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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-07-10 Board of Selectmen PacketPreliminary TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Friday, July 06, 2007 • Franklin Street sidewalks are under construction. • The following road construction projects are mostly complete: Wells Rd., Locust St. Wentworth Rd. • In addition, Hampshire Rd., and Lawrence Rd. will be under construction in a couple of weeks, • West Street curb and sidewalks are done. • The Human Relations Advisory Committee had a discussion at its Thursday, June 14 meeting on the "No Place for Hate" program and its potential applicability to Reading. The attendance was good, and the HRQAC had asked fro additional information. They will be evaluating this program at a future meeting. • The Fourth Annual Reading Friends and Family Day on Saturday, June 30, 2007, was a great success. A summary of comments from the RCASA booth is included in your packet. The Board of Selectmen had a great deal of interest, particularly in the Downtown project. • Tennis Court grant - the Board of Selectmen input is requested on whether we should seek a regional grant, which then does not allow the Town to differentiate between Reading residents and out-of-town users of the facility. • The next street sign lottery will be held on July 31. Details are in the packet. • A copy of Town Counsel's letter on the Memorial Park "Service of Summons and Citation" is included in your packet. This is the last part of the process of clarifying the permitted uses of this park. • We have received the LIP application for the project next to 75 Pleasant Street by the Reading Housing Authority. • The first meeting of the ad hoc Birch Meadow area Planning Committee is next Thursday. • Next Thursday we are expecting the vote by the water Resources Commission on Reading's application to fully join the MWRA for its water supply. After that, the only requirements are a vote from the MWRA Advisory Board in September, and the MWRA Board in October. • RE the recently passed State budget, we got $2423 less in Charter school tuition reimbursement and $1871 more in Public Library aid than the Senate Ways & Means version had, for a total change of $552 less in total. • We have a request from the Office of the Governor that the flags be flown at half-staff on Thursday, July 5, 2007 in honor of Staff Sgt. Daniel A. Newsome of Chicopee, MA who was killed in action in Iraq on June 27, 2007. • The surveyors and survey marks around downtown are representatives from the State getting ready to do the Downtown Improvement Project construction. When we know more about the construction schedule we'll let you know. ~c~ July Street Sign Lottery Reading's next street sign lottery drawing will be held on July 31, 2007. You could win the opportunity to purchase (for $25) a wooden street sign from the following list of available signs. Interested citizens may submit their name, address, telephone number and street sign name to the Department of Public Works by mail to: DPW, Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867, email to: publicworks@ci.reading.Tna.us or visit the DPW Office at the Town Hall Mon- Fri, 8:30 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Entries are limited to one per household and will be accepted only for the following street signs. Questions? Please call 781-942-9077. STREET SIGN LOTTERY RULES: One name will be drawn for the opportunity to purchase each available sign for twenty-five dollars. First priority for each drawing will be given to residents currently residing on that particular street. For example, if five Pearl St. residents enter the drawing for the old Pearl St. sign, only those five names will be entered into the drawing. If no drawing entries are received from Pearl St. residents, the drawing for the Pearl St. sign will be open to all. Drawing entries are limited to one name per household. All drawing entries must be received before 5:00 PM on July 30, 2007. All street signs must be paid for and claimed within 15 days following the date of the drawing. Any street signs remaining unclaimed after 15 days will be awarded to the next eligible person. All signs are offered in "as-is" condition and shall not be displayed within 20 feet of a public way. The following street signs are available for the July 31, 2007 drawing: Appleton Ln (2) Cedar St Colonial Dr Countryside Ln Covey Hill Rd Cross St Curtis St Echo Ave Fairmount Rd Kieran Rd King St Lee St Lisa Ln Maple Ridge Rd Middlesex Ave Oak Ridge Rd Stone Well Rd Sylvan Rd Thorndike St Verde Cir Numbers in parentheses indicate that multiple quantities of this street sign are available. /c2~ c .SUS Summary of Comments RCASA Survey - Friends and Family Day June 30, 2007 ONE THING I LIKE ABOUT READING IS...., • The kindness and generosity of the community • Very nice people Volunteers rock • To be on sports teams, you have to have good grades It's a very safe community • It has a great town manager Lots of nice people Many opportunities to meet friends and get involved • The nice people Good schools • Nice community, great people, people are wonderful My friends and neighbors, especially my paisan the debenedetto's 1 like all the activities here • The sports field • Lots of good schools The sports leagues • Volunteers WHAT IS A HEALTHY COMMUNITY?, No substance abuse No drugs or cigarettes • 1 like the town's reading program at the library ONE IMPROVEMENT TO MAKE READING A HEALTHIER COMMUNITY IS.... • All citizens, young and old, work together to make reading healthier • Respect • Have safer walls to prevent fires • Wash off some graffiti A better environmentally safe town ® Bigger houses Better sidewalks for kids and adults safety Encourage more car pooling especially for elementary schools and downtown shopping • Places/activities for teens besides sports • Educate parents on signs and dangers of abuse and addiction to today's drugs of choice 0 Somewhere for teens to play If more people walk to school • 1 would like better streets • Town-wide bike path trail - great idea - yes, i agree • More music • Get youth involved - youth council/forum • Parents should get more involved in protecting kids from drugs and bad influences Community watch group /G3• Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Jones, Clayton [Jonesc@csmonitor.com] Sent: Thursday, July 05, 2007 2:00 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: CPA study committee Dear Peter, As I told the CPA study committee recently, I am resigning as member and as chairman because I am moving soon from Reading after 22 years here. The committee has already chosen a new chair. Please consider this my official notice to the Board of Selectmen. I appreciate your support, and the Board's, both for this committee, as well as for the historical Commission, where I served many years.. (I did not seek renewal of my,associate status on the commission in June.) And on a personal note. I've admired your professionalism as Town Manager as well as your civic dedication to Reading. You taught me much about what it means to be a citizen. Thank you and all the best, Clayton Jones 16 Mt. Vernon St. Reading 944 8269 /l.' G.4-AY S. BRACKTT ELAINE M. LUCAS JUDITH A. FICKETT JAMES T. MASTERALEXIS STEVEN C. FLETCHER* ELLEN CALLAHAN DOUCETTE DONNA GORSHEL COHEN HEATHER C. WHITE JASON D. GROSSFIELD *Also Admitted in ME and CO BRACKETT & LUCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STREET WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS 01609 508-799-9739 Fax 508-799-9799 July 2, 2007 Paula Schena, Office Manager Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 W iNCHESTER OFFICE i65 WA SHINGTON STREET WINCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS 01890 781-7294500 Fax'731-729-5444 E-Mail: ECDoucette®BrackettLucas.com Please respond to the Winchester office. Re: Reading Memorial Park - Service of Summons and Citation Dear Paula: +B V C_ c r-- >t w Peter informed me that you would be coordinating efforts to comply with the notice requirements imposed by the Probate Court relative to the town's complaint for reasonable deviation involving Reading Memorial Park. Enclosed herewith, you will please find the Summons and the Citation approved and issued by the Probate Court. In accordance with the Summons, a copy thereof together with the Citation, must be served by first class mail, postage pre-paid, on all abutters to Reading Memorial Park. It is my understanding that the town has notified the abutters in the past about meetings, etc. on the issue, and thla.t a list of abutters is readily' available, In addition, the Summons and Citation must be published once a week, for three weeks, in the Reading Chronicle which should be quite familiar with the form of publication required for Probate Court citations. Both forms of notice, mailing and publication, must occur at least 14-days prior to the return date of August 17, 2007. The dates for mailing of the Summons and Citation and the dates of publication must be provided to me so that I can complete the Return of Service which must be filed with the Probate Court. I c,s Thank you for your assistance in this matter. If you have any questions on this process, please do not hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, P" / Ellen Callahan boucette ECD/sj s Enclosures: (2) cc: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager (via email only) ORDER FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS It is Ordered that notice of said proceeding be given by delivering or mailing by registered or certified mail a copy of this summons which describes demands of Complaint, to** \&"J") -4 -L wo all persons interested fourteen day at least before the h day of 2004; and,.,by publishing a copy thereof once in each week for three successive weeks in the. a newspaper published in Q. e :na the last publication to be seven days at least before day J of e~ 2001; said return day. I hereby certify under the penalties of perjury that I have served the foregoing summons by Dated 200'' *Cross out what is not applicable If only one defendant being served - cross out all persons interested G~~ COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT THE PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT DEPARTMENT Middlesex Division Docket No. OCR'-. SUMMONS a~ Y1eac~t~ Plaintiff Defendant To the You are.hereby summoned and required to serve upon ~~ti C_.`\~~a:.~ - tee, ~`Q-~• plaintiff's attorney, whose address is []ra~C~i}~ ~•~aS 1C; S- :~5, s~,;~Z S o,~ , .~u~ QK~ an answer to the complaint which is filed in said Court and Demands which appear in this summons rn~ca o 1977 within 20 days after 1s - ,,A , ~uu"~ If you fail to do so, judgment by default will betaken against you. You are also required to file your answer to the complaint in the office of the Register of this Court at CAMBRIDGE either before service upon plaintiff's attorney or within a reasonable time thereafter. Unless otherwise provided by Rule 13(a), Mass. R. Civ. P., your answer must state as a counterclaim any claim which you may have against the plaintiff which arises out of the transaction or occurrence. that is.the subject matter of plaintiff's claim or you will thereafter be barred from making such claim in any other action. VVrrNESS Robert W. Langlois Court at Cambridge ~ ~ 0? 200 DEMANDS OF COMPLAU4T: V Register of.Probate Acting Esquire)First Justice of said C8 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Probate and Family Court Docket No. 07E0073 To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading and to the Abutters of the Property Known as Reading Memorial Park : A petition in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 214. §10B has been presented to the Court by the Town of Reading seeking a reasonable deviation from the subordinate terms of a deed dated February 10, 1917 and recorded with the Middlesex South Registry of,Deeds in Book 4122, Page 577 which conveyed an 11.5-acre parcel of property to the Town of Reading to be improved and maintained as a public park; and praying that the petition be a] lowed, and that the Town be authorized to utilize all of the land now identified as Reading Memorial Park for recreational uses including the establishment of areas to be devoted to practices for organized sports including, but not limited to: football, baseball, basketball, soccer or similar team activity; the construction and maintenance of playground(s); the construction and maintenance of tennis and basketball courts; the construction and maintenance of an ice skating rink; the construction and maintenance of paths for passive recreational activities such as walking or jogging; and the construction and maintenance of structures to accommodate the use of Reading Memorial Park for concerts, theatre productions or other such community activities. Ce~ ~°c~ma~uziztvea~~i a ✓~~ac~u~ett.~ u . a e~i~c ~s~L~c~c~aralal`ux..~ - talc ~,au,.~e, ~OdCO/L O.~'733- 7cJ5/f 20'h'MIDDLESEX DISTRICT BRADLEY H. JONES, JR. READING • NORTH READING STATE REPRESENTATIVE LYNNFIELD • MIDDLETON TEL. (617) 722-2100 MINORITY LEADER Rep.BradleyJones@hou.state.ma.us www.bradjonesonline.COM July 5, 2007 His Excellency Governor Deval L. Patrick Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts State House - Room 360 Boston, MA 02133 Dear Governor Patrick, I am writing today to urge your favorable consideration of my budget priorities in the Conference. Committee Report that is currently awaiting your approbation. I would hope that you would support these modest items as they are important to the communities that I represent. Downtown Parking Garage Item 7003-0702 "...provided further, that not less than $50,000 shall be expended in the Town of Reading for a feasibility study and preliminary design of a downtown parking garage as part of the town's smart growth initiative to concentrate development in the downtown area... " Town Hall, shops, apartment buildings, cafes and other businesses are strung together to form the heart and soul of Reading. This parking garage is part of a broad revitalization effort to reinvigorate downtown Reading with more housing, businesses and beautification and traffic improvements. Current initiatives include smart growth funds and a streeiscape project. Finding a lasting solution to the parking problem is an essential component of this broader effort combined with making additional parking available for the nearby commuter rail station. it Joshua Eaton Clock Tower Item 7007-0900 "...provided further, that not less than $10,000 shall be expended from this item for a public private match for the Joshua Eaton clock tower in Reading... " The Joshua Eaton Clock Tower Preservation Committee is a grassroots group of Reading citizens that have raised private and public funds. In the past year, over 300 area residents and businesses have come forward with over $31,000 in contributions. The Town of Reading appropriated $35,000 toward the project at the April Town Meeting, and local businesses have pledged services toward this project. The $10,000, which would match private funds, is to be put toward the restoration of this project and will ensure the residents that the clock tower will be ready for a town-wide celebration. The tower is named after Sergeant Joshua Eaton, Jr. the only soldier from Reading to die in the American Revolution and is part of the Joshua Eaton Elementary School. Water Treatment Plant Item 2800-0101 "...provided further, that not less than $200, 000 shall be expended for the water plant in Reading... " The Town of Reading has made a major investment in protecting the Ipswich River by shutting down its wells and buying into the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority for water supply, the benefits of which will be felt both basin-wide and statewide. Along with the agreement comes the need to demolish the Town's Water Treatment Plant and additional costs estimated at almost $1 million. The financial impact as fallen 100% on the Town, increasing water/sewer rates by 35% in FY 2007 and up another 18% in FY 2008. These funds will alleviate some of the cost to the community and will assist in opening parts of the Ipswich Riverfront to active and passive recreation. Future use of this site is intended to be used as the western-most entrance and parking for a series of trails including handicapped accessible fishing docks. Tennis Courts Item 7007-0900 "...provided further, that $50, 000 shall be expended for youth sports program in Reading... " Despite the deprived conditions of the courts, the Town of Reading has hosted the largest outdoor recreational tennis tournament in the Commonwealth, playing host to over 250 players annually. The town is seeking appropriations to bring a much needed restoration to the community. With the new facility will come new tennis programming including a wheelchair tennis category where competitive athletes in the New England area will be . able to. participate in the Reading Tennis Open and other clinics on two courts that will be designed with ADA special regulations for handicapped accessibility. In addition, the challenger program under Reading recreation will now expand to tennis, offering clinics and programs to children with special challenges. This will also provide valuable opportunities for our high school youth to get involved by providing community service and helping to "buddy" these kids on the tennis courts. The total estimate for the project is $350,000, town meeting has approved spending for this plan and the $50,000 in state aid would help match the $60,000 raised in private funding. Stadium Lie6ts Item 7007-0900 "...provided further that, not less than $50, 000 shall be expended for a youth sports grant to Reading memorial high school in the town of Reading... " The town of Reading is in the process of renovating and repairing its athletic fields. To maximize the full potential usage of this new stadium for the enjoyment of the entire community by hosting evening events, the town would like to install lights. The Reading School Committee has voted to support the installation of the lights but there are not sufficient town funds. The lights would also have a positive impact in drug related public safety occurrences.. The estimate for the design and installation is over $400,000. The state funds are the same as Fiscal Year 2007 appropriation levels and would once again match privately raised funds. As always, please fell free to contact me or to have a member of your staff do so should you have any questions about these requests. Cc: Leslie Kirwan, Michael Morris, Evan Dube I Jones, Jr. inority Leader Gov L ~ (y Town of Reading o ~Q 16 Lowell Street 63g`tNCORQ~~P Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM DATE: July 6, 2007 TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner 1 RE: Tennis Courts TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 The Friends of Reading Tennis are working with Town staff on the development of grant applications, and have determined that there are two State grants for which the Town is potentially eligible. One is the Self-Help Grant and the other is the Urban Self-Help Grant. In one instance, the maximum available funding is $50,000 and in the other, the potential funding is up to $200,000. The grant that is up to $200,000 is for a regional or statewide facility. This facility, and the Town as an entity, is eligible for the regional or statewide grant. However; there is a requirement of "non-discrimination on the basis of residence" that is part of this grant. The requirement is that "discrimination on the basis of residence including preferential reservation, membership or annual permit systems, or user fees is prohibited." While it is tempting to go after the larger grant, the Board needs to determine whether the Town wants to subject itself in the operation of the tennis courts to use by a broader community than just the Town of Reading. Remember that these are state-of-the-art lighted tennis courts, something not available in every community in the region. The majority of the local fundraising is from the Reading community. To date, this local fundraising has raised $75,000. The State Budget (signed by the Governor?) has an additional $50,000 earmarked for this project. The cost of the project is estimated to be $350,000. Thus, at the present time, the amount not funded privately or though grants is $225,000. The Recreation Committee is discussing this matter on Wednesday, July 1 lth. However, the grant application is due July 30th, and the Board does not have another general meeting for the rest of the month. Therefore, it would be helpful to get direction at this time from the Board. PIH:hn 1c13 8. Describe outstanding leases, restrictions or other rights or interests held by others in the project site and enclosed copy of the same (for file records only). 