTRICT
SHERIFF ................................................................................................ MIDDLESEX COUNTY
QUESTION 1: PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION
Do you approve of the adoption of an amendment to the constitution summarized below, which was
approved by the General Court in joint sessions of the two houses on June 12, 2019 (yeas 147 –
nays 48); and again on June 9, 2021 (yeas 159 – nays 41)?
SUMMARY
This proposed constitutional amendment would establish an additional 4% state income tax on that
portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1 million. This income level would be adjusted
annually, by the same method used for federal income-tax brackets, to reflect increases in the cost
of living. Revenues from this tax would be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature,
for public education, public colleges and universities; and for the repair and maintenance of roads,
bridges, and public transportation. The proposed amendment would apply to tax years beginning on
or after January 1, 2023.
A YES VOTE would amend the state Constitution to impose an additional 4% tax on that portion of
incomes over one million dollars to be used, subject to appropriation by the state Legislature, on
education and transportation.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the state Constitution relative to income tax.
QUESTION 2: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House
of Representatives on or before May 3, 2022?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would direct the Commissioner of the Massachusetts Division of Insurance to
approve or disapprove the rates of dental benefit plans and would require that a dental insurance
carrier meet an annual aggregate medical loss ratio for its covered dental benefit plans of 83 percent.
The medical loss ratio would measure the amount of premium dollars a dental insurance carrier
spends on its members' dental expenses and quality improvements, as opposed to administrative
expenses. If a carrier's annual aggregate medical loss ratio is less than 83 percent, the carrier would
be required to refund the excess premiums to its covered individuals and groups. The proposed law
would allow the Commissioner to waive or adjust the refunds only if it is determined that issuing
refunds would result in financial impairment for the carrier.
The proposed law would apply to dental benefit plans regardless of whether they are issued directly
by a carrier, through the connector, or through an intermediary. The proposed law would not apply
to dental benefit plans issued, delivered, or renewed to a self-insured group or where the carrier is
acting as a third-party administrator.
The proposed law would require the carriers offering dental benefit plans to submit information about
their current and projected medical loss ratio, administrative expenses, and other financial
information to the Commissioner. Each carrier would be required to submit an annual comprehensive
financial statement to the Division of Insurance, itemized by market group size and line of business.
A carrier that also provides administrative services to one or more self-insured groups would also be
required to file an appendix to their annual financial statement with information about its self-insured
business. The proposed law would impose a late penalty on a carrier that does not file its annual
report on or before April 1.
The Division would be required to make the submitted data public, to issue an annual summary to
certain legislative committees, and to exchange the data with the Health Policy Commission. The
Commissioner would be required to adopt standards requiring the registration of persons or entities
not otherwise licensed or registered by the Commissioner and criteria for the standardized reporting
and uniform allocation methodologies among carriers.
The proposed law would allow the Commissioner to approve dental benefit policies for the purpose
of being offered to individuals or groups. The Commissioner would be required to adopt regulations
to determine eligibility criteria.
The proposed law would require carriers to file group product base rates and any changes to group
rating factors that are to be effective on January 1 of each year on or before July 1 of the preceding
year. The Commissioner would be required to disapprove any proposed changes to base rates that
are excessive, inadequate, or unreasonable in relation to the benefits charged. The Commissioner
would also be required to disapprove any change to group rating factors that is discriminatory or not
actuarially sound.
The proposed law sets forth criteria that, if met, would require the Commissioner to presumptively
disapprove a carrier's rate, including if the aggregate medical loss ratio for all dental benefit plans
offered by a carrier is less than 83 percent.
The proposed law would establish procedures to be followed if a proposed rate is presumptively
disapproved or if the Commissioner disapproves a rate.
The proposed law would require the Division to hold a hearing if a carrier reports a risk-based capital
ratio on a combined entity basis that exceeds 700 percent in its annual report.
