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Home My WebLink About2024-04-25 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center The Precincts listed below met at 7:00 PM to conduct the following business: Precinct 1 - With a Quorum present elected Salvatore Bramante as Precinct Chair and Rebecca Bailey as Precinct Clerk. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Precinct 2 - With a Quorum present elected Nancy Tawadros as Precinct Chair and Emily Sisson as Precinct Clerk. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Precinct 3 - Without a Quorum being present a Precinct Chair or Precinct Clerk was not elected. Precinct 4 - With a Quorum present elected Christoper Feudo as Precinct Chair and Thomas Grant as Precinct Clerk. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Precinct 5 - With a Quorum present elected Sherilla Lestrade as Precinct Chair and Julie Ross as Precinct Clerk. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Precinct 6 - With a Quorum present elected Kerri Perry as Precinct Chair and Etain O’Dea as Precinct Clerk. A vote was taken on Article 16. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Precinct 7 - With a Quorum present elected Genady Pilyavsky as Precinct Chair and Joseph Carnahan as Precinct Clerk. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. Precinct 8 - With a Quorum present elected William Brown as Precinct Chair and Kevin Sexton as Precinct Clerk. After some discussion the meeting was adjourned. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:31 PM, there being a quorum present. The Flag of the USA was presented by the Reading Police Department Honor Guard. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all. All new or reelected members of Town Meeting were sworn-in and the Constable’s return of the Warrant was read by the Town Clerk. The following announcements were made by the Moderator: Before we begin, the chair would like to remind Town Meeting Members, and inform newly elected members about some of the basic rules, and how we will proceed: When you are recognized please wait until you have the microphone before speaking. In addition to being heard in the hall we want you to be heard on RCTV, as well. The tapes from the cablecast may be used in verifying the official report. Before speaking, please state your name and precinct. Members are limited to no more than 10 minutes. The Chair will call on people roughly in the order that they raise their hands … taking those who have not yet spoken, first. Non-members may speak, but only after members have first had the opportunity to do so. Non-member proponents of a motion may speak with permission of the body. Remember to try to stay away from personal attacks or, for the most part, personal references. We are here to discuss issues and NOT personalities. Keep in mind, these are our neighbors, and we’re all trying to do what’s best for the town. After debate has proceeded for a while, we may have someone “move the previous question,” or simply “move the question.” That is a call for debate to end. That motion itself is non-debatable and we will proceed ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center directly to the issue of stopping debate. It takes a 2/3 vote. The Chair will not recognize that motion from a person who has just spoken. In other words, if you want to move the question and stop debate, that must be the only thing you have risen for. Amendments: We may have people offer amendments to motions on the floor. When a motion for an amendment is accepted we move directly to debate on the proposed amendment. Once disposed of, we return to debate on the main question. Other proposed amendments may be entertained as well. Town Meeting Members must be sitting in the lower portion of the hall if they want to be recognized as town meeting members, and have their votes counted. I remind my counters to keep that in mind when tallying votes. Instructional Motions. Article 3 is placed in the warrant by the Select Board and calls for “Instructional Motions”. These motions “instruct” various boards or individuals to do whatever the motion calls for. Proposed instructional motions were due to Town Hall last Friday. We will have seven at this meeting. Although the article for Instructional Motions comes early in the meeting – Article 3 – we generally lay this on the table and take it up at the end of the meeting – whatever night that happens to be. There is often confusion with two particular motions, Indefinite Postponement and tabling. Let me give you a brief explanation of the difference: Indefinite Postponement is a motion asking that the body not vote on a particular motion during the life of this town meeting. Although it is thought of not so much as a vote against a particular issue, but rather a postponement, the result is the same. Voting in favor of indefinite postponement has the same result as voting against the main motion. If indefinite postponement carries, the main motion is defeated. A motion to indefinitely postpone is debatable. Tabling is used for another purpose altogether. Tabling temporarily puts a motion aside. It can be brought up again by anyone moving to take it from the table, at any time before the final