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2007-11-27 Board of Selectmen Packet
a PROCLAMATION UNIVERSAL DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS DAY WHEREAS: On December 10, 1948, the General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, after it was adopted by the General Assembly without a dissenting vote; and WHEREAS: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was modeled on the Bill of Rights of the United States Constitution and it was developed with strong United States leadership, and in particular the personal involvement of Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt who served as Chair of the United Nations Human Rights Commission; and. WHEREAS: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights sets forth fundamental human rights including the right to life, liberty and security of person; freedom of religion; freedom of opinion and expression; freedom of assembly; self-government through free elections; freedom from slavery and torture; the right to a fair trial and to equality before the law; presumption of innocence until proven guilty; the right not to be subjected to retroactive laws; freedom of movement within one's State and freedom to leave or return to it; the right of asylum; the right to a nationality; the right to found a family; the right against arbitrary interference with privacy, family, home or correspondence; the right to own property; to social security and to work; the right to form and join trade unions; the right to an adequate standard of living, to education and to rest and leisure; and the right to participation in the cultural life of the community; and WHEREAS: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights has become the most widely accepted statement identifying human rights, is referred to in resolutions and covenants adopted by numerous international organizations, in multilateral and bilateral treaties, in national constitutions, in local laws and decrees. Chapter 6, Section 12NN of the General Laws of the Commonwealth provides that the Governor shall annually issue a Proclamation setting apart December 10th as Human Rights Day recommending that said day be observed in an appropriate manner by the people of the Commonwealth; and WHEREAS: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, although it is not a treaty or a binding international agreement, is a common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, that this body (1) endorses the commitment of the United States to the fundamental human rights enunciated half a century ago in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which are a reflection of the fundamental civil and human rights that are enshrined in the Declaration of Independence, in the United States Constitution, in particular in its Bill of Rights, and in Part the First of the Declaration of Rights and Frame of Government of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (2) expresses its desire that the implementation of and observance of international human rights and international human rights agreements may become a reality, 6-~k 6(, )1- - (3) urges the citizens of the Town of Reading to recognize the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as an instrument to promote tolerance, understanding and greater respect for human rights throughout the world and to recall the benefits enjoyed by reason of the bills of rights included in the Constitution's of the United States and this Commonwealth; and (4) declares December 10, 2007 as Universal Declaration of Human Rights Day in the Town of Reading on which date all citizens are encouraged to reflect upon the basic human rights of which we, are beneficiaries; rights which we wish may be enjoyed by all inhabitants of our world and which are enshrined in the aforesaid documents. BOARD OF SELECTMEN James E. Bonazoli, Chairman Stephen A. Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille W. Anthony Richard W. Schubert PROCLAMATION ARBOR DAY WHEREAS: In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and WHEREAS: This holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and WHEREAS: Trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS: Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and WHEREAS: Trees in our Town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community, and wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and WHEREAS: Reading has been recognized as a Tree City, U.S.A. by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 22 years, and desires to continue its tree-planting ways. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim April 27, 2007 as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading, and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN James E. Bonazoli, Chairman Stephen A. Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille W. Anthony Richard W. Schubert a-~ +4 G. . FLING Poo E DEPA TMENT N J R OFFICE OF TB E CHEF 16 Union Street, Rending, Massachusetts 01867 Jamee W. Cormier Emergency Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781-944-1.212 Fax: 781-944-2893 c of of Poare E-Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us November 23, 2007 Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Peter, In response to your request for review of the upcoming renewals of the town's liquor licenses. The detective division reviewed the histories at the establishments currently being renewed. We have found nothing to indicate that the reviewed licenses should not be renewed. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Chief James W. Cormier I/ C~-, ~o~~ OFI~p9Ar~ A. Town of Reading r r . ~o ywo 16 Lowell Street 639°rNC0 Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 ' TOWN MANAGER Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us (781) 942-9043 MEMORANDUM DATE: November 23, 2007 TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Lillian Marino RE: List of Liquor Licensees Restaurants Caf6 Capri Bertucci's Restaurant Chili's Grill & Bar 355 Main Street 45 Walkers Brook Drive 70 Walkers Brook Drive Colombo's Caf6 Emperor's Choice Fuddruckers 2 Brande Court 530 Main Street 50 Walkers Brook Drive Mandarin Reading Romano's Macaroni Grill Savory Tastes 296 Salem Street 48 Walkers Brook Drive 601 Main Street Venetian Moon 680 Main Street Clubs Knights of Columbus Meadow Brook Golf Club Reading Overseas Vets 1,1 Sanborn Street 292 Grove Street 575 Main Street Reading Veterans 37 Ash Street Packaze Stores Atlantic Food Mart Northside Liquors Busa's Liquors 30 Haven Street 150 Main Street 345 Main Street Square Liquors Wine Shop of Reading 11 High Street 676 Main Street r NOTE: The Collector's Office has indicated that everything is paid in full for all liquor licensees. o-Nv Of R eactltti; Section 108•15s this ssachusetts State Building code, '0 In accordance with the r/la ~ A, 0 NS G ' R is issued to. Qrr 62 sh Street of Reading, A ~ \3 in gumeQf persons: L~ lost 62 located at. 37 A are sufficient for the follow American Legion p premMises known as The means of egress ve inspected the assachusetts' l certify that 1 ha Commonwealth of . U'rtfR. of Middlesex, ACE OVASSENt y pR unty P~ STR Co BY CaaacIbL Location 1St door Rall .Ist Floor Ball wander's Room rd -door Coffim Lower 1,evel Bar Bar stools pool Room C Q N 106 12 standing 22 54 tableslc11airs 19 16 r 2008 C. Glen Redmond; Building Commissioner pctobe October 2007 pate Certificate r-xP~xes es flee above in formation- ate Certificate Issued }d b) days of any chang trial shall be notified N'itttiaz The building off is W-1 P 0-, m ASSACjjJSE'rr'S C®MMONWEA1,TI~ r~ o eadin?, ONV Section 108 5, this Massachusetts State Building Code' In accordance with the NSP E C rrl ~CAr1l ~{~~o: , R T IS lssued COUNCIL 103-. eading> ' + Q C $jS C Q " at 11 Sanborn Street in theTawn of R G is of Columbus-Council 14~~t for he following number of persons: as I~x T of egress are Sall ,eted the premises known 1 Certify that I have ix~Common`Nealth of Massachusetts. The means County of Middlesex, CA.PAC3'TY. . USE GROUT. STOP, - 75 Seated Lower x.10 Seated A First gory 7. Bins n Fire ' . C. Glen Redmond, Bulldina6 Commissio October 240$ ices octobe~ 2007, Date Certificate ExP ormation. Date Cert ill the above inf ificate Issued of any elzanges hall be notified wrtliin a) days o v " Tile building offr~ SSA`CgUSE`ry5 CO~~ TWA rTO,VVn O eax lig Section 108.15; this ssachusetts State Building Code' In accordance with the Ma N is issued to,. 0 of, GOLF l`'.l-~U" of Reading, ~~7 wn rsons O -B Street in theToo{ Pe EAD at 292 Grove number foilowtng M locate Golf Club eadowbro°k " ress are sufficient for the remises kno husetts The means of eg that 1 have inspected the p CaPacit'~ 1 Certify ex, Commonwealth of Massa county of Middles StorY, 56 TabieslChairs Lower Level 112 Chairs only coaciv, fracture ~ableslChairs 150 "airs only pla--ce of AAssembiv or -,z16 Chairs Only 75 - 1 ft"-h ~ P 14, gale pining Boom" 108 ,Tables airs 160 Chairs n Y gp ~abiesi ~ regcry J. Bums. Fire e L` edr--ands Building Ca missioner 008, Glen K arnxat an. October 2 C. Empires October above inf er NOT Date Certificate days of any clzanl;eS in the certificate Issued ota aed. within {1 d) C a aeaal shall ben fl :Date The building 1 sSxC1AA3S lr 0V C0 Of -Read.ixl~, ~ Code, Section 10$.15, thtis chuse~s Stale guitdin9 v 0 N nce with the Massa I l~ S ~ C to acc°rda Q i C x issued to. l I' C~ i-" 1-~~.►~~`~~~ o~vn of Readtng~ C°L't'ty street "I at 5'15 M pa AN l,T O'V Xnc. located bex of persons ~ ~ Veterans, follovh"?- own as geadin~ Overseas s~~ sufficient fox the ruses kn 'me means of egz have inspected passachnsetts• CApAC1,_.Y X Certify that 1 onwealth ofddleSeX, C omte Y ag STR~~ 16 ACE OF ASSYS Bar BY V baxrs ~ewex Level CVotal 104). Asti Floor Tables part -Room Bay' . Chars byes & 60 2$ 6 142 Ta COMM'S51a a-.-s~$Uil~ttl~ ory 1 Bins aC 2008. C•lenRe T" vrmation ~ ~QO? pa e b p'~es of any t►2e aboye ifc 0ctobe Cha~1g_ Dat ificate Issued Date vtz led within (10) days I door aciat stzatt ben aware Ixo building aff X ~,anc hax v 1,x~t Sign` ~ad floor not operating _ ~ ~v tight 6F MASSACI-uSETTS TII ()NVof -Readli-g . this State Building codes. Section 108 In accordance with, the. Massachusetts C ,-F -1 0 N -F INSPE IFI '0 is issues to. C E R T Reading, County of CAF in the Town number of of persons is Cafe Capri located at 355 Main Street own 2 'cient for the following = I Certify that I have inspected the premises k . The means of egress are suffs Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Middlesex, CE OF p,~$EI~L~`' Oil. STRLCTi:~R'~, By 'PLACE Location Capacity lstFloor place of Assembly or Structure, 142 'tables/Chairs tSse Group A October 2007 1~1 Date Certificate Issued gory Burns e, ~ ire issiouer C. Glen. Redmond, Building COMM October 2008. Date Certificate Expires es in t1le above info~'mation ial shall be notif ed withir2 (:10) days of any cliang Tile building off c ,TAI 1ViASSACHUSETTS THE CO.MMO - Town Of ead'ng this sachusetts State Building Code, Section 108.15, In accordance with the Mas SPEC TION CERTIFICATE O.F- IT is issued to L~ & B C ers Brook Drive in the Town oso Reading, ill & Bar located at 70 Wai are sufficient for the following number of per ' s known as Chiii's Gr Tess 1 Certify that 1 have inspected the premise The means of eg • n of Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Cou ty BY PLACE OF A-SSEMMLY OR STRUCTURE. CavacitL Location Use Graua, fir i regory J. Burns 71 October 2048 C Glen Redulond, Building COni1ds$Wner ` October 2007, Date Certificate Expires Date Certificate Issued i witlian (Zl)) days of any changes in t/ze above information. T`lze building official shall-be notified of s~~~s TM Town this State Building Code, Section 108.15, I -ION. In accordance With the. mass achuse s S ~t.TI A` C -E is issued to Zk CAF Reading, persons*' C QLO s Pizza & Cafe located at 2 Brande Courtin the Town n as Colombo ress are sufficient for the following num ' inspected the premises know The means of eg 1 Certify that 1 have Commonwealth of Massachusetts. County of Middlesex, SfPUCTUP'E. BY P~,ACE OF ASSEMBLY OR Capacity Location. Use Groin Cegory 3. Burs Building Co~~issiane October 2008, C. G}enRedmond, . October 2007, Date Certificate Expires days of any elaangeS in the above information Date Certificate Issued zczal shall be notified within (-l The