HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-05-07 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: 2024-05-07 Time: 6:00 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 the Chair
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 reasonably anticipates will be
discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda.
All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
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6:00 Overview of Meeting
6:05 Public Comment
6:15 Select Board Liaison and Town Manager Reports
6:30 National Public Works Week Proclamation 3
6:35 SWEC (Symonds Way Exploratory Committee) Presentation
and Discussion 4
7:05 Parking Kiosk Update
7:20 HEARING – Discuss and Vote on Liquor License Alteration 42
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
of Premises for Nilkant 350, Inc d/b/a City Wine Spirits &
Smoke Shop at 345 Main Street
7:30
HEARING – Discuss and Vote on Traffic Amendments:
2024 -1; Official placement of an isolated stop sign Heading
Southbound on Sanborn Street at the intersection with
Haven Street.
2024-2; Official placement of an isolated stop sign Heading
Eastbound on Walnut Street at the intersection with
Summer Avenue.
91
7:45 Discuss FY25 Water & Sewer Rates 96
8:30
Discussion and Vote on acceptance of a Conservation
Restriction over a portion of Assessor’s Parcel 44-135 (a lot
located off Grove Street) such area marked as
“Conservation Restriction Easement Area” and shown on a
plan entitled “Proposed Plot Plan in Reading, MA Showing
Development of 4 Lots at #0 Grove Street” recorded in the
Southern Middlesex County District Registry of Deeds as
Plan No. 28 of 2023
116
8:45 Discuss formation of RECALC (Reading Center for Active
Living Committee) Building Committee
9:15 Discuss Future Agendas 135
9:20 Approve Meeting Minutes 137
9:30
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (Purposes 2 and 3) and Open
Session: Discuss strategy and potential vote to approve
collective bargaining agreement for AFSCME Council 93
Local 1703 Engineers Union.
SELECT BOARD OF READING
_________________________ _________________________
Carlo Bacci, Chair Karen Gately Herrick, Vice Chair
_________________________ _________________________
Christopher Haley, Secretary Mark L. Dockser
_________________________
PROCLAMATION
NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK
Whereas, Public Works services provided in our community are an integral (but often unnoticed) part of our resident’s everyday
lives; and Whereas, the support of understanding and informed residents is vital to the efficient operation of the Public Works Department
in the areas of Administrative Services; Engineering; Highway and Equipment Maintenance; Stormwater; Parks and
Cemetery; Forestry; Water; and Sewer; and
Whereas, the health, safety and comfort of residents of this community depends on these facilities and services; and
Whereas, the quality and effectiveness of these services is vitally dependent upon the efforts and skill of Public Works officials
and employees; and
Whereas, the efficiency of the qualified and dedicated first responder personnel who staff our Public Works Department is
materially influenced by the resident’s attitude and understanding of the importance of the work they perform; and
Now, therefore, we, the Select Board of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim the week of May 19 to May 25, 2024
as Public Works Week in the Town of Reading and we call upon all residents and civic organizations to acquaint
themselves with the issues involved in providing quality Public Works services to this community and to recognize
the contributions which Public Works officials and employees make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and
quality of life.
Recommendations of the
Symonds Way
Exploratory Committee
Carlo Bacci, Chair –Select Board
Chuck Robinson, Vice Chair –School Committee
Angela Binda –Recreation Committee
Heather Clish –Community Planning and Development Commission
Andrew Dribin –Conservation Commission
Karen Janowski –Council on Aging
Nancy Twomey –Permanent Building Committee
Introduction
SWEC Formation
•In 2019 the Town purchased approximately 15 acres on Symonds Way, off Haverhill Street. A subsequent site survey, completed in September 2022, performed by the engineering company Weston and Sampson, showed approximately 2.5 acres of the land was buildable due to the proximity of wetlands.
•In November 2022, the Reading Select Board formed the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee (SWEC) to serve as an advisory committee for the purpose of recommending the best options for uses of this land for our community.
SWEC Charge
The purpose of this committee is to serve as an advisory committee to the
Reading Select Board for the purpose of recommending the best options for
uses of the land for our community, understanding the needs of the
community, located on Symonds Way.
SWEC shall gather input from its members and the Reading residents as to
what the property should look like and its functionality. SWEC will hold
regular meetings and community outreach, SWEC will gather, analyze, and
organize information for future planning decisions related to the best uses for
this property.
SWEC Charge
The Committee shall consider the following:
•Best uses to serve as many residents as possible
•Using public funds and grants where possible towards development
•Private/public partnerships to develop the property
The first task of SWEC will be to define the best use for the property. SWEC will provide
feedback on potential physical layouts on the property developed by SV Design Architects
and funded by Town Meeting on April 2022. If a private/public partnership is deemed
appropriate, the SWEC will work with Reading Town Hall staff to develop and review a
Request for Proposals (RFP) for private developers to invest in the property. Once proposals
are received, and with the help of Reading Town Hall Staff, SWEC will help review and
evaluate the submittals to the RFP. The Committee will offer recommendations for potential
funding options, if pursuing public development is deemed appropriate.
