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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-07 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. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2023-02-07 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: This Meeting will be held in-person in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall and remotely on Zoom. It will also be streamed live on RCTV as usual. Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81904592476 Meeting ID: 819 0459 2476 One tap mobile +16465189805,,81904592476# US (New York) +16465588656,,81904592476# US (New York) Dial by your location +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) Meeting ID: 819 0459 2476 Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kehiZjwTui PAGE # 7:00 Overview of Meeting 7:05 Public Comment 7:15 SB Liaison and Town Manager Reports 3 7:20 Discuss and Vote to approve new Town Manager employment contract 4 7:30 Election update from Town Clerk 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 7:45 Public Hearing – Traffic Improvements: Stop Signs and Vehicle Direction at Hopkins and Main Street 12 8:00 Presentation from Public Works on Trash and Recycling Barrels 19 8:30 Vote Easement Requests Previously approved by Town Meeting: Summit Village 33 8:40 Preview Warrant for April Town Meeting 41 9:00 Discussion on Town Manager 2023 Goals 9:15 Discussion and Vote to Sign Lease Extension for the Reading Ice Arena Authority 51 9:30 Discuss Future Agendas 52 9:40 Approve Meeting Minutes 55 9:50 Discuss responses to request for proposals (RFP) for the purchase property for municipal use, including an executive session under Purpose 6 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of the real property of 25 Haven Street and/or 17 Harnden Street 58 Office of the Town Manager 781-942-9043 16 Lowell Street townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us Reading, MA 01867 www.readingma.gov/town-manager To: Select Board From: Fidel A. Maltez Date: February 6, 2023 RE: Town Manager Memo for February 7th, 2023 Meeting The good news regarding infrastructure grant programs from the Commonwealth keep on coming! On Wednesday we received the amazing news that Reading has been awarded the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Infrastructure Grant Program from MassDOT. This infrastructure grant has a maximum award of $1,500,000, and is fully designed, and built by MassDOT. The Town of Reading applied for this grant program in the fall, focusing on safety and pedestrian improvements on Oakland Road abutting the Reading Memorial High School. Additionally, the area surrounding the Birch Meadow Complex will see significant infrastructure improvements over the next few years. We received the Complete Streets grant for $500,000 to install sidewalks on Auburn Street and Parkview Road. We are also in the process of bidding out Phase I of the Birch Meadow Master Plan which will include sidewalk and pedestrian crossing upgrades at the Imagination Station parking lot. We will continue focusing on the streets abutting the Birch Meadow Complex, knowing that this is a big priority for our residents. At our meeting, the Town Clerk will give an update on our upcoming municipal elections, specifically as it relates to vote-by-mail and early voting in-person. We will also hold a public hearing to approve traffic changes on Hopkins Street and Main Street; the changes are required after MassDOT’s installation of a traffic signal at this intersection. The Board will also be asked to vote to accept an easement previously approved by Town Meeting, on Summit Village. We will also preview the Town Meeting Warrant, which is up to 23 articles. Finally, the Department of Public Works will give a presentation on our proposal to issue rubbish and recycling carts to residential homes in Reading. FAM EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN TOWN OF READING AND FIDEL MALTEZ FOR SERVICES AS TOWN MANAGER THIS AGREEMENT, entered into by and between the Town of Reading, a municipal corporation having a principal place of business at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts, 01867, hereinafter called the “Town,” acting by and through its Select Board, hereinafter called “Board”, and Fidel Maltez, 13 Admirals Way, Chelsea, Massachusetts, 02150, hereinafter called “Town Manager”, sets forth as follows: WITNESSETH WHEREAS, on January 4, 2022, the Reading Select Board, on behalf of the Town, executed a contract with Fidel Maltez for him to serve as the Town Manager of the Town of Reading (the “2022 Contract”); WHEREAS, the 2022 Contract commenced on February 14, 2022 and remains in full force and effect until February 13, 2025; WHEREAS, the Town and the Town Manager desire to rescind the 2022 Contract as of 11:59 P.M. on February 13, 2023 and execute a new three year contract, commencing on February 14, 2023 at 12:00 A.M.; WHEREAS, the Board, under Chapter 41, Section 108N of the General Laws, may contract with the Town Manager for such services; NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows: Section I, Functions and Duties of the Town Manager. Fidel Maltez shall assume and perform the duties of the Town Manager as defined in Town of Reading Home Rule Charter Article 5. Section II, Prior Agreements and Term of Contract. The Town and the Town Manager agree that as of 11:59 P.M., the 2022 Contract is rescinded. This Agreement shall become effective February 14, 2023 at 12:00 A.M (“Effective Date”) and shall be in full force and effect until February 13, 2026. Page 2 of 8 Section III, Termination and Severance Pay. A. If the Select Board wishes to terminate the services of the Town Manager prior to the expiration of this Agreement, the provisions of the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter, Section 5.5, shall be used. In the event the Town Manager is terminated by the Town without cause prior to the expiration of the term of this Agreement, the Town agrees that it shall pay to the Town Manager a lump sum cash payment equal to six (6) months’ aggregate salary, which amount shall be paid to the Town Manager at the next regular pay period after the effective date of termination of his employment. This benefit shall not be available if the Town Manager is terminated for negligence, malfeasance, or gross misconduct in office or for a reason that significantly interferes with the effective administration of his duties as Town Manager. B. In the event the Town Manager voluntarily terminates his position with the Town before the expiration of the term of this Agreement, the Town Manager shall give the Town six (6) months’ written notice in advance. A copy of the resignation shall be filed with the Town Clerk. C. All benefits expire as of the last day of employment with the Town. The Town Manager will be eligible for a continuation of health benefits (COBRA) as required by law. Section IV, Salary. A. The Town Manager is a salaried officer of the Town. The Town shall pay the Town Manager for services rendered under this Agreement (the “Salary”): (a) effective February 14, 2023, and continuing through February 13, 2024: $218,000.00; and (b) effective February 14, 2024, and continuing through February 13, 2025: $224,540.00, which represents a 3% increase from Salary year 1; and (c) effective February 14, 2025, and continuing through February 13, 2026: $231,276.20, which represents a 3% increase from Salary year 2. The payments outlined in Section IV.A.