The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2008-01-22 Board of Selectmen HandoutTOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, January 22, 2008 • Reminder — the Town election and the Presidential Primary elections are on February 5. • Quarterly budget reports for the first half of this FY are in the Board of Selectmen information this evening. • We have exceeded our FY 2008 snow and ice budget. We will of course continue to plow and sand/salt as necessary. • In your packet is the . requested information on the completion of site improvements at the Venetian Moon building by the property owner. • We have received a dividend from MIIA for our Property and Casualty and Workers Comp Insurance in the amount of $3,317 for this year. • There is a DVD available for most of the members of the Board of Selectmen (you might have to share) produced by MMA on Revenue Sharing. I previewed this on last week's "Ask the Town .Manager," and have asked RCTV to air it again in the coming months. • In your packet of information this evening is an application put together by DPW Director Ted McIntire and his staff for the EPA New England Annual Merit Award for the community's efforts in addressing the Ipswich Water Shed environmental concerns. We'll let you know if we are successful. • The Health Division is conducting the last flu clinic of the year on January 24 here at Town Hall — 4:30 to 6:60 PM. Pneumonia and tetanus shots are also available. • The 2.5% design hearing on the West Street project is scheduled for January 30 at 7 PM at the parker Middle School. Notices have peen published. QUARTERLY BUDGET REPORT — through December 31, 2007 TOWN OF READING, MASSACHUSETTS Note: The accounts below reflect a variance of +5% or more in the quarterly allocation, and are therefore "flagged" for explanation. ACC'T# ACC7DESCRIPTION REASON FOR VARIANCE 012 Town Manager Salary The transfers into this account from enterprise funds have not yet taken place. This account will not need a transfer . 015 Community Services Travel Reimbursement has been higher than anticipated. This Expense may require an internal transfer within the department at the end of the year. 021 Finance Committee The expenses of the FY 2007 Audit come in the first part of the Expenses FY. This account will not need a transfer 045 Technology Salary Additional funds for salaries for the MUNIS implementation were approved last fall — a portion of these funds need to be put into the Technology salary account. When that is done, this account will not need a transfer 141 Inspections Salary The transfer from the Inspections Revolving Fund has not yet taken place. This account will not need a budget transfer. 301 DPW Administration This was for a supervisor professional development / training Expense expense. This may require an internal transfer within the department at the end of the year. 303 DPW Highway Exp ense Supplies for highway patch and sidewalk maintenance (Are higher than budgeted., Expenses for vehicle maintenance — both supplies and contractual services are higher than budgeted. Fuel is higher than budgeted, and may have to do with timing of deliveries. This nz((v require an additional budget transfer at the Annual Town Meeting. 317 DPW Recreation Capital The project (Birch Meadow Tot Lot) has been completed and therefore the expenses are "front-end loaded". No additional funding will be needed 321 DPW Snow and Ice This was the snowiest December on record. This will require Control Salary an additional budget transfer at the Annual Town Meeting. 481 DPW Cemetery Salary The payment from the bequest ftind has not yet been credited to this account. This account will not need a budget transfer — 541 Elder/Human Services The annual bill for MVES has been paid in its entirety. No Expense additional finding will be needed 611 Library Capital The entirety of one of the capital projects (furnishings) has been completed during the first half of the FY. No additional �unding will be needed 811 Contributory Retirement The full annual payment from this account has been made... No additional funding will be needed 817 Group Health and Life The entire annual premium for the EAP has been paid. No Insurance Expense additional funding will be needed (EAP) 821 Workers Comp The entire premium is paid at the beginning of the year to take advantage of discounts. No additional funding will be