The proposed law would require the Commissioner to promulgate regulations consistent with its
provisions by October 1, 2023. The proposed law would apply to all dental benefit plans issued, made
effective, delivered, or renewed on or after January 1, 2024.
A YES VOTE would regulate dental insurance rates, including by requiring companies to spend at
least 83% of premiums on member dental expenses and quality improvements instead of
administrative expenses, and by making other changes to dental insurance regulations.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the law relative to the regulations that apply to dental
insurance companies.
QUESTION 3: LAW PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION
Do you approve of a law summarized below, on which no vote was taken by the Senate or the House
of Representatives on or before May 3, 2022?
SUMMARY
This proposed law would increase the statewide limits on the combined number of licenses for the
sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises consumption (including licenses for “all alcoholic
beverages” and for “wines and malt beverages”) that any one retailer could own or control: from 9
to 12 licenses in 2023; to 15 licenses in 2027; and to 18 licenses in 2031.
Beginning in 2023, the proposed law would set a maximum number of “all alcoholic beverages”
licenses that any one retailer could own or control at 7 licenses unless a retailer currently holds more
than 7 such licenses.
The proposed law would require retailers to conduct the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premises
consumption through face-to-face transactions and would prohibit automated or self-checkout sales
of alcoholic beverages by such retailers.
The proposed law would alter the calculation of the fine that the Alcoholic Beverages Control
Commission may accept in lieu of suspending any license issued under the State Liquor Control Act.
The proposed law would modify the formula for calculating such fee from being based on the gross
profits on the sale of alcoholic beverages to being based on the gross profits on all retail sales.
The proposed law would also add out-of-state motor vehicle licenses to the list of the forms of
identification that any holder of a license issued under the State Liquor Control Act, or their agent or
employee, may choose to reasonably rely on for proof of a person's identity and age.
A YES VOTE would increase the number of licenses a retailer could have for the sale of alcoholic
beverages to be consumed off premises, limit the number of “all-alcoholic beverages” licenses that
a retailer could acquire, restrict use of self-checkout, and require retailers to accept customers’ out-
of-state identification.
A NO VOTE would make no change in the laws governing the retail sale of alcoholic beverages.
QUESTION 4: REFERENDUM ON AN EXISTING LAW
Do you approve of a law summarized below, which was approved by the House of Representatives
and the Senate on May 26, 2022?
SUMMARY
This law allows Massachusetts residents who cannot provide proof of lawful presence in the United
States to obtain a standard driver's license or learner's permit if they meet all the other qualifications
for a standard license or learner's permit, including a road test and insurance, and provide proof of
their identity, date of birth, and residency. The law provides that, when processing an application for
such a license or learner's permit or motor vehicle registration, the registrar of motor vehicles may
not ask about or create a record of the citizenship or immigration status of the applicant, except as
otherwise required by law. This law does not allow people who cannot provide proof of lawful presence
in the United States to obtain a REAL ID.
To prove identity and date of birth, the law requires an applicant to present at least two documents,
one from each of the following categories: (1) a valid unexpired foreign passport or a valid unexpired
Consular Identification document; and (2) a valid unexpired driver's license from any United States
state or territory, an original or certified copy of a birth certificate, a valid unexpired foreign national
identification card, a valid unexpired foreign driver's license, or a marriage certificate or divorce
decree issued by any state or territory of the United States. One of the documents presented by an
applicant must include a photograph and one must include a date of birth. Any documents not in
English must be accompanied by a certified translation. The registrar may review any documents
issued by another country to determine whether they may be used as proof of identity or date of
birth.
The law requires that applicants for a driver's license or learner's permit shall attest, under the pains
and penalties of perjury, that their license has not been suspended or revoked in any other state,
country, or jurisdiction.
The law specifies that information provided by or relating to any applicant or license-holder will not
be a public record and shall not be disclosed, except as required by federal law or as authorized by
Attorney General regulations, and except for purposes of motor vehicle insurance.
The law directs the registrar of motor vehicles to make regulations regarding the documents required
of United States citizens and others who provide proof of lawful presence with their license
application.