buildirxIaoff R ~,T'H. sSACHUSE~TS WEA ,rRV COMMON T owe of pwa* ding State Building Code, Section 108.15, this In accordance with the Massachusetts I O FICATE ®-F IXSPEC ` T is issued to: WS c1to lk l p d at 530 Main Street in the Town of Reading, E~ number of persons: own as Emperor's Choice Restaurant locate following emises kn eans of egress are sufficient for the 1 Certify that l have Inspected the pr The m Middlesex, Commonwealth of MassachuSe s. County of PLACE OF ASSEMBLY OR STR[ICTERE. BY l Caoacit sembiv Or 'Structure u Place of A$ t}se Grp t28 Tabi-es/Chairs 0 3 .Burns g Commissioner F*,t ne 2007 June 2008, fires C. Glen Redmoud, wilding Ju Date Certificate Issued Date Certificate Exp any changes an 'he above inf°rmation.. official shall -be aotifzed within (10} days of a . The building off' f 'SXCIt . CCOT490NWVALT 10 din's r ®1 KI this ONV itding Dade, Section t~$.. chuses State Bu C with the Kassa i N - p In accordar► ce. C, ' issued to: INC. eading, T13 Town of R ons: 1 Salem street umber 019"' at Zg6 the follow 9 aging, Inc located sufF01,ent for as Nlandari eons °f egress are d the premises 'no busetts• The m inCommonwealth of Massa LY OR TRUpTtfRE that l haves L°cation l Certify iddlesex, CE OF ASSENT County of M By p1 t`; Ca aci Vt Floor bIv ox 5tx ao~e d place o_~sem Use prow A A A A A A G sushi Bar T~ui~g Room Diniug Boom sun Boom e ROOM Chairs 2 ,fables & ,fables &chairs 34 B°oths $ & chairs 32 ,fables & Chairs 44 fables Booths 7,6 1St Floor 1St Floor 1St Floor 1St Floor 1St Floor FirePlac Fireplace Room 1 Burns Wry Fite . _ Camjnissioxlex 4C in atian. gedxa d~utlding ber 2o08 C. Glen. es in the above form cem any cha►Ig , pe Ce~t~ficateExPlies (I o) days oj 407 pate pctober 2 within Ce~Wf sate Issued oti pate aed r uilding °ff cial shall ben f The b M: Milt S 01 gea r ~ Cade Section AO 8.A 5, this _ uses State guclding d dance with the Massach In actor Of is issued to ~FIcA - NY 1 own ofeadt 9 c T p i street in the er of persons- . ~ at 641 ~,ain . • nd far the following numb Tastes Cate known as Savo of ~ Cert egress aresu{ficed the premiseuSetts• The means inspected of Massach r~ that 1 Comn~on,Neatth LY ST.~.~CTt3•g„E_ Of Middlesex, -P1,ACE Of Asst S ctuxe Ca aci 15t Floor Sttu.._---- six's ssembl~` or place of 44 jablesl~h A-1 aissioer nd~ puild~g aoxy S Burns Cl • reb Fu'e der 2408 C. Gien.Redo ~eCertl _ es irxforn,ation 2 }47 Certificate Expo es in the above ~ t beY pate s of any p clxarTg te C ate Issued ofa ae aertific day. ~b The d within (1 0) uildilma o facial shall be O-F ~ CD ea dixi?n .15, this r~ n 01 Section 1ag 1 fl code, es State Building 0 with the Massachus ~ ~ S I' in C acCOrdance , 'V t O ' J C County of ~ _gQ n of ,Reading 1 -,r l In Street in the e~ o persons: d at 680 Mal" numb Mp°a`locate su{f icient for the f as venetian premisests -the means of eg insp ress ected the use L~ ®R STRV CT~ that i have of. Massach Certify monweatth p~,p,CE OF A~SEB i- Middlesex, Com $ - L Ca aci use Cx°u 1st yj©or Chairs Lower Level & Chars 16'fablees A 60 'Tabl A s - . ~ ory ~.I3u~ ~e ssiol~er uil~in CO ation. ClenRe es in the above in form October 244$ C' o f any chatig Zg4~ ate Certificate EXPues d • fLe within (10) days October ate Issued p ut strati be noti pate Certif ic build' of-t'flie ng THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Town of Reading in accordance with'the Massachusetts State Building Code, Section 108.15, this CERTIFICATE OF INSPECTION is issued to: ATLANTIC FOOD MART o persons; Reading, County of that I have inspected the premises known as Atlantic Food Mart located at 30 Haven Street in the 1 Certify Middlesex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The means of'egress are sufficient for the following number BY PLACE OF ASSEMBLY OR STRUCTURE Use Groua Location Capacity . October 2008 ~ i ~ October 2007 J. Burns Date certificate issued Date Certificate Expires C.-Glen Redmond, Building Commission"` ire c ' f gory e W The building off cial shall be notified within (10) days of any changes in the above information. SETTS XSACRU 1J 0-F NU 1 MONW EALTtl 1 UE Of RE"'A TONVII Of -NAeaix~g section 108.15, this State Building code, o accordance with the {Massachusetts P E C -f in -iN is issued to: C-ER rf i, , k BI U Sk. L1 Q~.~7 . ding, County of d at 345 Main Street in the Town of Rea number of persons: ises known as 'Busa's Liquors locate em of e Tess are sufficient for the following ect A the pr The means g 1 Certify that t have insp esex, Commonwealth of Massachusetts. y OR STR'OCZ Middt SSENm~ -BY PLACE OF ACapacitor Location. Use Group - Building Comu"ssio~ier October 2008, fixes C. GI, Redmond, October 2007 Date Certificate Exp information rate Certificate Issued days of any changes in the above inf Tile building official shall be notified within (14} . rns Signs EALT OF MASSACKJSETTS THE COMMONW . Towift of Reading- Section 108.15, this dance with the, Massachusetts State Building Code, to accor INSPECTIO OF CE~R.TiFICAkT is issued to: ount of SIDE LIQUORS ted at 150 Main Street in the TowReading, C Y oca remises known as North Sid e Liquors located' of egress aresufficient for the following number of persons: means t Certify that l have inspected the p . Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Middlesex, By PLACE OF ASSEMBLY OR STRUCT Capacity Use GrouO Location eq ly J. Burns Comm October 2008. C. Glen Redmond, Building October 2047 issio-N-r ire i b Date Certificate Expires Date Certificate Issued ltatzges in the above information The building official shall be notified 1vithin (10) days of airy c Illuminated Signs too Close 0-F &ASSACITUSETTS of p eadhig this s State Building Code, Section 108.15, In.accordance.with the Massachusett P E Cy -10 N 'C' A OF E R T I FI 'Y~is issued to O Reading, County of S~,r C~ Hi h Street in the Town oersons: uare Liquors located at 13 J number of p the premises known as Sq ean s of egress are sufficient for the following I Certify that I have inspected th assachusetts. The m Middlesex, Commonwealth of M OP STPIU Middle OF ASSEMBLY CTUP BY PLACE gapacitNf Location.. Lase Group regory Burns Fire ond~ Building Commissioner October 2008, x Tres C. Glen Redm October 2447 Date Certificate.E, P Date Certificate lssued Tile 10) days of any changes in the above inforraurfaon. ' n building off vial shall. be notified watlit Yllluainated Sins within loft Ylllum.inated Sign with other Sign T Of , Co 1r o 01 Wl--, 108.15, this - 1 NV Section 1 O State Building Code' th the Massachusetts S A C in accordancew' Sed to.. I CA ~ C y of -Town of ReadinJ, County TAW Main Street in t . per of persons located at 6?~ fotlowin9 num OW" as The W t ee toss are su.~ic1ent far the prem►ses kn means of g inspected the uses The • that i have wealth of Massach OB. gy. . Certify Common ACE OF ASSVIWL" acit~L Middlesex, L Location Use Group' I W7~ a Coinmissioiier edinond, $uildin xegflrY 1. BUMS to 1 p08 xP1t C, October i2 ateDeS its ormatr0n` • ( any elxanges in the above toper d Date C pc 10) days of_-- 1}ate Certificate Issue within f acaal shall be notified .s `lie butidtnb o f - ht not operatilag r P.r~e~ey ~'x$ LWAL IXYME 1 A, I ~ l e To tie In habi tali.ts Of the Tam of Poemling : oice i l eW.V givel. Mat a jxItjic* herring ~M11 be lield h Qlwgy U- af Iy$ b of i on lie i"ue cxf,{textarnining a residehUl t1m.-in- asewsiiig`.. j-)q!j0e.xa-)t 6 of lax. txgxlen tx tom. t~aliti~ F e~wh. clan of lalxal~: $!.°y..br Fi:D'c Yem 2006. The. lyiedli,n o, lie 11041 07. j T~!~e tlfi}~,.I~larel:rtit~el. -at 8:0 0 jim. in 'lie salicV 1temE r, 4!9 Pi int,Suseit, Riling, P-61 C4. "'M,fim) inbinafidi IYY iiy. pr'es taa{I pm,ties ,will be receiYed tyj #ie. Iecit n iti at.. tie'lye.kving. Me ii".19 dasd al, q.-Agly epace, . cre nneival.; E~ axte!" 6f . . Pela!' I. I-Wheof leilam ' T-Y.4.) NImfujer . q~l FY2008 CLASSIFICATION SEARING - NOVEMBER 27,2007: LEGAL SUMMARY - SUMMARY OF G.L. CHAPTER 40, SECTION 56 AND G.L. CHAPTER 59, SECTION 5C AS IT APPLIES TO TOWNS AND G.L. CHAPTER 59, SECTION 51: The Commissioner of Revenue shall certify as to whether the Board of Assessors is assessing property at full and fair cash value. The Selectmen must annually conduct a public hearing on the issue of allocating the local property tax levy among the four classes of real property and personal property. In determining these percentages, the Selectmen must first adopt a residential factor. The residential factor adopted must be an amount not less than the minimum residential factor calculated by the Commissioner. A residential factor of "1" will result in the taxation of all property at the same tax rate. A residential factor of less than "1 will result in residential property owners being taxed at a proportionately lower share of the tax levy (lower tax rate). When adopting the residential factor, the Selectmen may select a percentage for class two (open space) that may not be less than 75% of its full and fair cash value percentage (see page 11). The residential class alone absorbs the discount. The Assessors currently do not classify any parcels as open space. The third issue is the residential exemption (see page 13). The Selectmen may vote an exemption of no more than 20% of the average assessed value of all class one, residential parcels, which are the principal residences of the property taxpayer. This exemption has the effect of shifting taxes from lower value owner-occupied homes and condominiums to higher value homes since the shift in taxes is within class one. The fourth issue is that of the small commercial exemption (see page 19). The Selectmen may vote up to a 10% exemption of value on those commercial properties that had an average annual employment of 10 or fewer employees, as determined by the Department of Employment and Training, and a value of less than $1,000,000. This exemption applies to 51 of the 254 commercial properties, and has the effect of increasing the taxes for those commercial properties valued $1,000,000 or over. The classes of properties are: Class One Residential Class Two Open Space Class Three Commercial Class Four Industrial Class Five Personal Property qL-;L I. SET RESIDENTIAL FACTOR: INFORMATION TO DETERMINE MINIMUM RESIDENTIAL FAC'T'OR: (1) 92.133% of Reading's property is residential (2) 7.867% of Reading's property is commercial, industrial, and personal property (CIP) (3) Most personal property bills (595 total) are paid by small businesses (4) In Fiscal Year 2008, Reading can raise a maximum of $47,440,395.36 on the tax levy, using a tax rate of $12.60 per thousand. (5) The maximum share which can be apportioned to CIP (commercial, industrial, and personal property) is 11.80%. (6) Therefore, the minimum share at a 150% shift of the $47,440,395.36 tax levy which can be apportioned to residential is 88.20%. (7) The minimum residential factor is the minimum residential share divided by the total percentage of residential property: 88.1995 92.1330 = 95.7036% 3. qcl CLASS Residential Open Space TOTAL R + O Commercial Industrial Personal Prop TOTAL C.I.P. TOTALS VALUATION TAX LEVY RO/CIP % SHARE $3,468,910,553 $43,708,272.97 92.1330% $0 $0.00 0.0000% $3,468,910,553 $43,708,272.97 92.1330% $256,582,400 $3,232,938.24 6.8147% $17,381,100 $219,001.86 0.4616% $22,236,690 $280,182.29 0.5906% $296,200,190 $3,732,122.39 7.8670% $3,765,110,743 '1 $ 47,440,395.36 ; 100.0000% LEVY RATE/1000 LEVY LIMIT EXCESS LEVY CAPACITY MAXIMUM SHARE FOR C.I.P. ALLOWED MINIMUM SHARE FOR RESIDENTIAL ALLOWED MINIMUM RESIDENTIAL FACTOR 47,440,395.36 12.60 47;456,243 15,848 11.8005 88.1995 95.7306 FORMULA FOR THE TAX RATES: SUMMARY OF INFORMATION CONTAINED ON PAGE 6. (1) Column 1 shows the tax rate and amounts of taxes to be raised if residential and CIO tax rates are the same (i.e. 100%). The Department of Revenue refers to this as a residential factor of "I". (2) Column 2 shows a 10% shift from residential to CIP or 110%. (3) Column 3 shows a 25% shift from residential to CIP or 125%. (4) Column 4 shows a 50% shift from residential to CIP or 150%. (5) The residential tax rate decreases at a much slower rate than the CIP rate increases. (6) Page 6 shows the detail of the classification shifts and the impact on the residential and commercial/industrial and personal property rates. FY2008 FORMULA FOR TAX RATE COLUMN I COLUMN 2 COLUMN 3 COLUMN 4 100% 110% 125% 150% R+O TAXES $43,708,272.97 $43,708,272.97 $43,708,272.97 $43,708,272.97 X RES FACTOR 100.0000% 99.1461% 97.8653% 95.7306% =110 TAXES $43,708,272.97 $43,335,048.03 $42,775,232.47 $41,842,191.96 DIV BY R+O VAL $3,468,910,553 $3,468,910,553 $3,468,910,553 $3,468,910,553 +TAX RATE RESIDENTIAL $12.60 $12.49 $12.33 $12.06 TOTAL TAXES $47,440,395.36 $47,440,395.36 $47,440,395.36 $47,440,395.36 LESS RO TAXES $43,708,272.97 $43,335,048.03 $42,775,232.47 $41,842,191.96 =CIP TAXES $3,732,122.39 $4,105,347.33 $4,665,162.89 $5,598,203.40 DIV BY CIP VAL $296,200,190 $296,200,190 $296,200,190 $296,200,190 =TAX RATE CIP $12.60 $13.86 $15.75 $18.90 TAXES: R + O $43,708,272.97 $43,335,048.03 $42,775,232.47 $41,842,191.96 C + I + P $3,732,122.39 $4,105,347.33 $4,665,162.89 $5,598,203.40 TOTAL TAXES $47,440,395.36 $47,440,395.36 $47,440,395.36 $47,440,395.36 5 ICLASSIFICATION SHIFTSI 20.00 r 18.00 16.00 - 14.00 m 12.00 10.00 ` a 8.00 M RESIDENTIAL 6.00 ❑ COMMERCIAL 4.00 2.00 - - `r 0.00 100 110 120 130 140 150 Q U Classification Shift E W W W Q W O rr FY2008 SHIFT 100 110 120 130 140 150 RES RATE 12.60 12.49 12.38 12.28 12.17 12.06 CIP RATE 12.60 13.86 15.12 16.38 17.64 18.90 For every 10% increase in taxes of the commercial/industrial and personal property classes, the residential property owners saves approximately .88% The maximum increase of 150% would save the residential taxpayer 4.28% . 