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Home My WebLink About2008-12-16 Board of Selectmen PacketPage 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 3:32 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Atlantic Parking Lot From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 3:19 PM To: 'Lois Bell' Cc: Jim Cormier; Lee, Michael; Peter Hechenbleikner; Ted McIntire; Zambouras, George Subject: RE: Atlantic Parking Lot Dear Lois: Thank you for sending an email to the Board of Selectmen. The Board has adopted a policy of not sending substantive responses to emails in order to try to stay in compliance with the Commonwealth's open meeting law which prohibits policy discussions by the Board outside of an open public meeting. Please understand that the Board values your input on issues and your correspondence will be included in the materials circulated to the Board prior to its next meeting and it is available as part of the public record. The Board members will have a chance to comment during an upcoming public meeting. If you want to have a personal discussion of the issue with a member of the Board, we hold "office" hours in Reading Town Hall before the first regularly scheduled meeting of each month at 6:30 PM in the first floor conference room. Steve Goldy will be there tomorrow night - 12-9-08. Thank you again for contacting the Board of Selectmen. James Bonazoli Secretary Reading Board of Selectmen 1/c Board of Selectmen From: Lois Bell [mailto:loisbell@verizon.net] Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 3:07 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Atlantic Parking Lot Would it be possible for the commuters who have invaded residential neighborhoods to park in the town-owned Atlantic parking lot while development discussions are still taking place? Also, I'm sure you still notice the many empty spaces that are leased. Thanks for listening. Lois Bell 12/8/2008 Page 1 of 2 L/c, C, Schena, Paula From: Reading - Selectmen Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 3:30 PM To: 'Joyce Taormina' Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Parking on Gould St Dear Joyce: Thank you for sending an email to the Board of Selectmen. The Board has adopted a policy of not sending substantive responses to emails in order to try to stay in compliance with the Commonwealth's open meeting law which prohibits policy discussions by the Board outside of an open public meeting. Please understand that the Board values your input on issues and your correspondence will be included in the materials circulated to the Board prior to its next meeting and it is available as part of the public record. The Board members will have a chance to comment during an upcoming public meeting. If you want to have a personal discussion of the issue with a member of the Board, we hold "office" hours in Reading Town Hall before the first regularly scheduled meeting of each month at 6:30 PM in the first floor conference room. Additionally, the Town Manager has passed this correspondence on to the Parking, Traffic, and Transportation Task force for their review. Thank you again for contacting the Board of Selectmen. James Bonazoli Secretary Reading Board of Selectmen 1/c Board of Selectmen From: Joyce Taormina [mailto:j_taormina@hotmail.com] Sent:. Sunday, December 07, 2008 9:26 PM To: Reading - Selectmen; Zambouras, George; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Parking on Gould St ALL At the Selectman meeting we attended to discuss the parking on Gould St., it was decided to keep the parking at designed and address it again at a later time. I would like to do that now since the lines have been painted for the parking spots although no signs have been posted. This weekend a Reading Police office parked across the street from my driveway to look at a phone line that had be knocked down. While he was out of his car traffic coming up Gould St stopped as they seem to think the car was stopped in street. They drove around his car when he waved them on. A car parked in one of the spots in front of 8 Gould street looks like it's in the middle of the road. I asked the officer if he. thought a snow plow or emergency vehicles could drive up the street with cars parked there. He said no and that I should contact the Town Engineers. 12/8/2008 10 , Page 2 of 2 Not only is the width of the street narrow for driving but the issue of getting out of my driveway without backing into one of the parked cars is a real concern. I invite you to park your cars there and then try and back out of my driveway so you can see how little room there is. Currently there aren't any piles of snow or icy spots. That will make matters worse. Who is going to pay for the damage to the parked cars if we cannot safely back out of the driveway? Who will help pay for our car insurance if we hit a car because we can't safely back out? Would any of you want to live on a street like this? Do you believe all the cars that park on this street will be close enough to the curbs to allow safe driving in such a narrow roadway. Do the residents here need to live like this for sake of "beautification"? What good are the curbs on this side of the street if all they do is make the street more narrow? The street wasn't very wide before the sidewalks. How could be wide enough now when sidewalks and curbs are added? What happens when there are piles of snow out there? You have all been very attentive to the needs and concerns of the resident as we have gone through this project. I am asking you to please help do something about the parking issue that is good for town residents that do not live on this street but very upsetting to those of us that do. Thank you, Joyce Taormina Suspicious message? There's an alert for that. Get vour Hotmail®R account now. 12/8/2008 q Z Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Ellen Emmons [emmonsfour@msn.com] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 9:11 AM cc~J To: James Steenbruggen; Cormier, Jim Cc: Peter Garchinsky; Stamatis, Dave; Robbins, Richard; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Re: traffic issues Hi Jimmy, Thanks for getting back to us and moving this issue along. I haven't been home much this week, but I did see an officer on Monday speaking to a. parent in the morning about parking in the "no Parking" area. When Edgemont and Stewart Road were first made "Do Not Enter", the neighbors strongly did not want it to become a one-way 24/7. If the road is made one-way, it is more of an inconvenience for the neighbors to go down to Arcadia and make the left hand turn into the neighborhood. I would think that this is still the feeling for the majority of the neighborhood. I told Dave, but I also wanted to tell you, that last Saturday, Barrows had their annual craft fair. There wasn't one illegally parked car! They used the back parking area. I think educating people who use the school after hours about parking in the lot and police reinforcement of the rules will make a big difference. I also agree with Jim Steenbruggen that we should look at changing the curb cut on the street and the area in which the buses pick up the students after school. Thanks again. Merry Christmas! Ellen Original Message From: Cormier. Jim To: Ellen Emmons ; James Steenbruaaen Cc: Peter Garchinskv ; Stamatis.. Dave ; Robbins. Richard ; Hechenbleikner. Peter Sent: Tuesday, December 09; 2008 5:01 PM Subject: traffic issues Hi Ellen and Jim, I wanted to get back to you and update you on what we've been doing regarding the traffic issues around the school (we haven't forgotten about you). As I mentioned previously I brought the problem to the PTTTF, a staff group consisting of the DPW Director, Town Engineer, Safety Officer, Town Manager and myself. We discussed the entire issue, and reviewed the potential options. First, if the neighborhood feels it would help, we are not opposed to making the one-way permanent. As we had spoken about, this part time one-way adds some confusion in enforcing the regulations. So, I would like to hear back from you on this and if you could get a consensus from the neighbors, we would propose the permanent change to the Board of Selectmen. We'll wait to hear from you on that. We spoke about the enforcement issues, and have begun taking a slightly different tack than we had originally. Mike Lee and Rich Abate, are meeting with the school staff and seeking some help from them on trying to regulate the some of the movements with the parents. 