HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-01 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
May 1, 2023
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:37 PM, there being a quorum present.
The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. The Moderator was immediately called away and the meeting was
turned over to Laura Gemme, Town Clerk. The Town Clerk instructed Town Meeting they had two options.
One, vote to adjourn until date and time certain. Two, vote to appoint a temporary Moderator for the
purposes of conducting this Town Meeting. The Town Clerk and the Moderator recommended Town Meeting
Member Jonathon Barnes.
Motion was entertained to adjourn until a date and time certain.
Motion did not Carry
Motion was entertained to appoint Jonathan Barnes as temporary Moderator for the purpose of continuing
Town Meeting for the remainder of this session.
Motion Carried
Jonathan Barnes was sworn in as Temporary Moderator by the Town Clerk.
ARTICLE 15: Motion made by the Select Board to vote to appropriate the sum of Two Hundred Fifty
Two Thousand Four Hundred Thirty -Two Dollars and Forty -One Cents ($252,432.41) 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, and that to meet this appropriation, said amount shall be transferred from the following sources:
Two Hundred Fifty Two Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Two Dollars and Forty One Cents ($252,432.41)
from the unspent proceeds of the borrowing related to the Grove Street Water Main Improvement account.
Presentation given by:
• Ryan Percival - See Attached
Background: The purpose of this article is to transfer previously approved and borrowed funds from
the Grove Street water main improvements. This project has $252,432.41 remaining unspent. The project
on Grove Street has been completed with no future expenditures needed. The remaining funds will be
transferred to the Gazebo Circle Pump Station Project. With growing construction costs, inflation and supply
chain concerns these funds will help to ensure the project has ample funding. The project is anticipated to
go out to bid Spring 2023.
Finance Committee Report - given by Joseph McDona h: At their meeting on March 15, 2023, the
Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Repo No Report
A vote was taken
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 16: Motion made by the Select Board to vote to appropriate the sum of Nine Hundred Sixty
Five Thousand Four Hundred Eighty Six Dollars and Eighty One Cents ($965,486.81) to pay the costs of
installation and improvements to the Downtown Water Main Project, including but not limited to, the
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
May 1, 2023
installation of water mains, water services, and hydrants, 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: Three Hundred Six Thousand Five Hundred Fifteen Dollars and Nine Cents
($306,515.09) from the 6170 MWRA Water Loans account and Six Hundred Fifty -Eight Thousand Nine
Hundred Seventy -One Dollars and Seventy -Two Cents ($658,971.72) from the unspent proceeds of the
borrowing related to the 6185 Water Improvement Phase A account.
Presentation given by:
• Ryan Percival - See Attached
Background: The purpose of this article is to transfer previously approved and borrowed funds from
the Main Street water main cleaning a lining project. The project on this section of Main Street has been
completed with no future expenditures needed. The remaining funds will be transferred to the Downtown
Water Main Project. With growing construction costs, inflation and supply chain concerns these funds will
help to ensure the project has ample funding.
Finance Committee report - given by Geoffrey Coram: 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
After some discussion a vote was taken
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 17: Motion made by the Select Board to vote to appropriate the sum of One Million Forty
Thousand Dollars ($1,040,000) to pay the costs of the construction and reconstruction of the sewer
distribution system, including the payment of all incidental or related costs, and that to meet this
appropriation, the Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, is authorized to borrow said amount
under and pursuant to G.L. c. 44, §7(1) or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the
Town therefor; and provided, further, that in order to carry out the purposes of this vote, any appropriate
officials of the Town are authorized to apply for, accept and expend any federal or state grants that may be
available for this project.
Presentation given by:
Ryan Percival - See Attached
Background: The MWRA's Infiltration and Inflow (I/I) Local Financial Assistance Program provides
support to MWRA member communities to perform sewer rehabilitation to minimize excess flows due to
infiltration and inflow into the sewer system.
