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Home My WebLink About2006-03-21 Board of Selectmen PacketWednesday, October 13 is the deadline for registering to vote in the November 2 election Page 1 of 2 r Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Johnson, Cheryl Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 2:37 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Press Release.doc Attachments: image001.jpg PRESS RELEASE \.)L 1 r U _ , 2 006 vAL C C T 10N - A'1rRUwL 4A L Addison Wesley Longman One Jacob Way Polls open 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Deadline to register to vote for the upcoming April 4th election is Wednesday, March 15, 2006. The Town Cleric's Office will be open for voter registration until 8 p.m. on March 15, 2006. Voters who registered for the first time by mail and have never voted before in Massachusetts may be required to show identification when they vote because of the Help America Vote Act of 2002 passed by Congress. Acceptable identification must include the voter's name and the address at which they are registered to vote, for example: a current and valid government issued photo identification, current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, or government check. Voters will be electing a Moderator, Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Board of Assessors, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Town Meeting Members, and voting- on a charter change. DOG LICENSING Town Cleric, Cheryl A. Johnson, reminds the 800 hundred plus 3/13/2006 Wednesday, October 13 is the deadline for registering to vote in the November 2 election Page 2 of 2 Reading dog owners that have not yet licensed their dog that come April 1St a Five Dollar ($5.00) fine kicks in! If dogs are not licensed by March 31, 2006, it will cost an extra $5.00 and an additional One Dollar ($1.00) on the first day of each succeeding month. To date, approximately 1,200 dogs have been licensed. All dogs, six months of age and older are required by law to be licensed each year. The annual license if Ten Dollars ($10.00) for every neutered male or spayed female dog and Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for every unaltered dog. If you are licensing your dog as a neutered male or spayed female for the first time, you must present a certificate from your veterinarian. Additionally, all dogs must have current rabies certification (not invoice) before a license can be issued. When applying for your dog license, please bring a copy of your most recent rabies certificate with you. -e2 3/13/2006 03/15/2006 13:24 FAX. 5087999799 BRACRETr&LUCAS Q 001 BRACKETT & Y,UCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STREET WORCESTER. MASSACHusETTs 01609 (508) 799-9739 Fax: (508) 799.9799 FACSIMILE TPANSMITTAL CALLING TELEFAX NU'4BER: 1-781-942-9071 DATE: March 15, 2006 TO: Camille: Anthony, Chair, Board of Selectmen Town of Reading FROM: Gary S. .Brackett, Town. Counsel RE: Change i:a Designation of Lead Counsel NUMBER OF PAGES (including transmittal sheet) : MESSAGE: ORIGINAL: X WILL FOLLOW WILL NOT F'OnLOW Confidentiality Notice The documents accompanying t,us facsimile transmittal contain information fr om th,w law firm ofSrackett Bs Lucas, which is confidential or privilevd. This information is intended to be for the use of the addressed individual or entity. If you are riot the intended recipient, be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information is prohibited. If you have received this transmittal in error, please notify us by' telephone immediately so that we can arrange for the retrieval of the documents at no cost to you- ,c 3 03/15/2008 13:24 FAX 5087999799 BRACKETT&LUCAS 1@002 GARY S. BRACKETT ELAINS M. LUCAS JOAN E, LANGSAM JUDITH A. PICKETT JOHN G. CANNON M. YVONNE GONZAI.EZ* JAMES T. MASTERALEHIS STEVEN C.FLETCHER** BI.LEN CALLAEAN DOU(VTTE DONNA GORSHEL COHEN HEATHER C. WHITE *AISO Admitted in CT **Also Admitted in MA and CO vIA FACSIMILE AND FIRST CLASS MAIL BRACKETT & LUCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STREET WORCMER, MASSACHUSETTS 01609 508-799-9739 Fax: 508-799.9799 W lmgmE 7sR OFFICE 365 WASHINGTON STREET WINCIIESTPR, MASSACHUSE17S 01890 781-729-1500 Fax: 781-729-5444 March. 