needed 405 Water Supply /Treatm.ent Because of delays in the construction of the MWRA Salary interconnection water valve system, two budgets will be overexpended. It is unlikely in this account that internal 444 Sewer Operations transfefs can be made and that additional funding will he Expense `07 needed 412 Water Operations Capital This represents part of the cost of installing new water meters '07 and remote readers. This is a multi -year project, and this status represents good progress on the project. No additional unding will be needed No additional funding will be needed 413 Water Distribution The major part of this capital expense is for the MWRA Capital `07 interconnection water valve system. The project is now complete. No additional funding will be needed This is for encumbered money for the MWRA buy -in, awaiting 413 Water Distribution the bill from the MWRA. The bill has been received and paid Expense `07 ;,, fi,ll No additional fundino will be needed 418 Water Operations Capital This represents the cost of installing new water meters and `03 remote readers. This is a multi -year project. No additional fccndin will be needed No additional fccndin will be needed 444 Sewer Operations This represents money encumbered for and paid out for the Expense `07 meter program, sewer rehab, and Inflow and Infiltration remediation. The remainder of the encumbered money is for part of cost of meter replacement program and will be expended by the end of the FY. No additional ficnding will be needed No additional finding will be needed. .5 m PAGE: 1 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2006 DEPARTMENT TYPE (2) THRU (3) EXPENDITUR ES (4) VAR A (A 5) (6) FY2007 YTD (7) VAR 96VAR BUDGET BUDGET ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2)-(3) (3%VR )/(2) EXPENDITURES (3)-(6) (REVISED) oil SELECTMEN 1,300. 788 512 .61 981 -193 .80 EXPENSE 2,600 012 TOWN MANAGER CAPITAL 10,000 5,000 4,348 652 .87 5,298 -950 34,190 .82 EXPENSE 68,550 34,275 34,190 101,348 .85 -13,767 1.00 1. 16 36,166 65,182 2.80 SALARY 175,170 87,581 - 015 GENERAL SERVICES EXPENSE 19,900 9,950 10,995 -1,045 36,553 87,195 -25,558 -35,928 .30 .59 SALARY 102,374 51,181 51,267 -86 1.00 021 FINANCE COMMITTEE EXPENSE 41,960 20,980 23,761 -2,781 1.13 4 '7 -4 24,901 356 -1,140 -83 .95 .77 SALARY 1,250 624 273 351 022 RESERVE FUND EXPENSE 143,000 71,500 025 TOWN ACCOUNTANT 636 278 358 .44 166 112 1.67 EXPENSE 1,272 65,884 66,843 -959 1.01 43,461 23,382 1.54 SALARY 131,756 031 BOARD . OF ASSESSORS 15,400 7,700 4,612 3,088 .60 33402 1,210 43581 1.36 EXPENSE SALARY 140,350 70,174 71,692 -1,518 1.02 67,111 035 FINANCE EXPENSE 64,760 32,380 21,260 11.,120 .66 7,346 136,738 13,914 32,347 2.89 1.24 SALARY 339,229 169,611 169,085 526 1.00 041 LAW 73,000 36,500 37,653 -1,153 1.03 6,637 31,016 5.67 EXPENSE 042 HUMAN RESOURCES EXPENSE 40,856 203428 7,142 13,286 .35 6-,719 17,461 423 7,297 1.06 1.42 SALARY 49,180 24,596 24,758 -162 1.01 0145 TECHNOLOGY CAPITAL 95,000 47500 , 5,091 166,592 32,043 34,677 2.0.8 EXPENSE 143,622 71,811 66,720 95,143 -19,002 .93 1.25 47,306 47,837 2.01 SALARY 152,273 76,141 051 TOWN CLERK EXPENSE 1,500 750 308 443 .41 1.00 1,665 29,708 -1,357 20,334 .18 1.68 SALARY 100,557 50,284 50,042 242 052 ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION 11,000 CAPITAL 22,000 m DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) PAGE: 2 BUDGET (REVISED) BUDGET EXPENSE 24,700 SALARY 18,885 061 CONSERVATION DIVISION (2) BUDGET THRU SALARY 47,107 065 PLANNING (7) VAR (8) %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) EXPENSE - 49,600 EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) SALARY 173,510 111 POLICE 1.00 29,242 22,611 - 16,897 - 21,331 .42 .06 CAPITAL 35,000 8,158 .14 .EXPENSE 2032623 23,556 SALARY 3,363,360 121 FIRE -4,976 .80 - 24,800 86,749 59,863 EXPENSE 96,600 46,186 13,677 SALARY 3,166,770 123 DISPATCHERS .77 98,229 - 19,955 .80 EXPENSE 40,826 174,045 .90 SALARY 389,467 131 INDEMNIFICATION POLICE /FIRE 44,014 4,286 9,051 .91 EXPENSE 55,000 141 INSPECTIONS DIVISION .99 SALARY 1133874 301 DPW- ADMINISTRATION 3,411 .83 21,904 186,799 -4,902 3,752 EXPENSE 5,677 190,551 4,189 SALARY 93,210 302 ENGINEERING 27,500 19,350 8,150 .70 EXPENSE 19,182 .93 56,940 SALARY 268,901 303 HIGHWAY & EQUIPMENT MAINT. 