HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-02-27 Board of Selectmen Handouti � AM
To: Peter 1. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
From. J. Zombounae Town Engineer
Date: February 20.20O7
Re: Woodland Road —Street Acceptance {}uauUuner
As of today wm have received 4offio |reeponseoformthe six k8 residents affected bvthe Woodland
Road Acceptance proposal.
Nancy D, Kearney Q Daniel F.Ldacheur S1 John Carver Road Opposed
Jeanette Rivers Trustee, The Rivers Trust 11 Woodland Street In Favor
Christie /\ Williamson & Christopher R. Jarvis O Woodland Street In Favor
(However did raise issues with estimated cost and need of numerous items)
Robert & Michele Tucker 12 Woodland Street In Favor
No Response as yet
John P& Patricia Holland
Thomas L Hatch, Jr. & Laura E. Ryan
0 Page 1
7 Woodland Street
83 John Carver Road
Page 1 of 2
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: Ellen Doucette [ecdoucette @brackettlucas.com]
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 12:55 PM
To: Hechenbleikner, Peter
Subject: Re: ZBA and Kennel Licenses
Peter,
Mr. Dustin appears to have found a glitch in the bylaw. Section 5.6.2.2.3 of the Animal Control Bylaw requires
ZBA "approval" before the town clerk can issue a kennel license however, the zoning bylaw does not provide for a
"kennel" use in the Town of Reading. As a matter of statutory construction, kennels are therefore not allowed by
zoning although that does not mean that they can't be licensed for public safety purposes.
I reviewed the file on the development of the Animal Control Bylaw and found that large portions of it were indeed
"borrowed" from the Town of Wayland which requires ZBA approval for kennel licenses. In one iteration, the
Reading bylaw contemplated the issuance of a special permit, however it was later deleted.. Joan's efforts
appeared to be focused on the vicious dog enforcement aspect of the bylaw.
The town has a few options, the most obvious of which is to amend the bylaw to remove the requirement for ZBA
approval. This is the option that I would advise.
The other option would be to seek an amendment to the zoning bylaw to allow a kennel use, but such
uses generally cause much town meeting discussion and the impact on families with four dogs who may be find
themselves in violation of the zoning bylaw raises obvious problems. A third option would be to interpret the
bylaw in such a way that ZBA approval is not needed because quite frankly, it's an impossibility. Because the
Zoning By -Laws do not allow kennels, this provision is not subject to enforcement. 1 do not however advocate for
the latter option I simply offer it for discussion /consideration.
In my opinion, the bylaw should be amended to remove reference to ZBA approval. In my opinion, zoning issues
should only be involved if the kennel were being operated as a business and because they are generally noisy,
they are usually prohibited in residential areas.
I'm available to discuss.
Ellen
- - - -- Original Message - - - --
From: Hechenbleikner. Peter
To: Ellen Doucette (ecdoucette @brackettlucas.com]
Sent: Friday, August 25, 2006 10:32 AM
Subject: FW: ZBA and Kennel Licenses
An inquiry from a member of the ZBA.
Pete
From: Paul Dustin [mailto:pcdustin @verizon.net]
Sent: Thursday, August 24, 2006 9:24 AM
To: Town Manager
Cc: Robert Redfern
Subject: ZBA and Kennel Licenses
Pete
2/27/2007
Page 2 of 2
The question that I was asking the other day was regarding the ZBA and kennel licenses, eg four or more dogs.
I note that we got this power through the dog bylaw change that TM voted last Spring. But, I wonder if
something also should be revisited. More than likely this came in through "borrowing" somwone elses bylaw ? ??
If we check our Zoning Bylaw the only reference to dogs is in Table 4.2.2, Table of Uses. This allows for
"Veterinary Establishments" as a matter of right in Business A and B districts. I don't see anything else
regarding kennels. I thought that I had seen a definition of veterinary establishment somewhere but I can't now
seem to find it. Thus, I am not sure what the zoning requirements are that the ZBA would be checking for. Also
without something more specific, I question whether the ZBA would have (or what would be) the basis on which
to do this. Would it be an appeal from somebody? Certainly not a variance or a special permit at this point.
Any thoughts Pete, before an instance comes up before the ZBA.
2/27/2007
TO:, Eroard of ectmea�,•
RECEIVEQ
TOWN CLERK
READING. HASS.
2001 FEB 21 P 1'9
The undersigned .yegistered.voteFs
1ICQW�iia A i�tp i .. rt of ReadhWeetuest that -the �tatuent)=
ARTICLE
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By -laws to change the parking requirements for retail stores, offices and consumer service establishments located
within the Business B /Mixed -Use Overlay district, by amending section 6.1.1.1. The amendments would eliminate the so- called "300 toot exemption" and replace it'AMh a
more flexible parking formula that requires 50 percent of parking to be constructed onsite and sets up a binding mechanism for central parking facilities and transportation
and pedestrian alternatives. The new language in section 6.1.1.1. would read as follows:
"No land shall be used and no building shall be erected, enlarged or used unless off- street parking areas, anctoff- street loading and unloading areas, conforming in
amount and type to that described herein are provided except that the CPDC may allow the applicant representing retail stores, offices or consumer service establishments
located within the Business B /Mixed Use Overlay District to be exempted from up to fifty ( 50) per cent of the required parking spaces if the applicant pays an impact fee of
$20,000 for each parking space not provided. The money shall be deposited into a separate account, with half the tends to be used for short or long term parking
solutions in the Town in the Business B /Mixed Use Overlay District, and half to be used to fund transportation alternatives for employees and customers in the Business
B /Mixed Use Overlay District or pedestrian enhancements to streets inside or leading to or from the Business B /Mixed -use Overlay District."
'S- t.
�r�,tianne, Jule �, 6- "WobuW.
V r
U10
TO. Board of Sefe en:
RECEIVED
TOWN 'CLERK
READING, MASS,
1001 FEB 21 P 3 41,
The undersigned -;registered waters„ of' Reading.