(a)-(c), above, shall be subject to applicable withholdings and deductions, payable in installments at the same time as other non-union employees of the Town are paid. Page 3 of 8 B. The salaries set forth in Section IV.A (b)-(c) are conditioned upon and subject to adequate appropriation by Town Meeting and a satisfactory evaluation pursuant to Section V. C. The Town shall provide the Town Manager with an annual vehicle allowance of $7,000.00 paid consistent with payroll. This allowance shall provide for all necessary travel milage, tolls, insurance, and related costs. The Town Manager agrees to maintain automobile insurance coverage in the following minimum amounts: (a) Bodily Injury: $100,000/300,000 (b) Property Damage: $25,000 D. The Town agrees to contribute to a 457(b), 401(a) or similar deferred compensation plan in the amounts specified below: (a) effective February 14, 2023, and continuing through February 13, 2024: $2,500.00; (b) effective February 14, 2024 and continuing through February 13, 2025: $5,000.00; and (c) effective February 14, 2025 and continuing through February 13, 2026: $5,000.00. Section V, Town Manager Evaluation. A. The Board shall annually review and evaluate the Town Manager no later than February 14 of each year, with the first evaluation pursuant to this Agreement taking place before February 14, 2024. This review and evaluation shall include a “360 degree assessment” with solicited subjective feedback from the Superintendent of Schools, the Library Director, and, to be designated by the Select Board, at least five direct reports, at least three of whom are Department Heads. The Select Board members shall also submit evaluation forms. These forms shall be submitted to a staff member, designated by the Select Board, or the Chair, and compiled into a composite evaluation. The composite evaluation shall be a public record. The Town Manager shall have an opportunity to discuss the evaluation and the results of the assessment with the Select Board. The Town Manager shall provide a written self-assessment as part of this process. B. Annually the Board and the Town Manager shall define the Town Manager goals and objectives which they determine necessary for the proper operation of the Town and the attainment of the Board’s policy objectives and shall further establish a general priority among those various goals and objectives, said goals and objectives to be reduced to writing. They shall generally be attainable Page 4 of 8 within the time limits specified and within the annual operating and capital budgets and appropriations provided by the Town and the events that have occurred during the year. Section VI, Hours of Work. A. The Town Manager will devote full-time and attention to the business of the Town and will not engage in any other business or occupation, except with the written approval of the Board. It is understood that the Town Manager shall regularly participate in all Select Board meetings and other meetings where his attendance would be beneficial to the orderly conduct of the Town’s business and operations. The Town Manager shall attend all Town Meetings. B. Except as expressly authorized in the Charter, the Town Manager shall not hold any other public elective or appointive office in the Town; provided, however, that, with the approval of the Board, the Town Manager may serve as the Town’s representative to regional boards, commissions, or similar entities, but shall not receive any additional salary from the Town for such services. C. It is recognized that the Town Manager must devote a great deal of time outside of normal office hours to the business of the Town, and that, as a result, the Town Manager may adjust his normal office hours accordingly as he deems appropriate. Section VII, Health Insurance, Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave, Funeral Leave, Jury Duty and Disability Insurance. A. The Town shall provide the Town Manager a health insurance policy identical to other Town employees. The Town’s contribution toward such health insurance policy shall be the same as that made to other non-union Town employees in a similar plan. B. The Town will provide to the Town Manager the same disability and life insurance policies as it does to other non-union Town employees. C. The Town shall provide the Town Manager with four (4) weeks of vacation time, calculated as twenty (20) days, based on a 40-hour work week, in accordance with the provisions of the Town’s personnel policies and procedures which apply to other non-union employees. The Town Manager shall also be provided sick leave, holiday leave, personal leave, bereavement leave and jury duty in accordance with the Town’s personnel policies and procedures which apply to other non-union employees. The Town Manager should notify the Select Board as soon as possible if he plans to take more than one consecutive day of vacation, sick leave, holiday leave, personal leave, or bereavement leave, and prior to any scheduled jury duty. Page 5 of 8 D. If the Town Manager chooses to attend the International City/County Management Association’s (I.C.M.A.) Annual Conference or other professional conferences, or elects to enroll in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School, time spent at such conferences or program shall not be deducted from his vacation leave and shall be considered as compensated leave for professional development. The Town Manager shall notify the Chair of the Board of his planned absence immediately upon registering for the conference or enrolling said course. Section VIII, Professional Development A. The Town Manager shall at all times be a member in good standing of the I.C.M.A. The Town agrees to budget and pay all professional dues and subscriptions for the Town Manager necessary for membership in the I.C.M.A,, and the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association, and, with the approval of the Select Board, any other professional organizations deemed necessary and desirable for his continued professional participation, growth, and advancement for the good of the Town. B. The Town agrees to pay for the registration, travel and subsistence expenses of the Town Manager for short courses, institutes and seminars that are necessary for his professional development subject to availability of funds within the budget, provided, however, that Select Board approval shall be required for