6 4 G7 COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL FY2008 DISTRIBUTION OF VALUES: VALUE RANGE QUANITY PCT CUM PCT LESS THAN 99,900 15 5.727 5.727 100,000 TO 149,900 6 2.362 7.480 ( 150,000 TO 199,900 7 2.756 10.236 200,000 TO 249,900 17 6.693 16.929 250,000 TO 299,900 20 7.874 24.803 300,000 TO 349,900 22 8.661 33.464 350,000 TO 399,900 18 7.087 40.551 400,000 TO 449,900 17 6.693 47.244 450,000 TO 499,900 14 5.512 52.756 500,000 TO 599,900 24 9.449 62.205 600,000 TO 699,900 15 5.906 68.110 700,000 TO 799,900 13 5.118 73.228 800,000 TO 899,900 10 3.937 77.165 900,000 TO 1,499,900 28 11.024 88.189 1,500,000 TO 2,999,900 19 7.480 95.669 3,000,000 TO 4,999,900 2 0.787 96.457 OVER 5,000,000 9 3.543 100.00 TOTAL 254 TOTAL C/I VALUATION AVERAGE C/I VALUATION MEDIAN VALUE RANGE $1,000 TO $24,083,100 C/I MEDIAN VALUE $477,400 @ 12.60 $ 6015.24 @ 18.90 $ 9,022.86 MAXIMUM INCREASE $3,007.62 $ 283,812,366 $ 1,117,372 $ 477,400 SINGLE FAMILY MEDIAN $416,000 @ 12.60 $ 5,241.60 @ 12.06 $ 5,016.96 MAXIMUM SAVINGS $ 224.64 TO SAVE THE MEDIAN VALUED RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNER A MAXIMUM OF $224.64 THE MEDIAN VALUED COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL OWNER WOULD HAVE TO PAY $3,007.62 MORE THAN WOULD OTHERWISE BE PAID UNDER ONE TAX RATE. 7. yc.v TAX CLASSIFICATION DATA FY 2007 Community # of Total Residential C I P Parcels Assessed % % Valuation Total A.V. Total A.V. Lynnfield 4,221 $2,522,406,108 93.30% 6.70% Reading 8,293 $3,785,159,436 92.700/6 7.30% Stoneham 7,515 $3,255,331,985 89.40% 10.60% N. Reading 5,499 $2,697,393,714 89.00% 11.00% Wakefield 8,841 $3,876,235,749 86.40% 13.60% Wilmington 8,200 $3,733,214,990 77.50% 22.50% Woburn 12,311 $5,765,026,700 73.00% 27.00% ADJACENT COMMUNITIES Split Maximum C 1 P Tax C I P Tax Rate Tax Shift Shift Allowed YES 1.500% 1.190% NO 1.500% 1.000% YES 1.6493% 1.630% NO 1.500% 1.000% YES 1.830% 1.830% YES 1.830% 1.830% YES 1.815% 1.750% Average Average Single Family Single Family A. V. Tax Bill $597,971 $5,687 $461,656 $5,572 $431,042 $4,198 $512,389 $5,544 $420,760 $4,006 $401,598 $3,871 $370,009 $3,356 1 of the 6 neighboring communities has a C I P % of the Total Assessed Valuation equating to less than 10%. 2 of the 6 neighboring communities have a Total Assessed Valuation larger than the Town of Reading. 2 of the 6 neighboring communities utilize the Maximum C I P Tax Shift Allowed. 4 of the 6 neighboring communities utilize a C 1 P Tax Shift of 1.150% or greater. 5 of the 6 neighboring communities have a Split Tax Rate. 5 of the 6 neighboring communities have a lower Average Single Family Tax Bill compared to the Reading's. 8 Average LESEX LEAGUE COMMUNl ties M4DD Average Single PamilY C i P le FamilY Tax Bill Split Maximum Tax Sing CiP A. V. C I P Tax shift Residential % Tax Shift Total % Rate $4,25.9 Community # of Assessed Total AN. Total A~ Allowed ° $433,251 $7,803 parcels Valuation 1.750% 1.654 $755,415 $8,2$3 YES ° 1.000% $803,440 $5,572 12,669 95.30%70°NO 1.50 0% 1.004% $c461,656 $4,198 5-000/0 NO 1.54 ° $3,749,0 95.00% 1.500% 1.000°I $431,042 $s,266 8,966 $5,304,920,618 94.80% 5.200/0 NO 1.630% $728,903 $4,006 Melrose 7,674 ° 7.30% YES 1.64930/0 1.740% 764 hestev $5,575,357 494 92,70 10.60% 1.7 ON °6 $4201 $3,356 ° 1.830 $3,875 Wlnc 7,968 $3,785,159,436 89.40./0 YES $370,009 Belmont $1293 010 11.50% YES 1.830% $3,255,331,985 88.54 1.815% 1.750% $421,178 Reading 7,,515 ,059,234,580 $6.40°!° 13.60°!° YES 1.8230/0 065 27.00% 1.8300/6 Stoneham 1 1 $8 $3,876'235,749 73.04/° ° 9 Lexington 8,841 ()26,70() 24% YES W akef ieid 12,311 $5,765, 6g.s4% 30' Woburn 7,759 $4,514,750,045 Burlington C t p Tax Swt Allowed• than 10%• Maximum uattng to less utilize the d Valuation ect of Reading• 2 of 8 communtttes t P % of the-total Assesse amilY Tax Boll below an Average that of the Town 3 of 8 communities have a C unities have Single F 5 of ,8 comm have a Split Tax Rate. Town of Reading- Valuation larger the 7 of g communities Total Assessed 1.500%. 7 of 8 communittes have a Tax Shift of greater than of C I P 8 communities utilize a COMMUNITIES WITH LESS THAN 10% CIP Community # of Total Residential C 1 P Parcels Assessed % % Valuation Total A.V. Total A.V Milton 8,373 $4,616,180,467 97.09% 2.91% Lincoln 2,302 $1,971,631,934 96.90% 3.10%D Melrose 8,966 $3,749,012,669 95.30% 4.70% Sudbury 6,318 $4,231,531,337 94.30% 5.70% Swampscott 5,438 $2,609,458,933 93.53% 6.47% Lynnfield 4,221 $2,522,406,108 93.30% 6.70% Reading 8,293 $3,785,159,436 92.70% 7.30% Gloucester 13,030 $5,864,518,784 91.41% 8.59% Newton 26,680 $20,667,221,900 90.87% 9.13% Hopedale 2,370 $768,133,131 90.54% 9.46% Split Maximum C I P Average Average Tax C I P Tax Single Family Single Family Rate Tax Shift Shift A. V. Tax Bill Allowed YES 1.830% 1.830%a $544,895 $5,907 YES 1.500% 1.300% $1,094,354 $10,790 YES 1.750% 1.650% $433,251 $4,259 YES 1.75.0% 1.500% $702,816 $9,221 YES 1.750% 1.750% $537,900 $6,917 YES 1.500% 1.190% $597,971 $5,687 NO 1.500% 1.000% $461,656 $5,572 YES 1.500% 1.060% $524,446 $4,515 YES 1.764% 1.749% $818,978 $7,641 YES 1.750% 1.610% $359,951 $3,895 3 of 9 communities utilize the Maximum C I P Tax Shift Allowed. 3 of 9 communities have an Average Single Family Tax Bill below that of the Town of Reading. 4 of 9 communities have a Total Assessed Valuation larger than the Town of Reading. 6 of 9 communities have a lower C 1 P % of the Total Assessed Valuation than that of the Town of Reading. 10 II OPEN SPACE DISCOUNT The Assessors do not recognize any class two, open space properties. Page 12 shows the reasons for not separately recognized these parcels as such, and provides a hypothetical scenario, in general parameters, if open space were recognized. 11 q & I -I... OPEN SPACE COMPUTATIONS OPEN SPACE IS LAND WHICH IS NOT OTHEWISE OPEN SPACE VALUE $972,200.00 RES VALUE $3,467,938,353.00 CLASSIFIED AND WHICH IS NOT TAXED UNDER OPEN SPACE TAX $12,249.72 RES. TAX $43,696,023.25 CHAPTER 61, 61A, OR 61B AND LAND WHICH IS NOT RESULTING RATES $12.60 $12.60 HELD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF INCOME BUT IS 25% EXEMPTION ($3,062.43) $3,062.43 MAINTAINED IN AN OPEN AND NATURAL CONDITION RESULTING TAXES $9,187.29 RES. TAX $43,699,085.68 AND WHICH CONTRIBUTES SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE RESULTING RATES $9.45 $12.60 BENEFIT AND ENJOYMENT OF THE PUBLIC. THE DISCOUNT FOR OPEN SPACE CAN BE UP TO 25%. IF THIS DISCOUNT IS GRANTED, ANY SAVINGS IN THIS CLASS WOULD BE BORNE ENTIRELY BY THE RESIDENTIAL CLASS. 1. IF OPEN SPACE WERE SEPARATELY RECOGNIZED, THERE WOULD BE 34 PARCELS THAT QUALIFY. THESE 34 PARCELS HAVE AN AVERAGE ASSESSMENT OF $28,594. THESE PARCELS RANGE IN ACREAGE FROM 1.07 ACRES TO 15.20 ACRES. THE ASSESSMENT PLACED ON THE PROPERTY ALREADY RECOGNIZES THE FACT THAT THEY ARE BEING HELD WITH NO DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL. 2. IN FY2007, THERE WAS ONE COMMUNITY THAT GRANTED THIS EXEMPTION, BEDFORD. MOST OTHER COMMUNITIES PREFERRED HAVING THE LAND OWNERS PLACE THE PROPERTY IN CHAPTER 61B. THE BENEFIT WOULD BE THE SAME TO THE PROPERTY OWNER AND THE TOWN COULD RECEIVE THE ROLLBACK TAX ONCE IT IS SOLD, WITHOUT HAVING THE OTHER RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS POTENTIALLY PAY MORE. 3. THE ASSESSORS, SINCE FY1991 HAVE NOT RECOGNIZED OPEN SPACE AS A SEPARATE CLASS OF PROPERTY AS THERE WERE TOO FEW PARCELS THAT FIT THE CRITERIA, AND FOR THE REASONS STATED ABOVE. 12 qL i3 EFFECTS OF A RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION: Summary of information contained on page 14-16: (1) The Selectmen may vote an exemption for principle residences of up to 20% of the average value of all class one properties. (2) Class one properties are residential properties, including single family homes, multi-family homes, condominiums, apartments and residential vacant land. (3) The exemption would shift taxes from lower assessed homes and condos to higher assessed homes. (4) The figures on pages 14-15 show examples of the shift for 5%, 10% and 20% exemptions. (5) Adoption of a 5% exemption would save $223.23 in taxes for homeowners assessed at $100,000, while homeowners assessed at $1,000,000 would have to pay an additional $307.77 in taxes. (6) Adoption of a 10% exemption would save $468.27 in taxes for homeowners assessed at $100,000, while homeowners assessed at $1,000,000 would have to pay an additional $647.73 in taxes. (7) Adoption of a 20% exemption would save $1,038.25 in taxes for homeowners assessed at $100,000, while homeowners assessed at $1,000,000 would have to pay an additional $1,445.38 in taxes. 13. yC, ►N 5% EXEMPTION A RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION OF UP TO ELIGIBLE RES. PROPERTIES 7,281 20% OF THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL X RES.' EXEMPTION 21,397 ASSESSMENT MAY BE ADOPTED. THIS = VALUE DECREASE 155,791,557 EXEMPTION FAVORS THE PROPERTY TOTAL RES VALUE 3,468,910,553 OWNER WITH A VALUE BELOW THE NET VALUE 3,313,118,996 AVERAGE AND PENALIZES THE RESIDENTIAL TAXES 43,708,273 PROPERTY OWNER ABOVE THE AVERAGE. TAXES / NET VALUE 13.19 THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL CLASS 1 ASSE SSMENT IN READING FOR FY2008 IS $427,944 5% EXEMPTION VARIANCE TAX PROPERTY FROM FULL RATES VALUE TAXES VALUE PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 100,000 1260.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 78,603 1036.77 -223.23 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 200,000 2520.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 178,603 2355.77 -164.23 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 300,000 3780.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 278,603 3674.77 -105.23 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 400,000 5040.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 378,603 4993.77 -46.23 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 500,000 6300.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 478,603 6312.77 12.77 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 600,000 7560.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 578,603 7631.77 71.77 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 700,000 8820.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 678,603 8950.77 130.77 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 800,000 10080.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 778,603 10269.77 189.77 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 900,000 11340.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 878,603 11588.77 248.77 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 1,000,000 12600.00 LESS EXEMPTION (21,397.