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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-08 Board of Selectmen PacketSchena, Paula From: Reading - Selectmen Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 11:33 AM To: 'JSeagrams@aol.com; Reading - Selectmen; Town Manager Cc: McIntire, Ted; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Trash Pick Up Dear Dick: Thank you for sending an email to the Board of Selectmen. The Board has adopted a policy of not sending substantive responses to emails in order to try to stay in compliance with the Commonwealth's open meeting law which prohibits policy discussions by the Board outside of an open public meeting. Please understand that the Board values your input on issues and your correspondence will be included in the materials circulated to the Board prior to its next meeting and it is available as part of the public record. The Board members will have a chance to comment during an upcoming public meeting. Meanwhile I will refer this matter to the Town Manager and ask that the DPW Director investigate this incident. If you want to have a personal discussion of the issue with a member of the Board, we hold "office" hours in Reading Town Hall before the first regularly scheduled meeting of each month at 6:30 PM in the first floor conference room. Thank you again for contacting the Board of Selectmen. Ben Tafoya Secretary Reading Board of Selectmen 1/c Board of Selectmen From: JSeagrams@aol.com [mailto:3Seagrams@aol.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 8:34 AM To: Reading - Selectmen; Town Manager Subject: Trash Pick Up This morning at 6:50 AM the recycle truck was in front of my house. This appears to be a "one man operation". The truck is left running and unattended while the operator leaves the truck to make the pick up. This morning there were 15 pieces of recyclables strewn over the street and my driveway after he made the pick up and left. If the Town is paying for this pick up,-we should be getting better service. There is not much sense in recycling, if the majority of it ends up littering the street. I picked it up after the truck moved on. Dick Nazzaro 3/26/2008 13A Carnation Circle LIG Po b l; c, Schena, Paula From: Reading - Selectmen Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 8:42 AM To: Uanel207@verizon.net'; Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Noise Barriers - Greenwood Road, Reading Dear B. Kane: Thank you for sending an email to the Board of Selectmen. The Board has adopted a policy of not sending substantive responses to emails in order to try to stay in compliance with the Commonwealth's open meeting law which prohibits policy discussions by the Board outside of an open public meeting. Please understand that the Board values your input on issues and your correspondence will be included in the materials circulated to the Board prior to its next meeting and it is available as part of the public record. The Board members will have a chance to comment during an upcoming public meeting. If you want to have a personal discussion of the issue with a member of the Board, we hold "office" hours in Reading Town Hall before the first regularly scheduled meeting of each month at 6:30 PM in the first floor conference room. I will ask the Town Manager to check with our State Representatives and see what the process is for addressing noise barriers. We are aware that there is a long list of requests and limited funding, but we will find out more information. Thank you again for contacting the Board of,Selectmen. Ben Tafoya Secretary Reading Board of Selectmen 1/c Board of Selectmen -----original message----- From: bkanel207@verizon.net [mailto:bkanel207@verizon.net] Sent: Tuesday, April 01, 2008 7:55 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Noise Barriers - Greenwood Road, Reading Hi, I live on Greenwood Road in Reading. I am writing due to my concern over the substantial noise coming from the highways. I have previously written Representative Jones and was informed by a member of his staff that they were aware of the noise problem in the South Street, Greenwood Rd, Gleason Rd area. I was informed that it would be up to the state to provide funding for the noise barriers, and that would be an uphill battle. I would ask the board of selectmen to be proactive in addressing this matter. The volume has gotten worse in the last year, and it is the first thing people comment on when coming into the neighborhood. I can only imagine the noise will have a negative impact on property values in the area which also becomes a concern. I've noticed noise barriers along 195 and 193 is the Woburn/Stoneham area and others residential communities. Maybe our town can inquire as to how these towns were successful in having the noise barriers installed? I ask that you push the state to address the matter as quickly as possible. It is a great neighborhood, however the noise is becoming very much a distraction. Thank you. Greenwood Road Resident 1 w ~ s o ®~ev BRADLEY H. JONES, JR. STATE REPRESENTATIVE MINORITY LEADER C~GY~~%ZG(fEGT,'GG~L 4~~G(AadCdGfZGGdE~Zd a~a~?e o~~!jder~t~cL`~rfee mate o"~ou.1e, ~adt`az O.~'7.~.~ 7054 March 25, 2008 James W. Cormier, Chief of Police Reading Police Department 15 Union Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chief Cormier: 0 CA On several occasions my office has been contacted by the Town of Reading regarding the installation of a left turn signal on the northbound side of Route 28 where it intersects with Franklin Street. Most recently, my office was copied on a message from Rose Solimini to the Town Manager relative to the need for additional signalization. Although the need is apparent locally, for some reason the Massachusetts Highway Department (M D) remains opposed to the idea of installing the left turn signal. In the near future I would like to meet with MIID officials to discuss this issue and hope to convince them otherwise. During this meeting I would like to supplement anecdotal evidence with factual accident data. I am wondering if you would be able to gather any and all relevant accident data that the Reading Police Department might have recorded over the past several years. It would be useful to understand the frequency, severity and cause of each accident. In addition, it might be helpful to know how many other intersections along this stretch of Route 28 already have left turn signals installed. Such information from an official source would allow me to develop a more compelling case to MIM. Please advise me whether fulfillment of this request is possible and what the time frame might be. I look forward to hearing back from you and advocating on behalf of the Town. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this or any other matter, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. I. Jones, Jr. Leader cc: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Ilia/ 7 441 201n MIDDLESEX DISTRICT READING • NORTH READING LYNNFIELD • MIDDLETON TEL. (617) 722-90 Rep.BradleyJones®hoGRtate.ma.us www.bradjonesor*e.com r.a v Page 1 of 1 y) Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Jones, Bradley - Rep. (HOU) [Brad ley.Jones@state.ma.us] Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 1:57 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; LeLacheur, Bob Cc: frederick.vanmagness@hou.state.ma.us; Martel, Justin (HOU) Subject: Ash Street Document Attachments: Ash Street Crossing Gates Standard Contract Forms (partially signed).pdf Peter: Attached is a PDF of the paperwork relative to the Ash Street crossing issue. It is in the process of being signed off on by all interested parties. It think the Board will find it welcome news and once finalized should serve as sufficient evidence to maintain the whistle policy. We will keep on top of it. Any questions just let us know. Brad 3/26/2008 03/26/2005 VMD 9115 PAX 617 222 3605 META RR Opo Sngynesrt.ng ti; Q{;kA~ L r''A1Rion GOY-M. 'd rimomy MuRRRY Lnxlt. x-Govu0,oit SUBJECT; THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS PxI;Ct1TIVE Ot=mcE OF TRANSPOFMI"ION MA.SSACHusE?Ts WaIdv1Ay DEPARTMENT Reading-Ash Street Agreement Number 54156 ®OA2/021 EO i BARNARD COWN sYmtrURY - Gvh+~+~010ra4H February 22, 2008 ~P.E C E Q 1!I FEB 2 5 2008 Me7A ENGINEERING DEPT, AlIttiony Gouvaha MDTA 32 Cobble Hill Road Somerville, MA 02145 dear Mr. Gouveia 6vlosed please find two (2) copies of Agrcement number 54156 between the Massachusetts Highway Departrneot (Messl iigbway) and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (M13TA). Please have both 8tnndard Contract forms (attached to the agreements) signed by an authorized signatory in addition to the Contractor Authorized Signatory Ustirlg Form. Please sign the 2 agreements and the contractor farm and ;tatuurn tilt entire puRage to this office within 14 days to: Guy Re odes, RE. , Massacuusetts Highway Department Tan Park Plaza-Room 6340 Boston, Imo, 0211,6 The Danartment M Man orkirta simtature on each ofthe Contract Fom. The fully executed agreements will be dated after signed by 01 parties. This does not constitute a Notice to ProceW, The Department will issue a Notice to Procood to your office following final MassHi,ghwayy approval. PIme do not date gaga one of the a,greament as it is not fully oxec'utcd until signed by all parties. If you hevo any questions or comments, please direct them to me at (617) 973-7512. S' cerely, Guy F. Andes, P.E. Enelosures UtillGxesll zll ad sngirre ~ -M PARK PLAZA, BOSTON, Mph 02116-3989 TMFHOM; (617) 973-7800 - TMEFAX: (617) 973-0040 • Tpp; (617) 973-7306-v wm.MHD.STATE-MA. US c,,3 03/26/2008 wED 10,17 [JOE NO. 50831 10002 DEVAL L. PATRICK Governor TIMOTHY P. MURRAY Lieutenant Governor .JUDYANN B[GBY, M.D. Secretarv To: Mayors Boards of Selectmen Town and City Managers Town and City Chief Financial Officers Tel.: 617-573-1600 Fax: 61.7-5'73-1890 L1'LS"~X. Lll.].SS.hOL',~ P.Q.I1I7 S From: Secretary JudyAnn Bigby, M.D., Executive Office of Health and Human Services Date: April 2, 2008 Re: Fiscal impact of new federal rule on Municipal Medicaid programs Attached is an important memo from Tom Dehner, Massachusetts Medicaid Director, regarding the impact of a new federal rule on the Muni cipal Medicaid program. Because the majority of cities and towns in Massachusetts participate in this program, we wanted to be sure that you receive and read Mr. Dehner's memo. The memo explains the changes required by the new rule chan ge and includes information on the potential fiscal impact on the cities and towns currently participating in the program. This rule is currently subject to a Congressional m oratorium prohibiting its implementation. The moratorium is due to expire on June 30, 2008 absent further Congressional action. Once the moratorium has expired, the Office of Medicaid expects the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to implement the rule. Although the Administration is working hard to make sure that the new Medicaid regulation does not take effect, it is vitally important for your voices to be heard as well. Please contact the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation about this important issue. Please contact Tom Dehner or Christy Bonstelle at 617-573-177 0 if you have any questions regarding the Municipal Medicaid program and this new rule, \ w The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services One Ashburton Place, Room 1109 Boston, MA 02108 - , ~ ' The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services i ass eal h " Office of Medicaid r's..., One Ashburton Place Boston, MA 02108 DEVAL L. PATRICK IUDYA.NN .BfGBY, IM.D. Governor Secretary TIMOTHY P. MURRAY THOMAS R. IDEHNER Lieutenant Governor Medicaid Director To: Mayors Boards of Selectmen Town and City Managers Town and City Chief Financial Officers From: Tom Dehner, Medicaid Director . Date: April 2, 2008 Re: Fiscal impact of new federal rule o n Municipal Medicaid programs This memo is to inform you that, as a result of an anticipated change in federal Medicaid regulations, Local Educational Authorities (LEAs), including cities and towns, regional schools and charter schools, will no longer be reimbursed Federal Financial Participation (partial federal reimbursement) for Medicaid administrative activities performed by school employees, school contractors or anyone under the control of a public or private educational institution. Currently, partial federal reimbursement for such activities is available to LEAs through the Administrative Activity Claiming (AAC) portion of the Municipal Medicaid program. The effective date for this federal rule (CMS-2287-F), which was promulgated on December 28, 2007, is described in more detail below. LEAs will be able to continue to receive partial feder al reimbursement for direct services through the Direct Services Claiming (DSC) portion of the Municipal Medicaid program. Effective Date of New Rule The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) final rule is currently subject to a Congressional moratorium prohibiting its implementation. The moratorium is due to expire on June 30, 2008 absent further Congressional action. Once the moratorium has expired, the Office of Medicaid expects CMS to implement the rule. Federal reimbursement will not be available for administrative activities performed on or after the date of implementation. Imoact of New Rule on the Commonwealth Over 280 LEAs across the Commonwealth currently participate in the AAC portion of the Municipal Medicaid program. A chart listing the current federal reimbursement levels for LEAs through the AAC portion of the Municipal Medicaid program is attached. The Patrick administration is working as part of a national effort to delay or reverse this new rule. We have submitted comments to CMS expressing our concerns about the rule and we are working with our Congressional delegation and with the National Association of State Medicaid Directors on possible Congressional action to stop this rule from goi ng into effect. Despite the potential for Congress to extend the current moratorium, the Commonwealth and the LEAs that participate in the Municipal Medicaid program must be prepared to comply with this rule. The Office of Medicaid will be working directly with these LEAs to ensure compliance with the regulation. However, give n the potential revenue impact to cities and towns, it is important that municipal financial authorities be made aware of this new rule. Claimina for Certain Reimbursement Activities When the final rule is implemented, Municipal Medicaid providers will no longer be allowed to seek Federal reimbursement for transportation services through the ACC program. However, while the final rule eliminates Federal reimbursement for most activities currently reimbursed under the AAC program, it does allow state Medicaid programs to seek reimbursement for certain transportation activities provided by Local Education Authorities (LEA). Federal reimbursement will no longer be available for tran sportation to and from a school for school- aged children, but will be available for transportation for non-school-aged children and for school-aged children between school or home and a non-school-based Direct Service provider that bills under the Medicaid program. The Office of Medicaid will be working with CMS to ensure that Municipal Medicaid providers will be able to identify those transportation services that are reimbursable under the final rule in the future. If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Christy Bonstelle, Director of School-Based and Cross Agency Programs at 617-573-1770. ~lr "j R Federal Medicaid Reimbursement for School Based Administrative Activities and Transportation Local Education Authority SFY05 SFY06 SFY 07 Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District 1 $ 17,226) $ 113,530) $ 101,473 Randolph, Town of 1 $ 318,693) $ 302,886) $ 371,117 Reading, Town of 1 $ 442,062) $ 270,845) $ 528,641 Revere, City of 1 $ 573,181) $ 458,704) $ 572,408 Rochester, Town of 1 $ 2,013) $ 11,620) $ 1,797 Rockland, town of ) $ 111,952) $ 124,394) $ 115,628 Rockport, Town of 1 $ 42,113 I $ 13,424 1 $ Rowe, Town of 1 $ 5,767) $ 7,118) $ 5,951 Roxbury Preparatory Charter School 1 $ - t $ 12,770) $ 15,495 Salem, Town of I $ 430,4341 $ 734,663 1 $ 576,310 Sandwich, Town of 1 $ - 1 $ 457,802 1 $ 244,771 Saugus, Town of I $ 85,211 1 $ 169,059 1 $ 155,697 Scituate, Town of 1 $ 55,103) $ 81,223 1 $ 59,249 Seekonk, Town of 1 $ 87,449) $ 47,044 1 $ 105,590 Sharon, Town of 1 $ 119,336 1 $ 127,751 j $ 92,762 Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational School District $ 16,320 $ 16,655 $ 23,148 Sherborn, Town of 1 $ - I $ - 1 $ - Shirley, Town of 1 $ 53,897 1 $ 75,810) $ 38,308 Shrewsbury, Town of j $ 18,056) $ 107,256 ( $ 162,275 Shutesbury, Town of ( I I $ 2,902 Silver Lake Regional School District 1 $ 38,562) $ 18,401) $ 19,683 Somerset, Town of 1 $ 138,003) $ 41,065 1 $ 94,396 Somerville, City of 1 $ 863,018 I $ 656,967 I $ 696,762 South Hadley, Town of ( $ 33,538 ( $ 41,336 1 $ 53,635 South Middlesex Regional School District 1 $ 42,804 $ 60,600) $ 25,917 South Shore Regional Vocational School District 1 $ - 1 $ 7,280) $ 6,645 Southampton, Town of 1 $ 1,499) $ 1,479) $ 29,550 Southbridge, Town of ) $ 25,462) $ 38,795 I $ 171,592 Southeastern Regional School District 1 $ 50,701) $ 91,847 I $ 40,754 Southern Berkshire Regional School District ) $ 27,147) $ 21,730 I $ 41,881 Southwick-Tolland Regional School District 1 $ 22,672 ( $ 31,016 1 $ 21,108 Spencer-East Brookfield Regional School District I $ 79,590 1 $ 78,972 1 $ 21,172 Springfield, City of 1 $ 1,907,113) $ 2,386,572 1 $ 2,233,781 Stoneham, Town of 1 $ 130,883) $ 150,800) $ 303,659 Stoughton, Town of ) $ 207,609) $ 159,247 1 $ 168,924 Sudbury, Town of ) $ 16,216 ( $ 20,978) $ 14,824 Sunderland Regional School District I I I $ 5,636 Swampscott, Town of ) $ 52,788 + $ 132,737 1 $ - Swansea, Town of 1 $ 41,327 1 $ 48,683 1 $ 21,641 Tantasqua Regional School District I 1 1 $ 33,802 Taunton, City of 1 $ 149,250 1 $ 195,259 I $ 187,330 Tewksbury, Town of 1 $ 175,922 1 $ 179,005) $ 169,337 Topsfield, Town of 1 $ - 1 $ 905) $ 1,536 Tri-County Regional School District i $ 19,869) $ 5,268 1 $ 32,515 Triton Regional School District 1 $ 94,053 1 $ 75,563 1 $ 99,598 Truro, Town of ) $ 38,877 1 $ 20,299 1 $ 41,546 Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational School District ) $ 75,655 1 $ 148,974 1 $ 115,939 Uxbridge, Town of I ( I $ 17,125 Wachusett Regional School District ( $ 21,697 I $ 71,862 1 $ 9,175 Wakefield, Town of i $ 91,557) $ 86,117 $ 137,019 Walpole, Town of ) $ 218,437 1 $ 206,191 1 $ 279,507 Waltham, City of 1 $ 293,936) $ 214,160) $ 283,076 Page 5 V i( . LATHAM, LATHAM & LAMOND9 P.C. 648 MAIN STREET READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867-8096 W W W.LLLLA W.C OM KENNETH C. LATHAM (1939-1996) 0. BRADLEY LATHAM* JOHN T. LAMOND JOSHUA E. LATHAM* CHRISTOPHER M. O. LATHAM *ADMITTED TO PRACTICE IN MASSACHUSETTS & NEW HAMPSHIRE March 27, 2008 Program Manager Board of Appeals Board of Building Regulations and Standards One Ashburton Place, Room 1301 Boston, MA 02108-1618 RE: CAC Foods, Inc. 680 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts Dear Sir or Madam: TELEPHONE: (781) 944-0505 FAX: (781) 944-7079 Enclosed herewith please find four (4) complete copies of an appeal filed by CAC Foods, Inc. regarding 680 Main Street in Reading, Massachusetts. Included herewith are the following: I . Appeal Application Form; 2. Service Notice; 3. Memorandum with Exhibits; and 4. Check in the amount of $150.00 for the filing fee. We have given notice to Glen Redmond, Building Inspector for the Town of Reading, by certified mail return receipt requested. Should you require any thing further please do not hesitate to contact this office. Given the exigent circumstances of this matter, we respectfully request as early a hearing date as is available. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Respectfully, sh tham MEMORANDUM IN SUPPPORT OF APPLICATION BY CAC FOODS. INC. INTRODUCTION This appeal is filed by CAC Foods, Inc. (the "Appellant"). The.property that is the subject of this appeal is located at 680 Main Street in Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts (the "Pertv_"). The Appellant leases a portion of the first floor and basement level of the building at the Property (the "Premises"), and does business as the Venetian Moon Restaurant (the "Business"). HISTORY Beginning in 2001 the Appellant operated within a smaller area of the Premises. In 2006 the owner of the Property undertook substantial construction to allow the Appellant to expand the Business within the basement level of the Property. During that expansion the architect for the owner of the Property submitted floorplans reflecting an occupancy load at the Premises of 198 persons (138 downstairs; 60 upstairs). In addition, all approvals, permits and licenses granted for Appellant's use of the Premises listed a seating capacity of 175 seats, being 125 seats downstairs and 50 seats upstairs. A Certificate of Occupancy for the Premises was issued on March 8, 2007. The Certificate of Occupancy did not specify an occupancy load for the Premises. The Appellant has operated the Business within the present confines of the Premises since March 8, 2007. Nine months later, on December 21, 2007 the Town of Reading Fire Department performed an inspection of the Premises at 10:15 p.m. and issued a Notice of Violation for exceeding the occupancy for the Business. Said notice listed an occupancy load of 190 persons, although it is uncertain how this number was determined. Thereafter on December 28, 2007 the Building Inspector for the Town of Reading issued a Notice of Violation, a copy of which is attached as Exhibit 1. in reliance upon the findings of the Fire Department during their December 21, 2007 inspection. The Building Inspector's Notice of Violation included a citation for failure to abide by the occupancy load for the restaurant as reflected on the Certificate of Occupancy for the Premises. As noted above, the Certificate of Occupancy for the Premises, issued on March 7, 2007, does not state an occupancy load for the Premises. A copy of said Certificate of Occupancy is attached with Exhibit 1. Thereafter, inexplicably, the"Building Inspector issued a new Certificate of Occupancy for the Premises citing an occupancy of 175 persons, broken down as 50 persons in the upstairs level and 125 in the downstairs level of the Premises. No basis for the calculation of 175 persons has been provided, except that the Business provides 175 seats for dinner service. A copy of the revised Certificate of Occupancy is attached as Exhibit 2. Upon receipt of the Building Inspector's revised Certificate of Occupancy the Appellant notified the Building Inspector it disagreed with the occupancy of 175 persons, a61 and engaged an architect to perform calculations and prepare plans reflecting an accurate occupancy load for the Premises pursuant to 780 CMR 1008. The architect performed these calculations, prepared detailed plans, and submitted same to the Building Inspector. The Appellant also met with the Building Inspector and Fire Department to request the Building Inspector correct the Certificate of Occupancy to reflect an actual calculation of occupancy load under the Building Code, rather than an arbitrary number of 175 persons. After numerous meetings, calls and correspondence with the Building Inspector and other Town officials from various departments, over the course of two and a half months, the Appellant ultimately provided floorplans and occupant load calculations, filed herewith, reflecting an occupant load calculation of 240 persons for the Business, including 176 persons downstairs, and 64 persons upstairs. A copy of these plans is attached hereto as Exhibit 3. On March 14, 2008 the Appellant's attorney met with the Building Inspector to obtain his final determination on Appellant's request, and despite the Building Inspector's admission that he is satisfied that the occupant load is correct under the Building Code, and that he has no Building Code basis to object to correction of the occupancy from 175 persons to 240 persons, he has nonetheless refused to do so. That day the Building Inspector denied in writing the Appellant's request to correct the occupancy load for the Premises. The basis of this denial is reference to the Town of Reading Board of Health's failure to have issued approval for the occupancy load. A copy of the letter of denial is attached hereto as Exhibit 4. It is the Appellant's request that the Board: Make a determination that the occupant load for the Premises be corrected to an actual occupant load calculation of 240 persons, pursuant to 780 CMR 1008, and as shown by the architectural drawings and calculations submitted herewith; 2. In the alternative, overrule the decision of the Building Inspector in denying the Appellant's application to correct the occupancy load for the Premises pursuant to 780 CMR 1008, and as shown by the architectural drawings and calculations submitted herewith; and/or 3. Such other relief as the Board deems appropriate in favor of Appellant. DISCUSSION 1. The Building Inspector's Denial is Based Upon Improper Grounds 780 CMR 120.4 states "When a building or structure is entitled thereto, the building official shall issue a certificate of occupancy within ten (10) days after written application." This section continues "The certificate of occupancy shall speck the . following.....(4) the occupant load perfloor...." Furthermore, 780 CMR 120.5 requires Appellant to post a placard designating "the maximum occupancy load' of the premises. The term "occupant load" is defined in the State Building Code at 780 CMR 1002.1 as "[tjhe total number of persons that are permitted to occupy a building or portion thereof at any one time (see 780 CMR 1008.0)." 780 CMR 1008.1 states "[1]n determining required facilities, the number of occupants for whom exit facilities shall be provided shall be established by the largest number computed in accordance with 780 CMR 1008. 1.1 through 1008.1.3." Section 1008.1 provides the method to determine the occupant load for an area based on the uses of the space within that area in reference to Table 1008.1.2. 780 CMR 1003.2, entitled "Number of Occupants" further provides "the minimum number of occupants 'to be accommodated by the exits shall be determined by the occupant load prescribed in 780 CMR 1008. The posted occupant load of the building shall be limited to that number." The Appellant has utilized the services of two .(2) architects to ensure the Building Inspector was satisfied that the occupant load shown by the Appellant was the result of proper calculations under the Building Code, 780 CMR 1008. The Appellant has submitted all plans and narratives requested by the Building Inspector and the Fire Department to verify the occupant load calculation. The Building Inspector has stated, verbally and in writing, that the occupancy load requested by the Appellant complies with the requirements of the Building Code. Nonetheless the Building Inspector refuses to issue a corrected Certificate of Occupancy, to the substantial detriment of the Appellant. The Building Inspector's denial is improper. The Building Inspector's has, denied Appellant's application to correct the occupant load for the Premises based solely upon questions by the Town of Reading Health Agent as to whether the determination of occupant load impacts food service requirements for the restaurant. An email from the Health Agent to the Building Inspector was attached to the Building Inspector's denial. See Exhibit 4. No physical alterations or changes in use are to be made. The sole issue before the Building Inspector is to approve the calculation of occupant load for the existing Premises pursuant to the mathematical calculations required under 780 CMR 1008. These calculations have been performed, and the Building Inspector agrees they are in compliance with the Building Code. The Health Agent's uncertainty as to whether a calculation of the occupancy load under the State Building Code will bear upon a local health ordinance is not a justifiable basis for the Building Inspector to refuse to issue a corrected Certificate of Occupancy reflecting an accurate and lawful occupant load for the Premises. See Castelli v. Board of Selectmen of Seekonk, 15 Mass. App. Ct. 711, 712-716 (1983) (Town official cannot act in "unreasonable, arbitrary, whimsical or capricious manner" including to refuse permit based on interference with Building Inspector's duties by other town officials). This is particularly so where there is no physical alteration to the Premises, and the Health Agent admits in his email that he has c. tr- c Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 April 2, 2008 Joshua Latham Latham, Latham& Lamond 643 Main. Street . Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Latham, HEALTH DIVISION Phone: (781) 942-9061 Fax: (781) 942-9071 Website: www.ci.readinLy.ma.us RE: Venetian Moon Restaurant aanlication to increase occunancv load In response to your letter dated March 12, 2008, advising that your client CAC Foods DB/A Venetian Moon Restaurant, has applied to increase the occupancy load to 240 persons. During a phone conversation, I inquired as to whether there will be any service in the waiting area ( that will be positively impacted by the increase in occupancy load). I was not provided a definitive response to my inquiry. Further, the occupant load indicates a waiting area with tables and chairs for 25 and an increase in total occupancy of 65. Since we do not have any definitive information on service in the waiting area, the Health Department has to presume that the additional 75 occupants represent an increase- in restaurant service, which represents a significant change in the operation and requires submission plans and supporting documentation pursuant to 1999 Food code, 8.201.11(c), 8.302.14 (c), as consumer demand would be increased. Consequently, a review of your facility is required to ensure that the: • Dry Storage • Refrigerated Storage, • Cooking area • Ware-washing facilities • Grease traps are capable of supporting the increase in restaurant capacity. Further, until plans and supporting documents, are provided, the Reading Health Division will not support any increase in the occupancy at Venetian Moon. Please feel free to contact me at 781-942-9061, should you require further information. Larry A. Ramdin, MA, REHS, CFSP Health Services Administrator cc Glen Redmond - Building Inspector 2.G 3 Knight, Maureen From: Barbara Faso [bfaso@hotmaii.com] Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 1:17 PM To: Knight, Maureen Subject: RE: Spring 2008 - Your Community Connection Page 1 of 1 r,,, *v-,. f to, kvo A(_` thank you so much for this wonderful information I am excited. We really do have a great town here ! Subject: Spring 2008 - Your Community Connection Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2008 12:50:49 -0400 From: mknight@ci.reading. ma. us To: mkn ight@ci. reading. ma. us Welcome to the Spring 2008 issue of the Town Newsletter: Your Community Connection! This issue covers Town news and information as well other informative, educational and fun activities taking place in Reading during the months of April, May and June. Sprung has come to Reading and it's time to get out and join all the activities and fun right here in your own home town! Shake off those winter blues and get out and meet your neighbors! <<Spring 2008.pdf>> Maureen M. Knight Community Services Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Phone 781-942-6610 Fax 781-942-9071 Pack up or back up-use SkyDrive to transfer files or keep extra copies. Learn how. a ciy 4/4/2008 G~ Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 Phone: 781-942-6654 fax: 781-942-9071 website: roww.ci.readingarna.us/plar2ning Contact: Carol Kowalski, Comminiij Services Directoi/Town Planner e-mail: ckou~alskihClri.readin12.ma.u;: Community Planning and Development Commission Zoning Board of Appeals Agenda April 7, 2008 Location: Conference Room, Town Hall Time: 7:00 PM The purpose of this joint CPDC and ZBA meeting is to discuss the zoning bylaws and need for amendments and to consider practices for efficient coordination on planning and zoning permits and decisions heard by both boards. 1. Open meeting, CPDC Chair Brant Ballantyne, 7:00 ZBA Chair Robert Redfern 2. Zoning Bylaw issues 7:05 a. Identify general concerns b. Review issues compiled by Zoning Enforcement Officer 3. Communication to facilitate decisions & permits 8:00 Adjourn i 2C ~ Town of Reading Recommended Zoning By-Law Amendments or Changes - April 4, 2008 Section Action • 6.2.3.2 i change • 6.2.1.3 k change • 6.2.3.2 b change • Illuminated add • 6.2.3.2.2 add • 6.3.2.2 add • 6.2.3.2.1 clean up • New add • New add • New add • New • 2.2.2.1 • New add change add Description shall place no more than 3 such signs per calendar year Sign area: to include the stricture to which the sign is attached ( see sign height) awning signs shall have a minimum ground clearance of 8-0 (match state building code ) All illuminated signs to be turned off at a designated time in all districts Business-A & other districts to the requirement of Certificate of Appropriateness Language to awning signs-that the entire awning Constitutes the size of the awning if it reflects a message or is designed to attract attention Language about internally illuminated signs & opaque background-confusing Hours of construction operations Maximum amount of paving on residential lots Restrictions for outside storage/parking of Commercial vehicles/Boats /Trailers/Campers/etc Uses allowed in residential accessory structures Lot coverage to include accessory structures/pools/tennis courts/etc Language to address residential radio towers 2 c • 2.2.35/2.2.35.1/2.2.35:2 Yards Should minimum front yard/side yards/rear yards have materials or structures stored in that yard • Accessory strictures Should be limited to size & setback & height limits • Accessory structures In other districts-currently not allowed • New Corner lot diagrams & fiontage requirements/also diagrams of irregular lot shapes indicating front yards/side yards/rear yards • 2.2.16/2.2.15/2.2.14 Clean up Height of buildings/established grades/natural grades • 4.3.2.9 change Open storage to include materials allowed in residential districts and in other districts • New add Earth removal permit requirement • 4.3.2.8.2a change Date of the dwelling was legally occupied • 4.3.3 change Allow the site plan to not be required if there is no change to the site (allow waiver of plan) • 4.8.3 change Definition of Impervious Surface: "regardless of the proposed surface material" • 63.2.2 clean up Non-complying Situations 2c() f'~, From: Keating, Bob Sent: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 9:37 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; McIntire, Ted Subject: RE: Shade trees Peter: Fall planting provides the greatest chance of transplant survival for most deciduous trees. This planting is scheduled for late October after the trees have gone dormant. We prioritize our list for the fall planting based on several criteria. 1. Location- A. High Value Trees- We first look at areas of high value such as the Downtown Common and side streets in the business district with existing tree wells. We will then look at municipal buildings, schools, and parks. B. Requests- We review request for residents regarding replacements for trees taken down or for a new tree. We try and place trees in these locations as they have a good chance for survival if the resident is on board. We cannot always oblige as many locations where trees have been removed are not suitable. Conversely, if a resident does not want a tree replaced its chance for survival is limited, C. Subdivision - Where trees have failed and can be successfully be replanted in the larger tree lawns. D. Older Streets- Open areas where tree lawns may be sufficient. 2.Condition of Trees- We are looking at these public locations to see.what needs to be replaced due to removal and what may need to be replaced based on decline, storm damage, winter damage, insect, drought, motor vehicle damage or vandalism . The condition of these trees and priority for replacement is a fluid process which is analyzed and prioritized throughout the spring, summer and fall prior to planting. 3.Removal List- The removal list is misleading as a direct source for tree replacement. Most all of the trees on the list are low value trees . They are trees in rights of ways, easements, conservation lands and resident's back yards. They were not planted street trees that were hazardous by nature such as pines and spruce. They were hazardous by location being on the edge of pavement by road widening over the years or by being seedlings grown wild. They were not growing in locations which were suitable for replacement with either no chance for survival or in a dense canopy. 