adjournment of the meeting. This motion is non-debatable, although the chair will allow a brief explanation as to why the motion to table has been made. Adjournment. There are two types of adjournment. At the end of an evening we adjourn to a time certain. Tonight, for instance, when we are done for the evening, we, presumably, will adjourn until Monday. When we are done with the business of town meeting we adjourn Sine Die, which translates to “without day.” In other words, the meeting is complete. Finally, I would like to explain how things are likely to proceed over the next few hours, and next few days. Tonight we begin with Article 2 of the Annual Meeting warrant, and we will proceed as far as we can. On Thursday the plan is to take up Article 12 – the operating budget. With some luck, we will finish the entire budget in one night. If we should finish early, we will return to where we left off tonight. _____________________ A moment of personal privilege was given by Angela Binda, Precinct 5 __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 2: Motion made by the Select Board 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. State of the Town Address Carlo Bacci Chair, Reading Select Board and Town Meeting Member -Precinct 5 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center Reading is in a strong and stable financial position. We have to manage our funds responsibility and carefully. This past year had been a year of transitions and new beginnings. Fidel Maltez has moved on and Matt Kraunelis has become our 4th Town Manager with some drama. Our entire town staff and departments have kept our town performing at a high level. Our school system is being guided by our revered Superintendent Tom Milaschewski, the School Committee and support staff. This past year had been busy for all our boards and committees. Some of the highlights are working with the MSBA to address Killam, implementing a state mandate of MBTA communities, revising and adding out Town Charter, continuing the excellent work by RECALC and COA on the feasibility of an Active Living Center, establishing a CPA study committee, implementation of tiered water rates, near completion of Green Communities, and SWEC delivering a recommendation to the Select Board in the coming months. All of this work has been accomplished by countless hours from our devoted volunteers and town staff. Our state delegation continues to provide us with funding and grant opportunities. Our current Senior Center continues to grow with the assistance of Chris Kowalski and staff. Pickleball is still a hot topic and the demand keeps growing for dedicated courts with lights. Symonds way has been determined to be the most suitable location. The water tower is complete and the temporary cell tower has just been taken down. A dog park is still being considered as a suitable location. Lot 5 is nearing completion to provide better access to our amazing Town forest with the help of the Birch Meadow Country Club granting us an easement. The high school track was dedicated to Hal Croft at a ceremony last year. We have welcomed some new businesses and some have left. The parking kiosks are going to be installed soon at the CVS lot and the Brande court lot. We have had countless events on our town common that bring residents together. It is hard to capture everything that we have accomplished, but I can say that I am grateful that all reading provides to its residents. We recently had a bomb threat at the library and our first responders and library staff were professional and no one was injured. A rally on the common was quickly organized by our new DEI director Albert Pless and town volunteers. On February 6th Jackie McCarthy abruptly resigned from the select board and “chaos ensued” according to the Reading Chronicle. There were many contentious meetings and the board of 4 became divided. Agree to disagree became hard to accomplish in a civil manner. Despite all that has happened, we were able to appoint Matthew Kraunelis as our Town Manager and by a vote of 3-1, to begin an investigation into the events surrounding the resignation of Jackie McCarthy. We are having a special election on May 14th to fill that seat on the board. The Select Board sets the tone and we need to lead by our actions that are not divisive. We need to take responsibility for our actions and acknowledge them. We need to listen to our fellow board members and try to be civil. We need to be held to a higher standard and act in a way that the residents that elected us can be proud. We need to support our town staff and volunteers that run the town. We need our elections to be fair and run on the candidates’ merits, not lies and the spread of false information. We need to have integrity and act professionally in all settings. Being in the chair is rewarding and stressful at the same time. Reading is a thriving and ever-growing community. We need to learn from the past and plan for our future. I believe the future is bright and I look forward to the years ahead. _____________________ An update was given on the MBTA Communities by Andrew MacNichol, Community Development Director Thank you, Mr. Moderator, and good evening, Town Meeting members. Thank you for allowing