2,741 1.03 2,839 CAPITAL 1,322,784 � - 47,568 EXPENSE 521,973 46,605 - 20,421 SALARY 690,736 304 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT 93591 1,500 8,091 EXPENSE 32,000 8,249 11,450 -.22 1.40 SALARY 139,467 312 WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL EXPENSE 1,458,805 9 PAGE: 2 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DE02006 (2) BUDGET THRU (3) EXPENDITURES (4) VAR (5) %VAR (6) FY2007 YTD (7) VAR (8) %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 12,350 12,345 5 1.00 29,242 22,611 - 16,897 - 21,331 .42 .06 9,438 1,280 8,158 .14 23,556 20,452 3,104 .87 25,428 -4,976 .80 - 24,800 86,749 59,863 26,886 .69 46,186 13,677 1.30 17,500 101,812 78,274 23,538 .77 98,229 - 19,955 .80 13681,680 1,507,635 174,045 .90 13618,803 - 111,168 .93 48,300 44,014 4,286 9,051 .91 50,257 1,526,810 -6,243 473526 .88 1.03 1,583,387 1,574,336 .99 20,413 17,.002 3,411 .83 21,904 186,799 -4,902 3,752 .78 1.02 194,740 190,551 4,189 .98 27,500 19,350 8,150 .70 20,763 -1,413 .93 56,940 82,804 - 25,864 �1�45� 80,063 2,741 1.03 2,839 43469 -13630 � - 47,568 52,037 -.09 46,605 - 20,421 673026 -.44 - 25,846 5,425 .79 93591 1,500 8,091 .16 -6,749 28,774 8,249 11,450 -.22 1.40 134,446 40,224 94,222 .30 6613392 314,317 347,075 .48 212,054 163,978 102,263 128,861 1.48 1.79 260,987 292,839 328,926 - 31,852 16,445 l" .95 391,083 - 62,157 .84 345,371 16,000 8,402 7,598 .53 13,435 15,736 -5,033 30,130 .63 2.91 69,732 45,866 23,866 .66 729,403 569,500 159,903 .78 577,365 -7,865 .99 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET TOWN OF READING (REVISED) 313 PARKS AND FORESTRY EXPENSE 423591 SALARY 435,848 317 RECREATION FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DE02006 CAPITAL 25,000 SALARY 125,030 321 SNOW / ICE CONTROL (6) (7) EXPENSE 327,663 (NET ADJMTS) SALARY 72,337 325 STREET LIGHTING (3)x/(6) 21,296 EXPENSE 209,000 481 CEMETERY -5,577 14,067 .77 1.07 EXPENSE 37,736 -5,961 SALARY 146,057 511 HEALTH 123500 20,249 EXPENSE 59,065 203406 58,835 SALARY 167,554 541 ELDER SERVICES 68 1.35 EXPENSE 7,450 SALARY 181,106 551 VETERANS 38,199 1,256 77,900 863352 EXPENSE 700 87,608 SALARY 19,252 552 VETERANS' AID 104,500 EXPENSE 60,000 611 LIBRARY 3,457 1.04 CAPITAL 26,500 6,759 EXPENSE 2543905 -6,663 3,212 SALARY 872,976 681 HISTORICAL COMMISSION J..6A EXPENSE 1,000 710 DEBT SERVICE 2,844 .90 EXPENSE 6,594,457 752 REGIONAL SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS 74,207 9,565 EXPENSE 327,500 Ll%] PAGE: 3 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DE02006 (2) BUDGET THRU (3) EXPENDITURES (4) VAR (5) %VAR (6) (7) (8) ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)1(2) EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)x/(6) 21,296 18,730 2,566 .88 24,307 209,813 -5,577 14,067 .77 1.07 217,919 2233880 -5,961 1.03 123500 20,249 -7,749 1.62 203406 58,835 -157 3,614 .99 1.06 62,517 62,449 68 1.35 163,832 116,099 47,733 .71 38,199 1,256 77,900 863352 3.04 69.75 36,166 87,608 - 51,442 X2.42 _ 104,500 93,561 10,939 .90 90,104 3,457 1.04 183868 12,109 6,759 .64 18,772 120,515 -6,663 3,212 .65 1.03 73,034 123,727 - 50,693 J..6A 29,533 26,689 2,844 .90 25,618 71,794 1,071 2,413 1.04 1.03 83,772 74,207 9,565 .89 3,725 14,209 - 10,484 3.81 10,925 3,284 1.30 90,558 90,747 -189 T.65 89,577 1,170 1.01 350 9,620 5,948 3,672 .62 13,821 7,873 .43 30,000 21,894 8,106 .73 32,116 - 10,222 .68 13,250 16,500 - 3,.250 1.25 5,000 121,970 11,500 -4,060 3.30 .97 127,453 436,488 117,910 426,227 9,543'3 103261 .98 396,008 30,219 1.08 500 50 450 .10 50 3,297,229 2,833,046 464,183 .86 3,125,725 - 292,679 .91 163,750 150,149 13,602 .92 111,153 38,996 1.35 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET (REVISED) 811 CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT A6 ARW 2,595,727 813 NON - CONTRIBUTORY PENSIO S S 0 't 102,681 815 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SALARY 40,000 817 GROUP HEALTH /LIFE INSURANCE EXPENSE 3,975 SALARY 6,6533600 819 SOCIAL SECURITY SALARY 446,772 821 WORKER COMPENSATION EXPENSE 2783685 850 CASUALTY INSURANCE EXPENSE 345,446 GENERAL FUND CURRENT BUDGET CAPITAL 1,536,284 EXPENSE 11,575,379 SALARY 21,516,366 400 WATER - DISTRIBUTION CAPITAL 2073000 EXPENSE 870,872 SALARY 498,622 405 WATER - SUPPLY / TREATMENT CAPITAL 75,000 EXPENSE 1,825,929 SALARY 823484 412 WATER OPERATIONS (FY07) CAPITAL 404,088 EXPENSE 4,694 413 WATER DISTRIBUTION (FY07). CAPITAL 934 EXPENSE 384,487 415 WATER - OPERATIONS (FY2006) CAPITAL 9,000 EXPENSE 41,897 0 TOWN OF READING (7) (8) BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT %VAR FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2006' (3) -(6) (2) (3) (4) (5) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) 1,297,868 2,595,763 - 13297,895 464,979 2.00 51,337 46,094 5,243 .90 193994 18,329 1,665 .92 1,988 4,3 03 -2,315 3,326,804 2,914,329 412,475 .88 223,392 217,244 6,148 .97 139,343 263,935 - 124,592 1.89q 172,723 322,762 - 150,039 1�.8 768,142 355,414 5,787,695. 