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.19 978,603 12907.77 307.77 14 gGt-< 10% EXEMPTION A RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION OF UP TO #ELIGIBLE RES. PROPERTIES 7,281.00 20% OF THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL X RES. EXEMPTION 42,794.00 ASSESSMENT MAY BE ADOPTED. THIS = VALUE DECREASE 311,583,114.00 EXEMPTION FAVORS THE PROPERTY TOTAL RES VALUE 3,468,910,553.00 OWNER WITH A VALUE BELOW THE NET VALUE 3,157,327,439.00 AVERAGE AND PENALIZES THE RESIDENTIAL TAXES 43,708,273.00 PROPERTY OWNERS ASSESSED TAXES / NET VALUE 13.84 ABOVE THE AVERAGE. THE AVERAGE RESIDENTIAL CLASS i ASSESSMENT IN READING FOR FY2008 IS $427,944 20% EXEMPTION 7,281.00 85,587.00 623,158,947.00 3,468,910,553.00 2,845,751,606.00 43,708,273.00 15.36 10% EXEMPTION 20% EXEMPTION - - VARIANCE VARIANCE TAX PROPERTY FROM FULL TAX PROPERTY FROM FULL RATES VALUE TAXES VALUE RATES VALUE TAXES VALUE PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 100,000 1,260.00 12.60 100,000 1,260.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 57,206 791.73 -468.27 15.36 14,413 221.38 -1038.62 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 200,000 2,520.00 12.60 200,000 2,520.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 157,206 2,175.73 -344.27 15.36 114,413 1,757.38 -762.62 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 300,000 3,780.00 12.60 300,000 3,780.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 257,206 3,559.73 -220.27 15.36 214,413 3,29138 -486.62 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 400,000 5,040.00 12.60 400,000 5,040.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00). ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 357,206 4,943.73 -96.27 15.36 314,413 4,829.38 -210.62 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 500,000 6,300.00 12.60 500,000 6,300.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 457,206 6,327.73 27.73 15.36 414,413 6,365.38 65.38 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 600,000 7,560.00 12.60 600,000 7,560.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 557,206 7,711.73 151.73 15.36 514,413 7,901.38 341.38 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 700,000 8,820.00 12.60 700,000 8,820.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 657,206 9,095.73 275.73 15.36 614,413 9,437.38 617.38 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 800,000 10,080.00 12.60 800,000 10,080.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 757,206 10,479.73 399.73 15.36 714,413 10,973.38 893.36 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 900,000 11,340.00 12.60 900,000 11,340.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 857,206 11,863.73 523.73 15.36 814,413 12,509.38 1169.38 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 1,000,000 12,600.00 12.60 1,000,000 12,600.00 LESS EXEMPTION (42,794.00) (85,587.00) ADJUSTED VALUE 13.84 957,206 13,247.73 647.73 15.36 914,413 14,045.38 1445.38 15 Ll G.1 RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION 1500 1000 500 0 c~ ro 0 ~ -500 -1000 - -1500 , 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 i t 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Assessed Value in Thousands 10 5% EXEMPT 13 10% EXEMPT 20% EXEMPT WITH AN ESTIMATED 94% OF READING'S RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNERS BEING ELIGIBLE FOR THIS EXEMPTION, THE EFFECTS WOULD BE A SHIFT IN THE TAX AMOUNT PAID BY LOWER VALUED PROPERTY OWNERS TO THAT OF HIGHER VALUED PROPERTY OWNERS. AT A 20% EXEMPTION, PROPERTY OWNERS VALUED AT $100,000 WOULD SAVE $1,038.62 IN TAXES, WHILE PROPERTY OWNERS VALUED Al $1,000,000 WOULD PAY AN ADDITIONAL $1,445.38 IN ADDITIONAL TAXES. 16 gGl7 TOWN OF READING CONDOMINIUMS FY2008 DISTRIBUTION OF VALUES VALUE RANGE QUANTITY PCT. CUM,PCT. 77100 TO 143000 11 1.338 1.338 143100 TO 209000 166 20.195 21.533 209100 TO 275000 194 23.601 45.134 275100 TO 341000 229 27.859 72.993 341100 TO 407000 85 10.341 83.333 407100 AND OVER 137 16.667 100.000 TOTAL 822 TOTAL CONDOMINIUM VALUES 256,930,700 AVERAGE CONDO VALUE 312,568 MEDIAN VALUE 285,100 27.008% OF THE VALUES FALL BETWEEN $341,100 AND $407,000 AND OVER, AND THUS NEGLIGIBLY AFFECTED BY THIS EXEMPTION. 17. LtC19 TOWN OF READING SINGLE FAMILY HOMES - FY2008 DISTRUBUTION OF VALUES: VALUE RANGE QUANTITY PCT. CUM PCT. LESS THAN =141,900 3 .046 .046 142,000 TO 201,900 3 046 .092 202,000 TO 261,900 35 .593 .632 262,000 TO 321,900 253 3.898 4.530 322,000 TO 381,900 1680 25.886 30.416 382,000 TO 441,900 1967 30.308 60.724 442,000 TO 484900 822 12.666 73.390 485000 TO 501,900 208 3.205 76.595 502,000 TO 561,900 536 8.259 84.854 562,000 TO 621,900 325 5.008 89.861 622,000 TO 681,900 243 3.744 93.606 682,000 TO 741,900 157 2.419 96.025 742,000 TO 801,900 120 1.849 97.874 802,000 TO 861,900 58 0.894 98.767 862,000 TO 921,900 37 0.570 99.337 922,000 AND OVER 43 0.663 100.000 TOTAL 6,490 TOTAL SINGLE FAMILY VALUATION AVERAGE ASSESSMENT MEDIAN VALUE 2,933,909,900 452,066 416,000 46.179 OF THE VALUES FALL BETWEEN $382,000 AND $501,900, AND THUS NEGLIGILBY AFFECTED BY THIS EXEMPTION. 18. 4 ook IV. THE COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION: The Commercial Exemption is an annual adoption of exempting up to 10% of the value of an eligible class three (commercial) parcel. This exemption extends itself to those businesses that have an average annual employment of no more than 10 people, as certified by the Commissioner of the Department of Employment and Training, and a valuation of less than one million dollars. The exemption represents a reduction in taxable value and is applied by the Assessors prior to setting the tax rate. The effects of the commercial exemption would be to:. (1) Reduce the taxes of those properties eligible. (2) Increase the taxes on those properties ineligible. (3) Increase the taxes on commercial properties over $1,000,000. (4) Given this is the fourteenth year that communities could adopt this Exemption, there is not much community experience available. Currently, there are only 6 municipalities of the 351 in Massachusetts that adopt this exemption. 19 qc2,o COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION 51 COMMERCIAL PARCELS ELIGIBLE 23,715,509 TOTAL VALUE OF ELIGIBLE PARCELS X 5% EXEMPTION, 1,185,775 VALUE LOSS DUE TO EXEMPTION 273,963,500 COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL VALUE 272,777,725 NET COMMERCIAUINDUSTRIAL VALUE 3,451,940 COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL TAXES 12.65 RATE WITH EXEMPTION ELIGIBLE INELIGIBLE PROPERTY VALUE $100,000 X RATE 12.60 1,260.00 -58.25 5.00 LESS EXEMPTION $5,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $95,000 X RATE 12.65 1,201.75 PROPERTY VALUE $125,000 X RATE 12.60 1,575.00 -72.81 6.25 LESS EXEMPTION $6,250 ADJUSTED VALUE $118,750 X RATE 12.65 1,502.19 PROPERTY VALUE $150,000 X RATE 12.60 1,890.00 -87.38 7.50 LESS EXEMPTION $7,500 ADJUSTED VALUE $142,500 X RATE 12.65 1,802.63 PROPERTY VALUE $175,000 X RATE 12.60 2,205.00 -101.94 8.75 LESS EXEMPTION $8,750 ADJUSTED VALUE $166,250 X RATE 12.65 2,103.06 PROPERTY VALUE $200,000 X RATE 12.60 2,520.00 -116.50 10.00 LESS EXEMPTION $10,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $190,000 X RATE 12.65 2,403.50 PROPERTY VALUE $250,000 X RATE 12.60 3,150.00 -145.63 12.50 LESS EXEMPTION $12,500 ADJUSTED VALUE $237,500 X RATE 12.65 3,004.38 PROPERTY VALUE $300,000 X RATE 12.60 3,780.00 -174.75 15.00 LESS EXEMPTION $15,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $285,000 X RATE 12.65 3,605.25 PROPERTY VALUE $400,000 X RATE 12.60 5,040.00 -233.00 20.00 LESS EXEMPTION $20,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $380,000 X RATE 12.65 4,807.00 PROPERTY VALUE $500,000 X RATE 12.60 6,300.00 -291.25 25.00 LESS EXEMPTION $25,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $475,000 X RATE 12.65 6,008.75 PROPERTY VALUE $1,000,000 X RATE 12.60 12,600.00 0.00 50.00, LESS EXEMPTION ADJUSTED VALUE $1,000,000 X RATE 12.65 12,650.00 PROPERTY VALUE $2,000,000 X RATE 12.60 25,200.00 0.00 100.00 LESS EXEMPTION ADJUSTED VALUE $2,000,000 X RATE 12.65 25,300.00 PROPERTY VALUE $5,000,000 X RATE 12.60 63,000.00 0.00 250.00 LESS EXEMPTION ADJUSTED VALUE $5,000,000 X RATE 12.65 63,250.00 20 Ljc,,,- -A COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION 51 COMMERCIAL PARCELS ELIGIBLE 23,715,509 TOTAL VALUE OF ELIGIBLE PARCELS X 10% EXEMPTION 2,371,551 VALUE LOSS DUE TO EXEMPTION 273,963,500 COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL VALUE 271,591,949 NET COMMERCIAUINDUSTRIAL VALUE 3,451,940 COMMERCIAL/ INDUSTRIAL TAXES 12.71 RATE WITH EXEMPTION ELIGIBLE INELIGIBLE PROPERTY VALUE $100,000 X RATE 12.60 1,260.00 -116.10 11.00 LESS EXEMPTION $10,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $90,000 X RATE 12.71 1,143.90 PROPERTY VALUE $125,000 X RATE 12.60 1,575.00 -145.13 13.75 LESS EXEMPTION $12,500 ADJUSTED VALUE $112,500 X RATE 12.71 1,429.88 PROPERTY VALUE $150,000 X RATE 12.60 1,890.00 -174.15 16.50 LESS EXEMPTION $15,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $135,000 X RATE 12.71 1,715.85 PROPERTY VALUE $175,000 X RATE 12.60 2,205.00 -203.18 19.25 LESS EXEMPTION $17,500 ADJUSTED VALUE $157,500 X RATE 12.71 2,001.83 PROPERTY VALUE $200,000 X RATE 12.60 2,520.00 -232.20 22.00 LESS EXEMPTION $20,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $180,000 X RATE 12.71 2,287.80 PROPERTY VALUE $250,000 X RATE 12.60 3,150.00 -290.25 27.50 LESS EXEMPTION $25,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $225,000 X RATE 12.71 2,859.75 PROPERTY VALUE $300,000 X RATE 12.60 3,780.00 -348.30 33.00 LESS EXEMPTION $30,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $270,000 X RATE 12.71 3,431.70 PROPERTY VALUE $400,000 X RATE 12.60 5,040.00 -464.40 44.00 LESS EXEMPTION $40,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $360,000 X RATE 12.71 4,575.60 PROPERTY VALUE $500,000 X RATE 12.60 6,300.00 -580.50 55.00 LESS EXEMPTION $50,000 ADJUSTED VALUE $450,000 X RATE 12.71 5,719.50 PROPERTY VALUE $1,000,000 X RATE 12.60 12,600.00 0.00 110.00 LESS EXEMPTION ADJUSTED VALUE $1,000,000 X RATE 12.71 12,710.00 PROPERTY VALUE $2,000,000 X RATE 12.60 25,200.00 0.00 220.00 LESS EXEMPTION ADJUSTED VALUE $2,000,000 X RATE 12.71 25,420.00 PROPERTY VALUE $5,000,000 X RATE 12.60 63,000.00 0.00 550.00 LESS EXEMPTION ADJUSTED VALUE $5,000,000 X RATE 12.71 63,550.00 21 COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION I Goo{ 400 - 200 - Z O 85%EXEMPTION dr=AW A.dmmmz~ VELIGIBLE .~KEMPTION p: p - 10% EXEMPTION > ®INELIGIBLE El NELIGIBLE 7, -200- - -400 - L-. -600 100000 150000 200000 300000 400000 1000000 5000000 ASSESSED VALUE The commercial exemption would have the effect of shifting property taxes of lower valued commercial properties to that of higher valued commercial property owners. This exemption would also increase the taxes paid by industrial property owners as they are ineligible for this exemption. 22 qc.23 THE EFFECTS OF THE SCENARIO OF THE TAX CLASSICICATION COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION OF A 10% SHIFT AND THE MAXIMUM COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION ALLOWED IS SHOWN BELOW FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES. THE RESIDENTIAL RATE WOULD DROP FROM 12.60 TO 12.49 WHILE THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL RATE WOULD INCREASE FROM 12.60 TO 13.98. THE COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION ADDS AN ADDITIONAL.12 CENTS PER THOUSAND TO THE TAX RATE. TAX RESIDENTIAL TAX RATES VALUE TAXES DIFFERENCE PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 100,000 $1,260.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 100,000 $1,249.00 -$11.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 200,000 $2,520.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 200,000 $2,498.00 -$22.00 PROPERTY VALUE. 12.60 300,000 $3,780.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 300,000 $3,747.00 -$33.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 400,000 $5,040.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 400,000 $4,996.00 -$44.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 500,000 $6,300.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 500,000 $6,245.00 -$55.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 600,000 $7,560.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 600,000 $7,494.00 -$66.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 700,000 $8,820.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 700,000 $8,743.00 -$77.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 800,000 $10,080.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 800,000 $9,992.00 -$88.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 900,000 $11,340.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 900,000 $11,241.00 -$99.