HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-09-23 Board of Selectmen PacketTown of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us
Website: www.readingma.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner
DATE: September 19, 2008
RE: Agenda - September 23, 2008
TOWN MANAGER
(781) 942-9043
2a) Knights of Columbus - The Knights of Columbus will be in to receive their usual
proclamation for the Tootsie Roll Drive taking place over the Columbus Day weekend.
Board members might want to snake sure they have a couple of dollars to put in the
Tootsie Roll can at that time. I'll make my contribution when I get back.
3a) Appointment for Trails Committee - We have an applicant for the Trails Committee.
The Trails Committee is full, but Associate memberships are available.
4a) RMLD CAB Report - The Board's CAB Representative Tracy Sopchak will be in along
with General Manager Vinnie Cameron. The purpose is a general update to the Board of
Selectmen on RMLD activities, and particularly a presentation on the newly approved
rate changes.
4b) Bob LeLacheur will be reviewing the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting with
you. Town Counsel and other Town staff will also be present. There is a new Article
requested by the Veteran's Flower Fund Committee to modify that policy and that has
been included. There is one less zoning Bylaw than had been anticipated. Otherwise the
Warrant is pretty much as the Board has seen.
4c) One of the affordable housing units at Gazebo Circle has been available, but no buyers
have been found. If no buyers are found, then the property can be sold at market rate.
The Housing Authority has submitted a proposal which would allow the Housing
Authority to purchase the unit with a sizeable down payment from the Housing Trust
Fund. As of June 30, 2008, the Trust Fund had $355,640 in it. The use as proposed by
the Housing Authority would still leave a sizeable balance in that Trust Fund. Because of
a quirk in State regulations, the unit in question is not part of the Town's inventory of
affordable housing units, but purchase by the Housing Authority would add it to that
inventory. The Housing Authority owns other units in the Gazebo Circle Development.
If the Board is receptive to this use of the Trust Funds in this manner, then at their next
meeting they should have a joint meeting with the Housing Authority to vote to approve
use of the funds pursuant to the statute establishing the Trust Fund.
4d) Update - Washington Park Master Plan - Nancy Linn Swain and John Feudo will be in to
present an interim report on the Washington Park Master Plan. The ad hoc Master Plan
Committee was established by the Town Manager, and expires September 30, 2008. I
will extend the life of that committee until December 31, 2008, following consultation
with the Chairman of the Committee. The ad hoc committee has done an online survey
and is meeting on Thursday night with representatives of the neighborhood. Based on
input from all of the sources and the Board of Selectmen, the Committee will develop a
final version of the Master Plan for presentation to the Board of Selectmen for later this
year. The only funding currently available is FY2010 funding for the playground. There
is also a neighborhood group who is raising funds to supplement Town funding for this
location. Some of the work envisioned under the Master Plan could be done by Town
workforces, and the remainder of it would need to be done as funds become available
either through donations or through the Town capital plarming efforts.
4e) Municipal Building Committee - This matter had previously been discussed and Ben
Tafoya's memo is enclosed. James Bonazoli will also have some further comment and
information for the Board on this matter.
PIH/ps
TO: THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN c
co
RMLD RATE INCREASE IS UNFAIR TO RESIDENTS
Reading Light Commissioners recently voted a rate increase that overcharges residential customers
$1,000,000 annually and schools $250,000. I urge residents to ask the Reading light board to overturn their
actions and to enact fair rates instead.
One example is the billing for very low-cost electricity available exclusively for residents - the
cumbersome RMLD process gives more than $200,000 of excessive costs for residential customers.
Another- while half of the meter-reading shifts read the Commercial and Industrial electric meters, these
customers are assessed only 27% of that. cost. Accounting department and li/IIS charges are also excessively
charged to residential customers.
Some of the new rates are far below the RMLD's cost, even though the consultant who prepared the rate
studies advised - "Rate designs should send the.correct price signal to customers to ensure that electricity is
used efficiently." One below-cost. rate is for the Demand charges paid by the Commercial, Industrial, and
School customers. RVILD's cost for this item including RMLD's mark-up and the allowance for discounts
exceeds $13.00 per lddlowatt month. The new rates proposed for this item are -
School $5.76
Commercial $5.99, and
Industrial $7.90
rates well below ILD's cost.
The consultant also wrote - "As disclosed in the Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, these
forecasted schedules include departures from generally accepted accounting principles in some instances for
the purposes of electric pricing development." Contrary to this, the report contained no such section.
It was interesting to note how base-related charges were allocated -
Customer- kWh Rate vase Base-related
class %age %age charge
Residential 316% 53.7% $4,324,672
Commercial 34,8% 32 g o $2,641,513
Industrial 29.70 9.9K'lo $797,286
Other 1.9% 3.6% $289,922
Total 100% 100% $13,053,393
Even more interesting was that in a previous rate study for the RMLD, the Industrial customers' share of
kWh use was 20.3% and their share of the rate base was 11.5%. In the ensuing years, their kWh use increased
9.4%, but their rate-base charges decreased by 1.6%.
The Reading Light Commissioners who voted for the rate increase are-
Richard S. Hahn
Ellen C. Kearns
Mary Ellen O'Neill, and
Philip B. Pacino
I urge RML.D customers to contact these commissioners before their next meeting on September 2x1 and ask
them to overturn their actions and to enact fair rates instead.
Sincerely,
Robert Soli
/ I
CIN Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of the State Treasurer
F Alcoholic Beverages Control, Commission
239 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
Telephone: (617) 727-3040
Timothy P. Cahill Fax: (617) 727-1258
Treasurer and Receiver General
Re: Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc.
d.b.a.: Busa's Reading Liquors
Premises: 345 Main Street
City/Town: Reading, MA 01867
License: AA Package
Heard: September 3, 2008
DECISION
Eddie J. Jenldns
Chairman
This was an appeal from the action of the Licensing Board of the Town of Reading in
suspending the license of Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc. d.b.a. Busa's Reading Liquors for a period of
2 days.
Based on the evidence, the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission approves the
action of the Local Board in suspending the license Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc for a period of 2
days.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CONTROL COMMISSION
Suzanne Iannella, Commissioner A-A-A--4-.fl -,qA o Ivt k art a A_A
Robert H. Cronin Commissioner
Dated in Boston, Massachusetts this 9 h day of September 2008.
You have the right to appeal this decision to the Superior Courts under the provisions of Chapter
30A of the Massachusetts General Laws within thirty days of receipt of this decision.
cc: Local Licensing Board
Frederick G. Mahony, Chief Investigator
Michael Eliot Rubin, Esq. 8
Ellen Callahan Doucette, Esq. too)
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22 Frank D. Tanner Drive • Reading, MA 01867-2399. 781-944-6755
September 8, 2008
Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner
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Town Manager
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Town of Reading
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16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
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Re: Mod Project, Curbing, sidewalks & paving
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Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner,
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The Reading Housing Authority was successful in just completing a large modernization project at our
senior development on Frank Tanner Drive. We were fortunate to have received a $90,000 grant from the
state in the fall 2007 to install granite curbing, repair and resurface both our sidewalks and the roads within
Tannerville. This project would not have been the success it was without support from the Town of
Reading.
As you may recall upon my notification of this RHA grant award, I approached you with a request to "join
forces" in order to achieve the best results for both the Housing Authority and the Town. Without
hesitation, you allowed this agency the opportunity to piggyback with the Town on its state contracts and
utilize the expertise of both engineering staff members and department of public works employees to get
the job done. We can only hope to set an example for other housing authorities to reach out to their towns
and cities to work with one another to achieve such successes.
Please extend our thanks to all involved for being a part of this project. Special thanks go to George
Zambouras and Chris Cole for their many hours of walking the site to prepare for and then oversee this job
and to Mike Debrigard and his facilities crew who did a fantastic job on the roadway and adding all the
finishing touches to make Tannerville the special place it is. What a team! Everyone's willingness to assist
us in our endeavors to maintain our properties and make site improvements when we can has never gone
unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. This joint endeavor was a win win for all.
Respectfully,
~ l
Lyn E. Whyte, PHM
Executive Director
cc: Mary Connors, RHA Chair
Mr. Stephen Goldy, Board of Selectmen Chair
VL~
Page 1 of 1
Schena, Paula
From: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 4:16 PM
To: Reading - Selectmen; Cormier, Jim; McNamara, Erica; Robbins, Richard
Cc: Ellen Callahan *Doucette (ECDoucette@BrackettLucas.com); Schena, Paula
Subject: BUSA's
We just got a decision from the ABCC upholding the Board of Selectmen's suspension of the
liquor license for 2 days for selling to a minor. Congratulations and thanks to all involved.
Ellen, does the Board of Selectmen now need to set the exact 2 days for the suspension?
Pete
Town Manager's report
1 C,3
9/11/2008
16 Longfellow Road
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: Martell, Kerr! A. [KMARTELL@PARTNERS.ORG]
Sent: Tuesday, September 16, 2008 9:40 AM
To: Town Manager
Subject: 16 Longfellow Road
Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner,
Page 1 of 1
p~ VIA"
1 /
I wanted to take this moment to Thank You for your very quick response and immediate resolution to our problem at 16 Longfellow
Road. The street is much safer for our children to play on. The tar lip and the soil is much more appealing to look at. The grass
has already started to grow. The cars don't even park on this side of the street now.
Thank you very much for personal attention to this matter.
Kerri and Dan Martell
16 Longfellow Road
Reading, MA 01867
781-944-2251
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properly dispose of this information.
9/16/2008
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Hec
henbleikner, Peter ~
From: ecdoucette@brackettlucas.com'
Sent: Thursday, September 11, 2008 7:02 PM
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Reading - Selectmen; Cormier, Jim; McNamara, Erica; Robbins, Richard
Subject: Re: BUSA's
Peter,
Under the rules of administrative procedure specifically, M.G.L. c.30A, sec. 14, Busa's has 30-days from the date they receive the ABCC's
decision to appeal to the superior court. They may also seek a rehearing with the ABCC. If they petition for rehearing, the 30-day appeal
period runs from the date they receive the ABCC's denial (if it is denied).