attendance at any course, institutes or seminars that costs $1,500 or greater. Notwithstanding the above, upon the written request of the Town Manager, the Town shall pay $1,900 towards the Town Manager’s enrollment in the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at the Harvard Kennedy School. C. The Town shall pay the Town Manager’s registration fees(s), travel and subsistence expenses to and from the I.C.M.A. Annual Conference, Massachusetts Municipal Association Annual Conference, and the Massachusetts Municipal Management Association’s Annual Spring Conference. Section IX, Indemnification. Subject to the terms and provisions of M.G.L. c.258, §13 and all other applicable law, the Town shall defend, save harmless, and indemnify the Town Manager against any tort, professional liability, claim or demand, or other legal action, whether groundless or otherwise, arising out of an alleged act or omission occurring in the performance of his duties as Town Manager, even if said claim has been made following his termination from employment, provided that the Town Manager acted within the scope of his duties. Subject to the provisions of said statute, the Town shall pay the amount of any settlement or judgment rendered thereon. The Town may compromise and settle any such claim or Page 6 of 8 suit and will pay the amount of any settlement or judgment rendered thereon without recourse to the Town Manager. The Town shall reimburse the Town Manager for any reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred by the Town Manager in connection with such claims or suits involving the Town Manager in his professional capacity, provided that the Select Board agrees to the chosen attorney and representation for the Town Manager is not available from the Town’s insurer. This section shall survive the termination of this Agreement. Section X, Renewal of Town Manager If the Board decides to renew the Town Manager, the Board and the Town Manager shall negotiate in good faith in sufficient time so as to be in a position to agree upon and execute a new contract at least six (6) months in advance of the expiration of this Agreement. Section XI, Other Terms and Conditions of Employment. A. All provisions of law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts relating to retirement, health insurance and other fringe benefits shall apply to the Town Manager as they generally apply to other employees of the Town, in addition to said benefits enumerated herein specifically for the benefit of the Town Manager, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. B. All other general provisions of the Town’s Bylaws or Personnel Rules and Regulations relating to fringe benefits shall also apply to the Town Manager as they apply to other employees of the Town, in addition to the benefits enumerated specifically for the benefit of the Town Manager, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. C. This Agreement shall prevail over any conflicting personnel provisions of the Town Bylaws or Rules and Regulations. Section XII, No Reduction in Benefits. The Town shall not at any time during the term of the Agreement reduce the salary, compensation or other benefits of the Town Manager, except to the degree such a reduction is across the board for all other non-union employees of the Town. Section XIII, Notices. Notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be given by deposit in the custody of the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid, addressed as follows: Page 7 of 8 1. TOWN: Select Board 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 2. TOWN MANAGER: Fidel Maltez 13 Admirals Way Chelsea, MA 02150 Alternatively, notices required pursuant to this Agreement may be personally served. Notice shall be deemed as given as of the date of personal service or as of the date of deposit of such written notice in the course of transmission in the United States Postal Service. Section XIV, General Provisions. A. The text herein shall constitute the entire Agreement between the parties. B. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the heirs at law and executors of the Town Manager. C. If any provision, or any portion thereof, contained in this Agreement is held unconstitutional, invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Agreement, or portion thereof, shall be deemed severable, shall not be affected, and shall remain in full force and effect. D. For the purposes of federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the Massachusetts Wage and Hour Law, the Town Manager is designated as an “exempt employee.” E. This Agreement may be amended at any time by written amendment executed by both parties. F. This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Page 8 of 8 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, has caused this Agreement to be signed and executed in its behalf by its Select Board and duly attested by its Town Clerk, and the Town Manager has signed and executed this Agreement, both in duplicate. TOWN OF READING TOWN MANAGER Acting by and through Its Select Board Fidel Maltez Mark L. Dockser, Chair Karen Herrick, Vice Chair Christopher Haley, Secretary Carlo Bacci, Member Jacqueline McCarthy, Member DATE: February 7, 2023 Legal Notice (Seal) Town of Reading To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the Select Board of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing on February 7th, 2023 at 7:00 PM in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA or also available remotely on Zoom to act on proposed changes to the following Traffic and Parking Regulations: • Amendment Number 2023-1; Repeal the installation and maintenance of official stop signs is authorized on Hopkins Street at the intersection with Main Street for both eastbound and westbound drivers. • Amendment Number 2023-2; Repeal no vehicle traveling eastbound on Hopkins Street shall make a left turn onto Main Street. • Amendment Number 2023-3; Repeal eastbound and westbound drivers on Hopkins Street shall make a right turn only onto Main Street. A copy of the proposed documents regarding this topic will be in the Select Board packet on the website at www.readingma.gov All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person or remotely via Zoom; or may submit their comments in writing or by em ail prior to 6:00 p.m. on February 7th, 2023 to townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us By order of Fidel Maltez Town Manager To the Chronicle: Please publish on Tuesday, January 24th and again on January 31st, 2023 Send the bill and tear sheet to: Town Managers Office 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Town of Reading Amendment to the Traffic and Parking Regulations Amendment Number: 2023-1 Date Filed: February 7, 2023 Filed By: TSO Michael S. Scouten On Behalf of: The Reading Police Department Section 1: Purpose of Amendment – Pursuant to Article 6.12: the installation and maintenance of