9. Is the property permanently dedicated for park, playground, or recreation purposes? If not, please submit draft dedication language for DCS review as all USH projects must be dedicated for park, playground, or recreation purposes. ❑ Yes ❑ No Total acres of dedicated park land 10. Are fees currently charged or proposed for this facility? If yes, please attach a copy of the fee system. Charging fees is allowed subject to DCS approval. If applicant is awarded a grant, the site cannot be restricted to municipal residents only. If fees are charged based on residency, fees for nonresidents are subject to Section 5.08(3) of the Urban Self-Help regulations (for file records only). ❑ Yes (copy attached)- ❑ No .11. Municipal Open Space and Recreation Plan and Massachusetts Outdoors Describe how your project meets the recommendations in your current Open Space and Recreation Plan and cite the page number references to your plan. If we already have a copy of your plan, there is no need to submit another copy. Comment on how the project meets the regional demand for recreation based on Massachusetts Outdoors: "Inferred Need for New Recreational Areas" under Chapter 5: The Regional Perspective. This document can be found online at http://www.inass.gov/envir/dcs/global/publications.htm. 12. Check the following if applicable to project (for file records only): ❑ Yes ❑ No Prime agricultural lands (see Ex. Order #193) ❑ Yes ❑ No Cultural, historic, archeological site: Contact MA Historical Commission (617) 727-8470 ❑ Yes ❑ No. Endangered species habitat: Contact MA Natural Heritage Program (508) 792-7270 ❑ Yes ❑ No Scenic River designation ❑ Yes ❑ No Wetland designation ❑ Yes ❑ No 100 year floodplain ❑ Yes ❑ No Environmental intrusion, i.e. overhead power lines (must be buried), safety hazards ❑ Yes ❑ No Brownfield - 21 E evaluation ❑ Yes ❑ No Environmental Justice community/neighborhood Yes ❑ No Acquisition involving relocation of residents, tenants, or businesses ❑ Yes ❑ No Negotiated sale Do you have a Purchase and Sales Agreement or Agreed Price? []Yes []No If yes, Amount: $ Is Clear Title available? ❑Yes E]No If no, is an eminent domain taking anticipated? ❑Yes ❑No If yes,. proposed pro tanto award amount: $ Note that if clear title is not available, the town may decide to acquire the property by a friendly taking (eminent domain) process to clear the title. It is best to know if there is a potential title problem as soon as possible since this can complicate the acquisition process. C,lq ' OUTDOOR RECREATION PROJECT APPLICATION FORM FY2008 1. Municipality or State Agency Department Name: Population (2000 U.S. Census): 2. Project Name: Type of Project: ❑ Acquisition - acreage ❑ New Development [I Renovation Has this site received previous assistance: ❑ Yes ❑ No 3. Contact Person: Agency: Address: Zip Telephone( ) Fax ( ) Email: Please note: the contact person is the official representative for this project as authorized under item #14(b) of this application, usually not the chief municipal officer. 4. Briefly describe the project on. ONE attached page. Use the Outdoor Recreation Project Rating System as an outline for the description, as well as the items bulleted below, to ensure the maximum score possible for your project. a.) Acquisition Projects: ➢ concise natural resource description including wildlife habitat, water resources, and soils ➢ rare species (include letter from NHESP) ➢ state designated Area of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) ➢ unique geologic or landscape feature ➢ historic or archaeological resource (include letter from MHC) b.) Development or Renovation Projects ➢ describe facilities being developed ➢ describe community needs ➢ acres dedicated as park land ➢ site's interpretive services, environmental education ➢ brownfield projects must submit 21E evaluation ➢ innovative water recharge and reuse component ➢ environmental restoration project c.) All Projects: ➢ accessibility for the disabled ➢ long-term detailed site maintenance/management plan that includes sources of funding and/or partnerships ➢ link to other recreation or conservation sites ➢ contains resources identified in the Watershed Action Plan ➢ water based recreation (include linear footage bordering water resource} ➢ cooperation of any other governmental agency (state, federal, county) or private nonprofit, fiscal or other ➢ located in a high growth area, high density area, Environmental Justice neighborhood, or town/city. center ➢ access to a public transportation route and other urban center services ➢ component of an affordable housing project ➢ regional or statewide facility (communities applying either category should submit a Usage Report) o serves a regional population of 35,000 which reside within a radius of 25 miles o serves one or more urban area's residents living within one-hour driving radius o parking for 100 vehicles for regional status o parking for 200 vehicles for statewide status o . provides adequate comfort stations and potable water outlets o serves all age groups (for either regional or statewide status) 9 ti/ 5.07: Proiect Costs (1) Each grant program provides reimbursement of up to 90% of allowable costs towards the acquisition of land, and the construction, restoration or rehabilitation of land for park and outdoor recreation proposes. The maximum reimbursement percentage allowed for an approved project based on the municipality's equalized valuation per capita decile rank among all Massachusetts municipalities as determined by the Secretary of Administration and Finance. A municipality's rank, and therefore its percentage of reimbursement potential, may change annually based on its increase or decrease in property valuation and population growth. The Secretary may reduce the maximum reimbursement percentage to allow for a more equitable distribution of limited funds among all municipalities. The annual reimbursement schedules are available from the Division. (2) Subject to the approval of the Secretary, all reasonable costs associated with acquisition projects shall be eligible for reimbursement. Costs for appraisals, title searches, recording fees, surveys, costs associated with 301 CMR 5.06(3), as well as the actual approved purchase price are deemed to be eligible acquisition project costs. In addition, for Urban Self-Help Projects, the actual approved purchase price, engineering, design, construction, and construction supervision are deemed, eligible project costs, however, the Secretary shall retain the right to set a fixed limit on the reimbursement of Project costs. Additional information on reimbursement procedures is available from the Division upon request. (3) As required by M.G.L. c. 132A, § 11, reimbursement under the Self-Help Program will occur only after the participant has expended an amount equal to the total cost of the project and not until the project has been completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary. Billing procedures and forms are available from the Division. (4) Federal funding sources such as Community Development Block Grants or Revenue Sharing that are defined by the federal government to be local money may be used to match program funds. Program reimbursements for Urban Self-Help projects may be paid periodically upon request for payments made by a municipality. Billing procedures and forms are available from the Division. (5) The Division encourages charitable contributions for conservation purposes either in cash or real property. While real property contributions are not reimbursable, cash contributions may be utilized as the municipality's share of the project providing said cash contribution is deposited into a separate municipal account such as authorized under M.G.L: c. 40, § 5, Cl. 51 and is expended therefrom as part of the municipal appropriation for the acquisition or development. Cash contributions returned to the municipality after acquisition are also encouraged. If such contribution is prearranged or likely to occur, the appraisal process should be closely scrutinized, to avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Participants and potential donors should carefully familiarize themselves with M.G.L. c. 268A, the Conflict of Interest law. Donors must not exert undue influence in selling their property and it must be sold at a fair price in order to avoid a conflict of interest. 5.08: Post-completion Requirement (1) Oneration. Maintenance. and Reasonable Use Limitations. Property acquired or developed with Program assistance shall be operated and maintained in accordance with standards and guidelines of the Division. In accordance with the applicable program contract, participants may impose reasonable limits on the type and extent of use of areas and facilities acquired or developed with Program assistance as necessary for maintenance or preservation. (2) Nondiscrimination. Property acquired or developed with Program assistance will be open to entry and use by all persons who are otherwise eligible regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual preference, age or disability. (3) Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Residence., (a) Discrimination on the basis of residence, including preferential reservation, membership or annual permit systems, or user fees is prohibited on the Project site unless this provision is waived by the Secretary. (b) The Secretary will approve or deny all proposed fee or access limiting systems. Waivers will not be granted which are inconsistent with the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund Act, P.L. 88-578, Section 6 ft8), 16 U.S.C. § 4601-4. et seq. 5.09: Conversion and Reversion (1) Conversion. Property acquired or developed with assistance from the Self-Help or Urban Self-Help Program shall be retained and used at all times for open space purposes in accordance with M.G.L. c. 132A, § 11, and St. 1977, c. 933. Any property so acquired or developed shall not be wholly .or partly converted to other than public outdoor recreation or conservation purposes without the approval of the Secretary. Converted property shall comply with Article 97 of the Massachusetts Constitution and shall be replaced with land of at least equal fair market value and of reasonably equivalent usefulness. The Secretary may disapprove conversion requests or reject proposed property substitutions. Grant contracts, at the discretion of the Secretary, may be subject to specific performance. (2) Reversion. Property acquired or improved with Program funds authorized by St. 1996, c. 15 shall be retained and used at all times for open space purposes in accordance with M.G.L. c. 132A, § 11, as amended, or St. 1977, c. 933, as amended. In the event that the property ceases to be used, either in whole or in part, for such purposes, all interest in the property shall revert to the Commonwealth, unless the Secretary demands specific performance of the grant contract. t 33 1 orRE9~f ~ Town of Reading 4 16 Lowell Street X8.1 CoRe°Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 TOWN MANAGER Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us (781) 942-9043 MEMORANDUM DATE: July 6, 2007 TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner RE: Selectmen's Meeting on July 10, 2007 Proclamations/Certificates of Ammeciation 2a. Proclamation - Americans with Disabilities Act Dav - Representatives from local agencies may be present to.acknowledge the Proclamation from the Board. 2b. Certificates of Annreciation for Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service - As of Friday, we have heard, from Jonathan Barnes and Betty Cronin who will be present. They were both very appreciative of the recognition. Personnel & Atunointments 3a. Community Planning and Development Commission Associate - Israel Mayket has submitted papers requesting to be an Associate member of the CPDC. 3b. Council on Ap-ina Associate - Brian Snell is interested in becoming an Associate member on the Council on Aging. He has submitted a disclosure statement which eliminates any legal conflict of interest issue. The Board needs to discuss whether or not it wants to make this appointment, given the disclosure. Mr. Snell will not be present - he has already been interviewed. 3c. West Street Historic District Commission - Rick Nazzaro, a local realtor, has applied for membership on the West Street Historic District Commission. He has been notified of the date and time for the interview. PROCLAMATION AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT DAY WHEREAS: July 26, 2007 marks the 17th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); and WHEREAS: The Town of Reading celebrates the contributions that people with disabilities have made and continue to make, and the Town renews its commitment to upholding the nondiscrimination principles of the ADA; and WHEREAS: Many organizations locally, regionally and nationally work tirelessly to support citizens with disabilities, and those organizations deserve the recognition, respect and support of their communities for their service. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim July 26, 2007 as Americans with Disabilities Act Day in Reading, and urge all citizens to support the efforts of individuals with disabilities and the organizations that serve these citizens, acknowledging their daily activities, struggles and triumphs. BOARD OF SELECTMEN James E. Bonazoli, Chairman Stephen A. Goldy, Vice Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille W. Anthony x kz INDEPENDENT L I Vi NG CENT of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. 27 CONGRESS STREET,, SUITE 107 - SALEM, MA 01970 ` - ( 978) 741- 0077 v - (978) 745 -1735 TN - TOLL FREE : (888) 751- 0077 v1 m FAx : (978) 741-1133 - CAPE ANN BRANCH : (978) 283 - 4000 EXT. 366 v /TTY EMAIL: Information@ilcnsca.org - WEB ADDRESS: www.ilmsca.org June 21, 2007 SERVING: Beverly Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Danvers Reading, MA 01867 Essex Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner: Gloucester July 26, 2007 marks the seventeenth anniversary of the signing of the Americans Hamilton with Disabilities Act (ADA). To commemorate this anniversary, the Independent Ipswich Living Center of the North Shore and Cape Ann, Inc. (ILCNSCA) requests that the Town of Reading proclaim July 26, 2007 as ""ADA Day". The ILCNSCA will Lynn designate one of our employees, and perhaps a Board member, to visit Reading Lynnfield to receive this proclamation and we will send a press release to the local press in order to further publicize your issuing of this important proclamation. Manchester By-The-Sea If you can honor this request please contact Ashley Speicher, IL Peer Guide, at Marblehead (978) 741-0077 x 25 to arrange a location, date and time for this proclamation issuance event. If possible, we would like to have the issuance event during or Middleton before the week of July 16-20, 2007. If you cannot arrange to issue your proclamation to ILCNSCA directly, you may send it by mail to Mary Margaret Nahant Moore, Executive Director, at the address above. Peabody For your convenience, I have enclosed an example proclamation that you may Rockport utilize. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact me Rowley at (978) 741-0077 Ext. 14, by fax at (978) 741-1133 or by email at smcdufF@ilcnsca.org. Thank you. Salem Saugus Yours truly, Swampscott AAff~ : 2 To sfield p 8 Shawn McDuff Wenham Director of Access and Advocacy N CC: Mary Margaret Moore, Executive Director Gregg Murray, Board President, ILCNSCA Ashley Speicher, IL Peer Guide, ILCNSCA File tr,' Enclosure: Proclamation sample "OUR GREATEST NEED AS HUMAN BEINGS IS THE FREEDOM TO PURSUE OUR DREAMS" Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 TOWN MANAGER Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us (781) 942-9043 MEMORANDUM DATE: July 6, 2007 TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner 1 RE: Selectmen's Meeting on July 10, 2007 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation 2a. Proclamation - Americans with Disabilities Act Dav - Representatives from local agencies may be present to acknowledge the Proclamation from the Board. 2b. Certificates of Appreciation for Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service - As of Friday, we have heard from Jonathan Barnes and Betty Cronin who will be present. They were both very appreciative of the recognition. Personnel & Appointments 3a. Community Planning- and Development Commission Associate - Israel Mayket has submitted papers requesting to be an Associate member of the CPDC. 3b. Council on Aaina Associate - Brian Snell is interested in becoming an Associate member on the Council on Aging. He has submitted a disclosure statement which eliminates any legal conflict of interest issue. The Board needs to discuss whether or not it wants to make this appointment, given the disclosure. Mr. Snell will not be present - he has already been interviewed. 3c. West Street Historic District Commission - Rick Nazzaro, a local realtor, has applied for membership on the West Street Historic District Commission. He has been notified of the date and time for the interview. Former Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service Volunteer Committee # of Years Jonathan E. Barnes Community Planning and Development Commission 17 . Richard D. Howard Community Planning and Development Commission 21 Elizabeth Cronin Council on Aging 11 James Keigley Telecommunications & Technology Advisory Committee 5 John Wood Water, Sewer & Storm Water Management Advisory Committee 5 Steve Oston Water, Sewer. & Storm Water Management Advisory Committee 6 • re atlon to of Jk C elk A~,arded to= hereby his Certificates` ~ JtJ S IUD e-rvice of Commission is 11 years ent ~-'~preciation of and D evelop In , . lannin'~ e Coimm~'~'~' ~ 200 on th da of July Given thxs 1Qth y dillg -$°ard of SeleCtme~` -By the Rea W aF RE,gb u, r ~ so ; ~639: iNC0 o NVVII ate is ~ereb~ ~.warded to: This C ertiic -~zn'VVA -~C-~~, .11.1 - rvice . Z1.yearSof eCo~~isSion is ecia~,on ° -Develop en r Plan~l~9- an e Coulalu~~ of July, On t, ipth day Veu this of Select eu _ .'Board By the -geadW4 r~M s of REqj IS39INC0 Cer. teato of App ,rh ~ara.ed to'-' reby A is Certificate is e XI-M IU-KV EIZ Of Ser'ice er 11 rears 1, Appreciation u-ncil on Aging ®n tiie ~ ° 4th day of July' 2001 Given this 1 ding Bard of Selectmen By the lea REq { ti ec~ atloll r63y= Iam..Cp44a of i Ce-r e~bY rde to is ~jeX to ; ~ a TWO; J.8mts , eoftUe • V ears of Se-~ittee of ~;.is 1~e A~vlso~y C -aoloo In Abp recut Te.,u xx~ un. ftolas 2001 ~ elec® is ~Oth day of jnly' Given * card of Selectmen $y the -Reacting Of 8139 -r e ce-r-l ta: h~-s Certl~icato is T .~~OI) A~ the of, er Ace c°uldittee Fears Avis®ry of -Faye t A • Lion lies ~age.~ 1~ A~ ,rec~a m.Vvater a ~ ater' thx~ 10th dal G~~en oard of SeleetMen _ s the Readxn pP REgtjl~ 4 Y• 1 tg3g' INCa44~ xv 1~G~,te AA.ereb,*i . C%WJL his C erti:lc ate ~s T Tai . e on the e S 0175 eYVI`e Co~~itte bis fix ~ ear's -at .A-a'v~-sory eC1at on of aaa el e n NO ~NOLtex wer ~ 5to~ a of Suzy' '1001 a$er e , S this lpth d y Give~. aar'1 of Selectmen the. -g-eadialg F' Dy OFI;~9 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street ca 63g, tN ~ep4~~4 Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us 'MEMORANDUM DATE: ' July 6, 2007 TO: Board of Selectmen I , FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner , RE: Selectmen's Meeting on July 10, 2007 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 2a. Proclamation - Americans with Disabilities Act Day - Representatives from local agencies may be present to acknowledge the Proclamation from the Board. 2b. Certificates of Appreciation f6r Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service - As of Friday, we have heard from Jonathan Barnes and Betty Cronin who will be present. They were both very appreciative of the recognition. Personnel & Anuointments • 3a. Community Planning and Development Commission Associate - Israel Mayket has submitted papers requesting to be an Associate member of the CPDC. 3b. Council on Agina Associate - Brian Snell is interested in becoming an Associate member on the. Council on Aging. He has submitted a disclosure statement which eliminates any legal conflict of interest issue. The Board needs to discuss whether or not it wants to make this appointment, given the disclosure. Mr. Snell will not be present - he has already been interviewed. 