Based on recommendations from the MWRA Advisory Board, the MWRA Board of Directors, on September
14, 2022, approved an additional $100 million in community grants and interest-free loans (Phase 14) under
the I/I Local Financial Assistance Program for FY23-30. Phase 14 funds will be distributed as 75% grants
and 25% interest-free loans with loan repayment over 10 years. Phase 14 funds will be allocated to each
community in the fiscal year that the community's Phase 12 funds are allocated. For communities that have
already been allocated Phase 12 funds, Phase 14 funds will be available as of September 30, 2022
MWRA Assistance
■ The assistance is provided through a combination grant and interest-free loan.
• Phase 14 Allocation is $1,040,000 ($260,000 interest-free loan)
• Loan pay back to the MWRA - equal installments up to a ten-year period beginning one year after
distribution of the funds
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
May 1, 2023
Acceptance of the grant /loan offer will enable the Town to continue with its I/I removal program to remove
unwanted sewage flows from the sewer system which reduces excess assessments from MWRA and
decreases the excess demand on the sewer system. The anticipated project for this Phase will be to perform
manhole rehabilitation, spot repairs, lining and replacement of sewers.
Infiltration occurs when surface water enters sewers through leaks, cracks and faulty joints in pipes and
manholes. Inflow is caused from storm water runoff that enters the sewer system through improper
connections such as cross connected drains, roof drains and sump pumps.
Since the inception of MWRA's Assistance Program the Town's I/I removal program has consisted of the
following types of projects:
• House-to-house inspections
o The house-to-house inspections identify inappropriate direct connections (inflow) to the Town's
sewer system with the purpose of assisting residents with identifying methods to remove the
connections. The Town also provides limited financial assistance to the homeowner.
• TV inspections, testing and sealing of manholes and sewer mains.
o TV inspections and the testing and sealing of manholes and sewer mains allows the Town to
internally inspect sewer mains and manholes with the purpose of identifying and eliminating points
of infiltration into the sewer system.
• Sewer system smoke testing
o Smoke testing of the sewer system is a method of identifying points of infiltration or inflow into the
sewer system where visual or TV inspection access is not possible.
• Spot repair, lining and replacement of sewers.
o Spot repairs, lining and replacement of sewers are performed when damage to the sewer system
is not repairable or cost effective through internal sealing.
• Flow metering, spot gauging and dye testing
o Flow metering, gauging and dye testing is performed to assist the Town in determining the areas
of the sewer system that are experiencing the highest levels infiltration and inflow. Flow metering
also assists in determining how effective the Town has been in mitigating I/I for the past several
yea rs.
• Sewer System Data management
o Project updates the Town's GIS sewer database to incorporate historic closed circuit inspection data
and enable future closed circuit inspection sewer system data. The resulting data will be used to
assess future capital project needs and to perform asset management of the system.
• Cured -in -Place Pipe Lining
o Cured -in -Place Pipe Lining (CIPPL) is a trenchless technology that allows the Town to rehabilitate
deteriorating sewer mains by installing an epoxy coated liner inside the mains. The liner can seal
up cracks and voids, eliminate leaks and return the structural integrity back to the pipe.
Finance Committee Report — given by Mark Zarrow: 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
After some discussion a vote was taken
2/3rd Vote Required
150 in the affirmative
0 in the negative
157 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
May 1, 2023
ARTICLE 18: Motion made by the Select Board to 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
April 22,
2019 Annual
Town
Meeting, Art.
15
Project Total Debt Reduction
Authorizatio f Amount
in
Reading $2,225,000
Memorial
High
School's
Turf Field
II Proiect
Presentation given by:
• Fidel Maltez - See Attached
$402,000
New Debt
Authorizatio
n
$1,823,000
Background: This article is to rescind debt previously authorized for the Turf 2 project. Initially,
Town Meeting authorized the borrowing of $2.25 million for the completion of this project. Fortunately, the
bid prices received were very favorable compared to the initial cost estimate from the architect on the
project. Our Town Accountant reduced the borrowing by $402,000 to match the funds needed to complete
the project. This project is 100% completed at our satisfaction.
