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Home My WebLink About2006-01-24 Board of Selectmen PacketTown of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 e"V 161%0 ut-1 639�xc�oap °¢ CONSERVATLON COMMISSION Phone (781) 942 -6616 Fax (781) 942 -9071 Memorandum To: Board of Selectmen From: Conservation Commission "V Date: January 17, 2006 Re: Shell Station, 87 Walkers Brook Drive During their meeting of January 11, 2006, the Conservation Conunission reviewed the letter dated January 11, 2006, from the Town Manager to Attorney Mark Gallant. This letter confirms the approval by the Board of Selectmen for the 24 -hour operation of the Shell Station on Walkers Brook Drive, subj ect to certain conditions. Among the conditions is a requirement that the concerns raised in the Commission's memorandum. dated December 2, 2005, paragraph #3, be addressed by May 1, 2006. The Conunission appreciates the support of the Board of Selectmen for the removal of the sediments from the wetlands adjacent to the site. In the meantime, the Conservation Administrator had inspected the site on December 29, 2005, with representatives from Motiva and CEA to examine the sediments and other areas of interest to the Commission. The parties involved in the site inspection agreed that it would be best to remove the sediments during the dry season after the surface water in the wetland has subsided. Thus, the Commission respectfully requests that the Board of Selectmen reconsider the May 1" deadline established in their letter dated January 11, 2006. A July deadline would provide more favorable working conditions. During the site inspection, the representatives from Motiva and CEA also indicated that they were working on plans to construct a new canopy over the gasoline pumps. This project will require the filing of a Notice of Intent with the Conservation Connnission, and we expect the Notice to include improvements in the existing drainage system that would significantly reduce the rate of sedimentation in the future. cc: Attorney Mark Gallant, 462 Boston Street, Suite 1, Second Floor, Topsfield, MA 01983 C' Information Technology VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 RE: Town of Reading Contract No. 02 -06 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: T, A9'- 4 1 Cheryle L. Morgan t . 2 �� V Senior Counsel Northrop Grumman Corporation Commercial, State & Local Solutions 13825 Sunrise Valley Drive Suite 120 Herndon, VA 20171 Telephone 703 - 713 -4422 Fax 703- 713 -4794 cheryle.morgan@ ngc.com January 13, 2006 In reply refer to: CLM -06 -002 011) c� C) Attached please find the fully executed Cancellation Agreement and, in accordance with the agreement, a check in the amount of $547,341.32, which fully and finally completes the conditions in the agreement. It has been a pleasure working with the Town of Reading. We appreciate your cooperation and professionalism. If you should have any questions, please let me know. Sincerely, Cheryle Morgan Senior Counsel cc: Ellen Doucette Gerry Mulderig David Willms / a I. c cs At, ky� Questions from the Town of Reading for the DEP • DEP's stance on the viability of the Ipswich River to remain an adequate water source to all of the communities presently taking water from the River. • Is DEP going to be cutting back on amounts that ALL Towns can withdraw from the River? Is our registration going to change? • Will the Federal Government intercede in mandating lower withdrawals? • If we go with the MWRA, what is our standing as a potential user of the Ipswich in the future? • Does DEP see us abandoning a viable water supply if we seek approval to go 100% MWRA? • One issue that was brought up in the BOS discussions was a concern with the 21E sites in North Reading and Wilmington. Can DEP's Bureau of Waste Clean -up address concerns and provide an update on these sites. We have been working with Steve Johnson, Section Chief of that Division. • What is likely to happen upon Reading's application for re- registration? • What is the WRC and DEP views of the Town buying all of its water from the MWRA? • What would the process be for the Town to apply for 100% MWRA buy -in, and what would the expected period of time be for an application to be considered and acted upon? • Has the Ipswich River been determined to be a non - viable water supply for Reading? In whole or in part? If in part, what part? • Can the Town "abandon" its current water supply? Only if it is determined to be non - viable? C3 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street CONSERVATION COMMISSION ��J Reading, MA 01867 -2683 Phone (781) 942 -6616 Fax (781) 942 -9071 ffink&i.reading.ma.us Memorandtun To: Board of Selectmen From: Conservation Commission Date: December 27, 2005 Re: Conservation Restriction, Carter and Coleman property, 248 Main Street In 1998, the Conservation Commission issued an Order of Conditions for construction of the new office building at 248 Main Street. Two existing buildings were demolished and one larger building was constructed. After some delay, the new parking lot has also been completed, and the Commission is working with the owners to finish the final details for a Certificate of Compliance. One of the final details is the execution of a Grant of Conservation Restriction over the western portion of the site. This Grant has been signed by the owners of the site and by the Conservation Commission. We now request that the Selectmen sign the Grant. Then we will forward it to the MA Division of Conservation Services for final approval. We are attaching a site plan that shows the new office building and the portion of the site to be placed under the Restriction. There are two abutting parcels of Town Conservation Land located southwest of the site. The Town land contains a small pond and forested wetlands. The restricted area is a continuation of the forested wetlands and also contains small areas of upland buffer zones. Thus, it will help to preserve and protect the pond and the surrounding wildlife habitat, as well as providing a visual buffer between the adjacent residential areas and the Main Street commercial district. According to the Assessor, the Restriction would not be likely to affect the present tax valuation of the site. We are also attaching two maps from the GIS system. The first shows lot lines, former and present buildings, and adjacent Town land and pond. The grey area around the pond indicates wetlands, but does not show the fiill extent of the wetlands identified y the Commission. The second map is an aerial photograph that shows the new building and the forested area behind it. This photograph was taken before the northerly building was demolished to make way for the new parking lot. If you have any questions about this Conservation Restriction, please call Fran Fink at the Conservation office, (781) 942 -6616. Thank you for you consideration of this proposal. 7n;, „' r'�” jt r I � s- e �k q Ft l - :err PON Y il'•: I h t i�9 s a I 1C I r If (¢It r I = ✓a3 �tx''�` r G4 � z Fp F+r xlp+ fix" c E�� '��3� s f* WEA 1 To, J �d�`a.m— xj r-a�``a' , 4drd F E"uw,.1 1 Mli q. ) �1 .� it i � ! * '� i t � r, ✓,�t�w ir: 1� ar"C 4 M ', Via. A 10ra f;°S u e t t iy4t r 1 L'hAm > 1 ii •9E t 3 x: P �p " _ 'mJ 4 Gi iAEt ¢ JSik3 'ji 1� Y,6�' I,j T ( fltl t 1 !�I E 7t d i r ➢ - �.t 4 . ; Al, � Y ° ti 1, �4''$��M .ul�r7- +"�-- kk'`ai ndr: 9 i ..z, G 4 1 .err x V +e. t. 1 �yt p ��, � y" r„�.�w„ 13 i' f 3 , ' f � �A y� p.,ttA- ✓ s .r(`� i' ' i i t i � � � �, NOW, W- � stir= 3 1 r. �� ""? ,'P yX ✓ jaY i " r at• o Y Lj a, • GRANT OF CONSERVATION RESTRICTION TO TOWN OF READING We, Richard M. Carter and Christopher E. Coleman, Trustees of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust, under a Declaration of Trust dated June 29, 1992 and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 22196, Page 268, with an address for the conduct of business located at 248 Main Street, Reading, Massachusetts, 01867 (hereinafter referred to as the "Grantor "), acting pursuant to Sections 31, 32 and 33 of Chapter 184 of the General Laws of Massachusetts, do hereby grant, with Quitclaim Covenants, to the TOWN OF READING, acting through'its Conservation Commission, a duly constituted municipal corporation having its usual place of business at 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867, and its successors and assigns (hereinafter referred to as the "Grantee "), in perpetuity and exclusively for conservation purposes, the following Conservation Restriction on land located in the Town of Reading, Massachusetts and described as: The areas shown as "Conservation Restriction Area" (hereinafter referred to as the "Conservation Restriction Area ") on a portion of Parcel "A" (Parcel "A" in. its entirety hereinafter referred to as the "Property ") on a plan of land entitled "Plan of Land in the Town of Reading, Massachusetts prepared for Carter & Coleman Realty Trust, 248 Main Street ", prepared by O'Neill Associates, dated September 7, 2004 and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds on January 4, 2005 as Plan No. 13 of 2005, said Conservation Restriction Area containing approximately 45,676 square feet, or 1.05 acres, according to said plan and more particularly described as set forth in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The boundaries of the Conservation Restriction Area have been staked with stone or concrete bounds as delineated in the above - referenced Plan. For Grantor's Title, see Book 22787, Page 118, and Book 30888, Page 274 as recorded in the Middlesex South Registry of Deeds. I. PURPOSES The Conservation Restriction Area contains unusual, unique, and/or outstanding qualities the protection of which in their predominantly natural or open condition will be of benefit to the public. In perpetuity, the purpose of this Conservation Restriction is: to maintain the Conservation Restriction Area predominantly in a natural, scenic and undeveloped condition; and to prevent any use of the Conservation Restriction Area that would significantly impair or interfere with its conservation values. The Conservation Restriction Area serves as a source of significant scenic and open space value to the residents of both the Town of Reading and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Town of Reading has identified the significance of the Conservation Restriction Area as open space through an Order of Conditions issued on June 2, 1998, a certified copy of which is recorded at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds at Book 29505, Page 305. The open, scenic, and natural condition of the Conservation Restriction Area further contributes to the preservation of the Town of Reading's unique character. y� s• The Conservation Restriction Area contains a wide variety of plant and animal species threatened by development in the Town of Reading. The Conservation Restriction Area serves as a habitat for a multitude of animals and birds and contains several different species of plant and flowers. II. BINDING EFFECT, PROHIBITED ACTS AND USES, EXCEPTIONS THERETO, AND PERMITTED USES A. Binding Effect The Grantor covenants that the Conservation Restriction Area will at all times be held, used, and conveyed subject to and not used in violation of the following restrictions that shall run with the Property in perpetuity. B. Prohibited Acts and Uses Subject to the exceptions set forth in subparagraph C below, the following acts and uses are prohibited on the Conservation Restriction Area:. (1) Mining, excavating, dredging, cutting, destroying, or removing from the Conservation Restriction Area soil, loam, peat, gravel, sand, rock, or other mineral resource or natural deposit; (2) Constructing or placing of any structures, including but not limited to tennis courts, swimming pools, greenhouses, landing strips, mobile homes, skating rinks, asphalt, concrete or other forms of impervious pavement, antennae and dishes, signs, billboards or other advertising displays, utility poles, towers, conduits, lines, or other temporary or permanent structure or facilities on, below, through, or above the Conservation Restriction Area; (3) Installing underground storage tanks or placing, filling, storing, or dumping on the Conservation Restriction Area. soil, refuse, trash, yardwaste such as lawn clippings, leaves, branches, etc. (other than those naturally deposited in the area), vehicle bodies or parts, rubbish, debris, junk, waste, or any other substance or material whatsoever, whether or not generated on the Property; (4) Cutting, removing, or otherwise destroying trees, grasses, shrubs, brush, or other vegetation; (5) Conducting activities detrimental to drainage, flood control, water conservation, water quality, erosion control, soil conservation, plants, or wildlife habitat; (6) Using the Conservation Restriction Area for residential, commercial, or industrial purposes; 2 (�, (7) Except for vehicles authorized for permitted uses and for emergency vehicles, using motorized vehicles such as skimobiles or all- terrain vehicles (ATV's); (8) Subdividing the Conservation Restriction Area; (9) Using herbicides and pesticides, or using other chemicals or mechanical means which may have an adverse impact upon the plant life or wildlife within the restricted area, except as may be permitted, in writing, by the Grantee for the control of noxious or invasive species; (10) Conducting any other use of the Conservation Restriction Area or activity which, in the reasonable opinion of the Grantee, is or may become inconsistent with the intent of this Conservation Restriction, that is the preservation and protection of the Conservation Restriction Area in its natural and scenic condition. C. Exceptions to Otherwise Prohibited Acts and Uses Notwithstanding any of the Prohibited Acts and Uses in subparagraph B above, the following acts and uses are permitted to the Grantor, but only if such acts and uses do not materially impair significant conservation interests and if such acts and uses have been expressly permitted by the Grantee in writing as set forth below: (1) Selective pruning and cutting of trees and the shrub understory for fire prevention or to remove hazards and disease. Provided, however, that said activities shall be undertaken only with the consent and approval of the Grantee, which consent and approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; (2) Walking, strolling, hiking, skiing, horseback riding, or other similarly passive, non- motorized, and non - mechanized recreational activities in the Conservation Restriction Area not inconsistent with the intent of this Conservation Restriction, which is the preservation and protection of the Conservation Restriction Area in its natural, scenic, and undeveloped condition and the prevention of any use of the Conservation Restriction Area that would significantly impair or interfere with its conservation values; (3) Creating and maintaining additional narrow unpaved walkways and paths in the Conservation Restriction Area, subject to the reasonable approval of the Grantee. However, no walkway or path shall be located within 50 feet of any wetland resource area; and (4) Maintaining of existing stone walls in the Conservation Restriction Area, if any. 0 The Grantor shall notify the Grantee in writing not less than thirty (30) days before the date the Grantor intends to undertake any of the activities described in this section with the exception of those described in paragraph 11. C. (2) above. The notice shall describe the nature, scope, design, location, timetable, and any other material aspect of the proposed activity in sufficient detail to permit the Grantee to make an informed judgment as to the activity's consistency with the purposes of this Conservation Restriction. The Grantee shall grant or withhold the Grantee's approval in writing within thirty (30) days of receipt of the Grantor's written request therefor. The Grantee, upon 48 -hour notice and between 9:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, may perform an inspection before granting or withholding approval. III. LEGAL REMEDIES OF THE GRANTEE A. Legal and Injunctive Relief . The rights hereby granted shall include the right in the Grantee to enforce this Conservation Restriction by appropriate- legal _ proceedings _-and _ to obtain_ injunctive_ and other equitable relief against any violations, including, without limitation, relief requiring restoration of the Conservation Restriction Area to its condition before the occurrence of the violation (it being agreed that the Grantee may have no adequate remedy at law). The rights hereby granted shall be in addition to and not a limitation of any other rights and remedies available to the Grantee for the enforcement of this Conservation Restriction. B. Cost of Enforcement The Grantor and thereafter the successors and assigns of the Grantor agree to bear the costs and expenses (including without limitation counsel fees) incurred in enforcing this Conservation Restriction or in remedying or abating any violation thereof, provided that the Grantor has been found to be in violation by a court of competent jurisdiction or agrees to the violation. C. Grantee Disclaimer of Liability By the Grantee's acceptance of this Conservation Restriction, the Grantee does not undertake any liability or obligation relating to the condition of the Property, including the Conservation Restriction Area. D. Non - Waiver Any election by the Grantee as to the manner and timing of the Grantee's right to enforce this Conservation Restriction or otherwise exercise the Grantee's rights hereunder shall not be deemed or construed to be a waiver of any such rights. 4 IV. ACCESS: The Conservation Restriction hereby conveyed does not grant to the Grantee, to the general public, or to any other person any right to enter upon the Property, except as follows: The Grantor grants to the Grantee, or the Grantee's duly authorized agents or representatives, an easement of access to enter the Property at reasonable times and in a reasonable manner, for the purpose of inspecting the same to determine compliance herewith, enforcing the restrictions herein, remedying any violation thereof, and inspecting the Property before granting or withholding approval of the acts and uses as more fully described in Section H.C. Reasonable time shall be Monday through Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m.- and 8:00 p.m. V. COSTS, LIABILITIES, TAXES The Grantor shall pay, before delinquent, all taxes, assessments, fees, and charges levied on or assessed against the Property by a competent authority, and, except for such charges as may be imposed by the Town of Reading, shall furnish the Grantee with satisfactory evidence of payment upon request. VI. ASSIGNABILITY A. Running of the Burden The burdens of this Conservation Restriction shall run with the Property in perpetuity, and shall be enforceable against the Grantor and the successors and assigns of the Grantor while holding any interest in the Property. B. Execution of Instruments The Grantee is authorized to record or file any notices or instruments appropriate to assuring the perpetual enforceability of this Conservation Restriction; the Grantor on behalf of the Grantor and the Grantor's successors and assigns appoints the Grantee as the Grantor's attorney -in -fact to execute, acknowledge, and deliver any such instruments on the Grantor's behalf. Without limiting the foregoing, the Grantor and the Grantor's successors and assigns agree to execute any such instruments upon request. C. Running of the Benefit The benefits of this Conservation Restriction shall not be assignable by the Grantee, except in the following instances: (1) As a condition of any assignment, the Grantee shall require that the purpose of this Conservation Restriction continue to be carried out; Q 5 (2) The person or entity to whom the Grantee intends to assign the Conservation Restriction, at the time of the assignment, shall qualify under Section 170(h) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended or any successor statute, and applicable regulations thereunder, and under Section 32 of Chapter 184 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended or any successor statute, as an eligible donee to receive this Conservation Restriction directly; and (3) Any assignment shall be in compliance with the provisions of Article XCVII (97) of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. VII. SUBSEQUENT TRANSFERS The Grantor shall incorporate by reference the terms of this Conservation Restriction in any deed or other legal instrument by which the Grantor divests any interest in all or a portion of the Property. The Grantor shall notify the Grantee in writing if the Grantor conveys the Property or any part thereof or interest therein (including a lease). VIII. ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATES Upon request by the Grantor, the Grantee shall within twenty (20) days execute and deliver to the Grantor any document, including an estoppel certificate, that certifies the Grantor's compliance with any obligation of the Grantor contained in this Conservation Restriction. IX. EFFECTIVE DATE This Conservation Restriction shall be effective when the Grantor and the Grantee have executed the Conservation Restriction deed; the administrative approvals required by Section 32 of Chapter 184 of the Massachusetts General Laws have been obtained; and the Conservation Restriction deed has been recorded, or if registered land, has been registered in the Middlesex County Registry of Deeds. 6 X. NOTICES Any notice, demand, request, consent, approval, or communication that either the Grantor or the Grantee desires or is required to give to the other shall be in writing and either served personally or sent by first -class mail, postage pre -paid, addressed as follows: To Grantor: Richard M. Carter, Trustee Christopher E. Coleman, Trustee Carter & Coleman Realty Trust 248 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 To Grantee: Town of Reading Conservation Commission 16 Lowell Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867 or such _other address as either the Grantor or the Grantee from time to time shall _designate by written notice to the other. XI. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. Controlling Law The interpretation and performance of this Conservation Restriction shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. B. Liberal Construction Notwithstanding any general rule of construction to the contrary, this Conservation Restriction shall be liberally construed to effectuate the purpose of this Conservation Restriction and the policies and purposes of the Grantee. If any provision in this instrument is found to be ambiguous, an interpretation consistent with the purpose of this Conservation Restriction that would render the provision valid shall be favored over any interpretation that would render it invalid. C. , Severability If any provision of this Conservation Restriction or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is found to be invalid, the remainder of the provisions of this Conservation Restriction shall not be affected thereby. 7 D. Entire Agreement This instrument sets forth the entire agreement between the Grantor and the Grantee with respect to the Conservation Restriction and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, understandings, or agreements relating to the Conservation Restriction, all of which are merged herein. XII. RECORDATION The Grantor shall record this instrument within thirty (30) days of its execution in the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds and/or Registry District of the Land Court. WITNESS our hands and seals this / day of November, 2005. Richard M. Carter, Trustee of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust Christopher E`Coleinan, Trustee of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. November. f '2005 On this I' day of November, 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared Richard M. Carter and Christopher E. Coleman, Trustees of the Carter & Coleman Realty Trust, proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which were Massachusetts Driver's Licenses to be the person whose names are signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that they signed ,t voluntarily for its stated purpose. (AFFIX NOTARY SEAL) Amy Conroy, Not* Public v t>e My COm1T11SSion Expires: May 28, 2010 OFFICIAL SEAL AMY CONROY NOTARY PUBLIC - hWSSACHUSEM My Comm. Expkw May 28, 2010 W ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT BY CONSERVATION COMMISSION We, the undersigned, being a majority of the Conservation Commission of the Town of Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, hereby certify that at a meeting duly held on November , 2005 the Conservation Commission voted to accept the foregoing Conservation Restriction pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C, and agree to be bound by its terms. . Dated: �)oV. & 1005 Dated: F%pd • [4t ,acor Dated: b- 2ano�" . DatedWou t &, )-00, Dated: I"` l- Dated: Dated: Commissioner Cop6ssic.Ker A'C7e1Ar 6nmwssioner Commissioner U'� <<��j�►� • ��hGl� CormnissiAer Dot�bz..r M, 0rtp--. Commissioner Commissioner COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex,. ss. November 2005 On this day of November, 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally proved to me through satiffactory evidence of identification, which were 6i 6 YI D . ko dv,Nt 71V rh-a -- (sources of identification) to be the person whose names are signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that they signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose. (AFFIX NOTARY SEAL) Notary Publiczz ri c e5 YYl My Commission Expires: ifttrsfi 7 2-0011 e . 9 APPROVAL OF GRANT BY BOARD OF SELECTMEN We, the undersigned, being a majority of the Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts, hereby certify that at a meeting duly held on 2005 the Selectmen voted to approve the foregoing Conservation Restriction pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 8C. Dated: Selectman Dated: Selectman Dated: Selectman Dated: Selectman Dated: Selectman COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. On this day of undersigned notary public, personally appeared 2005 2005, before me, the proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which were (sources of identification) to be the person whose names are signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that they signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose. (AFFIX NOTARY SEAL) Notary Public My Commission Expires: r 10 APPROVAL BY SECRETARY OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS The undersigned, Secretary of Executive Office of Environmental Affairs of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, hereby certifies that the foregoing Conservation Restriction to the Town of Reading has been approved in the public interest pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 184, Section 32. Said approval is not to be construed as representing the existence or non - existence of any pre - existing rights of the public, if any, in and to the Property, and any such pre- existing rights of the public, if any, are not affected by the granting of this Conservation Restriction. Dated: Secretary of Environmental Affairs COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. NMI On this day of , 2005, before me, the undersigned notary public, personally appeared proved to me through satisfactory evidence of identification, which were (source of identification) to be the person whose names are signed on the preceding or attached document, and acknowledged to me that they signed it voluntarily for its stated purpose. (AFFIX NOTARY SEAL) 11 Notary Public My Commission Expires: 4 a 1s. EXHIBIT A . GRANT OF CONSERVATION RESTRICTION TO TOWN OF READING Starting at the southwesterly corner of Parcel A, on the northerly sideline of Knollwood Road at the boundary between land of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust and the Town of Reading, and as shown on a certain plan entitled "Plan of Land in the Town of Reading prepared for Carter & Coleman Realty Trust, 248 Main Street" prepared by O'Neill Associates, Civil Engineers and Land Surveyors, dated September 7, 2004 and recorded with the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds on January 4, 2005 as Plan No. 13 of 2005. Thence running northerly by land of the Town of Reading, one hundred seventy seven and 58 /100ths (177.58') feet to a point, thence turning and running northwesterly by land of the Town of Reading one hundred fifty two and 50 /100ths (152.50') feet to a point, thence turning and running northeasterly by land now or formerly of Guidi, Richards, and Lermond, two hundred seventeen and 72 /100ths (217.72') feet to a point, thence turning and running southeasterly, by land now or formerly of Phelan, MacDonald, Buchman, Neal, the southerly end of Star Road, and Carter et al, one hundred ninety four and 99 /100ths (194.99') feet to a point, thence turning and running southwesterly by land now or formerly of Joyce M. Kehoe, forty five and 00 /100ths (45.00') feet to a point, thence turning and running northwesterly, through land now or formerly of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust along the Conservation Restriction Area line, eighteen and 00 /100ths (18.00') feet to a point, thence turning and running southwesterly through land now or formerly of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust along the Conservation Restriction Area line, on three courses, sixty two and 13 /100ths (62.13') feet, forty three and 60 /100ths (43.60') feet, and seventy and 01 /100ths (70.01') feet to a point, thence turning and running southeasterly, through land now or formerly of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust along the Conservation Restriction Area line, twenty three and 00 /100ths (23.00') feet to a point, thence turning and running southeasterly, through land now or formerly of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust along the Conservation Restriction Area line, fifty four and 44 /100ths (54.44') feet to a point, thence turning and running southwesterly, through land now or formerly of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust along the Conservation Restriction Area line ninety four and 45 /100ths (94.45') feet to a point, thence turning and running southeasterly, through land now or formerly of Carter & Coleman Realty Trust along the Conservation Restriction Area line, fifty one and 15 /100ths (51.15') feet to a point, thence turning and running westerly along the northerly sideline of Knollwood Road, fifty two and 74 /100ths (52.74') feet to the point of beginning. The Conservation Restriction Area contains approximately 45,676 square feet, or 1.05 acres, according to said Plan. AGREEMENT, made this day of 1 2005, by and between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through its Highway Department, hereinafter called the "DEPARTMENT", and the TOWN of Reading, hereinafter called the "TOWN", pursuant to the provisions of Title 23, Sections 109(d) and 116, of the United States Code and in accordance with the official standards of the DEPARTMENT, which have been adopted in conformity with the provisions and recommendations of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways published by the Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, hereinafter called "STANDARDS". WHEREAS, the DEPARTMENT and the TOWN have agreed that Route 28, Main Street being in whole or in part a town way, has qualified to participate in the Federal Aid Program with the work being financed in part by the Federal Government; and WHEREAS, the United States Government, through its Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, requires that the project area upon completion will be operated and maintained in an adequate manner; and WHEREAS, the TOWN approves the proposed plans for the improvements and upon completion of the project will be the responsibility of the TOWN. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration thereof, the TOWN hereby agrees to conform to the following provisions: I. GENERAL PROVISIONS A. All information, regulatory or warning signs, all traffic control signals, flashing beacons, traffic islands or other traffic control devices and all pavement or other markings within the ways located in the project area shall be designed, located and operated in accordance with the STANDARDS of the DEPARTMENT for such devices. B. The Police Department of the TOWN is the enforcement agency for traffic regulations established in accordance with this Agreement and the traffic devices installed in connection therewith. C. Signed, dated and attested copies of amendments to the TOWN traffic ordinances necessary for the enforcement of any specific provisions will be forwarded forthwith by the TOWN to the DEPARTMENT. II. SPECIFIC PROVISIONS A. STOP SIGNS to be installed in accordance with applicable permits filed or to be filed by the Town and approved by the Department. At Main Street Green Street WB . .. ....... ChapinAvenue ............ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- street ¢- -- ---------- ---- ---- --- ----- --- ---------- ------ --- ----------------------------------- - --------------------- ------------------------- Deleted: Gould Street At Woburn Street Lowell Street At Union Street Harnden Street At Ash Street Gould Street B. ONE WAY From Main Street: Green Street Westbound Haven Street Eastbound Haven Street Westbound Harnden Street Eastbound From Salem Street: Lowell Street Southbound From Woburn Street: Lowell Street Southbound From Haven Street: Main Street Parking Lot Southbound A. B. C. DO NOT ENTER ,Ash Street at Gould Street --- -' ------ Main e 11 Street -arking --Lot Ash Street at main Street Parking Lot Woburn Street at Lowell Street Union Street at Harnden Street D. RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT Main Street S3 at Haven Street WB Woburn Street EB at Main Street S3 Deleted: Main Deleted: E. LEFT MUST ¢------------------------ -- -----••---- -- ---------- - - - - - -------------------------------------------------- TURN LEFT ------------------------------------------ -- ----------------------------------------------------- I ----------------------------- Deleted: Woburn street ES at `Main Street NB NO PARKING ANYTIME ---------------------------------------- -side from Washington Street to Green Main Street - Northbound --.. ---------- ---- ---- ------ -------------------------- •------- fpeletj: loth niaes Street Main Street - Southbound side from Washington Street to Station in+80 Left q1 7100, - Main Street - Southbound side from Ash Street to Haven Street Main Street - Northbound side from Pleasant Street to JSalem _ St Deleted: union Main Street - Southbound side from Lowell Street to Salem Street Ash Street - Southbound side from Main Street to Green Street Lowell Street - East side between Salem Street and Woburn Street 111. ACCESS AND EGRESS Within the limits of the Federal Aid Project, neither additional driveways (residential or commercial) nor relocation or alteration of existing driveways shall be permitted unless they are in conformance with the DEPARTMENT'S STANDARDS and receive prior written approval from the DEPARTMENT. IV. TRAFFIC ISLANDS Traffic islands or median islands and traffic devices thereon are not to be installed, altered or removed without the prior written approval of the DEPARTMENT. Parking is prohibited on and adjacent to all traffic islands and median islands within the Federal Aid Project area. V. TRAFFIC CONTROL SIGNALS A. Traffic Control Signals shall be operated in strict accordance with the requirements of the applicable permit. B. Changes in the operation of the traffic control signals located in the Federal Aid Project area are not to be made without the prior written approval of the DEPARTMENT. C. Traffic Control Signals, the operation of which is pertinent to the Federal Aid Project area covered by this Agreement, will be installed to control traffic as shown on the plans for this Federal Aid Project. All power charges for the operation of the installation will be the responsibility of the TOWN as well as charges for maintenance and control. The traffic control signals listed below will be under the ownership and control of the TOWN. i7dAZ Main Street/Haven Street/Ash Street Main Street/Lowell Street/Pleasant Street Main Street/Woburn Street/Union Street Main Street/Salem Street Lowell Street/Salem Street Deleted: I VI. MISCELLANEOUS Traffic Controls or regulations instituted whether by the DEPARTMENT or the TOWN on ways or parts thereof within the Federal Aid Project are to remain in force and effect until proposed future changes have been approved in writing by the DEPARTMENT. The DEPARTMENT will not approve any future proposed traffic control changes within the Federal Aid Project which will in the opinion of the DEPARTMENT, lessen to any degree the efficient utilization of the highway for traffic purposes. VII. MAINTENANCE The TOWN, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 109(d) and 116 of Title 23 USC, will properly maintain the way and all traffic signs and pavement markings under the control of the TOWN within the project area. VIII. PENALTY Continued and willful failure on the part of the TOWN to fulfill its responsibility in the proper maintenance and operation and the enforcement of the traffic regulations of the completed project, may disqualify the TOWN from participation in future Federal Aid Projects in which the TOWN has maintenance responsibility, as provided in Title 23 USC. Such failure shall result in the withholding or withdrawal of the unexpended balance of any funds assigned to the TOWN, under the provisions of Chapter 90, Section 34, of the Massachusetts General Laws. A to q K dF IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the day and year first written. TOWN OF READING COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT TOWN MANAGER COMMISSIONER LEGAL CERTIFICATION This will certify that the Town of Reading has complied with all applicable State Laws and its By-Laws and ordinances as they apply to this Agreement and that this Agreement is a valid, binding Agreement with the Town of Reading. DATE TOWN COUNSEL CERTIFICATE OF SIGNATORY This will certify that the below named individuals are duly authorized and empowered to execute and deliver this Agreement on behalf of the Town of Reading. NAME TITLE SELECTMEN,CHAIRMAN wwo SELECTMEN SELECTMEN SELECTMEN SELECTMEN ATTEST NAME TITLE TOWN CLERK [n -I r� -I N .2 .MA-. o o z IS 70 1 \ §!a � \� 'A �Nsaw VS mom 0 zo §( ; / §; z z READING MAIN STREET _ va2r To NA w zoos ]B 991 PR0£CT BUE N0. 60251> PAVEMEN I MAKnNru AAnv 1-1 •� I. RETAINED EXISTING NLESS OTHERWISE SE N POST ON WITHIN THE PROJECT LIMITS SHALL BE EXISTING 2. PAVEMENT MARKINGS HAT ONPUCT WITH THE PROPOSED PPAVFAIENT MARKINGS SHALL SHALL BE REMOVED. 3. ALL PROPOSED SIGN POSTS SHALL BE SQUARE TUBE TYPE. 4. PROPOSED PAVEMENT MARKINGS SHALL BE INSTALLED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE C N6TRUC� N ANRNTRAAND STANDARD DETAILS. HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT — 7996 LOCOON 5. PAVEMENT p7YPE FOR LT BICYCLE � STHALL CONFORM (NOT THE SH BICYC DEFECTOR DETAIL SHEET. SEE TRAFFIC SIGNAL PLANS FOR BICYCLE LOOP DETECTOR LOCAIONS. 6. All SIGNS SHALL BE 90' TO THE CURB AND FACING THE ROW OF TRAFFIC. 7. STREET NAME SIGNS SHALL BE MOUNTED PARALLEL WITH THE STREET. 8. ALL R&R SIGNS SHALL BE MOUNTED ON NEW POSTS. UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. 9. SIGNS TO RE MOUNTED NEAR THE EDGE OF PAVEMENT SHALL BE SET BACK 150— FROM OVERHANG EDGEEOF OF PAVEMENT. THE EDGE OF PAVEMENT. NO SIGN SHALL CL RAMP E E R=20m WHEELCHAIR TURNING CIRCLE CROSS /ALK LOCATION DETAIL NOT TO SCALE IGNING AND MARKINGS PLAN N0.1 F //_7O- 6CVf W MERT16 WEST STREET RECONSTRUCTION PRESENTATION TO THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN JANUARY 24, 2006 The purpose of this presentation is to bring you up -to -date on the status of the project and to obtain input on a couple of specific points. We are currently nearing completion of the 25% design plans and would like to review these plans with the Selectmen before submitting them to the state. This project has been on the books for a number of years and the basic parameters were established by the Selectmen in 1999.' This past summer, the Town hired the firm of Greenman - Pederson, Inc. (GPI) to prepare the design plans for the project. The key provisions of the project are: 1. Project Limits — Woburn City Line to Longwood Road 2. Construction of Sidewalk and Curb — Sidewalk and curb will be constructed on both sides of the street for as much of its length as possible. Grade issues will prohibit the construction of sidewalk on the east side of the street north of Palmer Hill Avenue. Sidewalks will be cement concrete and the curbing will be vertical granite. Tree lawns will be included wherever possible. 3. Road Reconstruction — The entire road surface will be rehabilitated through both full depth construction and cold planing and overlaying. The pavement width will generally be 30 feet throughout most of the corridor. 4. South Street at West Street Traffic Signals — The signalization of this intersection was originally part of this project but is now being constructed by Archstone. We are hoping that the state will allow us to include the replacement of sidewalks through this segment as part of our project to be consistent with the rest of the road. 5. Woburn Street/West Street /Wescroft Road Traffic Signals — The original proposal for this intersection only included signalizing the intersection without any major modifications to the roadway itself. The latest traffic numbers, however, indicate that a northbound right turn lane onto Woburn Street will be necessary to achieve an acceptable level of service in the future design, year (2025). A preliminary plan of these improvements is attached. In order to meet the MassHighway standards, a land taking may be necessary at this intersection. We will need a decision from the Board of Selectmen regarding how to proceed at this intersection. 6. Pedestrian Signal between King Street and Edgemont Avenue — The original plans called for a mid -block pedestrian signal between King Street and Edgemont Avenue. After consultation with the Police Department, the DPW and the Town Manager, we are investigating moving this signal to the intersection of King Street/West Street/Winslow Road. This new location would better facilitate children walking to both the Parker Middle School and the Barrows School. GPI is looking into whether Im or not this location will be allowed by the state. If this is acceptable by the state, we request that the Board of Selectmen approve this change to the plan. 7. West Street /Willow Street /Summer Avenue Traffic Signal — This intersection will be reconfigured to have Willow Street intersect with West Street creating a tee intersection. It does not appear that Summer Avenue will need signalization at this time. We will be installing conduit to that location in case signalization is needed in the future. A preliminary plan of this intersection is included. 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GR� .CUB / \ GRASS \ \ \- rat \ (/Q >14 / TYPE VB (TYP.) \ f� J ��3 ! � Fo 9 \ ` GC \ ' n _SL 6.S\ Policy establishing- an "ad hoc Task Force to evaluate the need for a Nurse Advocacy Program for Frail Elders" (Task Force) There is hereby established a five (5) member ad hoc Task Force to evaluate the need for a Nurse Advocacy Program for Frail Elders (Task Force), and to make recommendations to evaluate the needs of frail seniors for nurse advocacy, and to detennine the resources necessary to provide nurse advocacy for frail residents in Reading.. The terms of the ad hoc committee shall expire on November 30; 2005, unless extended by the Board of Selectmen. Town Meeting, through an instructional motion of May 5, 2005, has asked the Board of Selectmen to establish such a task force, whose purpose will be to: ♦ Review the need for a nurse advocacy program for frail elders in Reading ♦ Determine to what extent that need is currently being met ♦ Review different models to meet the need ♦ Explore the role of local government in meeting any identified need for nurse advocacy ♦ Determine appropriate levels of funding ♦ Explore alternative approaches for funding including private funding, funding by clients, utilizing the Hospital Trust Fund, funding through the town budget, and other sources of funding ♦ Present a report on the work and recommendations of the task force to the Selectmen and Finance Committee. ♦ Report to Town Meeting at the 2005 Subsequent Town Meeting. In selecting the Committee membership of 5 members, the Board of Selectmen shall appoint all members and shall attempt to fill the positions as follows: ♦ Member of Council on Aging recommended by the COA ♦ A "frail senior" from the Reading community ♦ Reading Housing Authority representative recommended by the Housing Authority ♦ Selectman ♦ Member of the Finance Committee recommended by the FINCOM ♦ 2 citizens of Reading The Task Force shall, at a minimum, perform the following: 1. Develop a work plan and schedule for accomplishing its Mission, and review it with the Board of Selectmen, including key decision points by the Board of Selectmen; 2. Become thoroughly familiar with the concept of nurse advocacy by talking with a number of agencies involved in Senior Citizen care; 3. Become thoroughly familiar with the Community Parish Nursing and other programs that are models of providing nurse advocacy for frail elders in Reading, including all staffing, financial, and service aspects of the program; 4. Determine within existing resources of the Town, what the demand for such services is currently in the community, and what the likely demand for such services will be over the next 10 years as the elderly population of the nation rises because of the aging of the "baby boomers "; a q 5. If a need is determined, explore what options for providing those services in Reading might be; what the cost might be; and what the funding source or sources might be; 6. If a need is determined, look at various models for providing this service in Reading, including a review of what other communities are doing, and what other agencies are or might be able to do; 7. Provide interim reports on the work of the Task Force to the Board of Selectmen and Finance Committee; 8. Provide a final report to Town Meeting. Staff will be assigned by the Town Manager to work with the Committee. The ad hoc Task Force to evaluate the need for a Nurse Advocacy Program for Frail Elders will be considered to be part of the Department of Community Services for Administrative purposes. The services of Town Counsel, and other expertise will be available through the Town Manager. The ad hoc committee will make an interim report to the Board of Selectmen no later than October 30, 2005, and a final report to Town Meeting no later than May 1, 2006, except as the Board of Selectmen may extend that date. Adopted 6 -7 -05 amended 7 -26 -05 amended January 24, 2006 q 10k EMPLOYEE SELF EVALUATION FORM DATE: 1 -5 -06 NAME: Peter Hechenbleikner POSITION: Town Manager WORK PERFORMANCE: Please comment on your performance for the review period. Job knowledge and skills: Having been in this business for over 30 years, 19 in Reading, I believe my knowledge and skills are good But I continue to learn a lot. Reading is a changing community, and we (I) need to continue to change to meet the community's needs Service expectations are high and the method of interfacing with the community continues to change People want to use email pay bills on line and access information easily and remotely. have made some strides in this and have more to do. I believe that I strive to improve skills and knowledge to respond to a changing community and a changing world. Quality and Productivity: Utilizing Paula Schena to keep the quality of work high, I believe my personal productivity and the productivity of Town government is very high considering the resources We have residnts who want us to shovel (not plow) sidewalks and sand sidewalks for example and we will never have .(nor should we expend resources) on such things But we need to continue to work smarter. Time Management and Organization: Good and especially in some very challenging situations The level of activity generated by the Board of Selectmen and in addressing major community goals in water supply, competition in Cable TV services containing health insurance costs and many other areas is creating stress. on all staff. The increase in the number of meetings and additional administrative activity adds to this problem. It is not possible to sustain meetings once or more per week over time and also get the other work done that is expected Somehow we need to manage the Board's expectations, the meeting workload and the other work of the community that needs to be done. All staff in all departments work very_ hard, and understand financial constraints that do not allow additional staff. Communication and interpersonal skills: I believe that this is a strong point. As an organization we spend a lot of time on internal and external communications using a variety of media Interpersonally I believe that I have a strong working relatinship with the B /C /C of the Town with the School administration, with the RMLD, with all Town staff, with citizens in the community, and with elected and appointed state and federal officials I show the gp rroopriate respect for each individual and try to develop an understanding of their issues At times I am not able to give them what they want, but I always try to deal with them respectfully. Ultimately some of these issues go to the Board of Selectmen which is appropriate When this happens I take a great deal of additional time with the Board and the individual trying- to address the issue (ex. - an affordable housing issue through members of the Board of Selectmen took over 20 hours of my time to address) It is important for the Board of Selectmen to understand the effects of each of these processes While I spend a great deal of time addressing issues of all of the above - I believe that is an integral part of my job and I enjoy the interaction, and trying to solve problems It is time consuming but worthwhile - it makes an effective and responsive local government.. Strengths: Hard working; knowledgable; leader problem solver; experienced; flexible; exercises excellent judgment on behalf of the Town; good judge of character; hires good People in key positions and then lets them manage their function; respected. Areas Needing Improvement / Development: More patience in some things, and more forcefullness in others There is always a balance needed and sometimes the balance needs to be adjusted. Is there specific training or information that will assist you in these areas ?: I would be interested in attending a week long leadership program Several are offered - the Menninger Institute in Topeka Kansas Municipal Leadership Institute at the University of Virginia in Charlottsville and a leadership program at Harvard The programs are expensive - up to $4000 for the week and beyond my financial ability to attend. Are there changes you would like to see to help you perform your job better ?: I would like to see the Board of Selectmen and the management team participate in a retreat or other porcess that looks at roles expectations and relationships. There have been instances where the impression by members of the management team has been lack of respect /appreciation for what the senior staff do and how they do it. Re- establishing the excellent relationship between the policy makers and the. management team is important for the community. What specific objectives would you like to achieve over the next review period to enhance your performance ?: See objectives below To what extent does your present job utilize your talents and address your interests? Extremely I believe that I and our senior staff have the experience expertise and skills needed to manage the day -to -day repsonsibilities of this Town government. The challenge is setting priorities and how to utilize our resources to address those priorities. What is the next step you would like to achieve in improving your ability to perform your job? I would like to engage in a Senior Leadership trianing program as I indicated above. If that is not possible then continued attendance at ICMA annual conferences would be appropriate I wouold ask that the Town consider paving for the registration for these conferences - about $1000 per Year. What are your long term goals for your job ?: My long term goal is to continue to learn better ways of doing the job of CAO in this community, and to continue to hire and mentor the high quality of staff the community has at all levels and particularly the new staff in the senior leadership positions.. What objectives would you like to achieve within your next review period to help meet your goals ?: Address issues related to compliance with approved development plans; Improve zoning enforcement generally Develop a process to implement the key provisions of the master plan• Get the Downtown Improvement project under constructton, Encourage mixed use developments and attendant needed parkin g improvements in downtown; Get the arts community involved in downtown improvements: Continue improvements to the infrastructure - focus on roads and sidewalks; Make a decision on our long term water supply; Get the community to agree to property owner responsibility for sidewalk snow clearing so that we can extend our sidewalk system without further taxing our limited DPW's ability to maintain the sidewalks; Implement a Storm Water Management enterprise system- ,-Maintain our fiscal position with appropriate (but not excessive) levels of reserves; Modify our technology to meet current and future demands including expanding on -line bill payment opportunities; modifing our operating platform for our financial systems; working effectively with the schools and RMLD on technology; implementing the construction of the WAN utilizing Verizon funds; improving the Town's web page; and providing for interactive customer service system Address the Substance Abuse issue in Readin g through the development of a community wide coalition In doing all of this, remain flexible enough to address the major issues which will come up during the year. In what way can this Board assist you in meeting those goals ?: Provide the resources, and lighten the meeting and workload to the extent possible. Employee Signature: Date: 171MJ I MU, A D1 a XT131 Name: Peter Hechenbleikner Appraisal Period: 1/1105 - 12/31 /05 Title: Town Manager Reason for Appraisal: ❑ Trimester Annual Department: Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Goal: 1. Enhance and maintain the financial strength of the community in order to have the resources to accomplish its priority services. Describe what objectives were accomplished to meet the goal. *Apply for an improved bond rating by Moody's Investor Services: Application was made, but we were unsuccessful in spite of Moody's "improved outlook." *Expand the Commercial Property Tax Base: WBC Phase 2 complete; Archstone, Maplewood Village and Johnson Farms are under construction; Haven Junction is complete; Walgreen's is under construction; the Down Improvement project is scheduled for construction next year; Addison Wesley proposal for redevelopment is before the Town. *ADi)lv for and secure outside funding and grants consistent with the community's goals, focused primarily on one-time and capital expenses. Summer Avenue project funded at $850,000; $15,000 grant received for technology; pending in the supplemental budget is $325,000 for Franklin Street sidewalks and $200,000 recreation improvements (artificial fields); policies on fully accounting for grant costs have been adopted; the Town has been approved for low interest SRF funding for a water treatment plant if the Town decides to go in that direction. *As aDDroDriate. utilize the political process to enhance Federal/State/Local revenues and funding to sLipport local government services. Finding for technology, sidewalks, and recreation improvements; assistance with quiet zone on railroad; assistance with MWRA supplemental water supply buy-in; assistance in determining the viability of fall MWRA buy-in. *Fill key positions becoming vacant through retirements. Reorganization of Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director position was approved and the Town Accountant and Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director position were both filled with excellent people. Any further action required to complete the goal? If yes please describe. There have been a lot of changes in staff and a lot of economic development activities. Most of the objectives have been met. Major challenges and opportunities for the next couple of years include: ':I�l :k Managing the Downtown Improvement Project to keep the construction on track and keep downtown economically viable at the same time. *Opportunities for redevelopment in downtown related to the mixed use bylaw, including the MF Charles Building, and provision of additional parking related to those potential redevelopments. *The future of the Addison Wesley project for a use that is consistent with the Master Plan, which meets community objectives and capacity and provides an economic return to the property owner and improved tax base for the Town. Selectman's rating and comments on goal. Rate 1— 5 with 1 being the best. zM Name: Peter Hechenbleikner Appraisal Period: 1/1/05 - 12/31 /05 Title: Town Manager Reason for Appraisal: ❑ Trimester Annual Department: Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Goal: 2. Develop and maintain infrastructure in a manner that reflects the community investment and financial support for its construction and development. Describe what objectives were accomplished to meet the goal. 'kReview all aspects of the Department of Public Works operations, and develop strategy for ensuring that the Department has the resources to address infrastructure maintenance. This has not been accomplished. The cost of the study was requested in the FY 2005 and the FY 2006 budgets but not funded. We have scoped out the general cost of a study - $75,000. 