3c. West Street Historic District Commission - Rick Nazzaro, a local realtor, has applied for membership on the West Street Historic District Commission. He has been notified of the date and time for the interview. 3 0`' APPOINTMENTS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2007 Communitv Planning & Development Commission Term: 3 years 1 Vacancv & 1 Associ ate Appointine Authoritv: Board of Selectmen Orig. Term Present Member(s) and Term(s) Date Exp. John Sasso, Chairman 10 B Street (04) 2008 David B. Tuttle 27 Heather Drive (06) 2008 Nicholas Safina (Associate) 221 South Street (06) 2010 Vacancy ( ) 2010 Brant F. Ballantyne 52 Blueberry Lane (06) 2009 George Katsoufis (Associate) 9 Berkeley Street (06) 2008 *Israel Maykut (Associate) 22 Middlesex Ave. (07) 2007 Candidates: *Indicates incumbents seeking reappointment 3~v ofR Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street s3s°t .C.0 0¢P Reading,. MA 01867-2685 FAX:. (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.mams MEMORANDUM TO: Israel Maykut 22 Middlesex Avenue Reading, MA 01867 FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner F DATE: April 5, 2007 TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 RE: Reappointment to Community Planning & Development Commission (Associate) Our records indicate that your term of office on the above Board, Committee or Commission will expire on Juice 30, 2007. The Board of Selectmen's policy provides that: 1. All incumbents for terms that are expiring will be sent this questionnaire regarding their desire for reappointment. This form must be returned to the Town Clerk's Office by May 7, 2007. 2. All positions which are vacant or with terms expiring will be posted; including those where the . incumbent desires reappointment. 3. Incumbents will not be required to fill out new citizen volunteer forms. The Board requests that all incumbents be available for an interview, or if you are not available, that you submit a written statement outlining your experience and your interest iii being re-appointed. Please indicate below whether or not you desire reappointment to this position, and return this signed form to the Town Clerk's Office by May 7, 2007. If we do not hear from you by this date, we will assume that you do not wish to be re-appointed. % I wish to be considered for reappointment. ca.s- as-5F- C, u. cc /-T-- I do not wish to be considered for reappointment. r, gnature D'te cc: Committee Chairman Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM DATE: July 6, 2007 TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner , RE: Selectmen's Meeting on July 10, 2007 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 2a. Proclamation - Americans with Disabilities Act Dav - Representatives from local agencies may be present to acknowledge the Proclamation from the Board. 2b. Certificates of Apmreciation for Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service - As of Friday, we have heard from Jonathan Barnes and Betty Cronin who will be present. They were both very appreciative of the recognition. Personnel & Appointments 3a. Community Planning and Development Commission Associate - Israel Mayket has submitted papers requesting to be an Associate member of the CPDC. 3b. Council on Aa-inp, Associate - Brian Snell is interested in becoming an Associate member on the Council on Aging. -He has submitted a disclosure statement which eliminates any legal conflict of interest issue. The Board needs to discuss whether or not it wants to make this appointment, given the disclosure. Mr. Snell will not be present - he has already been interviewed.. 3c. West Street Historic District Commission - Rick Nazzaro, a local realtor, has applied for membership on the West Street Historic District Commission. He has been notified of the date and time for the interview. I APPOINTMENTS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2007 Council on Aging Term: 3 years Appointing Authority: Board of Selectmen Present Member(s) and Term(s) Carol Patterson, Chairman Carole N. Scrima, V. Chr. Margaret Havey Steve Oston Sally M. Hoyt Edwina Kasper Barbara A. Powers Ruth Goldberg Stacy Bertocchi, Secretary Marguerite Bosnian Charles J. McDonald, Jr., (Assoc.) Orig. Term Date Exp. 128 Grove Street (03) 2009 709 Gazebo Circle (04) 2010 23 Van Norden Road (06) 2009 68 Sturges Road (07) 2010 221 West Street (04) 2010 75 Village Street (98) 2008 25 Belmont Street (00) 2009 11 Bond Street (02) 2008 250 High Street (05) 2008 46 Putnam Road (05) 2009 41 Canterbury Drive (06) 2008 Candidates: Brian Snell (Associate) 3~~ COUNCIL ON AGING Term . Three years Appointing Authority Board of Selectmen Number of Members Ten Members whose terms are so arranged that as nearly an equal number of terms as possible shall expire each year. All members shall be inhabitants of the Town and at least two members shall be over 60 years of age. . Meetings Regular meetings are held on the second Monday of each calendar month at 6:30 p.m. unless a legal . holiday when the meeting will be held the following Monday unless otherwise designated. .Authority Reading Charter - Adopted March 24, 1986 Purpose The Council on Aging shall have all the powers and duties given to .'Councils on Aging by the Massachusetts General Laws, by the Reading Home Rule Charter, by Bylaw or by Town Meeting .vote. Included are the following: To ascertain needs of residents 60 and over, to conduct and sponsor programs and disseminate information addressing those needs, to directly assist individuals and to be advocates for the elderly of Reading at the community, State and National levels. 3 ~3 .RECEIVEm TOWN CLERK . APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO BOARDS/COMMITTEES/COM fiM8&.SHAM Name: 319 e- a Brt 6 [/L_ . C_ (Last) (First) (Middle) Address: ~`~l Cik d 'T` oC7- Occupation: ~7-0xtit-y Are you'a registered voter in Reading? ' q4!~-j ' Date: s 1Y 22 P151 Tel. (Horne) 'V f - q L,(?- TS - 2-Tel. (Work) r-l? k - b C-cf 3 S 77 (Is this number listed?) r /.e--A # of years in Reading: / e-mail address: 6&r_ °sr e t / ce Place'a number next to, your preferred position(s) (up to four choices) with #1 being your first priority. (Attach a resume if available.) Animal Control Appeals Committee Aquatics Advisory Board Audit Committee Board of Appeals Board of Cemetery Trustees Board of Health Board of Registrars Bylaw Committee Celebration Committee Cities for Climate Protection Commissioner of Trust Funds Community Planning & Development Comm. Conservation Commission Constable Contributory Retirement Board /Council on Aging Cultural Council Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves Economic Development Committee Finance Committee Historical Commission Housing Authority Human Relations Advisory Committee Land Bank Committee .MB-TA Advisory Committee Metropolitan Area Planning Council, Mystic Valley Elder Services ' Recreation. Committee RMLD Citizens Advisory Board Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee Town Forest Committee Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee West Street Historic District Commission Other Please outline relevant experience for the position(s) sought: Grp c~K. ti° t (.Zf.~-~ c~~~"'j'J~ ~ , Yi.~~1`~✓+lC'~- lv1 ''f?ti..e-g.~ ~ <S~-d' , ~PrintForm ` DISCLOSURE OF APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST 7 AS REQUIRED BY G. L.C.268A §23(b)(3) 'r c,, p I make this disclosure pursuant to G.L.c.268 A, §23 (b)(3) in order to dispel any appearance of potential conflict of y" interest occasioned by the facts set out below, that I may be improperly or unduly influenced in the performance of my official duties, or that I would be likely to act or fail to act as a result of kinship, rank, position or the undue influence of any part or person. Name: Brian C. Snell 8 i nle or Position: I Candidate for Council on Aging -2 Agency/Department: I Town of Reading Agency address: r'`9 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA 01867 Uttice Pnone: I 781.942-9056 I publicly disclose :.r -4 the following facts ` (Attach additional I am an attorney whose practice includes Estates and Trusts as well as Elder Law. pages if necessary): As part of my practice and in an effort to "give back" to the community, I have in the past nitiated contact with the Reading Senior Center to make informational presentations surrounding estate Planning. I have not been compensated for these presentations. It is my understanding that any member of the public may coordinate with the Reading Senior enter to make presentations and/or share an expertise. Should I be appointed to the Council on Aging, and I accept that appointment, that position ✓vould not provide me with any preferential treatment related to presentations as have been done n the past. However, if the Board of Selectmen believe it to be in the best interest of the position, :he Town and it's residents, I will refrain from making such presentations while an active member :)n the Council on Aging. It is my belief that such a restriction would not be in the best interest of the town and it's -esidents. Signature:( /T~,• r~~~ U ~--c . Date: U.L.c.268 A, §23 (b)(3): No current otncbr or employee of a state, county or municipal agency snarl Knowingly, or with reason to know, act in a manner which would cause a reasonable person, having knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to conclude that any person can improperly influence or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance of his official duties, or that he is likely to act or fail to act as a result of kinship, rank, position or undue influence of any party or person. It shall be unreasonable to so conclude if such officer or employee has disclosed in writing to his appointing authority or, if no appointing authority exists, discloses in a manner which is public in nature, the facts which would otherwise lead to such a conclusion. Appointed state, county and municipal officials and employees should file with their appointing authority. Elected state officials should file with the appropriate House or Senate Clerk or the Ethics Commission. Elected county officials should file with the county clerk. Elected municipal officials should file with the city or town clerk. Attach additional pages if necessary. t N.bF iR Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street 639.xco~e0 ¢P Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM DATE: July 6, 2007. TO: Board of Selectmen 17 FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner RE: Selectmen's Meeting on July 10, 2007 Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 2a. Proclamation - Americans With Disabilities Act Dav - Representatives from local agencies may be present to acknowledge the Proclamation from the Board. 2b. Certificates of Appreciation for Volunteers with Five or More Years of Service - As of Friday, we have heard from Jonathan Barnes and Betty Cronin who will be present. They were both very appreciative of the recognition. Personnel & Appointments 3a. Community Planning and Development Commission Associate - Israel Mayket has submitted papers requesting to be an Associate member of the CPDC. 3b. Council on Apain2 Associate - Brian Snell is interested in becoming an Associate member on the Council on Aging. ' He has submitted a disclosure statement which eliminates any legal conflict of interest issue. The Board needs to discuss whether or not it wants to make this appointment, given the disclosure. Mr. Snell will not be present - he has already been interviewed. 3c. West Street Historic District Commission - Rick Nazzaro; a local realtor, has applied for membership on the West Street Historic District ` Commission. He has been notified of the date and time for the interview. 3G APPOINTMENTS TO BECOME EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2007 West Street Historic District Commission Term: 3 years AUointin2 Authority: Board of Selectmen Present Member(s) and Term(s) David Kruh Vacancy Susan Patterson Vacancy Dorothy Casolaro Kathryn Greenfield Orig. Date 3 Westcroft Road (05) 572 Haverhill Street (05) 150 West Street (05) 192 Woburn Street (05) 2 Vacancies Term EXP. 2009 2010 2010 2009 2008 2008 Candidates: Rick Nazzaro 3 c~~ WEST STREET HISTORIC DISTRICT COMMISSION Term Three years Appointing Authority Board of Selectmen Number of Members Five members that may include representatives from, but no exclusive to, one member of the Reading Antiquarian Society; one member from the American Institute of Architects covering Reading; one member from the Board of Realtors covering Reading; one or two property owners from the District area; and one member of the Reading Historical Commission. Up to four associate members with three year terms may be appointed. Meetings As needed Authority Reading General Bylaws Purpose To. exercise its powers in administering and regulating the construction and alteration of any structures or buildings within the District. Adopt Rules and Regulations, for setting forth of forms and procedures. Adopt guidelines which set forth the- designs and descriptions for certain exterior architectural features which are suitable for the issuance of a certificate to present other designs to the Commission for approval. The Commission shall undertake educational efforts. to explain to the public and property owners the merits and functions of a District. 3 C/ 3 IM7.APR 27 AM I1 I q APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO BOARDS/COMAUTTEES/COMMISSIONS Name:' (T /CaC 9` (Last) (First) (Middle) Address: l P w-41 ~(Z Occupation: T00DkK Are you a registered voter in Reading?. Date: 4/,1db7 Tel. (Home) 7N -WM15-S Tel..(Work) : 2&1-gYY-63- 0G (Is this number listed?)-V-'S # of years in Reading: 4o. e-mail address: !"I~CCp~1(011GGtQ~'tGt/?t71 Y~'u~1~y~1 Place -a number next to your preferred position(s) (up to four choices) with #1 being your first priority. (Attach a resume if available.) . Animal Control Appeals Committee -Aquatics Advisory Board Audit Committee Board of Appeals ,Board of Cemetery Trustees Board of Health -Board of Registrars yBylaw Committee Celebration Committee -Cities for Climate Protection -Commissioner of Trust Funds Community Planning & Development Comm.. `Conservation Commission ----Constable `Contributory Retirement Board .Council on Aging -Cultural Council Custodian of Soldiers' & Sailors' Graves Economic Development Committee .Finance Committee .-.Historical Commission Housing Authority --Human Relations Advisory Committee --Land Bank. Committee. .^MBTA Advisory Committee " Metropolitan Area Planning Council Mystic Valley. Elder Services' `Recreation Committee ~RMLD Citizens Advisory Board " Telecommunications and Technology AdvisoryCommittee -Town Forest Committee -Water, Sewer and Storm Water Management Advisory Committee West Street Historic District Commission Other P1 ase,outl'ne r %levant experience for the position(s) sought: ba f j- MK 21 1 o f 6;~-dtlnc, ? Cf c1 `kWJ 8VW9UQ-X !IJ) A4,0~Zf n-~ b4d) llajWe Jv -kv9Z ftl P x;,41 r-4 l rtku, k Sefr CA- ,c jL rjVa. , Am {ins, v 3 G Discussion/Action items 2. 4a. Highlights - Planning and Permits Coordination - Town Planner/Community Services Director Carol Kowalski will be presenting highlights of the Planning and Permits Coordination Programs. 4b. Hearing - Gasoline Storage License. 749 Main Street. Change of Ownership - The Shell Station on north Main Street (next to the Fire headquarters) has changed hands. This requires approval by the Board for change of ownership. The Fire Department has completed the code review and found it to be in compliance. The Chief recommended to approve the license on the condition of "compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products." 4c. Discuss Traffic Sveed and Multi-Wav Storrs and Possible Standards for Multi-Wav Storrs - Enclosed is a memo, map and charts from the Town Engineer relative to a traffic speed study at a number of locations throughoutthe community. This was requested by a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen in consultation of the Police Chief and the Town Engineer in order to determine whether. or not speeding is a generic problem in the community, and whether the Board of Selectmen should consider multi-way stop signs to address this issue. Following discussion by the Board of Selectmen, the Board will need to give direction on the establishment of a policy for the Board to use in considering multi-way stops. It is clear from the manual for the traffic control regulations that an "engineering study" should be done prior to the Board considering multi- way stops. 4d. Sight Triangle Bvlaw - A subcommittee of the Board along with the Town Engineer and Police Chief had been reviewing the possibility of a sight triangle bylaw to come back for consideration at a Subsequent Town Meeting. The Town Engineer and the Police Chief will be present on the 10th to discuss this further. 4e. Discussion - Chanter 40B - Walpole Information - Selectman Ben Tafoya will have additional information as follow up to the attached correspondence from the Town of Walpole regarding Chapter 40B. 4f. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assignments, - Board members have submitted their requests for liaisons - they are shown on the chart attached. In the "suggested" column, I have suggested assignments where there seems to be a reasonable distribution of liaison assignments among the Board members, assuring that each Board member will have at least one "major department liaison" in trying to spreading the workload among ZI 6~ f 2, Discussion/Action Items 4a. HiRhliOhts - Plannine and Permits Coordination - Town Planner/Community Services Director Carol Kowalski will be presenting highlights of the Planning and Permits Coordination Programs. I 4b. Hearinu - Gasoline Storage License. 749 Main Street, Chanize of Ownershib - The Shell Station on north Main Street (next to the Fire headquarters) has changed hands. This requires approval by the Board for change of ownership. The Fire Department has completed the code review and found it to be in compliance. The Chief recommended to approve the license on the condition of "compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products." 4c. Discuss Traffic Sneed and Multi-Wav Storrs and Possible Standards for Multi-Wav Stops - Enclosed is a memo, map and charts from the Town Engineer relative to a traffic speed study at a number of locations throughout the community. This was requested by a subcommittee of the' Board of Selectmen in consultation of the Police Chief and the Town Engineer in order to determine whether or not speeding is a generic problem in the community, and whether the Board of Selectmen should consider multi-way stop signs to address this issue. Following discussion by the Board of Selectmen, the Board will need to give direction on the establishment of a policy for the Board to use in considering multi-way stops. It is clear from the manual for the traffic control regulations that an "engineering study" should be done prior to the Board considering multi- way stops. 4d. Sight Triangle Bvlaw - A subcommittee of the Board along with the Town Engineer and Police Chief had been reviewing the possibility of a sight triangle bylaw to come back for consideration at a Subsequent Town Meeting. The Town Engineer and the Police Chief will be present on the 10th to discuss this further. 4e. Discussion - Chanter 40B - Walpole Information - Selectman Ben Tafoya will have additional information as follow up to the attached correspondence from the Town of Walpole regarding Chapter 40B. 4f. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assivmments - Board members have submitted their requests for liaisons - they are shown on the chart attached. In the "suggested" column, I have suggested assignments where there seems to be a reasonable distribution of liaison assignments among the Board members, assuring that each Board member will have at least. one "major department liaison" in trying to spreading the workload among 4~4_11 1 a .LEGAL NOTICE :,NCO 0' TOWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the .Board of Selectmen of 'the Town of Reading will hold a..,pub.llc hearing on.-Tuesday, July 10, 2007* at." 8i00 P.m- .1n: th:e Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell, Street, . Rbadi.rig, . Massachusetts on'the Gasoline-' Storage License at 749'Main. Street - Change .of Ownership:. AII, interested parties may 4ppe'ar in person, may submit `their comments in writing, or may. e:mail.com:ments to townmanao, .