official stop signs Section 2: Proposed Amendment – Pursuant to Article 6.12: Repeal the installation and maintenance of official stop signs is authorized on Hopkins Street at the intersection with Main Street for both eastbound and westbound drivers. Section 3: Effective Date: This act shall take effect upon its passage and the provisions above shall not expire. Select Board: Date Signed: Town of Reading Amendment to the Traffic and Parking Regulations Certification of Amendment: The Town Clerk certifies that Amendment Number ____________ above was ____________ by the Select Board of the Town of Reading through an official vote occurring during a public hearing held on ____________. The Amendment was ____________ through a vote of ____________ in favor and ____________ opposed. Town Clerk Town Corporate Seal Town of Reading Amendment to the Traffic and Parking Regulations Amendment Number: 2023-2 Date Filed: February 7, 2023 Filed By: TSO Michael S. Scouten On Behalf of: The Reading Police Department Section 1: Purpose of Amendment – Pursuant to Article 6.17: Left turns shall be prohibited at the locations as listed under Article 12. Section 2: Proposed Amendment – Pursuant to Article 6.17: Repeal no vehicle traveling eastbound on Hopkins Street shall make a left turn onto Main Street. Section 3: Effective Date: This act shall take effect upon its passage and the provisions above shall not expire. Select Board: Date Signed: Town of Reading Amendment to the Traffic and Parking Regulations Certification of Amendment: The Town Clerk certifies that Amendment Number ____________ above was ____________ by the Select Board of the Town of Reading through an official vote occurring during a public hearing held on ____________. The Amendment was ____________ through a vote of ____________ in favor and ____________ opposed. Town Clerk Town Corporate Seal Town of Reading Amendment to the Traffic and Parking Regulations Amendment Number: 2023-3 Date Filed: February 7, 2023 Filed By: TSO Michael S. Scouten On Behalf of: The Reading Police Department Section 1: Purpose of Amendment – Pursuant to Article 6.17.2: Right turn only at the locations as listed under Article 12. Section 2: Proposed Amendment – Pursuant to Article 6.17.2: Repeal eastbound and westbound drivers on Hopkins Street shall make a right turn only onto Main Street. Section 3: Effective Date: This act shall take effect upon its passage and the provisions above shall not expire. Select Board: Date Signed: Town of Reading Amendment to the Traffic and Parking Regulations Certification of Amendment: The Town Clerk certifies that Amendment Number ____________ above was ____________ by the Select Board of the Town of Reading through an official vote occurring during a public hearing held on ____________. The Amendment was ____________ through a vote of ____________ in favor and ____________ opposed. Town Clerk Town Corporate Seal SUPPLYING RUBBISH / RECYCLING CARTS FOR TOWN SERVICES Planning Ahead –The Train’s Coming! •Rubbish Disposal Contract (COVANTA) –Contract expires June 30, 2025 –New contract price expected to be significantly higher •Rubbish/Recycling Collection Contract (REPUBLIC SERVICES) –Contract expires June 30, 2026 –New contract price expected to be significantly higher •Purchasing carts now would lessen the financial impact on the Town when the new collection contract is bid in 2026 and would prepare for possible future automated rubbish/recycling collection. •Carts would help mitigate rodents, rainfall issues, litter on windy days, and give better aesthetics for the Town. Current Rubbish and Recycling Services •COVANTA (RUBBISH DISPOSAL CONTRACT) –5-year contract: July 1, 2020 –June 30, 2025 –FY23 tipping fee: $95.48 per ton –FY24 tipping fee: $98.35 per ton (3% increase) –Approximately 7,000 tons of rubbish per year •REPUBLIC SERVICES (R/R COLLECTION CONTRACT) –On May 16, 2022, JRM was purchased by Republic Services –10-year contract: July 1, 2016 -June 30, 2026 –No change to our current contract: •FY23 Contract: $1,146,975 •FY24 Contract: $1,181,384 (3% increase each year for duration of contract) Current Rubbish and Recycling Services (cont.) •BLACK EARTH COMPOST (CURBSIDE FOOD SCRAP COLLECTION) –Current subscribers in Reading: 423 –Estimated annual tonnage for CY2022: 111 tons •4.3 gallons / household / week (avg.) –Current Weekly Plans: •$13.99 monthly (weekly pick-up) •$74.99 every 6-months (weekly pick-up) –Current Every Other Week Plans: •$10.99 monthly (bi-weekly pick-up) •$55.99 every 6 months (bi-weekly pick-up) –New residential subscribers receive a 13-gal. compost bin and their first roll of 13-gal. bags from the Town at no cost to the resident. Who Does the Town Provide Rubbish / Recycling Services To? •1, 2, and 3 family residential –6,902 •1, 2, and 3 unit apartment / condominium –457 •Schools –8 (18%) •Municipal buildings –7 (8%) (74%) What Are the Benefits of Using Carts? •Rodent Issues –Rubbish and recycling will be contained in covered barrels •Rainfall Issues –Ensures that barrels do not fill with rain water, preventing rubbish trucks from spilling foul-smelling rubbish infused water on the roads •Better containment of contents –Any loose rubbish or recycling prevented from blowing around neighborhoods on windy days •Uniform container identity –Containers with uniform appearance, improves the aesthetics of the Town on collection days, and better allows the rubbish and recycling hauler to differentiate and identify rubbish versus recycling contents (recycling cart has different color lid) •Carts would be purchased by the Town and would be property of the Town What Are Our Peer Communities Doing For Rubbish and Recycling Services? •Comparable communities surveyed •Size of carts –Rubbish (64 gallon) –Recycling (64 gallon if weekly, 96 gallon if bi-weekly) •Quantity of carts per household –1 rubbish cart (64 gallon) •Residents have option to lease 2nd cart annually •Residents can purchase overflow bags –1 recycling cart (64/96 gallon) •Bulk item disposal –1 item per week (no charge) or unlimited (fee based via rubbish hauler) Resident Options For Extra Rubbish •Overflow bags (preferred option) –Overflow bags would minimize administrative involvement by the Town. –Residents could purchase 30 gal. overflow bags to be placed with their rubbish cart. –Could be purchased at local grocery and convenience stores. •Retail cost: $2 to $3 per bag (est.); Purchase price by Town: $0.38 per bag (est.) –WasteZero would monitor store inventory; Town would have no involvement with local stores. –Bags are made of a heavy-duty plastic (1.5 mil) and come customized with the Town seal etc. •Resident Sign-Up for Black Earth Compost Pickup (preferred option) –Residents could subscribe to Black Earth Compost curbside collection program to eliminate food scraps from their rubbish stream and reduce their weekly curbside rubbish volume. •Additional Carts per Household (less desirable) –Creates logistical challenges for