IQ iQ him, .a.,,.��a.� ;.. u. �..., -.. request that the-
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By -laws to change the parking requirements for retail stores, offices and consumer service establishments located
within the Business B /Mixed -Use Overlay district, by amending section 6.1.1.1. The amendments would eliminate the so- called "300 foot exemption" and replace it with a
more flexible parldng formula that requires 50 percent of parking to be constructegonsite and sets up a funding mechanism for central parking facilities and transportation
and pedestrian alternatives. The new language in section 6.1.1.1. would read as follows:
"No land shall be used and no building shall be erected, enlarged or used unless off - street parking areas, and off - street loading and unloading areas, conforming in
amount and type to that described herein are provided except that the CPDC may allow the applicant representing retail stores, offices or consumer service establishments
located within the Business B /Mixed Use Overlay District to be exempted from up to fifty (50) per cent of the required parking spaces if the applicant pays an impact fee of
$20,000 for each parking space not provided. The money shall be deposited into a separate account, with half the funds to be used for short or long term parking
solutions in the Town in the Business B /Mixed Use Overlay District, and half to be used to fund transportation alternatives for employees and customers in the Business
B /Mixed Use Overlay District or pedestrian enhancements to streets inside or leading to or from the Business .B /Mixed -use Overlay District."
0M
To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By=laws to change the parking requirements for retail stores,
offices and consumer service establishments located within the Business B /Mixed -Use Overlay district, by amending
section 6.1.1.1. The amendments would eliminate the so- called °300 foot exemption" and replace it with a more flexible
parking formula that requires 50 percent of parking to be constructed onsite and sets up a funding mechanism for central
parking facilities and transportation and pedestrian alternatives. The new language in section 6.1.1.1. would read as
follows:
"No land shall be used and no building shall be erected, enlarged or used unless off - street parking areas, and off-
street loading and unloading areas, conforming in amount and type to that described herein are provided except that the
CPDC may allow the applicant representing retail stores, offices or consumer service establishments located within the
Business B /Mixed Use Overlay District to be exempted from up to fifty (50) per cent of the required parking spaces if the
applicant pays an impact fee of $20,000 for each parking space not provided. The money shall be deposited into a
separate account, with half the funds to be used for short or long term parking solutions in the Town in the Business
B /Mixed Use Overlay District, and half to be used to fund transportation alternatives for employees and customers in the
Business B /Mixed Use Overlay District or pedestrian enhancements to streets inside or leading to or from the Business
B /Mixed -use Overlay District."
001
DRAFT —April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting.
WARRANT OUTLINE 02/27/2007
Art, Mover/ Moderator
# Article Description Sponsor Comment Notes
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By Virtue of this Warrant, [ on notified and warned the
inhabitants Of the TOVVD Of Reading, qualified to VOi8 VD TUVvO afh]i[G' to meet at the
place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant
in the following public places within the TOVVD of Reading:
Precinct J. Warren 0|larn School, 333Charles Street
Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct Joshua Eaton School, 385'SunlmerAvenue
Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct Austin Preparatory School, 1O1 Willow Street
Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Mobil on the Run, 1330 Main Street
The date Ofposting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior tO April 8`2OO7' the date
set for the Local Election in this Warrant.
| also caused, an attested copy of this VVarro[d to be published in the Reading
Chronicle iD the issue Of
A true copy. Attest:
Cheryl A. Johnson, Town Clerk
Thomas H. Freeman, Constable
1 0
TOWN WARRANT
(Seal) .
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to
notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and
Town affairs, to rO9Et in the following place designated fV[ the eight precincts in said
Town, namely:
RMHS Hawkes Field House, Oakland Road
TUESDAY, the THIRD OF APRIL, &D,2OO7
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz:
ARTICLE I To elect by ballot the following Town Officers:
A Moderator for one year;
Two'me0bers of the Board Of Selectmen for three years;
One member of the Board of Assessors for three years;
Two members Ufthe Board Vf Library Trustees for three years;
Two OOeOlbe[S of the W1VniCip8| Light Board for three yearn;
Two members nf the School Committee for three years;
and sixty five Town Meeting YWgrnbe[g shall be elected
to represent each of the fO(|OVViDg precincts:
Precinct
Eight members for three years;
Precinct
Eight members for three years;
Precinct
Eight members for three years;
Precinct
Eight members for three years;
Precinct 5
Eight members for three years; one member
for one year;
Precinct
Eight members for three years;
Precinct 7
Eight members for three years;
Precinct
Eight members for three years.
and to meet edthe Reading Menlohe| High School, 62 Oakland Road' in said Reading
on
MONDAY, the TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2007
gt seven-thirty o'clock in the 8V8Ding' at which time and place the following /\diCk3s are
tObe acted upon aOddat8rOiO8d exclusively bx Town Meeting Members iOaccordance
with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
2
ARTICLE 2 TO hear and act on the reports of the Board of 8a|gdTnan' Town
Accountant, Tna@sunepCOUeokor, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town
[||eh«, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement
Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance CODOnnittea, Cemetery Trustees,
CVDlnlURitv P|8ODiOg & OeV8|OpOleDt COOnnliSSioD' TOVVO K88Dgg8[ and any other
Official, Board. or Special Committee.
Board ofSelectmen
—ARTICLE To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special
Cnmn1U1eaG and determine what instructions ahoU be given Town Officers and Special
Committees, and to see what sum the Town will Vote to appropriate by borrowing or
transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and
Special [|onnrniMBee to carry out the instructions given to the0O. or take any other 8CtiOD
with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2007 - FY 2011
Capital |OVp[OVenl8ntS Pn]g[8Ol as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading HOOOn RU|8
Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE To Gee if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes
taken under Article 15OftheVVenaDtoftheAnnU@|ToYvnMgetngOfAoh|24.2000.os
amended by Article 5 of the November 13, 2007 GUboaqUert Town KXeeting, and on
further amended by Article 4 of the February 26, 2007 Special Town Meeting; and to see
what GU00 the TOVVD will VOt8 to appropriate by bO[[oVViOg or tn8nSf8[ from aV8i|8b|9
funds, or othenmise, as the naeu|t of any such amended votes for the operation of the
Town and its government, n[ take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote t0 authorize the payment during Fiscal
Year 2007 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiaca| years for goods and services
actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE To see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2008 – FY 2012
Capital Improvements for iD Section 7-7of the Reading Home Rule
Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter
184. Section 52Of the Acts [f2OO2 which allow the expenses [K the Senior Tax Work
Pnog[8nl to be charged against the Overlay Reserve, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
3
9
ARTICLE 9 To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing,
whether in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 0.
Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant tV any other enabling authority OF from the tax
|8vy, or transfer from available fUDdS. or otherwise, for highway projects in 8GCOPd@ncg
with Chapter 90' K88SSaChUOetts General Laws, or take any other action with n58p8Ct
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine,
various items of Town tangible property, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 11 To see what eUDls the Town will vote to appropriate to establish
revolving funds under Chapter 44' Section 53E'/2f0[ any V[ all Of the following pU[pOG8G:
* Using the receipts generated through the sale of compost and recycling bins to
purchase 8dd(tiOD8| compost and/o[ F8CVC|iDg bins, said expenditures to be
administered by the Public Works Director;
* Administering the consultant fee provision of the Reading General Bylaws Section
5.7, VVet|8OdS P[Ot8CtiUD' said expenditures to be administered by the CODsen/@t|oD
C0DlOOiSsiUO;
+ Using all or part Of the F8QeiDtG generated from the iSSU8DcH Of E9Ui|diDQ, Fz|UDlbiDg
or Gas, and Wiring and other permits for the Walkers Brook C[OSGiOg D8me|Opnn8Oƒ'
AFCh8tOO8 Development and/or the Johnson Woods Development to pay the COGtG
Of legal expenses, oversight and inspection, p|8O [8Vi8VV' initial property V8|U8
appraisal and appeals, and general nnenaQennont of the Community Services
operations related to that deV8|VpAooDt; and to pay for related expenditures, said
expenditures tob8 administered bythe Town Manager;
+ Operating public health clinics and any related expenses which fund shall be credited
with receipts from clinic fees and third party nSingbU[8gDl8Ot @dDliDi8t8[8d UDda[ the
authority of the. Health Services Administrator acting with the approval of the Town
Manager;
and to d8h9[nliDe the total UOOoUDt of expenditures during FiGC8| Year 2006 which may
be made from each such fund, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 12 TO see if the Town will vote k) rescind the entirety nf Section 4.3.4
Df the Town of Reading General Bylaws which provides for the publication Of8valuation
list every 1D years, O[ take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to determine how much money the
Town will appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds,
Or OtheRNiGR. for the operation [f the Town and its government for FiSC8| Year 2008
beginning July 1' 2007. or take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
4
-_-
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote 10 accept the report of the Board of
Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way the following d8Gc[bedprivate way under
the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out
in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize the
Board Of Selectmen to take such ways under the provision of |axv authorizing the
assessment of betterments, in fee or rights of easement therein by eOniOgDt dOrnein.
under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as aOnended, or acquire said
lands in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to eoseoa
betterments [hR[efon5' the p|8OG and descriptions for such VV@y being filed in the C}MiC8 Of
the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to see what sum the
TOVVD will vote to appropriate by bO[POVViDg' or from the tax |eVy. or t[8D8f8[ from
available funds, or otherwise, for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for
payment Of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said m/Gy8' or take
any other action with respect thereto.
m
Woodland Street (from John Carver Road easterly to Town owned Birch
Meadow property)
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to establish a stabilization fund for the
pU ' of funding post employment benefits, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter 32 Section
9/2VdXii\ that 8UOVVs an iDC[8gGe to the death benefit for surviving children; or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Retirement Board
ARTICLE 17 To see what sum the Town will vote to raise by borrowing and
appropriate pursuant tO Chapter 44 Section 7Y1\Of the Massachusetts General Laws, for
reconstructing surface drains, sewers and sewerage ayotenlo' including the cost of
cODSU|tiDg engineering services, d88igns, p|8nS' cODtcaCtG. specifications, equipment,
inspection fees, contingencies and related facilities and expenses related thereto and
necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent under the direction of the Town
yN8D8ge[; and see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager, the Board of
Selectmen o[ any other agency tofile an app|iootion/a\ for @ grant or grants to be used to
defray all or any part Of said seVVB[ construction 8Od/O[ FRcODSt[UCt|0D and [e|8tHU
matters; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any
or all agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Art|o|o' including
but not limited to, the applications and acceptance of a grant and a non-interest bearing
|o@D from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and authorize the Treasurer-
Collector, with the appnDV3| of the Board of Selectmen, t0 bO[n}VV pU[GU8Dt to said |O2D;
o[ take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
5
.�~�
ARTICLE 18 7o see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available fundG, or othenmise, and appropriate for the purpose' of making
improvements 10 Main Street from Salem Street to Washington Street, the gV called
Downtown Improvement Project, including the costs of engineering S8[ViC88, p|8nG'
documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto
and necessary in connection therewith, said eunl to be expended by and under the
direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the TVVVD will authorize the Board of
8e|ectmen/theToxvnK4aneger,oranyotheragenoyofthgTown.toopp|yfVragrantor
g[@nts, to be used to defray the cost ofall, or any part of, said improvements; and 1V
authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may
be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Artic|e, or take anyOther action with
respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 19 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from 8V8U3b!e fUnU8' or otherwise, and appropriate for the pU[pO88 of purchasing and
installing 8 financial hardware and GVfbN@Fe SVst80O, including the COStS of consulting
services, p|ano, documents, cost eeb[n8tao' bidding services and all related expenses.