me the time to speak to an important ongoing initiative that the Town is working through – and that is the MBTA ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center Communities Zoning Compliance. I am Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol and I have been working with many departments, divisions, and residents alike on this effort over the last year plus. We wanted to take a few minutes tonight to simply raise awareness about this effort and where it stands given the number of priorities the Town has in front of itself. We won’t get into too much detail tonight but there is a lot to know so let’s get started. For those who don’t know the MBTA Communities Law was passed in efforts to address the existing and ongoing regional need in shortage of housing stock. Median home prices in Reading are up 55% since 2016; rents in the region are seeing increases as high as 60%. And there are many factors in the cost of housing but the simple lack of supply compounds nearly all factors. But we are not alone in this issue and that is why this law stresses the regional reach – over 175 individual municipalities are required to implement required zoning; each with their own unique area, units and schedule based on their MBTA Service and existing characteristics. For our sake what it means for Reading is most important. Reading must have compliant zoning in place by January 2025. There is locational criteria around the downtown Train depot, minimum acreage and what they call ‘unit capacity’ requirements, but one of the more important underlying metrics is district requirement of 15 units per acre on any individual zone. There is a lot of jargon and technical detail that goes into this, but it is important in this aspect to remember that the Law requires zoning compliance only – there is no construction or building minimums that the Town must achieve. A difficult conversation and question that always comes up is “can we just say no?”. In my professional opinion and findings, the answer is “no”. In the end this is State Law, and the Town is subject to compliance with Section 3A. Aside from the showing of need (a word you will hear me say a lot) without compliance we will face litigation from different sides, and you will lose resources that we have historically relied upon for many of the projects developed over the last few years. MassWorks is funding $2.6 million in sidewalks, Complete Streets adding hundreds of thousands more; State MVP funds being used to for stormwater and flooding improvements; Housing Choice and transportation designs funded. All of these State grants and funds have made necessary improvements possible and are not something we can easily forego. Importantly in the end, while there are those minimum metrics to show zoning is not unreasonable, what the Law offers is degrees of choice. And choice comes from zoning – where multi-family is classified as 3+ units. What you see on this slide is all existing multi-family AND within the ½ mile of the train depot. Good zoning can help promote use and form to the desired intents and needs, and there are different scales achievable in this effort. What we have asked from the beginning is what type of housing forms the public desires and compare that to needs and deficiencies in the existing stock. Then subsequently where do any of those forms then best fit. And any existing locations may be more suited to one form than another. So, while metrics are important to consider, they (and the law) are self-limiting in certain regards so it is the true needs and future vision of the Town, that can truly drive the ship if you will. And we must consider which of our many needs fits best into the law’s language. Housing variety and diversity can be and is extremely healthy for any municipality – and by diversity in this case I mean unit counts, sizes and scales that can address the needs of the many, from young to old, from single-parent to large sized families, down-sizers to up-sizers, and everything in- between; good housing policy can address and look to allow for improvements that fit these needs without taking away from and maybe even adding to what exists. And nobody is turning a blind eye towards the necessities that come with any type of growth. But where are we now? Over the last year we worked hard with the intent to bring zoning to you tonight – but a lot of questions to further explore commercial areas were asked, and we want to be sure we address everything so that you as Town Meeting and acting body can feel that much more confident in any proposal brought forward. We are entering what we will now call Phase 4 – and that is the additional concept analysis. We’re going to put down on paper a short series of potential paths along with their pros and cons. There is a HUGE variety of views on housing policy in Town but please understand that MBTA Communities compliance is only one possible piece in addressing the many needs we have from: general housing need, ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center to affordable unit development, to commercial growth of under-utilized properties or areas. This law is not going to address everything we need to tackle so it is important that the Town stay diligent