15, 2005 Camille Anthony, Chair Reading Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: Change in Designation of Lead Counsel Lear Ms. Anthony: I am writing to advise: you that Joan Langsam has informed Blaine Lucas and myself that she will be resigning from Brackett sz Lucas to accept a position with another private law firm, Riemer and Braunstein, in their Burlington office. Ellen Callahan Doucette, who is also located in our Winchester office, will be taking over as lead counsel for Reading., In addition, I will `be continuing my role as supervisory counsel for Reading. Ellen has more than twenty years of experience as a municipal attorney and also served as a long-time member and former chairperson of the Westford Zoning Board of Appeals.' Her municipal experience includes sixteen years of service as full- time assistant city solicitor for the City of Woburn where she was exposed to the full range of legal issues affecting municipalities in the Commonwealth. I am enclosing a copy of Ellen's resume for your information. ctf 03/15/2006 13:24 FAX 5087999799 BRACKETI&LUCAS 0 003 March 15, 2006 Page 2 we will be available Hechenbleikner to discuss tx expects to complete her last Friday, March 21, :2005. She available to assist: us on an April. to meet with Town Manager Peter 1e transition process. Joan Langsarn day in the office with our firm on has also indicated that she will be as needed basis during the month of Please give me a call if YOU, the members of the Board of Selectmen, or Peter have any questiOrl$ regarding this matter. obviously, we are sorry to see Joan move on to another f irm but we wish her well and we thank her for all her years of service to the Town of E.eadixig on our behalf. Thank you for your courtesy and cooperation in, this matter. Very truly yours, h:Gary S. Brackett GSB/dsh Enclosure cc, Peter 1. Hechsnblei)cner, Blaine M. Lucas, Esquire Joan B. Langsam, Esquire Ellen Callahan. Doucette, Town manager (via facsimile) Esquire GS' 03/15/2006 13:24 FAX 5087999799 BRACRETMUCAS Ellett Callahan Doucette 3 Brookview Drive Westford, MA 01886 Email: ECDoacette@BrackettLueas.con4. Professional Experience Brackett & Lucas, 19 Cedar Street, Worcester, MA Associate 2002-Present u Engaged in the gE neral practice of law with an emphasis on municipal law, administrative law and land use. Representation provided to both public and private clients before federal and state courts, and municipal and state administrative agencies. The firm serves as Town Counsel: to eleven municipalities and as special counsel to a number of government agencies. Office of the City Soliuitor, City of Woburn, Woburn, MA Assistant City Solicitor 1986-2002 ❑ Representation provided for all stages of zoning and land use litigation including the drafting of pleadings and motions, depositions and trial practice, resulting in successful resolution of the majority of special permit denial, subdivision and variance appeals tried in the Land Court, Superior Court and .United States District Court u Representation provided for all stages of litigation from initial pleadings and discovery through trial in defense of claims filed pursuant to the Massachusetts Tort Claims Act, Federal Civil Rights Act and Massachusetts Civil Rights Act resulting in defendant's verdict and/or the grant of summary .judgment. Successfully negotiated and settled other matters. © Research and drAing of appellate briefs and oral argument before the Massachusetts Appeals Court a interact with and provide advice and counseling to city officials, boards and employees regarding various municipal matters on a daily basis including, but not limited to, the research, drafting and issuance of legal opinions o Representation provided for all stages of administrative proceedings before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, Civil Service Commission, Labor Relations Board and Board of Conciliation and Arbitration on matters involving appeals from the city's boards involving licensing issues and employment and labor disputes Q 004 c~ 03/15/2006 13:25 FAX 5087999799 BRACRETMUCAS 1@005 ❑ Drafting and review of municipal legislation