incidental thereto and necessary. in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by
and under the direction of the TOVVD K83D8ge[; and to Gee if the Town will authorize the
Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a
grant or Qnynto' to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said system; and to
authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may
be D8CHss8rV to o@[rV out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 20 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of pU[Ch3SiDg @ fire
engine, including the COGtg Of consulting S8nviC8s, plans, dVoumn8Dba, cost estimates,
bidding services and all -related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection
therewith, said GUnU to be expended by and UDd8F the direction of the Town Manager;
and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any
other agency nf the Town, tO apply for 8 grant Or grants, b]b8 used [O defray the cost Of
all, Or any part of, said fire engine; and tO authorize the Town Manager kJ enter into any
and all contracts and agreements 8G may be necessary tD carry out the purposes Ofthis
Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 21 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from 8V8i|ab|8 funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the pV[pOS8 of making
improvements to or replacing the Birch Meadow Tennis Courta, including the costs of
engineering services', plans, documents, cost estinlahee, bidding een/ioes, construction
nnanRQernoDt services, and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in
connection therewith, said SUDl to be expended by and under the direction of the 'ToVVD
Manager; and to see if the TOVVD will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town
Manager, Or any other agency Of the Town, tO apply for 8 grant O[ grants, tOb8 used t0
N*
defray the cost of all, OFany part of, said improvements; and to authorize the Town
Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to
carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 22 To see what eun| the Town will raise by bornrwinQ, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making artificial
turf field improvements at the Parker Middle School and/or the Coolidge Middle School,
including the costs of engineering services, plans, docunnaOts, cost estimates, bidding
services, construction management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto
and necessary in connection therewith, said oU[D to be expended by and under the
direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of
Selectmen, the Town Manager, Or any other agency Of the Town, h] apply for 8 grant O[
QrGDto' to be used to defray the coat of all, or any part of. said improvements; and to
authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all CVDtrootG and agreements as may
be necessary to *carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board nfSelectmen
ARTICLE 23 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing. or �a��
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose Of making
improvements to the 8unDyaida Avenue and Fairview Avenue ogvver' including the onota
of 8DgiO89[iDg sgrViCeG, pl8DS' dVCUrO8OtS' cost estimates, bidding, S8rViC8S and all
related expenses incidental thereto and necessary iDconnection therewith, said sum to
be expended by and under the direction of the 7-oVVD K8@n8g8[; and to S88 if the TOVVD
will 3UthO[|Z8 the Board of 8H|eotMmmn' the Town Manager, or any Other agency of the
ToxVD. 0J apply for 8 grant or grants, to be used to defray the CDGt of all, or any part Of'
Said irDprVy8DlHDtS; and to authorize the TOVVD yW8Dage[ to enter into any and all
contracts and agreements oS may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article,
0[ take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 24 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 2.2.13 of the
Reading Zoning SO that it will [88d as follows:
2.2.13. The continuous uninterrupted length of lot boundary line along 8
SLn3S( |im8 having a depth into the lot of not less than twenty CYl fG8L said depth
measured at an angle to said street |ima of not less than 05 degraaa, over and
through which, 8CtUa| legal and physical access tOthe DOt8OU8| building site by
both pedestrian and vehicles ahe|| be required. The presence or existence of an
GcC8SS e8xeOn8Ot eh8|l not satisfy the requirement for actual legal and physical
access. The end of o wtn**t without o cul-de-sac oho|| not be considered
frontage.
C)[ take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
7
~_~�
ARTICLE 25 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Rgading.Zoning Bylaws
to change the parking requirements for retail stores, offices and consumer service
establishments located within the Business B/K8iNed-Use Overlay diethCt, by amending
section 0.1.1.1. The amendments VVoU|d eliminate the so-called "300 fOO1 exemption"
and replace it with 8 more flexible parking f0rDlUl3 that F8qVireS 50 percent of parking to
be constructed onoite and sets upofunding mechanism for central parking facilities and
t[GDspO[t8tiOD and pedestrian alternatives. The new language in 88CtiOO 8.1.1.1. would.
read esfollows:
"No land shall b8 used and OObuilding shall be erected, enlarged o[ used unless
off-street parking unaas' and off-street loading and unloading opeeo, conforming in
amount and type tO that described herein are provided except that the C}P[J[| may allow
the applicant representing retail stores, offices or consumer service establishments
located within the RUGiO8ss B/K8iX8d Use Overlay to be exempted from Up to UftV (50)
per cent of the required parking spaces if the applicant pays an impact fee of $20,000 for
each parking space not provided. The money oh8|| be deposited into a separate
account, with half the funds to be used for short or long term parking SO|UUnnS in the
TOVxD in the Business B/Mixed Use [}Ve[|8y District, and half to be used to fund
tcaOSpOri8tiVO alternatives for employees and CU8t0Dle[G in the BU6|DeSS M/W1|X8U Use
Overlay District or pedestrian enhancements to streets inside or leading to or from the
Business R/K8ix8d-use Overlay District."
By Petition
if Town v�U vote to d the General of the
����K��E��� To see � amen �nen@ t�y|2�a
Town of Reading by adding the following Section 5.2.10 entitled "Sight Triangles:":
5.2.10 Sight Triangles
5.2.10.1 Definition
--� | � defined as �� a� ��� by the intersection �
8 Ex0[D [neDge -'
property |iD88 and 8 straight line joining said pnJpHdv |iD88 to the StF88t OF
right of way at 8 point 35 feet distant from the point of their intersection. For
CO[Dgr |OtG' the Sight t[i8D0|8 is determined from the point Of iOL8[S8[tiDO Of
their tangents.
5.2.10.2 Corner Lots
Except- in ---�the Downtown Business District' DV bUi|diDg, fence' wall,
landscaping, parking Of vehicles, signs, orthe placement OfO[ growing Ofany
other obstruction between the height of 21/2feet and a height Of8feet shall
be iVC8t8d within the sight triangle 8o as to obstruct visibility in a manner that
will jeopardize the G8feh/ Of vehicles or pedestrians, UD|88G it can be
demonstrated to the satisfaction of the Chief of Police that such vegetation or
structure will not restrict visibility in such a vvoy as to hinder public safety.
For purposes of this bylaw, the Downtown Business District in defined oothat
portion of the BUGiOeSS B Zoning District that i8 geD8[8|k/ bounded by the
MBTA rail line, Woburn Street and a line east of Main Street.
5.2.10.3 Exemptions
/�\ P[OCp8| buildings existing on 8 � at the time Of adoption of this bVh�
� shall not be required to conform to this bylaw. Shade trees planted by
8
^~~�,
the TOVVD of Reading, Dl8i|bOx8G' street and traffic signs, and Uti|Uv
poles are also exempt from the provisions 0f this bylaw.
/b\ Fences of "open-type construction" defined herein as o fence
constructed so that its vertical surface area is unobstructed, enabling
motorists and pedestrians to have a clear view through such fence /e.g.,
8feDCe of chain-link U[ post and rail COOGtrUctiOD\.