and work towards all needs post compliance in whatever form that may look like. What we need from you, your peers and your neighbors if you haven’t already is to get involved and to please come looking to understand the needs, deficiencies, and opportunities that this can allow for. We are going to need to narrow our options and find that preferred path so that we can make it to you in November. Plus, the series of underlying needs and steps to take before that and it is going to feel quick moving and even hard hitting to some. But we are here to support and answer any questions. This is truly all the more important here because of the nature of the law’s metrics. Yes, floor amendments can be discussed on any proposal brought to Town Meeting but please be aware that any changes to dimensional controls, density, parking, and other brought forward may knock the zoning out of compliance given the complexity of the model’s calculations and how close we are to the 15 units per acre district requirement. So please attend, watch, and call me any time and we will work together on an answer. Anyways, through this upcoming process we may, with your input, prioritize any number of items listed here. Are we going to diversify the stock in greater ways or continue to promote and separate high dense multi-family allowances /locations still? Are we prioritizing support and access to existing amenities, commercial businesses, and parks or focus on corridor re-development? If we want Affordable Unit development that does have trade-offs to development and even has limitations in the law. Are we looking to allow for multi-family by-right in our limited commercial zones and if so, how can we incentivize and encourage other desired uses? And are we going to lessen what are the most exclusionary aspect of our zoning – because a vast majority of what exists today cannot be built tomorrow – or not? These are questions that play an important role in guiding compliant policy and as representatives of your peers I encourage you to engage in this discussion with an open understanding towards housing and growth. Because in the end we are looking to address needs and deficiencies through zoning and policy, and we want to be sure that any enacted policy will not only comply but be achievable in the built environment. Thank you very much for your involvedness to date (I know many of you have been involved and seen this presentation many times), your time tonight, and for your time to come. I look forward to working with you and achieving fruitful policy together. _____________________ Motion made by the Select Board to table the subject matter of Article 2. The remaining reports were printed in the Report on the Warrant. Motion to Table Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 3: Motion made by the Select Board to table the subject matter of Article 3 Motion to Table Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 4: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to amend the FY 2024- FY2034 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, by making these changes: General Fund FY24: +$295,000 $200,000 RMHS Field House Floor /Bleachers (move project up1 yr. design FY24 then debt) ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center $95,000 Coolidge Alarm Panel FY25: -$ 0 net change $85,000 Bobcat Utility – Snowplow (2013) (increase by $45k and move up 1 yr. to FY25) $45,000 Driver’s Ed Vehicle (2013) (move up 5 yrs., FY29 to FY25) $55,000 Computer Aided Dispatch (increase by $55k) $50,000 Police unmarked vehicle (earmark grant went away) - $240,000 Sander Truck #18 (2006) (move out 1 yr.) $5,000 Cemetery Ford Sedan #4 (2006) (move out 1 yr.) FY26: -$63,000 -$55,000 Coolidge Alarm Panel Design – (remove different direction taken) -$45,000 Bobcat Skid S130 – Snowplow (2008) (move out 3 yrs., FY26 to FY29) -$35,000 Bobcat Utility 3650 – Snowplow (2013) (move up 1 yr. FY26 to FY25) $7,000 School Doors & Windows (increase by $7k) $65,000 Hwy Small Dump Truck #7 (2012) (move up 1 yr.) $240,000 Sander Truck #18 (2006) (from Fy25 to FY26) -$240,000 Sander Truck #19 (2007) (move out 1 yr. to FY27) Enterprise Funds – Water FY24: +$0 FY25: -$300,000 -$300,000 Water Main Repairs – (not needed) FY26: -$400,000 -$400,000 Water Main Repairs – (not needed) Enterprise Funds – Sewer FY24: +$200,000 $200,000 Prefab Longwood Rd. Sewer Station FY25: +$0 FY26: +$0 Enterprise Funds – Storm Water FY24: +$0 FY25: +$0 FY26: +$0 Presentation given by:  Sharon Angstrom – See Attached Background: This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. The Reading General Bylaw (section 6.1.3) states "… No funds may be appropriated for any capital item unless such item is included in the Capital Improvements Program and is scheduled for funding in the Fiscal Year in which the appropriation is to be made." Bond ratings agencies also want to ensure that changes to a long-term Capital Improvements Program (CIP) are adequately described. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center Finance Committee Report – given by Endri Kume: The Finance Committee recommends the proposed amendments to the FY 2024 – FY 2034 Capital Improvements Program by a vote of 8-0 at their meeting on March 13, 2024. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite first step but in itself does not authorize spending funds toward these items. Bylaw Committee Report: No Report After some discussion a vote was taken Motion Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 5: Motion made by Finance Committee that the Town vote to amend the Town’s Operating Budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2023, as adopted under Article 12 of the Annual Town Meeting of April 24, 2023 and amended under Article 4 of the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 13, 2023; and vote to raise and appropriate 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: General Fund – Wages and Expenses Account Line Description Decrease Increase B99 – Benefits Health Insurance +$300,000 Medicare +$75,000 OPEB -$200,000 Indemnification -$30,000 $145,000 E99 – Regional Vocational Education Essex North +$65,000 $65,000 H91 Public Services Wages Attrition Savings $20,000 G92 Admin Services- Expenses Town Manager Search $20,000 G92a Technology Expenses Phone Service Migration $20,000 I91 Finance Wages Retirement Vacation Buybacks $17k Collector Transition $17k $34,000 J91 – Public Safety Wages Health -Sealer Weights & Measures +$6,000 Health - Attrition Savings -$15,000 Fire - Vacation Buyouts $50,000 $41,000 J92 -Public Safety Expenses Health Weights & Measures -$6,000 $6,000 K91 – Public Works Wages Attrition savings $50,000 K-93 Snow & Ice Snow & Ice Expenses $75,000 K-94 Street Lights Street Light Expenses -$25,000 $25,000 M-92 Facilities Town Buildings Vacation Buyback $14,000 $14,000 Subtotals $101,000 $414,000 Net Operating Expenses $313,000 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center From Free Cash $313,000 Enterprise Funds Account Line Description Decrease Increase S99 Sewer EF Longwood Rd Sewer Station $200,000 Subtotals $200,000 Net Operating Expenses $200,000 From Sewer EF Reserves $200,000 Presentation given by:  Sharon Angstrom – See Attached Finance Committee Report – given by Geoffrey Coram: At their meeting on March 13, 2024, 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 6: Motion made by the Select Board to table the subject matter of Article 6 Motion to Table Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 7: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town ratify the vote taken under Article 5 of this Town Meeting to amend the Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget by appropriating Three Hundred Thousand Dollars ($300,000) from the General Fund, and to transfer Eighty Five Thousand Dollars ($85,000) from the Water Enterprise Fund, Twenty Five Thousand Dollars ($25,000) from the Sewer Enterprise Fund, and Ten Thousand and Five Hundred Dollars ($10,500) from the Storm Water Enterprise Fund for the purpose of funding the Other Post-Employment Benefit Liability Trust Funds. Presentation given by:  Sharon Angstrom – See Attached Background: Each year at Annual Town Meeting, we ask to transfer funds budgeted for OPEB from that line to the actual OPEB Trust in this Article. Sometimes due to budget surpluses in health insurance premiums we have increased the budgeted contribution figures; this year we have to ask to lower the budgeted contribution by $200,000 to cover a health insurance premium deficit. Recent contributions to the Trust on behalf of the General Fund have been $700,000 (FY20), $793,400 (FY21), $350,000 (FY22) and $500,000 (FY23). This year, Town Meeting is requested to make the annual transfers of funds previously budgeted and held for the OPEB Trust Fund. This practice is followed each year in case health insurance costs are higher than budgeted, and therefore may be needed to fund a deficit. In FY24, we recommend transferring $300,000 out of the $500,000 budgeted to OPEB in the general fund. Original annual transfers designed to fully fund OPEB liabilities in the Enterprise Funds should continue: $85,000 in the water fund, $25,000 in the sewer fund and $10,500 in the storm water fund. This Article will therefore move the total $420,500 of all these OPEB contributions to the trust for Other Post Employment Benefit liabilities. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center The most recent OPEB valuation shows the Town's OPEB liability at $59.9 million and 13.84% funded as of June 30, 2023. The three Enterprise Funds and the Light Department are on a full funding schedule, and the General Fund is on a partial funding schedule. As noted, the General Fund will transition to a full funding schedule as soon as possible, as is required by law or immediately after the Pension Fund is fully funded. Finance Committee Report – given by John Sullivan: At their meeting on March 13, 2024, 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 8: Motion made by the Select Board to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter of Article 8 Motion to Indefinitely Postpone Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 9: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town reallocate the sum of Ninety-Five Thousand ($95,000) funds from the Parker Roof Project borrowing authorized under Article 14 of the 2021 Annual Town Meeting, for the purpose of installing a new replacement fire alarm panel at