12/11/2008 Page 2 of 2 But aside from that, Dave Stamatis has instituted a school check as part of the patrol officers' regular patrols The officers will rotate through the schools in their patrol sector, making appearances at opening and dismissal times and being visible around the school. This doesn't necessarily mean heavy handed enforcement, but a presence and enforcement where necessary. This will be done at all elementary and middle schools. There will be occasions when the officers will get calls for service and not able to attend to the schools, and they will be rotating through the schools in their patrol area, but in general an officer should be visible at least once a week at each school. We think a regular presence might have the desired affect. The officers on nights will check the schools during off school time events also. Ellen, I know Dave spoke with you over the weekend about the interaction with the officer on that Saturday night. I am sure Dave has cleared up any confusion on the officers part. I would still encourage you to call with specific complaints and we'll address them as consistently as possible. I hope this helps with some of the concerns you have had. Jim, 1 did bring up what we spoke about regarding cutting the sidewalk in and opening the street up and that is an option, but it probably won't be able to happen quickly or soon. Have a good holiday season, let me know what you think about the one-way becoming permanent. Jimmy Chief James W. Cormier Reading Police Department 15 Union St. Reading, MA 01867 781-944-1212 781-944-2893 Fax JCormier(@ci. read ina. ma. us NA-233 When writing or responding, please remember that the secretary of State's Office has determined that email is a public record. This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and delete the copy you received. /a3 12/11/2008 OF R~gbr~ Town of Readin a g `moo two 16 Lowell Street 39:rxco Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.mams Website: www.readingma.gov TO: Richard Foley 68 Tennyson Road Reading, MA 01867 FROM. F etei 1. rieclienblefxner DATE: March 31, 2008 MEMORANDUM RE: Reappointment to Contributory Retirement Board TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 C= M rn ~ nz o Cn :r, cn Our records indicate that your term of office on the above Board, Committee or Commission will expire on December 31, 2008. The Board of Selectmen's policy provides that: 1. All incumbents for tenns that are expiring will be sent this questionnaire regarding their desire for reappointment. This fonn must be returned to the Town Cleric's Office by December 10, 2008. 2. All positions which are vacant or with terms expiring will be posted, including those where the incumbent desires reappointment. 3. Incumbents will not be required to fill out new citizen volunteer, forms. The Board requests that all incumbents be available for an interview, or if you are not available, that you submit a written statement outlining your experience and your interest in being re-appointed. Please indicate below whether or not you desire reappointment to this position, and return this signed form to the Town Clerk's Office by December 10, 2008. If we do not hear from you by this date, we will assume that you do not wish to be re-appointed. X- I wish to be considered for reappointment. I/d~o not wish to be considered for reappointment. U/~ 61, 4-11 Signatur11 /12/OB Date L cc: Committee Chainnan V V 0 f'Rp9 p~ Town of Reading C4 a ' 16 Lowell Street j639.1s o- 1 Reading, MA 01867 CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT BOARD Ph: (781) 942-9007 Fx: (781) 942-9037 November 25, 2008 Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Dear Members of the Board of Selectmen, The Reading Retirement Board would like to support the re-appointment of Richard Foley to the Board. Richard has twenty-four years of direct experience in the administration of Massachusetts Contributory Retirement Systems, stemming from his positions of Town Accountant in Reading and City Auditor in Salem. He currently serves as a member of the Administration and Audit Committee of the Pension Reserves Investment Management (PRIM) Board, an appointment which he has held for many years. Richard's knowledge of the Retirement System is of great assistance to the Board. The Retirement Board is very anxious to continue to have his insight and expertise readily available. Thank you for your consideration of Richard's candidacy for the upcoming vacancy. Sincerely yours, ~ t ~40Joseph Veno, chr,. Qaniel Seferian, vice chr. Frank Driscoll Gail LaPointe ~ a2 APPOINTMENTS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE DECEMBER 11, 2008 Telecommunications and TechnoloQv Advisorv Committee Term: 3 years 2 Vacancies Aimointin,a Authority: Board of Selectmen Orig. Term Present Member(s) and Term(s) Date EX R. Douglas Cowell 958 Main Street (99) 2011 Bill Cowie 110 Van Norden Rd. (05) 2009 Benjamin T. Ream 972 Main Street (04) 2010 Vacancy ( ) 2010 Vacancy ( ) 2011 Candidates: Scott M. Busnach *1lzdicates incumbents seeking reappointment 3~ Reading Telecommunications and Technologv Advisorv Committee Term Three years Appointing Authority Board of Selectmen Number of Members Five Members Meetings No less than four meetings per year Authority Board of Selectmen - Adopted as Cable TV Advisory Committee on 12/13/94; amended as Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee on June 11, 2002 Purnose To advise the Board of Selectmen on matters of policy related but not limited to the installation, financing, siting, management, and monitoring of Cable Television, Internet Access, Wireless Internet Access, Cellular and/or Digital telephone service, and any other emergent technology designed for the same or similar purposes for use within the Town of Reading. Advise the Board of Selectmen on all matters related to 'the existing Cable TV license, and any subsequent renewals of the license: ♦ hold an annual compliance hearing and monitor the on-going compliance of the current Cable TV licensee with the requirements of the Cable TV contract within the limits of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 166A and the License; ♦ work in conjunction with the company and the local access corporation in governing the use of the public access channel in the Town of Reading; and ♦ ensure the coordination of . activities of other public organizations and private, organizations concerning the use and development of cable programming; ♦ have the responsibility to monitor all aspects of the cable television system in the Town of Reading within the limits of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 166A and the license. d~ 3 APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO BOARDS/COMMITTEES/COMZ\MSIONS, Name: 1 1)Y'4(j Date: (Last) (First) (Middle) r Address: 7 9 1 N' c(R c c[.7 /V A"Ju Occupation: r Tel. (Home) 7s I. q `I g q y2 Tel. (Work) (p ~ Z.T S"7 IJ't.1 (Is this number listed?) # of years in Reading: Are you a registered voter in Reading? e-mail address: MW 3~ v )v I c3 Place a number next to your preferred position(s) (up to four choices) with #1 being your first priority. (Attach a resume if available.) Animal Control Appeals Committee 01, conomic Development Committee ^ Aquatics Advisory Board Finance Committee Audit Committee -Historical Commission - -Board of Appeals Housing Authority Board of Cemetery Trustees Human Relations Advisory Committee - Board of Health -Land Bank Committee - Board of Registrars MBTA Advisory Committee Bylaw Committee Metropolitan Area Planning Council Celebration Committee -Mystic Valley Elder Services - Cities for Climate Protection Recreation Committee - Commissioner of Trust Funds RMLD Citizens Advisory Board - Community Planning & Development Comm. Telecommunications and Technology Conservation Commission Advisory Committee Constable ' -Town Forest Committee - -Contributory Retirement Board -Trails Committee -Council on Aging -West Street Historic District Commission -Cultural Council -Other Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves Pleas outline relevant experience for the position(s) sought: JL 0 &I rA- Tt7 Vot.,/,,Jfr-u2 /it I. C_,i,, r 