including zoning and administrative ordinances Sole Practitioner, Wobum, MA 1983-1986 d Middlesex County Bar Advocate Program providing representation of indigent persons through all stages of the criminal process from arraignment through trial in the Woburn District Court and Lowell Jury of Six o Representation provided to clients through all stages of proceedings conducted in the Probate and Family Court including divorce, child support and custody and adoption issues. Drafting of wills and administration of estates 0 Representation provided to clients in personal injury claims from initial investigation, filing of pleadings, motions, depositions and trial Education Jurls'Doetor, 1983 Suffolk University Law School Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts, 1980 University of Massachusetts Boston, MA (Boston State College) Major: Political Science Minor: Psychology Professional Associations o Massachusetts Bar Association o Town Counsel and City Solicitors Association 0 Fourth Middle,lex Bar Association (Past President 1991-1992) Civic Associations o Westford Zoning Board of Appeals 1988-2002 o Board of Trustees, The Tidd Home Inc., Woburn, MA 19961-1998 CI 03/15/2006 13:26 FAX 5087999799 BRACKETT&LUCAS BRA.CKETT & LUCAS COUN +LORS AT LAW 19 CEDAR STEtE - WORCESTER. MASSACHUSETTS 01609 (508) 799.9739 Fax: (508) 799-9759 FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL CALLING TELEFAX N GER: 1-781-9429071 DATE: March 15, 2006 TO: Peter 1. Hechenbleiknex, Town Manager Town of ;Reading FROM: Gary S. :Brackett, Town Counsel RE: Change ire Designation of Lead Counsel NUMSER OF PAGES (including transmittal sheet): 5 MESSAGE- ORIGINAL: WILL.IrOLLOW X WILL NOT FOLLOW Confidentiality Notice 1@001/005 The documents accompanying this facsimile transmittal contain information from the law firm of Brackett & Lucas, which is confidential or privileged. This information is intended to be for the use of the addressed individual or entity. If you arc not the intended recipient; be aware that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or use of the contents of this information i~; prohibited. If you have received this transmittal in error, please notify us by. telephone immediately so that rte can arrange for the retrieval of the documents at no cost to you. A (!'111 1 03/15/2006 13:26 FAX 5087999799 BRACKETr&LLTCAS 11002/005 GARY S. BRACKETt' BLAINE M. LUCAS JOAN E. LANUSAM JUDrfH A. PICKETT JOHN G. GANNON M. YVONNE GONZALEZ* JAMES T. MASTBiALEXLS STEVEN C. FLETCHER** ELLEN CALLAHAN DOUCE'rTE DONNA GORSHBL CORN HEATHER C. WHITE *Also AdnuttW in CT **Also Adm itwd in ME and CO VIA FACSIMILE AND. FIRST CUkSS MAIL BR.A.CKETT & LUCAS COUNSELORS AT LAW 19 CEnAR STREET WORCESTER. MASSACHUSE'1"I'S 01609 508-799-9739 Fax; 508-759-9799 WINCHESTER OFFICE 165 WASHINGTON STREET WWCHESTER. MASSACHUSETTS 01890 781.729-1500 Fax; 781-729-5444 Parch 15, 2006 Camille .Anthony, Chair Reading Board of Selectmen "Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01$67 RE: Chanqe irl Designation of Lead Counsel Dear Ms. .Anthony: I am writing to advise you that Joan Lancgsam has informed Elaine Lucas and Itriself that she will be resigning from Brackett & Lucas to accept a position with another private law firm, Riemer and Braun5itein, in their Burlington office. Ellen Callahan Doucette, who is also located in our Winchester office, will be taking ove:_ as lead counsel for Reading. In.additi.on, I will be continuing my role as supervisory counsel for Reading. Ellen has more than twenty years of experience as a municipal attorney and a.lsc served as a long-time member and former chairperson of the Westford Zoning Board of Appeals. Her municipal experience ix;cludes sixteen years of service as full- time assistant city solicitor for the City of Woburn where she was exposed to -she full range of- legal issues affecting municipalities in the Commonwealth. I am enclosing a copy of Ellen's resume for your information. 