5,250,848 10,758,189 11,348,519 103,500 633760 393740 .62 435,436 359,470. 75,966 .83 249,314 3123729 - 63,415 1.25 37,500 13,835 23,665 .37 912,965 848,931 64,034 .93 41,236 663530 - 253294 1.61 202,044 2333931 - 31,887 1.16 2,347 200 467 934 -467 2 t 192,244 365,951" - 173,707 1.9.0 4,500 20,949 6,245 14,704 .30 PAGE: 4 (6) (7) (8) FY2007 YTD VAR %VAR EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 2,536,643 59,120 1.02 50,480 -4,386 .91 12,877 5,452 1.42 4,303 2,449,350 464,979 1.19 289,876 - 72,632 .75 255,719 8,216 1.03 325,722 -2,960 .99 21,869 41,891 2.92 735,481 - 376,011 .49 297,815 14,914 1.05 97,542 - 83,707 .14 410,963 437,968 2.07 141,054 - 74,524 .47 233,931 200 934 365,951 179,839 - 173,594 .03 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET (REVISED) 416 WATER - OPERATIONS (FY 2005) CAPITAL 250,000 417 WATER - OPERATIONS (FY 2004) CAPITAL - 249,102 418 WATER - OPERATIONS (FY 2003) CAPITAL 174,299 419 WATER'- OPERATIONS (FY 2002) CAPITAL 58,499 429 WATER 5YRS CAP(ART 10 NOV'05) CAPITAL 42,869 710 DEBT SERVICE EXPENSE 1,305,579 WATER FUND CAPITAL 1_,470,791 EXPENSE 4,433,458 SALARY 581,106 430 SEWER - OPERATIONS CAPITAL 410,000 EXPENSE 3,947,180 SALARY 264,005 444 SEWER OPERATIONS (FY07) CAPITAL 177,536 EXPENSE 5,017 445.SEWER- OPERATIONS (FY2006) CAPITAL 107,523 447 FRANKLIN TERR - ART 17 MAY 06 CAPITAL 14,885 455 SEWER (MWRA) (ART #16,APR'99) CAPITAL 183426 459 FRANKLIN TERR SEWER - CAPITAL 34,870 710 DEBT SERVICE EXPENSE 180,402 SEWER FUND CAPITAL 763,240 EXPENSE 4,132,599 SALARY 264,005 PAGE: 5 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DE02006 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR FY2007 YTD VAR %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 125,000 71,312 124,551 56,256 68,295 .45 1,000 55,256 56.26 87,150 123,605 - 36,455 1.42 82,142 41,463 1.50 29,250 24,675 4,575 .84 -12461 26,136 -16.89 21,435 148,665 652,790 190,821 461,969 .29 157,756 33,065 1.21 735,397 516,996 2,216,731 1,771,618 290,550 379,259 205,000 37,393 167,607 .18 37,393 1,973,590 1,953,763 19,827 .99 1,976,473 - 22,710 .99 132,002 130,583 1,419 .99 123,954 6,629 1.05 88,768 89,441 -673 1.01 .89,441 2,509 3,087 -578 1.23 3,087 53,762 2,877 7,443 44,001 9,213 17,435 12,374 5,061 .71 12,374 90,201 5,162 85,039 .06 5,162 381,621 139,208 2,066,300 1,962,012 132,002 130,583 Snow & Ice Expenditures Total as of 1/18/08 DPW Labor $125,414.83 Contractors' Labor Total $198,043.00 Supplies: Sand /Salt/CaCL/Vehicle Maintenance /Meal Tix $280,465.60 Fuel $27,784.80 Police Details $4,452.58 Total 9 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Elliot Gould [egould co.cnm] Sent: Tuesday, January 22.2UO81:O4PM To: Kowalski, Carol Co: Henhenb|eikner.Peter, Subject: RE: Schedule needed Hello Carol, l. Boston Reading LLC will plant 8 shade tree on Woburn Street in the location where the old tree previously existed. 2. Boston Reading LLC will place screens around the HVAC systems on the roof. The dunDpeterin the back of the building in already fenced inoowe don't feel that there io any additional work we can doho aesthetically enhance this area. - 3. We will paint the front of the building so the facade will look aesthetically appealing. This work will be completed bv July 1.2OO8. If you have any questions du not hesitate to call me at 617-266-4040. Elliot L. Gould Boston Reading LUC 715 Boylston Street Boston, MA 02116 From: KVvvabkiCoro)hnoiho:ckowolskK@c.nending.mo.uo S emt: Friday, January 18, 2008 10:33 AM To. Elliot Gould Cc-, Hechenbhjkner,Pete[ Subject: Schedule needed Hello Elliot, As discussed today, and on December 1O. ad our meeting hn Reading, we need afirm schedule by which the following will be accomplished, as agreed to in previous reviews by the Board of Selectmen and CPUC for permits and licenses: 1 The planting of shade tree on Woburn Street 2) Screening of the roof HVACequipment and d aterinthereor 3) Re-finish the building fogaUe for consistency onfacades Please reply with