I would suggest that the Board of Selectmen wait to set the new suspension dates until such time as the appeal period has run or Busa%
indicates to the Board that it will not appeal and requests time to discuss suspension dates with the Board. Otherwise, the Board will be
revisiting the issue of a stay of the suspension. Given the timing, Busa's could run this out a bit.
Regards,
Ellen
Ellen Callahan Doucette
Brackett & Lucas
19 Cedar Street
Worcester, MA 01609
(508) 799-9739
(508) 799-9799 (fax)
CL
9/12/2008
PROCLAMATION
HONORING THE KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
WEEKEND FOR THE PHYSICALLY AND
MENTALLY CHALLENGED CHILDREN
WHEREAS: The Knights of Columbus in Massachusetts have undertaken the
humane project of assisting physically and mentally challenged
children; and
WHEREAS: Reading Council No. 1031, Knights of Columbus, will be
conducting their 32nd Annual Fundraising Campaign on the
weekend of October 9 - 12, 2008; and
WHEREAS: Proceeds from this endeavor will be distributed to physically and
mentally challenged children in the communities throughout the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do
hereby proclaim October 9 - 12, 2008 to be KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
WEEKEND FOR THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY
CHALLENGED CHILDREN, and urge all citizens of the community
to be aware of this event and to participate fittingly in its observance.
THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Stephen A. Goldy, Chairman
Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman
James E. Bonazoli, Secretary
Camille W. Anthony
Richard W. Schubert
. on
ra
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September 9, 2008
00
Peter Hechenbleikner
o
Town Manager
Town Hall
161 Lowell Street
co
Reading, MA 01867
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Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner,
Thanks to you and your office the Knights of Columbus have received
proclamations from the Town of Reading supporting our efforts to raise funds to
assist mentally and physically challenged children. We greatly appreciate your
support. In 2008 we will be holding our annual Tootsie Roll Drive on October 9th,
10th, 11 th and 12th. Would you please give us the benefit of your assistance by
arranging for us to receive a proclamation as we have in the past years.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
John Cafazzo
Grand Knight
Knights of Columbus
11 Sanborn Street, Reading MA 01867
781 - 944 -9748
~ 0-1,2111
APPOINTMENTS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 19, 2008
Trails Committee
0 Vacancies
Anuointins Authoritv: Board of Selectmen
Present Member(s) and Term(s)
Thomas S. Gardiner
Joan A. Hoyt
Charles Donnelly Moran
David Williams
Alan Rosh
Susan Giacalone (Associate)
Candidates:
John E. Parsons
Orig.
Term
Date
Expires
182 Franklin Street
(08)
2009
89 Oakland Road
(08)
2010
32 Vale Road
(08)
2009
117 Oak Street
(08)
2010
232 Van Norden Rd.
(08)
2011
9 Orchard Park Dr.
(08)
2009
30-A
READING TRAILS COMMITTEE
Term Three years
Apuointine Authoritv Board of Selectmen
Number of Members Five members with consideration given to members
representing the following interests within the
community: recommendation of the Conservation
Commission; recommendation of the Town Forest
Committee; recommendation of the Recreation
Committee; one or more residents of the community
who do not represent the above groups, and who has
expertise in conservation, environmental affairs,
trails operation and maintenance or other areas of
expertise which in the opinion of the Board would
be helpful. Associate members may be appointed.
Meetings As needed
Purpose The Reading Trails Committee will assume the
responsibilities of planning, developing and
maintaining present and future trails in the Town of
Reading. The goal is for the Town to create and
maintain a connected, well coordinated system of
trails to serve the residents of the community.
3a ~
APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO BOARDS/COMMITTEES/COMMISSIONS
Name: sljv_5 JrUk1"V
('Last) (First) (Middle)
Address: 3 C ~S fi
Occupation: /1j1,
Date:
Tel. (Home) sy y - Sam/
Tel. (Work)
(Is this number listed?)
# of years in Reading: .3 3
Are you aregistered voter in Reading? e-mail address:
v v
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
Aquatics Advisory Board
Audit Committee
Board of Appeals
Board of Cemetery Trustees.
Board of Health
Board of Registrars
Bylaw Committee
Celebration Committee
Cities for Climate Protection
Commissioner of Trust Funds
Community Planning & Development Comm.
Conservation Commission
Constable
Contributory Retirement Board
Council on Aging
Cultural Council
Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves
`Economic Development Committee
`Finance Committee
Historical Commission
Housing Authority
Human Relations Advisory Committee
Land Bank Committee
MBTA Advisory Committee
Metropolitan Area Planning Council
Mystic Valley Elder Services
Recreation Committee
RMLD Citizens Advisory Board
Telecommunications and Technology
Advisory Committee
Town Forest Committee
!/Trails Committee 1~,rfoe .z4 7- ,~z fZ
West Street Historic District Commission
Other
- Please outline relevant experience for the position(s) sought:
G. h.....~1 "C f
2G Yfa / ric.r / f't i G7+ rc Ye.-
3~3
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, 1, on notified and warned the
inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the
place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant
in the following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street
Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 10, 2008,
the date set for the Subsequent Town Meeting in this Warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading
Chronicle in the issue of
Thomas H. Freeman, Constable
A true copy. Attest:
Cheryl A. Johnson, Town Clerk
yb
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
(Seal)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading,. Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to
notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and
Town affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland
Road, in said Reading, on Monday, November 10, 2008, at seven-thirty o'clock in the
evening, at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and
determined exclusively by Town. Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of
the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town
Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town
Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement
Board, Library Trustees,. Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees,
Community Planning & Development Commission, Conservation Commission, Town
Manager and any other Board or Special Committee.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround: The following reports are expected to be given under this Article:
• RMLD Annual Report
• State of the Schools
® Follow up on Instructional Motion re: Roads
To the extent possible, the reports are included in the back of this report so that
only a summary report will be given verbally at Town Meeting.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 2 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special
Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special
Committees, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers
and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or'take any other
action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround: There are no known Instructional Motions at this time. As a general rule,
Instructional Motions are reserved for the last evening of Town Meeting, and the
Moderator requests that any Town Meeting Member who intends to offer an Instructional
Motion let him know at least one session in advance so that he can let Town Meeting
Members know that in advance.
Nb"L
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2009 - FY 2018
Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule
Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround: The following amendments are proposed to the FY 2009 - FY 2018 and
FY 2019 Capital Improvements Program (CIP). These amendments need to be included
in the CIP in order for Town Meeting to consider funding them under the various Articles
at Town Meeting. The full revised CIP is included in the blue pages in the back of this
report.
The following are proposed modifications to the CIP approved at the Annual
Town Meeting (ROUGH DRAFT):
C1 to C99 - All FY 2019 items are new to the CIP.
C2 - School Buildina Improvements:
Various school buildings: Cost estimate changes FY10-FY19;
Barrows: $10,000 for roofing FY09; $15,000 for security system in FY09;
$10,000 for sidewalk improvements FY09;
Birch Meadow: $10,000 for electrical systems in FY10; $15,000 for security
system in FYI 0 (moved from FYI 1);
Joshua Eaton: $25,000 for HVAC/Energy Mgmt. in FY10; $30,000 for
technology infrastructure in FY09;
Killam: $700,000 for roofing in FY18 (moved from FY12-13); $15,000 for security
systems in FYI 0;
Wood End: $18,000 for HVAC/Energy Mgmt. in FY10 (moved from FY09);
$10,000 for roofing in FY09; $10,000 for electrical systems in FY10;
Coolidae: $10,000 for classroom furniture in FY09; $20,000 for HVAC/Energy
Mgmt. in FYI 0 (moved from FY09);
Parker: $10,000 for 40 new lockers in FY09; $15,000 for security systems in
FYI 1 (moved from FYI 0);
C3 - Town Buildina Improvements:
Various Town buildings: Cost estimate changes FY10-FY19;
Senior Center: $30,000 for kitchen improvements (moved from FYI 2); $10,000
for roofing in FY09;
Librarv: $10,000 for carpet/flooring in FY09; $65,000 for roofing in FYI 1;
DPW Garaae: $20,000 for HVAC/Energy Mgmt. in FY09; $15,000 for roofing in
FY09 and $85,000 for roofing in FYI 1; $50,000 for garage expansion design in
FY10; $300,000 for garage expansion construction in FYI 1;
C6 - Librarv Improvements:
$100,000 for circulation system in FYI 1 (increased cost & moved from FYI 0).
L b'3
C7 - Public Safetv/Fire Imarovements:
$500,000 for pumper engine in FY09 (increased cost and moved up one year);
Various cost estimate changes for several pieces of equipment in FY10-FY19;
C9 - Public Works - Eauioment:
$35,000 for Pickup #11 in FY09 (moved from FY11);
$35,000 for Chevy #9 Parks in FY09 (moved from FY11);
Moved from FY09 to FY10: Car #3; to FY11 Pickup #2 Parks and Pickup #7;
$20,000 48" LeafVac in FY11;
$30,000 Truck Mount 500gal Sprayer in FY13;
Various cost estimate changes for several pieces of equipment in FY10-FY19;
C10 - Public Works - Parks (Plavarounds):
Extensive re-arrangement of project schedules and estimated costs;
$1,000,000 Strout Avenue multi-purpose field in FY13;
$136,600 for Strout Avenue lighting in FY14;
$750,000 for Coolidge field improvements in FY12;
$1,451,000 for various Birch Meadow Complex improvements in FY10-FY19;
C11 - Roadwav Imarovements:
$20,000 in FY09 for crack seal patching;
$20,000 annually from FY09 - FY19 for skim-coating;
Various modifications to the list of road projects.
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes
taken under Article 11 of the April 28, 2008 Annual Town Meeting relating to the Fiscal
Year 2009 Municipal Budget, and see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or
transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate as the result of any such
amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other
action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
Backaround: The following FY 2009 Budget transfers are proposed for consideration at
the 2008 Subsequent Town Meeting:
General Fund - Waaes and Expenses (ROUGH DRAFT),
Account Line Description
M1 Accounting - Wages
• Water $9,226
• Sewer $8,642
• RMLD $8,986
M2 Accounting - Expenses
• Water $95
• Sewer $88
• RMLD $93
Decrease Increase
$26,854
$ 276
k6(1
N15 Finance (FINCOM, Human Res.,
$180,613
Technology, General) - Wages
• Water $58,243
• Sewer $54,563
• RMLD $67,807
N16 Finance (FINCOM, Human Res.,
$105,641
Technology, General) - Expenses
• Water $39,766
• Sewer $37,255
• RMLD $28,620
Q6 Town Manager Office - Wages
$ 26,896
• Water $13,886
• Sewer $13,010
• RMLD -None
S19 Public Works (Admin., Engineering,
$312,173
Highway) - Wages.