03/15/2006 13:26 FAX 5087999799 BRACKETT&LUCAS Z003/005 March 15, 2006 Page 2 we will be available Hechenbleikner to discuss t1 expects to complete her last Friday, March 31, 2006. She available to assist us on an. April. to meet with; Tol-M Manager Peter to transition process. Joan LangsaM day in the office with our firm on has also indicated that she will be as needed basis during the month of Please give rte a call if you, the members of the Board of Selectmen, or Petr°r have any questions regarding this matter. Obviously, we are sorry to see Joan move on to another firm but we wish her well and we thank her for all her years of service to the Town of Reading on our behalf. Thank you, for your courtesy and cooperation in this matter. Very truly yours, IA paw Gary S. Brackett GSB/dsh Enclosure cc: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Elaine M. Lucas, Esquire Joan E. Langsam, Esquire Ellen Callahan Doucette, Town Manager (via facsimile) Esquire ~ o~ 03/15/2006 13:27 FAX 5087999799 BRACRETP&LUCAS Ellen Callahan Doucette 3 Brookview Drive Westford, MA 01 886 Email: ECDoucette@BradccttLucas,com (Professional Experience Brackett & Lucas, 19 Cedar Street, Worcester, MA Associate 2002-Present o Engaged in the general practice of taw with an emphasis on municipal law, administrative law and land use. Representation provided to both public and private clients before federal and state courts, and municipal and state administrative agencies. The firm serves as Town Counsel to eleven municipalities and as special counsel to a number of government agencies. Office of the City Solioitor, City of Woburn, Woburn, MA Assistant City Solicltor 1986-2002 ❑ Representation provided for all stages of zoning and land use litigation including the drafting of pleadings and motions, depositions and trial practice, resulting in succecssful resolution of the majority of special permit denial, subdivision and variance appeals tried in the Land Court, Superior Court and United States District Court ❑ Representation pn:)vided for all stages of litigation from initial pleadings and discovery through trial in defense of claims filed pursuant to the . Massachusetts Tart Claims Act, Federal Civil Rights Act and Massachusetts Civil Rights Act resulting in defendant's verdict and/or the grant of summary judgment. Successfully negotiated and settled other matters. ❑ Research and dra,ling of appellate briefs and oral argument before the . Massachusetts Appeals Court ❑ Interact with and provide advice and counseling to city officials, boards and employees regarding various municipal matters on a daily basis including, but not limited to, the research, drafting and issuance of legal opinions Q 004/005 ❑ Representation provided for all stages of administrative proceedings before the Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, Civil Service Commission, Labor Relations Board aid Board of Conciliation and Arbitration on matters involving appeals,;rom the city's boards involving licensing issues and employment and labor disputes 03/15/2006 13:27 FAX 5087999799 BRACKETM UCAS ❑ Drafting and review of municipal legislation including zoning and administrative ordinances Sole Practitioner, Woburn, MA 1983-1986 © Middlesex Coy my Bar Advocate Program providing representation of indigent persons through all stages of the criminal process from arraignment through trial in the Woburn District Court and Lowell Jury of Six o Representation provided to clients through all stages cf proceedings conducted in the Probate and Family Court including divorce, child support and custody and adoption issues. Drafting of wills and administration of estates c, Representation provided to clients in personal injury claims from initial investigation, filing of pleadings, motions, depositions and trial Education Juris Doctor, 1983 Suffolk University Law School Boston, MA Bachelor of Arts, 1980 University of Massa0usetts Boston, MA (Boston State College) Major: Political Science Minor: Psychology Professional Associations o Massachusetts Bar Association o Town Counsel and City Solicitors Association o Fourth Middlesex Bar Association (Past President 1991-1992) Civic Associations o Westford Zoning Board of Appeals 1988-2002 o Board of Trustees, The Tidd Home Inc., Woburn, MA 1996-1998 Q 005/005 C/ Y ppreclation of 2006 his Cert~x bath ° .versary In lv~-a~ bringing XS Awarded t i. 5e A.nni ni 5' se ce for °l the comma h and energy he Ce lebrate° ding ~ . oatstan rd 'W°r 5 A3pon t tion of thejr creativity' ha those 50 year apprecla their and ealty over rd.ening and CO tb.e j°~ ga m-ent of the~.r arch Z®06 the Ketter .21st day of ,Given thls of seleet~ oa~d en the R-eading By 1 ~ f k ' - ~2ead 21DS EE3 AM 10: 59 i coo x~ 11 h T-M 1 ~ f y t xA- 'GrL2deii ;2 ice E2 ick~on :man Avenue A ' MA 01867 3 _.