4.Future Plantina- Our operating budget allows for 16 to 20 trees based on cost and availability. We have had no trouble finding areas such as Downtown Town buildings, schools, parks and streets to plant. We are looking forward to what utilizing the information from the new GIS tree layer as a tool to help in long term planning. From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 2:02 PM To: McIntire, Ted ~kt ~9 Cc: Keating, Bob Subject: RE: Shade trees So what is the prioritized list with the funds that will be available for the next several years through the budget? From: McIntire, Ted Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 4:47 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: Shade trees Peter, we have removed 511 trees since 2002. The issue is not having a list of locations. The issue is prioritizing that list. Ted From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2008 1:48 PM To: McIntire, Ted Subject: Shade trees Did I understand that we do not have a list of locations for shade tree plantings? If not, how do we determine where we will spend our $4000 a year, or any additional money that we might get? Pete CONSERVATION COMMISSION Phone (781) 942-6616 Fax (781) 942-9071 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 AGENDA Reading Conservation Commission Meeting Selectmen's Meeting Room, 7:00 PM Wednesday, April 9, 2008 7:00 Old/New Business 7:30 Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Joseph Phelan, 85 Lilah Lane, RGB 2008-5, wetland and buffer zone restoration, seasonal ice skating rink 7:45 Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, VNA of Middlesex-East and Visiting Nurses Hospice, 320 Haverhill Street, RGB 2008-6, landscaping and walkways 8:00 Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Thomas Capachietti, 7 Adams Way, DEP 270-519, RGB 2007-35, swimming pool, patio, and landscaping 8:15 Public Meeting, Request for Determination of Applicability, Kevin and Nancy Brown, 48 Whittier Road, RGB 2008-7, replace deck with 3-season porch 8:30 Public Hearing, Notice of Intent, Salem Five Bank, 8 Walkers Brook Drive, RGB 2008-3- demolish gas station and build bank with drive-through service Old/New Business: 0 Bare Meadow Conservation Area, Franklin Street entrance - Terry Crocker, Proposed Boy Scout Eagle Project 0 1050 Main Street - Response to Notice of Violation 0 27 Tennyson Road- Response to Notice of Violation 0 306 Main, DEP 270-492, RGB 2006-41- Status of work 0 Benjamin Lane, DEP 270- 466, RGB 2005-49 - Plan revision, Lot 2 0 39 Walkers Brook Drive, DEP 270-494, RGB 2006-47 - As-built site plans, report on hazardous materials release 0 1 General Avenue, DEP 270-428, RGB 2004-22 - As-built analysis and proposed glass canopy drain 0 125 Fairchild Drive, Enforcement Order - Status of work 0 9 Gregory Lane, DEP 270-236, RGB 1991-10 - Request for Certificate of Compliance 0 Earth Day plans 0 Site Visit Reports 0 Minor Projects - (126 Howard Street, shed) 0 Minutes for approval 0 other... (This agenda is prepared in advance and may not list all items for the n2eeting.) a C Z c7 Notes to Commission. April 3, 2008 SITE VISITS - Begin at 6: 00 PM, Monday, April 7, at Killam School parkin-a lot: 320 Haverhill - New NOI - check proposed work area, general site conditions. See below. Keith Taylor or other representatives will meet you at the site at 6: 00. 48 Whittier - Check proposed work area under new permit application. I inspected yesterday - the shed has been moved, the yard cleaned up, and grass established under the last permit - should close that file. 1050 Main - Check extent of filling in backyard. See below. 7 Adams Way - See below. Check extent of vernal pool near proposed swimming pool. If you see or hear any frogs or salamanders, include this in your notes. 1310 Main - I am going out on Friday (414) with Pat Seekamp to take another look at the wetland boundary flagging. If you have enough daylight and energy on Monday, you could stop by and look for new flags. This will not be on the agenda again until April 30, so the visit is not urgent. I will try to remember to send you an email after the site visit to let you know what happens. 9 Gregory - Do not visit. Kevin Emery called and asked to postpone to the April 30t1i meeting because he will be traveling next week. I will inspect with him on April 15t1' at 10:00, and you will inspect before the 4/30 meeting. I think we will need to schedule site visits for April 30 on Sundav. April 27 because Town Meeting begins on April 28. HEARINGS 85 Lilah - I will try to draft OOC and distribute before the hearing. 320 Haverhill - This is the VNA Hospice. Some of you will remember the initial construction a few years ago. Proposed work is landscaping, converting lawn to areas with shrubs, trees, garden plants. Some invasive species will be removed. Work is in ZNV, but should enhance buffer capacity and habitat. 7 Adams Way - I inspected with Bill Manuell 3/31. The pond extended out of the Phrag area west of Terrace Park into the woods behind Adams Way. We put up two flags at the western edge of the vernal pool and measured from there to the nearest wetlands flags, # 6 and #8. The pool is proposed about 60 feet from the pond, but in an existing lawn area. I encouraged Bill to talk about ZNV plantings, appropriate fencing, and appropriate work methods, and also said that I could not predict how the Commission might vote on the matter. Bill delivered revised plans for the packets today, enclosed. 48 Whittier - Draft Conditions enclosed. Also, soil information, drainage calculations, and comments from Town Engineer in 2003 for house construction. This information is relevant to proposed drainage structure options. Both look okay to me. 8 Walkers Brook - Revised plans will not be ready for packets, and Jack may postpone until April 30t1, OLD/NEW BUSINESS Bare Meadow - Did I forward this email? Terry wants to clear path along cemetery that is overgrown and repair/replace bridge over wet area. Also could educate abutters about dumping, post boundaries, paint sign board and put up a map, blaze trail, etc. 1050 Main Street - Sent Notice of Violation. I will inspect with owner at 2:00 today - look for an email report. I recommend an Enforcement Order ordering removal of all fill, survey to verify restoration of original topography, and appropriate planting. There is a site plan in the file showing topography in late 2005. Z,~.Z_I • 27 Tennyson Road - Got report from Building Inspector of construction without Building or wetlands pen-nit (external staircase on back of existing garage for access to attic loft). Sent violation notice. Inspected with owner on 4/2. It clearly does not meet the 35' wetland setback, and there are thick brush piles in the wetland. Owner agreed to file RDA, and I mailed him the forms and instnictions. Then I talked to the Building Inspector, who indicated that the staircase on the back of the garage does not comply with building code. Also, there is a question whether it goes over rear lot line. So, there are several reasons that the staircase might have to be taken down and reconstructed, perhaps off the side of the garage instead of the rear. I hope the RDA will arrive in time for the 4/30 meeting, and that we will have something in writing from the Building Inspector by then. • 306 Main - I called LSP at Tyree last week and asked him to cover the dirt piles where the old plastic is not in good shape. He said he would get this done on 3/31 or 4/1, but as of 4/3 it is not addressed. I will call again. • Benjamin Lane - Received foundation as-built for Lot 2. House is about 120 s.f. bigger than proposed, and garage floor is a foot lower. I asked Bill Johnson for a revised grading plan for the driveway. Y 39 Walkers Brook - Still no as-built site plans from VHB and no final haz mat report for the recent release. Left a message for Frank DiPietro at VHB. 1 General - Have asked Nick to provide signed stamped copy of canopy plan revision and to schedule meeting with George Z and Chris Sparages soon to discuss questions about as-built infonnation. Meanwhile, noticed serious erosion off north central edge of parking lot directly into stream today. • 125 Fairchild - Roof drain system has been installed this week. Need to repair lawn and nearby forest where machinery has left nits. • 9 Gregory -postponed to 4/30. • Earth Day - Will can cover set-up and early hours, and Bill can cover 1:00-3:00. Can others help cover the middle hours? Mark is working on some displays - log cabin, fishing dock, recent major construction sites? I have sent some photos and will try to get some other information out soon. Kim and I have handouts about the new Trails Committee and the Adopt- a-Trail program. Kim will have the Ipswich River Greenway maps. Doug has brochures from the MACC meeting. What else? • Site Visit Reports - The storunceptors and infiltration chambers are being installed at 88 Walkers Brook. So far, so good. The Town is replacing the tennis courts at Bancroft Ave and malting some changes in the drainage systems. The old dump is being cleaned up at 1198 Main. • Minor Projects 126 Howard Street, shed is in outer buffer zone. The house was built under a DA a few years' ago. 2 6 2Z" READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Reading, Massachusetts SCHOOL COMMITTEE MEETING DATE April 7, 2008 PLACE RMHS - Superintendent's Conference Room TIME 7:30 p.m. Regular Session AGENDA 7:30 p.m. A. Call to Order 7:35 p.m. B. Routine Matters 1. Bills & Payrolls 2. Citizens' Input 3. Gifts 4. Reports of Chairman, Liaisons & Superintendent 7:45 pan. 5. School Committee Calendar - 2008-2009 School Committee Calendar C. Personnel 8:00 p.m. D. Old Business • Building Project Update • Second Reading of Policy BEDB/BEDB-E 8:45 p.m. E. New Business • Field Trip Approval • Approve the Last Day of School • Town Meeting Preparation • Policy Review - Kindergarten Age Cut-Off • METCO Transportation Contract 9:25 p.m. F. Approval of Minutes - March 24, 2008 G. Information and Proposals 9:30 p.m. H. Adjourn Preparing Reading's Youth To Be Productive, Informed, Independent Citizens In A Global Society Note: This Agenda has been prepared in advance and does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. . Zc23 QUARTERLY BUDGET REPORT - through March 31, 2008 TOWN OF READING, MASSACHUSETTS Note: The accounts below reflect a variance of +5% or more in the quarterly allocation, and are therefore "flagged" for explanation. ACCT # ACCT DESCRIPTION REASON FOR VARIANCE 015 Community Services Travel Reimbursement and professional development have Expense been higher than anticipated.. This account will require transfer at the Annual Town Meeting 021 Finance Committee The expenses of the FY 2007 Audit come in the first part of the Expenses, Salary FY. The salary expenditures are heaviest in February and March. This may require an internal transfer within the department at the end of the year., 052 Elections Salary, All expenditures are focused during the election which tools Expense, Capital place in February. This account will not need a'budget transfer. 141 Inspections Salary The transfer from the Inspections Revolving Fund has not yet taken place. This account will not need a budget transfer. 301 DPW Administration This was for a supervisor professional development / training Expense expense. This may require an internal transfer within the department at the end of the year. 303 DPW Highway Expense Supplies for highway patch and sidewalk maintenance are higher than budgeted. Expenses for vehicle maintenance - both supplies and contractual services are higher than budgeted. Fuel is higher than budgeted, and may have to do with timing of deliveries. This account will require transfer at the Annual Town Meeting 317 DPW Recreation Capital The project (Birch Meadow Tot Lot) has been completed and therefore the expenses are "front-end loaded". No additional funding will be needed 321 DPW Snow and Ice This was the snowiest December on record. This account will Control Salary, Expense require transfer at the Annual Town Meeting 481 DPW Cemetery Salary The payment from the bequest fund has not yet been credited to this account. This account will not need a budget transfer 511 Health Expense 541 Elder/Human Services The annual bill for MVES has been paid in its entirety. No Salary, Expense additional funding will be needed Z c- 2, y 552 Veterans Aid During the 3'd Quarter of the year activity has been unusually high. Some of the cases will be resolved prior to years end. This may require an internal transfer within the department at the end of the year. 681 Historical Commission All expenses have taken place during the third quarter. No Expense additional funding will be needed 710 Debt Service Debt Service payments are nearly completed for the year. There will be a $47,000 surplus in the account which will be used in Annual Town Meeting 811 Contributory Retirement The full annual payment from this account has been made... No additional funding will be needed 815 Unemployment We project a $15-20k deficit and will need a transfer within benefits to cover this - which we can do. This account will require an internal transfer within the department at the end of the year. 817 Group Health and Life The entire annual premium for the EAP has been paid. No Insurance Expense additional funding will be needed (EAP) 821 Workers Comp The entire premium is paid at the beginning of the year to take advantage of discounts. No additional funding will be needed 850 Property and Casualty The entire premium is paid at the beginning of the year to take Insurance advantage of discounts. No additional funding will be needed 400 Water Distribution Because of delays in the construction of the MWRA Salary, expense interconnection water valve system, and a large number of water main breaks during the winter, two budgets will be overexpended. Internal transfers can be made by Town Meeting and no additional funding will be needed 405 Water Supply/Treatment Because of delays in the construction of the MWRA Capital, Salary interconnection water valve system, two budgets will. be overexpended.. The capital improvements were completed early in the year and will not need additional funding. Internal transfers can be made by Town Meeting and no additional funding will be needed 413 Water Distribution '07 The major part of this capital expense is for the MWRA Expense Capital interconnection water valve system. The project is now complete. No additional funding will be needed '2,,'--- Z'5' 418 Water Operations '03 This represents the cost of installing new water meters and Capital remote readers. This is a inulti-year project. No additional funding will be needed 430 Sewer Operations The over expenditure is for cleaning the sewer main in Woburn Expense Street and Main Street due to grease. Claims to recover the cost are being made to the responsible business owners. No additional.fun ding will be needed 444 Sewer Operations '07 This represents money encumbered for and paid out for the Expense meter program, sewer rehab, and Inflow and Infiltration remediation. The remainder of the encumbered money is for part of cost of meter replacement program. and will be expended by the end of the FY. No additional ficnding will be needed No additional fiinding will be needed. 2-6,2-(o DEPARTMENT TYPE 011 SELECTMEN EXPENSE 012 TOWN MANAGER CAPITAL EXPENSE SALARY 015 GENERAL SERVICES EXPENSE SALARY 021 FINANCE COMMITTEE EXPENSE SALARY 022 RESERVE FUND EXPENSE 025 TOWN ACCOUNTANT EXPENSE SALARY 031 BOARD OF ASSESSORS EXPENSE SALARY 035 FINANCE EXPENSE SALARY 041 LAW EXPENSE 042 HUMAN RESOURCES EXPENSE SALARY 045 TECHNOLOGY CAPITAL EXPENSE SALARY 051 TOWN CLERK EXPENSE SALARY 052 ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION CAPITAL N N J PAGE: 1 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING,31MAR2 008 (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) BUDGET BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR 96VAR FY2007 YTD VAR oVAR (REVISED) ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2)-(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3)-(6) (3)1(6) 2,600 13950 1,050 900 .54 1,487 -437 .71 103000 7,500 5,177 2,323 .69 5,346 -169 .97 68,550 51,413 47,069 4,344 .92 47,069 175,170 128,003 120,774 7,229 .94 63,263 57,511 1.91 19,900 143925 19,913 -4,988 1.33 54,274 -34,361 .37 102,374 74,803 74,636 167 1.00 127,288 -52,652 .59 41,960 31,470 39,746 -8,276 i-1-2-66 34,901 43845 1.14 1,250 912 -1,225 2,137 -1.34 505 -1,730 -2.43 140,000 105,000 1,272 954 126 828 .13 827 -701 .15 1313756 96,292 90,736 5,556 .94 80,997 9,739 1.12 15,400 11,550 7,494 4,056 .65 24,095 -16,601 .31 140,350 102,562 94,595 7,967 .92 94,805 -210 1.00 64,760 48,570 32,719 15,851 .67 25,381 7,338 1.29 339,229 247,893 220,509 27,384 .89 248,992 -28,483 .89 73,000 54,750 41,414 13,336 .76 24,463 16,951 1.69 40,856 30,642 10,388 20,254 .34 12,106 -1,718 .86 49,180 35,948 31,826 4,122 .89 31,551 275 1.01 95,000 71,250 1,000 70,250 .01 233,697 -232,697 143,622 107,717 81,867 25,850 .76 83,944 -2,077 .98 152,273 111,283 1013527 9,756 .91 88,029 13,498 1.15 1,500 1,125 308 818 .27 510 -202 .60 100,557 73,492 73,158 334 1.00 49,373 23,785 1.48 22,000 16,500 21,555 -5,055 1.31 21,555 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET (REVISED) EXPENSE 24,700 SALARY 18,885 061 CONSERVATION DIVISION SALARY 47,107 065 PLANNING EXPENSE -49,600 SALARY 173,510 111 POLICE CAPITAL 35,000 EXPENSE 2033623 SALARY 3,363,360 121 FIRE EXPENSE 96,600 SALARY 3,166,770 123 DISPATCHERS EXPENSE 40,826 SALARY 389,467 131 INDEMNIFICATION POLICE/ FIRE EXPENSE 55,000 141 INSPECTIONS DIVISION SALARY 113,874 301 DPW-ADMINISTRATION EXPENSE 5,677 SALARY 93,210 302 ENGINEERING EXPENSE 19,182 SALARY 2683901 303 HIGHWAY & EQUIPMENT MAINT. CAPITAL 1,322,784 EXPENSE 521,973 SALARY 690,736 304 STORM WATER MANAGEMENT EXPENSE 32,000 SALARY 139,467 312 WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL EXPENSE 1,458,805 r\ PAGE: 2 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31MAR2008 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR FY2007 YTD VAR $VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2)-(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3)-(6) (3)/(6) 18,525 22,668 -4,143 1.22 39,071 -16,403 .58 13,794 18,494 -4,700 1.34 23,897 -5,403 .77 34,428 32,660 1,768 .95 37,164 -4,504 .88 -37,200 126,787 93,071 33,716 .73 57,001 36,070 1.63 26,250 152,717 134,912 17,805 .88 153,534 -18,622 .88 2,457,840 2,242,604 2153236 .91 2,418,392 -175,788 .93 72,450 52,966 19,484 .73 74,120 -21,154 .71 2,314,181 2,326,141 =11,960 1.01 2,234,108 92,033 1.04 30,620 18,584 12,036 .61 24,390 -5,806 .76 284,620 281,729 2,891 .99 275,504 6,225 1.02 41,250 26,546 14,704 .64 38,238 -11,692 .69 83,220 121,317 -38,097 1.46 118,111 3,206 1.03 4,258 5,386 -1,128 1.26 -44,358 49,744 -.12 68,115 30,804 37,311 .45 23,839 6,965 1.29 14,387 1,754 12,633 .12 13,288 -11,534 .13 196,498 133,084 63,414 .68 109,318 23,766 1.22 992,088 478,344 513,744 .48 234,740 243,604 2.04 391,480 434,605 -433125 1.1-1 310,988 123,617 1.40 504,773 492,790 113983 .98 561,967 -69,177 .88 24,000 8,673 15,327 .36 16,375 -7,702 .53 101,916 66,138 35,778 .65 28,916 37,222 2.29 1,094,104 912,692 181,412 .83 905,626 7,066 1.01 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET (REVISED) 313 PARKS AND FORESTRY EXPENSE 42,591 SALARY 435,848 317 RECREATION CAPITAL 25,000 SALARY 125,030 321 SNOW / ICE CONTROL EXPENSE 327,663 SALARY 72,337 325 STREET LIGHTING EXPENSE 209,000 481 CEMETERY EXPENSE 37,736 SALARY 146,057 511 HEALTH EXPENSE 59,065 SALARY' 167,554 541 ELDER SERVICES EXPENSE 7,450 SALARY 181,106 551 VETERANS EXPENSE 700 SALARY 19,252 552 VETERANS' AID EXPENSE 60,000 611 LIBRARY CAPITAL 26,500 EXPENSE 254,905 SALARY 872,976 681 HISTORICAL COMMISSION EXPENSE 1,000 710 DEBT SERVICE EXPENSE 6,594,457 752 REGIONAL SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS EXPENSE 327,500 N C\ N PAGE. 3 TOWN OF READING BUDG ET COMPARISON REPOR T FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31MAR 2008 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR FY2007 YTD VAR 96VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2)-(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3)-(6) (3)1(6) 31,943 32,524 -581 1.02 28,158 4,366 1.16 318,497 309,612 8,885 .97 293,676 15,936 1.05 18,750 20,249 -1,499 1'.08 26,500 -6,251 .76 91,371 87,762 3,609 .96 84,484 3,278 1.04 245,747 814,105 -568,358 3 ~1 316,641 497,464 2.57 52,858 175,415 -122,557 3.32 83,839 91,576 2.09 156,750 146,050 10,700 .93 128,663 17,387 1.14 28,302 21,159 7,143 .75 253961 -4,802 .82 106,742 171,501 -64,759 1.61 164,956 6,545 1.04 44,299 48,549 -4,250 1.10 44,678 3,871 1.09 122,436 110,346 12,090 .90 106,307 4,039 1.04 5,588 6,763. -1,175 1.21 15,474 -8,711 .44 132,354 142,284 -9,930 1.08 130,787 11,497 1.09 525 330 14,060 9,476 4,584 .67 17,719 -8,243 .53 45,000 48,323 -3,323 1.07 42,459 5,864 1.14 19,875 16,500 33375 .83 5,000 11,500 3.30 191,179 175,803 15,376 .92 172,362 3,441 1.02 637,944 627,352 10,592 .98 582,825 44,527 .1.08 750 800 -SO 1.07 800 4,945,843 6,5263844 -1 ,5813001 1.3?. 