1 have picked up a copy of a similar study done for Springfield MA, and copied it to the Board of Selectmen. *Review the Capital Improvement Program and operating budgets with a focus on maintaining and improving the current infrastructure. The basic programs are there - the Pavement Management Program, master plan for water distribution improvements, stormwater management plan, telecommunications plan, etc. We continue to struggle with adequately funding capital, and of course need to set priorities and be creative with funding. We are, in my opinion, making good progress on roads, water distribution (all currently approved projects are complete), Sewer 1/1 (we had no sewer backups during the fall 2005 wet weather), and when we make a decision on the water suply issue, we will also have good progress there also. Implementation of telecommunications and technology improvements is good - with a state grant ($15,000), water and sewer GIS contracts awarded and underway, and potentially money from a Verizon Cable TV contract. We requested approval of a Storm Water enterprise fund at the Subsequent Town Meeting, and should renew that request at the 2006 Annual Town Meeting. *Provide a -program to meet the capital needs related to improved maintenance and operation of all Town/School buildings on Lprogramined and -planned basis. The School Facilities Department prepared, with the School Director of Finance and Personnel, a good detailed 5 year CIP for facilities. This is a good start - we now need to fund these efforts on a regular basis. The Facilities Department has also empbarked in some good risk management programs - roof inspections, freeze-up prevention, etc., to preserve the assets we have. Minimal funding was provided this year in the budget for identified capital improvements in facilities - about $75,000 for both Town and Schools. I would anticipate that this will be increased next year. Cif Any further action required to complete the goal? If yes please describe. We have identified and are utilizing on a trial basis a new software program fo r the CIP which will make developing and implementing this process less of an administrative chore Next year we will develop a sidewalk master plan - similar to the pavement management plan - to r place sections of sidewalk as well as extend sidewalks. We will continue to look for additional sources of funding to o support capital improvements. Selectman's rating and comments on goal. Rate 1— 5 with 1 being the best. EMPLOYEE EVALUATION ]FORM Name: Peter Hechenbleikner Appraisal Period: 1/1/05 - 12/31 /05 Title: Town Manager Reason for Appraisal: ❑ Trimester ® Annual Department: Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Goal: 3 Maintain and further enhance open communications and relationships within Town government and between Town government and its residents. Describe what objectives were accomplished to meet the goal. *Improve the internal communications within Town Government and between the Town, School and the RMLD both on a staff and on a Board basis. The "highlights" section of the Board of Selectmen meeting once a month has proven to be very effective for the Board and the public in building understanding of our various functions. The Weekly Notes continue to be an effective internal communication mechanism. The Town Maanger meets weekly with the Superintendent of Schools, and monthly with the GM of the RMLD - both effective communications mechanisms. Inclusion of School senior staff, and RMLD senior staff on Department Head agendas improves communications among the major areas of local government. *Develob a universal and comprehensive strategy of how Town Government gets information to our residents. We have not yet developed a universal strategy, given that 4 of the 7 Department Heads are very new. We have made some significant efforts in this area, however. Reverse 911 is very effective for targeted messages. As a matter of course we inform residents directly affected by construction projects, through direct mailings. *Develop advertise and utilize strategies to give the community an opportunity to communicate with the Town government on specific issues and/or general issues The YCC does this in large part. We evaluated expanding the October 1 issue to advertise holiday happenings, but there was not adequate interest on behalf of the organizations. We are working on a design for 2 permanent signs on the Common that can be used to advertise community events in an organized and aesthetic manner - and provide for advertising for as many as 6 or 8 events at a time. The use of email has been a very effective tool of residents to communicate - they like it and it gives us some flexibility in communications. *Evaluate and Improve the use of existing communications outlets to foster better communication with the community. We effectively utilize the 2 local newspapers and RCTV for this. RCTV is expanding their coverage to include CPDC, Conservation Commission, and ZBA meetings. We have expanded our access through developing a good working relationship with the NWW Globe reporter, to the extent that his editor was complaining that it looked like a Reading newspaper. Any further action required to complete the goal? If yes please describe. This work needs to be the result of senior staff efforts. We are still learning to work together as a team This work is going well and I would anticipate that in the next several months we will have an effective communicaiton strategy. Selectman's rating and comments on goal. Rate 1— 5 with 1 being the best. EMPLOYEE EVALUATION FORM Name: Peter Hechenbleikner Appraisal Period: 1/1/05 - 12/31 /05 Title: Town Manager Reason for Appraisal: ❑ Trimester ® Annual Department: Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Goal: 4 Support public health and safety as priority local services, with assistance from Federal, State and regional resources. Describe what objectives were accomplished to meet the goal. *Evaluate recent and projected economic development projects and their impact on local Public Health and Public Safety services and address any deficiencies. Additional Health Division staffing has been provided, and will be further evaluated this coming FY. The RPD is evaluating the demand, and shifting staff assignments to cover these areas. Additional requests as part of the FY 2007 budget will be requested. The addition of an SRO in the Police Department expands the staff appropriately at this time. The Reading Fire Department used the services of a consultant, paid by building fees, to implement the initial occupancy of Jordans and Home Depot, with great success. Expansion of the RFD 2 years ago for paramedic services has given the Fire Department an excellent position in staffing to meet the additional demands. Some restructuring with additional staff will be proposed in FY 2007 to address the fire inspection demands. *Understand demands for homeland security on local Public Health and Public Safety services and develop a plan to address these demands. The demands on Police, Fire, and Health are significant. Fire takes the lead as the Fire Chief is our Emergency Management Director. Realignment of staff recommended in the FY 2007 budget will enable this area to be better managed. In Health, additional staffing per the objective above will enable the Health Division to better handle the Homeland Security workload. Even so the Health Services Administrator has been able to address the requirement to develop a plan to immunize the entire population of Reading, mobilizing many volunteer heal providers in the community. This was an excellent effort on her behalf, and also reflects the commitment of residents in the health care field to their community *Work to secure all available resources to support Public Health and Safety services in the Community The Health Division through it's regional consortium has been able to access many improvements in equipment that are useful not only in the event of a Homeland Security incident, but are also valuable for ongoing administrative operations. The Fire Department through several grant applications has been able to secure additional equipment and training. Recently a $35,000 grant was received and reviewed with the DPW and Police Departments to secure the most worthwhile equipment of the community, including additional generator capacity shelter equipment, and the like. Any further action required to complete the goal? If yes please describe. All Departments are working together very effectivly on these issues. There is no "turf' here - all Departments are talking about what is most effective for the community. For example we are securing shelter equipment (cots blankets etc) which are bein store in the Police Station because there is space there. The major challenge will be to determine what the priorities are in the community, and how additional needs in the Health and Public Safety fit into those priorities. Selectman's rating and comments on goal. Rate 1— 5 with 1 being the best. • • • 0 1 Name: Peter Hechenbleikner Appraisal Period: 1/1/05 - 12/31 /05 Title: Town Mana er Reason for Appraisal: ❑ Trimester ® Annual Department: Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Goal: 5 Continuously evaluate and improve the services the Town provides and how the services are delivered. Describe what objectives were accomplished to meet the goal. *Improve the method of resentation of information to Town bodies utilizing up -to -date technology. Some progress is being made. The Town Planner uses this extensively at meetings. The "highlights" presentations at the Board of Selectmen meeting are excellent. The Town Manager is utilizing PowerPoint for Town Meeting. The Health Services Administrator is using PowerPoint extensively for training. RCTV has installed a new comarea system in the Selectmen's meeting room which improves picture and production quality. We will be adding a built -in PowerPoint projector and laptop in the Selectmen's meeting room to further enhance our productions. *Evaluate alternative ways to more efficiently and effectively collect funds due to the Town — "Check 21 ". The fonner Finance Director has determined that the Check 21 system was not viable. However IT staff has been working with the Finance Department to make bill paying available on line for residents, and this is being roled out in January 2006. The potential uses will be expanded over time, with the initial focus on Water /Sewer, Excise and Property tax bills. 'vFully implement technological improvements that are approved and/or in progress, including GIS layers telephone system improvements and software improvements. We have greatly expanded our GIS capabilities thanks to our GIS coordinator. Printed maps are available in all conference /meeting rooms, and can easily be updated. Demand for specific mapping is being met in Police and Fire Departments, and DPW. This has become an essential tool for us, and the GIS layers are being expanded to include the water and sewer systems. The telephone system improvements are done. The last phase was to get a better T1 line with caller ID capabilities - essential for Reverse 911 and outgoing calls. We have fully implemented Microsoft Outlook Exchange which included a scheduling module - and it works great. Additionally the system allows remote access of email for selected staff. I just wish the Board of Selectmen was on it too. We are purchasing a new software system for the Capital, Improvement Program, and looking at a software program that handles customer initiated complaints and requests for service. We have gotten a state grant to extend our Wide Area Network (WAN) to the West Side Fire Station. We are getting, under the proposed Verizon Cable TV franchise, adequate funding to extend the WAN over most of the public buildings in Reading. We will be purchasing a system through the Inspections Revolving Fund to manage the huge amount of documents on the various projects. The system will also manage routine documents like minutes etc., and we put all new BCC minutes on that system. We will then develop a process of adding older documents. We have a new agreement with RCTV, which will help with our ongoing relationship. We are developing a new cable TV franchise and are negotiating it with Verizon. This will give us better technology, more funding for RCTV, and cable TV competition in the Community. We are aggressively pursuing Comcast to meet all of their obligations under the existing cable TV franchise. We have partnered with RCTV to improve the equipment at Town Hall for broadcasting meetings. Finally, in the next year we will be evaluating our major financial operating platform - the existing system is over 20 years old, and works well but is not customer (employee) friendly - not windows based. Any further action required to complete the goal? If yes please describe. This will always be an ongoing ^goal. Improvements to our financial operating platform, improvement of the web site additional software solutions fine tuning our snow and ice response (sanding sidewalks in selected areas ). The goal is from the TQM model of "continuous improvement" something that organizationally we believe in. We will need considerable capital funds to address the conversion to a new platform for our financial systems and as our organization becomes more dependent on technology we will need to increase staff to meet those needs. Selectman's rating and comments on goal. Rate 1— 5 with 1 being the best. IM EMPLOYEE EVALUATION FORM Name: Peter Hechenbleikner Appraisal Period: 1/1/05 - 12/31 /05 Title: Town Manager Reason for Appraisal: ❑ Trimester ® Annual Department: Supervisor: Board of Selectmen Goal: 6 Utilize strategic planning on all levels to provide a framework for decision making. Describe what objectives were accomplished to meet the goal. Complete the Community Master Plan up -date and all ancillary elements of this Plan The Master Plan Advisory Committee is completing its work in January, and the CPDC has this item on its agenda for approval on January 23, 2006. The plan has gone through an extensive process, including broad community outreach, and a survey. Complete the 5 year Library plan. This project was put on hold when the previous Library Director resigned. The Library has gotten an extension for a year to complete the plan. The Library Director has requested funding in the FY 2007 budget for a consultant to assist in this work. Implement the Downtown Improvement Program and include in the Master Plan process consideration of additional parking, housing opportunities and other factions to enhance the vitality of downtown. The "Smart Growth" initiative in Reading's Downtown was approved through adoption of the mixed use zoning by -law at the 2005 Subsequent Town Meeting. The. Downtown Improvment Plan is scheduled for bidding in early 2006, with construction to begin as early as possible in 2006. There is great interest in implementing the mixed use zoning by several property owners. Given that 4 of the 7 Town Department heads will be new in their positions by the middle of FY 2006 utilize team - building or other tools to form and strengthen the new Management Team for the Town of Reading. Department Heads are participating in a retreat initially scheduled for December 9. The retreat was postponed because of weather, and rescheduled for January 20. This will focus on team building. The Department Heads are coming together very well as a new team, and have become fully integrated into the management team of the Town. Any further action required to complete the goal? If yes please describe. The overall _goal will continue One major new objective will be to develop an implementation process and strategy for the new Master Plan. DRAFT MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of the Board of Selectmen is to provide services for the Town of Reading which address the basic needs of the community and which reflect the needs and desires of Town residents. Town Government will be guided by the Board of Selectmen's vision for and leadership of the community. This shall be done in a fiscally responsible manner and in meeting its Mission, the Board shall be governed by its adopted values. Page 1 of 15 updated 01/19/06 GOALS STATEMENT In its effort to continuously improve the quality of life and civic involvement in the community, the Board of Selectmen adopts the following goals: 1. Enhance and maintain the financial strength of the community in order to have the resources to accomplish its priority services. 2 Develop and maintain infrastructure in a manner that reflects the significant community investment and financial support for its construction and development. 3. Maintain and further enhance open communications and relationships within Town government and between Town government and its residents. 4. Support Public health and Safety as priority local services, with assistance from Federal, State, and regional resources. 5. Continuously evaluate and improve the services the Town provides, and how the services are delivered. 6. Utilize strategic planning on all levels, to provide a framework for decision making. Page 4 of 15 updated 01/19/06 Ila Board of Selectmen Meeting December 6, 2005 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 Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli , and Ben Tafoya, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Business Administrator John Sousa, Town Counsel Gary Brackett, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Donna Beaulieu, George Hines, Christine Boungardt, Angela Binda, Richard Foley, Harry and Marilyn Simmons, Phyllis Mullins, Meghan Young, Frank and Eileen Faggiano, Fred Alexander, Janelle and Jon Bonasera, Erick Schultz, Sheila Spinney, Jean Clark, Phyllis and Ed Doherty, Barbara and Marcel Boisvert, David Tuttle, Attorney Brad Latham, Attorney Mark Gallant, Rick Russo, Robin Shea, Danielle Robinson, Al Garbarino, J. and D.J. Roy, Leslie and Peter Leahy, Trisha and Tom Fitzgerald, Frank Touserkani, Mark Schneider, Judy Bradley, Fred and Joan Doherty, Jonathan O'Neill, Lori Halligan, Joan Neary, Paula Gentile, Heidi Bonnabeau, Lori Presho, Diane Weggel, Bob Weggel, Sharon Petersen, Michelle Hopkinson, Edward Murphy, John Schipelliti, John Zahlaway, William Pike, Bob Clay, Nancy Hinds, George and Debbie Rio, Jean and Richard Roketenetz, Richard Balboni, Yuging Xue, Theresa Petrillo, Joseph Westerman, Ann Webster, Jeffrey Everson, Michael Webb, Walter Begonis, Ron D'Addario, Vincent Stanley, Christopher Diemer, Bill Webster, Brad Fuller, Rod Emery, Elizabeth Farley, Joan and Peter Garcia, George Katsoufis, William Griset, Pete Dahl, Kate Thibault, Jay Lenox, Catherine Gleason, Jay Doherty, Jonathan and Derik Lansing, John Malley, Joshua Latham, Tom Connery, Mary Avery, Thomas Nalwalk, Bill Brooks, Richard Askin, Stephen Crook, John Diaz, Attorney Mark Favaloro, Representative Patrick Natale. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he covered the Office Hours tonight and %Z hour is not enough time. He was impressed with the amount of e -mails regarding Addison - Wesley. He also noted that substance abuse and underage drinking is a problem. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Historical Commission sent an e -mail on the Historic Preservation and suggests that the Selectmen look at it. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Historical Commission will be invited in to discuss this matter. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he drafted a letter regarding Town Meeting decorum in Town Meeting Time Chapter 9. He is asking that the Town Moderator take a look at it. The Town Manager noted that he ordered 12 copies of Town Meeting Time for the precinct chairs. Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 6, 2005 — Page 2 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he drafted a memo on substance abuse, and the Board needs to schedule a Summit Meeting. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that a plan to get to a Summit is needed. Chairman Anthony noted that she is liaison to the SAPAC and will contact them. Public Comment — George Hines was present and noted that he hopes it doesn't take another tragic event before the Board does something regarding the substance abuse problem in Reading. He urged the Board to schedule a Summit Meeting, and the date of January 5, 2006 was decided on for the Summit. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ The Holiday Lighting event was great. o The cost of compost bins are increasing from $20 to $25. s The Reading Technology Fund is selling Readingopoly. ♦ Taxes will be payable on line in the near future. ♦ Construction enforcement is being done. The Town is looking for a snow dump. Personnel and Appointments Reading Retirement Board — The Board interviewed Richard Foley for one position on the Retirement Board. Duffy moved and Tafoya seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Contributory Retirement Board with a term expiring December 31, 2008: Richard Foley. Mr. Foley received five votes and was appointed. Discussion /Action Items Highlights — DPW re: Rubbish Collection, Disposal and Bidding — Public Works Director Ted McIntire and Business Administrator John Sousa were present. The Town Manager noted that the Town is going out to bid for rubbish collection and disposal. John Sousa noted that they disposed of 10,096 tons of rubbish, and we recycled 1875 tons of paper last year. The Town will be doing curbside collection of trees the week of January 9, 2006, and the Compost Center will be open January 14, 2006. SWAC re: Recycling and DPW re: Bidding of Rubbish/Recycling — The Town Manager asked the Board if they want to continue with the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. It is a seven member committee but only has three members. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if Pay As You Throw can be looked at. Ted McIntire noted that if we go to PAYT, then the recycling will increase. John Sousa noted that we save $25 per ton when we recycle. Ted McIntire noted that he drove around a few years ago, and saw 76% participation in recycling. Selectman Joseph Duffy indicated that 76% is too low. Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 6. 2005 — Page 3 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert indicated that he wanted to revisit PAYT, and Ted McIntire noted that the SWAC studied that two times and it was a very long process. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the materials from the last presentation could be distributed to the Selectmen. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she will call the members of the SWAC regarding the ad hoc committee. Hearing — 24 Hour Operation of WBD Shell Station — The Secretary read hearing notice. Attorney Mark Gallant, Rick Russo, Robin Shea and Danielle Robinson was present. The Town Manager noted that this is a request for a renewal of a 24 hour operation. There is a memo from the Conservation Administrator in the packet. Attorney Mark Gallant noted that Motiva (previously Texaco) is seeking renewal. They will be open 24 hours per day and supply gas cans. There is no impact on residential abutters and the company is involved with the community. Danielle Robinson noted that waste clean up has been done on the site since 1989. They are trying different type of remediation but it is not an exact science. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about the drainage basin sediments. Ms. Robinson noted that the basin in the State's right of way and the sediment is coming from the street. Chairman Anthony noted that conservation approval is needed to do work in the wetlands. Ms. Robinson noted that Conservation Administrator Fran Fink should go through David Weeks as the contact. A motion by Duffy seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on the 24 hour operation of the Walkers Brook Drive Shell Station was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffto approve an application for 24 hour sales by Motiva Enterprises, LLC d/b /a Reading Shell Station at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, upon a finding that, in accordance with Section 5.10.1 of the General -Bylaws, the Board determines that: ♦ It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare to permit such operation; and ♦ There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors; ♦ Subject to the following conditions: 1. This approval expires at midnight, December 31, 2006; 2 All signs shall conform with the Zoning By -Laws of the Town of Reading; 3 The gasoline service station shall, in fact, be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; 4 The operator will ensure that there is a supply of gasoline available at the station during all hours that the station is open; 5 The operator will provide gas cans for motorists who run out of gasoline on the road; 03 .5;X Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 6, 2005 — Page 4 6 The operator will prepare and post a list of local towing and repair shops that are open 24 hours a day for those who need it, 7 Restroom facilities shall be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week; 8 The environmental concerns in Fran Fink's memo, Paragraph #3 are dealt with by May 1, 2006. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Approval of Modification of Easement — RMLD — The Town Manager noted that this gives the developer of Inwood Park the right to access the property through an RMLD easement. The Court decided that if the roadway or buildings need to be moved, the developer has to pay the RMLD $150,000 and the Town of Reading $245,000 for traffic mitigation. The motion states that the agreement will be executed when the Town receives the check. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the agreement between the Town of Reading, the Reading Municipal Light Department and Avalon Bay Communities, Inc. and will execute the agreement upon receipt of a check for $245,000 to the Town of Reading which payment is required by their MEPA approval and will be used by the Town for traffic mitigation purposes was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Follow Lip Addison - Wesley — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Pearson had applied for rezoning for a hotel and office park. Now they want to be rezoned for retail to develop a Lifestyle Center. She noted that the Board of Selectmen are concerned regarding the access to this site. The Town hired John Diaz as a traffic consultant.. Town Counsel Gary Brackett is present to review the options for the Selectmen. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what the process needs to be, and Gary Brackett noted that the applicant presents the application, then the Board of Selectmen refer it to CPDC within 14 days, they will hold a hearing within 65 days, and then it goes to Town Meeting for approval. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if CPDC can decline, and Gary Brackett indicated that they need to report and recommend including any amendments. The Board of Selectmen can make a formal recommendation to CPDC. When the formal application is made, the Selectmen make the decision on curb cuts, etc. and that doesn't happen until after Town Meeting approves. Gary Brackett noted that Town Meeting has the authority to adopt, reject or amend as long as it is within the scope of the article. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked what the traffic process is, and Gary Bracket noted that CPDC will consider the general purposes and any adverse impact on the community. The project will need MEPA approval. The Town Manager noted that there has already been MEPA approval for a hotel, and the developer would have to reapply for a change or new application. Consultant John Diaz from Greenman— Pedersen, Inc. noted that the project is in the early conceptual stages, and he is looking at the traffic and impact on the roadways. The number of trips generated are based on 400,000 square feet of retail based on the national standard. He noted that this project will generate 8361 new trips with 25% of those being considered passerby bringing the total new trips to 6271 per day. Board of Selectmen Meetinv — December 6, 2005 Page 5 Chairman Camille Anthony asked what percent increase in traffic there will be if this project goes in. John Diaz noted that the existing count is 1173 per day. He noted that Route 28 north of South Street carries 22,000 daily total. Add 6272 with the retail use equals a 33% increase in traffic. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked for the Saturday counts. John Diaz noted that there are no current Saturday counts, and that Sunday is one half of the Saturday numbers for retail. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if anything more will be learned as the process goes on. John Diaz noted that MEPA might require other intersections to be looked at, and also look at Route 95 and cut through traffic in the neighborhood. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that. he serves on the Route 128/I -93 Task Force, and the data collected on the ramps show 83,000- 84,000 vehicles per day. State Representative Patrick Natale was present and noted that he is seeing a similar issue in Burlington. He suggests that if the traffic is overwhelming on South Street and that area, then reject it. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about the cueing in conjunction with the volume of traffic. John Diaz noted today the off ramp is unsignalized with a 13.6 second delay and 34 f6ot cue. When the intersection becomes signalized, it will have a 15 second delay with an 84 foot cue. Northbound will have a 12 second delay with a 160 foot cue. Town Counsel Gary Brackett noted that the applicant should put in writing what his intent is. Then the Board of Selectmen can make their recommendation to CPDC and after Town Meeting approves, it will come back to the Board of Selectmen as road commissioners. The Town Manager noted that John Diaz will get additional information to the Board, he will find out what the applicant is looking for, and schedule a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen and CPDC in January. Chairman Anthony noted that the Selectmen will meet with CPDC on January 17, 2006. Approval of Licenses — The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen designated authority to him to issue certain licenses. The number of Common Victualler Licenses have been reduced due to Town Counsel's determination that if there is seating to sit and eat, then a Common Victualler License is needed. A list of the licenses being renewed is attached and reviewed by the Health, Police and Inspection Departments. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of November 1; 2005, as amended were approved by a vote of 4 -0 -0 (Selectman Tafoya had left the room). 