OT take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 27 To see if the Town will vote delete Section 5.6.2.2.3 of the
Gem3n9| Bylaws of the of Reading and re-numbering subsequent sections of the
Bylaw; or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 28 To see if the Town will vote to pursuant to Section 2-6 of the
Reading Home RU|H Charter, to d8d8F8 the seats of certain Town W1RHtDg K4eOlbe[S to
be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town W1oaUng
MeDlb9[G for f8i|UPB to take the Ogih Of office within 30 days fOi|OvYiDg the Dn1ic8 Of
election or for failure to attend one half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the
previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto:
Precinct Robert DeMi|dJr.
John VV.Fay
Thomas F. O'Donnell
Precinct Thomas F. Procopio
Precinct Timothy C. Curren
Board ofSelectmen
9 (3
and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least
one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to
April 3, 2007, the date set for the Election in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in
a newspaper published in the Town, or providing in a manner such as electronic
submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town
Meeting Member.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to
the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this 27th day of February, 2007.
Thomas H. Freeman
`[o]
Ben Tafoya, Chairman
James E. Bonazoli, Vice Chairman
Stephen A. Goldy, Secretary
Camille W. Anthony
Richard W. Schubert
SELECTMEN OF READING
n4pj
Alk
To: Board ofSelectman
From: George J.Zambounaa Town Engineer
Date: February 20.2OU7
Re: Measurement bz Street Corners
On numerous occasions traffic signage or parking regulations reference measurements tobo taken or
located from an intersecting street. The confusion arrives on where the measurement is taken from; the
edge ofthe roadways pavement or the property line or otherwise called right ofvway|ine.Aeetnaetsan*
constructed with varying dimensions of grass plots and sidewalk widths any measurement from the
edge of the roadway's pavement would different results.
Based on the Town's Traffic Rules and Regulations definition of Way and its reference to Section 1
Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The term roadway or way is intended to refer to the
right of way line (or property line) of the roadway.
Therefore to avoid confusion and standardize the reference point of measurements and to comply with
MGL Moss. Highway Department and K8UTCD standards | strongly recommend that the correct
method of establishing measurements for placement oftraffiooignogoor parking regulations should ba
from the right of way line (or property line) of the roadway.
�
0 Poga1
Fax: (781) 942 -5441
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867 -2683
To: Town of Reading, Board of Selectmen
From: Christopher A. Cole, Civil Engineer
Date: February 27, 2007
Re: Walnut Street at Old Farm Road Traffic Study
Traffic Study
]Location: Walnut Street at Old Farm Road
Date : February 27, 2007
Purpose:
PUBLIC WORKS
(781) 942 -9077
At the request of the Town of Reading Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force, the
Department of Public Works, Engineering Division, performed a traffic study at the intersection
of Walnut Street, Old Farm Road, and Red Gate Lane. The purpose of this study was to
determine whether a four -way stop should be implemented at this intersection.
Site:
Walnut Street runs in the east /west direction and is composed of bituminous concrete,
approximately 22 feet wide, and is in satisfactory condition. On its approach to the intersection,
the road gradually curves to the left. Trees and retaining walls cause sight problems for drivers
observing vehicles exiting Old Farm Road. Traveling from the east, Walnut Street gradually
curves to the right.
Old Farm Road runs northerly from Haystack Road to its intersection at Walnut Street. A
retaining wall on Walnut Street obstructs part of the driver's line of sight easterly towards Holly
Road. Old Farm Road is composed of bituminous concrete, approximately 30 feet wide, and is
in satisfactory condition. A stop sign currently exists at this present location.
Red Gate Lane runs southerly from Indian Tree Lane to its intersection at Walnut Street.
Red Gate Lane is composed of bituminous concrete, approximately 30 feet wide, and is in
satisfactory condition. A stop sign currently exists at this present location as well.
Images of the existing conditions at this intersection can be seen in Figures lA and 113.
Results:
The traffic analysis for the intersection of Walnut Street, Old Farm Road, and Red Gate
Lane, was accomplished using standards from the 2001 Edition of the AASHTO Green Book —
A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets. The analysis was performed in order to
determine the required stopping distance for a vehicle traveling on Walnut Street coming from
each direction as it approaches the intersection of Old Farm Road and Red Gate Lane. Factors
taken into account for this analysis include the design speed of the vehicle, the reaction time of
the driver, the coefficient of friction between the tires on the vehicle and the road surface, and
the slope of the road associated with each approach. The design speed of the vehicle in this
study is the posted speed limit for the road and is measured in miles per hour. The posted speed
limit for Walnut Street is 30 mph. However, prior traffic studies have determined that the 85th
percentile speed is equal to 35 mph. Based on AASHTO standards, the required safe stopping
distance is 260 feet when using the 85th percentile speed of 35 mph.
Due to the available sight distance of 300 feet while traveling easterly on Walnut Street
from Strawberry Hill Lane, it was determined that vehicles approaching from this direction
should have adequate stopping distance to the intersection. For vehicles traveling westerly on
Walnut Street, from Hopkins Street, the available sight distance is 210 feet to observe vehicles
exiting Old Farm Road, which is less than adequate braking distance. The available sight
distance from this direction to observe pedestrians, however, is 270 feet which is of adequate
braking distance for vehicles traveling in this direction.
After checking Police Department records, it was determined that only one motor vehicle
accident was recorded at this intersection. Based on the adequacy of safe stopping distances on
all movements with the exception of one on the minor street, low numbers of accidents in the
intersection recommend that the intersection remain as is with stop controls on the minor roads,
and justification for a four -way stop is not warranted. The only additional recommendation to
improve this intersection would be to move the current stop bar on Old Farm Road closer
towards the intersection of Walnut Street, allowing vehicles exiting Old Farm Road to have
better visibility of vehicles approaching the intersection from Holly Road. 3�
Page 1 of 1
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: heidi [heidijerry @verizon.net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 5:09 PM
To: Reading = Selectmen
Subject: stop sign
Selectmen,
I am writing in regard to the stop sign at Walnut and Old Farm road. I believe that placing a stop sign there is not
the best solution to the problem at hand. A crossing guard would be the best for the safety of the children.