6,761,323 -234,479 .97 245,625 234,243 11,382 .95 177,705 56,538 1.32 PAGE. 4 OF READING REPORT TOWN BUDGET GOMPENDZNG 31MAR2008 (5) FOR TBE PERIOD (4) %\I AS (2) EXPENDITUS?S (2)V(3) (3)/(2) TVARU (NET ADAMI UDGE 37 (i ) B [)ATE UDGET ENDING E 1 _698,879 3 B TYP RTMENT (REVISED) 84 2,595,76 87 DEPA 1, ,8 896, 9,981 . REMENT 2 1 595,727 65, 0 1 CONTRIBUTORY SALARY 75,03 1 75, _3,920 1 ' 811 PEptSIONS 102,681 IBUT 222 ,0 33 ,042 .4 SALARY NON-CONTR 9, 2 _1,322 4 .9 g13 SATION 40,000 4,303 167 2g4, 085 15 MPLOYMENT SALARY UNE "981 252 4,578, j.04 6 INSURANCE 3,975 4,B62, _13,919 FE ROUP HEALTV"LI6. 653,600 6 340,415 g17 G 5,L ~ 326,49 -22,694 446,772 SOCIAL- SECURISALARY 209,014 231,748 22,756 1 ~'9 819 TION 278,685 N 281,841 EXPENSE WORKER GOMPE 259,085 821 URANCE 345,4gUDGET 0 CASUALTY INS EXPENSEFUND CURRENT 1,152,213 288 5423825 10,473,g95 15 8g1,653 (7) (%VAR (6) VAR (3)1(6) FY2007 YTo (3)-(G) EXPENOI 1.02 59,120 2,536,643 .86 _10,570 75 , 720 1.38 9,153 23,889 4,303 1 07 287,g44 4,290,323 .75 _112,`112 452,827 .85 _39,344 271,052 87 _42,666 . 324,507 85 GENERAi 28`1 379 72 L g, 679, 15,723,547 , .65 1.15, 54,14 , 11,5 PITA GA 366 EXPENSE 21,516' ipi,107 1$7 3 58 522 1,16 SALARY 155,250 54 1 749, 422,904 - , ON 207,000 872 ISTRIBUTI L 70 653 364, 382 570 _16, i..-'A2°'9" .98 " _ p WATER CAPITA 400 RY 72,B20 6 23, 229 06 26 SALA 56 , 250 4 1,34 86, ,335 - , TREATMENT 75,000 SUPPLG L 1,369, 60, 64, ()"9 .79 ii APITA 405 WATER - i'Sg2,Ag4 EXPENS E 238,977 386 30 35 SALARY 303,066 521 3 i TIONS (FY07) 404,088 694 4 RA 3 , 934 _233 _$0,081 1 26 , CAPITAL WATER OPE 412 EXPENSE 7 01 368,446 (FY07) 934 - 2g8,365 .24 `1 UT 10N 3 WATER DISTRIB ITAL 384,487 750 7 , 539 23 , 88 41 EXP 6 , 423 31 (Fy2006) 9 000 RpTIONS , 897 , _ I.AL 41, OPE CAPI 415 WATER EXPENSE 4,62 79,238 1.05 21 , 7 2 37 , 7595 1 .00 2 711 , -i } 424,699 .59 _49,932 1.8i 122,752 6011541 .45 744 677 _105,045 191,380 238,977 386 934 368,446 173,348 184,887 .04 PAGE= 5 TOWN OF READINREPORT MAR2008 OMP 9 1SO 31 ENDING BUDGET C (5) ERIOD 4 ( ) 96VAR FOR THE P ( XPENDITURES VAR 3)/(2) 2).-(3) (2) E BUDGET THRU kNET ADUMTS) ( (1 ) TYPE BUDGET ENDI NG DATE PARTMENT (REVISED) DE 187,500 ,q9 990 ERATIONS, (FY 2005) 250,000 91,837 94, _ OP 416 WATER CAPITAL 186,827 1.27 525 0 04) ERATIONS (FY 2 249,102 - 35 , 166,249 _ OP 417 WATER CAPITAL 130,724 .56 199 ERATIONS (FY 2003)174,299 24,675 19, OP 418 WATER - CAPITAL 43,874 ERATIONS (FY 2002) 55,499 OP 419 WATER CAPITAL 32,152 .33 764 CAP( ART 10 NOV'O5)42,869 325,42 653, 0 5YRS 429 WA1"ER CAPITAL- 979 , 184 1,305,579 DEBT SERVICE EXPEN E 66,599 797,196 094 2 i03 710 WATER FUND 1 79 , , 1, 325,094 509,239 3 1,470 CAPITAL 4,433,458 06 , 4 650 43 42 176 ' 0-& EXPENSE 58111 130,893 _233,526 SALARY 193,911 3,228 307,500 3 g ,000 RATIONS 410, , 698 2,9603$5 189, 926 70 192 _ OPE 430 SEWER CAPITAL 3,947, PENSE 264,005 . , 40,266 g7 886 476 92 EX SALARY , 133,152 3,287 ;536 RATIONS (FY07) 17 763 3, $0,523 5 OPE SEWER CAPITAL 119 444 EXPENSE 80,642 -RATIONS (FY2006) 107,523 445 SEWER- OPECAPITAL 11,164 ART 17 MAY 0614,885 447 FRANKLIN CAPITAL 13,620 99} 18x426 (ART#i6,APR` 13,779 12,374 MWRA) 455 SEWER ( CAPITAL 26,153 140 341870 TERR SEWER 5,162 130, 459 FRANKLIN CAPITAL 135,302 0 SERVICE 180,402 DEBT EXXPENSE 236,272 3 202,360 3 5 4 71 SEWER FUND 240 , , 0 189,698 99, 450 3 763, GAPITAL 4,132,599 , 192,926 EXPENSE 264,005 SALARY C w~ %VAR (6) (VAR t 6 (3)it TD FY2007 Y (3)-(6) I EXPEND TURFS -71 , 312 6.56 77, 837 14,000 39 -262,203 426 . ,452 28,136 -16.89 -1,461 146,665 1.87 151,614 173,806 20 ' 693 3,024,825 179,744 19,972 59,i30 110,200 169,954 82,886 3,287 _19,853 6.33 1.06 1 .06 01 12,374 47 5,162 .04 PROCLAMATION NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK WHEREAS: Emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire or emergency medical services; and WHEREAS: When an emergency occurs, the prompt response of Police Officers, Fire Fighters and paramedics is critical to the protection of life and preservation of property; and WHEREAS: The safety of our Police Officers and Fire Fighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone the Reading Police-Fire Communications Center; and WHEREAS: Public Safety Dispatchers are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; and WHEREAS: Public Safety Dispatchers are the single vital link for our Police Officers and Fire Fighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and insuring their safety; and WHEREAS: Public Safety Dispatchers of the Reading Police Department have contributed substantially to the apprehension of criminals, suppression of fires and treatment of patients; and WHEREAS: Each Dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job in the past year. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim the week of April 13-19, 2008 as National Public Safety Telecommunications Week in honor of the men and women whose diligence and professionalism keep our Town and citizens safe. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN James E. Bonazoli, Chairman Stephen A. Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille W. Anthony Richard W. Schubert ~ Ck % OFR~gOf~ Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street s:1SCO Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: April 3, 2008 RE: April 8, 2008 Agenda TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 Office Hour - Camille Anthony is scheduled to hold the office hour from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. 1 a) Executive Session - Legal Issues - Town Counsel will be in at 7:00 p.m. I will request that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session first thing at 7:00 p.m. to review, current legal issues with the Board of Selectmen. This session should be no longer than half an hour, 5a) Maura Looney, Reading's Representative to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District will be in to do a brief presentation on the School District and its programs. Is 5b) Erica McNamera, our Project Director for our Substance Abuse Program will be in to . provide the Board with some information about the RCASA efforts and programs. 5c) Appeal on Water Bill - Mr. Paul Bordieri from West Street has asked for time to appeal his water bill. In your packet is information that Mr. Bordieri has presented. At this property, we have a history of some high water bills with no explanation and twice we have abated those water bills. We have checked the meter and it is operating accurately. 1 indicated to Mr. Bordieri that we are not willing to abate the water bill again. 5d) Discussion - MWRA Water Storage - The purpose of this agenda item is to talk about a process by which we would have discussion with the MWRA on water storage. I will have a memo for the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday with regard to our recommendations. OF Town of Reading ti o j .r Ewa 16 Lowell Street 63s'INCORQ4P Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: April 3, 2008 RE: April 8, 2008 Agenda TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 Office Hour - Camille Anthony is scheduled to hold the office hour from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. 1 a) Executive Session - Legal Issues - Town Counsel will be in at 7:00 p.m. I will request that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session first thing at 7:00 p.m. to review current legal issues with the Board of Selectmen. This session should be no longer than half an hour. 5a) Maura Looney, Reading's Representative to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District will be in to do a brief presentation on the School District and its programs. '5b) Erica McNamera, our Project Director for our Substance Abuse Program will be in to provide the Board with some information about the RCASA efforts and programs. 5c) Appeal on Water Bill - Mr. Paul Bordieri from West Street has asked for time to appeal his water bill. In your packet is information that Mr. Bordieri has presented. At this property, we have a history of some high water bills with no explanation and twice we have abated those water bills. We have checked the meter and it is operating accurately. I indicated to Mr. Bordieri that we are not willing to abate the water bill again. 5d) Discussion - MWRA Water Storage - The purpose of this agenda item is to talk about a process by which we would have discussion with the MWRA on water storage. I will have a memo for the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday with regard to our recommendations. S~'~ Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: April 3, 2008 RE: April 8, 2008 Agenda TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 Office Hour - Camille Anthony is scheduled to hold the office hour from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. 1 a) Executive Session - Legal Issues - Town Counsel will be in at 7:00 p.m. I will request that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session first thing at 7:00 p.m. to review current legal issues with the Board of Selectmen. This session should be no longer than half an hour. 5a) Maura Looney, Reading's Representative to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District will be in to do a brief presentation on the School District and its programs. 5b) Erica McNamera, our Project Director.for our Substance Abuse Program will be in to provide the Board with some information about the RCASA efforts and programs. 5c) Appeal on Water Bill - Mr. Paul Bordieri from West Street has asked for time to appeal his water bill. In your packet is information that Mr. Bordieri has presented. At this property,, we have a history of some high water bills with no explanation and twice we have abated those water bills. We have checked the meter and it is operating accurately. I indicated to Mr. Bordieri that we are not willing to abate the water bill again. 5d) Discussion - MWRA Water Storage - The purpose of this agenda item is to talk about a process by which we would have discussion with the MWRA on water storage. I will have a memo for the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday with regard to our recommendations. ~G eb . e Vj C,~ +2oN®i~9~ January 2, 1969 2 toilets leaking, requested an abatement (file does not indicate one way or another if one was given) Mr. Bordieri actual sent a letter calculating his own abatement. January 23, 1989 Water Dept performed a meter test for no charge February 7, 1989 Water Dept abated both W&S charges at 10% each and all interest charges from November 1, 1988 - February 1, 1989, although the meter was registering at 100% - 12 gal/min. 99%-6 gal/min 99.5% - 2 gal/min. (Total initial abatement = $136.51)* see November 1989 BOS for additional abatement. March 10, 1989 Mr. Bordieri was not satisfied with the above abatement, and wanted more taken off his bill. He appealed to the BOS in November 1989. November 19,1989 BOS extended his discount into the October 26, 1988 also. (Total 2nd abatement = $550.05) May 5,1999 Paul Bordieri called about a high water bill for no apparent reason. On May, l Vh, Water Department went out to investigate and found a lealc in their house. February, 5, 2002 Mr. Bordieri called to request an appt for the Water Department to check for leaks. February 12, 2002 Water Dept found no significant leaks. However, Mr. Bordieri requests an abatement. February 26, 2002 David Lee, Business Administrator, DPW, sends note to Mr. Bordieri stating there's a policy in place for a one-time abatement for plumbing problems - but denies approval for abatement request based on Mr. Bordieri's insistence there were no significant leaks and there was a prior abatement on file. March 1, 2002 Mr. Bordieri disputes denial letter March 25, 2002 Mr. Bordieri's meter is tested, flee of charge, and requests that meter is replaced. The meter was registering at 99% - 12 gal/min. 97.5%-6 gal/min 97.5% - 2 gal/min. April 2, 2002 Town Manager approved an abatement for usage plus discount. (Total abatement = $248.44) December 10, 2007 Town Manager Receives letter from Paul Bordieri stating his November 2007 bill was unusually high for no apparent reason. Paul Bordieri 376 West Street Reading, MA 01876 Acct # 13-065000000 December 21, 2007 Water Division checked the read and found it to be accurate. January 16, 2008, Peter Hechenbleikner denies request for an abatement. January 23, 2008 Since Mr. Bordieri's meter was scheduled to be changed through our meter changeout program, the meter was tested free of charge. The meter was registering at 100% - 12 gal/min. 99.5%-6 gal/min 99% - 2 gal/min. March 3, 2008 Mr. Bordieri emails requests through website, for copies of his last 3 years of water bills. Sent request to Collector's Office. March 19, 2008, Mr. Bordieri requests hearing w/BOS. Date of hearing April 8, 2008. Paul Bordieri 376 West Street Reading, MA 01876 501~ Acct # 13-065000000 March 7, 2008 AGO LIAR 10 AM II: 17 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA. 01867-2685 Re: Water Bill Dispute Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner, I am in receipt of your letter dated March 5, 2008. You mention that there is no process in place for referral to independent arbitration. I could not find any process in place that precludes the same. Your letter of February 19, 2008 appeared to close off any further discussion on this matter by your judgment of denial of any request for adjustment. Therefore I believe my pursuing an independent arbitrator will prevail. However you have now suggested a meeting with the Board of Selectman for the purpose of appeal my water bill. I have no problem with such a meeting. I do want to know in advance if Ellen Doucette will be present as counsel or at all. Please advice as to when this meeting will take place. incerel ° Paul Bordieri C J C 4 V / vi V S V dv 4~r OF R~ ti Town of Reading r~o z ~wq 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us March 5, 2008 Paul Bordieri 376 West Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: Water Bill Dispute Dear Mr. Bordieri: TC2WN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 There is no process in place for referral of a disputed water bill to independent arbitration. You may appeal your water bill to the Board of Selectmen, and I would be happy to set up a time for you to come in to discuss this matter with the Board. Ms. Doucette is Counsel to the Town of Reading and will provide advice to the Town on this matter. Please direct all correspondence to me directly on this matter. Si ;etv'y, i Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager PIH:lm CC: Ellen Doucette, Counsel February 28, 2008 Ellen Doucette, Counsel Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, M.A. 01867 Re: Water Bill dispute cx~ Dear Ms. Doucette, I have been in amicable correspondence with Mr. Heckenblecher regarding what I consider an error of sorts with my water bill. I believe that a fault occurred in the - operation of the meter. It registered that my wife and I used or wasted 35,000 gallod of water in the period August to November 2007. Over the years two other similar situations occurred. As a result of my correspondence with the town manager, his position is that we used the water, pay for it. With this in hand, I propose this dispute be settled by independent arbitration. In writing to you, I would like to know if you or outside counsel will handle this matter for the town. I would like to know who to send documents to. Please advice. ank ou nn C~ r. Pau ordieri 376 West Street Reading, Ma. 01867 s661;' .