SWEC Actions
1.To gain an understanding of what the community would like, a survey was developed and published.
2.Initial schematic drawings were produced by SV Design to help the committee understand the scope and scale of various types of recreation that could fit within the 2.5 acres.
3.At a March 2023 meeting, comments made by the public suggested that we look at all Town-owned area on Symonds Way.
4.At SWEC’s request, the Select Board, at their May 2023 meeting, voted to expand the Committee’s charge to include areas that the Town’s Conservation Administrator determined were possible areas to develop, including behind the Burbank Ice Arena, the baseball field, and a small area next to 18 Symonds Way.
5.A Request for Information (RFI) was developed and published to solicit responses from parties interested in a private/public enterprise.
Evaluation Criteria
•To help the Committee identify the best use(s) of the property, evaluation criteria were discussed and established as follows:
1.Provides a wide-range of public use.
2.Provides inter-generational use.
3.Meets a demonstrated need.
4.Maintains Town’s ownership of property.
5.Minimal taxpayer expense/fiscally responsible.
6.Compatible with surrounding uses.
Community Input
•Over multiple meetings, several requests were heard from the public including:
1.Contracting with Black Earth for a compost facility.
2.Building pickle ball courts behind the Burbank Ice Arena utilizing their overflow parking area and built through private donations.
3.Creating more practice fields for Reading Youth Lacrosse.
4.Creating an aquatic center.
5.Using a portion of the land for a dog park built through a grant specifically for dog parks.
•Finally, the Town is concurrently conducting a feasibility study that potentially places the Reading Center For Active Living within the original 2.5-acre site.
Community
Survey
Results
Age of RespondentsTotal responses
Yes 1,061
No 591
Not Applicable 46
Prefer Not to Answer 29
18-29 30
30-39 299
40-49 628
50-59 340
60-69 213
70-79 144
80-89 35
90+2
Prefer Not to Answer 36
Community Survey Responses
Are there children under age 18 in your
household?
•1,727
•Top Answers:
1.Recreation 66.76% (Chosen highly among
households with and without children)
2.Open Space 33.12%
3.Senior Services & Senior Center 16.56%
4.Other (Top Fill-in Responses out of 362)
1.Hockey/Ice Rink 113
2.Pickleball 73
3.Fields (turf/outdoor/athletic) 39
Question 1:
What are your top priorities for improving the quality of life in Reading?
•Top Answers:
1.Outdoor Athletic Fields/Courts
2.Recreation Center (Indoor)
3.Conservation Land/Green Spaces
Question 2:
Rank the priority of example projects.
•Weighted Average 3.51 (out of 5)
in importance
Question 3:
How important is the development of the Symonds Way Property?
Property
Overview
Property Overview
Zanni Land Purchase, Town Meeting 2019
Articles 22, 23 “authorized the select board to
purchase for general municipal purposes on such
terms as the Select Board shall deem to be in the
best interests of the Town…”
1
5
Parcel ID 041-59
Parcel ID 035-133
READING
RIFLE &
REVOLVER
CLUB
KILLAM
SCHOOL
CEDAR
SWAMP
NORTH
CEDAR
SWAMP
SOUTH
•Contaminants?
Property Constraints
•Contaminants?
•Wetlands (35’ “No Build Zone”)
~2.5 ACRES
“BUILDABLE”
Property Constraints
•Contaminants?
•Wetlands (35’ “No Build Zone”)
•Need for Emergency Fire Lane
•Potential Range Road Upgrade
•Limited Buildable Space ~2.5 ACRES
“BUILDABLE”
Property Constraints
Property Overview
Expanded Charge May 16,
2023
•Baseball field
•Parking area behind Burbank
Arena
•Small area adjacent to 18
Symonds Way
Recommendations
PICKLEBALL COURTSPUBLIC-PRIVATE MULTI-USE
RECREATIONAL FACILITY
MULTI-PURPOSE FIELDS
DOG PARKCENTER FOR ACTIVE LIVING
(SENIOR/COMMUNITY
CENTER)
Recommended Options
CONSERVATION
Multi-Purpose Fields
•High need identified by Recreation Department and sports
leagues.
•Need for additional lighted practice field growing as high school
teams use fields later in the day and evening.
•No other locations currently under consideration for additional
fields.
•Can be combined with other elements at Symonds Way
property.
Pickleball Courts
•Demand identified in survey and public discussion.
•Sound is unlikely to negatively impact neighbors.
•Most suitable location for new courts identified in town, as
discussed by several Town Boards, based on current noise
impacts and parking needs.
•Can be combined with other elements at Symonds Way
property.