• Water $203,638
• Sewer $108,535
S20 Public Works (Admin, Engineering,
$ 35,329
Highway) - Expenses
• Water $22,771
• Sewer $12,558
Subtotals
$687,782
• Wages $546,536
• Expenses $141,246
Revenue - Net from Operating
$687,782
Transfers and Available Funds:
• Water EF $347,625
• Sewer EF $234,651
• RMLD $105,506
This block (above) of expenses and revenues will bring the Town
's FY 2009 Budget into
compliance with a recent 2008 ruling from the Massachusetts'De
partment of Revenue.
General Fund - Waqes and Expenses (ROUGH DRAFT)
Account Line Description
C99 Capital
D99 Debt Service
• Refinanced old school debt
and received lump sum
payments from MSBA
Subtotals
Revenue - Net from
Intergovernmental Revenues:
• MSBA reimbursement -
received lump sum instead
of annual payments
Decrease Increase
$150,000
$1,083,823
$1,083,823 $150,000 i
($933,823)
,{65
This block (above) of changes to both expenses and revenues is a result of an April
2008 debt refinancing.
Account Line Description Decrease Increase
B99 Benefits
• Health Insurance Benefit $139,000
changes
• Technician
N15
Finance Salaries - Technology
• Technician
R15 or
Community Services Expenses
Revolving
Suburban Mobility Grant-
Fund
Town share
T8
Public Safety Expenses
• Police Academy (reimbursed
by new Officers into the
general fund)
Pay and Class Study Results I
Subtotals $139,000
Net from Intergovernmental
revenues: New Growth?
Net from Free Cash
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
General Fund - Capital (ROUGH DRAFTI
Account Line Description
C2 School Building Improvements
C3 Town Building Improvements
C6 Library
C9 Public Works - Equipment
C10 Public Works - Parks and Cemetery
C11 Public Works - Roadway Improvements
$ 20,000
$ 50,000
$ 60,000
$ 9,000
$139,000
TBA
TBA
Decrease Increase
F w~
C14 Public Works - Parks and Recreation
•
Subtotals
Net from increased Capital Budget
Net from Free Cash
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
Enterprise Funds (ROUGH DRAFT)
Account Line
Description
W5
Water Fund
X5
Sewer Fund Debt Service
• Pay share of technology project
previously shown as five-year
debt
Y5
Storm Water Fund
Subtotals
Net from:
• Water Reserves (for W5)
• Sewer Reserves (for X5)
• Storm Water Reserves (for Y5)
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
$150,000
TBA
Decrease Increase
$ 75,000
$ 75,000
$ 75,000
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal
Year 2009 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services
actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backqround: No action needed.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
q0
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to establish a stabilization fund, or
take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround: The Town received $350,000 from the State for the 40R Gateway
Development. If that project does not move forward to construction, the Town could owe
those funds back to the State. Those funds have increased our Free Cash position.
This Article proposes to establish a separate Stabilization Fund for those funds so that
they will be separate and identifiable. At such time as the Gateway Development project
moves into construction, additional funds of approximately $600,000 will also be paid by
the State. Those funds will be added to this Stabilization Fund, and can then be
appropriated by Town Meeting for any lawful purpose - preferably for Capital
expenditures.
Balance at June 30, 2008
Additional Stabilization Fund
Balance
A Stabilization Fund is basically a
money into the proposed Stabilization Fund,
Meeting can appropriate at a future date.
Free Cash Stabilization Fund
($350,000) $350,000
3,276,149. 1,395,895
Town savings account. By appropriating
the Town reserves money from which Town
Stabilizations funds are viewed favorably by rating agencies. Favorable rating
agency reviews can result in lower interest rates on future borrowings.
Funding the Stabilization Fund takes a 2/3 vote of Town Meeting, and
appropriating money from the Stabilization Fund also takes a 2/3 vote.
Finance Committee Report:
Bylaw Committee Report: No report,
ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of $42,868, which
was previously appropriated and raised by borrowing under Article 10 of the Warrant at
the November 14, 2005 Town Meeting, and which sum is no longer needed to complete
the project for which it was initially borrowed, to pay additional costs of entrance fees,
costs of connection, demolition of the existing Water Treatment Plant and other
modifications to the water distribution system, and other expenses for the same, as
permitted by the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 20 of the General Laws, or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround: Article 10 of the Warrant at the November 14, 2005 Town Meeting
authorized debt in the amount of $2.0 million for various water main projects. A total of
$600,000 of debt was issued - and a partial list of the projects identified was completed,
including High Street (Woburn Street - Lowell Street) and Auburn Street - Bancroft
Avenue.
~ 69
Subsequent large water main work was deferred once Town Meeting voted on
water sourcing in order to first pay the entry fees into the MWRA. As a result, the June
2008 Town Meeting voted to rescind the remaining $1.4 million of previously authorized
debt, since the large water main projects are not scheduled to begin for several years.
Today, there is a surplus of $42,869 in unexpended bond proceeds from the
original $600,000. A vote of Town Meeting is required to move this surplus to additional
costs of entrance fees, costs of connection, demolition of the existing Water Treatment
Plant and other modifications to the water distribution system as described above.
Finance Committee Report:
Bviaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to establish a revolving fund under
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 44, Section 53E'/z to be known as the "Suburban
Mobility Revolving Fund", which shall be accounted for separately from all other monies
of the Town, and to which are to be deposited fees received from operation of
transportation services created in part from the Suburban Mobility Grant, said
expenditures to be administered by the Town Manager without further appropriation, and
to specify as follows:
1. The revolving fund shall be expended only for the purpose of Suburban Mobility;
2. Aside from grant monies, only fees received from the operation of the
transportation service shall be deposited in such account;
3. The Town Manager shall be the only person authorized to expend such fund,
and;
4. The amounts expended from the Fiscal FY09 fees shall not exceed $
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background: The Town of Reading is the recipient of a "Suburban Mobility" grant from
the State. This three year grant will enable the Town of Reading to operate a van
service with the a.m. and p.m. peak service providing shuttle service on a fixed route to
the Depot in Reading, and mid-day weekday trips available throughout the community.
Because the grant spans three years, and the Town is interested in securing
other grant funds and donations in order to smooth the cost to the Town over the three
years and allow fares to be expended to offset costs of the service, a revolving fund is
needed for this purpose. This revolving fund will be renewed annually.
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 9 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making energy
and similar improvements to Town owned buildings, including the costs of consulting
services, audits, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related
expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be
4b9
expended by and under the direction of the Superintendent of Schools and the Town
Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the School Committee, Board of
Selectmen, Superintendent of Schools, Town Manager, or any other agency of the
Town, to apply for a grant or grants to be used to defray the cost of all or any part of said
energy and similar improvements; and to authorize the Superintendent of Schools and/or
the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be
necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
School Committee
Backqround:
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
School Committee Report:
ARTICLE 10 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of constructing road
Improvements, including the costs 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 by and under the direction of the Town
Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town
Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to
defray the cost of all, or any part of, said road improvements; and to authorize the Town
Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to
carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backqround:
Town Funds
State Chapter 90 Funds
Total
2009
I $1,500,000
1 $450,000 1
$1,950,000
2010
( 0
1 $450,000 1
$450,000
2011
I 0
I $450,000 I
$450,000
2012
I 0
I $450,000. (
$450,000
2013
I 0
I $450,000 I
$450,000
Total
( $1,500,000
1 $2,250,000 1
$3,300,000
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 11 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of purchasing a fire
engine, including the costs of consulting services, plans, documents, cost estimates,
bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection
10 L b
therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager;
and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any
other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of
all, or any part of, said fire engine; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any
and all contracts and agreements as may, be necessary to carry out the purposes of this
Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backqround: The Fire Department is in need of a replacement fire engine. Our current
fire apparatus replacement schedule is based upon recommendations from the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The NFPA recommends a fire engine be in front
line service for 10 years and then be assigned to reserve service for an additional 10
years.
Our oldest reserve engine is a 1986 Mack which is 22 years old and 2 years. beyond its
service life. Within the last 18 months the Department of Public works has spent over
$14,000 in repairs to the front end, suspension system and radiator. The amount we
have spent on the repairs in all likelihood exceeds the value of the fire engine.
The projected replacement cost for a new pumping engine is projected to be $500,000.
Within the last year we have seen significant increases in the cost of fire apparatus. The
cost increases have been driven by the high costs of steel and oil. Additionally,
beginning in 2007, Federal regulations required all diesel motors to meet new emission
standards. To meet the new emission standards required a redesign of the motors,
apparatus cabs and cooling systems.
An additional significant price increase will occur in January of 2008 when a revised
NFPA standard becomes effective. All fire trucks are manufactured to meet NFPA 1901,
Standard for Automotive Fire Apparatus. The revised standard will require the
installation of a vehicle data recorder, systems to address rollover stability, tire pressure
monitoring and other changes. These changes are projected to increase the vehicle
cost by $15,000 to $20,000 over the usual price increases.
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
acquire by purchase, eminent domain, gift or otherwise, any one or all of the following
parcels of land:
containing approximately 9.045 acres located on Main Street shown as Lot 1 on
Board of Assessors' Map 247 currently believed to be owned by Hazel V. Malcom
et al. Trust,
containing approximately .59 acres located on Main Street shown as Lot 1 B on
Board of Assessors' Map 247 currently believed to be owned by Hazel V. Malcom
et al. Trust
• containing approximately .4821 acres located on Main Street shown as Lot 5 on
Board of Assessors' Map 245 currently believed to be owned by Burton H. Curley
and John Curley,
• containing approximately 1.9 acres located on. 67 Sanborn Lane shown as Lot 4 on
Board of Assessors' Map 235 currently believed to be owned by William Quigley
Trust,
said land to be used for open space and conservation purposes in accordance with the
provisions of Mass. General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C, to be under the care,
management and control of the Town of Reading Conservation Commission and
further to be dedicated in perpetuity to purposes stated in Article 97 of the Amendments
to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including the protection of
water resources and shall be fully protected by all provisions of Article 97; and to see if
the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or transfer from available funds or
otherwise, a sum of money; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all
agreements and contracts upon terms and conditions as may be determined to be
necessary to carry out the acquisition of such parcel and the purposes of this Article;
and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and/or the
Conservation Commission to apply for a grant or grants, including but not limited to a
Self-Help Grant under MGL, Chapter 132A, Section 11, to be used to defray the cost of
all, or any part of the purchase price for such parcel(s) of land, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
: MI LCSITE.......