~N oFRFq Town of Reading Ewa 16 Lowell Street s3g'rXCORyp4~ Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us February 19, 2008 Mr. Paul Bordieri 376 West Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bordieri: TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 Thank you for your letter of January 31, 2008. I understand that you needed to attend to your wife's surgery, and I am sorry for your illness. The Town of Reading does not inspect private property to determine the proper functioning of its plumbing. Our responsibility is to provide potable water to the property, and to make sure that our meter equipment is working properly. We have determined that our meter equipment is working properly. My policy has been to allow an abatement one time whether it is an unexplained increase of water use. We cannot. and do not try to determine an individual property owner's water use pattern. That would be impossible for us to do. The meter test that we performed is to remove the meter, and test it at different volumes at the DPW Garage. Those.tests indicated that the meter was performing correctly. Again, your reque t for an abatement is denied. Sinc rely, /V P er I. Hecnenbleikner Town Manager PIH:lm 5"C' ~ 81~y~(-~~ ~~v7! January 31, 2008 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA. 01867-2685 Dear Mr. Heclhenbleiker, I am in receipt of your letter dated January 16, 2008.1 apologize for not responding sooner but due to my wite's surgery and my own illness this was the earliest time I could give this matter my attention. You pointed out that there have been two similar incidents in the past where the usage was high, but no leaks could be detected- As I did in the past, I confirmed that all water sources were properly functioning and again, no leaks could be detected. The Town is welcome to perform its own inspections. I can find no record of any "Town Policy" wherein the Town does not issue multiple abatements for the same property. I did not ask the Town for any "abatement". Based on prior average daily consumption 1 believe that on random instances t have been charged for more water than used. We are two seventy year old senior citizen's leading a sedentary life and no one will convince me that in a ninety day period we utilized some 35,000 gats. of water. I am sorry that I missed your meter test but that indicates to you that on that day and at that time the meter is accurate. What kind of test was that? l)id someone come into my home and turn on the water to in fact see if the meter did not over rdgisrer any flow? Who knows it may have under registered any flow for all you know. Again 1 do not know ofanylown policy regarding abatements but I do know of Town records indicating that a 'questionable situation such as this may be corrected by simply using the prior average- daily consumption and costs and simply reissuing a corrected statement. if you call this an abatement then so be it. Sincerely, Paul. Bordieri Cc: Tony Starr Esq., Mintz, Levin et al DO,*' CZ TOOIn 'd,SN00 JIaxvaq 9POZ696TRLT Xv3 ~C:LO 8009/5T/ZO Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.read!ng.ma.us January 16, 2008 Mr. Paul Bordieri 376 West Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr. Bordieri: TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 I have received your letter of December 12, 2007, and have had it reviewed by.staff They point out that you have received two abatements in the past after several complaints where usage was high, but no leaks could be detected. As a matter of policy, we don't issue multiple abatements for the same property unless there is a specific identified reason for the water use. Therefore, I must deny your request for an abatement. We did check your meter and verified that the meter is accurate. I can only suggest that you do a complete review of your property and of your water use to determine whether or not there is some problerri that is not readily evident. Si cerelr7, Peter I. eeikner Town Manager PIH/ps cc: Jane Kinsella, DPW Business Administrator 660 Town d Reading Water & Sewer Billing From (To I Previous I Present I Usage 08/10/07 11/13/07 41300 46000 4700 Arrears I Balance I Interest (Total Water .00 .00 .00 Sewer .00 .00 .00 Storm Water rte,, BORDIERI CORINNE A PAUL A BORDIERI 376 WEST ST READING MA 01867-2236 IIII,rrr,111111rrllHlrrrlrrlrlglr1r.111111101polls 11rU,1,11 Mail this portion to the Town Collector. . . Town of Reading Water & Sewer Billing From ' ITo I Previous I Present I Usage 08/1.0/07 11/13/07 41300 46000 Arrears ( Balance I Interest ITotal Water .'00 00 .00 Sewer .00 .00, .00 Storm Water . 0:0 .00 .00 2 1 4700 AC Rates : 1Per 100 C.F.' 1'rilili3tiuiu I Water, ' J.'.... 6..901 13-80 Sewer ) 6:.841 13-,60..:., Please retain this portion for yonri records: For proper credit, payment is due'by $:00 p:m. on due date. Call 781,-9429023 with questions. 2 I Account Number 13 065000000 Current Billing Period Charge I Gross I Discount 1 Net Water 3.24.30 32.43 291.87 Sewer 319.60 31.96 287.64 Storm 9.96 1.00 8.96 Service. Charge .00 Currerif 1 65t. `8:6 1`65.19 V '588. 47 Arrears I 00. ( 0 0 Total ( Due 653.86 588.47, if paid AFTER. 01/15/08 If Oaid BY: 1/15/08 EFFECTIVE FOR SEP 2007 BILLS] WATER 6.90 1 SEWER 6.80 1 PER 100 CU FT. REMINDER MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO - TOWN OF READING TO REPORT MAILING ADDRESS CHANGES CALL THE WATER DEPT. AT 781-942-9077 Water-Sewer Reguaations • Water and sewer charges are assessed to property owners of record, who are liable for them. • Water charges and sewer charges are based on metered water usage; minimum charges are applied to water and sewer usage. • All water passing through a meter will be charged, whether used or wasted. • A 10% discount is applied to current water and sewer charges when bill is paid in full within 30 days. • To be eligible for discount, payments must be in the Collectors office by 5:00 p.m. owdue date. _ • Penalty interest of 1.5 %b per month, or 18 % per year is charged on bills which are late. In accordance with Massachusetts General laws CIL 40, unpaid water and sewer bills are liened to the real estate tax bills. • Water customers are required to keep their own water pipes and fixtures in good repair. • Water customers shall make no alterations to pipes,.fixtures, or mete, installed by the Town; water customers must notify the Dept, of Public Works of repairs needed to this Town equipment; metampairs due to freezing, hot water, or other external causes shall be charged to the customer. . The following rules apply to water customers who request meter testing: l.lf the ureter is registedu' c6 ...tly, th&user bears'the cost of the test. 21f the meter is registering incogwtly, and cbargaag ims water than used, the user will 'bear the cosf.of:tlie test and will be charged for the usage based on prior average.daily;r--ptian 3.If the-meter is registering incoirectly, and-charging more water than used, the water department will pay for.die test, and the.-incori ect charge, based Pu „ prior average daily consumption ,wW lie ali W and refunded. A ten dollar charge is made whenever water service is turned on or off at the owner's request; an additional five dollar charge is made if the meter is removed'imd placed in storage. The water meter should be read before a property changes owners. • The water department requires 48-hours notice for shutting service off & on and reading meters. • The water department may shut off the water supply for the purpose of making repairs, extensions, to water service, etc. without prior notice to customers Customers are urged to install protective devices on appliances, but in any case, the department will bear no liability for damage to same. Date ILocation I Account Number 12/10/07 376 WEST ST 13 065000000 Current Billing Period AC !Charge I Gross I Discount lNet Water 324.30 32.43 291.87 Sewer 31.9.60 31.96 287.64 Storm 9.96 1.00 8.96 Service Charge .00 Current1 653.86 1 65.391 588.47 Arrears 1 .00 1 1 .00 Total 653.86 !r8 8 . 47 Due I'aid B811 5108 1306500.0000 000030083 000028764 (Date (Location 12/10/07 376 WEST ST _57(~,(` Memorandum To: Peter Hechenbleilmer, Town Manager CC: From: Jane C. Kinsella, DPW Business Administrator Date: 12/21/2007 Re: Mr. Paul Bordieri, 376 West St. Since we do not test for leaks, we can only trust 'Mr. Bordieri that there are no leaks in his home, usually the most common cause of these spikes. However, since Mr. Bordieri is quite clear through his letter that there is no leak, we did as requested, and verified meter reads. The meter read was found to be accurate. Mr. Bordieri has requested and received (2) abatements in the past after similar complaint letters where usage was high but no leaks could be detected. We have since instituted an abatement policy of (1) abatement per household after the resident provides proof through a paid invoice that a leak has been repaired. Thanks in advance, .Jane X673 SGtI Dec'eniber 10, 2'007 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager Reading Town tall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Ma: 01867-M! Rez Water & Sewer Billing Dear Sir, 2(D7 DEC 12 AN 10: 49 r ell ~A Pot some unknown reason; a water / sewer bill of this magnitude is delivered to my residence at least office a year or. thereabouts, t believe at the last occurrence the Town came in and checked any water flow through all of our fixtures and ultimately changed the meter: Upon receipt of this bill, t checked our water meter by taking a reading before going to bed and getting up in the morning. There were not any nocturnal visits to the toil'e't during the night: There was no change in the meter reading during the night: We are two 10 year old seniors that .-have lived in your home for 44 years, 'The last twenty plt y=ears have been without our children: I can not rationalize this type of usage: You cannot imagine the angst that conies with an invoice like this, The biggest problem when this has happened before is trying to convince the Town (Mr: ttittire 1.r:) that this was not of our doing. I 'truly want to pay our lair share but this is beyond what I call fair especially with the Bost of drugs and fuel oil: t know there are other townspeople in the same predicament but I can't iniagine any oilier residence being saddled with a. bill such as this, I know you are a very busy man and this maybe more of an annoyance than anything else to you, However this is a very critical ma't'ter to me and my wife: Could you arrange for someone 'to check our meter or anything else that could create such an erroneous result? t do not have a history of our usage but I believe if you asked for our records you would see how non typical of our usage this bill is, Thank you for your time on this matter: el IVIr-. Raul Bordteri LU, 7f West Street Reading, MI A, M67 o-",qq 57 4_ OFR y Town of Reading ~~o Ewa rs 16 Lowell Street 3s0INCORO~ Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: April 3, 2008 RE: April 8, 2008 Agenda TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 Office Hour - Camille Anthony is scheduled to hold the office hour from 6:30 - 7:00 p.m. 1 a) Executive Session - Legal Issues - Town Counsel will be in at 7:00 p.m. I will request that the Board of Selectmen go into Executive Session first thing at 7:00 p.m. to review current legal issues with the Board of Selectmen. This session should be no longer than half an hour. 5a) Maura Looney, Reading's Representative to the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School District will be in to do a brief presentation on the School District and its programs. 5b) Erica McNamera, our Project Director for our Substance Abuse Program will be in to provide the Board with some information about the RCASA efforts and programs. 5c) Appeal on Water Bill - Mr. Paul Bordieri from West Street has asked for time to appeal his water bill. In your packet is information that Mr. Bordieri has presented. At this property, we have a history of some high water bills with no explanation and twice we have abated those water bills. We have checked the meter and it is operating accurately. I indicated to Mr. Bordieri that we are not willing'to abate the water bill again. 5d) Discussion - MWRA Water Storage - The purpose of this agenda item is to talk about a process by which we would have discussion with the MWRA. on water storage. I will have a memo for the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday with regard to our recommendations. SGT 5e) Hearing - Keeno to Go - Pursuant to the Selectmen's direction, we've advertised and given notice to the 20 licensed lottery agents in Reading about the hearing at 9:00 p.m. We have heard nothing to date from any of the licensed agents. 5f) Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant - Enclosed is the Warrant Report which we will send to the printers on the 9th and make available to Town Meeting Members beginning at the end of the day on Friday, April 11, 2008. 5g) Bob LeLacheur has worked to refinance School debt. This is a fairly complex transaction that Bob will explain to you on Tuesday night. Attached is a copy of the press release with regard to this item. We will also have a motion' for the Board of Selectmen for action on Tuesday night. PIH/ps S,e LEGAL NOTICE . ' TbWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of 'the Town of Reading: Please take notice ..that:. floe '9 _ of electms ON e4' wrt r ` Rea:dm ;wj l ~haf 3 pta lie hearing o0 T.uesday, April 8,,. 2008: at 9:a0 th; . Selktman's Meeting Room, .1 .LoawelT Street,:. Reading; Massac.hui.s'etts to., .cons d.er: whether or-not to. opt. out of the gatrte: new "Keho4o-Go" lottery ..All interested-: parties * m;ay ' appear in pe;rsoq, may submni~t t:he:ir eo.rnri ..e tsF Jn"'wr'itin:g, or may.,email::coi4n6his to`town: 'manader@ci;reading:ma ws. By, order. of. Peter F. Hechenbloikne.r Town,Manager 411. s ~2 60 ealca~sAio .Street Vwor w, 02184-1738 74904 P. epee 7aeaa. and ,Fete. 57--''d March 18, 2008 Dear Government Official: ~zecutive Dviectoz Due to a computer program malfunction, the recent letter we sent you on KENO to go had an error.. We apologize for any inconvenience. Enclosed, please find a corrected copy of the letter. •o Sincerely, Dan Rosenfeld Director of Communications 3a ~ p, 3 74ada# P. e4" .tee ,~a#.eruy L~utt~uSddta~2 % 'fzect¢aar~c acrd ~c Pn C rmaC 60 edou4w .Steet $xeeutuse 7~uceeton naurt~cee, 02184-1 ?38 March 18, 2008 Mr. James Bonazoli Chair Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Mr.Bonazoli: The Massachusetts State Lottery's commitment to our 351 cities and towns is the bedrock principle that guides our daily activities. Every community from the Berkshires to Cape Cod. is counting on us to raise revenue for police officers, firefighters, teachers and other essential municipal services. During .these times of tight budgets and soaring costs, we are redoubling our efforts to help you serve your constituents. The Massachusetts State Lottery is in the midst of its best year ever, with sales projecting to increase by more than 6 percent, along with profits of more than $900 million. The Massachusetts Municipal Association notes that Lottery profits are the sole source of unencumbered revenue for Reading and the other 350 cities and towns. Reading received $2,499,940 in Lottery aid this year alone. We are always searching for new initiatives to maintain and increase aid to Massachusetts communities. Our latest venture, KENO to go, will raise .millions more for communities with no added state or local expenditure. We propose selling KENO tickets at all existing agents rather than the limited number who currently offer the game. These new. transactions would be identical to customers buying tickets for our other on-line games, such as Megabucks and Mass Cash. S¢~ CONFIDENTIAL As part of this program, we would not be adding any KENO screens to any establishment in any community in the Commonwealth. There would be no apparent difference in Lottery transactions to the average customer. Players would be able to take tickets home and check their numbers on their computer. This policy provides all Lottery customers the opportunity to play KENO. We are contacting every community to inform officials of this change, and we are offering to discuss KENO to go in greater detail with you or any member of municipal government. Furthermore, any community reserves the right to opt out of the KENO to go program. We hope that you will choose to work with us as we attempt to raise more revenue for your town. We are confident KENO to go will be a reliable source of additional revenue for our communities in 2008 and for years to come. Please feel free to contact me at 781-849-5555 or at kenolettersOmasslotterv.com to discuss this, or any other issue pertaining to the Massachusetts State Lottery. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Mark J.Cavanagh Executive Director ~~S w6w"kWav Sete do" eootwaam 60 1~aeuodiaroa Stwa `'zaioctzee, addael~u¢ettd 02184-173ff 7d: 17811 849-5555 Sax: (70 849-5546 17811 849-5678 TIMOTHY R CAHILL MARK J CAYANAGH 7V, A ^ ~ and Rw, . C7,e~ ' gzelda ae Ddceetac Licensing Authority March 14, 2008 Dear Sir/Madam: In accordance with Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 10, section 27A, (as amended on 5/20/96), you are hereby notified that current Lottery agents in* your city/town are now eligible for a new type of Keno license, specifically to sell "Keno-to- Go." The details of this new Massachusetts State Lottery Commission (MSLC) product are described in the enclosed letter from MSLC Executive Director Mark J. Cavanagh. A list of eligible agents is also enclosed with this letter.. If the city/town objects to the issuance of a "Keno-to-Go" license, it must claim its right to a hearing before the MSLC within twenty-one (21) days of receipt of this _ letter. In accordance with section 27A (b), the objection of the city or town must be "as a result of an official action" taken by said city or town regarding the Keno-to-Go applicant. In order to be fair and apply the same criteria to. all cities, towns, and applicants, the MSLC defines an "official action" to be one in which the applicant appeared, or was given the opportunity to appear, before the licensing authority to discuss the issue at the local level in a open hearing or meeting prior to the hearing at the MSLC. Please address your written objection to me, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the above address. I can also be reached at (781) 849-5515. V Charles General CRM/ps Enc. ITHEtARTEit i Supporting the 351 Cities and Towns of Massachusetts Visit our Web Site: wwwniasslottery.com 041 Official City ( Name ( Address ( City ( Zip READING AMER LEGION POST-62 137 ASH ST PO BOX-148 , READING 01867 ` ATLANTIC FOOD MART 130 HAVEN ST I READING 1018671 B Y #347 125 HAVEN STREET ( READING 1018671 3 ( 15 BOLTON STREET ( READING 01867 BUSA'S READING LIQUORS 345 MAIN ST ( READING 101867 CUMBERLAND F46 #3377 (295 SALEM ST ( READING (01867 GULF EXPRESS 185 MAIN ST ( READING 01867 J K'S MARKET (212 MAIN ST ( READING 01867 LITTLE CHUCK'S DELI (245 WASHINGTON ST ( READING 01867 MAIN STREET MOBIL (178 MAIN ST ( READING 01867 NORTH SIDE LIQUORS 1 150 MAIN ST ( READING 101867 P & S CONVENIENT 287 LOWELL ST ( READING (01867 READING QUICK STOP (519 MAIN ST READING 01867 READING SERVICE (1330 MAIN ST ( READING (01867 READING SHELL 187 WALKERS BROOK DR ( READING (01867 READING STATION COFFEE DEPOT 132 LINCOLN ST ( READING 01867 SHELL FOOD MART II ! 110 MAIN ST ( READING 01867 SQUARE LIQUORS 113 HIGH ST ( READING 01867 STOP & SHOP #488 125 WALKER BROOK DR I READING 1.01867 WEST ST MOBIL 14 WEST ST ( READING 01867 S~-7 60 Columbian Street 8raIntree, MA 021 a4 (781)849-5515 , (781)849-5579 Fax Fax, To: Peter Hechenblaikner Fa: ('101) 942-9071. Phone: Re: Keno-To-Go extension From: Charles McIntyre, General Counsel Pages: 3 Date: March 27,200a ❑ Urgent X For ReWew Q Please Comment ❑ Please Reply ❑ Please Recycle r Comments: Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: Your request for. an extension has been approved. If you have any further questions, please contact me at (781) 849-5515: Very truly yours, Charles R. McIntyre General Counsel STATEMENT CE CONFIDENTIALITY The documents transmitted by this facsimile contain confidential and privileged information. This information is intended for the use of the addressee named on this transmittal sheet. If you are not the addressee, any disclosure, photocopying, distribution or use of its contents is prohibited. If you have received this facsimile in error, please call us immediately so that we can arrange to retrieve the original documents. s¢~ OFJ? Town of Reading moo. Ewa 16 Lowell Street s. e ,NCo~ Q Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us March 27, 2008 Charles McIntyre General Counsel Massachusetts State Lottery Commission 60 Columbian Street Braintree, MA 02184-1738 Dear Mr. McIntyre; TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 Thank you for talking to me on the phone about the "opt out" process for Keeno-to-Go" and for discussing questions of alternate electronic access to the internet that could be engaged in the premises of licensed agents that may sell "Keeno-to-Go." I look forward to hearing back from you about the electronics. We ask for an extension through April 15, 2008, of the timeframe within which the Reading Board of Selectmen has to make a decision of whether or not to opt out of "Keno-to-Go." i anks for your consideration of this request. Sin erely/ Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager PIH/ps Se`s 5e)* Hearing - Keeno to Go - Pursuant to the Selectmen's direction, we've advertised and given notice to the 20 licensed lottery agents in Reading about the hearing at 9:00 p.m. We have heard nothing to date from any of the licensed agents. 