It appears that stop signs are being requested regularly as a traffic calming measure. I would be interested in
knowing the number of tickets, not citations, given throughout the town and how that compares to other towns. If
drivers in Reading know that a speeding violation will result in a ticket, then they will think twice about repeating
that behavior. Just a thought.
Thank you for your time. Heidi Bonnabeau
2/27/2007
Page 1 of 1
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From: victor.li @vsea.com
Sent: Monday, February 26; 2007 3:20 PM
To: Reading - Selectmen
Cc: andreagarb @comcast.net; yxu @wyeth.com
Subject: Public Hearing: Stop Sign at Old Farm Road
Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner,
Since we are unable to attend the public hearing on this Tuesday, 2/27/07, we would like to express our
comments through the email.
While we are waiting for Chief Cormier to correct the error in removing the crossing guard from Old
Farm/Walnut intersection, it is a good idea to have temporary stop signs at this location. Although stop
signs will be helpful to reduce the risks that kids are facing everyday, they should not be seen or
considered as the replacement of crossing guard.
Thank you very much for your attention.
Sincerely,
Youjian and Youchia Li
20 Old Farm Road, Reading
2/26/2007
Hechenblefter, Peter
From: eahoward155@verizon.net
Sent: Sunday, February 25, 2007 12:23 PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: re: Stop Sign on Walnut/Old Farm
February 25, 2007
Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner,
As residents of Walnut Street, we are strongly opposed to having another four-way stop on
our street. We feel that the current four-way stop at the intersection of Ash Hill and
Walnut is enough to considerably slow down the traffic. Thank you.
Sincerely,
Ed & Andrea Howard
155 Walnut Street
1
(ely,
Hechenblefte Peter
From: RobodaFHooarduUi 1@comooat.neO
Sent Fridoy, February 23, 20074:57PM
To: Town Manager
Subject: Stop Sign Old Farm Rd-Walnut 8t
Dear Mr. 8echeobleikuer,
My husband and Z reside at II Old Farm Road. We are very close to the intersection of
Walnut Gt. and Old Farm 8d. We are just one house from the intersection.
We are in complete favor of having a atop sign .put on Walnut Street at Old Faro Road.
Being so close to the road I have seen near misses since we have ommsd here. It is nozy
ocazey to see cars just fly by without regard to 000nmjog etreeta. It is vary dangerous
to the children and to the many walkers that walk in this beautiful side of town. It would
be a matter of time before a tragedy happens.
Last August I asked the DPW to move the Old Farm 8t sign forward. It was set so far back
that when we had visitors they would 000Lloue an Walnut street not even seeing the street
sign. Within a week it was done. It was so wonderful to see the town act so goinkly. I
put a "Thumbs Op" to them.
(Whatever happened to that column?)
The atop sign is very needed. It will be a life saver. Hope to see it soon.
And while you are at it_ ..we would love to have a new street sign for Old Faro Road...
Thank you so much for your help in this matter.
Sincerely,
Roberta and George Riccardelli
1
Edo
Thank you — I will see that the Board of Selectmen get a copy of yo'ur comments.
Peter I. Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
From: oshimansky@comcast.net [mailto:oshimansky@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 7:50 AM
To: Reading - Selectmen
Subject: walnut/old farm
am
I live on Sturges Rd. I will not be able to attend the meeting tonight but would like to
support the efforts of my neighbors. My plans to use the crosswalk and hopefully a
crossing guard will resume soon, but I know many of my neighbors continue to use the
crosswalk through the winter. Thank you.
M
Cheryl
Thanks for your email.
We have been unable to hire the additional crossing guards that we need as of this date. We are
aUU 2 guards short. This location is still a priority for a crossing guard if/when we are able to hire.
We all appreciate your concern and your actions are certainly appropriate.
Peter iHaohenb|eikner
Town Manager
Fromm: CHERYL FAY [nanUto .conl
Sent: Monday February 26, 2OO79:4OPIA
To: Reoding - Sc|ecimen
Cc: Cormier, Jim
Subject: Stop Signs
I was wondering what the status of hiring new crossing guards for the Town of
Reading was? We are still holding out hope that vvewill see a guard at Old Farm and
Walnut Street soon. I heard rumors that the removal |ya permanent solution tothe
towns lack of guards. I understand that last year the number ofchildren who
crossed at the intersection was lower than this year, but ask you to once again
revisit the numbers-in the last years over 2Oschool age children have moved into
the neighborhood - this can be verified either by contacting Joshua Eaton
School or the signed petition we sent you last month.
I have been honest and forthright in my communication with you and I hope I have
acted in an appropriate manner in resolving this very important issue.
I would appreciate any input and help in gattng this situation resolved.
Cheryl & Kenneth Fay
G8 Old Farm Road
Reading, MA 01867
I- 93/1 -95 Interchange Transportation Study
TDM Subcommittee Meeting
Friday, February 16, 2007
12:00 PM
State Transportation Building
Boston, Massachusetts
Attendance
Subcommittee Members:
Joe Cosgrove MBTA
Ian Durrant MassRIDES
Jim Gallagher Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC)
George Katsoufis Reading Citizen
EOT staff: I
Bob Frey Manager of Statewide Planning, Study Project Manager
Adriel Edwards Planning
Paul Nelson Park & Ride Coordinator
Consultant team:
Jim Purdy Louis Berger Group (Project Manager)
Rob Swierk TranSystems (Transit)
Others in Attendance:
Scott Peterson Central Transportation Planning Staff
Elliot Schmeidl MassRIDES
Meeting Summary
Welcome and Introductions
Bob Frey welcomed everyone to the Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Subcommittee
meeting. He reviewed the agenda for today's meeting:
1. Park and Ride at the Anderson Regional Transportation Center
2. Updated Transit and TDM Cost Memo
3. Transit Usage — Effects on Traffic Reduction at the Interchange
4. Non - Highway Recommendations for the Study's final report
Bob invited Ian Durrant to begin with the first agenda item.