0 Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 6, 2005 — Page 6 A motion by Schubert seconded by Duffy 0 adjourn the meeting of December 6, 2005 at 11:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 0 Joint Meeting of Finance Committee, Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Board of Library Trustees December 7, 2005 The Finance Committee and Board of Selectmen called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. in the Coolidge Middle School Community Room, 89 Birch Meadow Drive, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Robinson, Finance Committee Members David Greenfield, George Hines, Marsie West, Michelle Williams and Andrew Grimes; Selectmen Chairman Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya; School Committee Chairman Rob Spadafora, School Committee Members John Carpenter, Pete Dahl .and Carl McFadden and Board of Library Trustee Members Vicki Yablonsky, David Hutchinson and Susan Axelson. Also present were Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Superintendent of Schools Pat Schettini, Assistant Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, Director of Human Resources and Finance for the Schools Mary Delai, Library Director Ruth Urell and Paula Schena. Cash Reserves and FY07 Revenue Forecast — Town Accountant Gail LaPointe noted that the Town's policy is to have 5% of the operating budget in reserves, and that has been reduced by the amount used at Town Meeting. The sale of real estate fund is at $2,477,777, and the Board of Assessors is reviewing the overlay reserves. The sale of cemetery lots is at $48,516, and the Cemetery Board voted to use $39,000 in the FY07 budget, Gail LaPointe noted that property taxes increase 2%, and the new developments add more value anticipated at $500,000. Provisions are made for abatements for people who challenge the value of their property. Interest is increasing on local receipts. Regarding State Aid, the school building money is separate. Two school projects are complete but not audited yet. Payments have been too high so payments will be decreased now and in the future. State Aid has been level funded. In the Operating transfers/available funds category, $1.5 million is available. Chuck Robinson asked why the property tax abatements have decreased. Gail LaPointe noted that it started of $500,000 and increased 2.50%. Pete Dahl asked what the actual numbers in the past year were. Gail LaPointe noted that $200,000 - $250,000 and the Board of Assessors will release what is left over. Camille Anthony noted that the Assessors felt that there was not enough cushion * with the big developments. Assessor Tom Ryan noted that they had $400,000 but had 80 requests last year. The prior years were 50-60 and they don't know bow many they will get this year. FY 2007 Major Budget Issues - Bob LeLacheur noted that the School Resource Officer has been funded for half of this year and all of FY07. Health insurance has a 15% increase — we have bids out and should know more in January. Energy costs are increased $350,000 over FY06. The rubbish contract is out to bid to start in July and we are predicting a 10% increase. Snow and ice has increased 12.50%. The Nurse Advocacy Program has no money budgeted. There is no change in the Stoirnwater Enterprise Fund. sm Joint Meeting of Finance Committee Board of Selectmen School Committee and Board of Library Trustees — December 7, 2005 - Page 2 Chuck Robinson asked where the 12.50% increase in snow and ice came from, and Bob LeLacheur noted that was a historical figure. Rob Spadafora asked if the 15% increase in health insurance is the worse case scenario, and Bob LeLacheur noted that our consultant is comfortable with a 15% increase. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that we will know more in the beginning of the year and we hope to negotiate. The claims history drives the premium up and he feels that 15% is a safe figure to use. Pete Dahl asked if we will save money by bidding versus staying with MIIA, and Ben Tafoya noted that MIIA is included in the bid process. Bob LeLacheur noted that we are not taking the lowest bid but will take the best deal. Pete Dahl noted that the Town should seriously consider looking at the lowest bidder because a lot of companies are changing their plans to save money. Bob LeLacheur noted that expenses have increased 6.85% which is rather high but nothing extravagant. Included in that is projecting to hire 4.6 seasonal laborers permanently. He also applied a 6.85% increase to the school budget. Building Maintenance has an increase of 8% due to fuel costs. Bob LeLacheur noted that the debt service will creep down. The capital plan has a lot of items. We are short $2.5 million in revenue. We can trim some expenses but it is a modest wish list. The Town needs to invest in technology. If revenues don't change, then we would have to cut approximately 5% off salaries. Caiiiille Anthony asked what percent increase in salaries was used, and Bob LeLacheur noted that it was 4 %. Bob LeLacheur also noted that there are no debatable items. There are two new positions in the Police Department. Camille Anthony asked about the Building Maintenance Director position, and Pat Schettini indicated that he hopes to hire before the holiday break. Bob LeLacheur noted that the Library budget has an increase of $150,000 to restore four hours. Community Services has increased $160,000 due to three Elections. The Finance Department has increased $70,000 and due to add a new Assessor. Department of Public Works has increased $260,000 for the new hires in Highway. Public Safety increased $230,000, Dispatch $10,000 and the Accounting Department budget is down. Bob LeLacheur noted that he plans on presenting the budget to the Finance Committee on February 15, 2006. Rob Spadafora called the School Committee to order at 8:30 p.m. School Building Projects — MSBA - Gail LaPointe noted that all of the paperwork for Parker and Coolidge were sent to the State in March 2004. Our auditors are qualified to audit our projects. We will be reimbursed for Parker and Coolidge. The State's new process will pay in a lump sum and the Town only borrowed their share. We received a lump sum payment for Wood End. Barrows will be audited in the Spring. The Town will start getting money for the High School project in FY08. Joint Meeting of Finance Committee Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Board of Library Trustees — December 7, 2005 - Page 3 Bob LeLacheur noted that we have borrowed $35 million for the High School but were allowed up to $58 million. We keep borrowing short term to hopefully get paid sooner. Gail LaPointe noted that the audits are going smoothly. Michelle Williams asked how long the audit takes, and Gail LaPointe noted that Wood End is almost done. It takes about two weeks for each project to be audited. A motion by Williams seconded by Grimes for the Finance Committee to adjourn the December 7, 2005 meeting at 9:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 6 -0 -0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy for the Board of Selectmen to adjourn the December 7, 2005 meetiniz at 9:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4 -0 -0 (Richard Schubert left early). Respectfully submitted, Secretary Board of Selectmen Meeting December 13, 2005 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 Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben . Tafoya, DPW Supervisor Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Stephen Crook, Tom Ryan, Tom Gardiner, Gina Snyder, Michael Hornbrook, Patricia Filippone, Pam Hidell, John Wood, Jamie Maughan, Richard Moore, Will Finch. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the draft agreement with Verizon gives them three years to wire the Town. Verizon had indicated that most of the Town is already wired so they shouldn't need so much time. Selectman Tafoya also noted that businesses would like to have the service. Public Comment — Tom Ryan noted that it is improper to shovel snow into the street, so why is it okay for Public Works to throw snow, ice and sand onto his lawn? Ted McIntire indicated that he will follow up with him on this matter. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ He thanked DPW for their work on the Christmas lights, and the Chamber of Commerce for planning the lighting events to go with it. ♦ The snow will be cleared tonight in Downtown — we had to find a new place to put the snow. ♦ He has received complaints from Summer Avenue residents regarding not plowing the sidewalks on both sides. He encourages citizens to clear their own sidewalk. The Town clears the school routes. ♦ Bob LeLacheur noted that he wants to schedule two Saturdays to review the budget. The dates of January 21st and January 28th were set for budget review at 9:00 a.m. Discussion /Action Items Meet with MWRA re: Water — MWRA Chief Operating. Officer Michael Hornbrook, MWRA Treasurer Patricia Filippone and Pam Hidell were present. Mr. Hombrook noted that Reading would be more than welcome as a full member. They are a wholesale provider of water and sewer and are governed by an 11 member Board of Directors. He reviewed the organizational structure of the MWRA, and noted that Reading is already admitted as a partial user, and an increase will require revisions to the entry fee and the contract. �5c 1 % Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 13, 2005 — Page 2 Mr. Hornbrook noted that there will be three major reviews. The Town will need to obtain enabling legislation and obtain a finding from the DEP that the Town is not abandoning but protecting the water supply and will keep the wells as an emergency backup. The Town will also have to abide by applicable conditions, and a notice of project change has to be filed with MEPA. He also noted that the Town is already a member so the timeframe should be considerably shorter — perhaps one year. The Town Manager noted that MEPA was the longer process. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about the role of the Water Resources Commission. Mr. Hombrook noted that the Water Resources Commission give the interbasin transfer and sets the amount. He also noted that the donor basin has plenty of water and the receiving basin is very stressed, and the Quabbin Reservoir is full and spilling over. Consumption has gone down considerably due to leak detection, cost and plumbing codes. Mr. Hombrook noted that Reading is the first community to request 100% usage. The MWRA will be available for consultation if needed. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if the Town chooses to go to MWRA 100% if we still have rights to the Ipswich River. Mr. Hombrook indicated that we would and we would maintain and run a local system. John Wood asked if there was any group who could say no. Mr. Hombrook indicated that the DEP could say no. If they do, then the Town can go for legislation. He indicated that it is logical to go to DEP first. John Wood asked about water restrictions. Mr. Hornbrook noted that the WRC might place restrictions on the Town. Mr. Hornbrook noted that regarding quantity, there is more than enough water. Regarding quality, they meet all EPA and DEP rules. They just opened a new ozone plant and in the future, there will be the ultraviolet. They will be meeting all existing and future regulations. Ultraviolet has been programmed into the future. They have extensive emergency response plans and bioterrorism plans. The capital plan includes covered storage and the rehab of transmission lines. They are not planning on doing filtration. The Town Manager noted that there were complaints of bad taste in 1992. Mr. Hombrook noted that they were using a lot of chlorine then before going to ozone. Bill Brown noted that there was an article in the Globe regarding Woburn taking partial water, but there was a conflict with the chemicals used. Mr. Hombrook noted that he did not hear of a problem in Woburn. Sometimes there's a problem with melding but he has looked at Reading and does not anticipate any problems. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if at anytime the MWRA has shut' down the water supply to the . Boston area, and Mr. Hornbrook indicated that it has not. He noted that the Holman aqueduct failed so they built the Metrowest Tunnel. They will then go back to the Holman aqueduct and restore that for redundancy. Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 13, 2005 — Page 3 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the MWRA supplies water to 61 communities and asked what percentage of the State that was. Mr. Hombrook noted that is 1/3 of the State. Selectman Tafoya asked about covered storage, and Mr. Hombrook noted that they completed the one day covered storage in the Mass. Turnpike Area. They are looking to put covered storage in the area of Reading. That will be a system wide cost. John Wood noted that years ago, the MWRA did not meet the DEP regulations and they received a waiver. Mr. Hombrook noted that DEP put them on a schedule to complete the work and that has been done. Tricia Filippone, Treasurer of the MWRA, reviewed the annual operating budget and debt. She noted that they have an $82, million operating budget, $102 million in financing, and $20 million in revenue and investment income. They are looking at receiving $1.1 million in relief from the State. They have two reserve funds to mitigate. The rate setting is done annually based on the approved budget. Assessments are based on the flow from the previous year. Flow data is given out monthly for leak detection purposes. They don't see any future large expansions, only the addition of the ultraviolet and the covered storage. Mr. Hombrook noted that the annual expenses are $180 million - $200 million per year. Chairman Camille Anthony asked what is the value of the system, and Ms. Filippone indicated that it is $7 billion. The Town Manager asked how much debt per year they have, and Ms. Filippone indicated $1.6 billion is in the 10 year plan. Mr. Hombrook noted that a cap has been put on capital spending. The Town Manager asked what is happening to their current debt over the next 10 years, and Ms. Filippone noted that it is growing at $25 million per year and peaks out around the year 2020. The Assistant Town Manager noted that in their rate forecast, the rates drop after six years and he asked if that was due to their planning on an increase in the customer base. Ms. Filippone indicated that it was not but they encourage new users. The Assistant Town Manager asked how much of the reserves has been spent, and Ms. Filippone noted that $80 million has been used since debt relief stopped in 2003. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked why the State will pay for sewer but not for water. Ms. Filippone noted that the only water project that was eligible was the Metrowest Tunnel. Mr. Hombrook noted that the MWRA is looking for additional storage in the Reading area — perhaps a storage tank with or without Reading in 100 %. The impact on the Quabbin is none — they have been dumping excess water for the past two months, and they welcome Reading as a 100% user and would assist if needed. The Town Manager asked what type of assistance they are offering, and Mr. Hombrook noted that they can help in any technical matter. Ms. Filippone noted that they offer educational material on conservation, they serve as a contact for leak detection, and offer a loan program for unlined pipes. sef3, Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 13, 2005 — Page 4 Jamie Maughan asked if their technical people can help with DEP and MEPA. Ms. Filippone indicated that they can review the draft applications. The Assistant Town Manager asked what was the biggest risk to cause rates to go up, and Mr. Hombrook noted that would be any unknown or unforeseen emergency response requirements. He also noted that they have spent considerable money in security. Richard Moore asked how much the stabilization fund was reduced in 2003 and if there are any plans to rebuild it. Ms. Filippone noted that it was reduced by $14 million in 2003, and there is no surplus to rebuild this year. She also noted that utility costs and interest costs are increasing. Richard Moore asked about the lifespan of their capital, and it was noted that Deer Island is 50 years, the tunnels are 100 years, the new treatment plant is 40 years, and equipment is 10 -15 years. John Wood noted that the MWRA is using ozone treatment now when most water treatment plants use filtration, and he asked how many other providers don't use filtration. Mr. Hornbrook noted that ozone, ultaviolet and chlorination will meet all requirements and kill any virus. He indicated that he will get a list of the other cities who don't filter. It depends on the source of supply and they don't need filtration for their water supply. He does know that both New York and Portland, Maine do not filter. Gina Snyder asked when the ultraviolet will be in place along with the cost to install and the energy to run. Mr. Hombroolc noted that the ultraviolet will be in place and operating in 2012, the cost for the installation will be $24 million, and he doesn't know the impact on the energy use. Will Finch asked if there were any legal barriers that might cause delays, and Ms. Filippone noted that they proposed to the Water Resources Commission that they relook at their policy. The Town Manager noted that a representative of the Water Resources Commission spoke to him today and noted that they are looking at their policies this week. Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi asked if the MWRA relies on communities to have their own water supply as redundancy, and Mr. Hombroolc noted that they do but that depends on where it is. The Town Manager noted that he will try to get the DEP and Water Resources Commission to come in to meet with the Board. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Duffy to adjourn the meeting of December 13, 2005 at 9:15 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Board of Selectmen Meeting December 19, 2005 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 Camille Anthony, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleilmer, Special Counsel William Solomon, Peter Bowman representing Verizon and the following list of interested parties: W. J. Carroll, Ed Parish, Philip Rushworth, Richard Curtis, Paul Feely, Harry Wheeler, Keith Baker, Pat Harty, Mary Rafferty, Paul Boudette, Nancy Wolff Leary, Susan Darling -True, Marcel Dubois, Maria Lasota, Tom Antonucci, Paul Trane, Jim McGrail, Ruth Kennedy, Jessica Lane, Bill Santino, Walter Carroll, Bob Hunt. Discussion /Action Items Hearing — Verizon Cable TV Franchise - The Town Manager gave the background of the application for a Cable TV franchise by Verizon. He noted that the negotiation process has been conducted fairly and professionally by Verizon. There is agreement on the part of both parties on most issues. This agreement is based on compromises assuming a final agreement to the franchise. Peter Bowman, Vice President of Governinent Relations in Massachusetts and northern New England representing Verizon, was present. He noted that Verizon has invested $7 million in Reading in building the system that will carry the Cable TV service. There are 75 Verizon employees and retirees who live in Reading. They give back to the community in a number of ways and were a recent sponsor of a Library Foundation event. The system that they have built has limitless capacity. A Reading license, if it were issued today, would be the second in Massachusetts. Woburn has granted a license. Reading is in a leading position. Mr. Bowman introduced Paul Trane and Tom Antonucci who were the negotiators for the Reading license. Mr. Trane noted that the proposed franchise brings competition in the cable industry to Reading, which will have the effect of stabilizing rates, improving customer service, and providing a choice for residents. The Town has done its due diligence. There have been over 100 changes to the initial proposal. The major points include $245,000 for PEG and wide area equipment, and 5% of the gross revenue to support the PEG access operation. The Town Manager noted that the major issue that is outstanding has to do with Section 1.6 — the definition of a cable system. The Town's position is that the definition should reference the Federal Law only. Verizon has proposed modifications to the effect of which, in the Town Manager's opinion, to be a definition that concludes that there is no such thing as a cable system in Reading. This effects things like gross revenue. Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 19, 2005 — Page 2 Chairman Camille Anthony asked what is Title 2. Bill Solomon noted that Title 2 regulates telephone and data services. These things are regulated pursuant to State Law Chapter 166. Mr. Solomon reviewed the recent Massapequa Park decision and its effect on this issue. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked how much of the community is currently wired for cable. The response was that 83% is wired. Selectman Tafoya then asked why it would take three years to wire the remainder of the community. Mr. Trane noted that under. State law, the cable system has six years to wire the system. The three years proposed in the franchise agreement is consistent with past practice. Even though the entire aerial service is installed, they need time to build the underground system where that is required by the Town, and to provide service in multiple dwelling units. The estimate is that 4% of the system is underground, and 13% is in multiple dwelling units. Mr. Trane indicated that it is in the company's interest to complete the build out as quickly as possible because that is how they will get customers. The main feeder lines throughout the community are built - for example, the lines exist on the streets in front of all multiple dwelling units. Mr. Trane noted that the Comcast license provided for six years for their full installation. Selectman Tafoya asked about the density requirement and whether there are any areas that do not meet the density requirement. The opinion is that all of the community meets the density requirement. This language is in the incumbent agreement with Comcast. Finally, Selectman Tafoya asked about Section 3.3 on providing services to businesses. He asked if Verizon is currently offering FIOS to businesses. The response was that it is primarily to the residential community. Selectman Tafoya asked if there were other substantial differences between the Comcast agreement and Verizon. It was noted that the Verizon agreement had a greater amount of gross revenue to go to PEG support, there is more capital money involved, and there are differences in the term of the agreement and in serving multifamily dwellings. Selectman Tafoya asked about multifamily dwellings. Verizon responded that there may be technical reasons why it's difficult to serve some multiple dwellings. Comcast has no provision for commercial services, and has a local office for bill payment. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked about the effect of the license on RCTV. The 5% of gross revenue to go to PEG access operating cost is greater under the Verizon license than the flat rate is under Comcast. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that she hoped that the customer service standards would have better response time than Verizon has for telephone. Mr. Trane noted that there are State regulations that address this issue. Their goal is to resolve issues within 24 hours. There was discussion about Section 4.2.2 connecting to other communities. The Town Manager explained the circumstance under which we might want those connections. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that he would like to see Sections 5.8 and 5.9 tightened up. Verizon responded that these are technologies including video on demand that are not yet available for PEG access, but that they would hope to be able to have available system wide. Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 19, 2005 — Page 3 The following residents, who are also employees of Verizon spoke: Nancy Wolf Leary of 23 Jessica Lane, Harry Wheeler from 51 Ash Hill Road, Keith Balser, Paul Boudette from 48 Lothrop Road, Bill Santino from 15 Autumn Lane, Walter Carrol from 36 Chequesette Road, Bob Hunt from Winter Street and Susan Darling -True from 22 Chapin Avenue. Phil Rushworth and Marcel Dubois from RCTV also spoke, indicating that the PEG access support is very good and are excited to have a second provider. Regarding video on demand, this would be good to have. They feel it is basically a good agreement. Mr. Dubois asked if Verizon will have to run new wiring within the house. Verizon explained that it depends on. the situation but generally they just need to bring the wiring into the house and most of the coaxial cable in the house is adequate. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he is not happy with the three years for completion of the residential build out and would like better service to businesses — this would be an advantage to the community. Verizon agreed to address outstanding issues. A_ motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to continue the hearing until January 9, 2006 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room at 7:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of December 19, 2005 at 9:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfiilly submitted, Secretary Board of Selectmen Meeting December 20, 2005 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 Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleilmer, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Erich Schultz, Christine Brungardt, Attorney Brad Latham, Jim Boland, Bill Toppi, Scott Miller, Bruce Cerullo, Beth Klepeis, John Daly, Dana Hennigar. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that the Board received an e -mail from Bill Carrick regarding alcohol at the Atlantic Mart. The flyer talks about one side of the issue and claims that drinking alcohol boosts the growth of brain cells. Vice Chairman ,Schubert also noted that Atlantic has a different audience than a liquor store and this is telling kids that it is okay to drink. He suggests that the Board write a letter to Atlantic. The consensus of the Board was to send a letter to Arnold Rubin. The Town Manager noted that in tonight's handout is a copy of a letter that the SAPAC sent to Mr. Rubin inviting him and Chairman Camille Anthony to their next meeting. Selectman James Bonazoli handed out sample copies of a new evaluation form for the Town Manager. The status of goals will be sent to the Selectmen electronically. The Board discussed reviewing goals perhaps on a trimester basis. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Selectmen should do an evaluation of the Town Accountant to set goals for next year. Also, the Town Counsel review needs to be done. The Town Counsel review will be done the first meeting in May. The forms will be sent out to departments in April. Selectman James Bonazoli will be in charge of the Town Counsel's review. Public Comment — Erich Schultz presented the Board with two petitions signed by South Street residents who want the yellow line painted over and a speed study done. He noted that they want to reduce the speed from 30 mph to 25 mph but he was told that this is a State issue. The Town Manager noted that the line painting was a mistalce. The New England Winter will make it fade and he will revisit it in the Spring. It is a water based paint and won't last long. He also noted that the State did a speed study in 2004, and the Board of Selectmen accepted it. The Police can do selective enforcement. Mr. Schultz asked if there is an appeals process through the State, and the Town Manager noted that legislators don't want to get involved in setting speed limits. Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 20, 2005 — Page 2 The Assistant Town Manager asked if the development of Spence Farm has an input, and the Town Manager indicated that he did not know but could do a study when the project is done. The Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Arbor Day Proclamation — Required as part of the Tree City Program. ♦ We now have a new snow dump, thanks to our colleagues at Camp Curtis Guild. We appreciate their working with us on this matter. ♦ The Wood End School audit is complete and reimbursement will be made in early January in time to avoid us re- issuing the BAN for the school. ♦ I have included in your packet information on a proposed street light at Hunt Park for playground security. If the Board has no objections, we will go ahead with the installation. ♦ I would like to confirm my understanding of the Board's agreed upon process with regard to the Solid Waste Advisory Committee. I would like to have the existing committee dissolved, and to set up an ad hoc working group to work with staff on the bid for trash collection and recycling, and to make recommendations on how to improve our recycling program. The ad hoc group could include the remaining members of the SWAG as well as a representative of the FINCOM and, hopefully, a resident expert in marketing. ♦ Health Insurance bids are "on the street" with bids due back on January 3rd. The bids will then be evaluated by the consultant and with the Task Force. We will be transitioning from a March 1 st renewal date to a June 1 st renewal date. ♦ The two storms this year have been challenging. We are working with the Principal at Wood End School to make sure we are doing the appropriate sidewalk plowing and other work. We are also revising our policy regarding sanding of sidewalks so that in particularly icy situations like last week, we will be sanding or salting in the immediate areas of the schools where we can do this from a truck. Snow plowing and ice control. ♦ The RMLD has informed us of the potential for rolling blackouts due to shortages of natural gas. Town staff has put together a process to use in the event that we experience such a situation. We will not have enough notice to allow us to notify residents directly. The duration would be no more than 30 minutes per "zone." ♦ Lighting Process — Walkers. Brook Crossing. We have received a proposal from the developer to replace certain lights in the Jordan's parking lot with shoe -box fixtures, and to place shields on others. Out lighting consultant has reviewed the proposal and wants to conduct some field work prior to giving his opinion as to the effect of the changes. That will be arranged within the next couple of weeks. Additionally, we have received the materials from Jordan's regarding their fagade and its illumination, and have sent that to our code review company for them to make a determination on whether the existing situation meets code. ♦ If the Board of Selectmen has questions for the DEP re: Water supply, it would be helpful to get those questions soon so we can get the necessary agencies together to review the situation. The Assistant Town Manager noted that he contacted the MSBA regarding the High School reimbursement, and the MSBA was more than flexible. We borrowed $35 million and need another $20 million. They will pay us the money they owe us in early January so we won't need to bond for the $20 million. _�Sii Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 20, 2005 — Page 3 Selectman James Bonazoli reminded the Board that the Solid Waste Advisory Committee is not functioning due to a lack of membership and suggested that the Committee be disbanded. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to dissolve the Solid Waste Advisory Committee effective December 20, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Proclamations /Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation — Arbor Day — Chairman Camille Anthony requested a report from the Tree Warden as to the number of trees taken down and replanted. She suggested having Bob Keating do the highlights in April. A motion by Duffy seconded by Schubert to declare April 29, 2005 as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Discussion /Action Items Review Action Status Report - Chairman Camille Anthony asked that each Selectmen highlight their action status at the January 9, 2006 meeting. Resolution in Support of Debt Service Funding for Sewer System — The Town Manager noted that Joseph Favoloro did a presentation regarding sewer debt relief and how State Aid has eroded. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that on Page 4b3 of the packet was a fact sheet and indicates that 10% of the rate is what the government used to pay. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Schubert to approve the resolution in support of increased funding for the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Review Audit Management Letter — The Town Manager noted that he received the management letter from the Audit Committee and this will be put on a future Selectmen's agenda. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the auditors remarked that the Town of Reading is a well run town. Hearing= Liquor License — Fuddruckers — The Town Manager noted that this is an application for an all alcoholic restaurant license, and it is the only license available to a restaurant of this size. Attorney Brad Latham was present representing The Boland Group. He noted that this is a limited liability company that is family owned. They have experience in running an establishment. The restaurant is not designed to have a sit down bar. An ID for age for alcohol will be asked for, and then the alcohol will be served at the table. One of the conditions of his franchise is to have a liquor license. Attorney Latham had a letter of recommendation from the Chairman of the North Andover Board of Selectmen that -he requested be read into the record. He also noted that there will be an on floor Dining Manager on each shift. There will be a lockable cage for alcohol in the walk -in refrigerator. There will be no draft beer, carafes or pitchers. They see the openness to Jordan's as a positive feature. Board of Selectmen Meeting = December 20, 2005 — Page 4 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if Jim Boland is the Manager. Mr. Boland was present and indicated that he supervises the restaurant Manager, and will be at this restaurant around three days per week. Vice Chairman Schubert also asked if any of his other restaurants have an open area, and Mr. Boland indicated that they do not. Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the side door will always be locked, and Mr. Boland indicated that it will. The side door will be used as an exit door. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if the beer and wine will be in containers, and Mr. Boland indicated that he will use a stanchion for the beer and wine. The alcohol will be taken out of the fridge and then delivered to the table. All alcohol will be locked up at night. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked about the Fuddruckers in North Andover, and asked if it was a stand alone restaurant. Mr. Boland indicated that it is an end cap on a strip mall. Selectman Tafoya asked if Mr. Boland had any interest in getting a front door for the Reading restaurant, and Mr. Boland noted that was designed.to be open and available. Barriers will be put up when the restaurant is closed and the guests will leave through the side door. Selectman James Bonazoli asked if alcohol will be left out on the floor, and Mr. Boland indicated that it will not. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if he allows people to buy just alcohol, and Mr. Boland indicated that he does but it doesn't happen very often. Selectman Tafoya asked if the customer who is drinking must be seated, and Mr. Boland indicated that they do. Selectman Tafoya asked if customers will bring their drink to the Automatic Amusement Devices, and Mr. Boland noted that he couldn't guarantee that. A resident of 28D Carnation Circle asked what is the difference between the full license and a beer and wine license. The Town Manager noted that beer and wine is only for restaurants that have under 100 seats. Bill Toppi of 14C Carnation Circle noted that he went to the Fuddruckers in North Andover and his impression was it is a sports bar serving hamburgers. He also noted that Jordan's has a big parking lot and there are many children coming in and out. He doesn't see the need for a liquor license. Attorney Brad Latham noted that there is no television planned for this facility. It is not a sports bar. Mr. Boland noted that there isn't a television in the North Andover Fuddruckers. Scott Miller asked how many Jordan's facilities serve alcohol, and Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that she did not know. Mr. Miller noted that he feels this will be a clear and present danger for the community and asked if there is any regulatory oversight. Attorney Latham noted that there is no other license in Massachusetts that has more regulations and oversight than the liquor licenses. A q % Ji� Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 20, 2005 — Pau 55 Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there are outstanding issues with Dickinson and Jordan's. He read the lease and Jordan's gets a percentage of the proceeds from Fuddruckers so he will not support. He also doesn't like the openness of the restaurant that is serving alcohol. He only sees alcohol in closed facilities. Attorney Latham noted that Mr. Boland is a tenant and has no affiliation with Jordan's. Selectman Tafoya noted that the lease is in the packet and it states that Jordan's gets a percentage. Attorney Latham indicated that it is not right to make Mr. Boland pay the consequences for the landlord. He suggests testing for one year with conditions. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Jordan's is receptive to the concerns, and Dickinson knows he is responsible for the parking lot lights. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the delay in lighting is held up by our consultant and that the Board should look at this company on its own merits. He also noted that it is important to have lighting in the parking lot if alcohol is being served. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he had concerns about the open enviromnent and asked if they looked at a restricted entry. Mr. Boland noted that his first reaction was that it needed to be opened up. He's trying to draw people into the restaurant. It has never been an issue of children hanging out in the restaurant. Chairman Camille Anthony requested that he do landscaping in front of the main entrance as more of a barrier. Mr. Boland indicated that he will talk to Jordan's regarding planter boxes. Chairman Anthony noted that they could take out the tables or move them back if they don't want to put up a barrier. A motion bDuffy seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing for an all alcoholic license for The Boland Group, III, LLC d/b /a Fuddruckers at 50 Walkers Brook Drive was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the "Alcoholic Beverage License for Retail Sale of All Alcoholic Beverages as a Restaurant" for The Boland Group, III, LLC d /b /a Fuddruckers at 50 Walkers Brook Drive effective January 1, 2006 and expir* December 31 2006 with the conditions that: ♦ All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will be followed; o All alcohol is delivered to the seat by the employee; ♦ No televisions or similar devices; e No carafes, pitchers — single serving only; ♦ Patron must be seated-, ♦ There be no bar; ♦ There be a barrier between the seating area and the main entrance or remove the tables; ♦ There will be no alcohol on the counter tou. was approved by a vote of 4 -1 -0 with Tafoya opposed. • 5 Board of Selectmen Meetini; — December 20, 2005 — Pam 6 Request for Automatic Amusement Devices — Fudduckers — Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there are no Automatic Amusement Devices in Town except in private clubs. Mr. Boland indicated that the devices would be children's games. He is requesting 12 devices. He noted that every Fuddruckers in the country has amusement for children, except for the Fuddruckers at the airport. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that this issue will be put on an agenda in February. Report from Hospital Development Committee — Bruce Cerullo, Chairman of the Hospital Development Committee, was present. He noted that the Committee had previously presented to the Board that building a hospital is not feasible, and the Committee had also agreed that no bricks and mortar solutions are feasible. The Selectmen asked the Committee to go back and look at needy citizen versus all citizens, the definition of needy, and the cost of an assessment. Mr. Cerullo noted that the Committee feels that it is important to preserve the "principal" of the trust fund by spending the interest income earned except for extreme emergency like an outbreak of the Avian Flu. The Committee has not been able to agree on what the definition of needy is. Needy could be financially or need could be for drug rehab program in Reading. The Committee would like to invite the Selectmen into the process and consult with an attorney on how to make that determination. He suggests reforming the Committee and revising the mission. He noted that there needs to be a better mix of talent on the Committee. He also noted that Hallmark, Winchester Hospital, etc. were very helpful and the Board should not rule them out. He feels that the Town would get more good from them then conflicts. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that they all saw no satellite need in Reading. Mr. Cerullo noted that they claim they are already in Reading and that urgent care and emergency stand atones are money losers. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the health care professionals were a great help, and he feels that we need to bring them into the group somehow. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Commissioner of Trustees Members Beth Klepeis, John Daly and Dana Hennigar were present. Chairman Anthony asked when the Reading Response contract ends. Beth Klepeis noted that it is open ended until another contract is written. Chairman Anthony asked if they have gone out to bid, and Beth Klepeis noted that they did fairly recently and they stayed with the same vendor. She also noted that $25,000 was left to the Trust within the past couple of years by a person whose father was served by Reading Response. Extension/Appointment of Hospital Development Committee - The Town Manager noted that the Committee has already expired, and he suggests putting this on a future agenda with a revised mission. Review Potential Acquisition of Land — North Main Street — The Town Manager noted that there was a map in tonight's packet. The property owner of 1481 Main Street approached him regarding selling the property to the Town. The property abuts Bare Meadow and Open Land IP Lq Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 20, 2005 — Page 7 Trust. The heirs are not financially well off to donate to the Town. He noted that the property has hills and is wooded. The value is $1.2 million and there are urban self help programs that could contribute 50% - 70 %. Chairman Camille Anthony asked about the timeline. The Town Manager responded that it would have to be considered at the Annual Town Meeting and then he would start the grant process. The property is suitable for open space and passive recreation and has a cabin on it. It would be good for cross country skiing and also make a good Boy Scout and Girl Scout facility. If we did this as a debt exclusion, then it would have to go on the ballot. If it was done as a capital exclusion, that would be a one time cost of $40 - $50 per household. Chairman Camille Anthony had concerns that the Town doesn't have enough money to put into the roads, etc., and noted that the Selectmen need to set priorities. The consensus of the Board was to conduct a site visit on Saturday, January 21, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. Review Addison — Wesley Process — The Town Manager noted that if a formal request for zoning comes in, then the Selectmen will send it to CPDC. He recommends making the meeting on January 17th a meeting for CPDC and the public to speak. He asked if the Selectmen want to discuss just the traffic or open it up to other things. Chairman Camille Anthony suggested starting with traffic, have Town's consultant present and be prepared to comment, and to get additional information that was requested. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked for a copy of the tax impact study. He also suggested drafting a letter to the developer asking them to withdraw their proposal because it is not acceptable to the Town. The consensus of the Board was to focus the meeting on the traffic study. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that he is interested in the access and how it plays out for the Town. He would also like to know what other possibilities there are for the site. Selectman Joseph Duffy noted that the proponent is the same one that manages the Redstone Plaza and he is bothered by that. He feels that there are better uses for Addison- Wesley. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Hingham facility has three means of egress and a truck route. When he visited there, the Police were directing traffic to the back of the mall for parking. The detail officer indicated that Hingham needs two more points of egress. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of November 8, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. 0 Board of Selectmen Meeting — December 20, 2005 — Page 8 A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of November 15, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to approve the Executive Session Minutes of November 15, 2005 was approved on a roll call vote with all five members voting in the affirmative. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of December 20, 2005 at 10.55 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary Board of Selectmen Meeting January 3, 2006 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 Camille Anthony, Vice Chairman Richard Schubert, Secretary Joseph Duffy, Selectmen James Bonazoli and Ben Tafoya, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Town Planner Chris Reilly, Town Counsel Joan Langsam, Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Gina Snyder, Patty Chinetti, Michelle. Benson, Ron D'Addario, Tracy Sopchak, Stephanie Anderberg, John Sasso, Neil Sullivan, Jonathan Barnes, Dick Howard, Susan DeMatteo. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments — Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the Historical Commission is working hard on the proposed bylaw and that will be on the January 24t1' Agenda. He also noted that he received an e -mail regarding a crosswalk on Summer Avenue at Fairview. The Town Manager noted that when the plans for Summer Avenue were done up, the abutter asked that the crosswalk be eliminated. The PTTTF recommends keeping the crosswalk because a lot of children use that route to walls to school. The Town Manager will follow up with the Principal at Joshua Eaton. Selectman James Bonazoli noted that the Nurse Advisory Committee met and are creating a survey. He asked who would tabulate the survey, and Chairman Camille Anthony noted that most committees do the tabulation themselves. Selectman Bonazoli also noted that there has been a third accident on Grove Street at Forest Street, and he suggests changing the speed limit or making it a three way stop. The Town Manager noted that he will take this suggestion up with the PTTTF. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the issue regarding the postings at the Atlantic Market had been resolved. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the SAPAC requested that he and she be at their January 19"' meeting. Arnold Rubin has taken down the postings and sent some to Chairman Anthony for her feedback. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she received a phone call from Gloria Hulse wondering when the sign was going up. Police Chief Cormier noted that the weather plays a factor. Chainnan Anthony also noted that the State should take a position on the Addison - Wesley project and someone should contact Mass Highway. F 01 ill Board of Selectmen Meeting — January 3, 2006 — Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ♦ Another successful Adopt -a- Family Program took place this year thanks to everyone's help. This year, we had a total of 90 donor groups. A group can be anything from a single person to a grammar school and anything in between such as Lion's Club, Gymnastics Academy, church groups, fraternal organizations, town government departments, etc. There were 85 'groups' that participated in the Christmas dinner and gift giving piece of the program. We had 58 recipient families which included 120 children. I'm happy to say that each and every child received gifts at Christmas. This was due in large part to the generosity of many people, and I believe this is the most children we have ever had in the program. ♦ The Wood End School audit is complete and reimbursement has been made in time to avoid us re- issuing the BAN for the school. ♦ State Treasurer Tim Cahill will be in Reading on January 10th to make a check presentation for the Wood End School, and also a partial progress payment for the Reading Memorial High School. ♦ Health Insurance bids were due back today - January 3rd. The bids will be evaluated by the consultant and with the Task Force. We will be transitioning from a March 1st renewal date to a June 1 st renewal date. ♦ There will be a Seminar on: Open Meeting Law, Holding an Error Free Hearing, Public Records Law and Loss Prevention on January 18, 2006 - 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. Please keep this date free and try not to plan other Board/Committee Meetings for this date. This seminar will be open for all Town employees and Board/Committee members. e The "Initiative Against Substance Abuse" kick -off meeting will be this Thursday at 7:00 p.m. at the Parker Middle School Cafeteria. ♦ The Town Manager met with Camille Anthony, James Bonazoli, Tom Lemons and Ed Shaw today at the landfill regarding the lighting. The developer will look at changing the lighting that will yield beneficial results. They will use 400 watt shoebox lighting instead of 1000 watts and they are also looking at shielding. ♦ RCTV will begin televising ZBA, CPDC and Conservation Meetings this month. Also, ceiling microphones have been installed in the Selectmen's Meeting Room. The Assistant Town Manager noted that as of today, Reading will pay no more on the High School project. MSBA will pay. We saved approximately $500,000 in interest cost for FY07. The MSBA broke all of their molds to help us. The Wood End is totally done and there is only $1 million left to pay. Barrows is coming to an end. The Town will be receiving $6.8 million on Tuesday and another $16 million over the next six months. Personnel and Appointments Nurse .Advocacy Task Force — The Board interviewed Patty Chinetti for one position on the Nurse Advocacy Task Force. Schubert moved and Bonazoli seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Nurse Advocacy Task Force with a term expiring May 1, 2006: Patty Chinetti Ms Chinetti received five votes and was appointed. Board of Selectmen Meeting — January 3, 2006 — Page 3 Cities for Climate Change Committee — The Board interviewed Michelle Benson, Ron D'Addario, Gina Snyder, Tracy Sopchak and Stephanie Anderberg for five positions on the Advisory Committee on the "Cities for Climate Protection" Program. Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following name into nomination for one position on the Advisory Committee on the "Cities for Climate Protection" Program with a term expiring June 30 2006• Ronald D'Addario Mr: D'Addario received five votes and was appointed. Bonazoli moved and Tafoya seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Advisory Committee on the "Cities for Climate Protection" Program with terms expiring June 30, 2007: Michelle Benson and Gina Snyder. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Bonazoli moved and Schubert seconded to place the following names into nomination for two positions on the Advisory Committee on the "Cities for Climate Protection" Program with terms expiring June 30, 2008• Tracy Ellen Sopchak and Stephanie Anderberg. Each applicant received five votes and were appointed. Discussion /Action Items Hig_hliphts — Police — Police. Chief Jim Cormier was present. He noted that the Police Department has three functions — Police, Central Dispatch and Animal Control. There are 39 sworn Officers, eight full -time Dispatchers and two Clerks. Chief Cormier reviewed the crime statistics from 2004 to 2005. Vice Chairman Richard Schubert asked if the Police have seen an increase in crime since the landfill development has opened, and Chief Cormier noted that they have. Chief Cormier also noted that the Dispatch Center has been updated this year, and he reviewed the programs in which the Department is involved. Discussion with CPDC — Town Planner Chris Reilly, CPDC Chairman John Sasso and Members Neil Sullivan, Jonathan Barnes, Dick Howard and Susan DeMatteo were present. Joluz Sasso noted that CPDC met 22 times last year and 21 times for the Master Plan. The Commission is looking for guidance from the Selectmen regarding Addison - Wesley. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he doesn't think the current proposal is right for the site, and he doesn't want to see people wasting time on something they don't want. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that as Road Commissioners, the Board of Selectmen can deny but we need to let them know upfront so we don't waste people's time. Chairman Anthony also noted that she will call someone from Mass Highway District 4 and see if they will come out and see what they think of the plan. 1 Board of Selectmen Meeting — January 3, 2006 — Page 4 Vice Chairman Richard Schubert noted that some kind of development will go in on this property, and CPDC is struggling with what role they play in developing zoning. Dick Howard noted that if the Board of Selectmen are against the project, then that will tell theirs how much effort to put into it. John Sasso noted that there was a question on the Master Plan survey regarding what people want in the Addison- Wesley property, and also noted that people do not want 400 retail spaces, they don't want a 40B — they want more diversity. Jonathan Barnes noted that if there is a sense that the project is not well suited, then that needs to be made clear with the developer. He suggests envisioning what we might want and try to market. Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested going back to the Master Plan vision for the Town. The Town Manager noted that the meeting on January 17, 2006 will focus on the traffic study. Chairman Camille Anthony asked CPDC what needs to be dealt with regarding enforcement, and John Sasso indicated that CPDC doesn't have any enforcement powers. Town Counsel Joan Langsam noted that conditions for a subdivision are enforced by the Building Inspector and then ZBA. Dick Howard noted that the only enforcement CPDC has is to pull a bond. He also noted that Jimbo's was issued a Certificate of Occupancy when the Dunkin' Donuts sign is still up. It was a condition that the sign be taken down. Town Planner Chris Reilly noted that he has no compliance authority. The Town Manager recommended that the Town Planner should sign off that the CPDC requirements have been met before the Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that there is no reason why CPDC should be creating conditions if they are not being enforced. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that a process needs to be worked out, and there needs to be communication to the Building Inspector. The Town Manager. noted that if we wait until the Certificate of Occupancy stage, then we've gone too far past the process. He also noted that the Town Planner needs to get the plans up front before it goes to the Building Inspector. John Sasso noted that they are looking at three articles for Town Meeting. The Historic Bylaw needs more work on the wording to allow the splitting of a lot for a historical building or to move a historical building to a nonconforming lot. Dick Howard noted that a goal is to provide more affordable housing and they are looking at allowing accessory apartments in the Depot area. He also noted that they are looking at the cluster bylaw that puts four houses in one corner of the property and leaves the rest of the lot as open space. They are proposing a map change as a vehicle to get more affordable housing. Board of Selectmen Meeting — January 3, 2006 — Page 5 Chairman Camille Anthony asked how much land does she need to put four homes? Dick Howard indicated 60,000 square feet. Town Counsel noted that "Smart Growth" leaves more open space. John Sasso indicated that the Selectmen need to follow up with CPDC in February or March regarding the Master Plan. Chairman Camille Anthony indicated that it will be put on the March 7, 2006 Agenda. Hearing — Proposed Bylaw Requiring Registration of Solicitors — The Town Manager reviewed the draft bylaw to require registration of door to door solicitors. It is modeled after Wakefield's. It will require registering with the Chief of Police, identification, a fee, no approval for convicts, procedures for revocation, establishment of hours and also provides for violations. Selectman Ben Tafoya referenced soliciting for religious or charity reasons and asked if a charity hires a solicitor, then what happens. Town Counsel noted that it would still be considered a charity; i.e., it states solely for religious charity. The Assistant Town Manager asked if a person can ask what percentage goes to the charity. Town Counsel indicated that they could but that's arbitrary. Selectman Tafoya asked if there is a penalty for violating, and the Town Manager noted up to $300 per day. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on the proposed bylaw requiring registration of solicitors was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. The Board directed the Town Manager to put this on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Hearing — Proposed Bylaw Regulating Hours of Construction — The Town Manager noted that the Town does not have a bylaw regulating hours of construction. If we make it a bylaw, it would be easier for the Police to enforce. He also noted that if we regulate the hours of construction, then it affects everybody. The Town Manager asked if the Board wants to move forward with the bylaw. Town Counsel indicated that they could do a noise ordinance but that it is difficult. Selectman Ben Tafoya asked if there could be a provision to let a homeowner get a waiver, and the Town Manager indicated that will not work. The Assistant Town Manager suggested setting up enforcement on frequency with a warning first and then a fine. A motion by Schubert seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on the proposed bylaw reLyulatin2 hours of construction was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. The consensus of the Board was to do more research and see what other towns are doing. Board of Selectmen Meeting — January 3, 2006 — Page 6 Proposed Animal Control Bylaw — The Town Manager noted that the most recently revised draft is in tonight's handout. He also noted that the Police Chief, Town Counsel and Health Administrator have reviewed this draft. Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Town should not allow a vicious dog to leave the Town. Town Counsel indicated that the Advisory Committee makes that a condition. A motion .by afoya seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on the proposed animal control bylaw was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. The consensus of the Board was to move forward and put this on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Approval of Sale of BAN's — The Town Manager noted that the Board needed to approve the sale of BANS. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli that all action taken by the Town Treasurer in advertising for public sale of the $7,408,000 Bond Anticipation Note of the Town, authorized pursuant to Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 16 of the Massachusetts General Laws, as amended and supplemented by votes of the Town, be and hereby is ratified, confirmed, approved and adopted; That the Note shall be dated as of January 5, 2006 and mature on September 19, 2006; That the Note shall be issued by means of a book -entry system; That U.S. Bank National Association in Boston, Massachusetts shall act as Transfer Agent and Paying Agent; That the Note shall bear interest payable at maturity and is hereby sold and awarded as follows: Purchaser Note No. Amount Interest Rate Premium Eastern Bank $7,408,000 3.347% nic $60,264.49 That the Town Treasurer is hereby authorized to prepare and deliver a Material Events Disclosure Certificate and the Note to the aforesaid purchaser or purchasers or order against payment in full of the agreed purchase price was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Approval of Minutes A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of November 22, 2005 was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by Schubert seconded by Bonazoli to approve the Minutes of November 29, 2005, as amended, was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. A motion by_Tafoya seconded by Bonazoli to adjourn the meeting of January 3, 2006 at 11:02 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5 -0 -0. Respectfully submitted, l �. Secretary OF y• y S H rs391IxCORQ0 THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Number: 2006 -13 Fee: $50.00 TOWN OFREADING This is to certify that THE BOLAND GROUP III, LLC d /b /a FUDDRUCKERS, 50 WALKERS BROOK DRIVE, seating 150 customers .IS HEREBY GRANTED A COMMON VICTUALLER'S LICENSE in said Reading, Massachusetts and at that place only and expires December 31, 2006, unless sooner suspended or revoked for violation of the laws of the Commonwealth respecting the licensing of common victuallers. This license is issued in conformity with the authority granted to the licensing authorities by General Laws, Chapter 140, and amendments thereto. In Testimony Whereof, the undersigned have hereunto affixed their official signatures. 4/,4, V"y - Date Issued: January 4, 2006 � lc�(f Greenhouse Acres Condominiums Board of Trustees Carnation Circle Reading, MA 01867 -2774 January 11, 2006 Mark C. Dickinson, President COPY Dickinson Development Corp 1266 Furnace Brook Parkway Quincy, MA 02169 Dear Mr. Dickinson, The Board of Trustees wishes to thank you for your considerations of our community subsequent to the building and opening, of the Jordans complex. While change is a problem and almost always controversial, you have displayed a genuine interest in our problems that resulted from the building of this complex. Your representative, Ed Shaw has worked directly with our committee. He has arranged. for the planting of 48 (6 -7') Dark American Arborvitaes in the rear of units 12 & 14, helping to shield some of the light glare from the parking lot for the first floor of these units. Also planted were 3 (6 -7') white pines in the area of unit 1 A & C. Ed also arraigned for 6' slats installed in the fence on the perimeter of the parking lot. These slats are helpful in controlling the glare of car headlights entering and exiting the Jordan's parking lot. The Board of Trustees is appreciative of your consideration in these areas. As you know the problem of the Jordan's parking lot lights is still an open issue that is currently in the hands of the Reading Selectmen. In original meetings with the lighting consultant Irving A. Gould, Town Planner and the Town Building Inspector we were told that the lighting, as it stood, was in accordance with code and was properly positioned. Now, after being present at a recent selectman's meeting, we have heard from the selectmen's lighting consultant. The consultant, Thomas Lemons, TLA Lighting Consultants, has told the selectmen that the lighting was in violation of code and was not properly positioned. We have been told that the selectmen are presently meeting with your company and Jordans to resolve this problem. Our residents are extremely anxious for any further relief that could be made available to them from these glaring spotlights. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Richard A. Nazzaro President CC: Reading Board of Selectmen Reading Town Manager Ato December 28, 2005 Via UPS Overnight Mail Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Members of the Board: Comcast is committed to keeping the cities and towns we serve well - informed about key aspects of our business. In that spirit, I wanted to notify you of some important pricing changes that will go into effect for certain Comcast services beginning in February 2006. I also wanted to share with you many of the improvements, enhancements and value added features we have made available to our customers throughout 2005. Enclosed with this letter is a copy of the price adjustment notice that will be sent to customers over the next several weeks. Prices: Comcast makes every attempt to minimize costs and increase choice for our customers. Price changes reflect the increased value of our service, new product enhancements and a $550 million investment to improve customer service and enhance the quality and reliability of our network. Investment in Innovation: During the past year, Comcast has invested more than $440 million in our New England network, allowing us to offer more choice and control in our programming, products and services. This year, we have expanded our high - definition television line -up and doubled our Video On Demand menu to now offer more than 3,800 choices, including hit movies, children's programming, sports highlights, documentaries and many more cable favorites that are available anytime. We have increased the speed of our high -speed Internet service to 6 and 8 Mbps, allowing customers to take full advantage of our suite of products on the Comcast.net web portal. Our customers now have access to a variety of special features, such as McAfee virus protection, video clips, games, Disney kids' activities, digital music, online storage and a photo center, all at no extra cost. And finally, we launched Comcast Digital Voice, our new IP- enabled residential phone service, which offers all of the reliability of standard phone service and includes a dozen popular features as well as unlimited local and long distance calling and web access to voicemail — all for one low monthly price. • Customer Service Excellence: First -rate customer service is our highest priority. To further boost the customer experience this year, Comcast invested more than $110 million, hired hundreds of customer service and field representatives and increased our early morning, late evening and weekend appointments. The vast majority of our customers continue to be highly satisfied with their Comcast service, according to independent survey results. r Reading, MA Page 2 Value into the Home: Cable television continues to be an excellent value for our customers. Unlike our competitors, Comcast offers a variety of packages to meet the needs of all of our customers. We offer a range of services from a basic 20- channel package for about 35 cents a day to the most advanced home entertainment experience available, with hundreds of channels and thousands of Video On Demand choices. Community Investment: Comcast is proud to be a vibrant and dedicated partner in the cities and towns we serve. To that end, we work with many local and nonprofit organizations, schools and libraries throughout New England. This year alone, Comcast has worked with more than 300 organizations, helping to provide the financial, in -kind and employee resources necessary to help our local communities thrive. In addition, we continue to support your schools and libraries with free cable and/or high -speed Internet connections. To date, we have provided these services to more than 3,200 schools and libraries throughout New England, representing more than $4.5 million annually. Our more than 5,000 New England employees live and work in the region and are proud to be a part of a company that not only provides quality service and products, but maintains a genuine partnership with the communities in which we do business. Comcast is committed to offering the best value in home entertainment with a wide variety of programming and packages to offer our customers unparalleled choice and control. Furthermore, we continue to invest in new technology to improve the programming and services we offer, including digital cable, high - definition television, high -speed Internet service and Comcast Digital Voice. Please do not hesitate to contact me at 978 - 207 -2264 if you have any questions about the information I have enclosed here or about our service in general. Respectfully, Jane M. Lyman Manager of Government & Community Relations Enclosures M! 0 5,000 employees living and working in New England More than 3,800 programs ON DEMAND, most at no additional cost' ` Doubled the number of programs available ON DEMAND, adding new features like Patriots ON DEMAND, Dating ON DEMAND and Karaoke ON DEMAND ML;Ubt, 943 Dear Customer: Comcast is committed to keeping you informed about our products and services.,As part of our efforts, we are providing you with advance notice of a price increase for your Digital Cable Package, effective with your February bill. Current New Price Current New Price Price Feb. 1. 2006 Price Feb. 1. 2006 P2 Digital Platinum Pack ............ $50.95 $54.25 P2 Digital Bronze Standard Pack .... $15.95 $18.25 P2 Digital Gold Pack ............... $39.95 $43.25 P2 Digital Bronze Variety Pack ..... $12.95 $11.25 P2 Digital Silver Pack ................. $29.95 $33.25 P2 Digital Bronze Pack ............ $ 7.95 $10.25 P2 Digital Bronze & Premium Packs ..... $22.95 $26.25 P2 Digital Premier Pack ........... $ 6.95 $ 6.95 Are you getting the most entertainment out of your cable package? Your digital package includes access to hundreds of free shows with ON DEMAND, including NFL and NBA game highlights, kid s favorites on Nickelodeon, PBS Kids Sprout, Cartoon Network, music videos, Karacke, home improvement shows and much more! Just tune to Channel I for more information. If you have any questions, or would like information about our Digital Packages, please call 1.866- 660 -6137. Sincerely, Ccomcast Comcast All prices are per month charges and do not include applicable regulatory, FCC user and franchise fees, or federal, state and local taxes. 1/06 A Ccomicast IMPORTANT Information SERVICE, INSTALLATION &_EQUIPMENT PRICES Dear Valued Comcast Customer, Occasionally, we must adjust our prices due to increasing operating expenses and other investments that we're making to bring you the best that technology has to offer. Effective February 1, 2006, some of our service, installation and equipment charges will change. Please see the price list below that identifies the price adjustments and lists your town's service, equipment, and installation prices. If you are currently enjoying a promotion, your pdcq will remain in effect until your promotion's scheduled expiration date. Our goal is to continually add value for all of our subscribers, including the offering of unique local and regional programming like NECN, CN8 and Patriots ON DEMAND. We are continuing to dedicate our efforts to introducing new products into the market, such as Comcast Digital Voice, our new residential phone product, as well as enhancing our existing services: • Comcast Digital Cable with ON DEMAND — Our ON DEMAND library now contains more than 3,500 different programs, most of them FREE. • High - definition programming — Up to 17 HDTV networks! • High -Speed Internet service — with home networking, enhanced download speeds, and free online security tools from McAfee. Comcast is also committed to delivering best in class service to our customers. We have hired hundreds of customer service representatives and enhanced our online support to better staff our six call centers located throughout New England. You have our commitment to be there when you need support from Comcast. Please review'the updated pricing information. if you have any questions, please call us at 1- 866 - 660 -6137 or visit our web site, www.comcast.tom/itfiamation, for more information on our prices and programming changes, as well as a survey for you to provide any feedback. Thank you for choosing Conrcast; we value your business. Sincerely, Kevin Casey Senior Vice President, Comcast New England Massachusetts: Reading Current New Price Price Feb. 1, 200 Reading, MA LEVELS OF SERVICE: Basic Servicet .................... ............................... ........$ 9.00 $ 9.25 Expanded Basic Service ............................ .........................$38.00 $40.15 STANDARD CABLE* ........................................................... $47.00 $49.40 I Franchise Related Cost** t . $ 0.91 $ 0.91 Total Standard Cable with FRC .................................................. $47.91 $50.31 The price for Standard Cable includes Basic Service and Expanded Basic Service. ** Franchise Related Costs are costs associated with providing public, educational or government access facilities, equipment or other related costs in your community. Franchise Related Costs are applicable to all levels of service. t Discount available to seniors age 65+ who are head of household and Medicaid eligible or who live in public housing. Restrictions apply. A The minimum level of cable service you may purchase is BASIC SERVICE. As a cable customer, you must purchase BASIC SERVICE to subscribe to any other video service offered by Comcast. Service, programming and equipment are subject to availability. All pricing, programming and channel locations are subject to change. Please call 1- 866-660 -6137 forfurther information.The purchase of premium channels, packages and a to carteservices (including iN DEMAND, Pay - Per -View and ON DEMAND) requires the appropriate equipment. All prices listed in this notice are per month charges unless olherv+ise specified and do not include applicable regulatory, FCC user and franchise fees, or federal, state & local taxes. SA95246F t r r R114 71TH'TIR 51 All packages Include: Interactive Program Guide, access to ON DEMAND Digital PPV and 46 channels of mus!c* Current New Price Price Feb. 1, 2006 Comcast Digital Classic* .............. $ 5.95 $ 6.20 Includes 29 digital channels with something for everyone including sports on ESPNews and movies on Fiix. Comcast Digital Plus* ................ $10.95 $11.20 Includes all Digital Classic channels and 26 additional digital channels inciudin DIY PWS 7 Encore channels and NFL Network. Comcast Digital Silver* ............... $24.95 $26.20 Includes Digital Classic and Digital Plus channels PLUS your choice of 1 Digital Premium Pack listed below). Comcast Digital Gold* ................ $34.95 $37.20 Includes Digital Classic and Digital Plus channels PWS your choice of 2 Digital Premium Packs listed below). Comcast Digital Piafinum* ............ $46.95 $50.20 Includes Digital Classic and Digital Plus channels PWS ALL of our Digital Premium Packs listed below). Comcast Digital Platinum Plus Premier Pack* .............. $50.95 $54.20 Includes Digital Classic and Digital Plus channels, ALL of odr Di ital Premium Packs PWS all Digital Premier Pack channels. Comcast Digital Premier Packs ........ _. $ 6.95 $ 6.95 AZN Television, BET on Jazz, Bloomberg, Ceiticvjsion, CSTV, Fox Movies, Fox Soccer, fuse, NBA TV, Outdoor Channel, Oxygen, Speed Channel & Turner Classic Movies. Comcast Digital Sports Packt ........... $ 4.95 $ 6.95 CSTV, Fax Soccer, FCS Atlantic, FCS Central, FCS Pacific, Gol TV, NBA TV, NFL Network Outdoor Channel S eed Channel Tennis Channel & TVG. Digital capable equipment is required to view these services. These Digital Packages are the current packages offered. Packages not listed are no longer available. Prices do not Indude box and remote. Certain restrictions apply. Service subject to availability. t Minimum service level of Digital Classic required to receive this service or package. A LA CARTE Choices^ M. . Price Feb. 1, 2006 omcast Digital Premium Packs* HBO Premium Pack . . $18.95 $19.95 Includes: HBO, HB02, HBO Signature, HBO Family, . HBO Comedy, HBO Zone HBO Latino HBO ON DEMAND .& HBO HD- Cinemax Premium Pack ............ $18.95 $19.95 Includes: Cinemax, MoreMAX, AetionMAX, ThriilerMAX, Cinemax ON DEMAND & Cinemax HD- Starz Premium Pack ............... $18.95 $19.95 Includes: Stan, Start Edge, Starz InBiack, Starz Kids & family, Stan Cinema Starz Comedy, Starz ON DEMAND & Starz HD"*` Showtime Premium Pack ........... $18.95 $19.95 Includes: Showlme, Showlime Too, Showlime Showcase, Showlime Extreme Showlime Beyond, Fla Showlime ON DEMAND & Showlime HD"** The Movie Channel Premium Pack .... $18.95 $19.95 Includes: The Movie Channel TMC Xtm & The Movie Channel ON DEMAND Playboy Channel .................. $18.95 $19.95 Includes: 24 -hour adult programming. Parental control options are available. Di ital Video Recorder Services'. ... $ 9.95 $ 9.95 Digital Access (High - Definition or Digital) . $ 2.45 $ 2.75 Charge for reception of premium service(s) or package on additional outlets. (per outlet TV Guides"' Weekly Magazine .......... $ 4.20 $ 4.20 t Digital capable equipment issequired to view these services. Pdces do not include cable box and remote. *' High- definition capable equipment is required. t Minimum service level of Digital Classic required to receive this service. Digital Gable box with Digital Video Recorder capabilities required. DVR recording times are limited. HDTV compatible DVR is available. ON DEMAND programs can not be recorded with DVR service. Prior to obtaining a DVR from Comcast, additional documentation and a credit verification may be necessary. -ON- DEMAND /iN Demand -PPV$^ I Current Current Price New Price Feb.1, 2006 Canales Selecto (Hispanic) ............. Including Video On Demand an es anol $ 6.95 $ 6.95 RAI Italian 9.95 $ 9.95 RTN Russian 14.95 $14.95 SPT (Portuguese/Brazilian) ............... 9.95 9.95 TV5 French 9.95 9.95 TV Globo Brazilian 19.99 $19.99 Zee TV South Asian 14.95 $14.95. Zhong Tian Chinese 11.95 $11.95 t Digital capable equipment is required to view these services. Prices do not include cable box and remote. -ON- DEMAND /iN Demand -PPV$^ I Current New Price Price Feb.1, 2006 General Entertainment Pro rammin ................. FREE*** HBO, Cinemax, Showtime, TMC, Starz ......... Access included with Digital Premium Pack subscription only Classic Hollywood Movies ........... $ 2.99/Movie $ 2.99 /Movie New Released Movies .............. $ 3.99/Movie 3.99 /movie Movie Double Features ............. $ 4.99/Each $ 4.99/Each or 5.99/Each 5.99 /Each High- Definition Movies .......... . $ 3.99/Movie $ 3.99m+ovie io ............................... 5.99/movie 5.99/Movie Adult Programming ................ $ 9.99/Mevie $ 9.99/movie t .............................. o $13.99/Movie $13.99 /Movie Monthly Subscription Content...... . $ 9.95/Each $ 9.95/Each io 16.95/Each ............................... 16.95 /Each 4 Hour Adult Block . 18.9911 lock 18.99/elock Live Sports Events & Concerts ... Prices Vary By Event $ Digital capable equipment is required to view these services. With subscription to Digital classic or above. When purchased With Comcast Cable or Voice Servicest ............ $ 42.95 Without Comcast Cable or Voice Services ........... 57.95 Modem Lease . 3.00 Comcast Home Networkin ** Just 2 More! Self- Installation Kit* one time charge only) 29.95 Premium Installation one time charge only) 99.95 .............. Professional Home Networking installation one time charge only) u to 5 devices 149.99 ................... Customer responsible for installation of sonwdre, Ethernet device and connection of (` computer to cable modem. Premium installation limited to standard installation of one computer to one data outlet Maximum speeds limited to 4.0 or 6.0 Mbps download and 384 Kbps upload, depending on CHSI plan selected. Actual speeds will vary and are not guaranteed. Many factors affect speed. Equipment (including cable modem) is required. Prices shown do not Include applicable taxes and fees and are subject to change. Service is subject to terms and conditions of Comcast High -Speed Internet Subscriber agreement (and Home Networking agreement if applicable). Not all plans and prices are reflected above. Please visit www.comeast.corMnformation or call 1- 866.660 -6137 for complete service descriptions and pricing. " Comcast Home Netwoddng $2 more pricing reflects pricing of CHSI package that includes a $3 per month leased modem. Additional equipment may be required. Wireless cards are required for additional connections beyond the first computer. Installation charges are additional. Comcast Certified Home Netwoddng Device required. Certain service limitations apply. t Customers with Comcast Digital Volce" or Comcast Digital Phone qualify for this price. ( SA952470 'top paying extral You can keep your current phone number and Comcast Digital Voi ,ou won't have to pay more for features or local and long distance calls! When purchased with: Nhy switch to Comcast Digital Voiceyivl • Unlimited local and long distance, call anyone anytime anywhere in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Saipan, Guam and U.S. Virgin islands. • Enjoy 12 popular calling features, including Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID* and more. • Web Access to Voice Mail - check your home Voice.Mail anywhere in the world you have Internet access. • One bill for all of your Comcast services: When you have Comcast Digital Voice you can enjoy the convenience of one bill for cable TV, phone and high -speed Internet. Current New Price Price Feb.1, 2006 Installation Charges (one -time charges): $12.85 Installation of cable, never had service before (via computer, not available for HO upgrades) .... $ 1.99 (primary outlet only) ..................... $48.95 $45.50 Installation of cable, had service before (requiring a visit) .... ..... .... ... .. $16.95 (primary outlet only) .....................$30.95 $28.50 Installation/Activation of each additional outlet (1/2 hour minimum. Connection of customer equipment including an equipment at time of initial installation ............. $15.95 $14.40 Installation/Activation of each additional outlet The Golf Channel 237 WGBH Create* at any other time ..................... $23.95* $22.45 - Relocation of an existing cable outlet ....... $ 21.95 $21.45 Install amplifier at time of initial installation . $16.95 $ 8.35 Install amplifier at any other time .......... $38.95 $16.70 Connection of VCR/DVD at initial installation . $ 7.95 $ 7.65 Connection of VCR/DVD at any other time ... $14.95 $15.05 Install A/B switch at time of initial installation $ 9.95 $ 8.35 Install A/B switch at any other time ........ $16.95 $16.70 Monthly Charges: NESN Basic Service only Cable Box ............. $ 1.25 $ 1.25 Digital or Non - Digital Cable Box* .......... $ 4.75 $ 4.50 High - Definition Cable Box ................ $ 7.95 $ 8.95 CableCARD ........................... N/C N/C Remote Control** ......... .............. $ 0.30 $ 0.25 Service Protection Plan .................. $ 2.30 $ 3.30 Comcast Cable TV & Comcast High -Speed Internet ...... $39.95 Comcast Cable TV or Comcast High -Speed Internet ...... $44.95 Comcast Digital Voice only ........................... $54.95 For a complete listing of all charges for CDV service, please visit www.comcast.com1cdv/ terrnsofservice or call 1- 866. 660.6137. Gov Is for residential customers located in Comcast serviceable areas only and is subject to availability. Multiproduct discounts for the Comcast Unlimited Package require continuous subscription to all specified Comcast products. Package pricing does not Include intema6onal calling; federal, state or local regulatory fees, taxes or surcharges; our Regulatory Recovery Fee, which Is not tax or government- mandated; or other applicable charges (e.g. operator service or international calls). Equipment and installation charges may apply. Service is subject to the Comcast Digital Voice Residential Subscriber Agreement and other applicable terms and conditions. Prices shown are per month charges In effect on January 1. 2006 and are subject to chance. Current New Price Price Feb. 1, 2001 y Late Fee (45 days past due) ................. 5% - w 5% Reactivation of service to overdue account .. $15.00 $15.00 Change of service (requiring a visit) .......... $11.95 $12.85 Administrative fee for activation, change of service or digital upgrade (via computer, not available for HO upgrades) .... $ 1.99 $ 1.99 Digital Service or High - Definition Upgrade CN8 25 Nickelodeon (requiring a visit) .... ..... .... ... .. $16.95 $15.65 Hourly Service Charge for Technician visit ... $32.95 $33.40 (1/2 hour minimum. Connection of customer equipment including an equipment not owned by Comcast such as game systems, home theater, stereos; etc.) Customer Trouble Call ................... $19.95 $22.25 Unreturned or damaged equipment ......... Cost - Cost A/B Switch or RF Bypass purchase ......... $10.00 $10.00 Home amplifier purchase ................ $44.50 $44.50 Prices do not apply to Digital Voice Service. Commercial and premium installations are priced separately. Depending on levels of service or programming taken, additional charges for equipment, time and materials may apply. Prices do not Include federal, state, and local taxes, FCC user and franchise fees and related costs. HDTV capable cable box only available to customers with an HDTV capable television set (not provided by Comcast). Certain restrictions apply. HDTV signal subject to availability. * Digital cable box provides access to an interactive programming guide, certain digital channels, dlgftal music services, pay - per -view services, and certain ON DEMAND services. * Price reduced as of January 1, 2006. 1 1 1 : = WGBH -2 (PBS) / HD ch. 802t M Disney Channel ® C -SPAN2 M History Channel (tD WGBH World* CN8 25 Nickelodeon 46 CNBC M GSNA.easedAccess 217 'GBH Kids* = WBZ-4 (CBS) / HD ch. 804t M ABC Family Channel 47 The weather Channel r-6-91 The Golf Channel 237 WGBH Create* aD WCVB-5 (ABA / HD ch. 809 27 Court TV ® ESPN Classic CID HSN FT, 7, New England Cable News 25 MTV 49 ESPN CD QvC 200 MOVIePlex*t = WHDH -7 (NBC) / HD ch. 807t M VH -1 M ESPN2 95 WWOP -46 (Shop NBC) = Public Access Channel M tx M NESN M Travel Channel 10 Educational Access Chanel [M TBS 52 Fox Sports Net M RAVRTPi TV Globo ' 11 32 WENH- 11 Home & Garden TV 59 MSNBC 12 WDn -56 (WB) / HD ch. 856t M TNT ® Speed Network 13 WFX -25 (F0X) / HD ch. 825t 34 Ell Entertainment M Spike TV 14 WSBK 38 (UPN) / HD ch 838t M USA Network M BCTV/ENTN/INSP /NM 15 WBPX -68 (PAX) M Lifetime ED Bravo Now available in all digital format. :16D wGBx -44 (PBs) M ME ® Hallmark Channel Digital capable equipment is required. 17 WUNI.27 (UNI) 39 The Learning Channel 59 AMC Channels a equipment availability. required. t HD capable egce 18 WNDS -50 (IND 39 Discovery Channel ® Cartoon Network $ Minimum service level of Standard Cable level of 19 WNEU -60 (Telemundo) 49 Food Network M Comedy Central required to receive this channel. 20 WMFP -62 pND) M Fox News ® Sci -Fi Channel Q Basic Service 21 WUTF -66 (Telefutum) M CNN ® Animal Planet ❑ Expanded Basic Service 22 Government Access Channel 43 CNN Headline News ® TV Land ® Premium 23 WYDN48 (Daystar) ® C -SPAN ® Outdoor Life Network SA952471 v Diaitai Classic 1 ON DEMAND 202 Fiix 210 National Geographic Ch. 211 style. 212 Independent Film Channel 214 TV One 215 Women's Entertainment 218 PBS Kids Sprout 219 G4 220 Nicktoons 221 Discovery Kids 222 Toon Disney 223 Noggin 224 Nick GAS 226 Discovery Health 227 The Science Channel 229 Trinity Broadcast Network 234 Jewelry TV by ACN 235 Black Family Channel 236 The Word Network 238 EWTN 241 BBC America 245 Weatherscan Local 248 ESPNews 251 AZN Television 271 fuse - NEVI!! 273 MTV2 275 VH -1 Soul 277 VH -1 Classic 705 Canal 52MX - NEW! Digital Plus Also includes all Digital Classic channels 201 Sundance Channel 203 Encore Action 204 Encore Love 205 Encore Mystery 206 Encore Drama 207 Encore Westerns 216 Oxygen 225 Encore WAMI 228 Nick Too 230 FitTV 231 il-ife TV 233 Discovery Home Channel 239 Fine Living Channel 240 Do It Yourself Network 242 History International 243 Biography Channel 252 Discovery Times 253 Military Channel 265 NFL Network 270 Lifetime Movie Network 272 MTV Hits 276 VH -1 Country 279 Great American Country 280 MTV Jams 281 LOGO 326 Encore 711 MTV espanol Digital Premier Pack 213 Turner Classic Movies 216 Oxygen 246 Bloomberg 250 Speed Channel 251 AZN Television 255 Outdoor Channel 256 Fox Soccer 257 NBATV 261 CSTV - NEW! 269 Celticvision 271 fuse 274 BET on Jazz 278 Fox Movies FXM Sports Pack 250 Speed Channel 255 Outdoor Channel 256 Fox Soccer 257 NBATV 260 TVG 261 CSTV 262 FCSAtlantic 263 FCS Central 264 FCS Pacific 265 NFL Network 266 Tennis Channel 714 Gol TV Digital Premium 301 HBO 302 HB02 303 HBO Signature 304 HBO Family 305 HBO Comedy 306 HBO Zone 307 HBO Latino 321 Starz 322 Starz Edge 323 Starz InBlack 324 Starz Kids & Family 325 Starz Cinema 327 Starz Comedy 341 Cinemax 342 MoreMAX 343 ACtionMAX 344 ThrillerMAX 361 Showt!me 362 Showtime Too 363 Showtime Showcase 354 Showtime Extreme 365 Showtime Beyond 366 Flix 381 The Movie Channel 382 TMC Xtra 451 Playboy Channel Pay - Per -View 401 -402 Home Theater 423 -430 Home Theater 435 Pleasure .451 Playboy 452 Spice 453 Playboy espanol 457 The Hot Network 459 The Hot Zone High - Definition Programming* Channels 802 -882 Available Broadcasters:** PBS CBS ABC NBC FOX UPN' WB Additional HD Networks:*** 833 TNT HD 839 Discovery HD 849 ESPN HD 868 Cinemax HD 870 HBO HD 875 Starz HD 877 Showtime HD 881 INHD 882 INHD2/NESN HD /FSN HD Music Choice® 501 Showcase 502 Today's Country 503 Classic Country 504 Bluegrass 505 R &B and Hip -Hop 506 Classic R &B 507 Smooth R &B 508 R &B Hits 509 Rap 510 Metal 511 Rock 512 Arena Rock 513 Classic Rock 514 Alternative 515 Retro- Active 516 Electronica 517 Dance 518 Adult Alternative 519 Soft Rock Some restrictions apply, ` High - definition (HD) channels, including local signals, are subject to availability. A high- deHnitlon (HD) television set (not provided) and HD capable equipment is required. High- definition (HD) or digital capable equipment is required to receive Digital Cable channels, High - definition (HD) local broadcast signals are Included with Basic Service subscription. See Basic and Expanded Basic channel line -up for channel numbers and availability. **' Minimum service level required in order to receive this channel, Available in Boston market towns only. 