4.5 w A~n Hechenblefter, Peter From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:45 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: Roberts, Carol Subject: FW: Board of Assessors From: Jackson, Deborah Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:32 AM To: LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: Board of Assessors Page 1 of 1 ~5 l 6% I talked to Frank Golden, he is content with the new pay & class structure with regard to the Appraiser and Assistant Appraiser. If you need more he will send you an email. Deb From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 10:07 AM To: Jackson, Deborah Cc: Roberts, Carol Subject: Board of Assessors Hi Deb - please have the Board of Assessors review the proposed Pay & Class structure, and send in any comments before next Tuesday's continued hearing. The comments may come. from the BoA Chair only, in case they are not posted to meet before next Tuesday. Please see Carol if you do not have copies of the handouts. Thanks, Bob Bob LeLacheur Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6636 (F) 781-942-9037 (E) finance@ci.mading. ma. its 12/10/2008 460' Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Fax: (781) 942-9037 Website: www.readinema.eov DATE: December 11, 2008 TO, Peter Hechenbleikner FROM: Carol Roberts RE: Classification and Compensation Study Finance Department Human Resources Division (781) 942-9033 As you requested I have written a synopsis of the Classification and Compensation Study and have also listed the dates of the meetings.. • In April 2008 the Town hired Stone Consulting to perform a Classification and Compensation Study on Town and School non-union positions. • In May the consultant presented the Board of Selectmen with the project objectives and then • later that month had meetings with the Town Department Heads and employees to explain the process. • In June the consultant met with two Focus Groups to get feedback from the employees on working for the Town and the compensation system. • In early July the consultant presented the Superintendent of Schools the results of the study for the non-union positions that the School Department had requested be part of the study. • During July and August the Town Department Heads and employees worked on the questionnaires so the consultant would be able to classify the non-union positions appropriately. Also during this time the consultant was working on the market survey. • In September and October the consultant had meetings with the Project Team (Town Manager, Finance Director/ATM, and HR Administrator), Department Heads and employees to update them on the progress. • There was also a presentation to the Board of Selectmen that gave an overview of the results to date. • During November members of the Project Team met with each Department Head to review the results for his/her department. There were from one to three meetings with each Department Head. • In early December the Project Team met with the Department Heads as a group and with the employees to discuss the final results. • On December 9, 2008 the consultant presented the results of the study to the Board of Selectmen. Below is a list of the dates of the various meetings. 4 LIST OF MEETINGS May 9, 2008 Project Team (Town Manager, Finance Director/ATM, and HR Administrator) meets with the consultant from Stone Consulting May 13, 2008 Consultant presents Project Objectives to the BOS May 20, 2008 Consultant meets with Department Heads June 5, 2008 Consultant meets with the Employees June 6, 2008 Consultant meets with the Project Team June 10, 2008 Focus Groups (consultant and employees) July and August Department Heads and Employees work on questionnaires Consultant does market survey Sept 11, 2008 Project Team updates Department Heads on progress Oct. 1, 2008 Consultant meets with Project Team Oct 2, 2008 Consultant meets with Department Heads Oct 3, 2008 Consultant meets with Employees Oct. 7, 2008 Consultant presents Results Overview to BOS Oct. 9, 2008 Consultant meets with Project Team Nov. 4 - 26, 2008 Members of the Project Team meet with individual Department Heads (1 - 3 meetings with each Department Head) Dec 2, 2008 Project Team meets with Department Heads Dec. 8, 2008 Project Team meets with Employees Dec. 9, 2008 Consultant presents results to BOS a3 LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF READING T'o the Inhabitants of.the Town of Reading: Olease' take notice that the Boaxd of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold. a-public . hearing on Tuesday, December 16;2008 at 8 'p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, .16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts on Liquor Policy Amendments. kcopy of the documents are avaiaable, in the Town Man'ager's Office, 16 'Lowell Street, Reading, MA fr6m.*.8:30.. . a.m. - 5:00. p.m., M:F and .are. attached to the hearing notice on the website at www:reading . I nma.gov , Ail. interested. parties may, ! appear in person, may submit Aheir,corimments in writing,, or by ernall to townmanaaer.@ci.read' itia.rna.us. By order of Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager 12/10 Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Stephen A. Goldy [sgoldy@sgoldy.com], . Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 1:47 PM To: 'Priscilla Gottwald'; Steve Goldy forwarding account Cc: krossetti@bartonrossetti.com; wfcesq@verizon.net; 'Michael Giacalone'; 'Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce'; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: [Bulk] Request for postponement of proposed liquor license changes Priscilla, Thank you for the letter. Your request to postpone is reasonable. Technically we advertised the public hearing so we will have to open the hearing Tuesday and then continue it. We will continue the hearing until January 6th at 8:45 p.m., time is tentative. We will confirm the time this Tuesday. Please call me if you have any questions. Thanks, Steve s"&aa.q 42 Berkeley Street, Reading 781-775-5805 (mobile) 781-779-1773 (home) steveaoldv.com From: Priscilla Gottwald [mailto:pgottwald@RMLD.com] Sent: Thursday, December 11, 2008 11:10 AM To: sgoldy@ci.reading. ma. us Cc: krossetti@bartonrossetti.com; wfcesq@verizon.net; Michael Giacalone; Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Subject: [Bulk] Request for postponement of proposed liquor license changes Hi Steve, Attached is a letter requesting your consideration to postpone the proposed liquor license amendments item scheduled for December 16 to some time after the holidays. Please let me know if this is possible. Community Relations Manager Reading Municipal Light Department 230 Ash Street Reading, MA 01867 781-942-6419 President - Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Communications Officer - Rotary Club of North Reading 12/11/2008 WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT OVERVIEW Charge of the Committee At the request of the Board of Selectmen, the ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee was formed to develop a Master Plan for Washington Park. This process was to include: soliciting input from the neighborhood and other stake holders of the park; documenting current uses of the park; conducting a public hearing on the draft and final version of the Master Plan. Committee Make up The Washington Park Planning Committee consisted of 8 residents who represented the various interests of the park. Below is a list of residents and the group they represented: • Jim Collins - Police • Dawn Cunningham - Friends of Reading Recreation • John Feudo - Staff liaison • Rebecca Higgins - Neighbor • Lynda Jean Michel - Neighbor • Mark Nelson - Baseball • Karen Stroman - Neighbor • Nancy-Linn Swain, Chair, Recreation Committee • Ben Tafoya - Selectmen Initial Analysis The following activities have occurred as part of the analysis: 1. Walk through - The Committee walked through the park identifying current status of the facilities, areas of concern and had a basic discussion on who uses the park. This walk through occurred in May and included Everett Blodgett, a member of the Reading Antiquarian Society: 2. Historical Information - Committee member Karen Stroman researched the history of the park. Additional historical information was gathered from Ben Nichols, Bill Brown and Everett Blodgett. 