a date by which these will be accomplished. Thank you. Carol Carol Kowalski Axzp Commmity Services mrectvr/T»woplanoer 1a Lowell Street neodiom.umAnzom-2600 (781) 942-6612 d^owalsu@ci.,eauioc.nuaua (D l/22/20A8 • Massachusetts One Winthrop Square, Boston; MA 02110 (617) 426 -7272 or (800) 374 -4405 11A Facsimile (617) 426 -9546 2 (09 JAS! 22 AM ,': 24 www.emiia.org Interlocal Insurance Association January 18, 2008 Re: MIIA Dividend, 2008 Dear MIIA Member: At our annual meeting on January 12, 2008, MIIA announced that the Board of Directors of the MIIA Property and Casualty Group, Inc. had declared $500,000 in Dividends. It was also announced that the MIIA Board approved $10,000,000 in Participation Credits to be distributed to members over the next three fiscal years. The $10,000,000 in Participation Credits more than doubles the amount provided to members in recent years Enclosed is a facsimile check showing the dividend amount awarded to you. You may use this as a premium credit or, if you prefer, you may request a check for this amount. If you would like payment by check, please make this request in writing. Contact Greg McGrath at gmcgrath @mma.org (1- 800 -374 -4405 ext. 256). If you wish to publicize the dividend award, I have enclosed a sample press release for your use. The Participation Credit recognizes the continued commitment of many of our members and recognizes the administrative savings to the program from these loyal members. The Participation Credit will be applied as credit to your Property & Liability and Workers' Compensation premiums on policies effective July 1, 2008, July 1, 2009 and July 1, 2010. These credits apply only to members who remain in the program for each of those fiscal years. The credits will be reflected in your invoices for each of the three years. Thank you for your part in maintaining the excellent loss control and safety records which allows MIIA to provide these savings to our members. Sincerely, John Kell y Operation Is Manager An Interlocal Service of the Massachusetts Municipal Association 6P C - �6� ONE WINTHROP SQUARE, BOSTON, MA 02110 617- 426 -7272 • 800 - 882 -1498 . fax 617- 695 -1314 e www.mma.org The Mlby[A has produced a special public education program on the fiscal distress facing our communities, calling for a permanent revenue sharing partnership to restore local aid, reduce reliance on the property tax, and fund the core local services that drive our state's economy. 'We are asking all municipalities to run this program on your local cable station(s) throughout all of 2008, and use the program as a resource tool to educate community, business and civic leaders on the need to act now to reinvest in cities and towns. In case you did not receive your copy of the DVD at the MMA Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 12, we are sending you one in this mailing. We have also created a special "Revenue Sharing Central" area on the MMA's website, where we have uploaded the program for viewing by members and the public, and have provided you with a toolkit of suggested Action Steps and resource guides to promote revenue sharing in your community. You can access this material and order additional copies of the DVD by going to our website at www.mma.org and going to the "Members" button under the "Revenue Sharing Central" box on our homepage. On the. back of this letter, we have outlined four Action Steps that we encourage all localities to take, as we work to implement this public education effort in all communities across the state. With your help, we can inform the general public about the urgent needs of cities and towns, and generate growing support for long -range solutions that will make a difference! Thank you very much for your leadership, and for all that you do to build strong communities, both in your hometown and across the state. Please let us know if you have any questions, comments or suggestions regarding this important initiative. Sin ely Geoff eckwith Executive Director Please Use the MMA's Revenue Sharing DVD On Your Community! HERE ARE FOUR BASIC ACTION STEPS THAT WE ENCOURAGE ALL LOCALITIES TO TAKE: STEP ONE: Broadcast the Program on Your Local Cable TV Station: - Submit this program for "stand alone" airing for regular broadcast throughout all of 2008. Additional copies of the DVD are available from the MMA by using our online form, or by calling the MMA