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.60 1,000,000 $12,600.00 PROPERTY VALUE 12.49 1,000,000 $12,490.00 -$110.00 23 TAX COMMERCIAL RATES VALUE 12.60 100,000 13.98 100,000 12.60 200,000 13.98 200,000 12.60 300,000 13.98 300,000 12.60 400,000 13.98 400,000 12.60 500,000 13.98 500,000 12.60 600,000 13.98 600,000 12.60 700,000 13.98 700,000 12.60 800,000 13.98 800,000 12.60 900,000 13.98 900,000 12.60 1,000, 000 13.98 1,000,000 TAX TAXES DIFFERENCE $1,260.00 $1,398.00 $138.00 $2,520.00 $2,796.00 $276.00 $3,780.00 $4,194.00 $414.00 $5,040.00 $5,592.00 $552.00 $6,300.00 $6,990.00 $690.00 $7,560.00 $8,388.00 $828.00 $8,820.00 $9,786.00 $966.00 $10,080.00 $11,184.00 $1,104.00 $11,340.00 $12,582.00 $1,242.00 $12,600.00 $13,980.00 $1,380.00 ~ ~zN TAX COMPARISON COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES 601 Main Street 612 Main Street 625 Main Street 632 Main Street 640 Main Street 643 Main Street 660 Main Street 666 Main Street SHIFT 10% 601 Main Street 612 Main Street 625 Main Street 632 Main Street 640 Main Street 643 Main Street 660 Main Street 666 Main Street TOTAL ASSESSMENTS 2002 $ 455,800 $ 1,902,700 $ 2,280,300 $ 625,000 $ 1,750,500 $ 458,900 $ 313,000 $ 1,133,200 ASSESSMENTS 2007 $ 597,800 $ 2,641,800 $ 2,815,700 $ 731,600 $ 2,264,000 $ 595,300 $ 386,000 $ 1,718,500 $ 11,752,707 ASSESSMENTS CHANGE 02'TAXES 07'TAXES CHANGE 2007 2002-2007 12.24 RATE 12.07 RATE 2002-2007 $ 597,800 31% $5,578.99 $7,215.45 29% $ 2,641,800 39% $23,289.05 $31,886.53 37% $ 2,815,700 23% $27,910.87 $33,985.50 22% $ 731,600 17% $7,650.00 $8,830.41 15% $ 2,264,000 29% $21,426.12 $27,326.48 28% $ 595,300 30% $5,616.94 $7,185.27 28% $ 386,000 23% $3,831.12 $4;659.02 22% $ 1,718,500 52% $13,870.37 $20,742.30 50% 07' TAXES 07'10% SHIFT CHANGE CHANGE 12.07 RATE 13.35* RATE $7,215 $7,981 10.6% $765 $31,887 $35,268 10.6% $3,382 $33,985 $37,590 10.6% $3,604 $8,830 $9,767 10.6% $936 $27326 $30,224 10.6% $2,898 $7,185 $7,947 10.6% $762 .$4,659 $5,153 10.6% $494 $20,742 $22,942 10.6% $2,200 $ 141,831 $ 156,872 $ 15,041 SHIFT 25% ASSESSMENTS 07' TAXES 07'25% SHIFT CHANGE 2007 12.07 RATE 15.17* RATE 601 Main Street $ 597,800 $7,215 $9,069 25.7% 612 Main Street $ 2,641,800 $31,887 $40,076 25.7% 625 Main Street $ 2,815,700 $33,985 $42,714 25.7% 632 Main Street $ 731,600 $8,830 $11,098 25.7% 640 Main Street $ 2,264,000 $27,326 $34,345 25'.7% 643 Main Street $ 595,300 $7,185 , $9,031 25.7% 660 Main Street $ 386,000 $4,659 $5,856 25.7% 666 Main Street $ 1,718,500 $20,742 $26,070 25.7% TOTAL _ $ 11,752,707 $ 141,831 $ 178,258 $ * The rate shifts of 10% and 25% have been calculated with the maximum small commercial exemption. CHANGE $1,853 $8,190 $8,729 $2,268 $7,018 $1,845 $1,197 $5,327 36,42? COMMERCIAL TAX COMPARISONS COMMUNTY 07' TAX RATE ASSESSMENT INTERVALS Lynnfield 11.47 250,000 500000 1,000,000 North Reading 10.82 250,000 500,000 1,000,000 Reading Stoneham Wakefield Wilmington Woburn 12.07 17.15 20.04 23.26 21.96 250,000 500,000 1,000,000 250,000 500,000 1,000,000 250,000 500,000 1,000,000 250,000 500,000 1,000,000 250,000 500,000 1,000,000 TAXES $2,867.50 $5,735.00 $11,470.00 $2,705.00 $5,410.00 $10,820.00 $3,017.50 $6,035.00 $12,070.00 $4,287.50 $8,575.00 $17,150.00 $5,010.00 $10,020.00 $20,040.00 $5,815.00 $11,630.00 $23,260.00 $5,490.00 $10,980.00 $21,960.00 ~ cz~ 2002 TAXES r _ r 2002 AN ASSESSMENTS 800 5 $12.24 r 3 620.59 42 SingieFamllY m , $ 29 173,400 311,204 $2,122. $3,809.09 ctfl.3fl _ . 3 $4 iniu Condom 2 8 family) Multi Fam-,m - 354,600 . , TAXES Commercial- M 61-AN 2(307 $12.07 200'7 ASSESSMENTS 424,300 $5121.30 $3 425.47 Family Single m i $ 2$3,800 461,500 1 $5,570-3A 4g4.00 u Condomin family) $ 454,350 iti Famay(2-g $ E Nlu Commercial INC? EP`SE INCREAS TAXES 4% 2002-2007 ASSESSN►E 43.4 41. 1/o 6A.4% Single Family 63.7% 46.2% 48.30/0 26.4% Condominium _ $ family) 28. Multi Famkly(2 10/0 . Commercial s 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: rnrchambercom@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2007 4:27 PM To: RNRchambercom@aol.com Subject: Public Hearing on Tax Classification is Tuesday, 11/27 Page 1 of 1 r Hello, This message is to inform you that the public hearing on Reading's tax classification is scheduled for Tuesday, November 27th at 8 pm at Reading Town Hall. This is the Tuesday AFTER Thanksgiving. Representatives from the Chamber Board of Directors will be at the meeting. I urge all Reading commercial property owners and renters to attend this meeting. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have. Irene Collins Executive Director Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Direct telephone #978-664-5060 Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! G 71- I"? 11/6/2007 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: rnrchamb6rcom@aol.com Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 10:40 AM To: RNRchambercom@aol.com Subject: Tax Classification Hearing location change Please note that the Reading Tax Classification Hearing on November 27 will be held at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street instead of Town Hall. The change is to accommodate the possible large turnout that is expected. We hope to see you there! Irene Collins Executive Director Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce Direct telephone #978-664-5060 Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! 11/15/2007 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter i From: Kowalski, Carol Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:37 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: EDC on tax classification Peter, The EDC voted last night on the tax classification. Carol From: Russe1126245@aol.com [mailto:Russe1126245@aol.com] Sent: Thursday, November 15, 2007 9:23 AM To: Reading - Economic Development Committee Subject: (no subject) just to make sure that we are all on the same page, the tie vote on a positive motion to support the reccomendations of the tax classification advisory committee means that the motion did not carry, and thus the EDC will recommend that the board of selectmen do not change the tax classification. given the crystal clear position of our absent member that surely seems to be an appropriate action on the part of the EDC . thus on the 27th of November that will be what I will report to the BOS . (including the vote tally) my reccomendation will include the comments about perception and the response we as a committee, got from the business community through survey and our asking them what we can do to help them. the most consistent answer being , I think, to not support the proposed change to tax classification. if any one has ideas or other thoughts they think should be adressed, please let me know remembering that we need to be succinct in our remarks since I am sure this will be a very busy public hearing with significant public input. thanks Russ See what's new at AOL.com and Make AOL Your Homeoaae. 11/15/2007 ~~30 WILLIAM CROWLEY From: "WILLIAM CROWLEY" <wfcesq@verizon.net> To: <jbonazoli@ci.reading.ma.us>; <sgoldy@ci.reading.ma.us>; <btafoya@ci.reading.ma.us>; <canthony @ ci. reading. ma. us>; <rsch ubert @ ci. reading. ma. us> Sent: Monday, November 12, 2007 10:50 AM Subject: Tax rate split Dear members of the Reading Board of Selectmen: 0-7 Page 1 of 1 Please take note of my opposition to the proposal to split the current tax rate in our town, putting a larger share of the tax burden on ;ommercial property owners. With our town being 93% residential, the savings to residential property owners is minimal under this proposal while the burden then placed upon commercial property owners will be onerous. For those leasing commercial or office space, the tax increase will be passed to them by property owners. This will result in higher costs for goods and services to be Atimately paid by the consumer. In other words, it will be more expensive to shop here than in a neighboring community. Residents gill be faced with the choice of paying more for the convenience of shopping locally (and supporting our own businesses), or going elsewhere to save money. In addition, the market for renting vacant commercial/offfice space will be chilled, as the cost per square foot that landlords will have to get in order to cover expenses will go up. Potential new businesses will look elsewhere, such as Stoneham, Wakefield and North Reading, rather than Reading to locate if the costs here are prohibitive. Our town should be ooking for ways to attract business, not create a disincentive with increased rent due to tax burden. Please consider this decision carefully, and vote AGAINST the tax split. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, VVilliam F. Crowley, Esq. 326 Main Street Heading, MA 01867 r, G31 11/12/200 Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing... Si ne ate a 7 C Print Name J r l h ~~l /2 cam' Reading Business ~M1f-;,d L5 / INI ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading: I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall follo the public hea ' SignedDate Print Name i vt CA Reading Business ex .I8-~ OtG 1 c ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE e Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed Date /0 -10-07 Print Name 14Aw I/Au- Z Reading Business A4VeA-) ~ ,ue-r/0A) 2 NAV vv sTi& F 7- A, Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not su~ort differential property tax rates in Reading. I Y' urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed Date . v~►~~~ Print Name A SQvsr a Reading Business Fl S ~,J ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed 1 I~AA_.,. Date q_lpw (o Print Name F+L(I 0.()(P4-i P1~ ~Reading Businesses Qc~, ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE t < Dear Reading Board of',Selectxnen: 1, do not support differeqtia.1 propeitty tax rates in Reading. I urgd you to keep property~tax unifoh`n when you vote this fall fbllowing.he public hearing. Signed Date Of Lq Print Name 105A kq0 t-~ 97i rQ, Reading Business I- ()*44A Ye& AL,- 7y q G33 Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the p lick/" -9- ig e ate Print Name ~/-,~•4 ~.2AGA Reading BusinessA'E:Z:C A/ S,, (S:Z4C Q L_04A_~E, nr,>q Tzf--, 115' i m E ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed-, "JmL.~ 414e Date 1016_%067 Print Name S TO-PHC-rt/ /T l Reading Business 3I NA s%.4~ J rg.,+ J// ti's, -95 7oZ- ` ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE a \ Dear Readi~g Board of Selectmen: j I do not`suuuort differential'property tax rates in Reading. I urge you.ta keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed Date © &7 Print Name ©JE~~1 A, D L Reading Business of ` 63 i Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do _not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to kee roperty tax uniform when you vote this fall following th lic hear' Signed Date /0 ,b " c) 2 Print Name Al, &16 Business/Residence \MPrt►~i- ~lP lFw4 /14 ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed IAK;itl;114W~ Date 7 Print Name " ylfjw~ \7 Business/Residence 1 VIv~ G~I,~lSG, . :21 ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rat'es-in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the lic hearing. Signed A& A , Date 10- Print Name e-0 N " P. &2-9 b G Business/Residence &P"br/ gyq Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signei c" , Date /'O -o V Print Name A-Oex~. Reading Business (c"f_ TS '12s( CAI , t C - ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE s Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential prope urge you to kee roperty tax c following pu ,c hear.'t tax rates in Reading. I when you vote this fall Date lo-"2r.67 r:- Print Name Business/Residence lJaha~- Signed' ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. -7 Signed rn(jj . y i Date 1 O' Z - Print Name Business/Residence n Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed , 4,,,;~) PcrAP Date 1i 07 Print Name ./4nj -j~o M7 EL.. Business/Residence b, ,60 ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep prope tax uniform when you vote this fall following tl)z p bli aring. Signed Date Print Name /~/2.7 V'le- s/Residence ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: 16 not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge. you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following th ublic hearing. Signed Date Print Name 17 q Reading Business r LIC, 31 Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed /l~ Date C 4 /d- 7 i Print Name '74C I C W-f .a 46 M d 4- 4-60 Business/Residence 9- A!