Center for Active Living
(Senior/Community Center)
•A recognized Town need. Feasibility Study being led by Reading Center
for Active Living (ReCAL) Committee and Council on Aging.
•Two other locations in Reading also under consideration, neither of
which appear suitable for the other recommended Symonds Way
property uses.
•Potential to combine with other recommended uses if full extent of
Town property is used.
Dog Park
•Considered by SWEC in context of grant opportunity at the time.
•While Town Forest is heavily used for dog walking, a dedicated dog
park would offer a place for off-leash use and contain dog waste .
•Unclear whether there are other locations that could serve this
purpose.
Multi-use Indoor Recreational
Facility
•Request for Information (RFI) response received from Edge Sports Global.
•Large flat area to east of Burbank Ice Arena offers uniquely suitable area for
complex that could meet multiple needs, including indoor fields & courts, aquatic
center, walking track, parking.
•Would require renegotiation with Reading Ice Arena Authority for use of Town
land and public-private agreement to assure Town use of facilities.
•Potential to combine with outdoor fields and courts through full use of Symonds
Way property.
•For this option, SWEC recommends creating multiple uses over duplicating ice rink
at this time.
Conservation
•Recommend gifting non-buildable land to the Conservation
Commission to be identified by future site plan.
•Also highly ranked on the community survey.
Possible Options
1. “Just a Little” … Multi-Purpose Fields
•Multi-use lighted courts could
include:Youth Soccer; Youth
Lacrosse; Field Hockey; Basketball
Courts; Pickleball.
•Meets a Reading Recreation need.
•A recognized Town need.
Location under review by
Reading Center for Active Living
(ReCAL) Committee.
•Need for Emergency Fire Lane
around building.
2. “Just a bit more”Center for Active Living (Senior/Community Center)
•Expanded charge to include land
behind Burbank Ice Arena
(approx. 1.5 acres).
•Pickleball Courts on parking lot
proposed by Reading Pickleball
Players Association.
3. “Outside the Box”Use of Burbank Leased Land
4. Do A Lot…
Multi-use
Recreational Facility
•Make the most of the land
available behind Burbank Ice
Arena.
•Public/private partnership
opportunity with Edge Sports.
•Where to park?
5. Do it All!
•Full use of Symonds Way
property?
•Public/private partnership.
•Meets a wide variety of needs.
•We can think big!
Methods to
Achieve
Recommendations
How We Get There
(Potential Funding Options)
COMMUNITY RESOURCES
o Taxpayer Funding
•Funded through
Operating Budget or
Debt/Capital Exclusion
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP
o Develop and issue detailed
Request for Proposals (RFP)
o Edge Sports & Town of
Reading
How We Get There
(Potential Funding Options)
GRANTS AND STAKEHOLDER FUND-RAISING
o Utilize a grant writer to research grants available for community recreational
venues or the final determination of the Select Board
o MA Land & Water Protection Fund Grants
o Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program –
Small Town program
o Community Preservation Act
o Brownfield Funds
o Reading Pickleball Players Association, a 501c3 organization
o Interested stakeholder or community donations
How We Get There - Next Steps
o Present recommendations to the Select Board.
o Address Contaminants and get an Environmental Impact Report.
o Formally delineate wetlands for the expanded scope area.
o Select Board determines short-term and long-term priorities.
o Consider establishing Symonds Way Site Plan and Master Plan in
concert with appropriate boards and committees.
o Consider negotiating agreement with Burbank Ice Arena for use of
overflow parking lot.
o Utilize Grant Writer to research grant opportunities.
thank you
Symonds Way Exploratory Committee
Legal Notice
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 May 7, 2024 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 an Alteration of Premises
Application for an Annual All -Alcohol Package Store Liquor license for Nilkant 350 Inc. d/b/a
City Wine Spirits & Smoke Shop located at 345 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 to townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us
By order of
Matthew A. Kraunelis
Town Manager
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 May 7, 2024 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 2024-1; Improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the
intersection of Sanborn Street at Haven Street.
• Amendment Number 2024-2; Improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the
intersection of Walnut Street at Summer Avenue.
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 email to townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us
By order of
Matthew A. Kraunelis
Town Manager
To the Chronicle: Please publish on Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Send the bill and tear sheet to: Town Managers Office
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
ATTN: Caitlin Nocella
cnocella@ci.reading.ma.us
781-942-9043
Town of Reading
Amendment to the
Traffic and Parking Regulations
____
Amendment Number: 2024-01
Date Filed: April 9, 2024
Filed By: Traffic and Safety Officer Michael S. Scouten
On Behalf of: Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force
Section 1:
Purpose of Amendment – Improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the intersection Sanborn
Street at Haven Street.
Section 2:
Proposed Amendment: Official placement of an isolated stop sign.
Location on Street: Heading Southbound on Sanborn Street at the intersection with Haven
Street.