Park and Ride at the Anderson Regional Transportation Center
Ian Durrant explained that MassRIDES is in the process of implementing a park and ride
program at the ARTC. Four hundred parking spots will be available for carpoolers and
vanpoolers to use for free. Travelers interested in joining the program will have to register in
advance and describe their origin and destinations. Once the information is verified, users will
receive a pass to hang from their tear -view mirror. The pass will be matched to their license
plate and will serve to distinguish their vehicles from others in the lot that are using the MBTA
Office of Transportation Planning Page 1 of 4 Printed: 2/27/2007 3
I- 93/1 -95 ITF TDM Subcommittee Meeting of February 16, 2007
commuter rail service. Ian commented that at this time, it is logistically too difficult to segregate
the carpoolers into one area of the lot, so the parking lot manager will play a role in enforcement.
They are in the process of working with the parking lot manager on this issue. Ian informed the
subcommittee members that MassRIDES will promote the lot through its web site and also
through other agencies, such as the Route 128 Business Council. Jim Purdy commented that it
would be interesting to see the data collected regarding the origins and destinations of the
carpoolers using the lot. Joe Cosgrove asked what is the rationale for not charging the users of
the lot. Ian and Paul Nelson replied that the goal is to encourage people to carpool. It is
MassHighway's policy to not charge fees at any of its park and ride lots. Discussion ensued
about using the MassRIDES' existing ridesharing database to conduct a targeted marketing
campaign. Possibilities included encouraging prospective carpoolers to "match" to park and ride
lots as an option to create more potential matches in the database.
Bob Frey asked what progress had been made since the last TransitWorks meeting. Joe
Cosgrove stated that the wireless signage project is progressing. He elaborated, saying that the
wireless technology will transmit "time until next train" information at commuter rail station
platforms. Design procurement for the wireless signage is in process. An eventual goal would
be to connect these wireless messages on the station platform with a corresponding message on a
variable message sign on the highway.
Joe informed attendees that ridership has recently increased 15% on all the north side commuter
rail lines, saying the increase of ridership on the Lowell Line was the biggest contributor to this.
He attributed the recent increase in ridership to the increased frequency of service on the Lowell
line from Anderson to Boston and also to congestion on I -93. Jim Purdy asked if the trend was
also reflected in the parking lot. Joe said that he was not sure but that he would obtain that
information from Massport. Scott Peterson expressed an interest in obtaining that information as
well. Elliot Schmeidl offered to obtain the information from Massport. Bob asked if a seasonal
factor was at play at the significant increase in ridership. Joe responded that the gap between
trains is now typically 15 -20 minutes during the peak commuting hours, reduced from about a
half hour. Rob Swierk informed attendees that when the frequency of commuter rail service
increases to every 15 minutes, there is a large change in the acceptability of the service. He
added that this threshold is also where operationally, things become more challenging. George
Katsoufis asked if the express trains could be 3 car sets, and if this would improve operations.
Rob and Joe explained that it is not possible to break up a train set in the middle of peak hours.
Updated Transit and TDM Cost Memo
Rob Swierk recalled for attendees that in the fall of 2006, prior to the second public
informational meeting, conceptual costs were developed for the transit and TDM components.
Rob referenced the hand -out "Conceptual Costs of Transit/TDM Components" which was first
produced in October of 2006 and recently revised with new cost numbers. He explained that the
first page of the memo presents a table summarizing the annual costs for both the transit and
TDM components and that these annual costs contain both the annualized capital costs and the
average annual operating costs. He informed attendees that the later pages of the memo provide
more details on the various costs. He pointed out that the major change between the October
version and today's version is that the capital costs on the transit side are less that what they were
previously. Previously, it was estimated that three train sets would be needed to increase the
frequency of commuter rail service, as outlined in components I IA and I IB. However, because
the MBTA recently purchased train sets and increased service frequency to Boston from the
Office of Transportation Planning Page 2 of 4 Printed: 2/27/2007
I- 93/I -95 ITF TDM Subcommittee Meeting of February 16, 2007
ARTC, only one new train set would still be required. This reduced the capital cost from $27
million to $14 million for component 1 IA and from $13 million to zero dollars for component
11B (the cost of which is now included in component 11 A). Rob discussed the rationale for
maintaining in the cost `the need for additional storage track, estimated to be about $1 million.
Joe Cosgrove cautioned attendees that the MBTA does not dedicate stock to particular lines, but
rather takes a system -wide approach and shifts equipment around as needed, based on capacity
constraints, etc. Jim Gallagher asked whether the MBTA's recent purchase of rolling stock was
for anticipated growth. Joe said the stock was procured to address "state of good repair" needs.
There was a brief discussion of the potential extension of the Lowell line to Nashua and Bob
reminded subcommittee members that they had decided previously not to include in the package
of recommendations the very high capital cost projects such as the Orange Line Extension and
the commuter rail extension to Nashua. Subcommittee members had agreed to include
recommendations which they considered to be fairly reasonable.
George Katsoufis requested that a range of potential costs be provided for component 2A, which
is the creation of a formal park and ride lot at the ARTC. Bob explained that the cost is
considered zero because it is part of the normal operating expense of MassRIDES. George then
asked about providing a range of costs for component 2B, which is to improve access (in
general) to the ARTC. He suggested that the pedestrian bridge be included as well as the Boston
Street Bridge. He acknowledged that people would potentially park on the other side of a
pedestrian bridge if one were to be built (and not park and pay the fee in the designated ARTC
lot), but considered these potential disadvantages surmountable. Joe agreed that the
disadvantages should not outweigh the positives, and added that the pedestrian bridge was part of
the original project, and its cost was high. Joe added that at the time, the pedestrian bridge was
not considered cost effective. Jim Purdy agreed that the $2 million estimated cost for the
pedestrian bridge could be added to component 2B. Bob agreed and stated that the Boston Street
Bridge, however, would not be included. George suggested making an upper -end option for
component 2B — the re- opening of Mishawum as a full service station.
Transit Usage — Effects on Traffic Reduction at the Interchange
The main objective of this analysis was to determine the level of traffic that would need to be
removed from the interchange area to prevent a worsening of congestion. The other part of this
analysis was to determine whether existing transit services would be able to absorb this demand.
Scott Peterson discussed his methods and findings. He focused on southbound I -93 traffic
because most of this traffic is headed for Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville and could be
served by existing transit services. The analysis was performed for the 3 hour AM peak period.