~-Yoz C e~, "'h 1- ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading.. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signedg~.-rc.~ 4.,"Date to ld- 7 ! a 7 Print Name ,►fq t,; P- 1-b M Business/Residence uu~, ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 0 Dear Reading Board of, Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed Date 1 Print Name F Business/Residence S?. &.x O-L 1j61Aho_ T U Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing./ Signed bate Print Name bA. t4M"44.V Reading Business ~r`P! ~''~nj►tbxxn9 ' ' m ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not sunnort differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote'this fall following the public hearing. Signedt'✓`-ec) qe,`~- llht~ Date lo -7 Print I I ameagw)-e;.P 4- T.) -b bid (Z u~ ,J ✓ Business/Residence I-Aj ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading: I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following t public he in . Signed c Date ll5/~~ Print Name t'~~ Gyp / C~Sb < ~'~,5 n _ G~~ Dear Reading Board of Selectmen:' I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall ' following t e public hearing. Sign m?J- Date- 11 - i s :317 i L Print Name, lc~ 4q .~e hE3C=Q~, /Residence (-:5- I K ( , r 'e , ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed Date i (I ( L.><-~ G Print Name L"YA)) M CC,p 1-1 _u„&, Residence ~S- L Rou -N` ST ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not SUDDort differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public he rin/g. Signed dc„ .Ln~ Date V Print Name fllyem R t s Business/Residence ~,F 1~ ti , 4 C D 1, z Dear Reading. Board .,of Selectmen: I do, not support,d ffe~ential property tai rates iri~:Reading. I, urge you to. keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following tIO pubaear" Si gned l; ~~✓U i Date -~3 Print Name 1 1 1 (`er_~e..~ u Business/Residence arr ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I' do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the p hearing. Signed Date 01 Print Name ~0 DI C~ ~ U w4 b Business/Residence-10 bC1v-l~ Nbv"\~o' nbu) , ab l0 bi (lam 1 vfU ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 0 Dear Reading Board of. Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the public hearing. l / Signe Date 'Cl I Prin me `'J'10, /1 !11;tC" ~~~felGGl Business/Residence _ '7` Kn /~v " Y Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following the ublic heari . Signed Date 101,3°L7 /~~r= Y r Pr'. game o b r? rBusine)sResidenc--LZI e qV2 S~l'P P ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform when you vote this fall following th public hearing. Signed Date 11~ Print Name 5'~e J ~o Reading Business AW ENDORSED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE READING-NORTH READING CHAMBER OF COMMERCE I Dear Reading Board of Selectmen: I do not support differential property tax rates in Reading. I urge you to keep property tax uniform whenryou vote this fall following the public hearing. Signed , PZLZ / Date 4 r 4°7 1 Print Name ~c'.6 er= _l.~t Business/Residence q 1 plrrT5~~C~~ Li Lr, -1 0 Board of Selectmen Meeting November 6, 2007 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 Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, Selectmen Camille Anthony and Richard Schubert, DPW Director Ted McIntire, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Nelson Burbank, Randall Jones, Bob Morelli, Lorraine and Shores Salter, Jonathan and Philip Mohr, Bob, Charles and Kate Kaminer, Shawn Cadagan, Max Nottke, Teri and Lauren Chuha, Amanda and Diane Doodlesack, Betsy Ziegler, Connie Swaebe, Jane Cerullo, Laurie Lane. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Retorts and Comments - Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he will be attending a Board of Health Meeting regarding smoking regulations on Town property. The Town Manager noted that the issue is litter and smoking around the restaurants. The Selectmen suggested that the Board of Health look at criteria for distance from doors in designated areas; i.e., restaurants. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked about the cost of replacing Town vehicles with a hybrid, and the Town Manager noted that the hybrid is $8,000. Vice Chairman Goldy noted that the hybrid can save a lot of money on gas, and he would be interested in the premium. He also noted that he received an email regarding Governors Drive. He stated that he and two other Selectmen attended the Addison-Wesley Advisory Team Meeting at the Senior Center. He noted that some residents had concerns that CPDC has been stonewalling, and he indicated that CPDC has not been stonewalling and commended them for their hard work. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the visiting session with the Governor.. Also in attendance were the MAPC who did a presentation on health insurance, and the State's I.T. Group. The State's Purchasing Division offered to negotiate a better cost for hybrid vehicles. Selectman Tafoya also noted that CPDC approved the zoning amendments for the 40R, and they increased the buffer along Curtis Street from 25 feet to 30 feet. He gave kudos to Angus Jennings for his work. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had three residents at the Office Hours this evening who were concerned about the tree removal on the private residence on Sanborn Street. She also noted that there are no street trees on Woburn Street between Sanborn and Linden. She requested that CPDC look at the bylaw regarding developments within 300 feet of a public lot don't need to provide parking. r Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 6. 2007 - Page 2 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Selectmen have approved a process for dealing with the Downtown parking, and he suggested that the consultant take a look at that first. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she had no problem with that, and the Town Manager noted that he will add that to the RFP for hiring the consultant. Selectman Anthony also noted that Tom Ryan sent an email regarding bringing people into meetings late in the evening. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • AW/P DAT Meeting on November 3rd from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Senior Center. • Water hydrant flushing notice. • The Board of Selectmen Joint Meeting with the School Committee on November 5th re: Youth Risk Behavior Survey results. It will be in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at Town Hall. • Commonwealth Capital score. • Veterans Services Officer Frank Driscoll is planning the Veterans Day observance. Save the day and time - Sundav, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. on the Common. The observance is on the actual Veterans' Day but offices are closed on Monday as the designated holiday. • CSO Officer Jim Collins has announced that the Annual Reading Police Christmas Party for the kids will be held at Austin Prep on December 9th from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Town Meeting - November 13th. • Special Town Meeting -December 10ti' • Flu Clinic dates - • November 7 - Killam School - 65 and older - 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. • November 13 - RMHS Cafeteria - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. • November 15 - Parker Middle School - 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. • The Executive Director of the Reading Housing Authority has informed me that there is an affordable unit with an attached garage at Gazebo Circle that has come on the market. Anyone interested in this unit can contact the Housing Authority office. Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur updated the Board on the tax classification. Personnel and Appointments Human Relations Advisorv Committee - The Board interviewed Randall Jones for one Associate position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee. Anthonv moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one Associate position on the Human Relations Advisorv Committee with a term expiring June 30.2008: Randall Jones. Mr. Jones received four votes and was appointed. Discussion/Action Items Abnrove the Sale of Bonds - The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Selectmen need to approve and sign the documents. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthonv to dispense with the reading of the motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. ~~v Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 6. 2007 - Page 3 A motion by Tafova seconded by Anthonv that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $ 9.535.000 Bonds. Municipal Purpose Loan of 2007 (the "Bonds") of the Town authorized pursuant to Chapter 44. Sections 8(4) and 8(5) of the Mass. General Laws. as amended and supplemented. and by votes of the Town duly adopted. as described in Exhibit A of the Signature. Award and No-Litisation Certificate. and in connection with the preparim and distributing of a Preliminarv Official Statement and Notice of Sale and a final official Statement be and herebv is ratified.. approved and adopted; That the Bonds shall be dated as of November 1. 2007. with principal pavable on November lst of vears 2008 through 2027: That the Bonds maturing prior to November 1. 2018 shall not be subject to redemption prior to the stated maturitv dates. Bonds maturing on or after November 1. 2018 shall be subject to redemption prior to maturity at the option of the Town: That the Bonds maturing in each respective vear shall bear interest pavable on Mav 1 and November 1 in each vear. commencing Mav 1, 2008 as follows: 2008 4.500% 2015 3.875% 2022 4.000% 2009 4.250% 2016 5.000% 2023 4.000% 2010 4.000% 2017 4.000% 2024 4.000% 2011 3.750% 2018 4.000% 2025 4.000% 2012 3.750% 2019 4.000% 2026 4.000% 2013 3.750% 2020 4.000% 2027 4.000% 2014 3.750% 2021 4.000% That the bid of Eastern Bank Capital Markets to purchase the Bonds at a price of $9,632,969.52 and interest accrued to date of deliverv, resulting in a net interest cost of $3,458,667.98 and a true interest rate of 3.874637%, being the best bid received for the, Bonds, bearins interest at the lowest true interest cost. be and it herebv is accepted and the Town Treasurer be and herebv is authorized to deliver the Bonds to the aforesaid, purchaser or order against pavment therefor; That the Town Treasurer is authorized to execute and deliver a Continuing Disclosure Certificate and that the Bonds may be secured by insurance or by letter or lines of credit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44. Section 22 C of the General Laws, was, approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Request for Deck - Meadow Brook Liquor License - The Town Manager noted that Meadow Brook wants to extend their liquor license to a deck. The Police and Health Departments have no objections. 3 , Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 6. 2007 - Page 4 Bob Morelli, the Manager of Meadow Brook, noted that they want to increase the size of the existing deck and include liquor. The increase will be from 10 seats to 24 seats. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the alcohol will be served with or without meals. Mr. Morelli noted that it could just be a drink. Selectman Schubert asked about monitoring, and Mr. Morelli noted that there are always two servers who are TIP trained. They have a strict no alcohol on the course policy and it is posted. Selectman Schubert also asked if people will be served on the deck, and Mr. Morelli indicated that they will be served at the bar. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board's concern is underage drinking. Mr. Morelli noted that children under the age of 18 are not allowed at the 19th hole. It is also strictly for membership. The Town Manager asked if children were allowed at the 19th hole with their parents, and Mr. Morelli indicated that they were. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he will want permanent signs as the Police Chief has suggested. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the physical environment sets the deck off from the public. The consensus of the Board was to entertain a change plan when it comes back before them. Close the Warrant for Special Town Meeting - The Town Manager noted this is the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting on December 10, 2007. It consists of five Articles and a petition was received but it only had 40 signatures on it and 100 are required. He also noted that this has gone through extensive review by the Planning Commission. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the Board will have the opportunity to review the financial impact report and traffic study before Town Meeting. The Town Manager indicated that will be on the Board's November 20th Agenda. Selectman Richard Schubert asked why the affordable housing is not in perpetuity. The Town Manager noted that on Page 73 of tonight's handout, it notes that the term of the affordable housing restriction is the longest period allowed by law, but shall be no less than 30 years. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that if forever is allowed by law, then it is in perpetuity. The Town Manager noted that this has been approved by CPDC and the State. Selectman Schubert requested that the motion by prepared before Town Meeting, and he also questioned the percentage of affordable units. Selectman Ben Tafoya referred him to the Mass. Housing website for an explanation. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Tafova to close the Warrant for the Special Town Meetins consisting of five Articles to take place on December 10. 2007 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium. 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 6, 2007 - Page 5 Review Subseauent Town Meeting Warrant re: Tennis Courts - The Town Manager noted that there is no good news on funding for this project. Town Meeting authorized $350,000 and the bids came in at $625,000. We did not receive the Urban Self Help Grant. Friends of Reading Tennis have raised $90,000 and the Town may receive a grant for $50,000. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen have three options: (1) do nothing, (2) do minimum repairs for $110,000 or (3) do full reconstruction. The Town Manager noted that $125,000 is for lighting but it cannot be separated from the bid, and he recommended doing all or nothing. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked what capital would suffer if we do it all. The Town Manager noted $60,000-$70,000 per year. He also noted that the funding in the capital would be $400,000. He will take out $150,000 in the plan for the tennis courts and use for other projects next year. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she would like to know what won't be funded. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked why minimal repairs are not a good option. The Town Manager noted that minimal repairs can only be done once. It only last five years and that is a lot of money for a short return. He also noted that the drainage in that area needs to be improved. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the bidders are experienced in tennis courts. Ted McIntire indicated that the Engineers are checking references. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how many courts would be out of service if we do nothing. The Town Manager noted that three will go out of service right away. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if these tennis courts were put into the Birch Meadow Committee purview, and the Town Manager indicated that they was not. Ted McIntire noted that overlaying the tennis courts is like throwing money away. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Town has spent a lot of money for synthetic fields for team sports but tennis is available to more than just team sports. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy noted that he and Camille attended the meeting last evening regarding the youth risk survey. He noted that children need exercise, and he feels that doing nothing is not an option and minimal repair makes no sense. Diane Doodlesack of 38 Ashley Place spoke in favor of the tennis courts. Lorraine Salter, Co-Chair of the Friends of Reading Tennis, noted that they have spent the last nine months in people's living rooms trying to raise money. She also noted that they have been waiting 10 years for new courts. She noted that the number of participants in tennis are increasing, and the High School kids compete on these courts that are an eyesore and disgrace. Kate Kaminer of 37 Warren Avenue noted that they are creating new programming, wheelchair tennis, challenger tennis, etc. ~ra`~ Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 6. 2007 - Page 6 Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy asked if the Finance Committee has approved this. The Town Manager noted they are waiting for the Selectmen's direction. The Assistant Town Manager noted that minimal repairs were not attractive to the Finance Committee, and they feel that if the Town and Schools don't tap into the 5% rule, then we can do this. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she is not against the tennis courts, but the Selectmen need to look at all projects. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he could not approve a project of this size outside, the budget process. He also noted that there are two other groups working projects that will cost money. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Finance Committee does want to discuss the policy for fundraising and what the Town's priorities are. Nelson Burbank noted that the tennis courts are a mess and if the Selectmen pass the buck and wait five years, they may not have Kate Kaminer and Lorraine Salter to go door to door to do fundraising. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Schubert to support the subiect matter of Article 9 of the 2007 Subsequent Town Meeting was approved by a vote of 3-1-0. with Tafova opposed. Update on the Municipal Building Committee - Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the schools need all day, kindergarten, the Library is inadequate, Creative Arts is looking for an Arts Center, and she would like a discussion on buildings and how they meet the needs of the community. She would like to see a community based planning, and she reviewed the descriptions of Municipal Building Committees in other Towns. The Town Manager suggested that the School liaison talk to the School Committee. Vice Chairman Stephen Goldy suggested looking at the Master Plan to see the potential for a committee like this. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Arts Center is private and that makes things different. The Town Manager noted that he attended a session at the ICMA Conference that focused on Libraries. He .also noted that one city actually has a Library/Youth Center/Arts Center. Selectman Camille Anthony and the Town Manager will work on framing this committee. Review Action Status Report - Selectman Camille Anthony asked that the GIC be put on the Action Status Report. She noted that something needs to be done with the lighting bylaw. A motion by Schubert seconded by Anthonv to adiourn the meeting of November 6. 2007 at 9:45 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary ( = MARK A. GALLANT, P.C. ATTORNEY AT LAW 462 BOSTON STREET SUITE 1. SECOND YEOOR TOPSIFIE1,D, MA 01983 (978) 887-0366 LI( ENSED IN V ^ as ^ 1FIIISETTS AND NEW IIAMPSHIRIE NEW 31TRYPORT: (978) 463-0220 PEABODY, (978) 538-0066 E-11 AIL, rnga11ant9TW.net PAX NUMBER: (978) 887-0321 WE BSITE, WWw.gauandawxom - REPLY TO TOPS IIR D OFFICE November 15, 2007 Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager o Town of Reading Town Hall a. Reading, MA, 01867 RE: Reading Shell Station 87 Walkers Brook Drive Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: As you know, my office represents Motiva Enterprises, LLC (owner) and Leigh Enterprises, Ltd (Licensed Operator), 87 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts. I have enclosed a separate letter to the Board of Selectmen requesting the renewal of the 24 hour permit. I am writing this letter to inform you that the Station is scheduled to replace the canopy beginning on December 3, 2007. The Contractor is estimating that it will take about 6 weeks to complete the work although my clients are hopeful that it will be completed sooner. During the canopy construction, the station will be closed. It is my understanding that my clients have obtained the required approval and permits for the canopy work. My clients will keep the Board and your office informed as to when the work is completed and the station is re-opened. If the Board of Selectmen or you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. Thank you. Ver~ ly yours, Mark A. Gallant MAG:ag Cc: Robin Shea, Motiva Enterprises, LLC Board of Selectmen 00-171 g C(-~ . c~C~s _ Zfie Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive office o Environmental.f. airs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 °p Boston, MA 02114 Deval Patrick GOVERNOR Timothy Murray LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Tel: (617) 626-1000 Ian Bowles Fax: (617) 626-1181 SECRETARY November 8, 2007 8 Peter Hechenbleikner 2M Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street CA Reading, MA 01867 RE: Reading Community Tennis Courts, USH #1 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: It is with regret that I inform you that the Reading Community Tennis Courts project was not selected for funding this year. Grant funds were limited; and competition with 44 other projects forced us to make difficult decisions. There will likely be a grant round next fiscal year, and I encourage you to submit an application next year. Please visit our web site at www.mass.gov/envir/dcs and bookmark it to check for the grant announcement. Once the grant round announcement is made, the Division will host a Grant Preparation workshop in the spring. Questions concerning how you might strengthen your application or general questions regarding the Urban Self-Help program and our procedures should be directed to Melissa Cryan at (617) 626-1171 or melissa.cryan@state.ma.us. Thank you for your interest and support for our Urban Self-Help program. Sincerely, Robert O'Connor Director q q.-- . .I L /C go Memo Date: 11/20/2007 To: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager From:John Feudo, Recreation Administrato ' RE: Parks and Playground Donation Please inform the Board of Selectmen that the Clock Tower Kids program made a generous donation of $2,500 toward future improvements to parks and playgrounds in Reading. Their program often takes advantage of the playground at Memorial Park and felt compelled to contribute to the overall park and playground renovation program. I have enclosed a letter to be sent to them recognizing the donation. Let me know if you have any questions. Rc Clock Tower Kids Old South United Methodist Church 6 Salem Street, (781) 944-3124 Reading, MA 01867 November 2, 2007 Mr. John A. Feudo Recreation Administrator Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Dear Mr. Feudo, 0 On behalf of Clock Tower Kids, I have enclosed a check for $2,500.00; a donation for the improvements of parks and playgrounds in the Town of Reading. The new structures at Memorial Park, Hunt Field, and the Bancroft Street Playground have been wonderful. Clock Tower Kids has had the pleasure of using the Memorial Park playground often with the children who attend our program. We look forward to seeing the exciting changes at both Memorial Park and in the Birch Meadow area. As a provider of childcare and enrichment for the children of Reading, we share with you the challenges of providing safe and fun outdoor recreation. It is our honor to contribute this money for the continued improvement of Reading's parks. Since ely, June Wing Business Manager g~v Page 1 of 4 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Melissa Stults [melissa.stults@iclei.orgj Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2007 3:07 PM To: michele.benson@rmld.com Cc: Town Manager; 'Ben Rasmussen' Subject: Nice article on Reading in Boston Globe Attachments: NECCP_Workshop 'Age nda_2007_DRAFT. pdf Hi Michele, [wanted to congratulate you and the Town of Reading on the successful work that you have done to reduce your greenhouse gas emissions and create a more livable community. I was delighted to see an article highlighting your leadership in the Boston Globe today. It's great to know that our municipal leaders are being recognized for the important and timely work they are doing. Additionally, I wanted to let you know that we would be glad to review your Climate Action Plan if you are interested and would certainly love to have a copy of the completed plan and your completed inventory to keep on record. Also, I wanted to remind you of ICLEI's Northeast Regional Workshop which will be held November 29th in Hartford, CT. I have enclosed the agenda in case you haven't seen it yet. Again, congratulations on being recognized for the great work the Town is doing. I hope you have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday and please let me know how I can help Reading achieve all of its climate and sustainability goals. Sincerely, Missy Stilts It Takes a. Town The 23,000 residents of Reading want to reduce the greenhouse- gas emissions created where they live. They're facing budget limits, inefficient buildings, and a major highway interchange that brings 377,500 vehicles through every business day. But at least they're getting started. By David Talbot November 18, 2007 SANTA CLAUS VISITS THE TOWN OF READING EVERY THANKSGIVING weekend. He ascends a stepladder in the classic New England town square and throws a ceremonial switch that sets oaks and maples aglow with energy-guzzling incandescent bulbs. But last year, officials proudly announced that two maples near Town Hall held strings of efficient light-emitting diodes, or LEDs, for the first time. The LEDs cost more upfront but consume just arse-10th the electricity of incandescent bulbs, and they should last 20 holiday seasons. 