Town staff (storing and distribution) and payment management. –Each household could obtain 1 additional rubbish cart (64 gal.) for an annual charge; an extra recycle cart (64 gal.) could be obtained for no additional charge. Anticipated Questions •How many carts would each household receive? –Each household would receive (1) 64 gal. rubbish cart, and (1) 64 gal. recycle cart. •How many carts will the Town need to purchase? –The Town would have to purchase approximately 7,400 rubbish carts, and 7,800 recycle carts. •How much will this cost, and how will it be funded? –April (2023) Town Meeting would be asked to approve $900k to purchase carts. •Have grant opportunities been explored to fund this? –Yes. 2 grant opportunities have been found for funding recycling carts (only). –MassDEP grant restricts the weekly household rubbish allowance to 35 gal. (Town is not eligible.) –Recycling Partnership grant -$750k max.; grant funding for purchasing recycle carts, and implementing recycling education/outreach efforts. Recycling Partnership is a national non- profit organization. If awarded, funding may not be received for up to 6 months after applying. Anticipated Questions (cont.) •What would be the benefit of switching to carts now? –Having carts in place now would ensure a smooth transition if the Town decided to switch to automated collection when the current rubbish/recycle contract expires 6/2026, and would add flexibility in that the carts would not be tied to a change in collection contracts. •If funding is approved, when could residents expect to see their carts? –There is at least a 6 to 8 week lead time, allowing for possible delivery in Fall 2023. •Is Republic Services on board if the Town switched to carts? –Republic Services sees this as an improvement over our current process, no concerns. •How will the cart program be rolled out? –The vendor would perform the initial delivery of the rubbish and recycling carts to each household, and then the Department of Public Works would perform maintenance and deliverables as needed (10 –12 year warranty on carts). Anticipated Questions (cont.) •Why would the Town only provide (1) 64 gal. rubbish cart to each household, when the current rubbish limit is 120 gal. per household? –From surveying Reading’s peer communities, providing (1) 64 gal. rubbish cart per household would align Reading with what our other peer communities are already doing. –Data shows that the average amount of rubbish generated by a single Reading household is less than 64-gallons per week. •What options exist if a resident has more than 64 gal. of rubbish per week? –Residents could purchase the 30 gal. overflow bags to be placed with their rubbish cart. –Residents could subscribe to the Black Earth Compost curbside collection program to eliminate food scraps from their rubbish stream and reduce their weekly curbside rubbish volume. –Each household could obtain 1 additional rubbish cart (64 gal.) for an annual charge; an extra recycle cart (64 gal.) could be obtained for no additional charge. 64-gal. cart Rubbish Recycling Anticipated Questions (cont.) •What are the pros/cons of an overflow bag versus an extra cart? –PRO: Bags are more economical when you might only have extra rubbish periodically. –PRO: Bags offer the least administrative alternative for the Town. –PRO: An extra cart gives the convenience of already having it on hand when it’s needed. –CON: An extra cart would require additional storage for a household. –CON: Allowing an extra cart creates logistical challenges for Town staff, since the Town would be responsible for storing and distributing the extra carts, as well as managing resident payment options. •How will residents dispose of bulk items? –Residents would still be allowed to place 1 bulk item curbside per week with their rubbish. A bulk item is defined as a piece of furniture, toilet/tub, grill, lawnmower, countertop microwave, etc. (not over 60#) •What can residents do with their old rubbish and recycle containers? –The old red recycle bins make great storage containers. –Any plastic containers can be recycled at a rigid plastic collection event. –Any metal containers can be recycled through the curbside scrap metal collection held annually. ANY ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS?? Town of Reading For the PAC Audience use RPS GUEST WiFi password: none Annual Town Meeting April 25, 2022 2022 Annual Town Meeting Article 13 Authorize the Select Board to accept a water easement over a portion of Gazebo Circle adjacent to the existing Bear Hill water tank. •The easement will allow the Town the rights to install and maintain a new water connection to the Town distribution system. •The connection is hydraulically necessary as part of the previously approved water booster station. •The Board of Trustees of the Summit Village will be gifting this easement to the Town. Pages 13-14 2022 Annual Town Meeting Article 13 Continued Pages 13-14 Δ1/26/22 DRAFT DRAFT April 4(elections); 24(M); 27(Th); May 1(M); 4(Th) as of ->2/6/2023 Art. #Article Description Sponsor Details Staff Comments Notes 1 Local Election Select Board April 4th 2 Written Reports Select Board State of the Town - Select Board Chair Financial Update - Finance Committee Chair 3 Instructions Select Board defer to last night 4 Amend the Capital Improvement Program FY23 - FY33 Select Board Presentation - Town Manager 5 Amend the FY23 Budget FINCOM Presentation - Town Manager 6 Approve Payment of Prior Year’s Bills Select Board Presentation - Town Accountant to be tabled 7 Appropriate Funds into OPEB Irrevocable Trust Select Board Presentation - Town Accountant 8 Move 40R funds into the Smart Growth Stabilization Funds Select Board Presentation - Town Accountant To be Indefinitely Postponed 9 Approve Revolving Funds Select Board Presentation - Town Accountant Support from Counsel 10 Approve Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan Select Board Presentation - Fidel Maltez May be tabled, depending on Legislative Approval 11 Create Special Education Stabilization Fund School Committee Presentation - School Superintendent BYLAW 12 Adopt FY24 Budget FINCOM Presentation - Town Manager & Town Accountant *2nd night* 13 Debt Authorization for Rubbish and Recycling Carts Select Board Presentation - Chris Cole 2/3 vote FINCOM 14 Transfer Funds from Existing Lines for Birch Meadow Phase I Select Board Presentation - Jenna Fiorente FINCOM 15 Transfer Funds from Existing Lines for Gazebo Circle Pump Station Select Board Presentation - Ryan Percival FINCOM 16 Transfer Funds from Existing Lines for Downtown Water Project Select Board Presentation - Ryan Percival FINCOM Annual Town Meeting - April 2023 17 Debt Authorization for MWRA I/I Program (Phase 14)Select Board Presentation - Ryan Percival 2/3 vote FINCOM 18 Rescind Debt Authorization from Turf 2 by $402,000 Select Board Presentation - Fidel Maltez FINCOM 19 Modify Section 4.2 to the Town’s General Bylaws,Select Board