Regulation: Obedience to Isolated Stop Sign.
Pursuant to Article: 6.12.
Section 3:
Effective Date: Upon approval of the Select Board.
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: 2024-02
Date Filed: April 9, 2024
Filed By: Traffic and Safety Officer Michael S. Scouten
On Behalf of: Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force
Section 1:
Purpose of Amendment – Improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the intersection Walnut
Street at Summer Avenue.
Section 2:
Proposed Amendment: Official placement of an isolated stop sign.
Location on Street: Heading Eastbound on Walnut Street at the intersection with Summer
Avenue.
Regulation: Obedience to Isolated Stop Sign.
Pursuant to Article: 6.12.
Section 3:
Effective Date: Upon approval of the Select Board.
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
FY 2025 Water and Sewer Rate Study
The Abrahams Group
May 2024
Recent History - Water
•The Town implemented a four-tier rate structure for FY 2024.
•Flat Rate for all usage prior
•Multi-unit accounts are charged as one unit currently.
•Healthy retained earnings balance of $4.7 million (58.5% of fund
expenses)
•The Town typically balances the budget using retained earnings to
ensure rate stabilization.
•The Town typically funds some capital improvements as part of the
operating budget to avoid additional costs incurred from borrowings.
2
Recent Results - Water
3
Actual results compares fund revenues and expenses in graph to left; Graph up from $0 is surplus, down is deficit
Recent retained earnings certification amounts compared to targeted 30% in graph to the right * FY 2024 is projected
Capital Investment - Water
4
Actual and projected expenses related to capital
Orange line is debt and blue line is capital outlay
Baseline Scenario - Water
5
•Projected results for future years, assuming no revenue changes
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED
Surplus/Deficit (901,466)$ (510,245)$ (559,209)$ (1,161,999)$ (1,421,675)$ (1,213,215)$ (1,463,997)$ (1,626,764)$ (1,525,398)$ (1,473,642)$ (1,470,955)$
Projected Retained Earnings 4,126,099$ 3,656,645$ 2,494,646$ 1,072,971$ (140,244)$ (1,604,241)$ (3,231,005)$ (4,756,403)$ (6,230,045)$ (7,701,000)$ (9,171,955)$
RE as % of Budget 47.2%43.7%29.7%11.9%-1.5%-17.7%-34.7%-50.2%-66.5%-82.6%-98.4%
Baseline
Water Rate Option 1 – 3.0% in FY 2025
6
•Projected results for future years, with additional revenue from rate changes
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
3.00%3.00%2.00%2.00%2.00%2.00%2.00%2.00%2.00%2.00%
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED
Surplus/Deficit (901,466)$ (287,145)$ (106,317)$ (551,316)$ (650,046)$ (277,419)$ (360,753)$ (352,722)$ (77,142)$ 152,312$ 336,252$
Projected Retained Earnings 4,438,954$ 4,332,637$ 3,781,321$ 3,131,275$ 2,853,856$ 2,493,103$ 2,140,381$ 2,063,239$ 2,063,239$ 2,215,551$ 2,551,803$
RE % of Budget 50.8%51.8%45.0%34.7%30.8%27.5%23.0%21.8%22.0%23.8%27.4%
Rate Changes:
Rate Impact
Water Rate Option 1 – 3.0% in FY 2025 (Cont.)
7
User Impact
•Average Residential User: $4.98 - $7.44 increase per bill in FY 2025
($19.92 - $29.76 annually)
•Large Residential User: $15.77 increase per bill in FY 2025
($63.08 annually)
User Type Usage Current Bill FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
Low-End User 500 53.75$ 55.36$ 57.02$ 58.16$ 59.33$ 60.51$ 61.72$ 62.96$ 64.22$ 65.50$ 66.81$
Avg. Residential User (45 gpd)1,500 166.00$ 170.98$ 176.11$ 179.63$ 183.22$ 186.89$ 190.63$ 194.44$ 198.33$ 202.29$ 206.34$
Avg. Residential User (65 gpd)2,200 247.90$ 255.34$ 263.00$ 268.26$ 273.62$ 279.09$ 284.68$ 290.37$ 296.18$ 302.10$ 308.14$
Large Residential User 4,500 525.50$ 541.27$ 557.50$ 568.65$ 580.03$ 591.63$ 603.46$ 615.53$ 627.84$ 640.40$ 653.20$
Large Commercial User 10,000 1,213.00$ 1,249.39$ 1,286.87$ 1,312.61$ 1,338.86$ 1,365.64$ 1,392.95$ 1,420.81$ 1,449.23$ 1,478.21$ 1,507.78$
Very Large Commercial User 100,000 12,463.00$ 12,836.89$ 13,222.00$ 13,486.44$ 13,756.17$ 14,031.29$ 14,311.91$ 14,598.15$ 14,890.12$ 15,187.92$ 15,491.68$
User Impact (per Bill) - Water Bills Only New Bills
Water Rate Option 2 – 2.5% in FY 2025
8
•Projected results for future years, with additional revenue from rate changes
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%2.50%
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED
Surplus/Deficit (901,466)$ (324,328)$ (182,729)$ (590,190)$ (649,655)$ (235,977)$ (276,412)$ (223,574)$ 98,788$ 377,065$ 611,936$
Projected Retained Earning 4,401,771$ 4,219,042$ 3,628,852$ 2,979,197$ 2,743,220$ 2,466,808$ 2,243,234$ 2,243,234$ 2,342,022$ 2,719,087$ 3,331,023$
RE % of Budget 50.4%50.5%43.2%33.1%29.6%27.2%24.1%23.7%25.0%29.2%35.7%
Rate Changes:
Rate Impact
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
Retained Earnings Projections - with Rate Changes
RE % of Budget Target RE % of Budget
Water Rate Option 2 – 2.5% in FY 2025 (Cont.)