0 100200
t
Finance Committee Resort:
Bvlaw Committee Resort: No report.
FAIRBANKS MARSH
(Reading Open Land Tr
12
qb~L
ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of M.G.L.
Chapter 59, Section 5, Clause 54, authorizing the establishment of a minimum value for
personal property subject to taxation, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Assessors
Backaround: Acceptance of this statute will allow the Town of Reading Board of
Assessors to waive the process of assessing, billing and collecting personal property
taxes on personal property assessed at $2,000 or less. The following analysis indicates
the reasons why this acceptance makes sense for the Town of Reading.
Reasons to raise the personal property minimum to $2,000 per account
Cost of collecting these taxes exceeds the revenues
FY 2008 Statistics:
364 accounts with value
Total value
Average value
Taxes assessed
Average taxes
s over $2,000 each
$22,063,670
$60,614
$278,002.24
$764
235 accounts with values $2,000 or less
Total value
$224,630
Average value
$956
Taxes assessed
$2,830.34
Average taxes
$12.04
Cost to collect is $44 per account from the Board of Assessors; cost of collecting 235
accounts is $3,447 annually Savings. is approximately $616 annually by not
assessing and collecting these small accounts
Finance Committee Report:
Bylaw Committee Report:
Board of Assessors Report: On June 3, 2008, the Board of Assessors voted to
recommend this action by a vote of 2-0-0.
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Board of
Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way the following described private way under
the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out
in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to take such ways under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain,
under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said
lands in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess
betterments therefore, the plans and descriptions for such way being filed in the Office of
13 ,~bO
the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to see what sum the
Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for
payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said ways, or take
any other action with respect thereto.
Baldwin Lane Extension
Board of Selectmen
Background: The construction of Baldwin Lane Extension has been completed in
accordance with the subdivision rules and regulations and decision of the CPDC. The
Selectmen held a public hearing on the laying out of and acceptance of the roadway on
July 29, 2008. Notice of the hearing was sent by registered mail to all affected abutters
on July 17, 2008. The Board of Selectmen has decided not to include in the Warrant of
this Town Meeting, Articles to abandon the right of way and to convey it to the abutters
because this action would make one of the two abutting lots non-conforming.
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen
abandon certain rights and easements located on land of Peter Sanborn Place on Bay
State Road which easements are shown on a plan entitled: "Easement Plan of Land, 50
Baystate Road, Reading, MA," dated 8-12-08; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen
to accept said replacement water easements upon such terms and conditions as the
Board of Selectmen shall consider proper, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background: The purpose for this Article is to relocate the existing water main and
accompanying water easement to a new location within the property. The relocation will
enable construction of the proposed building expansion which is not possible under the
present location of the water main. The construction will be done by the property owner.
This Article will authorize the Board of Selectmen to abandon the existing easement and
to take a new easement per the plan that follows.
14 L~'~
yy N
CIE
y-
DAY YPAM RDAU
9N~
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Board of
Selectman upon the laying out as a public way the private property at the cul-de-sac of
Fairchild Drive identified as "Temporary Easement for cul-de-sac" on the Fairchild Drive
subdivision plan, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments,
such highway being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of
Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory
requirements; and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in
fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provisions of Chapter 79
of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said lands in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess betterments therefore; and to. see if
the Town will vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen; and to
see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the acquisition of said lands or
easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages and for the
construction of said ways, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backqround: During the subdivision approval of Fairchild Drive, it was anticipated that
the roadway may be extended further and the roadway ended with a uniform 50 foot
wide right of way layout having a cul-de-sac within temporary easements rather than part
of the roadway layout. The roadway is constructed with a full cul-de-sac partially within
these temporary easements. As it is no longer possible to extend the roadway beyond
15
qb,s
its present limits and with the anticipated development of the remaining undeveloped
parcel as a single family dwelling, the purpose of the Article would be to discontinue and
transfer a portion of the roadway layout beyond the constructed cul-de-sac to the
abutting property owner, and to accept a portion of the temporary easement to become a
portion of the permanent roadway layout.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town will vote to amend Article 5 of the Subsequent
Town Meeting held November 13, 2001 (the vote establishing the Veterans Memorial
Fund) by deleting the word "deceased" so that the sentence will read "events to honor
and commemorate Reading veterans and veterans interred in Reading cemeteries," and
to further amend by adding the words "or another Commissioner of the Commission as
designated by the Chairperson."
Veterans Memorial Trust Committee
Background:
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report:
Veterans Memorial Trust Committee Report:
ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws,
Chapter 82A, Section 2, vote to designate the Town Manager as the means by which the
Town shall designate the Board or Officer to issue permits for the purpose of making a
trench excavation, as set out in M.G.L. c. 82A, Section 4 and 520 CMR 14.00, and to
perform any obligations pursuant to the terms of said statute and regulations, or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background: New excavation and trench safety regulations have been established to
protect the safety of citizens from hazards associated with trenches and to provide for
penalties for individuals who violate any provision of these regulations. 520 CMR 14.00
requires that each community take affirmative action during calendar year 2008 i,n order
to comply with the January 1, 2009 enforcement date for these new regulations. The
regulations require a permit to be obtained from the appropriately designated permitting
authority prior to any trench excavation in any public way, public property or privately
owned land. The term "trench" is defined as an excavation which is narrow in relation to
its length, made below the surface of the ground in excess of 3 feet below grade and the
depth of which is, in general, greater than the width but the width of the trench, as
measured at the bottom, is no greater than 15 feet.
16 1'06
Finance Committee Resort: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report:
ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will vote to subordinate any, and all of its rights
and easements in the land taken by eminent domain as authorized by Article 29 of the
May 6, 1976 Adjourned Annual Town Meeting and recorded on September 27, 1976 with
the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 13078, Page 191 and with the Land
Registration Office of said Deeds as Document no. 549397, shown on a plan of land
entitled "Plan of Land in Woburn, Massachusetts, Showing Sewer Easements for Willow
Street Interceptor for the Town of Reading, " Scale V=40% dated February 27, 1976,
prepared by Dana F. Perkins & Sons, Inc., " sheets 1 through 4 inclusive, recorded in the
Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 1976, Page 1171, to Grants of
Environmental Restriction and Easement now or at any time hereafter granted by
owners of land in the hazardous waste site known as the Industriplex Federal Superfund
Site in Woburn, including, without limitation, to a certain Grant of Environmental
Restriction and Easement to be granted by Resources for Responsible Site
Management, Inc., Trustee for the Industri-plex Site Interim Custodial Trust and
recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds in Book 19866, Page 190 and filed
with the Land Registration Office of said Deeds as Document No. 800447; and to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to execute and deliver from time to time such
documents as may be required for subordinations of such rights and easements, or take
any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround: The property previously taken by the Town of Reading for the installation
and construction of the Willow Street Interceptor is now located within a portion of the
physical site boundaries of the 245-acre hazardous waste site known as the Industriplex
Federal Superfund Site (the "Site") in Woburn. Owners of property within the Site are
required to impose certain land use and other restrictions on their property, referred to
as a Grant of Environmental Restriction and Easement or Institutional Controls. These
restrictions govern the preservation and maintenance of the EPA approved remedy
installed at the Site while permitting varying types of activity under very stringent
conditions. The EPA requires subordination of the Town of Reading's rights in the
easement to ensure that the Institutional Controls function as the primary method for
governing the Town's access to the easement area for emergency repairs and
maintenance to protect the health and safety of Town workers, the public and the
environment. Resources for Responsible Site Management, Inc., Trustee for the
Industriplex Site Interim Custodial Trust is the first landowner within the Site to approach
the Town for the subordination. Since the property taken by the Town affects other land
in the Site, other landowners will approach the Town in the future requesting
subordinations of the Taking as it affects their property. This Article is intended to allow
for the subordination of the Taking in the public interest and to provide a single vote
authorizing subordinations of the Taking for all owners of property within the Site so as
to avoid the need for repeated Articles and Town Meeting action.
17 ~ Lb
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IS.R.T. S)2 LIAIJT LINE
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d Te
a M;D EN)STING TAY AMP c LOT NUMBER
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SEWER EASEMENT EXHIBIT
.r 'SAC ~ ~GT..Wr \ t 1Cr WILLOW STREET INTERCEPTOR
PREPARED FOR.
THE TOWN OF READING, MA
I J `I m'>-R WOBURN, MASSACHUSSETS
MERUDHAN
' q~IP L nd Svrvl<vs~ Inc_
I
~J431JEER9 • LA)tfl 6YIIYEY011r - BCIENT)dTb •LAIro PIANNE118
REV., O51r ~ 5rf•IV':O!J i L%', I DR -[Ct u0. )•.xl.tp 13::~ NJ. I (F ` -
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report:
ARTICLE 20 To see what sum the Town will charge for each written demand
issued by the Collector to be added to and collected as part of the tax as authorized by
Massachusetts General Law Chapter 60, Section 15, said demand to be effective
January 1, 2009, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backqround:
Reasons to raise the demand charges on late bills above $5.00
• MA DOR advised local governments in late August about a change in the outside
section of FY 2009 State Budget that allows municipalities to raise the late fee to
a maximum of $30.00 - up from $5.00. Since there is no further direction from
the legislature, the DOR believes that each municipality's legislative body (Town
Meeting in Reading) must vote any new amount.
® Cost of alerting residents exceeds $5.00 per instance.