Presentation - Fidel Maltez BYLAW 20 Modify Dog Licensing Late Fees According to Section 8.8.2.1.6 to the Town’s General Bylaws Select Board Presentation - Town Clerk 21 Purchase of Real Property Select Board Presentation - Mark Dockser To be Indefinitely Postponed 22 Green Communities Renewable Energy Surcharge Select Board Presentation - Fidel Maltez 23 Remove Town Meeting Members Select Board Presentation - Town Clerk Laura Gemme defer to last night COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Town of Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I ______________________________, on ____________, 2023 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 fourteen (14) days prior to April 4, 2023, the date set for Town Meeting in this Warrant. _____________________________________________ Constable A true copy Attest: _____________________________________________ Laura Gemme, Town Clerk TOWN WARRANT COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in the Local Elections and Town affairs, to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said Town, namely: Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 Reading Memorial High School, Hawkes Field House, Oakland Road TUESDAY, the FOURTH DAY OF APRIL, A.D., 2023 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz: ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers: A Moderator for one year; Two members of the Select Board for three years; Two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years; One members of the Municipal Light Board for three years; Two members of the School Committee for three years; Each of Reading’s eight (8) precincts will elect eight (8) Town Meeting members for a three-year term. Precinct 5 One (1) Town Meeting member for a two-year term; Precinct 6 One (1) Town Meeting member for a one-year term; Precinct 6 One (1) Town Meeting member for a two-year term; and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on MONDAY, the TWENTY-FOURTH DAY of APRIL A.D., 2023 at seven-thirty o’clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Select Board, School Committee, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee, Town Manager, Town Accountant and any other Town Official, Board or Committee. Select Board ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Boards or Committees and determine what instructions shall be given to Town Officers and Boards or Committees, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Boards or Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2023-33 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town’s Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2022, as adopted under Article 18 of the Annual Town Meeting of April 25, 2022 and amended under Article 5 of the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 14, 2022; and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the amounts appropriated under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, borrow or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay bills remaining unpaid from prior fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, borrow or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money for the purpose of funding the irrevocable trust for “Other Post-Employment Benefits Liabilities” or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to transfer funds received from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in payment for development within the Town’s 40R Smart Growth Zoning Districts from Free Cash into the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund; or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to (1) establish the limit on the total amount that may be expended from each revolving fund established by Article 9 of the Town of Reading General Bylaw pursuant to Section 53E½ of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2023; and (2) amend Section 6.5.2 of the General Bylaw, establishing the Inspection Revolving Fund, as shown below, with the deletions being in bold and struck through: 6.5.2 Inspection Revolving Fund Funds held in the Inspection Revolving Fund shall be used for legal costs, oversight and inspection, plan review, property appraisals and appeals, public services general management, pedestrian safety improvements, records archiving, and other costs related to building, plumbing, wiring, gas, and other permits required for large construction projects and shall be expended by the Town Manager. Receipts credited to this fund shall include building, plumbing, wiring, gas and other permit fees for the Schoolhouse Commons, The Metropolitan at Reading Station, Postmark Square, 20-24 Gould Street, 467 Main Street, Oaktree, Addison-Wesley/Pearson, Johnson Woods, Eaton Lakeview (23-25 Lakeview Avenue and 128 Eaton Street), 258 Main Street, 267 Main Street, 531 Main Street, 18-20 Woburn Street, 6-16 Chute Street (Green Tomato), 25 Haven Street (Rite Aid) and 459 Main Street (128 Tire) developments. Or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to approve an Affordable Housing Trust Fund Allocation Plan pursuant to Chapter 140 of the Acts of 2001 entitled "AN ACT AUTHORIZING THE TOWN OF READING TO ESTABLISH AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING TRUST FUND," or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 40, Section 13E of the Massachusetts General Laws to establish a Special Education Reserve Fund to be utilized in the upcoming fiscal years, for the general purposes of funding, without further appropriation, unanticipated or unbudgeted costs of special education and recovery high school programs, out-of-district tuition or transportation, all as provided for by law; such funds to be distributed after a majority vote of the School Committee and a majority vote of the Select Board only; provided that the balance in such reserve fund shall not exceed the lesser of 2 per cent of the annual net school spending amount established for the school district; or take any other action with respect thereto. School Committee ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available funds, borrow or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 2024 - beginning July 1, 2023, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of acquisition, management, and distribution of rubbish and recycling barrels for residences currently on the municipal rubbish program, including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related to thereto, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of infrastructure improvements to the Birch Meadow Complex, including but not limited to, the reconstruction of Imagination Station, construction of a passive recreation walkway, installation of a bathroom structure, and the installation of a concrete practice wall, including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related to thereto, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of installation and improvements to the Gazebo Circle