5f) Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant - Enclosed is the Warrant Report which we will send to the printers on the 9th and make available to Town Meeting Members beginning at the end of the day on Friday, April 11, 2008. 5g) Bob LeLacheur has worked to refinance School debt. This is a fairly complex transaction that Bob will explain to you on Tuesday night. Attached is a copy of the press release with regard to this item. We will also have a motion for the Board of Selectmen for action. on Tuesday night. PIH/ps S~ DRAFT -April 28, 2008 Annual Town Meeting WARRANT OUTLINE 04/04/2008 Art. Mover/ Moderator # Article Description Sponsor Comment Notes 1 j I:lcc lit~n I • ~ r ~ "c3 fin. } 1~ 4l 1r~slru~Uon~ i3o~u-d 01 ti~rlccon~cn • Ulm s f~l 4 Amend Capital Improvement Board of Selectmen • Program FY 2008 - FY 2017 inl :Ild l l' '.l)U~ i~u~l~xct Hourtl uCSclccu»cn ~ • b. J 4 7 ~'t'f 7 t ~ } _ r ~ c ~ c,,` 1 : r ..r 1DC~~ r:'~~ a 5 ~ ' a 1- _ Pu~~ prior cans hills 13ourcl of Sclcc~In cn s 7 Approve FY 2009 - FY 2018 Capital Board of Selectmen • Improvement Program 8 Approving Chapter 90 Board of Selectmen < 1 )Irho,,ti tior1);os tangible property Board of Selectmen • uI'Ll ICk,(d II fUIId ~Irtt,u"(ltl~~cleetmen 1 1_ ~~ttcct \ccchlancc fimt~~h~ I'I~l~c ht~~u-tlt~t ~clcc~»ici~ 13 All Alcoholic Liquor Licenses for Board of Selectmen • Restaurants with 100 seats or less 14 l;cm~ ~ al ul~lo~ n '~Iectint~ nicn~h~rs 13o~u-~I o(~~clccUricn ~ ~ fi;~ ~+'1 W`f ~S $ L~ }.i.Gi 1`Ih 3 ~ ~::2 !1 ~ =11 Si ~i L ~ 3. ~ FG 'f'.♦ ~ f ~ nY`~ ( ? 5 .15~ 1 1 -:I r ~ I 7~ Y ~ 1 ~ I'.: I'.. r 1 y ~ r . 5 .r to Iv 5 1 1 ~ J. - x ,1 e1 .l v r 2 19 . I ,•y i ~t e COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street Precinct 2 Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road Precinct 3 , Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue Precinct 8 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to February 5, 2008, the date set for the Local Election in this Warrant. I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in the issue of Thomas H. Freeman, Constable A true copy. Attest: Cheryl A. Johnson, Town Clerk 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 1 13 J TOWN WARRANT (Seal) COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in the Presidential Primary and Local Elections and Town affairs, to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said Town, namely: Precincts 1. 2. 3.4. 5. 6. 7 and 8 RMHS Hawkes Field House. Oakland Road TUESDAY, the FIFTH DAY OF FEBRUARY, A.D., 2008 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz: ARTICLE 1 To cast their votes in the Presidential Primary for the candidates of political parties for the following offices: PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE ......................................FOR THIS COMMONWEALTH STATE COMMITTEE MAN ..................MIDDLESEX & ESSEX SENATORIAL DISTRICT STATE COMMITTEE WOMAN ............MIDDLESEX & ESSEX SENATORIAL DISTRICT TOWN COMMITTEE ...........................................................................................READING and To elect by ballot the following Town Officers: A Moderator for one year; Two members of the Board of Selectmen for three years; One member of the Board of Assessors for three years; one member for one year; Two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years; One member of the Municipal Light Board for three years; Two members of the School Committee for three years; and seventy two Town Meeting Members shall be elected to represent each of the following precincts: Precinct 1 Eight members for three years; one member for two years; one member for one year; Precinct 2 Eight members for three years; two members for one year; Precinct 3 Eight members for three years; one member for one year; Precinct 4 Eight members for three years; one member for two years; Precinct 5 Eight members for three years; one member for one year; Precinct 6 Eight members for three years; Precinct 7 Eight members for three years; Precinct 8 Eight members for three years; one member for one year. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 2 L S1- and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on MONDAY, the TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2008 at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Official, Board or Special Committee. Board of Selectmen Background: This Article appears on the Warrant for all Town Meetings. At this Annual Town Meeting, the following report(s) are anticipated: ♦ State of the Town - by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Finance Committee Report: No report. Bviaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Backaround: This Article appears on the Warrant of all Town Meetings. There are no known Instructional Motions at this time. The Town Moderator requires that all proposed Instructional Motions be submitted to the Town Clerk in advance so that Town Meeting Members may be "warned" as to the subject of an Instructional Motion in advance of the motion being made. Instructional Motions are normally held until the end of all other business at Town Meeting. Finance Committee Report: No report. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2009 - FY 2018 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen r 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 3 Background: This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. Town Bylaw prohibits Town Meeting from approving any Capital Expenditure unless the project is included in the Capital Improvements Program (CIP). The following amendments to the FY 2009 - FY 2018 CIP are proposed for this Town Meeting: Revise: C2 - School Building Improvement ($45,000) addition to $50,000 from November 2007 Town Meeting to finish work on the Killam roof 08 - Public Safety - Fire ($115,000) move item from FY 2009 to replace turnout gear (2003 - 5 year maximum life) C14 - Parks & Recreation ($40,000) move item from FY 2009 to replace flag pole in Town Common Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8-0-0. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 13 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 23, 2007, as amended by Article 4 of the November 13, 2007 Subsequent Town Meeting; and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee Background: The following budget amendments are proposed for the FY 2008 Budget: General Fund - Waaes and Expenses Account Line Description Decrease Increase B9 Benefits - Non-Contributory $18,000 Retirement D3 Debt Service (preliminary estimate) $47,000 N17 Finance Expenses: School and Town $ 25,000 >Phone redundancy - $10,000 >Email backup - $15,000 P1 Library Salaries - Extended Sick $ 6,600 Leave Q23 Community Services Expenses - $ 24,500 >Veteran's Assistance $15,000 >Travel and Prof. Devel. - $9,500 R7 Public Safety Salaries - Fire (OT) $ 15,000 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 4 G Account Line Description Decrease Increase R8 Public Safety Expenses - Police $ 9,300 Academy (reimbursed by Officers into the General Fund) S14 Public Works Salaries - Vacant $60,000 positions for portions of the year S15 Public Works Expenses $131,100 >Highway Contractual $40,000 >Highway Supplies $60,000 >Patching $4,000 >Road Project $27,100 S16 Public Works - Street Lighting $10,000 S17 Public Works - Rubbish Collection/ $50,000 Disposal S18 Public Works Expenses - Snow & Ice $491,800 Subtotals I • $185,000 ( $703,300 Net from Free Cash ( ( $518,300 Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8-0-0. Bylaw Committee Report: No report. General Fund - Capital Account Line Description Decrease Increase C2 School Building Improvements $ 45,000 > Kiliam roof repairs (in addition to the $50,000 from November 2007 Town Meeting) C8 Public Safety - Fire $115,000 > Replace Firefighter turnout gear (2003 with a maximum useful life of 5 years) C14 Parks and Recreation $ 40,000 > Replace flag pole in Town Common Subtotals $ 200,000 I ( Net from Free Cash + $ 200,000 Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8-0-0. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 5 Enterprise Funds Account Line Description Decrease W5 Water Fund • Salaries (MWRA valve) • Expenses $46,000 • Debt Service $7,000 • Prior year's capital $84,000 Subtotals $137,000 Net from: • Water Reserves (for W5) • Sewer Reserves (for X5) • Storm Water Reserves (for Y5) Increase $137,000 $137,000 $0 $0 $0 Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8-0-0. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal Year 2008 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Background: There are no known prior year's bills and, therefore, it is likely that this Article will be indefinitely postponed. Finance Committee Report: No report. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2009 - FY 2018 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Background: Please see the Blue Pages in the Appendix of this report for the FY 2009 - FY 2018 Capital Improvements Program. Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8-0-0. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 6 S~~ ARTICLE 8 To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, whether in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6, Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Backaround: The purpose of this Article is to make Chapter 90 funds for road improvements available to the Town. The Article authorizes debt in anticipation of receipt of the grant but the Town has never sold debt for these projects. The funds will not be borrowed but authorizing the borrowing allows the community to plan for projects with certainty that they will be funded. The FY 2009 Chapter 90 allocation is $445,122 but was unknown at the time that the Finance Committee reviewed the Warrant and made their recommendations. The expectation is that the State will approve the Transportation Bond Bill and formally release the amount prior to the April 28 Annual Town Meeting. Finance Committee Report: Action pending. The amount of the Chapter 90 allocation by the State is not known at the time of printing of this Warrant and, hopefully, will be available prior to Town Meeting. Bylaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, various items of Town tangible property, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Background: The following list of intangible property with a value in excess of $5,000 is proposed for disposition under this Article. Between now and Town Meeting, there may be additional items added to the list. Department i Equipment Fire Engine 3 1986 Pirsch Hahn Fire Engine Ladder 1 1991 E-One 110' aerial DPW 1996 Chevrolet Dump Truck Three (3) 1997 Ford Pick-up Trucks 1993 Ford Sedan 1994 Caterpillar Loader 928F 1988 International Bucket Truck 1995 Holder Sidewalk Plow 1995 SKAG Lawnmower Police Two (2) Police Cruisers, two (2) Motorcycles • Fire - Engine 3 will become surplus on March 18, 2008 when we place the new engine in service. We traded a 1979 Mack when we purchased our new engine. We then received a 1986 Mack fire engine from Wakefield. Our current ladder truck will be surplus in October or November of this year when we take delivery of our new ladder truck. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 7 • DPW - Various vehicles to be traded or auctioned. • Police - The Town will be trading in two Police vehicles for replacement. Finance Committee Report: Action pending. The full list of equipment to be disposed of was not available at the time the Finance Committee voted on the Warrant but is now included above. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 10 To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate to establish revolving funds under Chapter 44, Section 53E'/2 for any or all of the following purposes: ♦ Using the receipts generated through the sale of compost and recycling bins to purchase additional compost and/or recycling bins, said expenditures to be administered by the Public Works Director; ♦ Administering the consultant fee provision of the Reading General Bylaws Section 5.7, Wetlands Protection, said expenditures to be administered by the Conservation Commission; ♦ Using all or part of the receipts generated from the issuance of Building, Plumbing or Gas, and Wiring and other permits for the Archstone Development, the Johnson Woods Development, and/or the Addison-Wesley/Pearson development to pay the costs of legal expenses, oversight and inspection, plan review, initial property value appraisal and appeals, and general management of the Community Services operations related to that development; and to pay for curb, sidewalk, and pedestrian improvements, and to pay for related expenditures, said expenditures to be administered by the Town Manager; Operating public health clinics and any related expenses which fund shall be credited with receipts from clinic fees and third party reimbursement administered under the authority of the Health Services Administrator acting with the approval of the Town Manager; and to determine the total amount of expenditures during Fiscal Year 2009 which may be made from each such fund, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Backqround: • Compost Bin Revolvina Fund - There is an available balance of $1,349.12 as of February 28, 2008 in this revolving fund for home composting bins. This fund was set up to use State grants to purchase compost bins, and resell them to residents at a reduced price. The amount available is sufficient to purchase 27 bins. Since 1994, the Town has sold 708 bins and we have 0 in stock now. Annual re- authorization of this revolving fund is required under the grant, and will allow the Town to continue this worthwhile program. The use of the bins results in fewer vehicle trips to the compost area thereby reducing congestion and the use of fuel. These bins provide an alternative for residents to compost their own materials on site. • Conservation Consulting Revolvinq Fund - There was no activity in the Conservation Consulting Revolving Fund during Fiscal Year 2008. The balance remains at zero. The Conservation Commission voted unanimously to support 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 8 0' Article 10 of the Warrant, re-authorizing the revolving fund in the amount of $25,000. Inspections Revolvina Fund - Beginning in 2004, Town Meeting approved the inspections revolving funds as a way to deposit building and other permit fees, and to use them directly purposes of. plan review, inspections, legal expenses, initial property value appraisal and appeals, and general management of the Community Services operations related to three developments, as well as for the construction of curbs, sidewalks and pedestrian safety improvements. The balances available as of March 31, 2008 in these funds are $292,107. The balance does not reflect current fiscal years expenditures that are committed for the Inspector and Staff Planner salaries. The total expenses to be authorized during FY 2009 is expected to be up to $200,000. Health Clinic Revolvina Fund - The Reading Health Division contracts for third party payments for a number of immunizations. The funds are used to augment the influenza vaccine supply from the State Department of Public Health to insure vaccine for the homebound clients and first responders. The Reading Health Division also uses these funds for meningitis prevention vaccine for adolescents, and materials for cholesterol, glucose and tuberculosis screening clinics. Clinic client fees are also deposited into this fund to offset vaccine and clinical supply costs. The necessary amounts used for clinic vaccine, supplies and staff salaries related to the clinics each year directly from the revolving fund is approximately $25,000. Finance Committee Report: The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 8-0-0. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote to determine how much money the Town will appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 2009 beginning July 1, 2008, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee Background: Please see the Yellow pages in the Appendix of this report for the FY 2009 Budget. Finance Committee Report: See the votes in the yellow section of this report. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way the following described private way under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such ways under the provision of law authorizing the 1 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 9 57 1 assessment of betterments, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said lands in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess betterments therefore, the plans and descriptions for such way being filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said ways, or take any other action with respect thereto. • Timothy Place • Nugent Lane Board of Selectmen Backaround: This Article will be indefinitely postponed. The developer in each case has not completed the final as-built drawings of the subdivision and, therefore, no action can be taken under this Article at this time. Finance Committee Report: No report. Bviaw Committee Report: No report. ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to approve a home rule petition to the General Court which would permit the Board of Selectmen to allow some or all restaurants holding an All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor License to have less than 100 seats subject to rules and regulations established by the Board of Selectmen, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen Backaround: The options for restaurants in Reading for liquor licenses are: • Restaurants with 100 or more seats are eligible only for an "all alcoholic" license. By statute, there are a total of 24 such licenses available, and 13 licenses (including four clubs) are currently issued. • Restaurants with fewer than 100 seats are eligible only for a "wine and malt" liquor license, and cordials are not part of that license. By statute, there are 5 such licenses available, and 2 licenses have been issued. The 2008 Annual Town Meeting Warrant contains an Article to petition the General Court to allow the Board of Selectmen to issue "all alcoholic" licenses to restaurants with fewer than 100 seats. The Board of Selectmen supports this change in order to give the Town more flexibility in encouraging economic development in the Downtown area of Reading. Because of the pattern of development in Reading, there are a limited number of sites where a 100 seat restaurant could be accommodated, and some specialty restaurants would appropriately have an "all alcoholic" license even if they have fewer than 100 seats. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 10 The proposed change would not increase the total number of liquor licenses in Reading - it would merely give the Board of Selectmen, under their rules and regulations, the ability to issue "all alcoholic" licenses to some smaller restaurants. In considering this issue, the Board of Selectmen has collected considerable data and input, and the following is a summary of that information and input. • Data on number of licenses of different classes are available under State statute and regulation, and how many are issued - ❑ "All Alcoholic" restaurant licenses - Nine restaurants and four clubs - total of 13 issued. A total of 24 are permitted; ❑ "Beer and Wine" restaurant licenses - Two are issued, and a total of five are permitted. • Data on what other neighboring communities, and communities with successful downtowns do with respect to this issue. We secured information on 17 communities, including the communities that immediately abut Reading. ❑ Of the 17 communities, only five - Belmont, Melrose, Wilmington, Winchester and Woburn - have the same 100 seat restriction for "all alcoholic" restaurant licenses. ❑ One other community - Arlington - has a 99 seat minimum requirement, and Stoneham has a 50 seat minimum requirement. ❑ All other communities in the sample have no minimum seat requirement for an "all alcoholic" restaurant liquor license. • Input from existing community organizations: ❑ Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) - On January 31, 2008, the RCASA Board discussed this issue and has no problems with it as proposed. ❑ Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce - The Chamber of Commerce Board met and had no problems with the proposal, and solicited input from its members. Member input was unanimous in recommending the change. ❑ Economic Development Committee - The Town of Reading Economic Development Committee unanimously recommended the change as proposed. ❑ General public hearing - Notice in the newspapers, RCTV, and mailed to Town Meeting Members on March 11, 2008. There were no objections to the proposal. The proposed motion under this Article would eliminate the 100 seat requirement for "all alcoholic" restaurant liquor licenses, and would rely on the Board of Selectmen as licensing authority to establish regulations as to the minimum number of seats and other requirements. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 11 Procedurally, if this Article is approved by Town Meeting, then a Home Rule bill would be filed in the legislature and, if passed, then this matter would appear on the ballot at the next Town Election in April 2009. The following is the proposed motion under this Article: Move that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to file Home Rule Legislation that would place on a ballot at a subsequent election a question as to whether the Board of Selectmen would be authorized to issue licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, to be drunk on the premises, to restaurants that have a seating capacity for less than one hundred persons, subject to rules and regulations to be established by the Board of Selectmen, provided that the Legislature may reasonably vary the form and substance of the requested legislation within the scope of the general public objectives of this petition. HOME RULE LEGISLATION/SEAT RESTRICTION ALL ALCOHOL RESTAURANT LICENSE "An Act Reducing the Minimum Seating Capacity of Certain Restaurants in the Town of Reading. Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Chapter of The Acts of , An Act Relative to the Granting of Licenses Restaurants in the Town of Reading, or any other special act or general law to the contrary, the Selectmen of the Town of Reading shall cause to be placed on the official ballot used in the Town of Reading by the registered voters thereof at the Annual Town Election to be held in the year 2009 the following question: Shall the Board of Selectmen be granted the authority to issue licenses for the sale of all alcohol beverages to be consumed on the premises to restaurants with a seating capacity of less than one hundred persons? Yes No Section 2. The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading is hereby authorized to and shall include a summary of the aforesaid question to be printed on the ballot along with the question as stated in section one and to print said summary. If a majority of the votes cast in said Town in answer to said question is in the affirmative, said Town shall be taken to have authorized the sale in said Town of all alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises for restaurants having a seating capacity of less than one hundred persons. Said licenses shall be subject, however, to all the other provisions of said Chapter 138. Section 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage." Finance Committee Report: No report. Bviaw Committee Report: The Bylaw Committee recommends this Article by a vote of 3-0. The Bylaw Committee fully recommends the approval of Article 13 with the view that it will enhance economic development in the Town. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 12 ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election, or for failure to attend one half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto: Precinct 1 Steven L. Perry Precinct 2 Robert L. Green Lizabeth Ann Malinski Christopher A. Powers Karen Lynn Powers Donald C. Stroeble Precinct 4 John B. Latham Precinct 5 Patrick M. Fennelly Thomas Joseph Quintal Precinct 6 Diane N. Slezak Precinct 7 John E. Carpenter Michael F. Lyons Michael Carmen Merullo Precinct 8 Andrew Patrick Murphy Robert L. Spadafora, Jr. Board of Selectmen Background: The Reading Home Rule Charter provides for the removal by Town Meeting of Town Meeting Members who did not attend at least half of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year. There are 15 members who meet those criteria, as listed above. At the time of this report, Rob Spadafora from Precinct 8 has submitted his resignation, and therefore no action is required on his removal. The remaining Town Meeting Members from Precincts 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 will, be asked to meet in a caucus before this Article is taken up, and to evaluate the particular circumstances of each of these situations. The affected precincts will then make a recommendation to Town Meeting as to whether the member should be removed. Finance Committee Report: No report. Bvlaw Committee Report: No report. 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 13 s-> and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to February 5, 2008, the date set for the Election in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or providing in a manner such as electronic submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this 2nd day of January, 2008. James E. Bonazoli, Chairman Stephen A. Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille W. Anthony Richard W. Schubert SELECTMEN OF READING Thomas H. Freeman, Constable 2008 Annual Town Meeting report 14 S~ ~ Nowoell COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS W OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR e State House, Room 360, Boston MA 02133 (617) 727-3600 FAX (617) 727-5291 ~ Wp W C~O,M®ye y\ N DEVAL L. PATRICK GOVERNOR 'T7 TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR i W 3 April 1, 2008 w -o Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear'Mr. Hechenbleikner: Ve are pleased to inform you'd at fhe h'apter 901dcal "transportation aid funding for Fiscal` Year 2009 will `be`$150 rmillion. Our administration is presently working collaboratively with Speaker Salvatore DiMasi, Senate President Therese Murray and every other member of The General Court to finalize the provisions of the Transportation Bond Bill in order to get this critical local aid into cities and towns for this construction season. We understand that Chapter 90 funds are an important tool for cities and towns. These funds help to create 'the conditions to stimulate economic growth in the short'term and in the long run. In the short term, they help to create construction jobs throughout the Commonwealth. In the long run, infrastructure improvements allow for greater mobility that enhances economic growth, public safety on our roads, and quality of life for residents throughout Massachusetts. While the Transportation Bond Bill has not.yet passed; `we are all confident that this level-of local aid will,enable each, municipality to focus its efforts on its most important local transportation projects. This letter certifies that upon passage of the bond bill, the Town of Reading's Chapter 90 apportionment for Fiscal 2009 is $445,122. l Once the Transportation Bond Bill is signed into law, the FY2009 Chapter 90 Governor's apportionment letter will be available on the Executive Office of Transportation website (http://www.eot.state.ma.us) as well as in the local MassHighway district offices throughout the state. The executed Chapter 90 10-year contracts are already posted on the webpage and serve as the legal binding agreement for this new FY2009 Chapter 90 apportionment. There will be no other contract needed for this allotment. We look forward to working closely with your community to ensure the continuing success of the Chapter 90 program in the years to come. Governor Please feel free to contact Catherine Paquette at (617) 973-7564 with any questions you rray have regarding the Chapter 90 program. Sincerely, Lieutenant Governor Chapter 90 on behalf of Brad Jones Hechenblefter, Peter From: Martel, Justin (HOU) [Justin. Martel@ state. ma. us] Sent: Wednesday, April 02, 2008 4:51 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Chapter 90 on behalf of Brad Jones Dear Pete, Page 1 of 1 q,y-o s &c,5 1 N O'y ~.r 4~ Earlier today a $3.5 billion transportation bond bill was passed in the House without amendments. Most bond bills are heavily amended by the Legislature to guarantee the advancement of certain projects valued by constituents. However, this bill was expedited in order to protect essential federal funding. The Senate is expected to pass the bill in the very near future, but there have been rumors circulating that they will amend the bill. The nature of the changes made in the Senate could greatly affect the timeframe it would take for this bill to reach the Governor's desk. Yet, the threatened loss of federal funding will likely provide the necessary impetus for agreement. As you lz iow, there is a long list of roadway improvements locally and throughout the state that have been prevented from moving forward due to a lack of funding. You will be pleased to know that the bond bill allows for a $150 million Chapter 90 program for the purpose of local road improvements and public works for Fiscal Year 2009. The bond bill apportions $445,122 for Reading's share of this money. I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any questions on this matter please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Sincerely, Brad Jones C 4/3/2008 5e) Hearing - Keeno to Go - Pursuant to the Selectmen's direction, we've advertised and given notice to the 20 licensed lottery agents in Reading about the hearing at 9:00 p.m. We have heard nothing to date from any of the licensed agents. 5f) Review Annual Town Meeting Warrant - Enclosed is the Warrant Report which we will send to the printers on the 9ch and make available to Town Meeting Members beginning at the end of the day on Friday, April 11, 2008. 5g) Bob LeLacheur has worked to refinance School debt. This is a fairly complex transaction / that Bob will explain to you on Tuesday night. Attached is a copy of the press release with regard to this item. We will also have a motion for the Board of Selectmen for action. on Tuesday night. PIH/ps EAPD Draft 2/18/08 1, the Clerk of the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts, certify that at a meeting of the board held , 2008, of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a quorum was present, the following vote was unanimously passed, which appears upon the official record of the board in my custody: Voted: that under and pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 21A, of the General Laws, and any other enabling authority, there is hereby authorized the issuance and sale of Refunding Bonds (the "Bonds") of the Town for the purpose of (i) refunding all or any portion of the outstanding principal amount of any bonds of the Town issued and presently outstanding (the "Refunded Bonds"), (ii) paying costs of issuance of the Bonds, (iii) paying any redemption premium associated with the redemption of any of the Refunded Bonds, and (iv) paying any or all of the interest due on the Refunded Bonds. 1 further certify that the vote was taken at a meeting open to the public, that no vote was taken by secret ballot, that notice stating the place, date and time of the meeting was filed with the Town Clerk and a copy thereof posted in the office of the Town Clerk or on the principal official bulletin board of the town at least 48 hours, including Saturdays but not Sundays and legal holidays, prior to the time of the meeting and remained so posted at the time of the meeting, that no deliberations or decision in connection with the authorization or sale of the bonds were taken in executive session, and that the official record of the meeting was made available to the public promptly and remains available to the public, all in accordance with G.L. c.39, s.23B as amended. Dated: , 2008 Clerk of the Board of Selectmen B05111 12249372.1 -5 & oeRegoy Press Release a~ April 7, 2008 ~O,6J5r/NCORP~W~ Financial Update - Town of Reading In a complex transaction arranged over the past few months, last week the Town reached separate agreements with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and Bank of America (BoA) that will provide substantial savings to the Town on debt service costs. The MSBA has agreed to pay the Town a one-time payment in excess of $7 million in exchange for having no further repayment liability on three school projects (Parker, Joshua Eaton and Birch Meadow). In a negotiated private placement, BoA has loaned the Town $2.45 million at a net interest cost of 3.05%. Taken together, the MSBA and BoA funds will be sufficient to retire old high-interest debt on these three school projects. BoA has also loaned the Town $2.085 million for the Birch Meadow Tennis Courts ($485,000); a new ladder truck ($800,000); and work on the Water Treatment Plant demolition and Chlorination projects ($800,000), also at a net interest cost of 3.05%. In FY09, total debt service for the Town will be reduced by $1.08 million, while expected payments from the MSBA will decline by over $930,000. Therefore the Town will save $150,000 in net debt service for the year - an amount that by FINCOM policy will be used for additional capital projects next year. 5-6=.-3- M1 1 THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Number: 2008-2 Fee: $50.00 TOWN OF READING This is to certify that the ROTARY CLUB OF READING, READING, MASS. THE ABOVE NAMED SERVICE CLUB IS HEREBY GRANTED A SPECIAL ONE-DAY LICENSE FOR THE SALE OF ALL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES TO BE SERVED ON THE PREMISES AT A CHARITY AUCTION AT AUSTIN PREP SCHOOL, 101 WILLOW STREET, READING, MASS. ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 6:00 P.M. TO 10:00 P.M. Under Chapter 138, Section 14, of the Liquor Control Act. Holders of one day licenses shall provide a bartender and/or servers who are trained and authorized to make decisions regarding continued service of alcoholic beverages to attendees. There shall be no self service of any alcoholic beverage at any event approved as a one day license. This permission is granted in conformity with the Statutes and Ordinances relating there" a d expire 10.T0 p.m., April 12, 2008, ,speod or revoked. ~I. - ~v t . ] 7 GREGORY W. SULLIVAN INSPECTOR GENERAL Peter 1. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 rmffirt of ttjc 3115pectot onlerilt JOHN W. WCORMACK STATE OFFICE BUILDING ONE ASHBURTON PLACE ROOM 1311 BOSTON, MA 02106 TEL: (617) 727-9140 FAX: (617) 723-2334 March 28th, 2008 , «x w c~ Document Request No: Reading-03-08 Dear Town Manager, Peter I. Hechenbleikner; I am writing to request your cooperation, pursuant to M.G.L. c.12A, §9, in providing this Office with certain information in the possession, custody, or control of the Town of Reading. Specifically, I am requesting information regarding housing developments built in Reading under the provisions of M.G.L. c.4013. I have attached two spreadsheets. The first is labeled Chapter 40B Review and the second is labeled Chapter 40B Blank. The first, Chapter 40B Review,, contains information this office has received from MassHousing, Mass Housing Partnership, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and MassDevelopment. To our knowledge, the information these agencies have submitted is representative of all Chapter 40B housing projects in Reading which have received site eligibility letters since 1997. Chapter 40B Blank is included to provide extra space to record correction and additions to the information provided. Please complete the following items to comply with our request: 1) Review the information contained in the spreadsheet Chapter 40B Review. 2) Correct any inaccuracies contained in Chapter 40B Review. 3) Fill in the spaces where no information exists. 4) Identify Chapter 40B related projects missing from the Chapter 40B Review 8°' Peter I. Hechenbleikner 3/28/08 Page 2 of 4 spreadsheet and enter that information in the Chapter 40B Blank spreadsheet. 