9
User Impact
•Average Residential User: $4.15 - $6.20 increase per bill in FY 2025
($16.60 - $24.80 annually)
•Large Residential User: $13.14 increase per bill in FY 2025
($52.56 annually)
User Type Usage Current Bill FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
Low-End User 500 53.75$ 55.09$ 56.47$ 57.88$ 59.33$ 60.81$ 62.33$ 63.89$ 65.49$ 67.13$ 68.80$
Avg. Residential User (45 gpd)1,500 166.00$ 170.15$ 174.40$ 178.76$ 183.23$ 187.81$ 192.51$ 197.32$ 202.25$ 207.31$ 212.49$
Avg. Residential User (65 gpd)2,200 247.90$ 254.10$ 260.45$ 266.96$ 273.64$ 280.48$ 287.49$ 294.68$ 302.04$ 309.59$ 317.33$
Large Residential User 4,500 525.50$ 538.64$ 552.10$ 565.91$ 580.05$ 594.56$ 609.42$ 624.65$ 640.27$ 656.28$ 672.68$
Large Commercial User 10,000 1,213.00$ 1,243.33$ 1,274.41$ 1,306.27$ 1,338.93$ 1,372.40$ 1,406.71$ 1,441.88$ 1,477.92$ 1,514.87$ 1,552.74$
Very Large Commercial User 100,000 12,463.00$ 12,774.58$ 13,093.94$ 13,421.29$ 13,756.82$ 14,100.74$ 14,453.26$ 14,814.59$ 15,184.96$ 15,564.58$ 15,953.69$
User Impact (per Bill) - Water Bills Only New Bills
Recent History - Sewer
•The Town implemented a four-tier rate structure for FY 2024.
•Flat Rate for all usage prior
•Multi-unit accounts are charged as one unit currently.
•Healthy retained earnings balance of $7.3 million (99.1% of fund
expenses)
•The Town typically balances the budget using retained earnings to
ensure rate stabilization.
•The Town typically funds some capital improvements as part of the
operating budget to avoid additional costs incurred from borrowings.
10
Recent Results - Sewer
11
Actual results compares fund revenues and expenses in graph to left; Graph up from $0 is surplus, down is deficit
Recent retained earnings certification amounts compared to targeted 30% in graph to the right * FY 2024 is projected
Capital Investment - Sewer
12
Actual and projected expenses related to capital
Orange line is debt and blue line is capital outlay
Baseline Scenario - Sewer
13
•Projected results for future years, assuming no revenue changes
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED
Surplus/Deficit (242,002)$ (1,146,402)$ (894,883)$ (1,208,455)$ (1,382,383)$ (1,447,839)$ (1,464,908)$ (3,408,704)$ (2,998,830)$ (3,103,074)$ (3,542,157)$
Projected Retained Earnings 6,408,558$ 5,667,273$ 4,458,818$ 3,076,435$ 1,628,596$ 163,688$ (3,245,016)$ (6,243,846)$ (9,346,920)$ (12,889,077)$ (16,431,234)$
RE as % of Budget 84.2%66.4%53.9%35.8%18.6%1.9%-36.7%-57.9%-90.0%-122.9%-150.4%
Baseline
Sewer Rate Option 1 – 4.0% in FY 2025
14
•Projected results for future years, with additional revenue from rate changes
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%4.00%
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED
Surplus/Deficit (242,002)$ (864,231)$ (319,254)$ (327,629)$ (184,153)$ 80,491$ 406,727$ (1,180,033)$ (398,841)$ (116,914)$ (154,380)$
Projected Retained Earning 6,844,327$ 6,525,073$ 6,197,444$ 6,013,291$ 6,013,291$ 6,093,782$ 5,320,476$ 4,921,635$ 4,804,721$ 4,650,341$ 4,495,961$
RE % of Budget 89.9%76.5%74.9%70.0%68.6%69.0%60.1%45.6%46.3%44.3%41.1%
Rate Changes:
Rate Impact
Sewer Rate Option 1 – 4.0% in FY 2025 (Cont.)