`.erC«2ci.readina.ma.us,; , ay .order of, . l?eter L.Hechenbleikner. Town Man.ager 7/3 t 2" OFMC, B'UNCORQ~ . GREGORY J. BURNS, Chief 757 MAIN STREET BUS. PHONE: 781.942.9181 STA. PHONE: 781.944.3132 FAX: 781.942.9114 TO: The Board of Selectmen FROM: Chief Gregory J. Burns DATE: May 30, 2007 RE: License Application for 749 Main Street N 8 v e Q to The property located at 749 Main Street has been sold and the new owner ASZ, LLC has requested the owner of the land listed in the license be changed. The license in effect permits the underground storage of 30,000 gallons of gasoline and diesel. The facility has three double walled fiberglass underground storage tanks that were installed in 1997 in the following capacities: One 12,000-gallon gasoline tank. ➢ One 10,000-gallon gasoline tank. ➢ One 8,000 - gallon diesel tank. Recommendation: The Reading Fire Department has completed a code review of the installation and found the facility is in compliance with the fire Prevention Code 527 CMR. Therefore, I approve the following license application. I recommend if the Board of Selectmen grants the license, the following condition be placed upon the license: ➢ Compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17 Storage and handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products. HEADQUARTERS READING FIRE THE READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 We're Your Friends for Life FORM FP-2. U71 4r Cmtorxt~urett~ arse#t _ DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY--DIVISION OF FIRE PREVENTION , s o-7 19 (city, or Tow1f) (Date) APPLICATION FOR LICENSE For the lawful use of the herein described building.... or other structure...., application is hereby made in accord- ance with the provisions of Chapter 148 of the General Laws, for a license to use the land on which such building.... or other structure.... is/are or is/are to be situated, and only to such extent as shown on plot plan -which is filed with and made a part of this application. Location of land..... .1 ..5! . l l........ S Nearest cross street @ ..o...... .`~.....b...... .Y..... z . b. (Street & Number) Owner of land.......( 1,1--c. ...................................Address 7.41.... M.4..".- J........0..........R.x.qA. Number l.~n.q....... ~1 of buildings or other structures to which this application, applies J Occupancy or use of such buildings.......... , .mss .5 .c -!.Y?...f.........Ca...... 1.Q . Total capacity of tanks in gallons: Aboveground ..........................................................Underground ......3..Q?.Ca... Q Kind of fluid to be stored in tanks .q..c .S.ra.~ .2.:Y1..2........4....... ~.J..@.. .e...L 4provP(1U 'sapproved L?~ ................19 l.c.z.~.A 1f)cl ....1`~.~.. (Signature of Applicant) ( i......... l.y.........P ( 1 G Head of Fire Dept.) (Addrees) In accordance with the provisions of Chapter 148 of the General Laws, a license is hereby granted to use the land herein described for the lawful use of the building.... or other structure.... which is/are or.is/are to be situated thereon, and as described on the plot plan filed with the application f or this license. Location of land ....7,41......(...1.9..r..l!1... ~.1 ................................Nearest cross street ~1~ ...,e z. /.....R.k:.C........ (Street & Number) Owner of land L ,A... . ................................Address cl.....~'1. .~..u.1...~. ......~~~.'ti.~. .a.vl J Number of buildings or other structures to which this license applies t....................................... Occupancy or use of such I uildings .qs.fa.1.t..Yl.jt....... 5 ~i.1..Q..V~ Total capacity of tanks in gallons:-Aboveground .........Underground ~.CJ.. .D..O Q............... q Kind of fluid to be stored in tanks 6\..t~..~..c~..1..~..Y..~..t?...... M'~!~. .........~...1...t'...5..~....{......................................................... Restrictions-If any: (Signature of licensing authority) s THIS LICENSE OR A PHOTOSTATIC OR CERTIFIED COPY THEREOF MUST BE CONSPICUOUSLY POSTED IN A PROTECTED PLACE ON THE LAND FOR WHICH IT IS GRANTED 2. Discussion/Action Items 4a. Highlights - Planning and Permits Coordination - Town Planner/Community Services Director Carol Kowalski will be presenting highlights of the Planning and Permits Coordination Programs. 4b. Hearing - Gasoline Storage License. 749 Main Street, Change of Ownershin - The Shell Station on north Main Street (next to the Fire headquarters) has changed hands. This requires approval by the Board for change of ownership. The Fire Department has completed the code review and found it to be in compliance. The Chief recommended to approve the license on the condition of "compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products." 4c. Discuss Traffic Sneed and Multi-Wav Stores and Possible Standards for Multi-Wav Stops - Enclosed is a memo, map and charts from the Town Engineer relative to a traffic speed study at a number of locations throughout the community. This was requested by a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen in consultation of the Police Chief and the Town Engineer in order to determine whether or not speeding is a generic problem in the community, and whether the Board of Selectmen should consider multi-way stop signs to address this issue. Following discussion by the Board of Selectmen, the Board will need to give direction on the establishment of a policy for the Board to use in considering multi-way stops. It is clear from the manual for the traffic control regulations that an "engineering study" should be done prior to the Board considering multi- way stops. 6 4d. Sight Triangle Bvlaw - A subcommittee of the Board along with the Town Engineer and Police Chief had been reviewing the possibility of a sight triangle bylaw to come back for consideration at a Subsequent Town Meeting. The Town Engineer and the Police Chief will be present on the 10th to discuss this further. 4e. Discussion - Chanter 40B - Walpole Information - Selectman Ben Tafoya will have additional information as follow up to the attached correspondence from the Town of Walpole regarding Chapter 40B. 4f. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assignments _ Board members have submitted their requests for liaisons - they are shown on the chart attached. In the "suggested" column, I have suggested assignments where there seems to be a reasonable distribution of liaison assignments among the Board members, assuring that each Board member will have at least one "major department liaison" in trying to spreading the workload among q C// I Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 Fax: (781) 942-5441 Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us July 6, 2007 Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Selectmen, PUBLIC WORKS (781) 942-9077 Enclosed please find the results of the recent traffic study performed by the Engineering Division and the Police Department. The study was performed from March through June on various roadways within the Town. The traffic counters were in place on each roadway for a period of seven days and data was obtained for daily volumes, peak hourly volumes and vehicle speed. The current data was combined with recent studies by the Town and studies performed by consultants in various Town projects. The result of all data is identified on the attached spreadsheet. For ease in identification a Town map indicating a graphic location of studies is also enclosed. The primary purpose of the study is to determine if traffic volumes or vehicle speeds are the primary issues within the Town. While previous data is not available for each roadway studied, an analysis of the data available does not indicate any trends (increase or decrease) in the volumes on roadways studied. The data, in general, does reflect that the secondary roadways do experience moderate to high traffic volumes in the AM and PM peak hours. The observed average speed on roadways studied was between 21 to 33 MPH and the 85th percentile speed ranged between 24 to 38 MPH with the exception of High Street which was at 40 MPH. The 851h percentile represents the speed that 85 percent of the vehicles do not exceed. The pace speed range indicated on the table represents the ten mile per hour range of speeds containing the greatest number of observed speeds. Based on the speed data obtained and analyzed the majority of the vehicles are observing the regulated speed limit. In summary while one study should not be relied upon for all traffic issues the analysis of the data reflects that vehicle volumes should be of primary concern. Sincerely, George J. Zambouras, P.E., Town Engineer James Cormier, Police Chief Cc: Peter Hechenbleikner Michelle Halloran L.- Q\Documents and Settings\phechenhleikner.TOWN\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKIAB\Traffic Study.doc RCA DIG UD?' 20 ATICINS , 57 J LA Q,,~~ r ~ TOWN OF READING TRAFFIC STUDY DATA 71412007 Date: Srseed (MPH) Comments Volume k Avg. 85% Pace Range ° r-_ l° _ _ Pea Peak Hour Da Avg- Per_ _r- Y am Date PM-- - - AM D 5 26-35 6.9°/a Finish - 29 Start 58 3 Location 348 3922 29 304 16-25 52'4°l0 - 6/7/2007 611412007 23 770 686 30 50/, Incomplete Data 61 Ash Street (near Avon) 31 711012003 711612003 61 76 31-40 38 . Avenue Bancroft A 2294 2380 41512004 266 275 34 26-35 67.7% Cemetery) et (@ t 27 413/2007 2739 346 300 3063 26-35 68.4°l0 S re Charles S 5/3012007 g/6/2D07 - 5474 28 34 to Johnston} Forest Street (Spruce 744 608 6444 415!2007 26-35 33 73.6% 27 313012007 4899 626 6706 67.7°l0 54 Franklin Street 11/312006 11/9/2006 733 23 29 21_30 54 Franklin Street 348 1112212006 135 41 493 35 26-35 84.1% 42 Federal Street 111312006 119 31 4 5130,2007 487 450 5079 40 31-40 59.7% uce to Franklin) 512312007 4159 33 423 4726 30 21 69.7% S r Grove Street (p 612112007 372 6714!2007 995 23 - 29 9128 10J5/2D0 t e to Woodward) Vtn High Street ( 41512007 125 109 1073 7 21 29 , -30 a 66.2°/o speed Da 31301200 61 607 556 22 52.0°/° 53 Harrison Street 8(312005 42 -30 21 29 ouanis Drive 1 712612005 5 211 2044 1853 21 5,1012007 16 6 24 -25 1 55.3°l0 _ 39 Ntiddlesex Avenue 51312007 . 27 263 207 17 1012412003 61 34 26-35 75.4°/a 1011712003 358 3505 3025 28 a 69.0% % pierce Street 511012007 361 37 26-35 32 513t2D07 69 Prescott Street 3228 401 392 3592 512112007 GP{ Data Fairview) e (@ 511412007 2728 58 231 Summer Avenu 12J2005 3 Avenue (East of W"low) Summer " DATA BY READING ENGINEERING DIVISION T UNL D REp,DING POLICE DEPARTMENT UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED AN WN OF READING TO F1C STUDY DATA - rRAF 71412007 Date. Sneed (MPH) Comments volume Avg. 85% e Pace Rano arl _ ~f- ° - Peak Hour ` PDak a rcentil pe _p Date 1 PM ( Finish AM start 35 27 26-35 53.3% Location 4230 481 4796 298 26-35 Tg_o% 81112003 81812003 3317 2911 35 31 Edwards and Kelcey Data Summer Avenue 326 51412007 511112007 322 35 (Speed Data July 2003) 3024 316 Archstane 3i s South Street 311712005 312212005 6 365 305 South Street 402 Near West} South Street ( 3659 2958 912012004 342 342 35 26-35 67.7% South Street 9/1012004 3939 3003 712512003 292 388 28 33 26,35 69.8% 7118/2003 1582 1437 28 Edwards and Kelcey Data South Street 51312007 131. 174 112612007 Walnut St (Strawberry Hill to Ash) ! 2649 312212005 182 33 26-35 77.8% 311712005 4928 4827. 28 GPI Data Walnut Street 512 1112712006 121112006 495 8 453 West Street 764 700 759 34 26-35 $3'2% th of Arcadia) 12!2005 559 5226 4570 30 GPI Data West Street (Sou 385 $11712006 8/3(2006 6653 141 Willow Street 890 555 1212()05 Street (North of Summed Willow Volume Day - in vehicles per day les per h our Volume Peaks - in vehic SE NOTED DIVISIONSS OTHERWI ENGINEERING NL DATA EY READING AND READING POLiGE DEPARTMENT U 2. Discussion/Action Items 4a. Hi2hliahts - Planning and Permits Coordination - Town Planner/Community Services Director Carol Kowalski will be presenting highlights of the Planning and Permits Coordination Programs. 4b. Hearinu - Gasoline Storaize License. 749 Main Street. Chance of Ownershib - The Shell Station on north Main Street (next to the Fire headquarters) has changed hands. This requires approval by the Board for change of ownership. The Fire Department has completed the code review and found it to be in compliance. The Chief recommended to approve the license on the condition of "compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products." 4c. Discuss Traffic Sneed and Multi-Wav Storrs and Possible Standards for Multi-Wav Storrs - Enclosed is a memo, map and charts from the Town Engineer relative to a traffic speed study at a number of locations throughout the community. This was requested by a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen in consultation of the Police Chief and the Town Engineer in order to determine whether or not speeding is a generic problem in the community, and whether the Board of Selectmen should consider multi-way stop signs to address this issue. Following discussion by the Board of Selectmen, the Board will need to give direction on the establishment of a policy for the Board to use in considering multi-way stops. It is clear from the manual for the traffic control regulations that an "engineering study" should be done prior to the Board considering multi- way stops. 4d. Sight Triangle Bvlaw - A subcommittee of the Board along with the Town Engineer and Police Chief had been reviewing the possibility of a sight triangle bylaw to come back for consideration at a Subsequent Town Meeting. The Town Engineer and the Police Chief will be present on the l Oth to discuss this further. 4e. Discussion - Chanter 40B - Walpole Information - Selectman Ben Tafoya will have additional information as follow up to the attached correspondence from the Town of Walpole regarding Chapter 40B. 4f. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assiunments - Board members have submitted their requests for liaisons - they are shown on the chart attached. In the "suggested" column, I have suggested assignments where there seems to be a reasonable distribution of liaison assignments among the Board members, assuring that each Board member will have at least one "major department liaison" in trying to spreading the workload among N d, , 2. Discussion/Action Items 4a. HiahliLyhts - Planning and Permits Coordination - Town Planner/Community Services Director Carol Kowalski will be presenting highlights of the Planning and Permits Coordination Programs. 4b. Hearing - Gasoline Storage License. 749 Main Street, Chanae of Ownershin - The Shell Station on north Main Street (next to the Fire headquarters) has changed hands. This requires approval by the Board for change of ownership. The Fire Department has completed the code review and found it to be in compliance. The Chief recommended to approve the license on the condition of "compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17, Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products." 4c. Discuss Traffic Sneed and Multi-Wav Storrs and Possible Standards for Multi-Wav Stops - Enclosed is a memo, map and charts from the Town Engineer relative to a traffic speed study at a number of locations throughout'the community. This was requested by a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen in consultation of the Police Chief and the Town Engineer in order to determine whether or not speeding is a generic problem in the community, and whether the Board of Selectmen should consider multi-way stop signs to address this issue. Following discussion by the Board of Selectmen, the Board will need to give direction on the establishment of a policy for the Board to use in considering multi-way stops. It is clear from the manual for the traffic control regulations that an "engineering study" should be done prior to the Board considering multi- way stops. 4d. Sight Triangle Bvlaw - A subcommittee of the Board along with the Town Engineer and Police Chief had been reviewing the possibility of a sight triangle bylaw to come back for consideration at a Subsequent Town Meeting. The Town Engineer and the Police Chief will be present on the 10th to discuss this further. 4e. Discussion - Chatiter 40B - Walpole Information - Selectman Ben Tafoya will have additional information as follow up to the attached correspondence from the Town of Walpole regarding Chapter 40B. 4f. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assimiments, - Board members have submitted their requests for liaisons - they are shown on the chart attached. In the "suggested" column, I have suggested assignments where there seems to be a reasonable distribution of liaison assignments among the Board members, assuring that each Board member will have at least one "major department liaison" in trying to spreading the workload among 14,.,0 BOARD OF SELECTMEN ,7osep- J~ Denneen, GE air 5merf 2 DeXapoh, vice Glsair Czrisfoplzer .9 gmson, Gleriz Wa iael,`7. Caron Gafaerine cam. 70insfon TOWN OF WALP'OLE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS May 17, 2007 Reading Board of Selectmen 16- Lowell St Reading, MA 01867 Dear Members of the Reading Board of Selectmen: Walpole Town Hall 935 School Street Walpole, MA 02089 Phone (508) 660-7277 Fax (508) 660-7303 A -c ~o For several years now, our community has heard concerns from many other communities in Massachusetts about the negative impacts that have resulted from the development of so- called "Unfriendly 4013" projects. We share those concerns and are dealing with the effects of a 300-unit project on Route 1 in our Town. Yet despite the concerns, little if anything seems to have occurred at the State level to truly understand, diagnose, and finally correct the problems that the 40B legislation has created. Newer forms.of legislation, such as "40R" and "40S" have been introduced in recent years to give some control back to cities and towns, but the underlying dilemma posed by the allowance of subdivisions that essentially follow. no community by-law or regulation and are unwelcome by local permitting boards has not changed. We believe that now is the time to change it. Attached please find .a letter that we have sent to members of our legislative delegation seeking an immediate suspension of that part of the law that allows for unfriendly 40B applications. We are recommending that the time created under this moratorium be utilized by local and state leaders to come together to dissect Chapter 40B, identify the problems, and permanently fix the problems that we deal with year in and year out. Following this process, it is anticipated that a much better piece of legislation will be introduced, and the true original intention of providing affordable housing to residents of the Commonwealth will be reality. Please also be assured that it is our suggestion that the provisions of 40B that allow communities to work with developers on jointly-supported projects, such as Local Initiative Plans, not be part of the moratorium. At the. end of the day, development that respects a community's home rule and right to "plan" is in everyone's best interest. After you review the attached correspondence, we respectfully ask that you join with us in this most important endeavor. We ask that your Board vote to support this request for legislation, and that you also notify your legislators asking them to sign-on. Finally, we request that you notify our Board of your vote in order that we may record the many communities who share our concerns. q 1-0 'We thank you for all that you do and your support moving forward. If we can be of any assistance to you, please do' not hesitate to contact us. Very truly yours, i h iLIDc WALPOOL OARD OF SELECTMEN qz3 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Joseph M.Denneen, Chairman Al DeNapoli, Vice Chairman Christopher G. Timson Clerk Michael F.Caron Catherine E. Winston May 16, 2007 The. Honorable James Timilty Massachusetis.Senate • Massachusetis State House Room 518 Boston, MA 02133 Dear Senator Timilty: TOWN HALL 135 School Street Walpole, MA. o2o8i (5o8) 66o-72'77 (5o8) 660-7276 (5o8) 660-7303 Fax Please accept this letter as a request for your support in filing legislation that will' cause the immediate suspension of VIGL Chapter 40B, the Comprehensive Permit' Law, as it applies to 'applications for comprehensive permits not supported by the community, applications more commonly referred to as "unfriendly 40Bs". We truly understand the ' need, and support' affordable housing for all citizens; however, it has now become widely recognized that the law is simply not being applied as fully intended in communities across the Commonwealth. Moreover, during this period of continued fiscal uncertainty in most cities and towns, we feel it would be a considerable benefit to suspend these