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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-04-27 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:32 PM, there being a quorum present. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. The following announcements were made by the Moderator: At the request of the Town Clerk, we are going to try something new this evening. As Town Meeting Members checked in tonight, you were given a blue card with the town seal. This card will be used for two purposes - One is to vote. You will raise the card in the air and the cards will when the chair calls for a vote. Two, when you wish to speak, raise the card and the moderator will call on you. Please do not lose the cards during the course of the meeting, and turn the card in at the check-in table as you leave for the night. Another point I reiterate from Monday. Town Meeting Members are asked to sit in the front section, allowing the public to sit in the back section. If members keep moving from the back to the front, it is very difficult for the counters when we have issues requiring a counted vote. Again, if you are a Town Meeting member you need to sit in the front section. Finally, I remind members that only one person has the floor at any time. Do not disrupt speakers who are making their points. ARTICLE 12: Motion made by the Finance Committee to 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. Move that the Town appropriate the sum of: $135,045,333 for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2024, beginning July 1, 2023, with the amount appropriated to be raised as set forth below. Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item B99 (Benefits): $20,682,688, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line B99 - $2,580,000 from Free Cash; $350,000 from Overlay and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item C99 (Capital): $2,938,000, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line C99 - $700,000 from Free Cash and the balance from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts. Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item D99 (Debt): $6,066,806, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line D99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts 1 I P a g e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item E99 (Vocational Education): $904,800, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line E99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item F99 (FINCOM Reserve Fund): $200,000, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line F99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item G91 (Administration Services Wages): $1,208,975 and Line Item G92 (Administration Services Expenses): $1,472,700, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines G91 and G92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item G91a (Technology Wages): $484,600 and Line Item G92a (Technology Expenses): $600,360, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines G91a and G92a - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item H91 (Public Services Wages): $1,429,100 and Line Item H92 (Public Services Expenses): $302,000, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines H91 and H92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item I91 (Finance Wages): $931,750 and Line Item I92 (Finance Expenses): $159,150, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines I91 and I92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item J91 (Public Safety Wages): $13,307,475 and Line Item 392 (Public Safety Expenses): $728,151, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines J91 and 392 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item K91 (Public Works Wages): $3,106,600 and Line Item K92 (Public Works Expenses): $950,700, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 K92 - $25,000 from the Sale of Cemetery lots to support Cemetery expenses; and the balance of Lines K91 and K92 from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item K93 (Public Works - Snow & Ice Expenses): $675,000; Line Item K94 (Public Works - Street Lighting Expenses): $135,000 and Line Item K95 (Public Works - Rubbish Collection & Disposal Expenses): $2,034,250, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines K93, K94 and K95 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item L91 (Library Wages): $1,698,150 and Line Item L92 (Library Expenses): $406,875, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines L91 and L92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item M91 (Core Facilities): $3,633,780, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line M91 - $100,000 from School Rental Revolving Fund; and the balance of line M91 from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item M92 (Town Buildings): $369,650, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line M92 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item U99 (School Department): $54,006,623, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line U99 - from property taxes, State aid and non -property tax local receipts Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item W99 (Water Enterprise Fund): $7,974,400, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Lines W99 - $850,000 from Water Reserves and the balance from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item X99 (Sewer Enterprise Fund): $7,508,425, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line X99 - $650,000 from Sewer Reserves and the balance from user fees and other charges ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item Y99 (Storm Water Enterprise Fund): $470,325, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line Y99 - $300,000 from Storm Water Reserves and the balance from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item Z99 (PEG Access): $622,000, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line Z99 - from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget as presented for Line Item ZZ9 (Landfill Enterprise Fund): $37,000, with the amount appropriated to be provided as follows: Line ZZ9 - from user fees and other charges Move that the Town approve the proposed FY 2024 Budget, exclusive of State and county assessments: $135,045,333 • Representing the total of all motions made under Article 12 as amended • Funds are to be provided as set forth in said motions as amended Presentation given by: • Sharon Angstrom - See Attached • Fidel Meltez - See Attached • Thomas Milaschewski - See Attached • Susan Bottan - See Attached Finance Committee _report - given by Marianne McLaughlin-DowniDcL Please see the FY24 Spending Scorecard for the votes of the Finance Committee on line items in the FY24 budget. The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of Article 12 as explained by these votes at their meeting on March 15, 2023. Bylaw Committee Report: No Report After some discussion a vote was taken Motion Carried as Presented Motion made by the Select Board to take Article 11 off the table Motion Carried ARTICLE 11: Motion made by the School Committee to 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 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 School Committee and a majority vote of the Select Board only; provided that the balance in such reserve fund shall not exceed 2 per cent of the annual net school spending amount established for the school district. Presentation given by: • Susan Bottan - See Attached • Thomas Milaschewski - See Attached Background: What is a Special Education Reserve Fund? Massachusetts General Law, Part 1, Title VII, Chapter 40, Section 13E provides for the establishment of a Special Education Reserve Fund. The law enables a school district to establish a reserve fund that can be used in future years for unanticipated special education out of district tuition and transportation costs. The purpose of the fund is to provide the school district with a safety net to respond to unforeseen special education out of district tuition and transportation service needs in any given year without adversely impacting the delivery of instruction to students in other programmatic areas, thereby ensuring adequate resources are available for all students. By establishing the fund, the district will no longer be required to maintain a contingency of unassigned tuition fees within its operating budget, which often remains unallocated each year. Unexpected special education costs will be addressed while allowing operating funds to be invested effectively to yield the greatest outcome for all students. How is the Special Education Reserve Fund established? To establish the fund, M.G.L. requires a majority vote by both the School Committee and local legislative body, Town Meeting. The fund balance can carry into future fiscal years and remain in the fund until disbursed. The fund balance cannot exceed two percent of the annual net school spending of the school district, or approximately $940,000. How are monies appropriated to the fund? Once the fund is established, the school committee may include a separate line item in their annual budget request to appropriate monies and/or allocate end of year savings into the stabilization fund. Interest earned shall be credited to and become part of the fund. How are monies disbursed from the fund? Funds in the reserve fund can only be expended or transferred out after a majority vote of both the School Committee and Select Board. With majority votes, funds can be disbursed anytime during the fiscal year. Funds shall be used to pay for unbudgeted and unexpected special education out of district tuition and transportation services. Finance Committee Re art _ given by Ed Ross: At their meeting on March 15, 2023, the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report - given by Jesse Arnold: At their meeting on March 27, 2023, the Bylaw Committee voted 5-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. After some discussion a vote was taken Motion Carried ARTICLE 14: Motion made by the Select Board to appropriate the sum of One Million Two Hundred and Twenty Thousand Dollars ($1,220,000) to pay the costs of infrastructure improvements to the Birch 5 1 P a g e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 Meadow Complex, including but not limited to, the reconstruction of the parking lot, 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, and that to meet this appropriation, said amount shall be transferred from the following sources: Six Hundred Thousand Dollars ($600,000) from the unspent proceeds of the borrowing related to the Parker Middle School Roof Account, One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Dollars ($180,000) from the unspent proceeds of the borrowing related to the Police Department Renovation Account, and Four Hundred and Forty Thousand Dollars ($440,000) from the 40R Smart Growth Stabilization Account. Presentation given by: • Genevieve Fiorente - See Attached • Richard Hand - See Attached • Emily Sisson - See Attached Background: Below is a project Timeline of the Birch Meadow Master Plan: 2018 - The Reading Recreation Committee appointed a new Birch Meadow Master Plan Working Group to make recommendations based on recreational trends and community input. 2019 - A community survey was sent out in December of 2018 and in excess of 1,000 responses were received. Results were analyzed in early 2020. 2020-2021 - Activitas Inc. was retained by the Town of Reading to update the Master Plan for Birch Meadow. 2021 - Town Meeting approves $150,000 to start Phase I design of Birch Meadow Master Plan 2022 - Select Board approves $1.5 million in ARPA funding to Phase I Construction for the Birch Meadow Master Plan 2023 - Birch Meadow Phase I was put out to bid on February 1, with responses due on February 28. The project was bid as two components: Infrastructure improvements including the Imagination Station Parking Lot, the spine walkway and associated lighting and the Lacrosse wall; the second component was the pavilion which includes two restrooms, a table/picnic area and storage for recreation equipment. The bids came in at $2.137 million, well above the allocated amount from ARPA funds. At April Town Meeting, we will ask for supplemental funding to complete this project. Community Engagement Gathering public input and opinions was a critical aspect of the Master Plan process for Birch Meadow. The Recreation Division and the Birch Meadow Master Plan Working Group have been actively participating in a two-way engagement with Birch Meadow users, stakeholders and the greater Reading community for over a decade. A community survey was originally performed in 2009, again in 2015 and a third was recently conducted in 2019. Over 1,000 residents responded to the 2019 survey with their opinions on Birch Meadow and desired improvements to the park. 2019 Community survey results: Highest Usage: • Active recreation (specifically organized youth sports) - 69% • Passive recreation (running and/or walking) - 58% ■ Playground use - 43% • Ice Skating - 33% Most Desired Improvements: • Upgraded and new lighting systems - 80% ■ Restrooms - 67% • Passive recreation paths/trails for walking and running - 55% • New synthetic turf field - 36% • Multi-purpose court - 36% 6 1 P a g e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center • Pavilion/concessions - 30% • Dog park - 27% • Skateboard park- 11% April 27, 2023 In addition to regular master plan updates during public Recreation Committee meetings, a virtual Community Presentation was held on November 18, 2020. The presentation was publicly advertised as part of a regularly scheduled Recreation Committee meeting. 