Finance Committee Report - given by 3oseph Carnahan: 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
After some discussion a vote was taken
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 19: Move that the Town vote to 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.
Presentation given by:
■ Fidel Maltez - See Attached
Background: This article is to remove section 4.2 Physical Qualifications for all Compensated Town
Employees (including School Department and Municipal Light Department). This section has been reviewed
by Town Legal Counsel and School Legal Counsel. The current bylaw has the potential to expose the Schools
and the Town for liability. While it is not illegal, the concern is that the implementation of the bylaw might
lead to possible discrimination based on a disability.
The School and Town may make disability -related inquiries and conduct medical examinations, regardless
of whether they are related to the job, as long as it does so for all entering employees in the same job
category. Should the Schools or Town withdraw an offer based on medical information (i.e., screens him/her
out because of a disability), it must show that the reason for doing so was job-related and consistent with
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Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
May 1, 2023
business necessity. Additionally, The Schools or Town must show that an individual with a disability is unable
to perform the essential functions of the job sought, even with reasonable accommodations. In this case,
The Schools or Town must demonstrate that no reasonable accommodation is available that would enable
an individual with a disability to perform the essential job functions, or that an accommodation would impose
an undue hardship.
The bylaw has a financial burden on the Schools and Town. Schools spend approximately $20,000 per year
on new hire physicals, while the Town spends $8,000 on new hire physicals.
The Town will continue physicals required by statute for public safety employees and those employees that
carry a CDL as mandated by MassDOT.
Finance Committee Report: No Report
Bylaw Committee Report - iven by Jason Clarke: At their meeting on March 27, 2023, the Bylaw
Committee voted 5-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
School Committee Report - given by Shawn Brandt: At their meeting on February 9, 2023, the
School Committee voted 6-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting.
A vote was taken
Motion Carried
ARTICLE 20: Motion made by the Select Board to 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).
Presentation given by:
Fidel Maltez - See Attached
Background: This article is to replace our current late fee structure, which has a monthly escalator,
to a one-time late fee, when a pet owner fails to register their dog on an annual basis. Registration of dogs
are handled by the Town Clerk's office in Town Hall. Currently, our late fees are as follows: "$10.00 fine on
the first day of April and an additional $5.00 per month fine for each month thereafter." It is
administratively cumbersome to track the additional monthly penalty in fines. Furthermore, the monthly
escalator climbs quickly and can become a burden to residents. We propose that only a $10 late fee be
issued to residents that fail to register their dog by April, and that monthly escalator be removed.
Finance Committee Report:. No Report
Bylaw Committee Report: No Report
Motion made by Bill Brown, Precinct 8 as follows:
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 $25 (Twenty -Five).
Motion Carried
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
Motion made by Lynn Arena, Precinct 1 to Move the Question on the above amendment
2/3rd Vote Required
138 in the affirmative
8 in the negative
157 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Carried
Main Motion Carried as Amended
May 1, 2023
ARTICLE 21: Motion made by the Select Board to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter
Motion to Indefinitely Postpone Carried
ARTICLE 22: Motion made by the Select Board to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter
Motion to Indefinitelv Postoone Carried
ARTICLE 23: Motion made by the Select Board in 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.