current regulations until a thorough and exhaustive review of the existing forty year old legislation and the challenges it has and is causing cities and towns. Many communities, as well as our own., continue to deal with the adverse impacts these housing projects have had: As you are aware, in 2005, a 300-unit rental project was completed and occupied in Walpole. That has resulted in. a sharp increase in demand for town services, including public safety and schools, and continues to create problems for our town given its location on Route 1 just north of Gillette Stadium. And as we sit today, less than two years after realizing the impacts of the 300-unit development, we are now facing the prospect of another 240-plus unit rental project in our downtown that has the potential to have a significant unplanned impact on the character of our historic town center. Add these together with several proposed 40B developments in the Town of Sharon along or near the Walpole line, and it is not surprising to realize that-the costs incurred as a result of such rapid and unplanned growth will outpace a community's ability to meet the service demands they generate. Further, it undermines local zoning by-laws and ordinances that truly represent how citizens of a community want their city or town to look and feel.. And at worst; it has become a misused tool for some developers to maximize profits. by placing housing in unsuitable and misplaced locations rattier than in well-planned and appropriate areas in communities. Please be assured that the Board of Selectmen is not seeking to eliminate Chapter 40B completely. Nor is the Board seeking to avoid its obligation to the citizens and businesses of the Commonwealth to increase the affordable housing stock. In. fact, we are currently involved in a process to create a Housing Production Plan to expand our affordable housing base. Rather, we are suggesting that a moratorium on the filing of unfriendly' 40B applications will give Walpole and all communities an opportunity to C'! determine how best we can make the law work, with modifications, going forward into the next decade and beyond. The study time that a moratorium would create is exactly what is needed at this most critical juncture. It will allow communities to consider alternative affordable development options, such as so- called 40R and 40S projects, as well as still allowing communities and developers to partner with each other utilizing the benefits of 40B in a cooperative versus adversarial environment. Without an immediate suspension, many communities may add affordable units to their housing base, but they will not be doing so in a manner that benefits anyone, including those who will someday occupy those units. Together we can address this most important-issue, and together we can make the Commonwealth and its cities and towns more affordable for all. ' We urge you to strongly consider our request on this important matter. cc: Representative Richard Ross Representative John Rogers Representative Louis Kafka L" S'~ " J Je, '-'WA.LPOLE BOARD OF SELECTMEN 2. Discussion/Action Items 4a. HiQhli2hts - Planninia and Permits Coordination - Town Planner/Community Services Director Carol Kowalski will be presenting highlights of the Planning and Permits Coordination Programs. 4b. Hearing - Gasoline Storage License. 749 Main Street, Chance of Ownership - The Shell Station on north Main Street (next to the Fire headquarters) has changed hands. This requires approval by the Board for change of ownership. The Fire Department has completed the code review and found it to be in compliance. The Chief recommended to approve the license on the condition of "compliance with the Town of Reading General By-Law 5.17 Storage and Handling of Crude Petroleum or any Crude Petroleum Products." 4c. Discuss Traffic Sneed and Multi-Wav Storrs and Possible Standards for Multi-Way Stops - Enclosed is a memo, map and charts from the Town Engineer relative to a traffic speed study at a number of locations throughout'the community. This was requested by a subcommittee of the Board of Selectmen in consultation of the Police Chief and the Town Engineer in order to determine whether or not speeding is a generic problem in the community, and whether the Board of Selectmen should consider multi-way stop signs to address this issue. Following discussion by the Board of Selectmen, the Board will need to give direction on the establishment of a policy for the Board to use in considering multi-way stops. It is clear from the manual for the traffic control regulations that an "engineering study" should be done prior to the Board considering multi- way stops. 4d. Sight Trianale Bylaw - A subcommittee of the Board along with the Town Engineer and Police Chief had been reviewing the possibility of a sight triangle bylaw to come back for consideration at a Subsequent Town Meeting. The Town Engineer and the Police Chief will be present on the 10th to discuss this further. 4e. Discussion - Chapter 40B - Walpole Information - Selectman Ben Tafoya will have additional information as follow up to the attached correspondence from the Town of Walpole regarding Chapter 40B. 4f. Establish Board of Selectmen Liaison Assiamnents - Board members have submitted their requests for liaisons - they are shown on the chart attached. In the "suggested" column, I have suggested assignments where there seems to be a reasonable distribution of liaison assignments among the Board members, assuring that each Board member will have at least one "major department liaison" in trying to spreading the workload among 9 3. Board members. Clearly, Selectman Ben Tafoya has the largest number of liaison assignments under the "suggested" scenario, but he is the only one to indicate any preference for some of the divisions particularly within the Community Services Department. I would suggest that the Chairman review this chart and make his assignments. 4g. Review Action Status Reports - Attached is the updated' tracking log on status of issues. I will do the highlights at the meeting on July 10`h. PIH:lm SELECTMEN'S LIAISON ASSIGNMENTS - FY 2008 Suggg Requests ested JB SG BT CA RS Accounting Department ( BT 2 4 Community Services Department ➢ Board of Appeals I SG I ( 5 I 1 ➢ Cities for Climate Protection Program Committee BT ( I 3 ➢ Community Planning and Development JB 1 1 1 Commission / MAPC ➢ Conservation Commission I RS I I 3 I 1 ➢ Economic Development Committee I JB 1 ( I 1 ( 1 ( 1 Historical Commission I BT I I I 3 ➢ Board of Health I BT I ( I 3 ➢ Council on Aging / Mystic Valley Elder Services SG I I 3 I 3 ➢ West Street Historic District Commission BT I ( ( 5 Finance Department I RS 4 3 2 ➢ Constable 3 ➢ Board of Registrars ➢ Trust Fund Commissioners I Anthony ➢ Board of Assessors ( I I 3 ➢ Reading Telecommunications and Technology 2 Advisory Committee (T-TAC) ➢ Finance Committee I I 2 ➢ . Land Bank Committee I I I 5 Housing Authority I RS 3 5 2 Library Department CA 2 2 ➢ Cultural Council Department of Public Safety I BT 4 1 ➢ Human Relations Advisory Committee ➢ Police Department ➢ Fire Department Department of Public Works JB 2 1 4 4 3 ➢ Aquatics Advisory Committee I ( ( ( 4 ➢ Board of Cemetery Trustees 4 ➢ Water and Sewer Advisory Committee / MWRA ➢ Town Forest Committee t 1 ➢ Recreation Committee I ➢ Downtown Steering Committee ht De ariment l L' R d' M I CA 3 3 g u naca ea ang pa a p School Department I SG 2 3 2 4 3. Board members. Clearly, Selectman Ben Tafoya has the largest number of liaison assignments under the "suggested" scenario, but he is the only one to indicate any preference for some of the divisions particularly within the Community Services Department. I would suggest that the Chairman review this chart and make his assignments. 4g. Review Action Status Reports - Attached is the updated tracking log on . status of issues. I will do the highlights at the meeting on July 10th PIH:lm DG Board of Selectmen Tracking Loci for Current Issues/Projects Date Issue/Proiect/ Identified Problem Resp. Select. Action Needed Follow-uD Dept- Liaison Date Traffic/Parkinq Issues Ash Street at RR Develop a process to acquire Town. Mgr. Anthony Meeting held on site 6-7- 09/30107 land and build new connection 07. Additional meeting to directly between Ash and Main be scheduled. Street, eliminating the grade Construction of gates crossing could be donein 12 months. 9/16/06 Stop signs at Request to make Bancroft at Bancroft Hartshorn a multi-way stop and move stop sign on Hartshorn closer to intersection. Possible installation of a speed table. 7/5/2007 Police Goldy Awaiting Board of Selectmen development of standards for multi-way stops. Scheduled for Board of Selectmen discussion 7- 12-07. 1 07/12/07 ,C a. k1n L sueslpr for yti.:- C urre"t IS f011 ,eke ~ Res , Qa prob►em D IdenC►f►ed Town Issuefpro' ec rocQSS and tune ~n9ineer; pate Develop the ps the need {or a Town toaddres the upper Maid rage tine parking parking, garage on 3fx7E07 parking tot Nee. ©a "Wool ,Actpct►~--°n'` 09(3Uta7 ct. a schedule and Se_-- Par~s°-n Develop Getting Tafo`la action plan. arage names of parking g order to get designers' to a price for feasibility Funding for study • is in the state jeasi udge t hat is on the Governor's desk- b iggiSlE 11111148; IMAM 8 aCGep{ed andstructton gonaZ°ti awarded, with con Engineer started in the spring. d and from the bon Funding water enterprise the storm Counsel has , lund• Town ssar'I legal . filed the nece bond action to take the ction in ~op{ctrts Constru street"done- the basin Construction in done be tnrnediate►y to be that it ca planted. 2 Current 1ssues1Pr°-~t~ for Fo11ow-N 11 Lo c 0-0 B out ede to ate. r en -rack Res'- ct Ac~iO=- o~j3a,o7 e are~-' 1. $eliT~ i es bid, w►th ~ rrolect tis 3*, "The bl.O, p ~ p bony taken May Identif1ed Pro . , -Town 'S 's 11 non..participattng 1 .1 Engineer of estimated 1ss~ rol..eo-- to bid. costs" approved in Die project is out $650,000 was ' Downtown APrIl.2007 1111$5 rovements 09125(0 Imp "s LIP regulations r Review Town TafoYa and m mendat. ns to the ma ed to counsel Boar Selectme ~ ulations } ` L reg Board of 8131107 Met Counsel. 4 Counsel 1P be Update" per IG and • Tovur► IP Suggestions - ube~ w~tcounsel to review review 1r Sch Town al leg Regulations Town whether additio ted and - Main Street counsel action is VV ,.15 Main 1375 137 audit of generated Possible re Generals has g developer. Inspector mendatlons Street 1f1107 recommendations re recom Housing 091301 Mordable Hire a consultant _ Bali develop a drall bYIa`N ° planner and discussion to have Town Wath one Consultant an s t. The Town nee standards ana Manager am expecting prop . .r- lighting stablished S pevelop Zoning es' or reviewing site e is sectian ee article men 8!22!06 of the pro ung cess lot new develop h gYlaw s i~"r i Board of Selectmen Tracking Loci for Current .Issues/Projects Date Issue/Project/ Identified Problem Sale of Oakland The Town owned tax title land Road land across Oakland Road from the RMHS is surplus to the Town's needs. Resp. Dept. Town Manager, Town Planner Select. Action Needed Follow-up liaison Date Tafoya Develop process to be 09/30107 implemented in summer 2007. Tafoya to outline process and send to Town Manager 4 cry 7/5/2007 4 - - Policies/Requlations Board of Selectmen Trackinq* Loci for Current Issues/Projects Date Issue/Proiect/ Identified Problem Resp. Select. Dept. Liaison Memorial Park Controversy over allowed Town Anthony uses; Development of Master Counsel Plan 7'/5/2007 5 Action Needed Public Hearing was held on park master plan; Recreation has written up the comments and is amending the plans; Town Counsel had a hearing before Probate judge on June 28 re "reasonable deviation" petition. Per court direction, we will publish and notice abutters. On Park Master Plan, we have a petition to not pave any of the walkways -we will have a revised park plan for BOS hearing on September 18. Follow-up Date 09/30/07 Board of Set eactmen Date, lssuelProtectl, Master plan for Birch gl26106 Meadow site ra es1pr°jects, or Current is . Needed Gl In,' Log f Follow-UP , ldentlfied Problem, There are some keY decisions to be made on t the we need a master plan fore Rest Select,, Liaison. Recreation Galdy ,consider in Review and r rejectiontof light Sight Triangles of Town Meeting 12!5!06 proposed bylaw 3!13!2007 ,7e- r 71512007 policy on fund-raising for public projects The Town needs a courage, re whether to en, and how to direct private groups who want to raise fund for oublic nroiects like police Town Manager 6 Action pevelop a master plan for including the the property, Imagination Station site. \Ve are developing Maps that show the entire site including the new school. Board of selectmen is appointing a committee.. 07110107 CA to review tape of Town and develop list of Meeting Anthony Chief to issues raised. develop questionnaire to Town Meeting members to gauge acceptability of bringing issue burther Taw, Meeting discussion at Board of selectmen scheduled for July 10. 06130107 Develop draft policy Bonazoll ate, D 12131107 Board of Selectmen Tracking Loci for Current Issues/Projects Date Issue/Proiectl Identified Problem Resm Select. Action Needed Follow-w Dent. Liaison Date Citizen Requests 4/30/06 Drainage on Haverhill Street ditch has silted up and is not free-flowing - backs up and affects neighbors property DPW Goldy work to be done this fall as part of the storm water management program. Right of entry needed from the Open Land Trust and the property. owner 03/31/07 John McCracken re 10/12/06 road opening permit 10/12/06 Paul McKinnon e 7/$/2007 owner paved a portion of the Town tree lawn without a permit Engineer Storm water ponding in front of Town driveway - Engineer 7 Hearing March 13. As a result of the.hearing the property owner will remove the paving no later than June 30, 2007. An inspection on 7-6-07 shows that the pavement has bee Anthony removed DPW will do some remedial work this summer - See George Zambouras letter 1- Anthony 11-07. 03/13/07 08/31/07 000 pCts Issues g for C,:UCC..~- Foi►ow. R n -f rac*`~ 1 ` Lo ACtj0C1 t4eeded date."'" 1303rd hem des lar ,L, s n w and P cesses to Q prebt regulat+ons can and ldentified if we can set up elProGedQ see arks. ► u' ® bottle recycling in P e the le{l in 'Dale woo P~iso add to thtrashu Qgf311D7~ problem with r t the parks. Bona WfIen We le bottles and Dpw Director ogtstics Rev►eW ice Q9134107j VVe do not r,Cyr- new Veterans Sere arks _ we ~ a n cans in can P R G~cer ecycling in ¢arksS~"°'- \feterans Srhubert 15115f °Wn rag a staff when a veteran r 6120tQ7 passed y Board of Selectmen Meeting June 5, 2007 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Stephen Goldy, Selectman Camille Anthony, Town Counsel Gary Brackett and Ellen Doucette, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner and the following list of interested parties: Steve Sadwick, Brendan and Sally Hoyt. Reuorts and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Camille Anthony reported that she had attended a Girl Scout Gold Award event for Kim Pompeolo, the Addison-Wesley/Pearson Development Advisory Team had met, and new Town Planner Carol Kowalski was able to attend. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli and Chairman Ben Tafoya had questions about timing and density proposed. Selectman Anthony reminded the Board of Selectmen about concerns on the lack of cleanliness and litter at Hunt Park. Finally, she mentioned that the community should consider some kind of broad civility . program entitled "I CARE" to encourage civility in community life including driving. Selectman Steve Goldy reported that he is getting questions about timing and progress on the Addison-Wesley/Pearson proposal. He noted that Friends of Reading Recreation is holding a Fun Run immediately preceding Friends and Family Day on June 30th, and will participate at F&F Day with a bean bag toss and other events. On July 26, FORR will have a 5K Run and a barbecue. He also mentioned that he attended a visit to the State House by the Barrows third grades. He asked about the status of improvements to the Ash Street Grade Crossing. The Town Manager noted that a meeting with Mass Highway, MBTA and DTE staff is scheduled, and funding for grade crossing improvements is available. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli thanked staff and volunteers for an 'outstanding event and facilities on Memorial Day. Chairman Ben Tafoya thanked the Scout groups, and the RMHS Marching Band for their participation in the Memorial Day events and parade. He asked that we schedule a meeting with Secretary of Transportation Cohen regarding Reading's position on the I-95/I-93 Interchange plan. He suggested that we discuss Walpole's material received by the Board of Selectmen regarding problems with the 40B process. He is willing to put some information together on this. He also asked about the dates of issuance of building permits at Archstone in the event that, under the Planned Production Program, a "look-back" provision for construction of Affordable Housing is permitted. Public Comment - There was no public comment S~ Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 5. 2007 - Paize 2 Town Manager's Revort The Town Manager gave the following report: • Long time community activist and Town Official Dana Hennigar passed away last week. Condolences to his family. • Bids have been opened by the Massachusetts Highway Department on the Downtown Improvement Project. There were three bidders, and the low bidder was within the cost estimates from the engineer. Town Engineer George Zambouras is seeking information from the MHD on the award and order to proceed process. • Franklin Street sidewalks will be under construction right after the end of school, weather permitting. • The following road construction projects should begin within the next couple of weeks pending a decision by Keyspan with respect to gas installation: Wells Road, Hampshire Road, Lawrence Road, Locust Street, Wentworth Road. • Water Resources Commission approval of the Town's full MWRA buy-in is expected on July 12th with MWRA Advisory Board approval in September, and MWRA Board approval in October. • West Street curb and sidewalks are done - loam will be done this Spring and seeding done in the Fall. • Water, Sewer and Stormwater bills will go out next week. • The property owner on 15 Timothy Place has removed the fence, pool deck and other encumbrances from the right of way of Timothy Place. As the Board of Selectmen will recall, there was a settlement of litigation that required this work to be done by June 1, 2007 and it was done. • The Recreation Committee is holding a public hearing on June 13th on the proposed reconstruction of the Tennis Courts on Bancroft Avenue. • You have, correspondence from Walpole in your packet (8b1) regarding 40B regulations. • I provided testimony today to the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy regarding the proposed Verizon legislation which would strip local government in Massachusetts from any role in Cable TV franchising. • The Reading Lions Club invites you to participate in the Fourth Annual Reading Friends and Family Day. Save the Date - Saturday, June 30, 2007. The MMA is holding a Leadership Institute at Northeastern on June 13th, and the Board of Selectmen is invited to participate. New State regulations make the issue of a School Zone for the Montessori School on West Street questionable until we get clarification from the State. Meanwhile, we will not hold up the Certificate of Occupancy for the school while we are seeking additional information. Discussion/Action Items Hi2hli2hts - Leal - Town Counsel Gary Brackett and Ellen Doucette talked about how the firm of Brackett & Lucas provides legal services. Their only business is municipal law. They enjoy providing legal services to Reading, and appreciate whatever feedback the community can give them on their legal services. Ellen Doucette reviewed with the Board of Selectmen major legal issues, including projects that have been completed such as the acquisition of 1481 Main Street, and outstanding legal issues including the work on Memorial Park. She, along with the Town Manager, suggested that for Sam Board of Selectmen Meetina - June 5. 