Coolidge Middle School, including the costs of installation, consulting services, plans, documents, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Town Manager. Presentation given by:  Sharon Angstrom – See Attached Background: This request is for a full replacement of the entire fire alarm system at the Coolidge Middle School. After discussions with the fire alarm company and electrical engineer, it was decided that a more cost-effective solution would be to replace the panel and some of the devices within the school that are not compatible with the new panel. Due to the invasiveness of replacing the panel and all the field devices, it was decided that an updated panel install and a replacement of some of the devices would be a more prudent approach. Reading Fire Department has been engaged in this entire process and is fully aware of the plan. As soon as school ends, the new panel and necessary devices will be replaced and tested by the contractor, as well as Reading Fire Department. Finance Committee Report – given Mark Zarrow: At their meeting on March 13, 2024, the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No Report Motion Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 10: Motion made by Select Board that the Town vote to take the following actions: ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center a) Transfer the sum of Ninety-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Dollars and Forty-Nine cents ($98,750.49) from the Parker Roof Project borrowing authorized under Article 14 of the 2021 Annual Town Meeting and One Hundred One Thousand Two Hundred Fifty dollars ($101,250) from free cash to design a new floor1 at the Reading Memorial High School Field House, including the cost of consulting services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Town Manager; and b) Appropriate the sum of One Million Seven Hundred Thousand dollars ($1,700,000), for the purposes of making improvements, including full replacement of the floor1 at the Reading Memorial High School Field House, including the costs of installation, construction, consulting services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Town Manager; and, for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said sum in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority, and to issue bonds or notes of the Town therefor. Presentation given by:  Sharon Angstrom – See Attached Background: The RMHS Field House floor was installed in 2005 using sheet goods adhered with glue and a vinyl center court also adhered with glue. The Town has experienced issues with the Field House since installation as it wasn’t appropriately sealed /water proofed. As a result, the glue never cured properly, the floor has buckled and lifted in certain areas, and seams have separated. Furthermore, areas of the floor have needed ongoing repair where cracks are transmitting through the surface. This has resulted in consistent repairs needed to the floor each year. In addition to repairs needed, the thin layer of glue on the surface has raised concerns around injuries for students /community members who use the field house. While there are no injuries necessarily attributable to the floor, we do know that a new floor would provide a safer experience for all, with more give and compliance with updated guidelines around safe floor surfaces. The new surface for the track and center court will meet ASTM 7227 requirements with a minimum thickness of 10mm as opposed to a current 7mm thickness. The project would also include new bleachers. While the bleachers are safe and inspected each year, they are original to the building and are not ADA compliant. They only have 2 motorized sections, and a trolly is needed to get the other bleachers up and running, which is a significant lift for our facilities team. We continue to invest money in maintaining the safety of the current bleachers, representing an ongoing yearly cost. A new bleacher system would be fully aluminum, ADA compliant, and fully motorized. In all, the Field House project would provide an enhanced and accessible athletic experience for our community, prioritize the safety of students and community members, and ensure the durability needed to save costs on maintenance. Finance Committee Report – given by Emily Sisson: At their meeting on March 13, 2024, the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No Report Motion made by Ed Ross, Precinct 5 as follows To add “and associated bleachers including ADA compliant bleachers” at 1 listed above Motion Carried ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center _____________________ After some discussion a vote was taken 2/3rd Vote Required 135 in the affirmative 0 in the negative 156 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion Carried as Amended __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 11: Motion made by Select Board that the Town 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, as follows; Revolving Account Spending Authority Revenue Source Allowed Expenses Expenditure Limits Year End Balance Conservation Commission Consulting Fees Conservation Commission Fees as provided for in Reading General Bylaws Section 5.7, Wetlands Protection Consulting and