11/19/2007 Page 2 of 4 The change seemed to be a no-brainer. After all, the bedroom community 12 miles north of Boston is one of 36 municipalities in Massachusetts (45 total in New England) that have signed on with Cities for Climate Protection, a campaign to help communities tally greenhouse-gas emissions and devise ways to reduce them. With guidance from this campaign - forged by the nonprofit International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, known as ICLEI - municipalities around the world are organizing to fill the void between personal action and national policy aimed at slowing global wanning and climate change. Between ICLEI's campaign and other local efforts, "this is a 100-flowers-blooming situation," says Ian Bowles, Massachusetts's energy and environmental affairs secretary. "You have towns getting out and saying, 'We want to do something with our own municipal energy use, with our building code, with our capital plans.'" Indeed, in one of the state's most aggressive municipal efforts, Cambridge is seeking to slash peak-hours electricity consumption 15 percent by 2011 through a $100 million public-private effort. Medford may erect a small wind turbine to help power a local school. Even tiny Shutesbuiy is bolting solar panels to the roof of its elementary school. Reading is at an earlier stage. Last year, the town spent $600 to join Cities for Climate Protection. A volunteer committee is now finishing a 67-page report of emissions-slashing ideas - 37 of them - that range from eliciting conservation pledges from businesses and residents to establishing a ride-sharing program. But executing the ideas will be another story. Take those holiday LEDs. When Santa reprises Reading's lighting rite next Sunday, the same incandescent bulbs will glow. It turns out that the lights - donated by the local chamber of commerce and electrified by the town - were purchased last year, so the town is planning to replace them with LEDs only as they fail. Throw away perfectly good bulbs? "That would be wasteful," says Peter Hechenbleikner, Reading's town manager of 20 years. That might seem logical, even earth-friendly, but I ran the idea past Stephen Selkowitz, who heads building-efficiency technology programs at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, California. His verdict: Toss the incandescents now. He explained that since LEDs use just one-10th the electricity - which is inefficiently produced, mostly in fossil-fuel power plants - the 90 percent that's conserved far.outweighs any lost energy and money invested in light bulbs. AS A READING RESIDENT, I CAN REPORT THAT THE PACE OF change can seem glacial, when change requires money, consensus, government action, and - in particular - an appreciation of the problem's enormous scale. And as a science and technology journalist, I can report that the "glacial pace" metaphor is fast becoming obsolete. Three months ago, I was in northern Greenland, reporting a story on ice-sheet disintegration from atop an ice sheet four times the size of California and 2 miles thick in places. If that whole sheet melted, sea levels would rise 20 feet; throw in Antarctica's ice, and the oceans would. rise 250 feet. Even a 3-foot rise would devastate low-lying coastal communities around the world, and anybody who has strolled the Cape Cod National Seashore knows that some of the region's most treasured natural areas would be lost (though there'd be fewer Nantucket beachfront property owners to complain about wind turbines). How fast could 3 feet come on? The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) - the international scientific body that assesses the state of the climate every few years - weighed in earlier this year. It concluded that human-created emissions are almost certainly to blame for recent wanning trends. And,-among other consequences, the IPCC said sea levels could rise a historically speedy 7 to 23 inches this century. However, it may be that the IPCC lowballed the rising-sea danger. Richard Alley, a Penn State glaciologist who wrote the IPCC report's section on the earth's "cryosphere" (the icy parts), explained to me that vast glaciers in Greenland with names like Kangerdlugssuaq and Jakobshavn are disintegrating, dumping ancient ice into the oceans at least twice as fast as they were just five to 10 years ago. But since the processes behind this abrupt speedup are poorly understood, they aren't reflected in the IPCC's computer models - and weren't part of the math that led to the 7-to-23-inch prediction. Another scientist 11/19/2007 gds Page 3 of 4 who spends his days measuring ice, Eric Rignot of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, told me the new information suggests to him that the oceans could rise more than 3 feet this century. And that's just the sea-level issue; climate change brings other well-reported hazards. It can't all be stopped, but many scientists say the worst effects can be blunted through greatly reduced greenhouse- gas emissions. What can a town like Reading do? It's not hard to see lots of potential. Walk through town, and you'll spot 100-watt bulbs blazing at noontime on people's front walkways. Around the schools, you'll find SUV gridlock - often just one child per car. Reading's MBTA station boards 667 people each workday, but only provides 12 spaces to lock bikes. There are no incentives for employees who work in the town center to commute other than by driving alone. But all this just means Reading is pretty much like any other American town. And it's not to say no efforts are underway. The Reading Municipal Light Department - a utility that serves Reading, North Reading, Lynnfield, and Wilmington - is spending $85,000 to study how to reduce demand and boost renewable-energy supply. And among other early town efforts, more bike racks are starting to pop up. The Reading volunteer committee quickly figured out that cars and trucks traveling Interstates 93 and. 95 within the town limits - 377,500 vehicles navigate the interchange of those two highways every business day - spew 20 percent of the greenhouse-gas emissions in Reading. "Regional transportation is a mess. Reading is caught in a web of cars. The way the infrastructure was built 50 years ago - it's killing us," says Ron D'Addario, a committee member and retired Winchester shop teacher. Even after deleting the highways from the calculation, they found that 57 percent of Reading's greenhouse-gas emissions comes from cars and trucks. Of the remainder, 26 percent comes from residences, 8 percent from municipal buildings and vehicles, and 7 percent from commercial buildings. The committee concluded that reducing vehicle use should be the top priority. Efforts include applying for a $350,000 grant to fund a shuttle-bus service that might ferry residents to the train and launching a communitywide "no idling" campaign. Beyond transportation, other items include stepping up tree planting, expanding recycling, and beefing up climate education in local schools. "We have a lot we are proposing to do," Hechenbleikner said at a recent community forum. "We are not going to solve the global-warming and climate-change issues all by ourselves here in Reading, but we would rather be part of the solution than part of the problem." Hechenbleikner drives a silver Toyota Prius and says he lights his house largely with compact fluorescent bulbs, which use one-fourth the energy of incandescent bulbs. As for the town's own buildings, they're not so efficient. Most painfully, the brand-new Reading Memorial High School - completed this year at a cost of $57 million - turns out to consume 30 percent more electricity than the school it replaced, even though it's no bigger. Part of this is due to wider use of electronics and more- robust ventilation systems. But, in contrast, the Whitman-Hanson Regional High School, which opened a year ago, is a nationally recognized "green building." There, the district paid a premium of about $2 million for efficient construction and rooftop solar panels - and will reap energy cost savings of at least $100,000 every year. THE EFFORT IN READING IS JUST GETTING STARTED. DOES IT MEET the challenge? Many scientists say climate-change dangers call for reducing greenhouse-gas emissions below today's levels, even as world energy demand doubles by 2050. Put simply, this can't happen without a World War II- scale galvanization, and nothing of the kind is on the national drawing board. A scaled-down equivalent isn't on Reading's drawing board, either. "We're trying to cut back, but what we are probably doing is only stopping emissions from increasing so fast," D'Addario says. The climate committee is recormnending that the town seek a 10 percent reduction in local greenhouse-gas emissions by 2012, but it remains to be seen whether Reading's Board of Selectmen will make it town policy to achieve such a 11/19/2007 gd 3. Page 4 of 4 goal. What's clear is that, in addition to traffic, the town is taking a hard look at its buildings. "People will be upset they invested $57 million in the high school and to find out it's an electricity hog," concedes Mary DeLai, the director of human resources and finance for Reading schools. A campaign to shut off lights and computers when not in use and to fine-tune heating and ventilation systems helped yield a districtwide 10 percent savings in natural gas last year. It also produced a 5 percent electricity savings, but only in older buildings. DeLai is preparing to solicit proposals from contractors who could retrofit certain town buildings - including the high school - with the project costs financed by the resulting savings in energy expenses. Yes, this could mean replacing brand-new equipment at the brand-new high school. To some, that would probably seem a waste, like throwing away perfectly good holiday lights. But it would make just as much sense - and it would be a good start. David Talbot is chief correspondent at Technology Review and a past winner of the Overseas Press Club of America Award for International Environmental Reporting. Send comments to magazine cnr.globe. com. F ICLEI Regional Workshop 2007: Northeast Innovators, Climate Action Hartford Crowne Plaza, Thursday, November 29th Join us for this invaluable gathering of resources, experience and enthusiasm! Please visit www.iclei.org/usa for more information. Melissa Stults Program Officer ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability U.S.A. Northeast Regional Capacity Center Boston City Hall, Room 805 One City Hall Plaza Boston, MA 02201 +1-617/635-3853 Tel +1-617/635-3435 Fax www.iclei.ora/usa q ~ % 11/19/2007