Pump Station Project, including but not limited to, the reconstruction of the pump station, installation of mechanical and electrical equipment, and installation of water mains to and from the station, including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related to thereto, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of installation and improvements to the Downtown Water Main Project, including but not limited to, the installation of water mains, water services, and hydrants, including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related to thereto, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from available funds, or otherwise provide a sum of money to pay costs of the construction and reconstruction of the sewer distribution system, including the payment of all incidental or related costs and to authorize the Town to apply for, accept and expend any federal or state grants that may be available for this project, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to amend existing borrowing authorizations on unissued debt, in order to reduce the amount of borrowing so authorized in accordance with Section 20 of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as follows: Town Meeting Vote Project Total Debt Authorization Reduction Amount New Debt Authorization April 22, 2019 Annual Town Meeting, Art. 15 Reading Memorial High School’s Turf Field II Project $2,225,000 $402,000 $1,823,000 or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will amend the General Bylaws, Article 4, Personnel, by striking Section 4.2.2 in its entirety and replacing the section with the following language: 4.2.2 Requirement of Medical Examination The requirement for a medical examination prior to an employee’s entrance on duty shall be governed by the applicable personnel policy, employment contract, or state or federal law. or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Section 8.8.2.1.6 of the General Bylaws, to establish the late fee for dog owners and keepers that fail to renew a license issued under Section 8.8.2.1 of the General Bylaws, by March 31, or by the first business day thereafter, at $10 (TEN DOLLARS); or to take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to: (1) Authorize the Select Board to acquire by gift, purchase, or eminent domain, _______ Street, Reading, shown as Assessor's Map Parcel ______, for general municipal purposes, including senior and community center purposes, on such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems appropriate, and to authorize the Town Manager to take any and all actions and to enter into and execute any and all agreements and other documents as may be necessary or appropriate to accomplish the foregoing acquisition; And (2) Raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money for the purposes of (i) acquiring said ____ Street, including all incidental or related costs, such funds to be administered by the Select Board, and (ii) renovating said ______ Street, including the costs of engineering and architectural services and all incidental or related costs; provided, however, that this appropriation and debt authorization shall be contingent upon passage of a Proposition 2½ Debt Exclusion ballot question pursuant to M.G.L. c. 59, §21C(k); Or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to adopt a mandatory charge per kilowatt-hour upon Reading Municipal Light Plant’s electricity consumers located within the Town of Reading pursuant to Section 20(c) of Chapter 25 of the General Laws, for the purposes of qualifying the Town as a green community under Section 10 of Chapter 25A of the General Laws; or take any other action related thereto. Select Board ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one-half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto. Select Board and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 5, 2023, or providing in a manner such as electronic submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this __th day of ___________, 2023. _______________________ Mark L Dockser, Chair _______________________ Karen Gately Herrick, Vice Chair _______________________ Chris Haley, Secretary _______________________ Carlo Bacci _______________________ Jacqueline McCarthy SELECT BOARD OF READING _______________________________ , Constable ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF FIRST EXTENSION OF TERM Reference is made to the December 20, 2011, Lease Agreement (the “Lease”) between the Town of Reading, Massachusetts (the “Town”), and the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc. (the “Tenant”) as to the land and buildings at 51 Symonds Way, Reading, Massachusetts, and known as the Nelson S. Burbank Ice Arena (the “Premises”). The parties hereby acknowledge that the Tenant has exercised its rights and has extended the Lease term for an additional ten (10) years, for a term running from February 24, 2023, to February 23, 2033, which it has the right to do pursuant to paragraph 2 of the Lease. There is a second right to extend for an additional ten years, which is a right reserved by the Tenant. This is simply an acknowledgement and does not change the terms of the Lease or the current or future rights of the parties. Signed and sealed on December ___, 2022. Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc. By _________________________________ __________________________________ Mark L. Dockser, Chair Being a majority of The Reading Select Board ___________________________________ Karen Gately Herrick, Vice Chair ___________________________________ Christopher Haley, Secretary ___________________________________ Carlo Bacci ___________________________________ Jacqueline McCarthy February 21, 2023 Tuesday Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00 Public Comment Board 7:05 SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:15 Presentation by Reading Open Land Trust ROPL 7:20 Hearing Change of Manager - Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Maltez 7:30 Discussion on parking violation fees and potential changes Board 7:45 Hearing Presentation and discussion on Town Manager Recommended Budget for FY2024 Board 8:00 Update fom Reading Climate Advisory Committee Board 8:20 Discuss and Vote Potential Lining Options for Sturges Park Board 8:45 Vote to Close Warrant for April Town Meeting Board 8:45 Update on Meadow Brook/Lot 5 Property and Proposed Usage Board 9:00 Discussion on a Strategic Plan for Reading Board 9:30 Discuss Future Agendas Board 9:45 Approve Meeting Minutes Board 10:00 March 7, 2023 Tuesday Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00 Public Comment Board 7:05 SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:15 Town Counsel Discussion Board 7:30 Town Accountant Financial Update Board 8:00 Vote to Appoint Town Accountant to a term July 2023 to June 2024 Board 8:30 Quarterly EV Charging Station Update from RMLD Board 8:40 Vote to Accept Donation of Land, 0 