• We have recently begun to send out more frequent notification to residents in
general about overdue bills, and the feedback has been very positive. However,
from strictly a financial standpoint, extra notification costs money and if we do not
raise the $5.00 fee, effectively on-time payers are subsidizing the late-payers.
Finance Committee Report:
Bvlaw Committee Report:
18 619
ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the
Town of Reading as follows:
• Delete the existing word "ten" and insert in its place "eight" in the fourth sentence of
Section 6.2.3.2.b;
• Insert the word "calendar" before the existing word "year" in the first sentence of
Section 6.2.3.2.i.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
Background: The purpose of this Article is to allow an awning height that is more
functional customary to business owners, and to match the height allowed by the
Massachusetts building code. The height of 8' will not interfere with snowplowing. The
fourth sentence of the bylaw will read," ...all other awnings or canopies shall have a
minimum ground clearance of eight feet."
The purpose of amending Section 6.2.3.2.i is to clarify that temporary sales and
promotion signs may be displayed no more than three times in a calendar year. The first
sentence of Section 6.2.3.2.i will read, "...provided that the individual business shall
place no more than three such signs per calendar year..."
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report:
CPDC Report:
ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the
Town of Reading as follows:
• Renumber Section 2.2.2.28.1 of thereof so that it reads Section 2.2.28.1;
• Insert a new Section 4.4.1 Reserved;
• Insert a new Section 4.5.1 Reserved;
• Insert Section 4.9.7.5 before the term "Private Wavs";
• Insert parentheses around the numerals for the numbered paragraphs in
Section 6.2.3.2, subsection d. Window Sians;
• Delete the hyphen from "non-conformity", the last word in the second
sentence of Section 6.3.7, thereof so that it reads "nonconformity"
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
19 L4b 1~
Background: The purpose of this Article is to correct typographical and formatting
errors in certain sections of the Zoning By-Laws that occurred as a result of previous
amendments, and to confirm and authorize those corrections that were made when the
Zoning By-Law was published. None of the amendments change the substance of the
Zoning By-Law.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bvlaw Committee Report:
CPDC Report:
20 V
J
and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least
one (1) public place in each precinct of the, Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to
November 10, 2008,.the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this
Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or providing in a manner such as
electronic submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to
each Town Meeting Member.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to
the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this 23rd day of September, 2008.
Stephen A. Goldy, Chairman
Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman
James E. Bonazoli, Secretary
Camille W. Anthony
Richard W. Schubert
SELECTMEN OF READING
Thomas H. Freeman, Constable
21
PA,-n C-4 e_ ( 7
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
November 13, 2001
ARTICLE 5 - On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted to accept a gift of
$53,000 plus other future donations that may be made to establish a trust fund to be lalown as the
Town of Reading Veterans Memorial Fund, the principal purpose of which is to place flowers on
the graves of veterans buried in Reading, and also to provide and maintain other appropriate
decorations, monuments and related items and events to honor and commemorate decrease
Reading veterans and veterans interred in Reading cemeteries, with such funds to be
administered by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds, on the following basis:
Subject to the expenditure limitations contained in this vote, the expenditure of funds shall be
determined by the majority vote of a three-person Town of Reading Veterans Memorial Trust
Committee to be comprised of the Custodian of Soldier's and Sailor's Graves in Reading, the
Reading Veterans Agent and the Chairperson of the Reading Board of Cemetery Trustees or
another trustee of that Board as is designated by the Chairperson. If at any time there are only
two persons serving as trustees 'of the Town of Reading Veterans Memorial Trust Committee due
to a change in the structure of the ex officio offices or for any other reason, the Chairperson of
the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds or another Commissioner of the
Commission as designated by the Chairman, shall serve as the third trustee. The trustees of
the Town of Reading Veterans Memorial Trust Committee shall meet no less frequently than
annually and shall elect their own Chairperson. There shall be no expenditure frorn the Town of
Reading Veterans Memorial Fund until July 1, 2003. This is a perpetual fund and as such, the
original funds hereby accepted and subsequent funds donated prior to July 1, 2003 shall not be
expended but shall be invested by the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds to
generate income, which income may be expended only for the above purposes. Unless otherwise
directed by a subsequent donor as to the use of his or her donation, all donations made on or after
July 1, 2003 shall be allocated 75% towards perpetual (non-expendable) principal and 25% to be
available for expenditure (expendable). Funds available for expenditure, but not expended, shall
remain with the Town of Reading Commissioners of Trust Funds for investment until such funds
are expended.
A true copy. Attest: Cheryl A. Johnson
Town Clerk
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22 Frank D. Tanner Drive • Reading, MA 01867-2399 ° 781-944-6755
September 12, 2008
Mr. Stephen Goldy, Chair
Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading °O
16 Lowell Street m
Reading, MA 01867
Re: Gazebo Affordable Unit
Dear Mr. Goldy:
.C
0%
The Reading Housing Authority is seeking assistance in initiating its right of first refusal per the deed rider
to purchase an affordable unit at Gazebo Circle for the price of $204,000. This particular unit has been up
for resale since October 2007 and all efforts to resell the property have failed. The owner has requested in
accordance with the resale procedures that the Housing Authority either purchase the unit or release to sell
at market price.
Due to the financial constraints imposed on the Housing Authority as a result of our carrying costs
associated with the 75 Pleasant Street property, we are not in a position to fully fund the acquisition of an
additional affordable unit at this time. Therefore, the Housing Authority respectfully requests use of
Affordable Housing Trust Fund monies in the amount of $100,000 so that we could proceed and purchase
the unit. Our joint efforts would ensure that this property would remain affordable and be held, as such, in
perpetuity. This agency would then house a qualified family from our wait list in order for us to continue
to serve those in need. Your support and cooperation in this regard would be very much appreciated.
The Housing Authority is willing to assume a mortgage with Reading Cooperative Bank for the balance of
purchase price. Attached is a cost analysis, which reflects, anticipated direct and indirect costs associated
with the potential ownership of an additional two-bedroom unit. We feel certain that the Fair Market Rents
for our region will support this endeavor and maintain its affordability.
Please extend our thanks to all of the Board members for their willingness to assist us in our endeavors to
maintain affordable housing units within the Town of Reading.
Respectfully, .
1.
Lyl.' Wbyte, PH 7
Executive Director
Cc: Mary Connors, RHA Chair
Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
0 Equal Housing Opportunity
Potential to purchase 2 BR unit at Gazebo 22-Aug-08
August 2008 Analysis
Computation of net income of Project
Mortgage Term in Months
Purchase/const cost
$204,000
Raze Exist Bldg
$0
Legal & Permit
$0
Current Mtge
$0
DEP compliance
$0
Site work - Parking
$0
Site work - 4 units
$0 elec-sewer etc
$204,000
Less: 50% deposit
$ (100,000.00)
Expected Mtg
$104,000
Income:
Monthly Rent: # of Units
one bedroom
two bedroom
three bedroom
Total income
0
1
0
1
Income over mortgage costs
Operating Costs
Number of Units....
Insurance
Pilot taxes
Est. Maint Materials & contracts
Capital Reserve (5% of rent).........
Vacancy Allowance (2.5% of rent)...
Heat & Util.-(Pd by tenant) water
Other-HOA dues
Total Direct Costs
360
Interest rate
Monthly Payments
Rent per unit w/o
utilities @08/08
$990
$1,117
$0
Basis: Actual 2008 P&L
1 Annl Unit Cost Annual Expense
270 $270
58 $58
1094 $1,094
59 $708.00
- $29.33
$0 $0
1968 $1,968
$4,127.33
Monthly
6.00%
$625
$0
$1,117
$0 "assume gas heat,
$1,117 electric cooking
$492
(used since 0% funding level)
$22.50
$4.83
$91
$55.85
$27.93
$0
$164
$366.28
Net income after direct operating expenses
$126
Allocation basis-current units + 1
Allocation of Maint. Labor 437
$437
$36
Allocation of RHA - Misc costs (water, 225
$225
$19
Allocation of employee benefits 171
$171
$14
Total Indirect Costs
$833
$69
Net income after fully loaded costs
$56
Annualized net income after direct Ops. Expenses
$1,509
Annualized net income, fully loaded expenses
$676
Policy establishing an ad hoc
Washington Park Planning Committee
ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee
There is hereby created an ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee, which shall
exist until September 30, 2008 or until such earlier date the ad hoc Washington Park Planning
Committee may have completed its work.
The ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee shall consist of nine (9) residents of
Reading for terms expiring September 30, 2008, or such earlier date that may be determined. In
selecting the membership, an attempt will be made to fill the membership as follows:
0 1 Member appointed by the Recreation Committee
0 1 Member from Friends of Reading Recreation
0 3 Residents at Large that do not fulfill any other requirements of the other
categories, and who are residents of the surrounding neighborhood representing
different portions of the neighborhood
0 1 Member Representing Reading Babe Ruth Baseball
0 1 Member of the Police Department
0 1 Member of RCASA
0 1 Member of the Board of Selectmen
The ad hoc Washington Park Planning Committee shall perforin the following activities
related to developing the Master Plan for Washington Park:
1. Review and understand the scope of the charge to the committee, and develop a
suggested work plan and schedule;
2. Review and document the current uses and development of Washington Park;
3. Solicit input from the community at large as to what uses can/should be included for
the park;
4. Reach out to the current users of Washington Park for their comments and input;
5. Reach out to Town Departments and Boards/Committees/Commissions that may be
affected by the current or changed uses of Washington Park. Particular attention will
be given to the Departments responsible for maintaining park facilities, and those
responsible for issuing permits for use of these sites;
6. Prepare a preliminary Master Plan on their findings including potential uses and draft
drawings by June 30, 2008;
7. Submit the preliminary Master Plan to the Board of Selectmen for their review and
comment;
8. With staff, develop a final Master Plan;
9. Report to the Board of Selectmen and get feedback at key milestones in this process,
including prior to the development of the Preliminary Master Plan.
Staff and Town Counsel will be assigned to work with the ad hoc Washington Park
Planning Committee through the Town Manager. The ad hoc Washington Park Planning
Committee will be considered to be part of the Department of Public Works for administrative
purposes.
Adopted 3-25-08
X,
WASHINGTON PARK
Washin9tOn Street
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hln9ton Street
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A
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Pervious
Walkway
II' Sweet5er Ave.