2007 - Page 3 FY 2009 the Town Budget for the re-writing of the Town's Zoning By-Laws, they have grown over time but never really been re-codified. Town Counsel is going to review the Town's LIP regulations to make sure that they address issues raised by the Inspector General's Report on 1375 Main Street. Metrobolitan Area Planning Council Update - Reading's Representative to MAPC Steve Sadwick gave the Board of Selectmen an update on what is happening with this agency. He distributed material to the Board of Selectmen on the regional plan and the survey/questionnaire. There was discussion about affordable housing, and Chairman Ben Tafoya asked whether in Mr. Sadwick's opinion rental housing is being overbuilt because of the preferred status of rental vs. owner occupied housing under the 40B regulations. Mr. Sadwick agreed that this might be the case. Hearing - Curb Cut Waiver - 221 West Street - Brendan and Sally Hoyt of 221 West Street appeared before the Board asking that their curb cut on West Street be allowed in excess of 24 feet - a tree was recently removed and the wider curb cut would allow easier access into their driveway on Woburn Street. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on a waiver of curb cut regulations at 221 West Street was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldv seconded by Anthonv to approve a temporarv waiver of curb cut regulations at 221 West Street for the drivewav on Woburn Street. subiect to final approval of the details of the curb cut by the Town Engineer, and provided that construction shall be completed no later than December 31. 2007. This is a temporarv waiver until such time as the West Street improvement proiect is done. at which time the drivewav opening will be restored to a 24 foot width. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - Policv on E-mail Corresbondence - The Town Manager reviewed the draft policy with the Board of Selectmen. The policy has been reviewed by Town Counsel. Chairman Ben Tafoya commented that the State law on issues of electronic communication has not kept up with the technology, and our legislators should be urged to work on this issue. Several minor amendments were offered to the policy as drafted. A motion by Goldv seconded by Anthonv to close the public hearing on an amendment to Section 1.1.9 of the Board of Selectmen Policies dealing with the issue of "Board of Selectmen Communication" was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldv seconded by Anthonv to approve an amendment to Section 1.1.9 of the Board of Selectmen Policies dealing with the issue of "Board of Selectmen Communication" by adding the sections addressing e-mail correspondence as submitted. amended and dated June 5. 2007 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Review Action Status Report - This was postponed until a later meeting of the Board of Selectmen. ~~,3 Board of Selectmen Meetinc - June 5. 2007 - Page 4 Personnel and Appointments Animal Control Anneals Committee - Anthonv moved and Goldv seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Animal Control Appeals Committee for a term expiring June 30.2010: James Bonazoli. Selectman James Bonazoli received four votes and was appointed. Audit Committee - Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Audit Committee for a term expiring June 30. 2010: Camille Anthonv. Selectman Camille Anthonv received three votes and was appointed. Board of Registrars - Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Board of Registrars for a term expiring June 30. 2010: Krissandra Holmes. Ms. Holmes received four votes and was appointed. Commissioners of Trust Funds - Goldv moved and Anthonv seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Commissioners of Trust Funds for a term expiring June 30.2010: John J. Daly. Mr. Dalv received four votes and was appointed. . Constable - Goldv moved and Anthonv seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position as a Constable for a term expiring June 30. 2010: Alan Ulrich. Mr. Ulrich received four votes and was appointed. Cultural Council - Goldv moved and Anthonv seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Cultural Council for terms expiring June 30. 2010: Lorraine Horn and Elizabeth Whitelam. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Housing Authority - Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Housing Authoritv for a term expiring June 30, 2012: Marv E. Connors. Ms. Connors received four votes and was appointed. Human Relations Advisorv Committee - Goldv moved and Anthonv seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Human Relations Advisorv Committee for terms expiring June 30. 2010: Nancv M. Naimi and James Comier. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Recreation Committee - Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following names into nomination for one position on the Recreation Committee for a term expiring June 30, 2010: Beth Claroni and Michael DiPetro. Mr. DiPetro received four votes and was appointed. Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position as an Associate Member on the Recreation Committee for a term expiring June 30. 2008: Beth Claroni. Ms. Claroni received four votes and was appointed. S~L Board of Selectmen Meeting - June 5, 2007 - Page 5 Telecommunications and Technoloav Advisorv Committee - Goldv moved and Anthony seconded to place the followine names into nomination for two uositions on the Telecommunications and Technoloov Advisorv Committee for terms expiring June 30. 2010: Benjamin T. Ream and C. Pitt Crandlemire. Each candidate received four votes and were appointed. Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the followine name into nomination for one position as an Associate Member on the Telecommunications and TechnoloL"T Advisorv Committee for a term expiring June 30. 2008: Douelas M. Reid. Mr. Reid received four, votes and was appointed. Ad Hoc Onen Space and Recreation Planning - Goldv moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the followinz names into nomination for nine positions on the ad hoc Open Space and Recreation Plannine Worldn2 Group Committee for a term expiring December 31. 2007: Camille Anthonv. Doug Greene. Barbara Stewart. Frank Driscoll. Pat Llovd, Mike Collins., Gina Snyder. Heather Clish and Derek Cribb. Each candidate received four votes and, were appointed. Approval of Minutes A motion by Goldv seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of Mav 15. 2007 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Anthonv seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meetine of June 5. 2007 at 9:35 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary s~S~ 7(U7 JUN 27 AN li= 48 June 22, 2007 0 verr ern Dear Municipal Official: The Cable Choice and Competition Act now pending in the legislature would simplify and accelerate the process for Verizon and other companies to enter the cable-TV market in Massachusetts. Our data shows the overwhelming majority of Massachusetts consumers welcome the benefits of competitive cable choice that the legislation would encourage. It's understandable that some municipal officials expressed concerns at the June 5th legislative hearing on how the proposed legislation would affect the relationships municipalities now have with cable providers. I want to reassure you that Verizon would remain a strong local partner with municipalities as we expand our FiOS TV service to more communities, and your relationship with Verizon will remain similar to what it is now through provisions in the legislation for: • Municipal funding - Cable providers will continue to pay fees of up to a combined 6 percent of their gross revenue in your municipality through the payment of franchise fees up to 5 percent of gross revenues and an additional one percent fee to support the capital needs of local access stations. • Public, Educational and Government (PEG) programming - Local cable access channels will be provided to your community just as they are now. Each new provider is required to carry the same number of PEG channels as your current provider(s). • Enforcement - The Act specifically empowers local governments or the state Attorney General to take action if any provider is not living up to its local obligations. • Build Out - The bill includes strict language that prohibits carriers from skipping or delaying service for low-income neighborhoods. Enforcement provisions allow either the municipality or the Attorney General to take action if promises are not met. Verizon has a long history of providing non-discriminatory phone service in Massachusetts and that tradition will be maintained in our cable service. The Commonwealth has much to gain from passage of the Cable Choice and Competition Act. A vigorously competitive cable market will increase the vitally important investment in the state's broadband infrastructure. This is essential to keeping Massachusetts a leader in the high-tech industry and retaining the good-paying jobs that this industry produces. We look forward to working closely with you and the residents of your community to make cable competition work for Massachusetts. Sincerely, Peter Bowman Verizon Vice President, External Affairs - Massachusetts and Rhode Island Al I M JUN 27 AM 11: 48 GARY S. BRACKETT ELAINE M. LUCAS JUDITH A. PICKETT JAMES T. MASTERALEXIS STEVEN C.FLETCHER* ELLEN CALLAHAN DOUCETTE DONNA GORSHEL COHEN HEATHER C. WHITE JASON D. GROSSFIELD *Also Admitted in ME and CO BRACKETT & LUCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STREET WORCESTER MASSACHUSETTS 01609 508-799-9739 Fax 508-799-9799 WINCHESTER OFFICE 165 WASHINGTON STREET WINCHESTER, MASSACHUSETTS 01890 781-729-1500 Fax 781-729-5444 June 26, 2007 Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: Comprehensive Permits/Cost Certification/Excess Profits (Inspector General's Audit Report) Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: I just wanted to up-date you on some recent policy changes that are under review at the Department of Housing and Community Development ("DHCD") that may be beneficial to the Town and impact the Town's ability to protect itself in the future from developers pocketing excess profits from Comprehensive Permit developments. In addition, this information may be helpful in the town's deliberations regarding whether to pursue collection of prior excess profits. On Friday, June 22, 2007, I took part in a Comprehensive Permit seminar entitled, "Working with Chapter 40B", that was presented jointly by the Citizens' Housing & Planning Association ("CHAPA"), the Massachusetts Housing Partnership ("MHP"), the Department of Housing and Community Development ("DHCD") and MassHousing. George Xenakis, Deputy, Financial Investigations Division, from the Inspector General's office was in attendance, and I had an opportunity to speak briefly with him. It was quite clear from the speakers' comments that the new administration is re-evaluating its position on 40B, and I can 2 Peter I. Hechenbleikner June 26, 2007 Page 2 only assume that some of the proposals were prompted, in part, by the Inspector General's investigations. The keynote speaker, Mark Siegenthaler, Director of Policy for the Department of Housing and Community Development ("DHCD"), outlined the new administration's view of DHCD's role in affordable housing and Chapter 40B. He stated that to assist in the goal of affordable housing production DHCD hopes to rewrite the regulations so that they result in: (1) clarity and consistency, (2) increased affordability and (3) increased local engagement. He sees three areas of concern in his agency's oversight of the Comprehensive Permit situation: (1) administration, (2) certified housing inventory and (3) local community role. Regarding the administration, he said that consistent standards to be used by all agencies when making the site eligibility determination and when monitoring for both the affirmative fair market housing and cost certification are needed. Regarding cost certification procedures, DHCD is considering regulations to strengthen the review of the profit limit certification. These might include a review by the subsidizing agency when it does its approval after the Zoning Board of Appeals' Decision and also requiring a financial surety for review of the cost certifications and possibly for the projected profit amount. Since this is of particular concern to a number of our communities, I spoke to Mark after his speech to attempt to get more detail. He said that they are looking at various bond options and also where in the process they should be intervening. They are seeking advice and comments from all involved, including municipalities. Regarding the subsidized housing inventory ("SHI"), DHCD is thinking of introducing a middle tier that would broaden the range of affordability within 40B projects. In addition to the twenty- five (25%) percent affordable units, DHCD is considering regulations requiring that fifteen (15%) percent of the units be priced so as to be affordable for people making eighty (80%) to one hundred (1000) percent of the median income. In such projects, the regulation would provide that towns would be able to count fifty (50%) percent of the units toward the certified housing inventory (even though only forty (400) percent would actually be affordable/mid-affordable). In addition, DHCD staff members are considering a regulation that would provide that large phased projects be counted in the SHI 8.~v. Peter Hechenbleikner June 26, 2007 Page 3 immediately even if it takes more than twelve (12) months to build out, as long as there is a planned phase schedule and the build out is keeping pace with that phased schedule. In addition, they are considering reducing the amount of affordable housing number for planned production purposes from .75% to .5% in order for the town to obtain the one year moratorium on grants of Comprehensive Permits. Clark Ziegler from Massachusetts Housing Partnership ("MHP") also spoke later in the day. He stated that the MHP Guidelines since 2005 have prohibited developers from "flipping" property and making exorbitant profits. He added that DHCD is considering codifying the MHP Guidelines, new cost certification requirements and monitoring policies. He also stated that his agency wants to maximize the cooperation between housing agencies and towns. Phyllis Zinicola from Massachusetts Housing Partnership also spoke. She emphasized that when looking at the limited dividend amount, it is the subsidizing agency that actually sets the profit limits and decides whether the cost certifications are correct. She mentioned that there are two (2) pending cases on whether towns can do cost monitoring: Whitcomb v. Boxborouqh (HAC 06-11) and Attitash Views v. Amesbury (HAC 06-17). Bob Ruzzo, Deputy Director of MassHousing, who was on the panel with Paul Wilson from Mintz Levin and me, mentioned that the new LIP Guidelines (May, 2007) provide for a bond for the town's cost certification. He said that this will protect in the case of excess profits and will induce the developer to certify sooner rather than later. The language of these guidelines is NOT quite clear, and we really need to get further information as to how they will be implemented. Some of the speakers seemed defensive about the Inspector General's report and some members of the audience attempted to refute the findings, but one has to wonder whether DHCD and the related affordable housing agencies would be making these changes were it not for the Inspector General's findings. A number of developers were complaining that these new rules and the Inspector General's investigations are making it too difficult to build affordable housing and that the profit cap should be removed. Unfortunately, there appeared to be some sympathy for this argument (evidently most other states do not require limited dividend status). I think that the statute would need to be amended to change this requirement. 43 Peter Hechenbleikner June 26, 2007 Page 4 It will remain to be seen exactly how these proposals are actually enacted and how they are implemented once adopted. It is important that the towns provide input to DHCD regarding these proposed changes. In addition, I hope that the Massachusetts Municipal Association provides strong support for more scrutiny of cost certification analysis, requiring security for payment of excess costs and opposition for any removal of the profit cap and limited dividend requirements. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, "ine ~::4' -j EML/cam cc: Ellen Callahan Doucette, Esquire ~'t" . 1 C 90S- THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT STATE HOUSE ° BOSTON 02133 a t > tJ a (617) 726-4000 00 DEVAL L. PATRICK GOVERNOR TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR June 29, 2007 - • N Dear Municipal Leader: Every day we make important choices about where and how we will grow in Massachusetts. These decisions have profound implications. While we have made progress, more needs to be done to ensure that the interests of future generations are not compromised by today's decisions. am pleased to announce the continuation of the Commonwealth Capital Policy in order to encourage municipalities to work in partnership with the Commonwealth to achieve smart growth. Commonwealth Capital explicitly endorses planning and zoning measures that are consistent with the enclosed Sustainable Development Principles and encourages municipalities to implement them by using-state funding as an incentive. In many ways, Commonwealth Capital has been a success. Municipalities committed to 300 improvements in their 2005 applications, and of them, more than 115 were implemented in the first year. Commonwealth Capital has also been important in ways that can't be quantified. It has inspired better communication and cooperation between local boards and commissions and provided a specific list of Commonwealth endorsed measures that municipalities can undertake to realize smart growth. For fiscal year 2008 changes to Commonwealth Capital will be relatively modest. Some of these changes reflect my priorities and others address legitimate concerns that have been raised in regard to this policy. Most notably, I have altered the list of programs to which the Policy applies. Over the course of the next year I have directed my staff to work with all interested stakeholders to thoroughly review Commonwealth Capital and recommend "other substantive changes that may be warranted for future years. It will take our cooperative efforts to build a greater quantity and diversity of housing, develop the businesses we need to provide jobs and increase revenue, and do a better job of acting as stewards of our natural resources for future generations. My administration is interested in working in partnership with municipalities to improve our conservation and development practices. I will work to ensure that state policies, programs, and investments encourage smart growth and I ask municipalities to do the same. In addition, recognizing that time, effort, and funding are necessary to produce better plans and land use regulations, the Commonwealth will provide tools and financial and technical assistance to support your hard work. I look forward to working with you to leave the Commonwealth better than we found it. Sincerely, G ® PwmD ON ftacI%D PMER Fax: (781) 942-5441 Website: Vvww.ci.reading.ma.us July 2, 2007 Mr. Harvey Dahl 16 Tennyson Road Reading, MA 01867 Re: Roadway Repair Information Request Dear Mr. Dahl, C (c&-r PUBLIC WORKS (781) 942-6683 In response to your request for information regarding the Town of Reading's roadway repair program and Tennyson Road repairs I have attached the following files: (Responses are identified in italic following each specific request) 1. The current schedule for road repair in Reading. Please refer to attached PDF file - road prbgram3,year.pdf 2. The standards used by the town to define "good" roads. Please refer to response for item #5 and to attached word document files that describes how roadway conditions are determined - 8.05.04 PM Memo. doc and Executive Summary Pinal.doc 3. A copy of the rating system is used to prioritize the repair list. Please refer to attached PDF files - PCI index_2007_ Alphabetical pdf (an alphabetical listing of all public roadways and their PCI as computed by the pavement management program) and Program-PMFY07-10year.pdf (the proposed fiscal year roadway improvement plan as computed by the pavement management program) 4. Any notes from all meetings that discuss the schedule of road repair for the current year. No meeting notes were taken. Please define the process used to develop a schedule for road repair. Roadway improvements in Reading are based on a computerized pavement management program. Every three years all roadways are inspected by an outside consulting agency. The field data collected (identified in response #2) is entered into the pavement management program which is used to calculate a pavement condition index (PCI or rating)for each roadway.. The program performs an analysis of the data and develops a roadway improvement plan that enables the Town to perform cost effective repairs that will improve or maintain the road condition. Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 C: Documents and Settin s hechenbleikner.TOW Locai Settin s mpora v \ 8 \P N\ g \Te rytnternetFiles\OLKIAB\tennysonrequest memo070207.doc Each year the proposed roadway improvement plan and allocated funding (local and chapter 90) are compared, by the Engineering Division, to develop the current year pavement work plan (identified in response #1). The present year work plan typically follows the Pavement Management's roadway improvement plan with slight deviations in time lines based on factors . such as: need to upgrade water services, delay in public utility repair/installation work (i.e. telephone, gas etc), actual funding levels, fluctuations in yearly bid prices and actual level of work necessary on a roadway (based on field inspection). 6. Please provide a history of repairs for Tennyson Road, including dates and work performed. My office does not have any records of improvement work performed on Tennyson Road. Additional minor repair records, if any, are maintained at the DPW garage. I am awaiting the return of our Highways Superintendent from vacation (713107) and will be able to forward any information that is available with the next day or two. . I believe this furnishes you the information you have requested. If you need any additional information please email or call me at the above number. Sincerely, George J. Zambouras, P.E. Town Engineer Q\ Documents and Settings\phechenbleikner.TOWN\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\OLKIAB\tennyson request_memo070207.doc g J,v C H A P A President Ann Houston June 29, 2007 Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, Inc Vice Presidents Jack Cooper Vincent 0 Donnell ✓eanne Pinado Treasurer Rick Muraida Clerk Susan Schlesinger Executive Director Aaron Gornstein Susan Miller, Chair Zoning Board of Appeals Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 r 17 cov-pl Z> _A N-A L(C zcr tV 8 P1 ~-1 N v tiv Dear Ms. Miller: , Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) has served as the monitoring agency for Greystone Way in Reading, MA. This project includes four affordable units. This letter is to report on the monitoring activities that we have completed. As the monitoring agency, CHAPA did the following: 1. Certified the affordable sales prices for Greystone Way. 2. Reviewed and approved the marketing and lottery plan and determined that JWO Consulting Services, the lottery consultant, met the affirmative marketing requirements. 3. Oversaw the lottery process. 4. Verified that applicants for the affordable units had household income that was at or below 80% of the area median income, as established by HUD, for Reading and had assets within the established limit. A total of four buyers were certified as income- eligible. 5. Completed a review of the cost certification audit. Enclosed please find a report that contains the developer's audit that was submitted by Kesner, Godes & Morrissey and the review of the audit by Daniel Dennis & Company, the accounting firm hired by CHAPA to independently review the audit and issue a report. The final report was provided to CHAPA today. 6. No resales or refinancings have been reported. We will contact you if we are notified of either transaction. If you have any questions about this letter, or about the cost certification report, please feel free to contact me at CHAPA at (617) 742-0820. 4a erely, n Go stein Executive Director Cc: Mary Ellen Jutras, Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston Mark Siegenthaler, MA Department of Housing and Community Development Margaux LeClair, MA Department of Housing and Community Development "ristin Dooley, LAB Realty Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, Town of Reading ~r THIS AGENCY IS SUPPORTED BY 18 Tremont Street • Suite 401 . Boston, MA 02108 . Telephone (617) 742-0820 • Fax (617) 742-3953 UnitedipWay Website: www.chapa.org G 9E:. z .w a y $ a h /Q v SENATOR RICHARD R. TISEI MIDDLESEX AND ESSEX ROOM 308, STATE HOUSE (617) 722-1206 C C ~ ~WVV~'1 DISTRICT OFFICE 979 MAIN STREET WAKEFIELD, MA 01880 (781) 246-3660 MEMORANDUM To: Town Administrators From: Senator Richard R. Tisei, Minority Leader Date: June 27, 2007 Re: Municipal Police Stations Grant Announcement !--J a V G.. lv a Recently, it was brought to my attention that the Patrick Administration is making up to $2 million available in state capital funding for the repair, renovation, and construction of municipal police stations. This program is designed to provide municipalities with funding based on the following criteria: • an assessment of fiscal and budgetary constraints facing the municipality • an analysis of the municipality's proposed budget and financing of the repair, renovation, or construction project; the municipality's need for the project • the benefits to the municipality that will result from the project; and an overall evaluation of the merits of the grant proposal Enclosed, you will find information pertaining to this grant for your review. It is my hope that during these tight fiscal times that this may provide municipalities with an opportunity for additional resources to make necessary and costly improvements to police stations. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of assistance or if you have any questions regarding this matter at (617) 722-1206 or by email at Richard. Tiseia.state.ma.us. % ..l d' COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SENATE MINORITY LEADER STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133-1053 0 06W. Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety Office of Grants and Research Financing the Repair, Renovation, and Construction of Municipal Police Stations Program Overview and Applicant Instructions I. Program Overview What is the program? Governor Deval Patrick is making up to $2 million available in state capital funding under St. 1994, c. 85, item 8000-7950, extended by St. 2006, c. 124 for the repair, renovation, and construction of municipal police stations. This program is designed to provide municipalities with funding based on the following criteria: an assessment of fiscal and budgetary constraints facing the municipality; an analysis of the municipality's proposed budget and financing of the repair, renovation, or construction project; the municipality's need for the project; the benefits to the municipality that will result from the project; and an overall evaluation of the merits of the grant proposal. What is the timeline? ■ Grant announcement to be posted June 15, 2007. ■ Pre-applications are due to FOPS no later than 5:00 PM on July 20, 2007. ■ In August, EOPS will review the construction/ renovation proposal and will review the proposed budget with ANF. ■ EOPS will announce conditional awards on September 1, 2007. ■ Awardees must submit a certification that they have secured a 50% funding match by November 15, 2007. ■ Contracts will be executed on a rolling basis after September 1, 2007. ■ Grantees must submit reimbursement requests on a quarterly basis with accompanying detailed documentation showing proof of actual expenditures. ■ Final programmatic progress report must be submitted within 30 days of the contract end date. Who is eligible to apply? ■ Any municipality in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts ~ t~v - II. Program Details This is a competitive grant program and not all applications are guaranteed funding. EOPS may choose to fund the full amount requested in an application, or may make partial awards. There will be a two-step application process for this grant. Pre-Application Requirements First, municipalities are required to file a pre-application for funding. Pre-applications will be judged using the following criteria. (These criteria are not listed in order of importance.) o The ability on the part of the municipality to demonstrate that the repair, renovation or construction project, when completed, will improve the delivery of police services; o Demonstrated financial need on the part of the municipality; o Previous efforts to secure alternative funding for the project; o Demonstrated need for construction of a new police station, or demonstrated need to repair or renovate an existing police station; o Nature of public safety improvements to be funded; and o A realistic, detailed budget and timetable. FOPS will review and evaluate the pre-applications. EOPS will also forward the pre- applications to the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, which will conduct a Needs Assessment Study for each one. The Needs Assessment Study will be a comprehensive financial evaluation of each municipality's grant proposal. This will include, but not be limited to, the following: ■ An assessment of the fiscal and budgetary constraints facing the municipality applying for the grant funds; ■ An analysis of the municipality's proposed budget and financing of the repair, renovation, or construction project; ■ The municipality's need for the project, as detailed in the pre-application; ■ The benefits to the municipality that will result from the project, as detailed in its application; ■ An overall evaluation of the merits of the grant proposal. Selection of pre-applicants to be eligible for funding Based on the results of the Needs Assessment Study by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance, and the critical evaluation of the pre-application by EOPS, EOPS will notify those municipalities with the strongest applications that they have been selected for funding under this program. Before a contract may be executed and funds received, each municipality must then provide EOPS with a certification that it has identified and secured a local funding match of 50% of the total project cost. This must include, at a minimum, a certified copy of a letter or other document noting approval and source of the match by the appropriate municipal governing body. 2 V V EOPS has created this two-step process in order to accommodate municipalities, principally operating under the town form of government, that authorize new spending programs at town meetings, usually held in the fall. In this way, EOPS will be able to identify strong candidates for funding before the fall town meeting season, and municipalities will have additional time to secure funding and comply with this important certification requirement. It must be emphasized, however, that no application for funding will be considered complete, no contract for grant funds will be awarded and signed, and no grant funds will be released, until the certification of funding match is sent by the municipality and received by FOPS. Those municipalities not originally selected may be eligible to receive funds from EOPS if selected cities and towns do not forward the certification of funding match to EOPS by the deadline provided. Release of Grant Funds Once EOPS indicates that the municipality has been approved to receive grant funds under this program, and the municipality provides EOPS with certification of the local funding match, FOPS can begin to release grant funds. Consistent with guidelines from the Office of the Comptroller, "State Grants and Federal Sub-Grants," issued July 1, 2004, located at www.mass.gov/osc, this grant, which awards capital funds, will be disbursed on a cost reimbursement basis. Payments to the municipality will not be paid in lump sum amounts unless the amounts can be received and expended by the municipality within 60 days. Capital funds received by the municipality must be held in a special account created for this purpose, called a Police Station Repair, Renovation, or Construction Account. III. Application Instructions Delivery instructions Pre-applications should be delivered to: The Executive Office of Public Safety Office of Grants and Research Attn: Municipal Police Station Grant Program 10 Park Plaza, Suite 3720 Boston, MA 02116 Applicants should submit five copies plus the original grant proposal. Completed pre- applications are due before 5:00 P.M. on Friday, July 20, 2007. Emailed or faxed copies will not be accepted. Proposal contents: Pre-applications must include the following sections: (1) Cover page (format provided) This provides summary information on the pre-application. 941 3 (2) Demonstration of the need for construction, renovation or repair (up to 2 pages) This section should describe the need for the repair, renovation or construction of the police station, and how it would improve public safety. (3) Demonstration of the financial need on the part of the municipality (up to 2 pages) (4) Previous efforts to secure alternative funding for the project (no more than 1 page) (5) Proposed program budget (format provided) Applicants must use the spreadsheet provided to input their proposed costs for each category of activity. N. Questions Applicants may address questions about this grant program to Elizabeth Spinney, Justice and Prevention Division, OGR, FOPS, at 617.725.3367 or Elizabeth.Sninnev@state.ma.us. 4 06/29/2007 FRI 11:01 FAX 617 722 2390 HOUSE OOP LEADER'S OFF X1001 Office of the C - L" t c~ - Housa Republican Leader Commomeafth of 11assachu-setts FAX OVER SHEET TO: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager ORGANIZATION: Town of Reading FROM: State Representative Brad Jones DATE: June 29, 2007 FAX TO: (781) 942-9071 No. Pages (including cover): 3 Dear Peter, I write to inform you of recent actions taken by the House that will allow municipalities to incur a significant amount of savings on health care and retirement costs by using the expanded purchasing and investment powers of the state. Last Thursday the House passed H.4110, An Act to Promote qualityand Af bi-dable Health Insurance through the Group Insurance Commission, commonly referred to as "Municipal GIG.'I Municipal GiC was originally filed by Representative Rachel Kaprieilan as N-2601, of which I was a cosponsor. This proposal was duplicated by Governor Patrick in Sections 4, 6, 7 and 8 of his Municipal Partnership Act. The separate versions were redrafted together as H.4110 through the committee process. In any case, Municipal GiC allows cities and towns to swatch the administration of their employee health insurance to the GIG through local option, which would require a vote of the Board of Selectmen and approval of a 70% weighted vote of local unions. This ensures that municipalities for whom switching to the GIG is not a cost effective option are not forced by the state into making a bad decision. There are additional assurances that moving to the GIC will not trump local collective bargaining rights. Cities and towns who decide to switch to the GIC would increase the choices local employees have available to them when purchasing health cam plans; the GIG currently offers multiple plan choices. on Tuesday the Senate passed Municipal GIC with minor changes. However, differences in the two bills are so small that I am confident the two branches will reach a consensus and the bill will be signed into law very soon. As a matter of fact, the level of certainly on this matter is such that the state has already setup a series of iinformattonal workshops to educate local officials about the logistics of the proposal. I have enclosed a flyer with relevant dates, times and locations for your review. On Wednesday the House passed H. 4119, An Act to Reduce the Stress Can Local Property Taxes through Enhanced Pension Fund investment, which was included in Section 5 of the Governor's Municipal Partnership Act This bill applies to local retiree funds that are under-funded (35% or more) and which significantly under- perform the rate of return offered by Pension Reserves Investment Trust . Fund (PRIT) over a lengthy period of time (funding gap of 2.00% or more based on a 10-year average). Funds in this category will be transferred into the PRIT and, unlike Municipal GIG, PRrr transfers will be mandatory. As long as a local fund is doing well, there is no concern about local power being taken away. There is also an appeals process if a town thinks its C The State House, Room 124 9 Boston, MA 02133 • (617) 722-2100 7 06/29/2007 FRI 11:02 FAX. 617 722 2390 HOUSE GOP LEADER'S OFF R002 funds are being taken away inappropriately. I expect the Senate to take action on this matter sometime in the near future. As I said on the House floor, these bills are tremendous first steps in providing relief to some cities and towns. In an ideal world we would have brought them up earlier. Admittedly, though, these proposals are not a panacea for local budgets or property taxes. Certainly, the 70% threshold may make it difficult for some cities and towns to switch to the GIC and the majority of local pension funds will not be transferred to PRIT. Some say that these initiatives will help reduce property taxes. Although this would be favorable result, I do not think that property taxes are going to decrease measurably from these two bills alone. Rather, cost increases may be alleviated; in some instances costs will not increase by as much as they otherwise would have. Tbus, it is important for the Legislature to remain committed to the goal of helping our cities and towns surmount challenging financial issues. Indeed, I have filed several bills in this area. For example, I filed a proposal that exempts municipalities from having to pay that state's 2'i-cent gas tax when fueling municipal vehicles. In addition, I filed a bill that increases the threshold for certain public construction rules to make it easier for cities and towns to build smaller projects outside of public bidding limits, f=inally, I fled the 'Municipal Fair Share Act," which alms to send 40% of the state's new growth revenues from the income tax, sales tax and capital gains tax back to local communities as local aid each year- I am hopeful that the Legislature will consider these and other reasonable proposals this session so that we may achieve a broad-based, long-term solution to providing municipal relief. Finally, I thought it might be helpful to know that the final version of the state budget will soon be passed, probably early next week. As you know, this year's budget will include a significant increase in overall general local aid distributions. Yet, I know of some instances, where it will not be enough to offset the corresponding growth in costs. Again, this is why i remain dedicated to pursuing initiatives that will improve the financial environment for our cities and towns. i hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions on this matter please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Sincerely, 1 .10* Bradley H. Jones, Jr. Minorityteader Enclosure 0 Page 2 06/20/2007 FRI 11:02 FAX 617 722 2390 HOUSE GOP LEADER'S OFF Q003 REGIONAL INFORMATION SESSIONS Learn More about the Local Option to Provide Municipal Health Insurance through the State GIG Municipal, officials and interested parties are encouraged to attend an informational session in your region to find out more about the local option to provide health insurance .coverage to employees through the Group Insurance Commission. Rep. Rachel K.aprielian, lead sponsor of the municipal health insurance legislation*, is organi ng each session.: Representatives from the Grroup Insurance Commission, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, member's of the statewide Muxii.cipal. Health Insurance Working Group, and fellow legislative co-sponsors will participate,in each discussion and be available to answer questions. 4 Get the facts about the anticipated local option to help municipalities manage local health care expenses: 4 Gain a better understanding of the Group Insurance Commission, its health insurance offerings, and its expectations from participating cities and towns. 4 Ask questions and get answers from the authors and advocates of the municipal health insurance reform. 