192 people registered for the virtual presentation and 129 people attended the live presentation (67% attendance rate), in addition to those residents that watched through RCTV. Focus Groups - In the spring of 2020, numerous stakeholders and user groups were identified and interviewed about their opinions on the existing condition of Birch Meadow and their visions for the future of the park. The results of the stakeholder and user group interviews largely reinforced the desires expressed in the 2019 community survey. The top reoccurring focus areas were lighting (more lighting at fields and walkways), more passive recreation opportunities (walkways, path and unprogrammed space), a restrooms/concessions building and more synthetic turf. Design Approach: After a complete analysis of the park was completed, stakeholder interview results were analyzed and general needs assessments were identified, design opportunities for improving park elements, programmability and user experiences were explored. Activitas used a couple of contrasting design approaches to understand the dynamic and impact of proposing various changes to Birch Meadow. This resulted in a conceptual plan that highlights the importance of the community's stated needs and desires, addresses current shortcomings, and sets the stage for future improvements to dramatically change the park's programmability and on-site experiences of its users. Top 3 most critical projects were: Central Spine & Restrooms; Lacrosse Wall; Imagination Station Parking Lot. Based on reviews and discussions between the professionals at Activitas and the Birch Meadow Master Plan Working Group, the Town Manager and the Reading Recreation Committee, the central spine walkway with lighting and a restroom/pavilion structure, the lacrosse wall, and the parking lot across from Coolidge (informally known as the imagination station lot) are considered the appropriate first implementation projects. These items were recommended since they improve circulation, increase opportunities for passive recreation, add service amenities in restrooms and a pavilion, and enhance safety by adding pedestrian scale lighting in the middle of the park as well as creating a truly accessible parking lot with lined spots and lighting. Final Notes: The Birch Meadow Master Plan has been revisited several times throughout the years and has wide community support. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, one of the most critical elements for people around the world was the ability to be outside. Improving infrastructure and passive recreation areas, benefit all demographics in the Reading Community and are much need improvements to the Birch Meadow Complex. The $1.5 million in ARPA funding has expedited Activitas and the Working Group to finalize a design for Phase I of the Birch Meadow Project and put forward a bid package for Phase I construction. Due to the trying times in the current economy, the project bid came back with higher cost implications than estimated in 2022 when Recreation asked for construction funding for Phase I. We will be asking Town Meeting to provide supplemental funding to complete this project. Funding Request: Unfortunately, the construction bids for the Birch Meadow Phase I project came significantly over budget compared to the original estimate presented to the Reading ARPA Advisory Committee last spring. The increases are due to the high inflationary environment we are in, as well as supply chain issues affecting all construction projects. Following guidance from the Recreation Committee and the Finance Committee, and 7 1 P a g e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center April 27, 2023 with approval of our Select Board, Town Staff requests that Town Meeting fund the difference in cost for the entire project. The before mentioned committees have shared that Birch Meadow has been a community priority for over 10 years. We also know that construction prices are not likely to go down soon, and the Town would gain economies of scale by completing the entire project at once. Finally, this project is shovel - ready and would be built this coming construction season. We heard a preference from the Finance Committee, to recommend that we use funding sources other than Free Cash for this project. Town Staff have identified the following funding sources for Town Meeting: 1. $600,000 from the Parker Middle Roof Project. The Select Board might recall that we received competitive bids for this project. This project was bonded at 0.87% interest rate. 2. $180,000 from the Police Station Renovation Project. This project is now completed and has a remaining balance. This project was bonded at 0.87% interest rate. 3. $440,000 from the 40R District Incentive/Bonus Payments from the Commonwealth. We currently have $917,000 in this stabilization fund. The incentive payments can only be used for capital projects. Finance Committee Report — given by Ed Ross: At their meeting on March 15, 2023, the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No Report Motion made by Phil Dardeno, Precinct 3 to move the question 2/3rd Vote Required 60 in the affirmative 74 in the negative 150 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion to end Debate Does Not Carry Motion to Adjourn made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 Motion to Adjourn Does Not Carry Motion made by Heather Clish, Precinct 7 to move the question 2/3rd Vote Required 135 in the affirmative 17 in the negative 150 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion to end Debate Carries After some discussion a vote was taken 2/3 rd Vote Required 134 in the affirmative 2 in the negative 150 Town Meeting Members in Attendance 8 1 P a g e ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center Main Motion Carried April 27, 2023 On motion it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 PM at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center, on Monday, May 1, 2023. Meeting adjourned at 10:31 PM with 150 Town Meeting Members in attendance. Motion Carried A true copy Attest: Laura A Gemme, CMC /CMMC Town Clerk 9 1 P a g e