Pervious
Walkway
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Water
Fountain
and Flag
Pole
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Pervious
Walkway
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
TO:
READING BOARD OF SELECTMEN
FROM:
BEN TAFOYA
SUBJECT:
PROCESS FOR OAKLAND ROAD
DATE:
9/17/2008
CC:
PETER HECHENBLEIKNER, TOWN MANAGER
The following are informal thoughts on the process for considering the future of the Oakland Road
property. I would anticipate a full discussion by the Board of these and other options and I appreciate the
oppominityto make these comments.
I would suggest a public process for the discussion of the future of the town property on Oakland Road.
I believe that the formation of an ad hoc Town Building Committee would be an appropriate fast step to
consider the property, the future needs of the town for municipal buildings and the proper use(s) for the
property were it to be sold.
I believe the committee should be composed of representation from the Board of Selectmen, School
Committee, Library Board and non-voting liaisons from CPDC and FinCom. The Board can bring forward
information about the potential uses for municipal purposes and the School Committee can do the same for
the school department functions. The Library may choose to participate or not, but their active voice would
help in rounding out the considerations of government oriented needs. The liaisons from the CPDC can
assist in the consideration of land use and master planning issues. The Finam liaison would be of assistance
in communicating financial considerations.
For the purpose of considering the Oakland Road property I suggest a time horizon of up to five years
for the potential need of the land for public use. Once the Committee reports back to the Board it may be
appropriate to engage in public discussion with the residential neighborhood surrounding the Oakland Road
area about the potential uses.
If at the end of this process there is no consensus around keeping the land for public purposes the
property could be sold following the required steps.
Why not just sell the property now? It has been suggested by a colleague that we form a Municipal
Building Committee and soliciting the recommendation of such a body would be helpful in the process of
dealing with this valuable asset. Moreover, there are a variety of issues that have been surfaced by members of
the community regarding projects that could potentially involve the need to build new or onto existing
buildings. Additionally, there could also be reasons to look at the potential for trading land that the town
owns with those of an agency or individual to accomplish goal(s) important to the community. Finally, if we
do sell the land it may be appropriate to wait until a real estate environment where we could maximize its
value.
Why an ad hoc committee instead of a permanent one? The experience of the ad hoc committee can
guide us as to the requirement for a permanent committee. If there are open questions, or projects that need
scope, or additional research that needs to be done then a permanent committee can be formed and
appointed. Also, we can be a bit more flexible on membership for a ad hoc committee.
Again, I appreciate this opportunity to discuss this item with you and further this discussion.
4,e/%
Board of Selectmen Meeting
August 26, 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 7:00 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, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Manager
Peter Hechenbleilmer, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur,
Library Director Ruth Urell, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Office Manager Paula
Schena and the following list of interested parties: Jeffrey Perkins, Dave Tuttle, Virginia
and Everett Blodgett, Gina Snyder, Meghan Young-Tafoya, Michele Benson, Ray Porter,
Gene Nigro, George Katsoufis, Jack Russell.
A motion by Anthonv seconded by Tafova to 20 into Executive Session for the
purpose of strate2v retarding labor nezotiations to come back into Open Session at
approximately 7:30 p.m. was approved on a roll call vote with all four members
votine in the affirmative.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Retorts and Comments - Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the
Selectmen in North Reading are looking into using flagmen for details instead of Police,
and she feels that we should also look into that. She asked the Town Manager to make
sure that the tree wells Downtown are big enough.
Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Economic Development Committee is getting
complaints from businesses that the Police are ticketing people for not being parked in
the white lines. He also noted that the Downtown Steering Committee met last
Wednesday and they are looking for our help on how to raise funds for the Downtown
improvements. He stated that he will be attending a meeting at the Mattera building on
Thursday morning.
Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he met with the Town Manager and Superintendent
of Schools regarding a student rep on the Board of Selectmen. He also noted that the
Student Council will make the selection with a target date of October 1, 2008. He made
note that the Board should not ask the student rep about school issues or put them on the
spot.
Public Comment - Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that the Board received an email from
Ms. Capuccio and Selectman Ben Tafoya will follow up with her.
5-eu
Board of Selectmen Meeting - August 26. 2008 - Page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
• The Board of Selectmen has received information on a potential LIP on North Main
Street. I have asked the applicant to come in and discuss the proposal in concept
form with the Board of Selectmen when they have digested the DRT comments from
staff. Town Counsel advises that LIP's are still allowed under the new 40B
regulations, Selectman Camille Anthony asked the Town Manager to find out where
the ZBA is on updating their regulations for 40B.
• Kennel Licensing fees may be set by the Board of Selectmen.
• West Nile Virus has been found in two birds in Reading. The East Middlesex
Mosquito Control Project will be controlling mosquitoes in Reading using truck
mounted aerosol sprayers on Tuesday, August 26t' and Wednesday, August 27th
between dusk and 11:30 p.m. On Tuesday, spraying is scheduled for neighborhoods
that are Iocated east of Main Street in the vicinity of Dana Road, Wakefield Street,
Charles Street, Salem Street, John Street, Ash Street and Hopkins Street. On
Wednesday, spraying is scheduled for areas in the vicinity of Rustic Lane,
Batchelder Road, Franklin Street, Sanborn Lane, Van Norden Road, Forest Street,
Grove Street and Lowell Street between High Street and the Wilmington border.
Spraying is also scheduled for neighborhoods off West Street between Winslow
Road and the Wilmington border and Summer Avenue between King Street and
Willow Street. The Project uses a spray formulation containing the pesticide
sumithrin to control mosquitoes. Sumithrin is a synthetic pyrethroid that is classified
as a slightly toxic pesticide by the EPA. Mosquito control applications of sumithrin
do not pose a significant risk to people or their pets due to the low toxicity of
sumithrin and the small amount used to control mosquitoes. As with any pesticide,
people should minimize exposure. If residents see a spray truck approaching, they
are advised to go indoors for a couple of minutes while the spray dissipates.
Residents are also advised to close windows facing the street.
• Reading has been successful in its application for a Suburban Mobility Grant which
will provide a van service in the community. We are working on the details of
implementing the grant. There is a local match for this three year grant.
• We have been awarded an REI grant for construction of the viewing platform in
Bare Meadow. The Trails Committee will begin planning. We hope to have a
volunteer work day in the Fall to assemble the pieces.
• Double Poles - status of legislation
• Curbside Leaf Collection schedule:
• Week of November 3rd
• Week of November 17th
• Week of December I st
• Scotland Road work by DPW is completed.
• Tannerville project - RHA, Engineering and Highway Divisions.
• Turf Field - Erosion and silt barrier is installed, Stormwater Pollution Prevention
Plan (SWPPP) has been filed with EPA. Contractor is moving equipment in today
and will most likely start excavation before the end of the week. Notices were sent to
abutters on Morgan Park and Temple, and school was at pre-construction meeting.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - August 26. 2008 - Paae 3
• Parker Drainage - DPW began clearing brush last week, and started dredging on
ditch Monday. Have completed approximately 200 linear feet or 20% of project.
• Tennis Courts - As of yesterday,, we still have not received verification if the paving
subcontractor was going to replace the courts finish surface out of pocket or go
through his insurance company. As for completion, I doubt they will make the end
of September. If they start next week (holiday week) and finish re-paving by the
100', they have to wait two to three weeks before they can apply the court color
surface. That will put us into the first of October, and they would need good weather
for the surface treatment.
• The hearing of an appeal by Busa's Liquors of the Board of Selectmen's two day
suspension for selling to a minor is scheduled for September 3rd.
• School starts for students in Reading this Thursday, August 28. Best wishes to the
School Department, staff, parents and students for a very successful school year.
Drivers, please be aware of students walking in the area of schools and on their way
to school.
• The Town Manager met with the MWRA and also the State Reps regarding the
water tanks.
• The Town Manager noted that the Board needs to designate the Community
Outreach Coordinator/Program Coordinator as a Special Municipal Employee.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to designate the Communitv
Outreach Coordinator/Program Coordinator Position as a Special Municipal
Emvlovee was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Assistant Town Manager's Report
• The Assistant Town Manager noted that it is going to be harder to borrow big
amounts of money over five years for at least a couple of years.
Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation - 75t" Anniversarv of Readina Svmphonv Orchestra - Gene Nigro was
present to receive the Proclamation.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to proclaim the week of September 7,
2008 to be Reading Svmvhonv Orchestra Week was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Personnel and Appointments
Board of Appeals - The Town Manager noted that he received a plea from the Chairman
of the Board of Appeals to fill the vacancy. The Town Manager sent an email to five
possible candidates and Jeffrey Perkins responded that he was interested. He would have
to resign from the West Street Historic District Committee. The Board interviewed Mr.
Perkins.
Tafova moved and Anthonv seconded to Place the following name into nomination
for one Associate position on the Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30.
2011: Jeffrev D. Perkins. Mr. Perkins received four votes and was aPPointed.
~a,3 ,
Board of Selectmen Meetins - August 26, 2008 - Pate 4
Discussion/Action Items
Town Accountant Quarterly Meeting - Town Accountant Gail LaPointe updated the
Board on the Munis implementation. She noted that the Munis implementation is about
40% complete, the auditors are coming in beginning September 29`" and she is closing
out the fiscal year. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if Munis could be used for
ambulance billing, and Gail LaPointe indicated that it could be used.
Hearing - Amendiniz Curb and Sidewalk Policv - The Secretary read the hearing notice.
The Town Manager noted that Town Counsel reviewed the Selectmen's Policy on curbs
and sidewalks, and indicated that the Selectmen have no authority to tie curb and
sidewalks to the Certificate of Occupancy. The Selectmen should eliminate that
paragraph as noted below and rescind the requirement for the property on Timberneck
Drive.
Section 4.5 - Installation. Construction and Reconstruction of Curbs and Sidewalks
This policy has been developed in order to provide guidance to future Boards of
Selectmen in their role as Highway Commissioners, and to provide direction to the
Community Plamzing and Development Commission and the Department of Public
Works. Any variance from this policy will require the specific action of the Board of
Selectmen.