The law also requires the registrar and the Secretary of the Commonwealth to establish procedures
and regulations to ensure that an applicant for a standard driver's license or learner's permit who
does not provide proof of lawful presence will not be automatically registered to vote.
The law takes effect on July 1, 2023.
A YES VOTE would keep in place the law, which would allow Massachusetts residents who cannot
provide proof of lawful presence in the United States to obtain a driver’s license or permit if they
meet the other requirements for doing so.
A NO VOTE would repeal this law.
Hereof fail not and make return of this warrant with your doings thereon at the time and place of
said voting.
Given under our hands this 11TH day of October, 2022
Mark Dockser, Chair
Karen Gately Herrick, Vice Chair
Christoper Haley, Secretary
Carlo Bacci
Jacqueline McCarthy
SELECT BOARD OF READING
________________________________
Constable
A true copy Attest:
__________________________________
Laura A Gemme, Town Clerk
Warrant must be posted by November 1, 2022, no fewer than seven days prior to the November 8,
2022 State Election.
Select Board Draft Minutes
September 13, 2022
Public Comment
Mary Ellen O’Neill noted there is a business on Haven Street that has a camera with a live feed of the
area. She feels it is unacceptable and needs to be taken down.
State Legislation Visit
Senator Lewis, Representative Jones, and Representative Haggerty came to visit the board and give
updates from the state.
Liaison Reports
Bacci attended the Recreation meeting and noted the recreation department has a new administrator in
the office, Ariel. Over 600 kids signed up for Saturday Night Lights program. Downtown Trick or Treat
will be October 26th. The School Committee held a meeting in regards to the Killam School building
process. The Fall Street Faire was another success this year.
Haley noted he also attended the School Committee meeting about Killam. The Fall Street Faire dunk
tank raised $1,700.
McCarthy noted the town recently did tobacco compliance checks at our local retailers and it went very
well. There is a recovery and remembrance event taking place on September 28th on the common. There
are upcoming covid and flu vaccine clinics going on around town. CPDC had discussions about Oakland
Road at their last meeting.
Herrick noted the Fall Street faire was awesome along with the September 11th ceremony. She has been
working with the Chair of the Climate Advisory Committee on their polystyrene bylaw. There is an RMLD
meeting on Thursday. She attended the Library Trustees meeting last night and noted their next
program comes out soon. She will also hold an office hour on the 20th at the library.
Dockser noted RECALC has a survey out that they are hoping to yield a lot of responses. The second RFP
will be closing September 19th.
Town Managers Report
Maltez noted elections last week went great. We had a 25.3% turnout mostly due to mail in ballots.
There will be a financial forum on September 21st. He also noted there was a water tank project update
that was in their packet. There will be 4 cell carriers on the new tank which is believed to help with cell
service.
Personnel Policies
Haley read the hearing notice opening the hearing on amending the personnel policies. Human
Resources Director Sean Donahue and Labor Counsel Jim Pender were available for any questions or
concerns.
The board has previously reviewed and discussed the proposed changes. There was no public comment.
Haley moved to close the hearing regarding the personnel policies. The motion was seconded by
Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve the proposed changes to the personnel policies as presented. The motion
was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
ARPA Funds
The board has five requests for ARPA funds in front of them this evening.
Marianne Downing, Chair of the RAAC, noted that the RAAC voted the following:
1. 8-0 for Birch Meadow Phase 1
2. 8-0 for YMCA Adaptive Swimming overseen by the Recreation Committee
3. 7-1 for Historical Commission
4. 8-0 for Conservation Commission
5. 8-0 for the Food Pantry
McCarthy noted she will recuse herself from the vote regarding the YMCA as she is a part-time
employee there.
Haley moved to approve $1.5 Million in ARPA funds for Phase 1 of Birch Meadow as presented. The
motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve $91,600 in ARPA funds for YMCA Adaptive Swimming overseen by the
Recreation Committee as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 4-0-1
vote with McCarthy abstaining.