5) Provide a contact person to field questions, by including their name, title, and phone number in the corresponding fields of the Chapter 40B Blank. Further Instruction and Clarification To make corrections to Chapter 40B Review, cross out the inaccurate or outdated information and rewrite the correct information in the same cell. If you find there is not enough space provided cross out the entire row and copy your corrections along with the Source/ID# onto the spreadsheet, Chapter 40B Blank. You do not need to copy over any information that is correct. To add information for projects that are missing from Chapter 40B Review, enter all the information into the spreadsheet Chapter 40B Blank. The following is an explanation of column headings for the included spreadsheets: Source/ID Number: Identifies the source for a specific project's details. If you add a new project, add it to the spreadsheet Chapter 40B Blank and write your town name in the field. If you are entering corrections in Chapter 40B Blank because space was insufficient in Chapter 408 Review, then copy the Source/ID# for the corresponding row in Chapter 40B Review onto Chapter 40B Blank. Development: The name or proposed name of the Chapter 40B related development. Developer Company: The name of the company or organization that is developing the Chapter 40B development. City/Town: The name of the municipality with jurisdiction over the Chapter 40B development. Total Units: Total number of units currently proposed or built in a Chapter 40B related development. Affordable Units: Number of units offered at below market rates. Subsidizing Agency: The fund or agency that is subsidizing the Chapter 40B related development. Project Type: Clarify the project type. For homeownership enter "Own," if the units are slated for renters write, "Rent," if the units are for seniors write, "Rent +55" or "Own+55" Site Approval: Please record the date, in MM/DD/YYYY format, in which the bank, a Peter I. Hechenbleikner 3/28/08 Page 3 of 4 subsidizing agency, or project administrator issued a site eligibility letter. Cost Certification/Date Received: at the completion of a 40B project developers are required to submit 'a certified cost and income statement to the project's cost monitoring agent demonstrating that they abided by the conditions set in the regulatory agreement. Enter the date the certified cost and income statement was received in MM/DD/YYYY format. If a project has not been completed please list "N/A" for this field. If a project has been completed for more than six months and the cost certification is still outstanding please enter "Missing" for this field. Project Administrator: A project. administrator is a role outlined by DHCD regulations. Project administrators are tasked with guiding and facilitating 40B projects that are developed in conjunction with non-governmental entities. This role was created in 2003 and is not applicable to projects whose site eligibility letters were granted before that time. If this is the case enter, "N/A". Project Status: Use a sentence or phrase to describe the current status of the Chapter 40B related project. For example: "complete", "under construction", "comprehensive permit denied". Cost Monitoring Agent: Identify who is responsible for reviewing the developers cost certification. It can be a number of different organizations including, but not limited to, Citizens Housing and Planning Association, the municipality, MassHousing, Mass Development, and Mass Housing Partnership. This information can be found in the cost monitoring agreement. Project Completion Date: Enter the date construction was completed or the, date the occupancy permit was issued in MM/DD/YYYY format. Construction Status: Describe the construction status of the Chapter 40B related project. Enter "Complete", "On-going," or "Not Begun". Unit Sales: Are unit sales or 'pre-sales of a Chapter 40B related development complete? If they have not been sold enter "no", if all units have been sold enter "yes". Comprehensive Permit Issued: Indicate whether a comprehensive permit was issued by the Zoning Board of Appeals. Answer "yes," or "no". Regulatory Agreement: Indicate whether a regulatory agreement was executed. Answer "yes" or "no". IP`71 Peter I. Hechenbleikner 3/28/08 Page 4 of 4 Please provide the requested information on or before 5:00 PM on Friday, April 11 th 2008 by returning the spreadsheets Chapter 40B Review and Chapter 40B Blanks. If you have questions about this request, please feel free to contact Paul Chong at 617- 722-8871. Sincerely, Gregory W. Sullivan Inspector General cc: James F. Bonazili, Chair; Board of Selectman L ~C~C~ March 26, 2008. 'OWN OF READING 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 Phone: 781-942-6612 Fax: 781-942-9071 Email: ckowalski&i.reading.ma.us COMMUNITY PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION TO: BOARD OF SELECTMAN RE: CPDC PLANNING INITIATIVES FOR 2008 The CPDC has had several hearings and plaipling meetings thus far in 2008. From these meetings we have developed our two planning initiative for 2008 in accordance with the Master Plan and from town staff feedback. 1. Downtown 40R Design Standards Develop the required Design Standards for the Downtown 40R Overlay District in conjunction with the zoning being developed by the Town's consultant, Housing Partners Inc (HPI). The design standards will: • Describe development goals within the District consistent with the design objectives within the Town's Master Plan and the Housing Plan. • Establish standards which promote context-sensitive design and creative site planning. • Encourage sustainable design practices. The design standards encompass eight aspects: i. General Design Principals ii. Siting iii. Street Types iv. Building Location v. Building Proportion vi. Parking vii. Landscaping viii. Signage & Lighting The CPDC has been regularly meeting (hearings and planning meetings) to work through a draft of the Design Standards and we will meet with HPI to review our work in conjunction and coordination with theirs. 2. South Main Street Design Standards In an effort to improve the visual appearance and to promote responsible (re)development of the South Main Street area (from Stoneham town line to Washington Street), the CPDC will develop Design Standards to promote: • Appropriate and proportional streetscapes and frontage to restore and improve Town character and gateway, • Updated and innovative approaches to site planning and (re)development, and L i • Promote responsible sustainable design practices. The CPDC anticipates utilizing and modifying the Downtown 40R Design Standards as a baseline in developing the South Main Street Standards. In addition to these two specific initiatives, the CPDC will continue to support the ZBA and Town Counsel in developing modification proposals to the current Zoning Bylaws to address shortcomings as they arise. If you have any questions, the CPDC welcomes your feedback and encourage you to attend any of the upcoming CPDC hearings or planning meetings. Additionally, please feel free to contact the CPDC if you have any questions or comments. Sincerely, COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION Brant Ballantyne, Chairperson David Tuttle, Secretary John Sasso Nicholas Safina John Weston BR CKE T'T & LUCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STREET GARY S. BRACKETT WORCESTER, MA 01609 OF COUNSEL JUDITH A. PICKETT 508-799-9739 ELAINE M. LUCAS JAMES T. MASTERALEXIS FAX 508-799-9799 STEVEN C. FLETCHER* WINCHFSTER OFFICE ELLEN CALLAHAN DOUCETTE 165 WASIUNGTON STREET HEATHER W. KINGSBURY WINCHESTER, MA 01890 JASON D. GROSSFIELD 781-729-1500 M. YVONNE GONZALEZ FAX 781-729-5444 *Also Admitted in ME and CO N M E M O R A N D U M xa- TO: Municipal Clients iV V FROM: Gary S. Brackett, Esquire ~I C~ DATE: March 26, 2008 ld7 CC: Heather W. Kingsbury, Esquire RE: Client Advisory - Reducing Density of Proposed 40B Projects Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals v. Archstone Communities Trust and Housing Appeals Committee This memorandum is submitted as an advisory to our clients to update you on the status of an important case we are handling which is pending before the Supreme Judicial Court on direct appellate review. The case is Woburn Board of Appeals v. Housing Appeals Committee, Docket No. SJC-10014, and this office represents the Woburn Zoning Board of Appeals ("Board"). This case presents a novel issue that has not been addressed by any appellate court in Massachusetts to date, regarding the standards of review of a zoning board of appeals' decision approving a comprehensive permit with conditions, including a reduction in the proposed density of the project. The applicant in this case originally presented a proposal to construct 640 units of housing on a 75 acre parcel. The Board determined that the project was too large for the site and approved the project at 300 units and included requirements for certain mitigation relating to infrastructure and traffic issues. On appeal, the Housing Appeals Committee ("HAC") concluded that the developer had failed to meet its burden under the statute that the project was rendered uneconomic as a result of the limitation of units and the conditions. However, rather than affirming the Board's decision, the HAC then proceeded to review the conditions in the decision, including the density, and decided to require that the Board approve the project at 420 units. Both parties appealed to the Superior Court. The Superior Court affirmed the finding that $61, . the applicant had failed to meet its burden before the HAC to prove that the project was uneconomic at 300 units but held that the Board's decision constituted a "de facto", or constructive, denial. The Superior Court also concluded that, on the developer's appeal, the HAC determination of the 420 unit density was unsupported by substantial evidence. The matter was remanded to the HAC to present a number which was supported by the record of the hearing. Despite the Board's objection, the HAC allowed the applicant to present two new proposals, each of which contained 540 units, during the remand proceedings, and eventually approved the project at 540 units, without specifying which of the two proposals had been approved. The Superior Court affirmed the HAC decision after remand and the Board appealed. We requested, and were granted, direct appellate review by the Supreme Judicial Court. The issue before the Supreme Judicial Court is whether the HAC, on appeal from a zoning board's decision approving a comprehensive permit with conditions reducing density, or the Superior Court, on appeal from a decision of the HAC, has the authority to convert an approval with conditions to a "de facto", or constructive, denial. The initial determination by the HAC as to whether a decision constitutes an approval with conditions or a denial affects, in a major way, the parties' burdens on appeal before the HAC. When a project has been approved with conditions that render the project uneconomic, the developer may appeal the board's decision to the HAC. The developer bears the burden of demonstrating that the conditions render the project uneconomic and, if so, the board must then prove that the conditions are consistent with local needs. By contrast, on appeal from an outright denial of a project, or a so-called "de facto", or constructive, denial, the board bears the initial burden of proving that the denial is consistent with local needs. We presented oral argument to the full Supreme Judicial Court on February 4, 2008. The Court is expected to render a decision this summer. We will advise you as to the outcome of this important case and its impact upon future decisions of a board of appeals on comprehensive permit applications. Gv L f (73:S Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 HISTORICAL COMMISSION (781) 942-6661 historical@ci.reading.ma.us March 27,2007 TO: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager. George Zambouras, Town Engineer Carol Kowalski, Town Planner Scott Karpinski, J. Marchese & Sons, hic. FROM: The Reading Historical Commission RE: Historic Obi ects and Town Common As the downtown street reconstruction commences, the Historical Colu nission is very interested to learn of any historic or archeological objects that may be unearthed during pavement excavation. An old cistern is known to have been built on Lowell St. near the southern point of the Common and we believe a town well was located near the juncture of Ash, Main and Haven Streets. We would not expect the discovery of these items to be of such significance as to interfere with the construction, but do ask for the opportunity to photograph them before their destruction if they are located. We suggest that the Town Planner be alerted to any such discovery so that she may, in turn, contact the Commission. In addition, we would urge the Town to save unearthed cobblestones (particularly on Haven St.) for stockpiling, so they may perhaps be used in the future as a decorative element as the downtown is transformed and revitalized. Finally, we wish to remind everyone involved that several conditions to protect the Common were included in the 100% design discussion in 2005. Specifically, the commission required "that during the construction phase, all storage, stockpiling, parking and related operations shall be restricted from the Common lands and that all efforts shall be made to minimize the impact to the Common." Currently, materials are being stored on portions of the Common and we bring it to your attention so that this practice will not become an ongoing problem. Thank you for your attention and sensitivity to the historic value of the downtown. g CSC f~vS Commonwealth ofMassachusetts Department of the. State Treasurer Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ' 239 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02114 Telephone: (617) 727-3040 Timothy P. Cahill Far: (617) 727-1258 Eddie J. Jenkins Treasurer and Receiver General chairman na _8 MEMO TO: Local Licensing Authority a FROM: Ralph .Sacramone, Executive Director co DATE: March 27, 2008 Ln V RE: Guidelines for Extension of Premises to Patio and Outdoor Areas Please refer to the enclosed document for the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Guidelines for Extension of Premises to Patio and Outdoor Areas for they have been updated. We thank you for your cooperation in your attention to this matter. if you have any further questions feel free to call me at 617-727-3040 Ext. 31 _ Sincerely, Ralph Sacramone Executive Director C Commonwealth of .Massachusetts v Department of the State Treasurer Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission ° 239 Causeway Street Boston; MA 02114 Telephone: (617) 727-3040 Timothy P. Cahiit Fax. (617) 727-1258 treasurer and Receiver General GUIDELINES FOR EXTENSION OF PREMISES TO PATIO AND OUTDOOR AREAS Eddie J. Jenkins Chairman 1. Alcoholic beverages cannot be served outside a licensed establishment unless and until an application to extend the licensed premises has been approved. 2. An application to extend the premises must. describe the area in detail: dimensions, number of tables and chairs, occupancy figures for inside area.and outside area, bars, if any, etc. 3. It is essential that the licensee have control of the area in order to preclude service to underage persons, to intoxicated persons, etc. The premises must be.enclosed by a fence, rope or other means to prevent patrons or members of the public from wandering in and out. 4. The outdoor area must be contiguous to the licensed premises and the licensee should have a view of the outside premises from inside. Egress from the inside to the outside must be clearly established. This will assure safe, uninterrupted service of alcoholic beverages. 5. The outdoor area must have adequate exits in case of emergency. 6. The licensing authorities should consider the type of neighborhood and the potential for noise in the environs. 7. Preferred are outdoor areas where alcohol is served to patrons who are seated at tables and where food is also available. March 26, 2008 RS/jf let? L lC~J NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY 2a8 NEAR 21 Ali 10: 47 REMEDY OPERATION STATUS REPORT #6 FORMER AGFA CORPORATION FACILITY 80 INDUSTRIAL WAY WILMINGTON, MA Release Tracking Number: 3-17097 Permit Number: W023879 Agfa Corporation (Agfa) has made available to the public a copy of the most recent Remedy Operation Status Report for the above referenced Site. A copy of the Remedy Operation Status Report #6 is available at the Public Repositories set up for this site (Reading Public Library and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection). An electronic copy is also available at the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. Reading Public Library 175 Middlesex Avenue (Note corrected street address) Reading, MA (781) 944-0840 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection 205B Lowell Street Wilmington, MA (978) 694-3200 Any questions regarding the Site or the report should be directed to: Chris Santomassimo Agfa Corporation 100 Challenger Road Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660 (201) 373-4008 christo-pher.santomassimo@avfa.com ~ ~1 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ~J ONE WINTER STREET, BOSTON, MA 02108 617-292-5500 s DEVAL L. PATRICK IAN A. BOWLES Governor 8 Secretary 00 TIMOTHY P. MURRAY PK URIE BURT Lieutenant Governor ~ ommissioner N NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY' MassDEP WASTE SITE CLEANUP TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANTS The MassDEP is pleased to announce the return of the Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program for hazardous waste disposal sites. Grants of up to $10,000 will be competitively awarded to selected communities and citizen groups to provide expert advice and public education about hazardous waste site cleanup activities. As authorized by MGL c. 21 E, and as established by the Massachusetts Contingency Plan ("MCP", 310 CMR 40.1450, et. secs), TAGS; are intended to: ® provide access to expert advice and technical assistance about disposal sites, ® encourage more effective participation in response actions by promoting access to and use of information, and allow community concerns related to the disposal site to be addressed. Eliaible Applicants are: ® groups of individuals who may be affected by oil and/or hazardous material from a disposal site, ® a city or town which may be affected by oil and/or hazardous material from a disposal site, and ® a district or other political body that owns or operates a public water supply system that may be affected by oil and/or hazardous materials from a disposal site. Eliaible Disposal Sites are sites that have been classified as Tier 1A, 1 B, 1 C or Tier II as well as those sites deemed Adequately Regulated pursuant to the MCP. Application Process: On-line grant applications will be available March 18, 2008 on MassDEP's web site located at: httr)://www.mass.oov/dep/cleanup To be considered for funding in this funding round, a full application, which describes the group, the site and the project, must be submitted on-line to MassDEP no later than May 2, 2008. If you have any questions please contact Patti Mullan at 617- 556-1018 or e-mail to: Datti.mullan()state.ma.us v This information is available in alternate format. Call Donald M, Gomes, ADA Coordinator at 617-556-1057. TDD# 1-866-539-7622 or 1-617-574-6868. Mass DEP on the World Wide Web: http://www.mass.gov/dep 0 Printed on Recycled Paper J