3. RCASA - Erica McNamara, Director of Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse presented information from an environmental scan she did in conjunction with Rich Abate, School Resource Officer for Reading Police. 4. Baseball - In addition to Babe Ruth Baseball active participation on the committee, Pete Moscariello came to a meeting to discuss the needs of the high school baseball program. v WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT 5. Survey - An online survey was created and put out for public input. The survey was open to the public but specifically targeted two user groups: Reading Babe Ruth Baseball and the surrounding neighborhoods. 6. Neighborhood Meeting - A neighborhood meeting was held in September 2008 to share survey results, present committee findings to date, share a conceptual plan for the park, get feedback from the community, and to answer questions. There were 14+ attendees from the neighborhoods. History of Washington Park 1. Past • Originally land was rented from Delia Sweetser for $342 annually • 1923 - Land was purchased $7,500 Early 1930's - improvements were made to all Reading parks. This included: - 1935 - 792 plants from 28 different varieties were planted and stone walls erected - 1936 - the baseball diamond was moved from the Parker Tavern corner to current location, this was done to create a greater space for other sports. - Lights and bleachers for 1,000+ were added for football • Semi-professional baseball was played at park into the 1960's • Activities were held at the park during the summers, this included: baseball, tennis, golf, archery, boxing, croquet, horseshoe pitching etc • 1939 - wading pool was built • 1950's outdoor movies on Friday and Saturday nights; children's theatre show, doll carriage parade and season carnival event were all held at the park. • 1985 - wading pool was removed due to public health issues 2. More Recent • Primary concerns - misuse of park space for drug and alcohol use; rundown playground equipment and unsafe courts; drainage issues in the playground and field; and parking issues. anti. WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Police issues identified - Reports of drug dealing, public disturbance, underage drinking - Stone wall obstructs sight line from street - No lighting at entrance or interior of park - Lack of reflective signage at all entrances - Dealing occurring within 100 feet of park, 1000 feet of school zone - Use of park after hours to hangout -3- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT WASHINGTON PARK SURVEY Process An online survey was conducted July 18" - August 13t'. The community was notified of this survey via postings in the local papers, notification on the town, school, and recreation web sites. Additionally, letters were sent out to park abutters and a-mails were sent via the baseball groups that use the park and a Washington Park neighborhood watch group. There were 192 respondents to the survey. A summary of their responses follows. The question for each data set is in italics and underlined, above the data. Data Results Please identify vour aae aroua 120 100 80 67 p Non neighborhood # 60 p neighbaiiood 40-- 22 20 w ri 1 LOW. 1 0 - 3-5 yrs 6-10 11-14 15-20 2121 3049 50+ Age Categories -4- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT How do you access the Washington Park? .80 70 6D 50 o Frequently ( m Sometimes 40 p Never 30 . x 20 i ; 10 0 Bike Drive Walk Access Method If you drive where do you Dark? Other Riveside 8% 11% ..eetse 100/0 Warren 18% Washington 53% -5- w WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT On averaae how manv times oer week do you use Washinaton Park? Overall response 180 160 I his X15 r 8 10 C 1$ I 140 w I. 10 ( 4 l_' 120 g s 75 70 33 ®10+ k 100 ( pp I I I ❑ 6-10 80 I t .7 ® 2-5 ` I 1 1 ❑ 01 6o , 1 I 71 j 40 I : I 20 ( 1 ~ I 4 II O winter Spring Simms Fall Season Neighborhood response 60 40- # 30-' Spring Summer Fall Season -6- l 9 it M 0-1 Gr. ❑ 6-10 10+ i t winter WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT How do you currently use Washinaton Park? if you don't use Washington Park, can you tell us why not? Atmosphere/Safety - "I don't like that it seems unsafe at times with kids hanging out, on the wall smoking, yelling at people, etc" - "Teen Hooligans" - "The park does seem creepy. It gets written up in the Reading Advocate for bad activities. I walked by there once with my child and I didn't feel safe." - "There are no sidewalks providing easy access for me to get there with kids/strollers. It is not easily visible from the road either so it is not apparent that it is there." - "Kids hanging out intimidates me" - "Looks old" - "Tennis courts in poor condition, not good visibility" - "Heard that the area is seedy and can be dangerous at night. A lot of police blotter incidents." - "Alcohol bottles around basketball court, Rough crowd hangout place in the late evening." - "tennis courts in bad condition" - "It is a little slummy" Parking - "I don't know where to park, or what is available there" - "parking is troublesome" • Playground 1 -7- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN . COMMITTEE REPORT - "The playground is small and not very interesting" - "climber not shaded" - "Since other playgrounds in town have been refurbished I take my children to those instead" What leisure and recreation activities would you like to be able to do in the park? • Path - around park for walking, bike riding, running, fitness training loop • Playground - Multi age playground, shade, gazebo area for parents, sprinkler/water area; • General appearance - picnic tables, more child friendly space, seating, dog park, water fountain, more visibly appealing & child friendly • Athletics - Tennis, ,basketball, volleyball, baseball • Passive Activities - concerts, movies, benches for sitting & relaxing • Parking - angled parking -8- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT SUMMARY Current Conditions and Committee Recommendations Area of Park Current Conditions Baseball Field Safety Concerns 1. Balls leave park and go into surrounding yards and walkways 2. Bullpens are located behind away team and behind spectator bleachers 3. Players have no protection from stray balls 4. Water fountain is too close to the field. Field Status 1. Infield has recurring flooding issues when it rains 2. Field is in generally poor condition 3. Field in general is extremely large and the outfield areas could be utilized for other activities. 4. Storage space is very limited, thus equipment gets chained to the backstop 5. When games are being played there is limited ability to utilize the open areas of the field for other activities. Recommendations 1. Move home plate in about 10 feet and angle it slightly towards left field. Goal would be to get the balls away from the 1St baseline neighbors' yards 2. Rebuild the infield to improve drainage, functionality and safety 3. Rebuild backstop when adjusting home plate, and in doing so, increase, protection of players on the benches 4. Build a 10 x 10 storage shed out in far left field where tennis courts are currently located 5. Create two bullpen areas near shed in the current tennis court space 6. Add a walking path around the perimeter of the field with a pervious material. This can be used for children to ride their bikes, people for general walking. Recommend that the path be marked off for distance for those who want to measure their walks. 7. Remove the double fencing between the field and the courts/playground areas. 