Based on existing and future volumes, Scott determined that 3,700 vehicles - or 4,300 person
trips - would need to be removed from I -93 southbound in the future year to prevent a worsening
of congestion. He determined that 6,900 vehicles - or 7,900 person trips — would have to be
removed from I -93 southbound in the future year to prevent volumes from exceeding 80% of
capacity. Scott assumed that the majority of these vehicles would divert to commuter rail service
given their origins (very dispersed and mainly north of the I- 93/I -95 interchange south of I -495,
east of Route 3 and west of I -95) and destinations. In both cases of either 3,700 or 6,900
vehicles, existing commuter rail lines would not be able to absorb all the passenger demand and
parking lots would be completely full. The few nearby rapid transit lines also would not be able
to accommodate all the demand. Jim Purdy noted that Scott's research shows that more parking
and more trip origins within walking distance of train stations are necessary.
Office of Transportation Planning Page 3 of 4 Printed: 2/27/2007
I- 9311 -95 ITF TDM Subcommittee
Meeting of February 16, 2007
Non - Highway Recommendations for the Study's final report
Jim Purdy directed subcommittee members to turn to page four of the hand -out "Transit and
TDM Recommendations" for the section on Managing Corridor Congestion. He said that this
section of the report addresses three types of longer range improvements which should be
considered as part of regional transportation planning.
1. Intelligent Transportation System Improvements
2. Additional long -range measures to increase transit use and HOV use
3. Land use policies that help to reduce overall demand in the I -93 and Route 128
corridors, beginning with the MetroFuture recommendations of MAPC.
Jim briefly touched on the first two items, discussing some of the. points described in more detail
in the memo. The discussion turned to land use policies designed to control demand for
transportation infrastructure. Jim Gallagher suggested that this section of the report be worded
more strongly, using Scott Peterson's analysis as justification. Jim Gallagher stated that through
the TIP process, MAPC is encouraging higher density, mixed use developments. Transportation
projects that increase capacity without controlling for sprawl are frowned upon by MAPC. Jim
Purdy asked if this was stated in a policy document. Jim Gallagher replied that yes, these
policies are outlined in the TIP criteria. Bob Frey asked if Jim Gallagher has seen an effect of
this policy. Jim Gallagher replied that some communities are changing their zoning with respect
to the policy.
Bob thanked all attendees for participating and adjourned the meeting at 2 PM.
Office of Transportation Planning Page 4 of 4 Printed: 2/27/2007
l "—I
it
BOS Meeting 2/27/07
Dear BOS Members,
I am here this evening in order to impress upon this board the increase of
professional health services required of the Health department in order to carry out its
major responsibilities and legal requirements to each and every citizen of Reading.
There are three major responsibilities of the Public Health Department and these
3 can only be accomplished through legal authority by highly qualified professional staff
They include:
To PROMOTE-.health of the individual and enviromnent,
To PREVENT --disease and environmental damage:
To PROTECT - -- individual with emergency preparedness, immunization
programs, - perform all licensing and inspections, support indigent and
disenfranchised individuals.
The BOH staff has the legal authority to provide these essential health services to the
nearly 24,000 individuals utilizing only 2.6 FTE's ....with the health administrator of this
department having 24 hours of responsibility /7 days week.
I would like to highlight just some of the services:
Investigation of communicable diseases... (This is in order to prevent the spread
of disease) These diseases are reported to the BOH through hospitals, state labs and by
health care providers. The investigation of the diagnosed individual and all contact are
interviewed and counseled. Currently there are 125 of these cases (some cases may have
up to 50 contacts to interview investigate follow-up on and document).
Clinic Operations.
Seasonal clinics such as Flu, tetanus, pneumonia, meningitis, Hepatitis
Cholesterol 2x month
BP 5x/month
Glucose 2x/month
Tuberculosis screening
(keeping in mind that all clinics require each individual to receive nursing health
assessments, education, referral and documentation)
Public Health Emergency Preparedness
(Of which you were all provided with that very informative presentation by Jane)
She has also recruited a number of qualified professionals and started emergency
preparedness trainings with them in accordance with State and federal guidelines
Community Prevention Education Programs
CPR, Lyme disease, West Nile virus, (mosquito control) Lice prevention,
Melanoma, Tobacco /substance abuse, Cancer, (provided through health fairs,
media/newspapers and individual and group educational programs
Home visit assessments: with medical referrals
Social service and mental health referrals with budgeted resources from the
SOH for (EMARC, Riverside Mental Health)
Inspectional Services and Licensing.
Food, (121) (Restaurants, catering and mobile) Camps (28), pools (10), Housing
complaints (206), Massage (7), Tamung (4), Septic, Well, Duimpsters, Animals, Air
quality inspections ...
We have recently experienced a dramatic increase in inspectional services Bear
Rock, Home depot, Starbucks, Chili's, Fuddruckers, Richardson's, Macaroni Grill to
name a few. On the horizon there are another 2 large restaurant and large retail
supenmarket that should be operational by the fall of this year. The plan review,
operation meeting and continued inspections for as long as the operations remain in town
increases inspections by nearly 25% at a minimum. This reflects only the inspection sites
not the number hours each inspection takes. (An example is Mac Grill is inspected 3 x /yr
the number of hours is 12 with 14 hours of re- inspection time that's 26 hours for one
establishment that's in compliance. )
These inspectional services are necessary in order to prevent food borne illnesses,
If this staffing crisis continues, the ability to do a job in a timely and professional manner
would mean only responding by law to complaints. Routine operational inspections and
licensing which keeps the complaints at bay would be impossible to carry out
Presently public health staff work long hours beyond what is assigned because the
the nature of their responsible commitment to their jobs and to uphold the public health
laws of Massachusetts. This can not continue. We need your help and support to
increase the nursing and inspectional staff to meet the basic needs of the community. The
staff would need 4AFTE to meet these responsibilities, currently it is only 2.6 FTE. We
need your help to get at least a minimum of 3.28 FTE. This would be a fall time PHN
(5.5 hours) for emergency preparedness responsibilities and an increase 18 inspectional
hours.
Please support this health department in meeting the goals of Public
Health to Promote/ to Prevent /and to Protect each and every citizen of
Reading.
Thank you
SIGN -IN SHEET FOR THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
DATE: 69 7 7
NAME ADDRESS
(Please print)
A E t I
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3