Precinct
FirstLast
Name
Middle
Name
Term
Total
Precinct
Vote
Remove
Keep in
TM
Remain
Remove
TM
1 Grace ....Lynn_ Arena 2024 3 Remove X
1 Andrena Marie Silva 2024 2 Remove X
2 Penny
Belmonte
2025
2
Remain
2 Laura- Faye_
Wilson
2024
3
Remove X
3 Thomas C
Bellini
2025
1
Remain
3 Thomas
W
Coppola _
2024
2
Remove X
3 Joseph
J
Sarof_een
2024
2
Remove X
4 Jeffrey
P
Jadul
2024
2
Remove X
5 Vanessa
I
Alvarado
2025
3
Remove X
5 Christine T Lusk 2025 3 Remove X
8 Jesse Adam Wilson 2024 2 Remain
42 Town Meeting Members had perfect attendance in 2022
After some discussion a vote was taken
Motion Carried
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X
-----------------------------
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School May 1, 2023
Performing Arts Center
ARTICLE 24: Motion made by Citizen Petition to see if the Town will vote to:
Concerning this Instruction Motion passed by Town Meeting in April, 2022:
"The Select Board is asked to bring a proposal to Town Meeting by November, 2022; to separate vehicles
and pedestrians, for the safety of children walking to Wood End School. This could include acquiring land
for a walking path from Roma Lane to Mariano Drive, and to connect the sidewalk of Chimney Hill Lane west
along Sandborn Lane to Thomas Drive."
The Town Manager shall report by November 2023 and November 2024, on progress toward such separation
of school children and vehicles.
And, the Town Manager shall inquire on possible outside funding; such as "Safe Routes to School" grants
which has been used elsewhere in town. or take any other action with respect thereto.
Motion made by Heather Clish, Precinct 7 to Move the Question
2/3rd Vote Required
134 in the affirmative
15 in the negative
157 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion to End Debate Carried
Main Motion Carried
ARTICLE 25: Motion made by the Geoffrey Beckwith, Precinct 6 to Indefinitely Postpone the subject
matter
Motion to Indefinitely Postpone Carried
Motion made by the Select Board to take Article 3 from the Table
Motion Carried
Instructional Motion 1 - Invocation
Motion made by Eileen Litterio, Precinct 8
Since the origin of Town Meeting and its adoption of representative town government in 1944, for most of
those 70+ years Town Meeting members sought the blessing of a Higher Power to guide their deliberations
by opening its proceedings with an invocation delivered by a member of the clergy. Many Town Meeting
members are presently desirous of returning to this well-established historical and prayerful practice.
Therefore, Town Meeting members and the Town Moderator are instructed that all future Town Meetings
shall begin with a spiritual reflection delivered by a member of the Reading Clergy Association. The
Moderator shall ensure that this honor be rotated among all faith leaders represented by the Reading Clergy
Association. This instructional motion will provide a consistent and manageable structure for our Town
Moderator or his designee to contact the Reading Clergy Association to deliver the Town Meeting invocation
at our opening sessions each year.
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Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
Motion made by Susan Craven, Precinct 2 to Move the Question
2/3 rd Vote Required
100 in the affirmative
46 in the negative
157 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion to End Debate Carried
Motion Does Not Carr
Instructional Motion 2 - Master Plan
Motion made by John Sasso, Precinct 2
May 1, 2023
Instruct the Select Board, in consultation with the Planning Division and the Community Planning and
Development Commission, to recommend an appropriation to develop an updated Reading Master Plan. The
last master plan was issued in 2005 and served, among other things, to communicate community priorities.
Motion Carried
Instructional Motion 3 - Record all Meetings
Motion made by John Sasso, Precinct 2
Instruct the Select Board and Bylaw Committee to draft a General Bylaw and present to Town Meeting in
November 2023 that requires all Town Elected Boards, Committees and Commissions to have their meetings
available for viewing in real-time and accessible as a video recording on the public website.
Motion made by Angela Binda, Precinct 5 to Move the Question
2/3 rd Vote Required
122 in the affirmative
16 in the negative
157 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion to End Debate Carried
Counted Vote
54 in the affirmative
87 in the negative
157 Town Meeting Members in Attendance
Motion Does Not Carry
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ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School
Performing Arts Center
May 1, 2023
Motion made by Mark Dockser, Select Board to adjourn sine die the 2023 Annual Town Meeting at 10:04
PM with 157 Town Meeting Members in attendance.
Motion Carried
A true copy Attest:
Laura A Gemme, CMC /CMMC
Town Clerk