As the Town has grown, there has developed a disparate pattern of curbing and
sidewalks throughout the Town. While recognizing and wanting to preserve the character
of different areas of the Town, it is also in the Town's interest to develop and adhere to
certain standards of the type of improvements installed either through private initiative or
through public action.
4. S.1 - Curbinz
Curbing that is installed in all areas of Town shall conform to the
following:
At all intersections, vertical granite curbing will be installed, meeting all
requirements as specified in the Subdivision Control Policy of the Town
and as specified in applicable State and/or Federal law at the time;
♦ Along rural roads in locations where vertical granite curbing is
unnecessary or where it is inconsistent with the character of the roadway,
bituminous "cape cod berm" type of curbing will be permitted;
Where a new development takes place along a rural road, vertical granite
curbing will be used within the new development streets and along the
existing rural road for the entirety of its frontage;
o In all other locations, and including "infill" locations along existing
streets, vertical granite curbing shall be used;
* VAere a sing4e lot or- lots on an existing street is being developed, even
though the Genstraotion may not r-e -al 47em the Communitz.5,
Plamiing and Development the ewfieF shall install vel4ieal
S°. u
Board of Selectmen Meeting - August 26. 2008 - Pate 5
♦ The CPDC may, as part of an application for Scenic Road approval and
with the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen, approve an
alternative form of curbing.
4.5.2 - Sidewalks
It is the intent of the Board of Selectmen that, over time, all areas of
Reading will have sidewalks on at least one side of every street, and that on busier
streets, sidewalks shall be provided on both sides of the street as follows:
♦ In areas that have intermittent sidewalks, sidewalks shall be installed of a
type (either cement concrete or bituminous) that is predominant in the
area;
♦ In the area generally bounded by Lowell, Salem, John, Washington,
Willow, Summer and Prescott Streets, sidewalks shall be constructed of
cement concrete;
♦ In other areas of the community where there is no predominant type of
sidewalk, bituminous sidewalk will be permitted;
♦ Where sidewalks are repaired or replaced, they will be repaired or
replaced with the same type as previously existed, unless the previously
existing sidewalk is not of the type that predominates in the area;
-t «n a sing4e let or- lots on an existing street is being developed-,twen
theugh the Gonstruetion may no". r-eq-..- -,,.,.-.a4 from the GomfflUfl4y
Planning and Development Commission, the owner- shall install sidewa4k
along the fiall fir-ontage of the pr-epeFty on the existing street prior-
The type of sidewalk shall b
n+v. sistent with the remainder- of this pokey;
♦ As new areas of the community develop and the issue arises as to the need
for sidewalks within a development, the Board of Selectmen urges the
Community Planning and Development Commission to evaluate the need
for sidewalks on both sides of the proposed street(s). In instances where
the CPDC feels that the roadway is not a major one, that the road is not
subject to further extension, and that the public interest is served by
having sidewalks on only one side of the street, the Board of Selectmen
urges the CPDC to require the developer to extend an amount of sidewalk
equal to that being waived, in a location to be determined by the Town
Manager.
4.5.3 - Tree lawns
In most areas of the community, there is a tree lawn consisting of a strip of
planted material that exists between the curb or curb line and the sidewalk area.
The tree lawn is to be preserved as such, and is not to be used as a parking area or
widened sidewalk unless specifically approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Adopted 3-30-93; Revised 12-13-94
Virginia Blodgett from the Walkable Reading Group noted that the group would like to
encourage a safe walking environment, and the Town needs a program to maintain the
current sidewalks.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - AuLyust 26.2008 - Page 6
Ray Porter of 529 Franklin Street noted that the sidewalks in front of his house are widely
used. He also noted that the biggest source of COz is cars. He encourages walking but
not having sidewalks put people in the streets.
Dave Tuttle of 27 Heather Drive noted that the curbs and sidewalks are on public
property and that makes the policy problematic. He also noted that CPDC needs to know
what they should require for sidewalks. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this
requirement is still in the Subdivision Rules and Regulations. The Selectmen's policy
deals with the single homeowner, not subdivisions.
Selectman James Bonazoli suggested that Walkable Reading spearhead a hedge trimming
program.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to close the hearing on amending Section
4.5 of the Board of Selectmen Policies was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the amendment to Section
4.5 - Installation, Construction and Reconstruction of Curbs and Sidewalks of the
Board of Selectmen Policies (as amended) was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Rescind Curb Requirement - Timberneck Drive - A motion by Anthony seconded by
Bonazoli to rescind the Board of Selectmen decision of July 8. 2008 reauirine the
owners of 53 Tamarack Road to install 290 feet of curbin,2 was approved by a vote
of 4-0-0.
Review Development/Redevelopment Progress - The Town Manager gave the following
synopsis of the development projects in Town:
• 128 Ford - Permits have been issued for a Honda Gallery
• 8 Walkers Brook Drive - Under construction
• Addison-Wesley - Expecting site plan approval this Fall
• 80-100 Main Street - Tambone is seeking tenants
• 144 Main Street - Becoming a fitness place
• 306 Main Street - The clean up is done
• 1349 Main Street - Under Construction
• 18-20 Woburn Street - Will be a restaurant
+ 601 Main Street - New restaurant is coming
• 335 Main Street -New dance studio
Review with CPDC the South Main Street Design Process - Chairman of CPDC David
Tuttle, and Associate member George Katsoufis were present.
David Tuttle noted that CPDC meets regularly to look at the south Main Street area.
They are developing guidelines to make that area pedestrian friendly. Their vision is to
carry Downtown into that area, pull businesses closer to the roadway, reduce curb cuts
and share parking and access with abutting properties to get vehicles behind the
buildings. He also noted that Town Meeting needs to be educated in the Fall.
s~ ~
Board of Selectmen Meetiniz - August 26, 2008 - Pate 7
George ICatsoufis noted that the Downtown businesses are the type of businesses they
want to work with to make it an extension of Downtown. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted
that the topography of south Main Street is difficult.
Meghan Young-Tafoya noted that the Economic Development Committee is surveying
businesses.
Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the poles are horrendous and speed is a factor.
She also noted that it is not safe to cross the street and that needs to be addressed.
Review with CPDC the Downtown 40R Process - David Tuttle noted that the 40R
context is very challenging.
Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this is a critically important project for the Downtown,
and he stated that it needs to be made simple.
The Town Manager noted that the Town is too restrictive and needs to revise the
guidelines.
Selectman Ben Tafoya asked the status of the proposed historic district. David Tuttle
noted that 50% of Downtown is nonconforming, and there are a large number of
properties of historic inventory.
David Tuttle noted that if the Town doesn't look at 40R, then they should do spot zoning.
Final Review of Gould Street - The Town Manager reviewed the revised Gould Street
design. He noted that a crosswalk was added, two trees will be kept, there are additional
parking spaces, and two driveways give six parking spaces.
A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli to Brant a waiver to provide for one 16
foot curb cut and one 12 foot curb cut at the property at 45 Ash Street was
approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Preview Warrant - Subseauent Town Meeting - The Town Manager reviewed. the
Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting.
Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that she would like to know what is needed to get
the roads in shape. The Town Manager noted that we are looking at micro seal and to
stop doing curbing.
There was much discussion regarding the Baldwin Lane Articles. Economic
Development Committee Member Jack Russell noted that Articles 16 and 17 do nothing
for the Town, and it creates a nonconforming lot that is a stigma.
Board of Selectmen Meeting - August 26. 2008 - Page 8
Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested going back to the Consultant Report and using that as
the basis and see where we are. He noted that the Board needs discussion regarding
curbing. Chairman Stephen Goldy directed the Town Manager to put this on the
September 9th agenda.
The Board decided to remove Articles 11, 16 and 17 from the draft Warrant.
Approve BAN Sale for Water Svstem - The Assistant Town Manager noted that the
Town sold $450,000 in BANS 'and there are six documents to sign.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to move that all action taken by the
Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $450.000 Bond Anticipation
Note. (the "Note") of the Town authorized pursuant to Chapter 44. Section 8, and
Chanter 62 of the Acts of 2005 of the Mass. General Laws, as amended and
supplemented, and by votes of the Town dulv adopted, be and herebv is ratified.
apyroved and adopted,
That the Note shall be dated as of September 3. 2008, shall mature on Februarv 4,
2009, shall bear interest at maturity, and shall not be subject to redemption prior to
its stated maturity:
That the Note shall bear interest and is herebv sold and awarded as follows:
Purchaser Amount Int. Rate Premium
Centurv Bank $ 450,000 2.34% $ 0.00
That the Town Treasurer is authorized to deliver the Note to purchaser and that the
Board of Selectmen, the Treasurer and the Town Cleric be and herebv are
authorized to take action to execute and deliver all documents related to the Sale
was approved by a vote of 4-0-0.
Selectman Ben Tafoya left the meeting.
Approval of Minutes
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the Minutes of June 10, 2008
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the Minutes of June 20, 2008
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthonv to approve the Minutes of June 24, 2008
was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meeting of August 26,
2008 at 10:40 p.m. was approved by a vote of 3-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Number: 2008-4 Fee: $75.00
TOWN OF READING
USED CAR DEALER'S LICENSE - CLASS II
TO BUY AND SELL SECOND-HAND MOTOR VEHICLES
In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 140 of the General Laws with amendments
thereto, Reading Foreisn Motors Imports is hereby licensed to buy and sell second-
hand motor vehicles at 4 Minot Street subject to the following conditions:
That all Zoning and other Bylaws and Rules and Regulations of the Town of
Reading are adhered to; that each motor vehicle for sale have posted on it only one
sign in letters no larger than two inches in height, the price of the vehicle; there will
be no banners, pennants, windshield signs or other information other than the
principle sign on the premises.
16 outdoor vehicle spaces for Class II Motor Vehicle sales plus three spaces indoors
per the attached map.
This license is granted in conformity with the Statutes and ordinances relating thereto,
and expires December 31. 2008. unless sooner suspended or revoked.
In Testimony Whereof, the undersigned have hereunto a ed their official signatures.
va.