office. Please inform us once you have arranged this). - Incorporate the revenue sharing program into any of your existing Local Topics/Municipal Issues programming, or create a special program on revenue sharing. Many communities have local government programs. This presentation may be used as a centerpiece for a regular or special Cable program in which you discuss how revenue sharing would impact your community. STEP TWO: Show the Program to Community Groups and Leaders: - Reaching opinion makers in your community helps to build public support. Use the DVD as a "Guest Speaker" at Chambers of Commerce, Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, PTOs, Arts Councils, and other community, civic, cultural and arts groups that have a stake in keeping your community strong and can be important allies in achieving revenue sharing. The 15-minute DVD program gives the basic information and allows time for you to introduce it and make the local case for the revenue sharing plan following the presentation. - Use the DVD at informational public meetings. Schedule and promote an open forum at your local library, senior center, or school to present the TV program and discuss the need for revenue sharing to help your community meet its financial challenges. STEP THREE: Show the Prog m on Your Community Websfte. - Upload the TV program onto your Community website's home page, or add a link on your website that will connect to the "Revenue Sharing Central" page on the MMA'8 website for viewing. As an introduction on your webpage, you can use the brief description of the video that is on the MMA site, or adapt it to your community. STEP FOUR: Use Your Local Media Outlets. - Meet with your local newspaper reporters or editors, and show them the program. The DVD format makes the presentation portable with a laptop computer and is a useful tool in making the case for revenue sharing. It frames the general issue and you add the local perspective to the discussion. - Publicize the Program via press release, letters to the editor, or community calendar insert to let the public learn of all opportunities to view the TV program and to promote the local benefit of revenue sharing. PLEASE CONTACT PAT MIKES AT THE MMA IF YOU HAVE MY QUESTIONS AT 617-426-727 Please accept this Nomination of the Town of Reading MA for EPA New England's Annual Merit Award for its efforts in preserving and restoring the Ipswich River. The entire Town — the local government and its residents - are worthy of recognition. The Town made this happen with its acknowledgment of the importance and value of this critical environmental resource to not only the Town of Reading but to all the downstream Towns in the Ipswich River Basin. ➢ Defining the environmental problem or need: In 1997 the Ipswich River was designated as one of the "20 Most Threatened Rivers in America ", as determined'by American Rivers. In 2003 that designation was upgraded to one of the "10 Most Endan ered Rivers in America" due to worsening flow conditions. In 1999, the river experienced record low flows in May, June, July, and August. Major fish kills were documented in 1997, 1999, 2002, and 2005. Water withdrawals for public water supply are the major cause of unnaturally low and no flow conditions in the Ipswich River, according to studies by the United States Geological Survey (USGS). ➢ Efforts taken to address environmental problem: In 1999, the Town's ad hoe Water Supply Task Force recommended several actions to address Reading's water supply needs for the foreseeable future. These included: • Funding and implementing an extensive water conservation program ($1 million has been funded and ongoing implementation through customer rebates and leak detection is ongoing); • Purchasing supplemental water supply from the MWRA for meeting summer water demand (approvals were finally granted in 2005) . • Constructing a replacement more efficient water treatment plant to replace the 1920's era plant. During the design of the new water treatment plant, escalating costs drove the Town to reconsider the purchase of all of its water from the MWRA. As a result of that evaluation, in June of 2006 Town Meeting voted to demolish its water treatment plant, to place its nine local public water supply wells on emergency status, and to take 100% of its water from the MWRA. In August 2006, Reading entered into an Administrative