15
User Impact
•Average Residential User: $6.31 - $9.43 increase per bill in FY 2025
($25.24 - $37.72 annually)
•Large Residential User: $20.07 increase per bill in FY 2025
($80.28 annually)
User Type Usage Current Bill FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
Low-End User 500 51.00$ 53.04$ 55.16$ 57.37$ 59.66$ 62.05$ 64.53$ 67.11$ 69.80$ 72.59$ 75.49$
Avg. Residential User (45 gpd)1,500 157.75$ 164.06$ 170.62$ 177.45$ 184.55$ 191.93$ 199.60$ 207.59$ 215.89$ 224.53$ 233.51$
Avg. Residential User (65 gpd)2,200 235.80$ 245.23$ 255.04$ 265.24$ 275.85$ 286.89$ 298.36$ 310.30$ 322.71$ 335.62$ 349.04$
Large Residential User 4,500 501.75$ 521.82$ 542.69$ 564.40$ 586.98$ 610.46$ 634.87$ 660.27$ 686.68$ 714.15$ 742.71$
Large Commercial User 10,000 1,161.75$ 1,208.22$ 1,256.55$ 1,306.81$ 1,359.08$ 1,413.45$ 1,469.98$ 1,528.78$ 1,589.94$ 1,653.53$ 1,719.67$
Very Large Commercial User 100,000 11,961.75$ 12,440.22$ 12,937.83$ 13,455.34$ 13,993.56$ 14,553.30$ 15,135.43$ 15,740.85$ 16,370.48$ 17,025.30$ 17,706.31$
User Impact (per Bill) - Sewer Bills Only New Bills
Sewer Rate Option 2 – 3.0% in FY 2025
16
•Projected results for future years, with additional revenue from rate changes
FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
3.00%4.50%4.50%4.50%4.50%4.50%4.50%4.50%4.50%4.50%
FY 2024 FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED PROJECTED
Surplus/Deficit (242,002)$ (934,774)$ (356,289)$ (328,181)$ (145,054)$ 162,611$ 535,456$ (1,000,881)$ (165,213)$ 175,499$ 201,394$
Projected Retained Earnings 6,773,784$ 6,417,495$ 6,089,314$ 5,944,260$ 5,944,260$ 6,106,871$ 5,641,446$ 5,476,233$ 5,476,233$ 5,651,732$ 5,853,126$
RE % of Budget 88.9%75.2%73.6%69.2%67.8%69.1%63.8%50.7%52.7%53.9%53.6%
Rate Changes:
Rate Impact
Sewer Rate Option 2 – 3.0% in FY 2025 (Cont.)
17
User Impact
•Average Residential User: $4.73 - $7.07 increase per bill in FY 2025
($18.92 - $28.28 annually)
•Large Residential User: $15.05 increase per bill in FY 2025
($60.20 annually)
User Type Usage Current Bill FY 2025 FY 2026 FY 2027 FY 2028 FY 2029 FY 2030 FY 2031 FY 2032 FY 2033 FY 2034
Low-End User 500 51.00$ 52.53$ 54.89$ 57.36$ 59.95$ 62.64$ 65.46$ 68.41$ 71.49$ 74.70$ 78.06$
Avg. Residential User (45 gpd)1,500 157.75$ 162.48$ 169.79$ 177.43$ 185.42$ 193.76$ 202.48$ 211.59$ 221.12$ 231.07$ 241.46$
Avg. Residential User (65 gpd)2,200 235.80$ 242.87$ 253.80$ 265.22$ 277.16$ 289.63$ 302.67$ 316.29$ 330.52$ 345.39$ 360.93$
Large Residential User 4,500 501.75$ 516.80$ 540.06$ 564.36$ 589.76$ 616.30$ 644.03$ 673.01$ 703.30$ 734.95$ 768.02$
Large Commercial User 10,000 1,161.75$ 1,196.60$ 1,250.45$ 1,306.72$ 1,365.52$ 1,426.97$ 1,491.18$ 1,558.29$ 1,628.41$ 1,701.69$ 1,778.27$
Very Large Commercial User 100,000 11,961.75$ 12,320.60$ 12,875.03$ 13,454.41$ 14,059.85$ 14,692.55$ 15,353.71$ 16,044.63$ 16,766.64$ 17,521.14$ 18,309.59$
User Impact (per Bill) - Sewer Bills Only New Bills
Multi-Unit Analysis
18
•An analysis of 54 multi-unit accounts was conducted, based on FY 2024 rates.