Haley moved to approve $13,500 in ARPA funds for the Historical Commission as presented. The
motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve $22,500 in ARPA funds for the Conservation Commission as presented. The
motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve $46,200 in ARPA funds for the Reading Food Pantry as presented. The
motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
November Town Meeting Warrant Preview
Town Manager Maltez went through the warrant with the board. He noted some changes for FY23
include $80K for firearm replacement for the Police Department, $60K for Sturges tennis and basketball
courts and $500K debt authorization for the Parker Middle School roof.
The board then discussed article 20 in more detail. Article 20 is to add a new section to the Town’s
General Bylaws that would ban the use of polystyrene and disposable food service containers. Members
Haley and Bacci felt this article is coming at a bad time with no outreach to the businesses beforehand.
Haley specifically took issue with the fact this ban will only apply to our local downtown businesses and
not affect big box stores and doesn’t understand why. Herrick noted businesses have many other
options to use for to-go containers while also noting polystyrene is not commonly used anymore
anyway. Bacci suggested pushing this to April Town meeting so more outreach can be done with the
businesses first.
Discuss Capital Plan and Process
Dockser noted that other communities do their capital plan and processing differently than we do and
was interested in seeing if the board had any appetite to change the way we do it here in Reading. He
noted other communities have a specific committee designated to putting together capital plans and
they gather a lot more public input.
McCarthy asked if this committee would be redundant to the Finance Committee to which Dockser
noted no, it would focus solely on capital plans for the long term.
RFI Responses and Steps for Cell Coverage
Maltez noted we issued an RFI, a request for information. Allison Jenkins provided the results from the
RFI. The first question we asked was are you interested in going on the water tower. The second
question was are you interested in additional sites in Reading and the last question was if there were
additional sites, where would they want them to be. We received responses from T-Mobile, AT&T,
Verizon, US Wireless and Blue Sky Towers. Verizon noted they would be interested in a couple other
sites around town as well. The answers to the RFI can be found in the Select Board packet on the town
website.
The board noted they had been getting a few emails lately about the horrible cell service so they are
hopeful these responses will be the starting point for carriers to provide more coverage in town.
Select Board Retreat
The board discussed scheduling another retreat. They settled on January due to their busy fall schedule
which is rapidly approaching.
Town Masterplan
Dockser noted many years ago we did a master plan that was a 10-20 year vision with long term goals.
The board agreed this is a good idea and to ask staff on what has been done in the past and their
opinions/ feedback.
Future Agendas
The board discussed future agendas and upcoming office hours.
Minutes
The board edited their previous meeting minutes.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from June 25th, 2022 as presented. The motion was
seconded by Bacci and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from August 9th, 2022 as amended. The motion was
seconded by Bacci and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from August 30th, 2022 as amended. The motion was
seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:58 PM. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved
with a 5-0 vote.
Select Board Draft Minutes
September 20th, 2022
Public Comment
Carl McFadden noted the kids of the Saturday Night Lights program in conjunction with the Reading
High Cheerleaders are hosting a food drive. It will be held on October 1st at the High School Field from 3-
7 pm.
Rosemarie DiBenedetto noted her displeasure with pursuing the old Walgreens building for a new senior
center. She feels that space is not adequate for what they need and there is no parking there. She also
mentioned after we purchase the building for a huge price tag, the renovations will be just as costly
making it not worth it.
Amanda Haley wanted to mention the camera/website that was brought up at public comment last
week. She noted they do not make money off this website, it doesn’t cost the taxpayers anything and
people around town love the website for the recap of town events.
Lisa Egan, speaking on behalf of the Chamber and business community wanted to share thoughts from
their Board of Directors about the polystyrene ban. She urged the board to please consider postponing
this article. She noted there has been absolutely zero outreach to the business community that this was
coming. She stated supply chain issues are so bad right now and adding this ban at this time would hurt
the businesses even more.