engineering services for the review of designs and engineering work for the protection of wetlands. $25,000 Available for expenditure next year Inspection Revolving Fund Town Manager Building, Plumbing, Wiring, Gas and other permits for the projects listed in the Article. Legal, oversight and inspection, plan review, initial property appraisals and appeals, Public Services planning and general management, curb, sidewalks and pedestrian safety improvements, records archiving and other project related costs. $250,000 Available for expenditure next year Public Health Clinics and Services Board of Health Clinic fees, charges and third-party reimbursements Materials and costs associated with clinics and public health programs $25,000 Available for expenditure next year Library Fines and Fees Library Director and Trustees Charges for lost or damaged Library materials and fees from printing, faxing or similar Acquire Library materials to replace lost or damaged items, and for the maintenance, upkeep and supplies $15,000 Available for expenditure next year ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center supplementary fee- based services. for supplementary fee-based services Mattera Cabin Operating Facilities Director Rental Fees Utilities and all other maintenance and operating expenses $10,000 Available for expenditure next year Community Gardens at Mattera Cabin Conservation Administrato r Rental and user fees Utilities and all other maintenance and operating expenses, and project supplies and equipment $10,000 Available for expenditure next year Solid Waste Revolving Fund Director of Public Works upon the recommenda tion of the Town Manager Lease of second barrels and overflow bags Offset the cost of curbside trash & recycling collection, disposal of solid waste, replacement toters, and any other costs associated with the administration of the trash and recycling program $250,000 Available for expenditure next year Town Forest Director of Public Works upon the recommenda tion of the Town Forest Committee Sale of timber; fees for use of the Town Forest Planning and Improvements to the Town Forest $10,000 Available for expenditure next year 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 Johnson Woods, Eaton Lakeview (23-25 Lakeview Avenue and 128 Eaton Street), 258 Main Street, 531 Main Street (Chronicle 40R), 18-20 Woburn Street (40R), 6-16 Chute Street (Green Tomato), 25 Haven Street (Rite Aid), 413 Main Street (McDonald’s), 431 Main Street (Chase Bank), and 459 Main Street (128 Tire) developments. Presentation given by:  Sharon Angstrom – See Attached Background:  Conservation Consulting Revolving Fund - These funds are used to receive payments from applicants, hire expert consultants where required, and return the balance to the applicant. The balance in this Fund as of March 2024 is $33,257. ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center  Inspections Revolving Fund – The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $781,916 and of that total $175,250 is proposed by the Town Manager as part of the FY24 budget {$125,250 to support General Admin and Economic Development wages and expenses; and $50,000 to offset Building Inspections division wages}.  Health Clinic Revolving Fund - The Reading Health Division contracts for third party payments for a number of immunizations. The funds are used to augment the influenza vaccine supply from the State Department of Public Health to insure vaccine for the homebound clients and first responders. The Division also uses these funds for materials for other screening clinics. Clinic client fees are also deposited into this fund to offset vaccine and clinical supply costs. The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $16,663. The State has been cutting back on the free flu and other vaccines to be distributed to cities and towns, and the Town therefore needs to purchase extra doses. The necessary amounts used for clinic vaccine, supplies and staff salaries related to the clinics each year directly from the revolving fund is therefore approximately $25,000.  Library Fines and Fees Fund – The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $15,837. The added flexibility in use of this fund approved by Annual Town Meeting two years ago has been helpful.  Mattera Cabin Operating Fund – Some of the use of the Cabin is revenue generating, and this Article allows those revenues to be used directly for the operating expenses of the cabin. The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $0. In response to a previous instructional motion by Town Meeting, the Town Manager moved the responsibility for both the Mattera Cabin and Cemetery garage to the Facilities department.  Community Gardens at Mattera Cabin Operating Fund – This fund was created at Annual Town Meeting in April 2022. This new revolving fund is proposed to provide a mechanism for the Conservation Commission to generate revenue (e.g., fees from the gardeners) and expend it on utilities, other maintenance as well as operating expenses, equipment, and supplies. The Community Garden continues to grow and attract regional support. This year the Community Garden received $73,500 in external grants towards the expansion of the garden into Phase 2. The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $2,188.  