•Total consumption = 5,498,100 cubic feet
•Current breakdown of usage by tier:
•Tier 1 – 214,000 cubic feet (3.9%)
•Tier 2 – 319,000 cubic feet (5.8%)
•Tier 3 – 313,600 cubic feet (5.7%)
•Tier 4 – 4,651,500 cubic feet (84.6%)
•Breakdown of usage by tier, if billed as individual units:
•Tier 1 – 4,817,100 cubic feet (87.6%)
•Tier 2 – 624,400 cubic feet (11.4%)
•Tier 3 – 56,600 cubic feet (1.0%)
•Tier 4 – 0 cubic feet (0.0%)
Multi-Unit Analysis (Cont.)
19
•Rates per tier:
•Tier 1 - $10.75
•Tier 2 - $11.70
•Tier 3 - $12.00
•Tier 4 - $12.50
•Despite large usage differences in usage by tier, since rates in the four tiers are not drastically different (only $1.75 between Tiers 1 and 4), the financial impact of billing by individual unit is not large:
•Water – Savings of $81,712 total for all 54 accounts annually
•Sewer – Savings of $84,167 total for all 54 accounts annually
•One Example (The Postmark):
•Water – Savings of $2,038 annually
•Sewer – Savings of $2,095 annually
Thank You!
20
Questions/Comments?
May 21, 2024 Tuesday
Overview of Meeting 7:00
Public Comment 7:05
Select Board Liaison and Town
Manager Reports
7:15
Eagle Scouts Certificate of
Recognition
7:30
HEARING
Discuss/Vote on FY25 Non-Union
Classification & Compensation
Schedules Sean Donahue
7:45
Killam Building Project Update 8:00
Discuss and vote on New Liaison
Assignments Board
ReCalc Update?
June 4, 2024 Tuesday
Overview of Meeting
Public Comment
Select Board Liaison and Town
Manager Reports
HEARING
Discuss and Vote FY25 Water &
Sewer Rates
Traffic Amendment
PTTTF Update PTTTF
B/C/C budget vote?
Charter Review Committee Update
June 18, 2024 Tuesday
Vote on VASC recommendations for
Annual board/committee
Appointments
Discuss & Vote on Bill Russell
Committee (BRACE)
Vote to declare Surplus Items: Fire
Department Ladder Truck Chief Burns
July 16, 2024 Tuesday
August 20, 2024 Tuesday
September 10, 2024 STATE PRIMARY
September 17, 2024 Tuesday
October 8, 2024 Tuesday
October 29, 2024 Tuesday
Hearing Tax Classification
November 5, 2024 STATE ELECTION
November 12, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 14, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 18, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 19, 2024 Tuesday
November 21, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
December 3, 2024 Tuesday
Vote to approve Annual Liquor
Licenses
December 4, 2024 Wednesday
Department Budget Presentations
December 10, 2024 Tuesday
Department Budget Presentations
Recurring Agenda Items
Close Warrant: Annual Town
Meeting March
Close Warrant: Subsequent Town
Meeting September
Appoint Town Accountant March Annual
HEARING
Approve Classification &
Compensation May Annual
Appointments of Boards &
Committees May/June Annual
HEARING Approve Tax Classification October Annual
Approve Licenses December Annual
Arbor Day Proclamation April Annual
Liaison: RCTV members Report Annual
Liaison: CAB (RMLD) member
Report Annual
Liaison: MAPC member Report Annual
Liaison: Reading Housing Authority
Report Annual
Liaison: Reading Ice Arena Report Annual
Town Accountant Report Qtrly
Economic Development Director Semi-ann
Parking/Traffic/Transportation
Task Force (PTTTF)
Town Board & Committee visits
Town Department visits
Review Select Board Goals
Review Town Manager Goals February/March
Select Board Draft Minutes
April 9, 2024
Public Comment
Nancy Docktor asked why the board keeps appointing Kevin Sexton, a realtor, to the board of
health when she feels there are more qualified candidates. She told the board not to
reappoint him because he is only a realtor and the board needs more health professionals on
there.
Melissa Murphy noted she hopes the board will discuss tiered water rates soon and have a
community session to explain all the tax implications for the upcoming projects.
Laura Stella asked if all the boards and committees can stop overlapping their meetings and
only have one meeting per night.
John Arena spoke about the investigation. He feels the voters are owed an answer on what
happened.
Liaison Reports
Haley attended the Pickleball event at Memorial Park and it was a great event. The School
Committee met at METCO headquarters in Boston.
Dockser noted the Council on Aging and ReCalc are meeting frequently to discuss the new
senior center. They are focusing on three sites and now evaluating those areas. They are
starting to speak with Permanent Building Committee. ReCalc will be voting on the criteria
tomorrow. They will be having a lot of community meetings to hear neighbors’ concerns and
thoughts.