Sanborn Lane Board 8:45 Discuss Future Agendas Board 9:00 Approve Meeting Minutes Board 9:30 March 21, 2023 Tuesday Overview of Meeting Dockser 7:00 Public Comment Board 7:05 SB Liaison & Town Manager Reports Board 7:15 Presentation from Economic Development Director on Parking Kiosk Roll-Out Board 8:30 Discuss Future Agendas Board 9:00 Approve Meeting Minutes Board 9:30 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 18, 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 Future Meetings - Agenda Items VASC Policy Changes and Recommendations VASC 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 Board 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 Board 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 September 9/27/2022 Appoint Town Accountant March Annual HEARING Approve Classification & 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 Annual Liaison: Reading Ice Arena Report Annual Town Accountant Report Qtrly Economic Development Director Semi-ann Parking/Traffic/Transportation Task Town Board & Committee visits Town Department visits Review Select Board Goals Review Town Manager Goals Select Board Draft Minutes January 24th, 2023 Liaison Reports McCarthy thanked DPW staff for all their hard work during the recent snow storms. She also thanked Jean Delios for all her hard work as she is retiring next week. She also noted a very inspirational MLK Day event. The Board of Health started discussion about a vendor to complete a community needs assessment. They are also updating tobacco regulations to comply with new state laws. She attended the MMA Annual Conference last week. RMLD announced a 9% rate increase. There are upcoming covid and flu vaccines as well as a Narcan training. Herrick noted our fuel stabilization fund is at $6.9M. Conservation commission is reviewing the design of lot 5 tomorrow. The Climate Advisory Committee needs members. She also attended the MMA conference. Haley reminded everyone of the pubic forum to discuss the senior center on January 31st. Bacci echoed McCarthy’s comments about a great MLK Day celebration. He noted SWEC met last week and got a presentation by Weston and Sampson in which they informed the committee there is about 2 acres of usable land to build on. Winterfest will be held again on March 9th this year. The pickleball community is putting together a nonprofit to raise money. They will hold an event at the fieldhouse on the 11th and they will be advertising more soon. Dockser echoed previous comments about MLK Day. The Office of Social Justice and Equity holds open meetings with a committee called PAIR; great opportunity to get involved to help Reading become more inclusive. The Pleasant Street Center held a lunch and learn and talked about the survey that was held in regards to the senior center. Dockser will be holding office hours on February 8th and Town Manager Report Fidel noted they have signed off on all documents in regards to the feasibility study for the MSBA program. School Committee is voting on their budget on the 26th and FINCOM will see the town budget in February. He noted Town Meeting is at 17 articles at the moment. He noted DPW will be coming to the board soon about trash barrels. MWRA Debt Authorization Town Treasurer Diane Morabito noted this borrowing was approved at Town Meeting and is needed to complete Phase I of the downtown water main project. It is a 10-year, interest free loan. Bond Counsel has reviewed the articles and provided their approval, the board must now vote and approve the water bond and the closing certificate. Haley moved: I, the Clerk of the Select Board of the Town Of Reading, Massachusetts, certify, that at a meeting of the board held January 24, 2023, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a quorum was present, the following votes were unanimously passed, all of which appear upon the official record of the board in my custody… Bacci moved to suspend the reading of the motion; with a second from McCarthy the vote passed with a 5-0 vote. Herrick moved to authorize Haley to sign on behalf of the board. McCarthy seconded the motion and the vote passed 5-0. Housing Production Plan Maltez noted the final version of the housing production plan was in the packet. This version includes all comments and suggestions made by the board at the last meeting. Haley moved to approve the Town of Reading Housing Production Plan as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Town Manager Annual Review All board members and town staff provided a review of the past year for the Town Manager. Their comments and ratings are in the Select Board packet on the town website for viewing. Each board member took a minute to summarize their review for the Town Manager with the consensus of the board being very positive about Maltez’s first year here. Executive Session Haley moved to enter executive session under Purpose 2 to conduct strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with Town Manager Fidel Maltez and conduct contract negotiations with Town Manager Fidel Maltez, to invite Town Counsel Ivria Fried and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella to attend the session, and to return to open session for purposes of continuing on with the meeting after the conclusion of the executive session. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Town Manager Fidel Maltez left the meeting. The board returned to open session at 8:45PM. Discuss Responses to RFP Fidel showed the board the presentation that was given at the luncn and learn which outlines some options for different spaces for a new senior center. The board discussed the different options and some of the responses they have heard from the seniors. The cheapest option by far is buying and renovating the Walgreens building. At 9:05 PM Haley moved to enter under Purpose 6 to consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of 25 Haven Street and 17 Harnden Street, as the Chair declares that an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body, to invite Town Counsel Ivria Fried, and Jennie Merrill, Town Manager Fidel Maltez and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella to attend the executive session, and to return to open session for purposes of continuing on with the meeting after the conclusion of the executive session, including potential continuation of the open session agenda topic on the RFP responses. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. The board returned to open session again at 10:00 PM. Future Agendas The board discussed future agenda items. Minutes The board edited past meeting minutes. Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from December 13th, 2022 as amended. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from January 10th, 2023 as written. The motion was seconded by McCarthy and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to adjourn at 10:10 PM. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.