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 546 Hit List Party Favorites 9013 80's 70's Solid Gold Oldies Singers and Standards Big Band and Swing Easy Listening Smooth Jazz Jazz Blues Reggae Soundscapes Classical Masterpieces Opera Light Classical Show Tunes Contemporary Christian Gospel Radio Disney Sounds of the Seasons Musica Urbana Salsa y Merengue Rock an espanol Pop Latino Mexicana 600 NBA.com 601 -611 Team 1 -11 621 -630 MLB -NHL Game 681 SPT 688 TV5 701 Zee TV 702 Zhong Tan 703 RTN Canales Selecto Package: 704 Supercanal Caribe . 705 Canal52MX 706 Discovery an espanol 707 Cine Latino 708 Fox Sports en espanol 709 CNN en espanol 710 Toon Disney 711 MTV espanol 712 Casa Club TV 713 Cine Mexicano 714 Go[ TV (English) 715 NFL Network (English) 716 The History Channel an espanol 717 WAPA America For more information visit us at www.comcast.com /information or call us at 1- 866 - 660 -6137 SA952472 v�xa� y I Fl- Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2685 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: 9 I am writing in response to your letter dated December 9, 2005 concerning the pavement conditions and steps needed for the resurfacing of Route 28 (Main Street) in the Town of Reading. na Upon our receipt of your letter, personnel from the District Maintenance Division inspected the entire portion of Route 28 to assess the overall pavement condition of the roadway and determine if any immediate action is needed. The results of this investigation concluded that while the roadway is showing signs of deterioration and the resurfacing is eminent, we are confident the complete resurfacing can be done within the next couple of years while still maintaining a safe roadway with a fair to moderate wearing surface. In addition, most of the roadway surface is consistent, in terms of paving limits; therefore based on the extent or magnitude of the proposed work this would be a stand - alone project, rather than a "maintenance- type" of resurfacing as suggested in Representative Jones letter. Our Projects Division will initiate and begin to assemble the necessary construction documents for the advertisement of bids for the resurfacing of this roadway. If you have any questions regarding these matters, please contact Mr. Brett Loosian, Highway Maintenance Engineer, at (781) 641 -8347. Sincerely, Patricia Leavenworth, P.E. District Highway Director PAL /bl M.O. File No. 02- 2003 -0194 Ify d Cc: M. Galvin, DPDE Massachusetts Highway Department, District 4.519 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476 • (781) 641 -8300 .Q�.. w. I VIA FEDERAL EXPRESS Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2683 RE: Town of Reading Contract No. 02 -06 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: t / cr�c( John J. O'Keefe Senior Counsel Northrop Grumman Corporation 13825 Sunrise Valley Drive Suite 120 Herndon, VA 20171 Telephone 703- 713 -4159 Fax 703 - 713 -4794 John.01<eefe @ngc.com January 13, 2006 In reply refer to: CLM -06 -002 u. t_.. -Z4 c� Attached please find the fully executed Cancellation Agreement and, in accordance with the agreement, a check in the amount of $547,341.32, which fully and fmally completes the conditions in the agreement. It has been a pleasure working with the Town of Reading. We appreciate your cooperation and professionalism. If you should have any questions, please let me know. Sincerely, vz�7 �-- A��L�r� Cheryle Morgan Senior Counsel cc: Ellen Doucette Gerry Mulderig David Willms v CANNCELLATION AGREEMENT This Cancellation Agreement is entered into this _day of November, 2005, between Northrop Grumman Commercial Information Services, Inc. ( "Northrop Grumman ")' and the Town of Reading, Massachusetts ( "Town of Reading ") (collectively, the "Parties "). WHEREAS, Northrop Grumman and Reading entered into Contract No. 02 -06, awarded on November 8, 2061 (with amendments, herein the "Contract"); and WHEREAS, pursuant to Condition 2 of the Contract entitled "Amendments," the parties mutually desire to amend the Contract in order to cancel it in its entirety, NOW THEREFORE, the parties mutually agree to amend the Contract as follows: 1. The Contract is cancelled) effective September 9, 2005' (the "Cancellation Date ") according to the terms herein. This Cancellation is a negotiated agreement between the parties and is not an admission by either as to any facts or liability. 2. Effective as of the Cancellation Date, all of the parties' obligations to each other under the Contract are terminated, except as expressly set forth herein. 3. Northrop Grumman will pay to the Town of Reading the sum of $547,341.32 after January 1, 2006 but in no event later than January 15, 2006. 4. Northrop Grumman transfers to the Town of Reading title to all materials and equipment that have been delivered and /or installed on an "as is /where is" basis. Northrop Grumman will have no obligations whatsoever with respect to the materials and equipment. 5. To the fullest extent permitted by law,. this Cancellation Agreement is a full waiver, release, accord and satisfaction between the Parties with respect to any and all obligations, claims, demands, or causes of action, actual or perceived, known or unknown, arising under or relating to the Contract. FOR NORTHROP GRU�M�MAA%N: RTC ADING: By:� ---� 7—a-- By. �J� L,� s - oi=r =,� �t .✓ Peter 1. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Date: Authorized by Board of Selectmen vote on October 25, 2005 to sign this agreement on behalf of the Town of Reading Date: - - 0),- 01� t u 300 40 30 ? Liam i:0 2 L 309 3 ? 9i: 60 L8 488 L Slim r L(C.�1-S Inc C - 29 Crafts Street, Suite 250, Newtonville, MA 02458 Phone 617 332 -2300 Fax 617 969 -2424 Certified Mail # 7004 2890 0000 1761 2863 Dear Peter, We have noticed that the traffic signals installed at the intersection of Walkers Brook Drive and General Way have been put into operation. In our enclosed October 21, 2004 letter regarding the then proposed traffic lights, we commented that the proposed configuration would make left -hand turns from Lakeview Ave. very difficult and dangerous, especially with the increased traffic. This was found to be true when I attempted to turn left off of Lakeview Ave. yesterday. After leaving our 1 -15 Lakeview Ave. apartments at about 1:30pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2006, I was heading to our Newton, MA office and needed to turn left onto Walkers Brook Drive at the referenced intersection. Between the constant traffic both ways and the traffic light cycle, it was difficult to get out of Lakeview Ave. When the opportunity arose to turn left onto Walkers Brook Drive, I proceeded, only to realize that I went through a yellow and then red light. It became obvious the that very short distance between the end of Lakeview Ave. and the stop line for the lights going eastbound on Walkers Brook Drive, as well as the lack of the inclusion of Lakeview Ave. in the light configuration, creates the hazard described in our letter. The proposed development at 25 Walkers Brook Drive will only make matters worse. We ask that the town review the design of these traffic signals and make the appropriate adjustments to ensure the safety of everyone traveling through the intersection. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these comments. Very truly yours, P, I Douglas S. A e Chatham Development Co., Inc. r.a E3 January 11, 2006 t_. w Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading i 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Dear Peter, We have noticed that the traffic signals installed at the intersection of Walkers Brook Drive and General Way have been put into operation. In our enclosed October 21, 2004 letter regarding the then proposed traffic lights, we commented that the proposed configuration would make left -hand turns from Lakeview Ave. very difficult and dangerous, especially with the increased traffic. This was found to be true when I attempted to turn left off of Lakeview Ave. yesterday. After leaving our 1 -15 Lakeview Ave. apartments at about 1:30pm on Tuesday, January 10, 2006, I was heading to our Newton, MA office and needed to turn left onto Walkers Brook Drive at the referenced intersection. Between the constant traffic both ways and the traffic light cycle, it was difficult to get out of Lakeview Ave. When the opportunity arose to turn left onto Walkers Brook Drive, I proceeded, only to realize that I went through a yellow and then red light. It became obvious the that very short distance between the end of Lakeview Ave. and the stop line for the lights going eastbound on Walkers Brook Drive, as well as the lack of the inclusion of Lakeview Ave. in the light configuration, creates the hazard described in our letter. The proposed development at 25 Walkers Brook Drive will only make matters worse. We ask that the town review the design of these traffic signals and make the appropriate adjustments to ensure the safety of everyone traveling through the intersection. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these comments. Very truly yours, P, I Douglas S. A e Chatham Development Co., Inc. ChathaM Development Co., Inc 29 Crafts Street, Suite 250, Newtonville, MA 02458 Phone 617 332-2300 Fax 617 969-2424 October 21, 2004 Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Dear Peter, We have received notice that traffic lights are proposed for the intersection of Walkers Brook Drive and General Way. We are concerned that the installation of signals controlling only the intersection and traffic on these two roads, without including Lakeview Avenue, will adversely affect us, our tenants from our ninety-two apartments and our neighbors on Lakeview Ave. The proposed signal configuration, without including Lakeview Avenue, will make exiting and entering Lakeview Ave. virtually impossible and dangerous during periods of increased traffic. The completion of the Home Depot, Jordan's Furniture and all the other commercial /retail building planned for Walkers Brook Drive will ensure constant moderate to heavy traffic at this intersection all day and into the night. We believe that stopping traffic at General Way will create loading of the road from both directions and cause drivers exiting from or turning left onto Lakeview Ave. to take unnecessary risks after waiting to do so for an unreasonable period of time. The inclusion of Lakeview Ave. in the signal configuration would allow for safe exit and entry of the road in a reasonable time and fashion. Additionally, we believe that a right-turn on red from Lakeview Ave. would be safe and should not be prohibited. Thank you for your thoughtful consideration of these comments. Very truly yours, Douglas S. Agule Chatham Development Co., Inc. 98 Hartshorn Street January 14, 2006 DAVID M. SWYTER (781) 944 -5720 Board of Selectmen co: Mr. Peter J Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: Parking Violation #46617 Train Depot Resident Parking Area To whom it may concern: L�c &Cs 2 Reading, MA 01867 -2063 1 B G� w On January 13, 2006, I received a parking violation for "Parking Permit Expired" when parked in the `Commuter Permit Parking Only' space, not the `Resident Permit Parking Only' space (all of the Resident Permit Parking Only spaces were filled), at the MBTA train depot. This is not the first time; it's an annual event, and one that should not happen. It's not that I won't be purchasing a new permit, I just simply forgot its expiration date. What can we do to make this a friendlier situation? Here are my suggestions: 1. Offer a warning ticket, as we do for winter street parking. 2. Send current Reading resident parking permit holders a notice /invoice in advance of expiration. 3. Offer a pre - approved annual electronic withdrawal from my bank or credit card. 4. Allow the violation cost, $20.00, to be applied toward a new sticker cost $25.00. As I need to again park on Tuesday, Monday being a local holiday (Martin Luther Day), I have purchased my 2006 permit. As an aside, I needed to withdraw my original auto lease from my safety deposit box to obtain my parking permit; wouldn't a copy of my latest invoice serve more usefully? Please contact me if you have any questions regarding our request. Home: 781- 944 -5720 dswyterl63 @aol.com. S' ce ly, David S er Cc: Town of Reading Parking Clerk Police Station 10 Union Street\ Reading, MA 01867 Y k N 'Wale -7/16a4m.-M&W — d 'Wale, 19K&a4r, Q1A J9.'�O pp ✓�e¢JU✓<er� ano!.�ieceauer� �rzeirc� C.,,.. r '0 January 12, 2006 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2601 Dear Mr. H 1 leikner: Thank you very much for taking the time to join me for the recent School Building Authority check presentation on January IOth. It was a pleasure to present your town with $6,839,224, which I laiow will benefit the taxpayers and the students at the Wood End Elementary and Memorial High Schools. I enjoyed speaking with you and discussing the many ways that the Treasury works with Reading. I continue to be impressed with the hard work of the members of your community, you should all be very proud. Thanks again for attending the presentation. Best wishes for future success and I look forward to working with you in the future. Please do not hesitate to contact me at (617) 367 -6900 if I can ever be of any assistance to you. Sincere , Timothy P. Cahill Treasurer and Receiver General ® PMMD ON RECYCLED PMEH Timothy R Cahill Chairman, State Treasurer December 23, 2005 Ms. Nancy Heffernan Treasurer Town of Reading 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Katherine P. Craven Executive Director Re: Project #W20004082: The Wood End Elementary School Dear Ms. Heffernan, C� a•: This letter will serve as notice to you of the final audit results and final grant payment for Project #W20004082, The Wood End Elementary School from the Massachusetts School Building Authority in accordance with Sections 48 and 50 of chapter 208 of the Acts of 2004, as authorized by the Board of the Authority. On behalf of the Board of the Authority, I am pleased to expedite this final payment and accelerate the completion of the project audit from the timeline originally anticipated when the Town applied for reimbursement for the project. The Authority's accelerated reimbursement process will help reduce the debt burden and tax rates for many cities and towns across the Commonwealth. The results of the audit are included in the attached report. The Wood End Elementary School project was added to the Department of Education's Priority Waitlist in 2000 at a reimbursement rate of 66 %. The following is a summary of the audit findings, the details of which are included in the attached report: Construction: Original Estimate $9,016,000 Final Construction Cost Submission $11,013,427 Eligible MSBA Construction Costs $9,688,000 Interest: Original Estimate $7,443,232 Final Interest Cost Submitted $1,550,930 Eligible MSBA Interest $275,675 TOTAL ELIGIBLE PROJECT COSTS: $9,963,675 Af In TOTAL GRANT FROM MSBA: $6,591,599 — rt .,-, iic� - 0_ - -. /-'17 710 K)Kn Based upon Town and School District acceptance of the draft audit report on December 21, 2005, the Authority considers that the audit results are final and are not subject to further review or adjustment. The payment, which will be made January 3, 2006 by wire transfer upon receipt of instructions you will provide to us, totals $2,028,618 and reflects the remainder of the Authority's grant for the Wood End Elementary School Project. This payment, combined with the Authority's payment of $4,562,981 that you received on January 5, 2005, represents 100% of your grant, and is based on the Authority's share (66 %) of the final eligible audited project costs of $9,688,000 and final eligible audited short-term interest costs of $275,675. We are pleased to provide you with this grant amount. Please do not hesitate to contact me or Joanna Aalto, Director of Audit Policy, if you have any questions at (617) 720- 4466. Very truly yours, atherine P. Craven cc: Senator Richard R. Tisei (State House, Room 313 -C) Representative Patrick Natale (State House, Room 167) Representative Bradley H. Jones Jr. (State House, Room 124) Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Mr. Richard Schubert, Chair, Board of Selectmen Mr. Charles Robinson, Audit Committee Chair Ms. Gail LaPointe, Town Accountant Mr. Patrick Schettini, Superintendent of Schools Attachment V � 60 S"b1:4 MAP MWRA Advisory Board Meeting Thursday., Januaty 19,.2006 State House, Room 350. Boston, MA - 11:00 a.m.'' MP A The Fiscal Year 2007 State Budget Session is CRITICAL to expand the Sewer Rate Relief Fund (also known as Debt Service Assistance). The push for additional Debt Service Assistance kicks off on Thursday, January 19, 2006. YOUR COMMUNITY'S PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT IS VITAL. 1) The Advisory Board has circulated a Resolution in support of increased funding for ' the Commonwealth Sewer Rate Relief Fund. To date, 24 communities have formally signed on. If you:, ,have yet to return your communitys' Resolution,. please do so.r ':.It- is the Advisory Board's intent to PRESENT THE SIGNED* RESOLUTIONS TO THE .,GOVERNOR AND HOUSE AND SENATE LEADERSHIP. 2) January 19, 2006 Advocacy Day at the State' House The Advisory Board .requests Mayors, City & Town Officials, Selectmen, Elected Representatives, etc. ATTEND the Advisory Board meeting and associated events. Following is -a brief outline of the day's activities: 1) Press Conference — 11:00 a.m. State House location to be determined 2) Advisory . Board Luncheon & Meeting — 11:15 a.m. Luncheon to be followed by meeting at noon 3) Presentation to the full Advisory Board — The Case for MWRA Debt Service Assistance- 4) Meet & Greet Legislators — throughout the day This is an ambitious I undertaking. COMMUNITIES IS NEEDED FOR SUCCESSFUL. THE COORDINATED. SUPPORT OF ALL MWRA THE ADVISORY' BOARD'S EFFORTS TO BE Please 'contact Joe Favaloro or Mary Ann McClellan 'at 617-742-7561 or Maryann. mcciellana-mwra.state. ma. us to let us know who will be attending on behalf of your community. Arlington • Ashland • Bedford • Belmont • Boston • Braintree • Brookline Dedham • Everett • Framingham • Hingham • Holbrook • Leominster Medford • Melrose • Milton • Nahant • Natick • Needham • Newton Revere • Saugus • Somerville • South Hadley • Southborough • Stoneham Watertown • Wellesley • Weston • Westwood • Weymouth • Wilbraham G 60 17', MWRA m ADVISORY BOARD Burlington • Cambridge • Canton • Chelsea • Chicopee • Clinton ce N Lexington • Lynn • Lynnrield • Maiden • Marblehead. • Marlborough 0 Northborough e Norwood *Peabody e Quincy -Randolph -Reading Stoughton • Swampscott Wakefield • Walpole Waltham Wilmington • Winchester • Winthrop • Woburn • Worcester MWRA ADVISORY BOARD MEETING JANUARY 19, 2006 STATE HOUSE, ROOM 350 BOSTON, MA —11:30 A.M. PROPOSED AGENDAI A. WELCOME — Representative Ronald Mariano, Chairman MWRA Legislative Caucus B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM OCTOBER 20 AND NOVEMBER 17, 2005 C. PRESENTATION: MWRA ADVISORY BOARD LEGISLATORS OF THE YEAR ❖ THE HONORABLE SALAVATORE F. DI MASI, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE ❖ THE HONORABLE ROBERT A. HAVERN III, SENATE ASSISTANT MAJORITY WHIP D. PRESENTATION: POTENTIAL MWRA CURRENT EXPENSE BUDGET . SHORTFALLS IN FY06 AND FY07 — Fred Laskey, MWRA Executive Director E. COMMITTEE REPORTS Executive Committee — Katherine Haynes Dunphy ❖ PRESENTATION: STATING THE CASE FOR DEBT SERVICE ASSISTANCE — TBA -*.- LEGISLATIVE UPDATE Finance Committee — Bernard Cooper ,❖ AMENDMENT TO FY06 MWRA CURRENT EXPENSE BUDGET ❖ SCHEDULE FOR ADVISORY BOARD REVIEW OF FY07 MWRA CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AND CURRENT EXPENSE BUDGET Operations Committee - Jay Fink 4.'- PREVIEW: SYSTEM EXPANSION COMMITTEE MEETING F. ' QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS G. ADJOURNMENT I This agenda will be made final at an open meeting of the MWRA Executive Committee on January 13, 2006 at 8:30 a.m. in the Advisory Board office. You may wish to attend that meeting or to contact the Advisory Board's Executive Director prior to that date with any additional items for the final agenda. Joseph E. Favaloro, Executive Director 11 Beacon Street • Suite 1010 • Boston, MA 02108-3002 • Telephone: (617) 742-7561 • Fax: (617) 742-461.4 Arlington • Ashland • Bedford • Belmont • Boston • Braintree • Brookline SlfG 60 CI Burlington • Cambridge • Canton • Chelsea • Chicopee • Clinton Dedham • Everett • Framingham • Hingham • Holbrook • Leominster �� MWRA Lexington • Lynn • Lynnfield •Malden •Marblehead •Marlborough U) ADVISORY Quincy • Randolph • Reading. Medford • Melrose • Milton • Nahant. • Natick • Needham • Newton Northborough Norwood Peabody Q ' y p, Revere • Saugus • Somerville! South Hadley • Southborough • Stoneham W BOARD, Stoughton • Swampscott • Wakefield • Walpole • Waltham co Watertown • Wellesley • Weston • Westwood • Weymouth • Wilbraham Wilmington • Winchester • Winthrop • Woburn • Worcester ** *NOTICE * ** (PLEASE POST) The next regular meeting of the MWRA Advisory Board will be held on Thursday, January 19, 2006 at 11:30 a.m. at the State House, Room 350, Boston, MA. The proposed agenda for the meeting, to be made final at an open meeting of the Executive Committee on January 13, 2006 (8:30 a.m.)- at the Advisory Board office; is on the back of this. notice. :: Pleas.e contact Joe .Favaloro at the Advisory:. Board: office no-,..later than ,Jahuary 13, 2006 with any additional items for the final agenda: d Joseph E. Favaloro, Executive Director 11 Beacon Street • Suite 1010 • Boston, MA 02108 -3002 • Telephone: (617) 742 -7561 • Fax: (617) 742 -4614 Arlington - Ashland • Bedford • Belmont • Boston • Braintree • Brookline Dedham • Everett - Framingham - Hingham - Holbrook - Leominster Medford • Melrose - Milton • Nahant • Natick - Needham • Newton Rgvete • Saugus Somerville • South Hadley • Southborough - Stoneham Watertown • Wellesley • Weston - Westwood - Weymouth • Wilbraham Burlington - Cambridge - Canton - Chelsea - Chicopee - Clinton MWRA 0 Lexington - Lynn - Lynn6eld - Malden • Marblehead • Marlborough ADVISORY 6 Northborough • Norwood • Peabody - Quincy'- Randolph - Reading BOARD y GjZ Stoughton • Swampscott • Wakefield • Walpole • Waltham Wilmington — Winchester • Winthrop • Woburn Worcester' January 6, 2006 TO: Advisory Board Designees /All Interested Parties /System Expansion Committee FROM: Katherine Haynes Dunphy, Chairperson MWRA Advisory Board RE: System Expansion Committee Meeting - Thursday, February 2, 2006 The. MWRA Advisory Board System Expansion Committee will be reconvening on Thursday, February 2, 2006, at I OAM at the MWRA ,Advisory Board located at 11. Beacon Street,, Suite 1010, Boston, Massachusetts. The MWRA Advisory Board System Expansion Committee last met on a regular basis from fall 2001 through. spring 2002. The 2002 System Expansion Committee Final Report, published in September 2002, stated the System Expansion Committee would meet again in five years (September 2007). The Board of Directors recently expressed interest in reestablishing the MWRA Advisory Board System Expansion Committee resulting from presentations provided by MWRA staff regarding system expansion fee structures (please see the attached page for further detail). Upon completion of deliberations of the MWRA ,Advisory Board System Expansion Committee; a report will be submitted to: the MWRA Board: of Directors., summarizing, the Committee's findings. The MWRA Advisory Board encourages all interested parties to consider serving on .the MWRA' Advisory Board System Expansion Committee. Please contact Mary Ann McClellan at the MWRA Advisory Board via phone (617- 742 -7561) or email (maryann.mcclellan @mwra.state.ma.us) to indicate your interest in serving on the Committee. System Expansion Committee Meeting Agenda Thursday, February 2, 2006 10 AM -12 PM Introduction /Nomination of Committee Chairperson - Joseph Favaloro, Executive Director, MWRA Advisory'Board 2. Overview of Concerns Regarding MWRA Fee Structures Raised by the MWRA Board of Directors — Ryan Ferrara, Senior'Finance and Policy Analyst, MWRA Advisory Board 3. Other Issues of System Expansion Committee Members — Participant discussion 4. Establishment of System Expansion Committee Meeting Schedule — Participant discussion S. Meeting Wrap -Up • f Joseph E. Favaloro, Executive Director 11 Beacon Street • Suite 1010 - Boston, MA 02108 -3002 - Telephone: (617) 742 -7561 • Fax: (617) 742 -4614 February 2» 2006 MWRA Advisory Board System Expansion Committee Meeting Background The M\A/R/\ Board of Directors requested MP@/RA staff provide a presentation to the Board regarding such topics as: • /\ re-assessment of what "safe 'e|cf' rnauns and a quantification that various state agencies could agree on. • /\ determination of which communities around the y1\N'9A district might need M\A/RAvvater in the next five to ten years. • An assessment of the claims bvVVSC/\C and others that y1\8/RA should be sending more water down the Swift and Ware Rivers. * /\ dotarmnina1ion, assessment and solution of any inter-basin transfer issues. � The development of a specific marketing strategy which would help MVVFW\ sell water. p A determination of the revenue that each customer would add incrementally to the total revenue on the water side of the Authority's operating budget. During fall 2005.MWKAstaff produced presentation and a staff summary responding to the key issues raised by the Board. The staff summary outlined issues with existing MVRA system expansion fee structures. MVR/ staff reconnandad, and the Board agreed, to have the 1P\ Advisory Board System Expansion Committee reconvene to discuss and evaluate the current fee structures. The section ba|ovv reflects the uraum discussed in the staff summary. MWRA System Expansion Fee Structures Schedule of Entrance Fee Payments Current Policy: MWRA'opolicy for Admission of New Communities requires an entrance fee be provided, which covers the new community's share of the pa id off value of 1W9A'n water system as currently in place. The policy is si|ant, however, as to whether the entrance fee is paid at the time of admission or in installments, with interest, over u number of years. In recent years, both Stoughton and Reading have chosen to pay off the entrance fee over a twenty-year period, with interast , while the Dedham-Westwood Water District, using a much smaller amount of water than either Stoughton or Reading, chose to pay off the entrance fee over five years with interest. Question toMWRA Advisory Board Expansion Committee: Am entrance fee paid over number of years night be favored by communities seeking adnission, but may not address MWRA's current revue needs. Should y1\A/9Aa system expansion policies explicitly define entrance fee payback. periods? ~ w Standby Fees Current Policy: Standby water service is intended to meet emergency or unscheduled service outages or a reduction in supply. MVVR/\does not currently assess a "readiness to serve" or "standby charge" for either non-MWRA water cornnmunhjaa that maintain local emergency interconnections to MWR^4vvater communities for purposes of mutual aid (most common) or for non'MVYRA communities that have direct connections to MVV9A /unconnnnon, but in afevv instances direct connections have been constructed for foreseeable chullenges, such as the connection made by Reading after the gasoline tanker spill on 1-93 or to Tri-Town in anticipation of reservoir dredging). MYYRA charges are currently triggered only when the connection io used and water isconveyed. Question to y1WRA Advisory Board System Expansion Cornrnhtae The question of whether to assess standby charges was discussed during the deliberations of the 2001-2002 y1VVRA Advisory Board System Expannion Committee. The Committee chose to reject the concept of « haeo based on concerns such as the ability to charge a standby fee for local interconnections bo1vveon y4WR/\and non-MVVPAcornnnunities' the capacity to categorize the standby circumstances and to refrain from penalizing the sound vva1arvvorko practice of providing mutual aid. Should standby fees be assessed by MWRA considering M\A/RA is increasingly viewed aoa backup source? Premium Fee for Emergency Use Current Policy: M\09RA's policy for emergency withdrawals contains a rate structure for emergency water supply withdrawals that includes a premium charge added to the MVVR/\ prevailing rate. Charges increase for additional periods of water withdrawal. Question to MWRA Advisory Board System Expansion Committee: Should MWRA consider increasing premium charges for emergency use? Formula and Basis for the Entrance Fee for New Communities Seeking Admission to MWRA Current Policy: MWRA's entrance fee formula is based on a five-year average of water consumption, both for the applicant community and the MWRA system as a whole. Typically, applicant communities are seeking MWRA supply to supplement their local sources during peak use periods (or low-river flow conditions). An applicant's peak day demand from MWRA is usually considerably higher than their demand averaged out over a year or five years. Question to MVVR/\ Advisory Board System Expansion Committee: The current policy prescribes the entrance fee is bused on annual averages and not typical or peak day withdrawals; some communities are obtaining more capacity than the current entrance fee basis would suggest. Should the entrance fee structure be revisited to better reflect costs associated with providing water during high demand periods? Operations and Maintenancefee Current Policy: In 1997, the MWRA Board of Directors approved an Operations and Maintenance ,�fkM\ru�eforoarta||vouppUedcornn�unhjem that increase their vvaterpurchased � duringthe construction of their water treatment facilities mandated by the requirements of the � 2 4 Safe Drinking Water Act. The policy allows debt service expenses to be excluded from the water charge since the impacted communities would receive limited benefit from the capita expenditures reflected in the capital-financing portion of MWRA's prevailing rate during the construction period. Question to MWRA Advisory Board System Expansion Committee: MWRAioessentially serving as a backup source for communities renovating their treatment hac|hjao. Should MWRA eliminate the O&M fee reflecting the standby status of the MWRA supply? yG 6a -5- QUARTERLY BUDGET REPORT — through December 31,-2005 TOWN OF READING, MASSACHUSETTS Note: The accounts below reflect a variance of +5% or more in the quarterly allocation, and are therefore "flagged" for explanation. ACCT# ACC'TDESCRIPTION REASONFOR VARIANCE 011 Selectmen's Expenses Expenses are high due to a large number of hearings and the cost of advertising for them. An internal transfer within the Community Services Department may be needed at the end of the year. 012 Town Manager Capital The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" for the cameras in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, and no transfer will be required at the end of the year. 021 FINCOM Expense The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" for the audit, and no transfer will be required at the end of the year. 025 Town Accountant Salary The transfers into this account from enterprise funds have not yet taken place. In addition, there have been personnel changes, and temporary help to assist the Department. A transfer may be needed at the Annual Town Meeting 045 Technology Capital The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" and no transfer will be required at the end of the year. 051 Town Clerk Expense The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" but an internal transfer within the Community Services Department may be needed at the end of the year. 066 ZBA Salary The level of activity has been high, and an internal transfer within the Community Services Department may be needed at the end of the year. 141 Inspections Salary The transfer from the Inspections Revolving Fund has not yet taken place, and when this is done, the account will not need a budget transfer. 