8. Add passive activity area for horseshoes, bocce in space between field and courts/playground 9. Put up a mesh netting along the property line along the first base side to stop balls from going into the yards along that property line. 9 asketball -tennis & B Courts roundiMultl- plu pose court ~I wq S-feR PLO pp►~[~ ~Y~A '~hatthere Is. 1 wr ulti- S~l'N~„~N ~v ",~,f„ R ~R configure the cke all sped and 1 W A 6 MIT _ 1. Re court, A bas is be put in tennis G thus purpose court` wou nt cracks m them, Courts & basketball co ed by the closest currently occuP court being- n'hus to play on th built 3p+ 2• The tennis -courts have si9 finally the Sp ace the tennis ch►nent shared. It angers since ori9 nd with e alto be d making u dated play9C°u please see wkll b etbatl have not been P . in disrepair and to the h°use d the two and bask years ag uipment and fours dropping leavaces ~ Fencing arO es fOr the tennis 2 Court eq the coed the sad provlde ben asketbalt 3 t b • Trees hang them thus damahe safely arts the curren d confUcts co gt~cks opts it divIcult to use mal(In9 is not current an nt anceleXl 1. Signage °n csu abo` t onea 4. with other signs ,s court has o n loose 2 5. Tenn the mulch are to containing Street entrance Safetl Wood boards shington does not close 2 No gate hildren, gate to t1etd contain in area groperW no shade available dyed to other playgroup ment. 3 tittle General t °f equ~ amity . is large o, the small am°upted in qu c 1 Area especially 9►venent -150 ld and iOlim corner of 2 Current equlpm ted in uality• building Cases the electrical and old green storage currently hou 3• round. This 1ay9 svsten`' occurs on por the s rinkte, limited park►ng ce corning oft 1. Sweetser S Ttreethere ` is wide entrap utilized by IS a , iS is SweetseC Street thi hsich entrance ices the end °f Signage at w e to see. both ppW at times h 11 for anyon i9 k~n9 occurs on located loo on hStreet ` par en theCe is a sides re'a~ for other cars to 2 Washi 01 Whashingt°s nto ,P sides leave the Playgrsundent 13 multi- the ce Move See attachm contain ten space. ace would sma11 The inside Sp There will be a ose court. cod with a tow pert Neen the Auld be ten in 3 plaY9round w layg,OU fence- d expand the town $ anda,ds 4. ?,e place me t to meet ,n eatrig p dd ben the plaYgr°und the 5 ctables the e careaoins d►multi-purpos 6 Add Picnic playg,o all, no change move the stone `N 1 Sweetse ton Street ~ rece to the park Washinghe e main and entrap a side`Nalk in the 2. th leaving ono1 parking ht iron fence to at1 removed. Create and Put up a wo he stone `nr ark and replace the Pod1enpie to see in~afete slues will allow p ° and This the arkm an also address _1r)- p arKu Ili, ARK MASTER PLAN ,SVJINGT ®N P REP®~T tan some of COMMITTI~E parking p complish the above p side of the stone MonumentslDedications & Amenities lace for people to get down the street and no p eQ le walk. There are no side walks to allow here are access the park. Additionally to safely concerns because of poor public safety ark due to the stone balrl- si avers intsome parking occurs during ear to 3 Riverside games on Rivthe ►neighborhood accessMaple interfere wparking occurs on Warren & 4. Warren baligameS at times the street is difficult during where cars are pa to negotiate given people driving Warren also has an ass to with' to a game. down the street quickly g Which 5. Warren/Riverside occurs vi aunding neigW hbor' ib e are fenced off from the s property. This entrance is not ADA access walkways and the multiple step due to muddy entrance flagpole is in f Vietnam Veterans Memorial disrepair on rock is to, close to the 2 gall field dedicati Pool playing field out 3. Water Fountain is left over over comes from the gushing wading 2p+ years ag in a o W wasteful way. location of water fountain is not ideal due to proximity to field. 4. Mudvil4e & Washington entrance dediceadtfOns to vandaliz Doucettclin gets options available for trash. 5. No recy 9 To ac on the park the current space wall will need to be utilized f e le to relax Washington creatioAdd p e hes in the p ton entrance area and enjoy the park move the entrance over 3. RiversidelWarren some to ma ADA accessible. ke the entrance pave the Riverside & Warren access p into the park, Request that' strBt ons on Selectmen pursue parking Warren Ave. move the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to ~ behind the baseball backstop. This is a more additionally visible and prominent location, flag during baseball is interested in raising the the 3ra baseline games. 2• Move the water founaai pcr0lose to the to behRivers`►de entrance. in in the central Warre i 3 Add an additional water founta round ded•cationiro k to space near area bee epacino n the 4. Move th the Warren/Riverside entrance. 5• Leave Mudviile & Doucette dedications in current location- efforts in the parks. 6. Support recycling ~'jIt4 'T0t4 pR [ZEPOR'f alts ASC~~~TE _---1 Repa►r stonew 2 ePairtrepl r Of the p ace fencing arkisis in need R J iow stone ete -f' a c►ng along e the nt, A Perimdditionally & there Riverside abutters aired 1 -Fen . repairlreplacem along•the Warren need to be rep Border runs watt which Estortewails. wall which areas of this hases are fencing There are These P as it is failirt a art in ton Parkwere identified. to renovating W ash g SUggeSf OnS ossible phases Imptem~ntation , s discussions 3 P From the Committee Street on W ashingt°,ayground 1. Park~n9 & sidewalk caws and P Sand amenities phases' telrebuitd th the ball field, entrance suggested Z Reloca 3 Renovations to allow for further breakdown of the analysis may We appreciate An engineering ton Park• the acceptance rocess #Or WashingStaff on master planning with town boards and COncIUS10n serve the community and these look forward to working orient of a stable ortunity to s task to us potential as a resource this its full P ed the app n of Reading and a critical comp er of children an We have enjoyed the Sps tin entrusting adults order to re numb plan- #or the Tow the parkin ease the con#id mentation Of the ohant resource of the #a6iltbe.5 ino# the park to incr and !MPlem is an 'MP , amenities Special thanks to ton Park si ilicant Ce mioove the use the park. that Washing • time fora plan is to ~P conceptual schemat►c We believe Wever, it +s al of the to GQ1~e ods and grOUps that and hborhOOd KO The over-all 90 #or generation J s borhO~ far the current or community • its viability the neigh or the ark and to insure en artt amncoC gGrauP in Quincy who use the P Plan has sparked excien ai p Development of-thhe bor master and engirieer at Environm Paul Millet, a ne drawings. _12- y, WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Entrances Washington Street stonewall -13- Washington Street entrance Washington Street entrance Way. ~~3 WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Warren Avenue easement -14- Washington Street wall from the park side Riverside Avenue easement WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Playground Playground view, from the field entrance located. near the storage shed °-_x~c y ~~f V3= r 777 ~ r y ~ t'Y , yam' Playground from. Washington Street entrance' - 15 - WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Storage shed located in corner of playground near. tennis courts'' Memorials/Monuments Mudville Plaque & Doucette memorials located in Washington Street entrance Pacino Memorial' Fieid marker located: near third baseline of ball field -16- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Vietnam 'Memorial located at base of the flagpole Flagpole on 1 st base line against Warren Avenue residences WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Baseball field 3rd baseline, 'bleachers, home team bench p ii S ff ~ { 'Ali t ' "'oo`~iiSAA .1a~ 1" baseline ball field -18- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Water fountain. located on the '3rd. base side of the ball field f T, rl~ x , r Dead space located between tennis courts and abutting neighbors' yards Fence dividingball, field from playground and basketball court -19- a~Q WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Tennis Courts Cracks running thru the tennis courts -20- D+ 1 ~J WASHINGTON Pq RK WASTER PLAN Basketball court COMMITTEE REPORT ~ ff asketb al cou,itFi rn Ci' Jor nIt a cracks runhing ~Owh the middle of it. -21- WASHINGTON PARK MASTER PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT Above- Unused space between basketball court and ball field Below. - view of basketball court from Washington Park entrance way V M' t r 111"Y 61 -22- I O•~~ BASKETBALL ACCESS STONE ENTRANCE PATH COURT G WASHINGTON S-MEET N Q~ ~ GREEN UIiU = WALL BUILDING PLAY AREA t BENCHES` 0 MEMORIAL ` GATE TREE (TYPJ yy// O SHRUB (TYP.) _ EXISTING FENCES WATER FOUNTAIN & CATCH BASIN O MEMORIAL n > W W ACCESS PATH ~G 0 n, U e ~ m ' = a~ W gWEETSER AVENGE PROPERTY LINE. LOT = 231,018 S.F. (5.3 ACRES) V`r~~~/44\\ s$ sa 4;3 ~°gd gj3j N Z ¢ O a a Ea 10 o ¢ U O 2 U' Z m r 3 3 8 s~ RIVERSIDE DRIVE ~7 N SSE ho D yZ TOWN OF READING Ioex ~7I WASHINGTON PARK to anv°b~ ~a CONCEPTUAL DESIGN Icmnmh r ~ ~$5 m m G Z m 1 1 I jg:~ ~ A~ r~ A~ 00 s~ a s~ a IRA y z m L 133a1S 'ONIW Environmental S Partners ccaun I ~ . Board of Selectmen Meeting November 25, 2008 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:02 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Stephen Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary James Bonazoli, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, Youth Representative Sarah Mulroy, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gwendolyn Noyes, Tina Ohlson. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that Good Hearts was named Mass. Retailer of the Year. He thanked the Town Manager and staff for concluding Town Meeting in one evening. He discussed the upcoming Town Manager's Evaluation, and decided that he and Selectman Camille Anthony would pick items to be the basis for the Town Manager's review, and send it out to the Selectmen next week. They will also include the Summary from last year. Selectman James Bonazoli congratulated the RMHS Drama Club for a successful showing of Peter Pan. He also congratulated DPW in running a very well organized Compost Center. Chairman Stephen Goldy thanked Senator Richard Tisei and Representative Brad Jones for hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for seniors at the Hillview Country Club. He reminded residents that the Adopt-A-Family Program always needs donations or donors. Public Comment - Representatives from Oak Tree Development were present. The Town Manager noted that Town staff has been working with folks from the Oak Tree Development regarding the Atlantic property. Gwendolyn Noyes from Oak Tree Development noted that they have entered into an agreement with Arnold Rubin and they have plans for. mixed use. They are looking at three commercial uses: Compact food store, bookstore and a cafe or restaurant. All of the parking will be under the building. The Town Manager noted that there might need to be a Special Town Meeting in February for this project to move forward. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Financial Forum • Downtown project and alleyway Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 25, 2008 - Page 2 • Atlantic closing - Proposed re-development • Curbside Leaf Collection this Fall. Schedule: Normal collection day weeks of., • Nevember • November- 17, • December 1 • Bare Meadow viewing platform • Flu Clinics - o December 4th - Parker Middle School - 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dates and Events • November 30 - Tree lighting and other events beginning at 1:00. • December 4-7 - "Shop the Block" • December 13 - Polar Express Assistant Town Manager's Report - Bob LeLacheur noted that almost all retirees have called regarding a letter they received concerning health insurance. He also noted that they do not need to respond to the letter. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation - Arbor Dav - A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the Proclamation declaring April 25, 2008 as Arbor Dav was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. (Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya had left the room.) Personnel and Appointments Conservation Commission - The Board interviewed Tina Ohlson for one position on the Conservation Commission and one position on the Animal Control Appeals Committee. Bonazoli moved and Tafova seconded to place the followinLy name into nomination for one position on the Conservation Commission with a term expirinja June 30, 2011: Tina M. Ohlson. Ms. Ohlson received five votes and was appointed. Tafova moved and Anthonv seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Animal Control Appeals Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2011: Tina M. Ohlson. Ms. Ohlson received five votes and was appointed. North Suburban Planning Council - Bonazoli moved and Anthonv seconded to place the followine name into nomination for one position on the North Suburban Planning Council with a term exvirine June 30, 2010: GeorLye Katsoufis. Mr. Katsoufis received four votes and was appointed. (Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya had left the room.) Discussion/Action Items Apbroval of Comcast License - The Town Manager noted that the Comcast contract expired November 24, 2008. The terms of the contract include a PEG access fee of 5% and a renewal fee of $115,000. The I-Net has been superseded by the Wide Area Network so Comcast will pay the Town $170,000 for discontinuing it. The Town was not able to get the emergency override but we have other ways to notify residents; i.e., Reverse 911. a~' S Board of Selectmen Meetinir - November 25, 2008 - Page 3 A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to approve the renewal of the Cable TV license, and a side aereement reLardine I-Net buvout, between the Town of ReadinL. MA and Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc. for a term beeinnine November 24, 2008 and expiring November 23, 2018, subiect to the execution of the license and side aLyreement by Comcast of Massachusetts I, Inc. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Heariniz - Parks Rules and Regulations re: Prohibiting Doas on Artificial Turf Fields - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that there is an issue of dogs on the artificial turf fields, and the owners are not cleaning up after them. He is proposing adding Rule 11 to the Selectmen's policy. He has talked with the Superintendent of Schools, and the School Committee will adopt the same policy. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the three fields are fenced, and the Town Manager noted that they are in various forms of degree. Selectman Anthony also asked what the fine is, and the Town Manager indicated that it is $20.00. Selectman Anthony suggested that the Town Manager get bids for fencing around the fields. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he would rather see plans for fencing before going out to bid. Selectman Richard Schubert had concerns about fencing in the Parker Field which functions as open space. He suggested increasing the fine. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to close the hearing amending the Parks Rules and ReLyulations re2ardin2 prohibiting does on artificial turf fields was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Tafova to amend Section 4.14 of the Board of Selectmen Policies by adding to Section 4.14.3 the following: Rule 11 No Person shall permit a dog under their control to enter upon an artificial turf field or within anv fenced area that includes anv artificial turf field within the Town of Readinz. Artificial turf fields include: the RMHS stadium. Collins Field at Parker Middle School, and the so called Lacrosse Field also known as the Practice field at RMHS. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. DPW ManaLyement Studv Update - Public Works Director Ted McIntire was present. The Town Manager noted that he disagrees with the study recommendation that all payments be made to the Collector's Office. He also disagrees with moving the GIS position to Public Works. p,3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 25, 2008 - Paae 4 Selectman James Bonazoli asked about the timeline of the planning and tracking software. Ted McIntire noted that he met with a vendor but it wasn't close to what we need so he will bring more vendors in and that will take about two to three months. The Town Manager noted that performance measurement is the methodology of what to measure and how to measure. The Assistant Town Manager noted that he wanted to look at performance measurement when we switched to MUNIS. He also noted that it is a lot of work and a lot of money and found it very disappointing. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya suggested starting small; i.e., potholes - when alerted by citizen and when responded. The Town Manager reviewed the process for hiring a new DPW Director. He noted that funding has been provided for overlap. He recorrnmends having input from the community, employees, Selectmen and business community as to what they are looking for in a new DPW Director. The Town Manager indicated that the position will be advertised the week of Januaryl, 2009. He plans on establishing a screening committee consisting of representatives from the Board of Selectmen (Selectmen Camille Anthony and James Bonazoli volunteered), Finance Committee, a DPW employee and a Department, Head. He plans to have the screening and interviews completed by mid-February. Regarding succession planning, the Town Manager reviewed a chart of senior positions and the dates when they reach the maximum retirement benefit. He noted that staff is working with employees on career planning so that if an employee plans on applying for a position when it becomes available, they will already have the qualifications for that position. Regarding equipment maintenance, the recommendation is to outsource passenger vehicle maintenance as soon as possible. This includes Police cars, pick-up trucks and engineering vehicles. Ted McIntire invited the Selectmen to tour the DPW facility and the cemetery garage on Saturday, December 6th, in the morning. He also suggested applying for a grant to hire assistance in reviewing options for regionalization. Water - Use of Reserves - Le3zal Settlement - The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Town was awarded a large settlement for contamination of the water system. The settlement was for over $600,000 and it will go into the General Fund, and Town Meeting can vote the money into the Water Fund. If the money is put into the Water Fund, that fund will have $2.4 million. He also noted that the money could be used for balancing the debt to do capital projects. Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that two Selectmen meet with the Assistant Town Manager to go through different scenarios, and the Town Manager will come back to the Board with the Capital Improvements Plan. Renew Liquor Licenses - The Town Manager noted that there were no violations or problems in his inspections. He also noted that the licensees received the draft revised liquor policy, and will be attending a meeting on December 2nd at Town Hall. There was a "Cop in the Shop" Program this'year in liquor stores. None of the licensees are accepting out of State ID's. He recommends that all of the licenses be approved. There was discussion among the Board as to why the Atlantic Food Mart license should be renewed when they are closing, and the Town Manager V" Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 25, 2008 - Page 5 indicated that the license needs to be renewed, and he will get advice from Town Counsel as to what the process is for a store that closes. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for: o Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc. d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street ♦ Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading. Mass. d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street ♦ Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street o Reading Veterans' Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62, 37Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2009 subiect to the following conditions. All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactorv inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street ♦ Athens Liquors. Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 11 High Street ♦ Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag, Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors, 150 Main Street ♦ Ramos, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Reading, 676 Main Street ♦ Atlantic Food Mart, Inc. d/b/a Atlantic Food Mart. 30 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2009 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws,, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Mandarin Reading, Inc. d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street ♦ Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Caf6 Capri, 355 Main Street ♦ Emperor's Choice Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street o CAC Foods, Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant. 680 Main Street o Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Brinkers Massachusetts Corp. d/b/a Romano's Macaroni Grill. 48 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ The Boland Group III, LLC d/b/a Fuddruekers, 50 Walkers Brook Drive o Bertucci's Restaurant Corp. d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Rare Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steals House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 25. 2008 - Paae 6 for a term exvirine December 31, 2009 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of ReadinLy and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthony to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor Licenses for: • Colombo's Pizza & Cafe, 2 Brande Court • Twin Seafood of Reading, Inc. d/b/a Twin Seafood, 591 Main Street for a term expiring December 31. 2009 subiect to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager, was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion - Selectmen General Tonics - SG re: Regional Initiatives, Recan from Financial Forum - Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that at the regional meeting, he stated that the Town will not get involved with the prevailing wage issue. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Town Manager and staff came forward with savings right away at the Financial Forum. Update - Downtown - Chairman Stephen Goldy asked about the possibility of outdoor dining in the Spring. The Town Manager noted that a process needs to be set in place because if alcohol is involved, the ABCC requires a separation. Chainman Stephen Goldy requested a draft calendar for next year with workshop meetings and a Saturday retreat with Department Heads. Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the goals need to be set early in the year. Chairman Stephen Goldy requested no Financial Forum in January. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to adiourn the meeting of November 25. 2008 at 10:16 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary G dos ~s G.0 Cyr Arlington • Ashland • Bedford • Belmont • Boston • Braintree • Brouldine ~K`N ff,~ Burlington Cambridge • Canton • Chelsea • Chicopee • Clinton Dedham • Everett • Framingham • Hingham • Holbrook • Leominster AMIRA r Lexington • Lynn • l.winfield • Malden • Marblehead • Mm•lhorough Medford • Melrose • Milton • Nohow • NaflClt • Needham • NCwnnl ADVISORY O Northhurnugh • Norwnud • Peabody • Quincy • Randolph • Reuling Revere • Saugus • Somerville • South Hadley • Southborough • Stoneham BOARD ~ Stoughhm • Swmnpscoll • Wakefield • Walpoic • Waltham CO Watertown • Wellesley • Weston • Westwood • Weymouth • Wilbraham Wilmiogton • Winchester • Winthrop • Woburn • Worcester E3 00 t7 C-) C'7 Q1- TO: Chief Elected Official/ Designee v FROM: Joseph E. Favaloro, Executive Director MWRA Advisory Board SUBJECT: 2008 Annual Water & Sewer Retail Rate Survey Prior to the distribution of the survey to the press and the full mailing list, the Advisory Board is providing you with an advanced preview. Enclosed you will find the MWRA Advisory Board's 2008 Annual Water and Sewer Retail Rate Survey. With the assistance of representatives from communities throughout the MWRA service area, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the United States, the 2008 survey provides a broad array of retail rates within the state and throughout the nation. The primary intent of the document is to track the percentage increase in retail rates from year to year. The survey also contains a comparative assessment of water and sewer charges based on actual water usage within MWRA communities. This information can be found in Appendix C of the document. Survey results indicate that the MWRA service area continues to have some of the highest retail rates in the country. Combined annual water. and sewer charges for homeowners in MWRA communities using 120 HCF per year rose $62.13, or 5.8%, from the 2007 Survey. I hope that you find the survey information helpful. The entire survey can be accessed on our website at htti)://www.mwraadvisorvboard.com in PDF format. Please feel free to relay your feedback regarding the survey to the Advisory Board office. If you would like additional copies, please do not hesitate to contact us. ,Joseph E. Favatoro, Exectrtive Director 11 Beacon Street • Suite 1010 • Boston, MA 021.08-3020 • Telephone: (617) 742-7561 • Fax: (617) 742-4614 Website: w~n,w.mwra idvisot;Yboard.com • Email: mwra_ab atmvra.state.ma.us 2008 Wafer & Sewer Retail Rate Survey MWRA Advisory Board WER CHARGES IN MWRA COMMUNITIES COMBINED ANNUAL WATER AND SE 2008 (Charges iriclude MWRn, community and'aiternatiyely supplied hundre&Obic feet'(HCF), or use of 120 sehoid l a services; approximately 90,000 g allons) . .huu nnua Rates based on average , Combined Change - Water Sewer $419.00 $406.80 $825.80 7.2% Arlington (1NI5)' 00 398 1,046.40 1,444.40 0.0% Ashland (S) . 