Date Issued: September 18, 2008
THIS LICENSE MUST BE POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE UPON THE PREMISES,
(OVER)
~e
k,comcast
September 8, 2008
2(J8 SEP F 1 All 11;: 12
Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Members of the Board:
Comcast Cable S A,
55 Concord Street
North Reading, MA 01864
www.comoast.com
Comcast is pleased to announce that it will continue to make available high-speed Internet service to schools
and the library in Reading free of charge again this academic year, continuing the company's tradition of
putting its advanced fiber network to work for the communities we serve.
Comcast has offered free high-speed Internet service to schools, libraries and Boys & Girls Clubs across
Massachusetts since its arrival in the state in 2003. Comcast also uses its advanced fiber-rich network to
deliver free cable television service to schools and other public buildings in Reading. The company's
broadband contribution in Reading alone has an annual value of more than $19,800.
Comcast is focused on delivering the best in innovation, information and entertainment to our customers m
Reading and across Massachusetts. We are committed to using our resources to make meaningful investments
in communities where our customers and employees live and work. Comcast is pleased to help make a
difference in the schools and library in Reading by providing fast and reliable video and high-speed Internet
connections.
We have attached a list of the locations in Reading where courtesy service is provided, according to our
database. If your school department or library is not taking full advantage of our offerings, or if you see
discrepancies, please contact Angela Kalaw at (978) 825-2328 or Angela Kalaw@ cable.comcast.con-
As always, it has been a pleasure working with your community and we look forward to continuing our
support of Reading for years to come.
Sincerel~,
Timothy G. Murnane
Vice President, Government and Community Relations
Comcast - Metro Boston Region
I
cc: School Superintendent
School Principals
Library-Director
Jane Lyman, Comcast
3 i
Complimentary Services from Comcast
READING
Free
Free
Institution
Address
e TV
Ca.bl..
Internet
n
LIBRARY,READING
64 MIDDLESEX AVE
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL MIDDLE,OOOLIDGE
89 BIRCH MEADOW DR
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL,AUSTIN PREP
101 WILLOW ST
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL,BARROWS
16 EDGEMONT AVE
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL, BIRCHMEADOW
27 ARTHUR B LORD DR
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL,J EATON L
365 SUMMER AVE
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL,KILLAM
333 CHARLES ST
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL,MEMORIAL
62 OAKLAND RD
Yes
Yes
SCHOOL,PARKER 1
45 TEMPLE ST
Yes
Yes
SCHOOLS,SUNSET ROCK
85 SUNSET ROCK LN
Yes
g
Massachusetts State Lottery Commission VC
60 Cofumd ian street
Braintree, Massachusetts 02184-1 W
Licensing F'aX (781) 849-5656
TIMOTHY P. CAHILL MARK J. CAVANAGH
Treasurer and l?Sceiver General Executive Director
N
September 12, 2008
Town of Reading
Board of Selectmen
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Sir/Madam:
The Massachusetts State Lottery Commission is offering existing non-pouring agents our
exciting new product KENO To Go, a transaction which is identical to the already existing
on-line games, such as Megabucks and Mass Cash. The Lottery is not providing agents
with Keno monitors as part of this program.
In accordance with M.G.L. c 10, section 27A, as amended, you are hereby notified that there
are existing agents in your community that are qualified to apply for KENO To Go. A list of
qualified agents is attached. If you object to these agents selling KENO To Go, you must do so,
in writing, within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of this letter.
Please address your written objection to Charles McIntyre, General Counsel, Massachusetts
State Lottery Commission, 60 Columbian Street, Braintree, MA 02184. Should you have any
questions regarding this program or any other issue relative to the Lottery, please call me at
781-849-5555 or send your inquiry via email to kenoletters@masslotterv.com. I look forward
to working with you as the Lottery continues its' efforts to support the 351 cities and towns of
the Commonwealth.
Sincerely,
Mark ~'avanagh
Execu ' e Directoi
Certified Mail - Return
Receipt Requested: 7005 1820 0006 3753 8744 '
~r
(9-08) Supporting the 351 Cities and Towns of Massachusetts
Adam J. DeFilippo
Franchise Service Specialist
Verizon Video
September 16, 2008
RCTV Studio
c/o Mr. Philip Rushworth
Executive Director
224 Ash Street
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Mr. Rushworth,
4
e;
v T-7
Verizon Communications Inc.
125 High Street
Boston, MA 02110
617442-0151
adam.j.defilippo@verizon.com
Verizon understands the importance of Public, Education and Government (PEG) programming and the need
to address/resolve any potential issues as quickly as possible. Therefore, it is VerizoWs pleasure to announce
the new PEG Helpdesk that is now available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The telephone number for
the PEG helpdesk is 1-866-310-0952. You will call this number to report PEG Channel outages or signal
quality issues. We believe the helpdesk will provide more efficient reporting and expeditious resolution
should you experience a PEG outage or signal quality issue.
When calling the Helpdesk you will need some key pieces of information, such as Circuit Identification
Number, which will assist the Verizon representative in handling your issue. I have put together a check list
(attached) with instructions for reporting PEG troubles to the helpdesk. Please keep this information handy
so that you can use it if you need to report a trouble.
Besides the helpdesk, I will also be available to assist with PEG issues. If for any reason you are not satisfied
or need additional assistance in resolving outage or signal quality issues please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
a- 4~'6
Adam DeFilippo
Franchise Manager
o
Verizon Video
Copy: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
C'.?
Bill Connors
%-n
r%3
gU~
PEG Outage or Signal Quality Reporting Instructions
RCTV Studio
Trouble Reuortina:
Step 1: Call the PEG helpdesk on 1-866-310-0952.
The Network Technician will need the following information:
Circuit Identification Number
City/Town
Channel(s) that are Impacted
Description of the Problem
- Include Content that is Currently being Broadcasted
Studio Access Hours (for dispatching a technician if necessary)
11/IPEG/753107/ /VZ1VIA
Town of Reading
Step 2: The Network Technician will begin troubleshooting the problem.
Verizon's network will be tested and reviewed to determine if the problem is on our
network. If the issue is determined to be at the provider's location a Technician will be
dispatched. The Studio will be kept informed if access to the studio is necessary.
Step 3: The reporting party will be informed when the trouble has been corrected.
IMPORTANT REMINDER: The direct Toll Free number above is for municipal
use only; and should NOT be distributed to residents. Residents with service issues
should call Verizon's Fi®S Solution Center 1-888-553-1555.
* This is your IP Circuit Identifier please keep this document and use this information to report a trouble.
Page 1 ofd,,,
Ll C_ gas
Schena, Paula
From:
Hechenbleikner, Peter
Sent:
Monday, September 15, 2008 4:59 PM
To:
Reading - Selectmen
Cc:
Schena, Paula
Subject: FW: Downtown Reconstruction Update 09-15-08
List/copy Board of Selectmen
From: Knight, Maureen
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:57 PM
To: 'vanmagness@verizon.net'
Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Kowalski, Carol; Zambouras, George
Subject: RE: Downtown Reconstruction Update 09-15-08
Dear Mr. Magness,
Thank you for your kind words. I have passed your email along to the Town Manager, Town Planner and the
Town Engineer. I am sure they will appreciate your comments.
Maureen Knight
From: Fred & Karen Van Magness [mailto:vanmagness@verizon.net]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 4:49 PM
To: Knight, Maureen
Subject: RE: Downtown Reconstruction Update 09-15-08
Dear Maureen,
Please pass on to the "powers that be", that rarely have I seen a project like this, with all the complexities of doing
work in the midst of on-going business activity, go as smoothly and as quickly as this one. I hope the timeliness
of the work to date is an example of what we can expect for the remainder. This contractor is doing a terrific job. I
compare this to the work being done... perpetually... on Rt 129 in Wilmington and Rt. 62 in North Reading, where
those projects seem to languish for months and years without completion. Nice to see a responsive bidder who
actually gets the job done.
Fred Van Magness Sr.
-----Original Message-----
From: Knight, Maureen [mailto:mknight@ci.reading.ma.us]
Sent: Monday, September 15, 2008 11:30 AM
To: Knight, Maureen
Subject: Downtown Reconstruction Update 09-15-08
Bain Street Improvement Project Update
Week of September 14, 2008
All businesses are open.
so-
9/17/2008
Please shop and dine in downtown Reading.
Both lanes of Main Street and Lowell Street will remain open except for temporary lane
closures during the installation of sidewalk and curb.
Main Street - east side from Haven Street to Harnden Street
Work starts on the east side of Main Street from Haven Street to Hamden (from the former
Savory Taste restaurant, Aroma Cafe, Washington Arms apartments, Latham Latham Lamond
building, to Walgreens, Danvers Savings Bank, Anton's and the Purple Door). Old sidewalks
will be removed starting mid-week.
Caution tape may go up for public safety along this side of Main Street, but evervthina
is OPEN. The caution tape does not mean any stores, restaurants, or sidewalks are closed.
Main Street - Haven Street to Woburn Street
The sidewalks are now in on the West side of Main Street (Clockfolk, Goodhearts, Simms,
CVS, Reading.Trophy, Middlesex Animal Hospital, Chinatown Cafe, the Wine Shop, Venetian
Moon.) Brickwork will begin later this month.
Woburn Street at intersection with Lowell Street/Main Street
Concrete sidewalks are now installed at the corner of Woburn Street and Main (from Venetian
Moon to Yoga East.) The sidewalks at Town Hall will be installed this week.
Parkinq Options
Angled parking spaces will continue to be permitted on both sides of Lowell Street between
Woburn and Main Streets (in front of the CVS) except when equipment is present for sidewalk
work. Angled parking on the Town Hall side of Lowell Street, is also available. (Parking is not
permitted along the Town Common edge of Lowell Street between Woburn and Salem
Streets.) Standard parking restrictions and enforcement are in effect.
The municipal parking lot at Ash Street and Haven Street will be closed while work continues
in that area.
Alternative Parkinq .
A temporary parking pass is available while there is construction directly in front of a driveway
or lot. Please contact Safety Officer, Mike Lee at the Police Station for a temporary parking
pass. Temporary parking passes will have expiration dates and will only be available for a
limited amount of time. The alternative parking spaces will be in th_e_ designated Senior Center
spaces or in the blue zones on Chapin, Haven and Gould Streets.
Maureen M. Knight
Community Services
'own of Reading
-,ell Street
01867
1 to
Trolleys in Reading Square, from "At Wood End"