Liaisons
Herrick noted RMLD is impacted by the inflation reduction act but there is opportunity for significant
grants coming. The electric charger at the library is being delayed due to supply chain issues. Killam
School Building Committee met last night and voted on the warrant article.
Dockser noted RECALC met with an architect last week.
Town Managers Report
Maltez noted there is a financial forum tomorrow night. They are planning three walkthroughs of the
Killam School for Town Meeting members prior to Town Meeting.
Class I License – Honda
The Class I License for Honda on Walkers Brook Drive is changing hands. The new manager, Daniel
Loggins was present for the meeting. The Police noted they have no issues with the license moving
forward. It was noted the paperwork is all in order except for the lease agreement which will be signed
at closing and then submitted to the town.
Haley moved to approve the Class I license for TTHD Wakefield, LLC d/b/a RT. 128 Honda at 88
Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, MA contingent upon receival of the fully signed and executed Lease
and Section 58, Class I Contract. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Economic Development Update
Economic Development Director Erin Schaeffer gave the board a presentation of updates. The
presentation can be found in the Select Board packet on the town website.
BID Update
Jim Freeman gave the board a presentation about the BID process and updates. The presentation can be
found in the Select Board packet on the town website.
Cultural Council
Brian ___ gave the board a presentation about the current Cultural Council happenings. The
presentation can be found in the Select Board packet on the town website.
RFP Update
Maltez noted we only had one response to the RFP for space for the senior center. The response was
from 17 Harnden Street. The board will have an executive session on this at their next meeting.
Town Meeting Warrant
Maltez ran through the articles on the Town Meeting Warrant for November again.
The board had a long discussion about Article 20 which is the polystyrene ban bylaw. Haley and Bacci
remained committed to their previous comments from the last meeting that this is not the right time for
this bylaw. They noted the absent outreach to the business community and feel the board should push
this to April to give more time to do the needed outreach. They also felt hearing from Lisa Egan on
behalf of the business community speaks loudly that the business community was truly unaware of this
article. Haley still wants to know why big box stores are exempt from this bylaw.
Haley moved to close the warrant with articles 1-19 and 21-23 for Subsequent Town Meeting to take
place on November 14th, as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0
vote.
Haley moved to close the warrant with article 20 for Subsequent Town Meeting to take place on
November 14th, as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 3-2 vote with
Haley and Bacci opposing.
Grove Street Lot 5 Update
Maltez noted the packet shows a very preliminary drawing Weston and Sampson put together for the
lot. It contains 18 spots with 2 handicap spots and a place holder for bathrooms. It has to be approved
by the National Heritage which is state agency, and we don’t know how long it will take. It will also need
to be run by a couple of town boards/committees. Next steps would be a legal process with Meadow
Brook to create an easement to get from the parking lot to the town forest.
Haley moved to adjourn at 10:30 PM. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0
vote.
Town of Reading
Lunch and Learn
September 29, 2022
Senior Citizens (Age 60+)
Growing Population
(source: Umass 4/22 Public Forum)
Age Category Number Percentage
Under age 18 6,187 25%
Age 18-49 8,758 35%
Age 50 to 59 3,803 15%
Age 60 to 79 5,266 21%
Age 80 and older 1,222 5%
Total 25,236 100%
Source: American Community Survey, 2016-2020, Table B01001. Numbers are calculated from 5-
year survey estimates.