Solid Waste Revolving Fund - was created in 2023. The purpose is to offset the cost of curbside trash and recycling collection, disposal of solid waste, replacement toters, and any other costs associated with the administration of the trash and recycling program. The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $0.  Town Forest Revolving Fund - was created in 2011. The purpose is to allow revenues from controlled timber harvesting and permit fees to then be spent by the DPW Director upon the recommendation of the Town Forest Committee on improvements to the Town Forest. The Town Forest Committee has had a forest stewardship plan created (through a grant) to make recommendations on forest management including controlled timber harvesting. The balance available as of March 2024 in this fund is $0. Finance Committee Report – given by Marianne McLaughlin-Downing: At their meeting on March 13, 2024, the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report – given by Jesse Arnold: At their meeting on April 11, 2024, the Finance Committee voted 4-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. After some discussion a vote was taken Motion Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center ARTICLE 12: Motion made by the Select Board to table the subject matter of Article 12 Motion to Table Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 13: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to transfer from free cash Seventy Five Thousand Dollars ($75,000) for the purpose of developing a zoning plan compliant with the requirements of G. L. c.40A, §3A, so called the "MBTA Communities Act", and relevant case law including the hiring of consultants, the preparation of plan documents, and the distribution of relevant information, and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Town Manager. Presentation given by:  Matthew Kraunelis – See Attached Background: Due to the change in nature of the MBTA Communities process, the Town is now facing many more months of engagement, research, and concept building. To aid with this endeavor we request $75,000 in funding for Planning and Consultant Support from Town Meeting. If approved we would be able to pair this with our current grant award to conduct town-wide mailers, develop engagement material, planning design work, and other needed resources. Finance Committee report – given by Joe McDonagh: At their meeting on March 13, 2024, the Finance Committee voted 8-0 to recommend this Article to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No Report _____________________ Motion made by MaryEllen O’Neill, Precinct 6 To increase $75,000 to $150,000 After some discussion a vote was taken Motion to Amend Carried _____________________ Motion made by Phil Dardeno, Precinct 3 to move the entire question 2/3rd Vote Required 78 in the affirmative 68 in the negative 156 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion to Move Question Does Not Carry _____________________ Motion made by Jeffrey Dietz, Precinct 5 to move the question on the Amendment ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 25, 2024 Performing Arts Center 2/3rd Vote Required 135 in the affirmative 10 in the negative 156 Town Meeting Members in Attendance Motion to Move Question Carries _____________________ After some discussion a vote was taken Motion Carried as Amended __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 14: Motion made by the Select Board to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter of Article 14 Motion to Indefinitely Postpone Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 15: Motion made by the Select Board that the Town vote to authorize the Select Board to grant an easement to the Reading Municipal Light Department to install, construct, reconstruct, repair, replace, add to, inspect, maintain, and operate for the transmission of high and low voltage electric current and for the transmission of intelligence, overhead lines and all necessary equipment and appurtenances thereto, and an underground electric distribution system consisting of lines of buried wires and cables and lines of wires and cables installed in underground conduits, together with all equipment and appurtenances thereto for the transmission of intelligence and for the furnishing of electric service, on a portion of 160 Hopkins Street (Assessor’s Parcel 8-0061). Presentation given by:  Ryan Percival – See Attached Background: RMLD has a current license agreement with the Town of Reading. Because the land is used to feed the pump station and many residents on Gazebo Circle, RMLD needs to supply electrical services to the station. RMLD is submitting a formal Easement request for the Town’s consideration and signature. Finance Committee Report: No Report Bylaw Committee Report: No Report Motion Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ ARTICLE 16: Motion made by the Select Board to table the subject matter of Article 16 Motion to Table Carried __________________________________________________________________________________ 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, April 29, 2024. 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