00 475 725.00 1,200.00 -2.0% Bedford (Slpartial W) . 062.12 1 1,683.08 5.1% ont(WIS) B 620.96 , 13 573 1,018.70 5.6% ost Boston (WIS) 445.57 . 40 734 993.40 0.0 Braintree (S) 259.00 . 00 714 1,260.00 4% 2 . 4% Brookline (WIS) 546.00 . 50 304 444.70 5 . Burlington (S) 140.20 . 910 00 1,158.00 4.0% Cambridge JS/partial W) 348.00 . 40 746 1,218.00 7 7% Canton (S/partial W) .60 471 . 697 20 1,155.60 91% Chelsea (WIS) .40 458 60 519 843.60 12.1 Chicopee (W) 324.00 . 70 257 601.30 0.0% Clinton (WIS) 343.60 . 60 969 1,485.04 0.0 Dedham (Slpartial W) 515.44 . 20 493 674.40 0 Ooh Everett (WIS) 181.20 . 36 438 931.44 15.5° Framingham (WIS) 493.08 . 00 912 1,576.68 2 3% Hingham (S) 664.68 . 00 774 1,233.60 59.9% Holbrook (S) 459.60 . 00 192 440.00 3 8% (partial W) Leominster 248.00 . 873 60 1,289.20 2.9% WI S) Lexington 415.60 . 08 692 1,068.62 25 % W) (partial Lynn 376.54 . 08 532 971.04 .0% Malden (WIS) 438.96 . 00 680 1,170.00 4.1% Marblehead (W) 490.00 . 20 409 1,018.80 10.3% Marlborough (partial W) 609.60 . 00 828 1,530.00 2.0% (WIS) o Me 702.00 889. 92 1,468.32 6.9% e lr Melrose (WIS) .40 578 12 023 1 1,588.32 6.4% Milton (WIS) .20 565 . , 00 870 1,595.00 0.0% Nahant(W)` 726.00 . 50 775 1,068.70 0° 17.0% . Natick 293.20 . 997 80 1,420.80 0 0.0% Needham (S/partial W) 423.00 60 743 1,274.80 6 yob Newton (WIS) 531.20 . 40 458 875.24 -0.9% (p artial W ) o 416.84 . 76 662 1,132.08 9.0% (WIS) Norwood d (WI 469.32 . 80 409 715.80 0.0% Peabody (partial W) 306.00 . 56 826 1,337.76 17.5% Quincy (WIS) 511.20 . 40 652 1,030.40 25.1% Randolph (5) 378.00 . 80 910 1,828.80 11.2% Reading (WIS) 918.00 . 976 80 1,290.00 2.9% Revere (WIS) 313.20 . 00 344 775.00 0.0% Saugus (W) 431.00 . 49 767 1,256.88 5.3% Somerville (WIS) 489.39 . 00 936 1,440.00 13.2% Stoneham (WIS) 504.00 . 20 895 1,338.00 3.5% partial W) Stoughton 442.80 , 00 522 1,148.40 7.9% tt ( Swampscott (W) 626.40 . 60 987 1,521.60 4.0% • Wakefield (Slpartial W) 534.00 . 74 644 1,173.58 S 10~ Walpole (S) 528.84 . 72 642 .36 999 6% 10. 6% Waltham (WIS) 356.64 . 40 782 .44 197 1, 1 . Watertown (WIS) 415.04 . 79800 1,143.72 3"~ 2 .3 Wellesley ($/partial W) 345.72 00 770 1,285.44 2 Westwood (Slpartial W) 515.44 . 60 827 1,319.06 4.9% Weymouth (S) 491.48 . 00 396 738.00 15.0% Wilbraham 342.00 . 40 518 926.00 -6.4% (S Wilmington (S) 407.60 . 20 313 568.80 0.0% Winchester (Slpartial W)` 255.60 . 877 20 1,448.40 10.B% Winthrop (WIS) 571.20 00 322 514.00 9.8% Woburn (Slpartial W) 192.00 . 409 92 750.72 5.7%, Worcester (partial W) 340.80 $447.56 $684.70 $1,132.26 5.8% AVERAGE es and Iherarore i are not listed: Lynnfield Wafer District, South Hadley m The following communities do not provide municipal c sewer serv District #i, Southborough and Weston. nitled unde r General Law 59 Section 2IC(n). Indicates communites that Will- the debt service exclusion as pen r t Section I THE INFORMATION ON cTIS P INTENDED TO PROVIDE no TAAVFARSBASED UPON ANNUAL WATER SCONSUMPTION ROF 120 HCF. Page 1 of 2 qc- 6os Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 11:27 AM To: 'dbranga@hotmail.com' Cc: Schena, Paula; LeLacheur, Bob; Jim Cormier; Lee, Michael; Peter Hechenbleikner; Ted McIntire; Zambouras, George Subject: RE: Board/Committee/Commission Comments David We share your frustration. For a number of years thee were "no trucks" signs posted for Franklin between Main and Haverhill. Unfortunately there was no legal authority for them. State regulations have a specified process including truck counts and an alternate route. We have been working on getting the regulation that was previously posted made legal, but when we do the truck counts, the volume of trucks is not adequate to qualify under the state regulations. So we have taken the signs down as required by the state, and will be re-counting in the spring. If the counts meet the minimum % required by the state, then we will apply to the state to make the "heavy vehicle excluded" regulations permanent, legal, and enforceable. Pete I/c Board of Selectmen From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Monday, December 08, 2008 8:32 AM To: Cormier, Jim; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: Board/Committee/Commission Comments From: David Branga [mailto:dbranga@hotmail.com] Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2008 9:02 PM To: finance@ci.readIng.ma.us Subject: Board/Committee/Commission Comments Request From: David Branga Email dbraneaOlhormail.com Address: 21 Franklin Street V 12/8/2008 Page 2 of 2 City: Reading State: MA Zip: 01867 Phone: 781-942-2145 Organization: I would like to know why access to Franklin St between Haverhill and Main streets now allows trucks to go thru. I realize this happened over the summer, but I never saw anything in the papers. As a resident of Franklin St with 2 young teens and a young child, I am very concerned about their safety. There.are dozens of children that live between Haverhill and Main St. With all the trucks speeding thru, an accident is just waiting to happen. I spoke with someone who has some knowledge about roadway rules and they said the town was in error of making it a no truck zone to begin with. If we can't change it back for safety reasons, can we at least get it to be a no truck zone between 8pm and 6am? The only trucks traveling on Franklin St between those times are postal contractors. For the last approx 18 years, they have either c aught Main St from Lowell St or continued into N Reading via Haverhill and taken Washington St onto Main with no loss in productivity or delay of mail. In addition to the safety concerns I have are the nightly disruptions. Even with all the windows closed in the winter, 2 of my daughters wake up with some regularity between 130 and 330am hearing a truck go by. Next summer I am sure it will be worse. I know not all the contractors opted to suddenly cut thru Franklin St when it changed, so it must not save them time or money to do so, otherwise every truck would come by. Is this something the town can look into and change? Sincerely, David Branga 21 Franklin St ~y 12/8/2008 Page 1 of 1 as Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 3:45 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: OPEB results Attachments: Town of Reading GASB as of 06-30-08.pdf 1/c BOS From: LeLacheur, Bob Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2008 3:10 PM To: Andrew Grimes (andrew.grimes@libertymutual.com); Barry Berman (bcberman@comcast.net); David Greenfield (we4g reens@comcast. net); George Hines (gvhines@verizon.net); Hal Torman (hal.torman@bms.com); jay.tangney@hoicim.com; Marsie West (Marsie.West@bnymellon.com); Matt Wilson (wilson2958@hotmail.com); Tom White (white8192@yahoo.com) Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; LaPointe, Gail Subject: OPEB results We have received the results for our post retirement employee benefits study. I will provide a brief summary below, but the details are complex and really need an actuarial explanation. I am attempting to arrange such a presentation for FINCOM, likely to be a Wednesday between 12/31/08 and 1/28/09. 1 will provide you options as soon as I have them. The town's obligation is about $55 million using an approach similar to how we do the pension fund (this is quite a bit lower than I guessed a year ago). Note that the study covered both the Town and RMLD - on page 10 one can begin to see the obligation of each party. The total retirement obligation is $120 million by comparison. We were about 70% funded last time I looked in the summer. There is no obligation to fund the OPEB (yet) - in fact there is no investment vehicle to do so under state law, except by home rule petition. I expect the earliest we will have the funding discussion would be in the FYI 2 budget process, as things look today. Thanks, Bob Bob LeLacheur Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6636 (F) 781-942-9037 (E) finance@ci.reading. ma. us 6 12/10/2008