Consent Order ( ACO) with MA -DEP to allow this to happen, and effective October 1, 2006, Reading ceased using it's own water supply out of the Ipswich River basin, relying 100% on MWRA water. In the fall of 2007 all State approvals were received to make this water source permanent for the Town, and the Town fully complied with ACO. The Massachusetts Water Resources Commission and the MWRA Board of Directors authorize the town to shut down their Ipswich Basin groundwater supplies except for emergency purposes and to "go on" the MWRA full time. ➢ Measurable and lasting environmental benefit: The Town ceased to withdraw an average of over 2 MGD, or approximately 800 million gallons per year from the headwaters of the endangered Ipswich River and replaced that withdrawal from a non - stressed river basin. During the very hot fall of 2007, the Ipswich River was flowing well and was well on its way to being re- established as a healthy river. ➢ Collaboration with others: In addition to the efforts of the Town's Senior Management Team, the Board of Selectman, and Town Meeting, this collaborative undertaking required the cooperation of the Massachusetts Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, MA -DEP, the Water Resources Commission, and MEPA. The approval of full MWRA water use was completed in a record 18 months, while still preserving all of the administrative processes of the State regulatory authorities. ➢ Promotion of innovative ideas, approaches and techniques: The Town ,is the only community in the Ipswich River basin to maintain its local sources under an emergency status as redundant back -up for itself and others who are interconnected in the event of any interruption of service from the MWRA. This requires the design and construction of a unique standby disinfection facility, precluding the rapid formation of perchlorate in the chlorine feeding system. In addition, the current water treatment plant will be demolished with the open space thereby created being proposed for community recreation uses. ➢ . Ability of the activity to be replicated or widely shared: Reading residents have established both a regulatory and environmental model for balancing environmental impacts, stressed basin recovery, and a responsible partnership with the MWRA to utilize a water withdrawal that is considered to have more available supply. This is a model that is available to be duplicated by others in this and other basins now that the precedence has been made. ➢ Clarity of nomination package: The project is the first of its kind in Massachusetts. This headwaters Town is the only community to take responsibility for helping to improve the river with total exclusion of its withdrawals. This project was done considerable expense to the water ratepayers, but the community understood that when the decision was mate ' and therefore complaints about increased water rates are few. Hechenbleikner, Peter i From: Kowalski, Carol Sent: Tuesday, January 22, 2008 10:14 AM To: Meghan Young; Michele Williams; Hechenbleikner, Peter; John Russell; Leslie McGonagle; Russell Graham; Sheila Clarke Subject: Arlington research Hello all, Arlington's liquor licenses are for 99-seat establishments. There are currently five: Jimmy's Steak House, Not Your Average Joe's, Olivic's, Tryst, and Flora. Interesting: the merchants have brought forth a proposal under consideration to allow liquor licenses for 55 or 65-seat restaurants, to allow smaller restaurants to compete with the few large rooms. All liquor licenses require that a meal is ordered, even at the bar. Arlington has not accepted the authority from the ABCC to license cordials. Carol - - - -- Original Message---- - From: Meghan Young [mailto:meghany@comcast.net.] Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 3:27 PM To: Michele Williams; Kowalski, Carol; Hechenbleikner, Peter; John Russell; Leslie McGonagle; Russell Graham; Sheila Clarke Subject: RE: Woburn Research Greetings, all- Just got back from New Jersey last night; and inspired by Michele's due diligence I contacted Winchester. They too have a law on the books requiring 100 seats for liquor. They have five licenses, three being used now. The interesting thing is that they let the smaller places serve beer, wine AND cordials. I have eaten @ all three of the restaurants in Winchester that have the licenses and they DO have the 100 seats, but the lady I talked to in the town manager's office, said that they too have situations where there is not a lot of space in the downtown buildings for a bigger restaurant. See you guys next Wednesday, Meghan - - - -- Original Message--- - From: Michele Williams [mailto:michelerwilliams@comcast..net] Sent: Tuesday, January 15, 2008 3:54 PM To: Carol Kowalski; Peter Hechenbleikner; Jack Russell; Leslie McGonagle,; me; Meghan Young-Tafoya; Russelll Graham; Sheila Clarke Subject: Woburn Research Hi Everyone, I just wanted to let you know that Woburn has a law on the books requiring M.G.L. - Chapter 85, Section 5 Page 1 of 1 The General Laws of MasspachusettsjE_ the Laws Go To: Next Section Previous Sectio n n PART I. ADMNISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT Chapter Table of Con- t e n t$ MGL Sear ch Page G eneral� Court:Home TITLE XIV. PUBLIC WAYS AND WORKS General - I CHAPTER 85. REGULATIONS AND BY-LAWS RELATIVE TO WAYS AND BRIDGES Chapter 85: Section 5. Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks by abutting landowners; penalties Section 5. Cities by ordinance and towns by by-laws may provide for the removal of snow and ice from sidewalks within such portions of the city or town as they consider expedient by the owner or occupant of land abutting upon such sidewalks. Such ordinances and by-laws shall determine the time and manner of removal and shall affix penalties, not exceeding fifty dollars in the case of a city or ten dollars in the case of a town, for each violation thereof. http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/85-5.httn 1/19/2008 Re: By-law — Shovelling Public Sidewalks January 22, 2008 1 Peg Pratt .-7y- / - 9 4 q — 0\J7ZJ WOULD YOU WANT YOUR ELDERLY.,PARENTS OUT CLEARING PUBLIC SIDE WALKS OR SHOVELLING ANYTHING? I WOULD HOPE NOT! SENIORS CANNOT clear, sidewalks . or anything else NORshould they be EXPECTED to. These people are on fixed Incomes and are lucky to get by amonth at a time. Where are the finances going to come from fiix fines for not doing a job the DPW gets PAID to do? - A person falling on a, public sidewalk " the person sues town. \ Are you prep aTed for all the lawsuits that could possibly be pending? Someone falls clearing a public sidewalk and gets injured for life doing the work of the DPW sues town for: ALL Medical expenses, Medications, * Wheelchair expense, Home care, Transportation at any time of day or night, any place they want to go seven days a week, people to do all' necessary shopping, etc. ARE YOU PROPERLY INSURED for long time policies? I SURE HOPE SO! Since 1947 Tax Payers helped to pay for a "SIDEWALK PLOW" so DPW workers could clear the sidewalks to allow students to get to classes. If, we, the citizens are NOT going to have the benefit of said "EQUIPMENT" and be forced to do a job of the DPW, then I SUGGEST SELLING EQUIPMENT and DECREASING the salaries of these workers and PAY the bills private citizens submit clearing public walkways — OR — better yet LOWER our TAXES. Would the DPW workers want to shovel private property walkways? Would they do it for FREE? - If we do the work, we want the pay. Any person holding a JOB cannot tell a Supervisor, a Vice President, a President, or anyone else in charge at a given time that ]HE/SHE MUST LEAVE TO SHOVEL A PUBLIC SIDEWALK TO HAVE IT DONE IN THE ALLOTTED TIME ALLOWED TO AVOID A FINE. I'm quite sure THAT WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED BY OFFICERS OF A BUSINESS. Are you prepared to make up any loss of pay incurred without passing said EXPENSE on to taxpayers??? You should be. Why should he/she lose any pay? Instead of thinking of ways to make life more unpleasant and difficult for people, for a CHANGE it might be nice if you considered the people (tax payers, etc.) of the town and come up with some ways to HELP us out. You might be surprised at the respect you could possibly gain from some of us. A SUGGESTION - FOR STARTERS: SHOVEL ALL SENIOR CITIZENS PUBLIC SIDEWALKS DURING ALL WINTER MONTHS — ALWAYS FREE — OF — CHARGE If this by-law goes through, then the CITIZENS of this town should EXPECT their Tax Bills LOWERED TREMENDOUSLY due to the fact we are not getting what we are Paying for. WHAT NEXT! WILL WE BE EXPECTED TO SHOVEL THE STREETS! 91ON -IN SHEET FOR THE B.QARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING DATE: 2 NAME ADDRESS (Please print) Tj r r P, 4A IV LAP- Pr a cSk