5/24/22 -Reading ARPA Advisory Committee Presentation on Elder Human Services Needs2
Planning Process
Senior/Community Center
(source: Umass 4/22 Public Forum)
Reading Senior Center opens at the
Pleasant Street center location
1991
Reading Senior Center changes its
name to the Pleasant Street Center in
hopes of attracting more
participation
~2015
UMass Boston Gerontology Institute
is consulted for recommendations
about the Pleasant Street Center
space
2017
Town of Reading appoints ReCALC to
develop plans for the future of the
Pleasant Street Center
2021
Town hires UMass Boston
Gerontology Institute to engage the
community re: their preferences
and needs relating to the Pleasant
Street Center
2022
5/24/22 -Reading ARPA Advisory Committee Presentation on Elder Human Services Needs3
What We Have Heard Seniors Need
5/24/22 -Reading ARPA Advisory Committee Presentation on Elder Human Services Needs4
Reading Center for Active Living
Committee (ReCalc)
A volunteer ad hoc committee reporting to the Select Board
The charge of ReCalc:
Explore the current and future needs
of the Community, and initiate planning
for a potential new Senior/Community
Center in town that will focus on residents
aged 60+ and possibly other members
of the Community.
5/24/22 -Reading ARPA Advisory Committee Presentation on Elder Human Services Needs5
What is Missing at the PSC?
•Multi Purpose Space?
•Appropriate Restroom Facilities?
•Private Meeting Spaces?
•Private Offices for Employees?
•Game Room?
•Adequate Staffing Levels?
•Parking?
Options for New Buildings
1. Purchase an existing building and renovate
2. Expand the Current Pleasant Street Center
3. Build New Facility on Town Owned Land
4. Others?
•Each Option has different Timelines and Different
Costs
1. Purchase Building and Renovate
•April Town Meeting –Instructional Motion to Find
Spaces in Town for Senior Center
•June 2022 –Select Board authorizes an RFP for
Leased Space for Senior Center
•July 2022 –Response from Walgreens Owner for
Leased Spaced
•August 2022 –Select Board authorizes an RFP to
Purchase Space for Senior Center
•September 19, 2022 –Response from Walgreens
Owner to Sell the Building
•October 11, and October 25, 2022 –Planned
Select Board Meeting to discuss Next Steps
1. Purchase Building and Renovate
First Floor
1. Purchase Building and Renovate
Second Floor
1. Purchase Building and Renovate
•ReCalc created Subgroup to Explore Layout for
Walgreens Building
•Council on Aging also Providing Input on Layout
•Select Board to Engage Property Owner
•Town Meeting to Approve/Disapprove the Purchase
•If Town Meeting Approves, Design will continue
•Purchase + Renovation Cost to be Excluded Debt
Vote (possibly April Election)
•If Approved, Permanent Building Committee will
lead the project
•Project would take 18-24 months from Approval
1. Purchase Building and Renovate
•Negotiations with Property Owner Pending
–Initial Sale Offer: $7 Million with $2 Million Seller’s
Credit
•Need to Finalize Layout and Design for Construction
Cost
–Initial Estimate: $7 Million to $9 Million
•Current Estimate: $12 Million to $14 Million
•Cost to Average Homeowner: $140 per Year, or
about $12 per Month
–In addition, pursuing $1 Million Earmark from State
–Other Town Funds that can be used to reduce cost
1. Purchase Building and Renovate
•Next Steps:
–Select Board Negotiate with Owner
–Town Meeting Approve/Deny Purchase
–Excluded Debt Vote
–If Approved, Final Design Completed, followed by
Construction
2. Expand the Current PSC
3. Build New on Town Land
2022 DRAFT - SELECT BOARD AGENDAS 2022
10/5/2022
Staff
Responsibility
Estimated
start time
October 25, 2022 Tuesday
Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00
Public Comment Board 7:05
SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:10
ReCalc Update ReCalc 7:20
ReCalc Preliminary Survey Update Umass Boston 7:30
HEARING Tax Classification
Santaniello &
Board of
Assessors 7:50
Presentation on Pay Class Study for Non Union
Employees Donahue 8:30
Vote on Revised Classification Plan Board 8:45
Discuss Future Agendas Board 9:00
Approve Meeting Minutes Board 9:15