Herrick noted the Killam School Building Committee met last night and they will be doing
tours of Killam tomorrow night while showing site plans. They will be starting to get some
high level cost estimates for the school soon. She thanked everyone involved who put
together the rainbow rally event at the last minute; it was a great event.
Bacci echoed Herrick’s comments about the rainbow rally event. He was an instructor at the
Pickleball fundraiser event at the high school. SWEC is wrapping up their final
recommendations.
Town Manager Report
Kraunelis noted he also attended the rainbow rally on the common and thanked Albert Pless
for putting it together. He also attended the Pickleball community day which was another
great event. He mentioned there are several job postings on our website.
Arbor Day Proclamation
Haley read the proclamation and moved to accept the proclamation as presented. The
motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 4-0 vote.
Community Diversity Equity and Inclusion Assessment Presentation
Community Diversity and Equity Director Albert Pless introduced Iris Bond Gill of Opportunity
Consulting.
She then gave the board a presentation that can be found in the Select Board packet on the
Town website.
VASC
Earlier tonight, Bacci and Herrick, the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC), met
with candidates for the Board of Health and Retirement Board.
Bacci and Herrick agreed on their suggestions for Board of Health.
Herrick noted she would like to see Lannon go on the Retirement Board but Bacci feels they
need more information about who is currently on the board and their professional
background before deciding. It was noted the whole board seems to consist of public safety
personnel and the board agreed to find about more about current members before
appointing a new member to this board.
Haley wanted to note that the comments made during public comment about Kevin Sexton, a
volunteer, are completely unacceptable.
Haley moved to appoint Kevin Sexton to a term on the Board of Health beginning
immediately and expiring June 30, 2026. The motion was seconded by Herrick and
approved with a 4-0 vote.
Haley moved to appoint Joan Wetzel to a term on the Board of Health beginning
immediately and expiring June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by Herrick and
approved with a 4-0 vote.
Investigation into Board Conduct
Town Counsel was present to answer any questions.
Bacci started off by reading a motion he put together with the help of Town Counsel.
Herrick felt the board didn’t have the power to do this but Counsel noted this is within the
scope of the board, however, the board cannot force people to participate; so if there is
anyone who does not want to participate, they don’t have to.
Haley also noted if McCarthy refuses to participate then the investigation is over and won’t
proceed.
Herrick noted McCarthy is not asking for this and hasn’t filed a complaint that we are aware of
so she is unsure what the scope of this investigation is.
Herrick motioned to table this agenda item. There was no second.
Chris Cridler called a point of order and asked about the criminal aspects of potential
residents – how did this protect their rights? Counsel noted that this is not a criminal
investigation.
Linda Snow Dockser called a point of order to ask what the scope of the investigation is.
The board worked on the motion and tweaked some of the wording.
Haley moved to authorize the Town Manager to hire an independent investigator for
the following purposes:
1. To investigate the facts and circumstances, including statements made and actions
taken, surrounding Jackie McCarthy’s decision to resign from the Reading Select Board
on February 6, 2024, including statements made and actions taken by Select Board
members, other elected and appointed officials, and residents, individually, or as part
of a coordinated effort to unduly or inappropriately influence Ms. McCarthy’s vote for
the new Town Manager;
2. To investigate statements made and action taken by Select Board members, other
elected and appointed officials, and residents immediately following the February 6
meeting that relate to her resignation and the Board’s response; and
3. To provide a written report to the Select Board within 60 days of the investigator’s
hiring date, unless an extension is provided by the Town Manager, which report shall
include the findings of the investigations conducted under Parts 1 and 2, above, as well
as the investigator’s opinion on whether Ms. McCarthy was threatened or bullied by any
of these individuals in order to unduly or inappropriately influence her vote; and
whether the Select Board’s Ethics and Protocols were violated;
And further that the Town Manager ask the investigator that individuals interviewed
attest to the truth and accuracy of any statement given, and, provided further, that if Ms.
McCarthy does not elect to participate in the investigation that the investigation shall
terminate immediately without any finding of facts or conclusions.
The motion was seconded by Dockser.
Herrick wanted the record to reflect this investigation was not initiated by McCarthy.
The board voted 3-1 with Herrick opposing.
The board took a 5-minute recess.
CPA Study Committee Modification
The board wanted to change the make-up of the CPA study committee slightly. They are
voting to replace ex-officio member of Affordable Housing Trust Committee with ex-officio
member of Reading Housing Authority.
Haley moved to amend the CPA Study Committee membership to replace a member of
the Affordable Housing Trust Fund Committee with a member of the Reading Housing
Authority. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 3-0 vote. Haley
did not vote.
Future Agendas
The board discussed future agenda items.
Minutes
The board discussed prior meeting minutes.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from February 17, 2024 as amended. The
motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 4-0 vote.
Haley moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:59 PM. The motion was seconded by Herrick
and approved with a 4-0 vote.