4 For more information, please contact your own State Representative's office by calling 617-722-2000 or call Rep. Rachel Kaprielia.n's office at 617-722--2520. *An Act to Reduce the Reliance on Property Taxes through Municf ml Nealrh Care (House dill 41,1,0)!was engossed by the House of Representatives on June 21, 2007. (f' 3 L (C (,C5 Hechenbtefter; Peter From: Phil Rushworth [phil@rctv.org] Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 4:35 PM To: Gene Nigro; Marcel Dubois; John M. Surette; Stephen Crook; Charlie McDonald; John Carpenter; Bruce Cooper; Gordon Rogerson; Gail F. Wood Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Fwd: [ANNOUNCE] HOUSE CHAIRS ON MA VERIZON BILL: NOT THIS YEAR Begin forwarded message: > FYI--As reported by State House News Service-- • HOUSE CHAIRS ON MA VERIZON BILL: NOT THIS YEAR I Legislation easing > regulations for telecommunications companies looking to break into > cable TV markets, which has the backing of Senate Ways and Means > chairman Steven Panagiotakos, is unlikely to pass this session, two > House committee chairs said yesterday. Reps. Daniel Bosley, House > chair of the Committee on Economic Development and Emerging > Technologies, and Brian Dempsey, House chair of the Committee on > Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy, said yesterday outside a > leadership meeting in House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi's office that the > bill's prospects this year are dim. "I don't think it's going to be > worked out this year," Bosley said. Dempsey pointed to timing concerns > expressed by Verizon and other firms looking to expand into cable and > broadband as understandable, but said he doubted any quick action on > that front either. Verizon claims passage of the bill will give > consumers more choices and quicken the pace of broadband buildout. > Critics say local licensing officials are the best consumer advocates. 1 9_1~k- Page 1 of 3 Hechenblefter, Peter From: cnj4@aol.com Sent: Thursday, June 28, 2007 4:32 PM To: bernard.cohen@state.ma.us; luisa.paiewonsky@state.ma.us; rep.bradleyjones@hou.state.ma.us; rep. patricknatale@hou. state. ma. us; Reading - Selectmen Subject: Fwd: 1-93/1-95 ITF member comments on final report Secretary Cohen, Commissioner Paiewonsky, Representative Jones, Representative Natale and Reading Board of Selectmen: Please see the email below regarding an important safety issue related to the 193/195 interchange. Thank you, Jeff .Dr. Jeffrey H. Everson Principal Investigator, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Member: PRESERVE, I93/95 Task Force, 781-944-3632 (home); 781-684-4247 (work); cni4(a aol.com -----Original Message----- From: cnj4@aol.com To: Bob.Frey@state.ma.us; canthony@ftmc.net; bruen-n-bruen@comcast.net; dac@cummings.com; jcorey@cityofwobum.com; jgallagher@mapc.org; katsoufis.9395info@comcast.net; anthonykennedy@comcast.net; tmclaughlin@cityofwoburn.com; paulderman@verizon.net; rick schubert@harvard.edu; etarallo@cityofwoburn.com; billwhome@verizon.net Cc: jpurdy@louisberger.com; amckinnon@hshassoc.com; Adriel.Edwards@state.ma.us Sent: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 4:20 pm. Subject: Re: I-93/1-95 ITF member comments on final report Bob, In the attached document and in the section under Everson, there was a reference to "downstream congestion" (i.e., congestion on roadways leading away from the interchange during peak periods, such as the peak AM period along Routes 95 and 93). In my most recent submittal, I made the following point that you totally ignored in the attached document: An improved interchange will permit vehicles to flow more efficiently through it, but only to encounter that "downstream congestion" during the peak commuting periods. This encounter will lead to yet even more stop and go driving, more exhaust emissions and the likelihood of increased number of rear end accidents... unless you strive to reduce congestion build up along Route 95 by the electronic regulation of vehicles entering from Routes 3 and 2 during the AM peak period. Previously, I cited this electronic approach to which you have given only uninspired lip service. 6/28/2007 9ti Page 2 of 3 I am the co-author of a US.DOT report on rear-end accidents (see reference cited in my most recent submittal). According to this report, approximately 70 percent of rear end accidents occur when the lead vehicle is stationary. In the current interchange design concept, more lead vehicles will become at least momentarily stationary during increased stop and go driving in "downstream congestion." Although your current interchange redesign concepts will eliminate weaving accidents, nevertheless, these designs may lead to increased number of rear end accidents in "downstream congestion." In essence, you may have traded one accident type for another. Maybe my colleagues on the Task Force would like to express an opinion on this subject of safety. Perhaps the Reading Board of Selectmen would like to "weigh in" based on their status as Road Commissioners for the town. Assuming that you are concerned with highway safety, it would be appreciated if you acknowledge this problem about rear end accidents and explain what you intend to do about it, or explain why my report does not apply. It's not difficult to imagine that failure to address this safety issue may expose your agency to tort liability because you failed to treat a known hazard that was brought to your attention. Regards, Jeff Dr. Jeffrey H. Everson Principal Investigator, Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Member: PRESERVE, I93/95 Task Force, 781-944-3632 (home); 781-684-4247 (work); cni4n.aol.com -----Original Message----- From: Frey, Bob (EOT) <Bob.Frevna.state.ma.us> To: canthonv(Wtmc.net: bmen-n-bruen(a7comcast.net: dacacummings.com; icorevn citvofwoburn.com: CnJ4 n aol.com; jgallagher(a mapc.org; katsoufis.9395infona_ comcast.net; anthonvkennedvO,comcast.net: tmclauLhlinOcitvofwobiu-n.com.; paulderman(7a verizon.net; rick schubertna.harvard.edu; etaralloacitvofwoburn,com: billwhome(a?verizon.net Cc: ipurdvalouisberaer.com; amckinnonna.hshassoc.com; Edwards, Adriel (EOT) <Adriel.Edwards(astate.ma. us> Sent: Thu, 28 Jun 2007 12:39 pm Subject: I-93/1-95 ITF member comments on final report Hi All, This message is to those of you who have submitted comments (directly or indirectly) to EOT and I-BG over the last few weeks regarding the final report for the 1-93/1-95 Interchange Transportation Study. I appreciate all the thoughtful comments (via phone, e-mail, or letter), and have been working closely with the consultant team to address them. I thought the best way to update everyone would be through a single summary outlining each comment or theme with a description of the action taken. Accordingly, the attached letter from Jim Purdy details how we have incorporated these comments: <<memo re report comments 070626.doc>> As always, thank you for your input - it has resulted in an improved, more thorough report that better reflects the collective input of Task Force members - just like our entire study process... 6/28/2007 gti~ Page 3 of 3 As we put the finishing touches on the final report, stay tuned for a few more messages to the entire Task Force which will announce report availability and next steps for the environmental process. Thanks, Bob Bob Frey Manager of Statewide Planning Office of Transportation Planning Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (617) 973-7449 bob.frevOleot. state. ma. us AOL now offers free email to everyone. Find out more about what's free from AOL at AOL.com ~N3 6/28/2007 Page.1 of 2 L'~ " cOf Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Norton, Leo [Leo. Norton@mwra.state. ma us] Sent: Monday, July 02, 2007 3:30 PM To: maguirel 1 3@aol.com; manager@town.wilmington.ma.us; manneringvg@bwsc.org; Matthew Romero; mbertino@town.winthrop.ma.us; mcullinan@nahant.org; mdriscoll@ci.watertown.ma.us; mek@framinghamma.gov; mgood@walpole-ma.gov; mikem@wakefield.ma.us; mmurphy@dedham-ma.gov; mpakstis@wellesleyma.gov; mpillsbury@mapc.org; mryan@ci.norwood.ma.us; mtrotta@town.canton.ma.us; mtwogood@winchester.us; mwoods@townofwilmingtonma.com.; ngalkowski@town.arlington.ma.us; obrienwj@bwsc.org; ooriordan@ci.cambridge.ma.us; pcamilli@town.winthrop.ma.us; pcastanino@town.belmont.ma.us; peter.sellers@framinghamma.org; peterc@town.bedford.ma.us; pgere@medford.org; phurley@townofmilton.org; piacenzanw@bwsc.org; Plemnios@natickma.org; pmarshall@ci.watertown.ma.us; Tassi, Peter; pwd@holbrookmassachusetts.us; rantico@townofwilmingtonma.com; rdawe@lynnwatersewer.org; rferrara@newtonma.gov; rflorino@ci.stoneham.ma.us; rgrover@ci.stoneham.ma.us; richardw@town.bedford.ma.us; rjones@cadmusgroup.com; rlewis@town.need ham. ma.us; rmattson@th.walpole.ma.us; rmercier@burlmass.org; rna@framinghamma.org; rredquest@town.canton.ma.us; rstinson@wakefield.ma.us; schofieldam@bwsc.org; sco@envpartners.com; sewercommission@hingham-ma.com; skoty@ci.somerville.ma.us; slacrosse@city.waltham.ma.us; snowd@marblehead.org; sodonnell@ci.quincy.ma.us; spittorino@city.waltham.ma.us; sswymer@winchester.us; stamber@ci.watertown.ma.us; stevef@wakefield.ma.us; sullivanjp@bwsc.org; tambrosino@revere.org; tdebenedictis@town.arlington.ma.us; tdooling@scsdma.org; timothy.goddard@framinghamma.gov; tjerdee@newtonma.gov; tmacdonald@cambridgema.gov; tmagno@city.waltham.ma.us; McIntire, Ted; tmh@framinghamma.org; tom_demaio@town.brookline.ma.us; town.manager@framinghamma.org; Town Manager; twalsh@townhall.westwood.ma.us; twhalen@townofbraintreegov.org; vitalehf@bwsc.org; waterdeptl @comcast.net; whadley@ci.lexington.ma.us; wheller@townofmilton.org; wkeegan@town.dedham.ma.us; wscac@rcn.com Subject: MWRA FY08 Wholesale Assessments Attachments: image003.gif; image004.gif; image001.gif; image002.gif; image003.gif; image004.gif; image001.gif; image002.gif; image003.gif; image004.gif; MWRA Final FY08 Wholesale Assessments.xls Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Charlestown Navy Yard 100 First Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02129 Frederick A. Laskey Executive Director Telephone: (617) 242-6000 urww.mwra.com July 2, 2007 Dear Local Official: Attached are MWRA's final Fiscal Year 2008 (FY08) Water and Sewer Assessments approved by the MWRA Board of Directors earlier today, July 2, 2007. The FY08 assessments reflect a combined water and sewer rate revenue increase of 4.5% over FY07 assessments. This includes a 3.2% increase for water assessments and a 5.2% increase for sewer assessments. 7/2/2007 Page 2 of 2 Please note that FY08 assessments reflect a statewide debt service assistance (DSA) appropriation of $23 million. If the actual statewide DSA appropriation is less than $23 million or MWRA's share is less than the assumed 75%, million, further action will be required to identify supplemental revenue or additional expense reductions in order to mitigate the impact to ratepayers. Without these actions, a reduction in DSA funding would directly impact community assessments and the wholesale water rate. Attachment 1 details the final FY08 water and/or sewer charge for each MWRA community. As always, assessments for individual communities may be higher or lower than the average water and sewer assessments, depending primarily on each community's share of CY06 water usage, changes in the share of averaged CY04., CY05 and CY06 wastewater flow, changes in total and sewered population, and changes in high strength and septage contributions. Please note that Attachment 1 can also be found on the MWRA website at www.mwra.com. If you have any questions regarding MWRA assessments, please feel free to contact me at (617) 788-2256, or Rachel Madden at (617) 788-2202. Sincerely, Leo P. Norton Finance Division MWRA (617) 788-2256 InortonOrnwra.state. ma.us www.mwra.com 7/2/2007 ihusetts Water Resources Authority Aent 1 - Final FY08 Water and Sewer Assessments as $17.25M In Debt Service Assistance l j Final FY07 !A' Combined Waterand,SewerCustomers Water Assessment LINGTON $3,527,387 ILMONT 1,821,894 ,OSTON (BWSC) 62,704,517 AROOKLINE 4,692,491 CHELSEA 2,657,451 EVERETT 3,668,354 FRAMINGHAM 6,108,149 LEXINGTON 4,032,517 MALDEN 4,933,009 MEDFORD 4,382,521 MELROSE 2,017,068 MILTON 2,263,683 NEWTON 7,606,834 NORWOOD 2,580,986 QUINCY 8,052,624 REVERE 3,497,276 SOMERVILLE 5,179,472 STONEHAM 2,517,547 WALTHAM 6,287,763 WATERTOWN 2,448,358 WINTHROP 1,249,283 TOTAL $142,229,183 MWRA Sewer and Partial Water Customers CANTON READING' STOUGHTON WAKEFIELD WELLESLEY / WINCHESTER ~60 WOBURN S TOTAL MWRA Sewer-only Customers ASHLAND BEDFORD BRAINTREE BURLINGTON CAMBRIDGE DEDHAM HINGHAM SEWER DISTRICT HOLBROOK NATICK RANDOLPH WALPOLE WESTWOOD WEYMOUTH WILMINGTON MWRA Water-only Customers LYNNFIELD WATER DISTRICT MARBLEHEAD NAHANT SAUGUS SOUTHBOROUGH SWAMPSCOTT WESTON TOTAL 29-Jun-07 F1nalFY08 Water Percent Final FY07 Final FY08 Percent FinalFY07 01nai.FY08 Percent Assessment Change from ' Sewer Sower . Change from Cornbined Combined Change from FV07 Assessment 'Assessment FY07 Assessment Assessment:" FY07 $3,635,597 3.1% $6,143,299 $6,383,391 3.9% $9,670,686 $10,018,988 3.6% 1,820,717 -0.1% 3,705,621 3,853,748 4.0% 5,527,515 5,674,465 2.7% 63,979,766 2.0% 94,101,847 98,687,572 4.9% 156,806,364 162,667,338 3.7% 4,843,966 3.2% 9,606,833 10,011,208 4.2% 14,299,324 14,855,174 3.9% 2,622,102 -1.3% 4,439,053 4,746,257 6.9% 7,096,504 7,368,359 3.8% 4,149,900 13.1% 5,815,528 6,103,714 5,0% 9,483,882 10,253,614 8.1% 6,135,546 0.4% 8,427,956 8,690,797 3.1% 14,536,105 14,826,343 2.0% 4,117,775 2.1% 5,633,833 5,630,863 -0.1% 9,666,350 9,748,638 0.9% 5,197,166 5.4% 8,710,730 9,284,922 6.6% 13,643,739 14,482,OB8 6.1% 4,637,124 5.8% 8,648,228 9,335,845 8.0% 13,030,749 13,972,969 7.2% 2,073,594 2.8% 4,515,809 4,638,409 2.7% 6,532,877 6,712,00 2.7% 2,196,171 -3.0% 4,154,293 4,368,070 5.1% 6,417,976 6,564,241 2.3% 7,744,282 1.8% 15,154,185 16,011,280 5.7% 22,761,019 23,755,562 4.4% 2,664,525 3.2% 5,303,808 5,416,848 2.1% 7,884,794 8,081,373 2.5% 8,675,891 7.7% 14,186,030 15,225,088 7.3% 22,238,654 23,900,979 7.5% 3,711,064 6.1% 6,922,399 7,237,597 4.6% 10,419,675 10,948,661 5.1% 5,416,384 4.6% 10,830,035 11,802,980 9.0% 16,009,507 17,219,364 7.6% 2,570,311 2.1% 3,386,652 3,623,787 7.0% 5,904,199 6,194,098 4.9% 6,518,480 3.7% 9,867,844 10,567,428 7.1% 16,155,608 17,085,908 5.8% 2,551,548 4.2% 4,412,383 4,627,713 4.9% 6,860,741 7,179,261 4.6% 1,206,865 -3.4% 2,261,781 2,454,240 8.5% 3,511,064 3,661,125 4.3% $146,468,794 3.0% $236,228,150 $248,701,757 5.3% $378,457,332 $395,170,551 4.4% Final 'FY07 Fin al FYOO Water Percent Final FY07 Final FY08 Percent Final'FY07 FinalFY08 Percent Water. Assessment Change from Sewer Sewer Change from Combined -Combined Change from Assessment FY07 Assessment Assessment FY07 Assessment Assessment FY07' $1,622,912 $1,752,541 8.0% $3,073,080 $3,342,320 8.8% $4,695,992 $5,094,861 8.5% 804,107 958,624 19.2% 4,878,286 4,911,005 0.7% 5,682,394 5,869,629 3.3% 0 1,536,924 100.0% 3,171,403 3,410,216 7.5% 3,171,403 4,947,140 ^ 56.0% 400,150 429,813 7.4% 3,521,058 3,620,218 2.8% 3,921,208 4,050,031 3.3% 1,534,817 1,465,661 -4.5% 4,358,332 4,643,094 6.5% 5,893,149 6,108,755 3.7% 678,369 505,698. -25.51% 4,341,937 4,453,740 2.6% 5,020,306 4,959,438 -1.2% 890,279 692,181 -22.3% 3,071,919 3,140,264 2.2% 3,962,198 3,832,445 -3.3% 2,093,459 1,979,251 -5.5% 8,426,290 9,106,235 8.1% 10,519,749 11,085,486 5.4% $8,024,094 $9,320,693 16.2% $34,842,306 $36,627,092 5.1% $42,866,400 $45,947,785 7.2% Final FY07 Final F.Y08 Water Percent Final'FY07 Final FY08 Percent Final FY07 Final FY08 Percent Water Assessment Change from Sewer Sewer Change from Combined Combined Change from'` Assessment FY07 Assessment Assessment FY67 Assessment Assessment FY01 $1,618,656 $1,651,164 2.0% $1,618,656 $1,651,164 2.0% 2,565,613 2,662,238 3.8% 2,565,613 2,662,238 3.8% 6,234,886 6,564,038 5.3% 6,234,886 6,564,038 5.3% 3,650,224 3,845,017 5.3% 3,650,224 3,845,017 5.3% 16,822,068 18,475,398 9.8% 16,822,068 18,475,398 9.8% 4,681,204 4,682,605 0.0% 4,681,204 4,682,605 0.0% 1,263,977 1,274,442 0.8% 1,263,977 1,274,442 0.8% 1,164,235 1,209,004 3.8% 1,164,235 1,209,004 3.8% 4,006,468 3,993,641 -0.3% 4,006,468 3,993,641 -0.3% 4,268,513 4,482,219 5.0% 4,268,513 4,482;219 5.0% 2,586,581 2,809,378 8.6% 2,586,581 2,809,378 8.6% 1,973,685 1,996,235 1.1% 1,973,685 1,996,235 1.1% 8,556,370 8,762,733 2,4% 8,556,370 8,762,733 2.4% 1,770,873 1,768,169 -0.2% 1,770,873 1,768,169 -0.2% $61,163,355 $64,176,281 4.9% $61,163,355 $64,176,281 4.9% FinalFY07 Final FY08 Water Percent- Final FY07 FinalFY08 Percent FinalFY07 FlnafFY08 Percent. Water Assessment Change from Sewer. Sewer Changefrom Combined Combined Changefrom' Assessment , FY67 Assessment. Assessment FY07 Assessment Assessment FY07 $364,527 $362,549 -0.5% $364,527 $362,549 -0.5% 1,631,484 1,629,117 -0.1% 1,631,484 1,629,117 -0.1% 313,556 332,081 5.9% 313,556 332,081 5.9% 2,590,216 2,715,030 4.8% 2,590,216 2,715,030 4.8% 689,683 602,437 -12.7% 689,683 602,437 -12.7% 1,633,133 1,348,647 -17.4% 1,633,133 1,348,647 -17.4% 1,377,593 1,281,195 -7.0% 1,377,593 1,281,195 -7.0% TOTAL $8,600,193 $8,271,056 -3.8% $8,600,193 $8,271,056 -3,8% Final FY07 Flnai FY08 Water Percent MWRAEartial Water•onlyCustomers Water Change from Assessment Assessment FY07 DEDHAM-WESTWOOD WATER DISTRICT $0 $34 100.0% LYNN 194,583 219,006 12.0% MARLBOROUGH 2,386,661 2,738,567 14.7% NORTHBOROUGH 762,171 790,421 3.7% PEABODY 928,069 484,131 -47.8% TOTAL $4,271,484 $4,232,159 -0.9% SYSTEMS TOTAL $163,124,954 $168,292,702 3.2% The Dedham-Westwood Water District and the Town of Reading became MW RA water communities as of FY07. Final FY07 Final FY08 Percent Final FY07 Sewer . Sewer Change from Combined Assessment Assessment FY07 Assessment $0 194,583 2,386,661 762,171 928,069 $4,271,484 $332,233,810 $349,505,130 5.2% $495,358,764 Final F;Y08 Percent Combined Change from Assessment FY07 $34 100.0% 219,006 12.6% 2,738,567 14.7% 790,421 3.7% 484,131 -47.8% $4,232,159 -0.9% $517,797,832 4,5% 8~3 Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 2:05 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: FW: Commemorating our veterans. From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, July 03, 2007 2:04 PM To: 'Mahoney, Brian G.' Cc: Kowalski, Carol; Knight, Maureen Subject: RE: Commemorating our veterans. Brian L~C&j Thanks for your idea. I've thought about this in the past, and I'm aware that some communities do this. One issue is that we don't always know when a veteran passes away. If they are buried in Reading we usually know, but not always. And if you miss someone, it's the age old issue - sometimes you don't want to thank people because you might miss one. Another issue is how to let the community know for whom the flag is being flown. Not that many people get the daily paper (25%), and another 25% get the weekly. Putting it on the web site would be an option. There becomes the logistics of who gets the information to these sources. The other option is to put the name on the new signboard on the common - we would have to figure out the logistics of cost and who would do it. I'm sure the local funeral homes would be glad to do the notification to the media for the funerals that they handle. That wouldn't catch them all. A third concern is the physical act of putting the flag at half staff. Who would do that? Currently our custodians at Town Hall do it - sometimes it has to be on an overtime basis. It is a huge flag and takes 2 people to do it. Additionally the existing flag pole is old and very hard on the ropes, to the point that we have had to replace the ropes and even had to hire a steeple jack at $1800 to do it. We are hoping to replace the flagpole "in kind" next year with an internal halyard that will address this issue. All that being said, we are currently between Veterans Agents. When I hire a new one, let me discuss the idea and logistics with him/her, and see what we can do. Any thoughts you have on the issues raised would be appreciated. I agree, it is important for us to recognize our Veterans, and this would be a nice way of doing it. Pete Maureen - please keep this on file for when we hire our next VSO. From: Mahoney, Brian G. [mailto:bgm@mitre.org] Sent: Wednesday, June 20, 2007 1:37 PM To: Reading - Selectmen; Town Manager Subject: Commemorating our veterans. Dear Mr. Heckenbeecker (sp?) and Selectmen, I attended my 93 year old great uncle's funeral in Concord, Mass this passed Monday. My uncle was a veteran in WWII. They have a tradition in Concord that the town center flag is flown at half mast the day of a former veteran's funeral. 7/3/2007 j Page 2 of 2 i ' Does Reading have a similar tradition? If not, what would it take to start? My father (a healthy 81) and many of his friends in Reading are veteran's of WWII and the Korean War. We also have aging veterans from the Vietnam War and the Iraq conflicts. Flying our town flag at half mast during the day of ones funeral would help the youth in our community to reflect on the sacrifices these individuals made to provide us the life we have today. Sincerely, Brian G. Mahoney 30 Ashley Place P.S. Peter, I hope I spelled your last name right, but for the life of me; i could not find an easy spelling reference on our town web pages. 7/3/2007 9 4)~