October 26, 2022 Tuesday
Attend Second Financial Forum
November 8, 2022 State Election Tuesday
November 14, 2022 Monday
November 15, 2022 Tuesday
Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00
Public Comment Board 7:05
SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:10
Vote to Accept Gift of New Baseball Field at
Joshua Eaton Board 8:00
Hearing Traffic Improvements: Stops Signs to Hillcrest
Rd and Copeland Rd.Lt. Jones 8:45
Discuss Future Agendas Board 9:00
Approve Meeting Minutes Board 9:15
November 17, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting II Thursday
November 21, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting III Monday
November 22, 2022 Tuesday
November 28, 2022 Subsequent Town Meeting IV Monday
December 6, 2022 Tuesday
Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00
Public Comment Board 7:05
SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:10
ReCalc Final Survey Update Umass Boston
Director of Equity and Social Justice Update
Vote to Approve Licenses (delegated to Town
Manager's Office)
Vote to Approve Liquor Licenses
Discuss Future Agendas Board
Approve Meeting Minutes Board
2022 DRAFT - SELECT BOARD AGENDAS 2022
10/5/2022
Staff
Responsibility
Estimated
start time
December 7, 2002 Wednesday
Town Department FY24 budgets
December 13, 2022 Tuesday
Town Department FY24 budgets
VASC Policy Changes and Recommendations VASC
December 14, 2022 Wednesday
Town Department FY24 budgets (if needed)
Future Meetings - Agenda Items
Discuss Early Sunday Hours at Recreational
Fields & Parks Rec Comm
Discuss/Vote to adopt Birch Meadow Master
Plan (discuss with Town Counsel in advance) Rec Comm
Public Safety Quarterly updates Landry/ Dockser
Air BnB update CPDC
Update on 186 Summer Ave / Review of Select
Board role (consult with Town Counsel) Town Counsel
Discuss Police Department Policies with respect
to Police Reform Legislation & Department
Accreditation Landry/ Dockser
Discuss and Approve Flag Policy Board
Discuss Tree Lawn Pesticide Policy BOH
Recurring Agenda Items
Close Warrant: Annual Town Meeting March 3/1/2022
Close Warrant: Subsequent Town Meeting September 9/27/2022
Appoint Town Accountant March Annual
HEARING Approve Classification & Compensation May Annual
Appointments of Boards & Committees May/June Annual
HEARING Approve Tax Classification October Annual
HEARING Approve Licenses December Annual
Liaison: RCTV members Report Annual
Liaison: CAB (RMLD) member Report Annual
Liaison: MAPC member Report Annual
Liaison: Reading Housing Authority Report Annual
Liaison: Reading Ice Arena Report Annual
Town Accountant Report Qtrly
Economic Development Director Semi-ann
Parking/Traffic/Transportation Task Force
Town Board & Committee visits
Town Department visits
Review Select Board Goals
Review Town Manager Goals
2023
DRAFT - SELECT BOARD
AGENDAS
Staff
Responsibility
January 10, 2023 Tuesday
January 24, 2023 Tuesday
February 7, 2023 Tuesday
February 21, 2023 Tuesday
March 7, 2023 Tuesday
March 21, 2023 Tuesday
April 4, 2023 TOWN ELECTION
April 18, 2023 Tuesday
April 24, 2023 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
April 27, 2023 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
May 1, 2023 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
May 4, 2023 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
May 9, 2023 Tuesday
May 23, 2023 Tuesday
June 6, 2023 Tuesday
June 20, 2023 Tuesday
July 11, 2023 Tuesday
August 1, 2023 Tuesday
August 22, 2023 Tuesday
September 12, 2023 Tuesday
September 26, 2023 Tuesday
October 10, 2023 Tuesday
October 24, 2023 Tuesday
November 7, 2023 Tuesday
November 13, 2023 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 16, 2023 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 20, 2023 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 21, 2023 Tuesday
Novmeber 27, 2023 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
December 5, 2023 Tuesday
Vote to approve annual licenses
(delegated to TM Office)
Vote to approve Liquor Licenses
December 6, 2023 Wednesday
Department Budget Presentations
December 12, 2023 Tuesday
Department Budget Presentations