301 DPW Expense The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" and no transfer will be required at the end of the year. 301 DPW Administration The transfers into this account from enterprise funds have not Salary yet taken place. When they are done, this account will not need a transfer 302 Engineering Expense The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" and no transfer will be required at the end of the year. 1 302 Engineering Salary The transfers into this account from enterprise funds have not yet taken place. When they are done, this account will not need a. transfer 303 Highway Capital The rate of expenditure for this account is "front end loaded" and no transfer will be required at the end of the year. 303 Highway Expense Highway patching material, equipment maintenance expenses; traffic control supplies (signs), and fuel are overexpended, and this account may require a transfer at the end of the year. 303 Highway Salary The transfers into this account from enterprise funds have not yet taken place. When they are done, this account will not need a transfer 321 Snow /Ice Salary Snow storms to date have often fallen on regular time, or have been of an extent that Town work forces could handle them, and therefore we have had to rely less on contracted services which are less than 50% expended to date. It is not clear as of this date whether we will need additional funds for snow /ice expenditures. 481 Cemetery Salary The payment from the bequest fund has not yet been credited to this account. When it is, this account will not need a budget transfer. 511 Health Salary When the funds from the Sealer of Weights and Measures grant are credited to this account, the salary account will be in balance, and a budget transfer will not be required. 541 Elder/Human Services When the funds from the State grant are credited to this Salary account, the salary account will be in balance, and a budget transfer will not be required. 551 Veterans Salary The Towns of Reading and Wilmington are in a joint Veterans District. Each community pays half of the salary. Reading is the lead agency. When Wilmington pays their share of the salary, the account will be in balance and a budget transfer will not be required. 552 Veterans Aid This account is significantly over expended because of greater levels of effort on the part of our new Veterans Services Officer. A transfer of $34,000 was made at the Subsequent Town Meeting in November 2005. At current expenditure rates an additional transfer will be required. 611 Library Expense This has to do with the timing of expenditures, and the budget should not require a transfer this year. 811 Contributory Retirement The full annual payments from this account has been made.. This account will not need a transfer 04 2. 813 Non - contributory When state aid to this item is counted in, this account should Retirement I balance and will not need a transfer. 821 Workers Compensation The entire premium is paid at the beginning of the year to take advantage of discounts. Depending upon credits from M1IA Rewards, this account may require a budget transfer. 850 Property and Casualty The entire premium is paid at the beginning of the year to take Insurance advantage of discounts. When they are done, this account will not need a transfer 417 FY 2004 Water expense This budget is funding from a prior year, and not transfer will be needed. 420 FY 2001 Water Capital This budget is funding from a prior year, and not transfer will be needed. 423 West Street Main This project is completed and no transfer will be required. 426 Water Treatment Plant This budget is funding from a prior year, and not transfer will capital be needed. If we proceed with the construction of a plant, additional funds will be required through that debt authorization. 428 Water Mains Capital This budget is funding from a prior year, and not transfer will be needed. 446 Sewer Operations FY This budget is funding from a prior year, and not transfer will 2005 be needed. no M DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET TOWN OF READING (REVISED) 011 SELECTMEN CAPITAL 40,000 EXPENSE 1,700 012 TOWN MANAGER FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2005 CAPITAL 10,000 SALARY 92,152 015 GENERAL SERVICES (5) (6) EXPENSE 78,550 BUDGET THRU SALARY 216,032 021 FINANCE COMMITTEE VAR %VAR EXPENSE 39,850 (2) -(3) SALARY 900 022 RESERVE FUND 20,000 EXPENSE 150,000 025 TOWN ACCOUNTANT 850 EXPENSE 1,362 1.34 SALARY 124,836 031 BOARD OF ASSESSORS 6,913 -1,913 EXPENSE 9,450 6,476 SALARY 127,349 035 FINANCE .77 42,440 EXPENSE 50,384 39,275 SALARY 287,264 041 LAW -3,432 .92 EXPENSE 117,200 042 HUMAN RESOURCES 105,060 3,633 EXPENSE 14,145 38,350 SALARY 43,007 045 TECHNOLOGY 1.33 455 CAPITAL 72,000 .40 EXPENSE 127,133 1.79 SALARY 114,437 051 TOWN CLERK EXPENSE 1,650 153 SALARY 57,316 052 ELECTIONS & REGISTRATION 102 EXPENSE 24,745 PAGE: 1 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2005 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR FY2005 YTD VAR %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 20,000 850 1,141 - 291 1.34 1,227 -86 .93 5,000 6,913 -1,913 1138 437 6,476 15.82 46,072 35,591 10,481 .77 42,440 -6,849 .84 39,275 37,451 1,824 .95 40,883 -3,432 .92 108,017 108,693 -676 1.01 105,060 3,633 1.03 19,925 38,350 - 18,425 1.92 28,745 9,605 1.33 455 184 271 .40 103 81 1.79 75,000 681 153 529 .22 51 102 3.00 62,413 67,005 - 4,592 1.07 55,804 11,201 1.20 4,725 2,798 1,927 .59 10,189 -7,391 .27 63,674 58,349 5,325 .92 55,520 2,829 1.05 25,192 1,839 23,353 .07 8,065 -6,226 .23 143,637 88,924 54,714 .62 90,078 -1,154 .99 58,600 11,253 47,347 .19 48,813 - 37,560 .23 7,073 4,026 3,047 .57 9,212 -5,186 .44 21,502 18,151 3,351 .84 16,263 1,888 1.12 36,000 42,289 -6,289 J,JZ 42,289 63,567 52,098 11,469 .82 32,124 19,974 1.62 57,213 37,070 20,143 .65 33,830 3,240 1.10 825 1,420 - 595 1.72 486 934 2.92 28,652 28,768 -116 1.00 27,859 909 1.03 12,373 6,626 5,747 .54 10,390 -3,764 .64 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) (8) BUDGET BUDGET %VAR EXPENDITURES (REVISED) (3)/(6) SALARY 12,856 061 CONSERVATION DIVISION BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES SALARY 49,075 065 PLANNING (2) -(3) (3)/(2) SALARY 65,615 066 ZONING BOARD 24,544 24,631 SALARY 1,100 111 POLICE -121 1.00 EXPENSE 223,779 -202 SALARY 3,087,895 121 FIRE .68 1,543,945 CAPITAL 167,000 .97 EXPENSE 96,396 83,304 SALARY 2,943,586 123 DISPATCHERS .73 1,471,795 EXPENSE 38,052 .98 SALARY 336,233 131 INDEMNIFICATION POLICE /FIRE 162,193 EXPENSE 50,000 141 INSPECTIONS DIVISION 11,063 .56 SALARY 106,304 301 DPW - ADMINISTRATION 2,807 EXPENSE 5,613 1.19 SALARY 89,025 302 ENGINEERING 7,020 9,733 EXPENSE 14,040 113,074 SALARY 226,139 303 HIGHWAY & EQUIPMENT MAINT. 300,579 CAPITAL 439,168 156,605 EXPENSE 313,209 1„y39 SALARY 741,162 312 WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL 719,428 EXPENSE 1,438,856 313 PARKS AND FORESTRY CAPITAL 1,800 34,600 EXPENSE 76,553 188,279 SALARY 376,563 TOWN OF READING (7) (8) BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT %VAR EXPENDITURES FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2005 (3)/(6) (2) (3) (4) (5) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) 6,422 964 5,458 .15 24,544 24,631 -87 1.00 32,812 32,933 -121 1.00 546 748 -202 16,817 111,890 76,058 35,832 .68 1,543,945 1,501,305 42,640 .97 83,500 196 83,304 2,885 48,198 35,420 12,778 .73 1,471,795 1,444,175 27,620 .98 19,026 15,400 3,626 .81 168,116 162,193 5,923 .96 25,000 13,937 11,063 .56 53,157 66,283 - 13,126 1.25 2,807 3,349 - 542 1.19 44,512 107,424 - 62,912 2.4 7,020 9,733 -2,713 :2. 113,074 194,800 - 81,726 1.72 219,594 300,579 - 80,985 1.37 156,605 218,180 . 61,575 1„y39 370,578 388,161 - 17,583 jLl. 719,428 617,934 101,494 .86 900 38,277 34,600 3,677 .90 188,279 186,525 1,754 .99 PAGE: 2 (6) (7) (8) FY2005 YTD VAR %VAR EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 22,183 - 21,219 .04 23,849 782 1.03 31,888 1,045 1.03 437 311 1.71 105,102 - 29,044 .72 1,417,887 83,418 1.06 28,111 - 27,915 .01 28,379 7,041 1.25 1,377,623 66,552 1.05 16,817 -1,417 .92 160,115 2,078 1.01 14,549 -612 .96 75,277 -8,994 .88 2,885 464 1.16 104,397 3,027 1.03 5,063 4,670 1.92 151,815 42,985 1.28 374,964 - 74,385 .80 144,435 731745 1.51 372,425 15,736 1.04 601,179 16,755 1.03 35,728 -1,128 .97 158,459 28,066 1.18 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET BUDGET (REVISED) 317 RECREATION CAPITAL 20,000 SALARY 114,849 321 SNOW / ICE CONTROL (2) (3) EXPENSE 267,168 (6) SALARY 57,514 325 STREET LIGHTING VAR %VAR EXPENSE 190,000 341 PUBLIC WAY ACCEPTANCE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) EXPENSE 10 481 CEMETERY 10,000 -1,500 EXPENSE 72,490 SALARY 124,610 511 HEALTH -949 1.02 EXPENSE 48,754 1.06 SALARY 129,397 541 ELDER SERVICES 70,238 37,336 EXPENSE 3,900 34,414 SALARY 150,162 551 VETERANS 1.13 95,000 EXPENSE 700 .99 SALARY 15,796 552 VETERANS' AID EXPENSE 40,000 611 LIBRARY 36,245 35,451 EXPENSE 201,683 38,456 SALARY 749,749 681 HISTORICAL COMMISSION - 37,362 1.60 EXPENSE 1,000 710 DEBT SERVICE 23,571 806 EXPENSE 6,898,508 752 REGIONAL SCHOOL ASSESSMENTS 64,701 EXPENSE 253,988 811 CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT 35,743 1.72 SALARY 2,463,851 PAGE: 3 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2005 (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR FY2005 YTD VAR %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) EXPENDITURES (3)•(6) (3)/(6) 10,000 -1,500 11,500 -.15 -1,500 57,421 58,370 -949 1.02 55,298 3,072 1.06 133,584 107,574 26,010 .81 70,238 37,336 1.53 28,756 34,414 - 5,658 1.20 30,488 3,926 1.13 95,000 93,924 1,076 .99 74,244 19,680 1.27 5 36,245 35,451 794 .98 38,456 -3,007 .92 62,309 99,671 - 37,362 1.60 101,752 - 2,081 .98 24,377 23,571 806 .97 20,502 3,069 1.15 64,701 85,057 . 20,356 1.31 49,314 35,743 1.72 1,950 1,454 496 .75 1,226 228 1.19 75,075 85,876 . 10,801 1.14 70,438 15,438 1.22 350 142 7,904 15,772 -7,868 „2.00_ 4,889 10,883 3.23 20,000 30,712 . 10,712 1.54 , 1,475 29,237 20.82 100,842 108,444 -7,602 1.08 91,829 16,615 1.18 374,881 359,671 15,210 .96 342,365 17,306 1.05 500 100 400 .20 100 3,449,254 3,406,296 42,958 .99 3,888,529 .- 482,233 .88 126,994 125,541 1,454 .99 104,104 21,437 1.21 1,231,932 2,463,851 - 1,231,919 2.00 2,407,095 56,756 1.02 I' DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) BUDGET (REVISED) 813 NON- CONTRIBUTORY PENSIONS SALARY 99,257 815 UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION SALARY 60,000 817 GROUP HEALTH /LIFE INSURANCE EXPENSE 18,000 SALARY 5,731,962 819 SOCIAL SECURITY SALARY 530,211 821 WORKER COMPENSATION EXPENSE 225,528 850 CASUALTY INSURANCE EXPENSE 319,561 GENERAL FUND CURRENT BUDGET CAPITAL 749,988 EXPENSE 11,413,957 SALARY 19,326,204 400 WATER DISTRIBUTION CAPITAL 205,000 EXPENSE 824,342 SALARY 454,071 405 WATER SUPPLY / TREATMENT CAPITAL 504,000 EXPENSE 864,325 SALARY 374,498 410 WATER IMPROV (JOHNSON WOODS) CAPITAL 34,000 416 WATER OPERATIONS (FY 2005) CAPITAL 617,000 EXPENSE 22,676 417 WATER OPERATIONS (FY 2004) CAPITAL 533,041 EXPENSE 681 418 WATER OPERATIONS (FY 2003) CAPITAL 369,445 TOWN OF READING (7) (8) BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT %VAR FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2005 (3) -(6) (2) (3) (4) (5) BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) 49,634 49,629 5 1.00 30,004 28,503 1,501 .95 9,000 2,865,980 2,156,599 709,381 .75 265,109 267,880 -2,771 1.01 112,764 286,798 - 174,034 2.54 159,781 308,178 - 148,397 1.93 374,994 348,477 5,706,983 5,709,809 9,663,121 10,258,170 102,500 412,171 480,670 - 68,499 1.17 227,032 207,813 19,219 .92 252,000 1,210 250,790 432,163 368,961 63,202 .85 187,252 180,580 6,672 .96 17,000 131,461 - 114,461 7.73 308,500 205,688 102,812 .67 11,338 20,523 - 9,185 1.81 266,521 341 812 -471 2.38 184,723 60,397 124,326 .33 PAGE: 4 (6) (7) (8) FY2005 YTD VAR %VAR EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)1(6) 48,787 842 1.02 23,931 4,572 1.19 1,779,184 377,415 1.21 238,266 29,614 1.12 241,543 45,255 1.19 280,253 27,925 1.10 456,080 24,590 1.05 234,020 - 26,207 .89 1,210 271,997 96,964 1.36 179,161 1,419 1.01 131,461 205,688 20,523 18,230 43,649 - 42,837 .02 19,095 41,302 3.16 lv� N PAGE: 5 (6) (7) (8) FY2005 YTD VAR %VAR EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 163,336 - 100,261 .39 137,984 - 136,327 .01 406,988 307,416 - 306,131 36,238 218,623 48,402 1,615,021 94,054 1.06 113,208 2,549 1.02 802 102,110 TOWN OF READING BUDGET COMPARISON REPORT FOR THE PERIOD ENDING 31DEC2005 DEPARTMENT TYPE (1) (2) (3) 1 (4) (5) BUDGET BUDGET THRU EXPENDITURES VAR %VAR (REVISED) ENDING DATE (NET ADJMTS) (2) -(3) (3)/(2) 419 WATER OPERATIONS (FY 2002) CAPITAL 163,434 81,717 63,075 18,642 .77 420 WATER OPERATIONS (FY 2001) CAPITAL 1,657 829 1,657 -828 2.00 423 WEST ST MAIN (NOV'04,ART11) CAPITAL 535,593 267,797 406,988 - 139,191 1.52 426 TREATMENT PLANT (NOV'03,ART11) CAPITAL 1,285 643 1,285 -642 2.00 428 WATER MAIN (NOV'03,ART13) CAPITAL 39,661 19,831 36,238 - 16,407 1.83 710 DEBT SERVICE EXPENSE 113,129 56,565 WATER FUND CAPITAL 3,004,116 1,502,061 907,999 EXPENSE 1,825,153 912,578 870,966 SALARY 828,569 414,284 388,393 430 SEWER OPERATIONS CAPITAL 190,000 95,000 48,402 46,598 .51 EXPENSE 3,468,145 1,734,073 1,709,075 24,998 .99 SALARY 234,084 117,039 115,757 1,282 .99 446 SEWER OPERATIONS (FY 2005) EXPENSE 860 430 802 -372 1.87 447 SEWER OPERATIONS (FY 2004) CAPITAL 202,760 101,380 102,110 -730 1.01 455 SEWER (MWRA) (ART #16,APR'99) CAPITAL 18,426 9,213 710 DEBT SERVICE EXPENSE 83,677 41,839 SEWER FUND CAPITAL 411,186 205,593 150,512 EXPENSE 3,552,682 1,776,342 1,709,877, SALARY 234,084 117,039 115,757 PAGE: 5 (6) (7) (8) FY2005 YTD VAR %VAR EXPENDITURES (3) -(6) (3)/(6) 163,336 - 100,261 .39 137,984 - 136,327 .01 406,988 307,416 - 306,131 36,238 218,623 48,402 1,615,021 94,054 1.06 113,208 2,549 1.02 802 102,110 i 0 N Monthl Hours $ Month Monthl Monthly Hours Cumulative Available Monthly Monthl Cumulative Available Hours Hours Used vs +/- Remainder I $ Cost Remainder Allocated Used Allocated of 1/2 year Allocated Used Year July 76.7 28.2 (48.50) (48.50) 432 $10,350 $3,525 $3,525 $120,675 August 76.7 45.3 (31.40) (79.90) 386.7 $10,350 $5,663 $9,188 $115,013 September 76.7 52.2 (24.50) (104.40) .334.5 $10,350 $6,777 $15,965 $108,236 October 76.7 48.9 (27.80) (132.20) 285.6 $10,350 $6,113 $22,078 $102,123 November 76.7 36.7 (40.00) (172.20) 248.9 $10,350 $4,687 $26,765 $97,436 December 76.7 (76.70) (248.90) 248.9 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 460.2 211.3 $62,100 $26,765 January 76.7 (76.70) (325.60) 500 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 February 76.7 (76.70) (402.30) 500 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 March 76.7 (76.70) (479.00) 500 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 April 76.7 (76.70) (555.70) 500 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 May 76.7 (76.70) (632.40) 500 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 June 76.7 (76.70) (709.10) 500 $10,350 $26,765 $97,436 Subtotal 460.2 0 $62,100 $0 Total 920.4 211.3 -709.1 $124,200 $26,765 $97,436 0 N Page 1 of 1 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Dorothy Giunta [dhgiunta @gis.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 1:01 PM To: Town Manager Subject: MWRA Having been a resident of Arlington, Ma. one of the pluses of moving to Reading was that you were NOT on the MWRA system. It is extremely costly and no matter how much you conserve your costs continue to rise. I would hope for all your residents pockets to do what- ever you can NOT to be a part of it. It may in the long run be better to own your own then not be able to control the costs of an outsider. Nil 1/11/2006 Page 1 of 1 C Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Christine Brungardt [cebrungardt@comcast.net] Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 9:14 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: 40B housing 39 Please keep in mind that most people have no idea what 40B housing is. So there are people that picture 400 to 500 units of LOW INCOME housing when you say that somewhere between 400 and 500 units could be put onto the Addison-Wesley site. The 500 number comes from Ask the Town Manager when Chris Reilley was on the show - that was his guesstimate based on the density of Archstone. Please remember to state whenever 40B comes up the number of "regular" units and the number of AFFORDABLE units., And then explain what is meant by affordable in Reading. It would also be a good idea to mention what the sale price of the George St. units - the affordable units and the "regular" units. I know that there are other objections to 40B housing, I just don't want people to think that there is a possibility of adding Low Income Projects to Reading. Thanks, Christine Brungardt 91 1/11/2006 Page lo[l L� � / y— 0x C� � / � / `^ Hechenblefter, Peter From: John & Natalie Gill [fioig ot] Sent: Monday, January OQ'200G7:36AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Town Manager Subject: MVVRAwater Hello Peter, I just received "Your Community Connection" newsletter in the mail and read the Water Supply Update. I would like to voice my full support for Reading to provide all town water from the MWRA instead of using the Ipswich River. The water from the Ipswich River ks yellow and smells badly; |o improvement oo that n)y children can grow up drinking high quality water. |n all honesty, the poor drinking water |o the one true negative in Reading's quality of life index. Currently, vve have to use three water filters to make our tap water acceptable to drink —e whole house filter as the water comes into the house, a filter on the water/ice maker line that feeds the refrigerator, and a filter within the refrigerator itself. Before we moved to Reading nine years ago. we |kmd in Melrose which has K8VVFU\ water and it tasted fine. It was such a shock to move to Reading and find that the water |ooub-por. Please do whatever it takes toswitch over toK4VVRAwater. Natalie Gill 12 Francis Drive Reading, MA 01867 to l/0/20O6 Page lof2 L �� Ka / \_ ( Hechenblefter, Peter From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: VVednesday, January 04, 2006 9:3K5AM To: vpksjc5@comcast.net; selectmen @ci. read ing.ma. Ustownmanager@ci. reading. ma. us; Town Manager Cc: Cormier, Jim; Murphy, Tom; McIntire, Ted; Delaney, Joe Subject: RE: Why the delay of the crosswalk Karon The delay is while we did our due diligence with respect to whether the crosswalk was still needed and appropriate. VVe have determined that itis. VVe will stripe the crosswalk when vve can — weather wise. Pete ne� Fromn:oksc5��oznlcostnet[nnaiKo:pK�cb@con�cast'-^ Sent: Monday, January 02'2OO69,f4AM To: se|ectmen@ci. reading. ma. ustov/nrnanager@ci. reading. ma. us; Town Manager Cc: Cormier, Jim; Murphy, Tom Subject: Why the delay of the crosswalk Peter- As the New Year begins, | need to address o fundamental question regarding the removal of the crosswalk otthe intersection of Summer Ave and Fairview Ave. What are you waiting for? Three years ago, neighborhood parents contacted Officer Murphy and communicated a request for acrosswalk given the abundance of children walking to Joshua Eaton School. Officer Murphy assessed the situation and clearly saw the need for a crosswalk, to ensure the safety of the more than 20 elementary aged school children who walk to Joshua Eaton via Fairview Ave to Summer Ave. However, since the addition of the sidewalks on both sides of Summer Ave the crosswalk has been re-located due to safety concerns. In speaking with Officer Murphy, selectmen and (the town engieeering department's representative the.weekend of December 3, who was supervising the street and crosswalk Ii ning of Summer Ave), you have apparently decided not to line the new location of the Fairview Ave/ Summer Ave crosswalk due to the discontent of residents on Summer Ave. (Officer Murphy informed me in November that the the crosswalk cannot be lined, until you schedule the agenda item for a public hearing). There are over 22 elementary school aged children \nthe neighborhood nf Pratt Street, Fairview Ave, Vista and Echo Ave that cross the intersection of Summer Ave and Fairview Ave each and every day. |s the aesthetic take precedent over enouhngthe safety of22e�n�entory school aged placement who going crosswalk placement, don't even ovvnthe sidewalk frontage, so why delay the � lining of the crosswalk Ao the Town Manager please see the immediacy nf lining the existing crosswalk location aa soon aapossible! |om sure you would not want the nao responsibility should achUd.or ofohUdren have amishap o�emobngto cross the Summer Ave 'and Fairview /4ve.School has been in session since September and there has been no painted crosswalk. A hearing io not necessary to resolve this matter. Don't continue to jeopardize the safety ofchildren. Karen and Paul Milleft 0 Page 1 of 2 G r c 90 -U1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Kolack [kolack @rcn.com] Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2006 8:05 AM To: Town Manager Cc: gdolbeare @rcn.com; tbutler @wakefield.ma.us Subject: Site lighting at Jordans Furniture 1/14/06 Mr. Peter Heckenbleikner, Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 -2601 townmanager @ci.reading.ma.us 781- 942 -9043 RE: Site lighting at Jordan's SENT VIA. E -MAIL Dear Mr. Heckenbleikner: In early December 2004, I personally spoke with you about the lighting for Jordan's parking lot excessively spilling over into the adjacent surroundings, including across Lake Quannapowitt in Wakefield. At around the same time, I also had conversations with Mr. Thomas Butler, Wakefield's Town Administrator, and with Mr. Barry Tatelman of Jordan's Furniture about this same problem. I am writing to you to say, "Thank you very much" for your diligent follow up, as the garish lighting situation there is now vastly improved. I understand that these changes were not made as a result of our one brief conversation, but rather, the attention and the ire of a lot of people in both towns, as well as articles published in several newspapers (including the Wakefield Daily Item and the Boston Globe) highlighting this shortcoming in the initial design. Sincerely, Fred Kolack 60 Main Street Wakefield, MA 01880 781- 245 -7385 e -mail: kolack c.rcn.com cc: Letter to the Editor Wakefield Item 26 Albion Street Wakefield, MA 01880 gdolbeare @rcn.com Mr. Thomas Butler, Town Administrator • Wm. J Lee Memorial Town Hall 1/17/2006 Page IoCI � C e CS HechenbleUkner, Peter From: cnj4@am|.com Sent: VVednaodoy, January 18.200011:20AM To: Reading -Selectmen Cc: na ""^""ap^" ^'^'~^~~'rg,~~~~~~~~'r~,*'~~~^'~---@-------`"—` tun moaotnatoebrungo net ben@olanetnw.00nl Subject: ADDISON WESLEY MEETING ON 1-17-06 Chairman Anthony, Reading Board of Selectmen: Thank you for hosting last night's meeting and allowing members of Reading First to present their case. This opportunity is appreciated. As Reading's Road Commissioners, you may want to reflect on the unfounded assumption by Edwards 0k Re|cey that 80 percent of the traffic flows from Route 128 to the Lifestyle Retail Center (LRC), while only 15 percent travels from the north to the LRC, and the remaining 5 percent stems from the east. Based on my findings presented last night (see attached fi|a)/ the population of Reading and 4 other adjacent towns is nearly 100/000. Average household |noornaa of these towns are significantly greater than the average household income of LRC ahoppero. Residents of these towns have only short driving distance to the LRC. By any measure of common sense, this affluent population can and will patronize the LRC. This fact will have a significant impact on Reading roadways. The developer, Edwards &Ka|cey and John Diaz conveniently neglected these facts. The percentages 80, 15 and 5 any blatantly unsubstantiated. Without a realistic knowledge of these percentages, there |sno way to estimate the impact on Reading roads. I urge you to please vote against the developer's proposal. Regards, Jeff Jeffrey H. Everson, �� Principal Investigator, Intelligent Transportation Systems (I70 Member: PRESERVE, I93/95 Task Force, Reading First 2l Pine Ridge Circle, Reading, 20A0I867 781-944-3632(homc);781'684-4247(nxord; M@aol.cozu l/l0/2006 Park Squareat Reading, a Traffic Study, Redevelopment of The Addison- Wesley Office Park, Reading, MA, August 2005 Prepared by Edwards & Kelcey (EK), Boston, MA Reviewed by Jeffrey Everson, Ph.D. Reading, NIA, December 2005 il • Reading resident since 1978, 21 Pine Ridge Circle, married, raised two sons here • Principal Investigator, transportation engineering, US DOT programs Reviewed Edwards & Kelcey traffic study at the request of Selectman, Ben Tafoya 0 Issues Reviewed to Show EK Traffic Study' • Origin of motorists traveling to a Lifestyle Retail Center (LRC) • Number of motorists attracted by LRC (i.e., trip generation) • Distribution of motorists on Reading roadways • Accident data i III ri!11111� Ii Mai: • ,1 Alai EK claimed: • 80 percent from Route 128 • 15 percent from the north through Reading • 5 percent from the east No references cited by EK for these numbers. 11 Origin of Motorists Traveling • Facts • Average household income of LRC shoppers is $75,000 • Average household incomes for — Reading: $95,019 — North Reading: $94,962 — Lynnfield: $116,914 — Wilmington: $82,650 — Wakefield: $80,732 • Total population of above towns: 95,988 Question: This affluent population contributes only 15% of the traffic to the LRC at Addison Wesley? Conclusion: Expect considerable traffic flow through Reading! s EIS claimed: • LRC significantly different from traditional retail mall ... but: • Used same trip, generating formula for traditional mall from engineering handbook Correct procedure: Collect traffic data from other LRCs (101 LRCs have been built since 2002) Conclusion: EK calculation was inconsistent 11 Distribution i torists on Reading Roadways EK used computer simulation to determine traffic flow i n Reading Inputs to simulation: — Trip generation: invalid input — Origin of LRC shoppers: invalid input Conclusion: computer simulation results are invalid wa e'r 0 EK Study • Accident data used by Mass Highway is under legal inquiry by Office of Inspector General in Washington, DC by reason of fraud • A primary problem with accident data: accident location frequently unknown • This problem may affect intersection of Main and South Streets Conclusion: do not use Mass Highway accident data sa 1 1 Question: i i anyone i development based on a flawed traffic study? Everson Co . ntact Information Page I of I L / Cl a Hechenblelkner, Peter From: RoR!nc60@aol.com Sent: Tuesday, January 17, 2006 9:52 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Reilly, Chris; Fink, Fran Cc: Historical; mark.cardono@verizon.net; Reynolds Santo, Sharl; jonesc@csmonitor.com; Adams, Virginia; herrick — k@msn.com; we4greens@comcast.net; sopafterson@yahoo.com Subject: Historic Preservation Zoning relief Bylaw To: Selectmen, CPDC, ZBA and Conservation Commission, Re: Historic Preservation Zoning Relief Bylaw At our meeting on January 17, 2006, the Reading Historical Commission voted to suspend our work on the Historical Preservation Zoning Relief Bylaw effective immediately. It will not be placed on the warrant for spring Town Meeting. We will not be meeting with the Selectmen on the 24th January or have any future meetings at this time regarding the proposed bylaw. Please forward this information to the members of the Selectmen, CPDC, ZBA and Conservation Commission. Thank You, Roberta Sullivan Reading Historical Commission M 1/18/2006