{4 The Reading JCaaden Ciag w.iii le ce ie &aa~ ~n y ~ i~~ y yea2.s 4 t o the i2 o2yanizat.ioa this 3/2iz.ing.i Ile ate piann-iny on 1utt.iny : a oyethea a 3c/za/?gook /o2 the occasion that w.iL.L .L-ist the many' ` ~y~lZ"zojectz, we have been invoPvecL with th2ouyh the yea/z,3. &/,e have ivo2ked with you on many IZ2oject6, .some that come to mind arze lay CeLe&/zat.ionz, 72ee City llSA, lien Nicho.L.s Day, ,4ano Ld ggo _ eagea [lay, piant-ings we had % au.L S.t,7on9 do at Iowa Ilae.L, with O } $ f-aom out Exxon 7lwaad, out R2o ject with the IVB744, to ~eaut icy the Depot, 12_9ant-ings at the L.ignazy and Downtown, and of couase n; i adopt An lziand.- I am a.L.so w~z.it.iny to Camz.L.Le, led Nclaty~ze,~ Calzoe Iluyhe•6, and Ruth U./ze.Le ahkiny /o2 .the.iiz he.912 with thiz.i 'Gle weae hoping that you wou.Ld .Like to Ae .inc.Luded in out pnoject - ~u ` y .sending us a citat.ion .stat.iny ouiz -iavo Lvement with yozc.l Ile s u ~ ~vouLd Like to have th.i.6 Fy Na2ch .th.i2ty-)e.i.1Z,3.t, •so we can izu.t AN" u `t z rt eve2 yt h in y t o yet hea and d.i612.La y it at out ,4nnua L ('lee tin y the i.zst pa.,zt o/ May.i Ile a/ze hoping to a-Lzo d-i piay this ,ook, _vu !RP {I cit the Reading L.ibzaay, /oz the c.i.t.izenz oZ ou2 community 7 o gook it ove/z.1 Ie you have any quezt.ioaz, p ease 4ee.L ~e2ee to contact me at 789-944-4066.1 Ile enjoyed wo2k.i.ny with you : nd hope you w-iL-L heep us with th.i.6 p.¢oject. S.inceize.Ly, rW d _M. - 13e~ E2 ,3 On, /JCL t S GCL tr ,ylk. •_,.ia y~'''M - - ' S f 4 r 1 Q 3 *i } rz=x 1 _ '`.t z-f -lux. i - V'a-. W. PROCLAMATION ARBOR DAY WHEREAS: In 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees; and WHEREAS: This holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska, and Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world; and WHEREAS: Trees reduce the erosion of our precious topsoil by wind and water, cut heating and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen. and provide habitat for wildlife; and WHEREAS: Trees are a renewable resource giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires and countless other wood products; and WHEREAS: Trees in our Town increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community, and wherever they are planted are a source of joy and spiritual renewal; and WHEREAS: Reading has been recognized as a Tree City, U.S.A. by the National Arbor Day Foundation for 21 years, and desires to continue its tree-planting ways. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim April 28, 2006 as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading, and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands, and plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well being of this and future generations. THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN Camille W. Anthony, Chairman Richard W. Schubert, Vice Chairman Joseph G. Duffy, Secretary James E. Bonazoli Ben Tafoya '94, 1 MEMO To: Board of Selectmen From: Peter I. Hechenbleikner Date: 2/9/2006 Re: Response to 2005 Audit Management Letter I am pleased to present the following responses from the Departments relative to the Auditor's recommendations included in the 2005 Audit Management Letter, a copy of which is also attached. PRIOR YEARS RECOMMENDATIONS #1 Implement regular Departmental Audits The Town Accountant reviews the posting of all cash receipts and warrants for paying all town bills. This review process includes consideration of town policy and procedures related to receipts and payment of invoices. The Town Accountant will request copies of all grants and contracts in order to include Grant Eligibility and Chapter 30 B compliance as part of this review. #2 Submit Timelv Reauests for State Chapter 90 Reimbursements The Engineering Division generally prepares reimbursements twice a year. Once in June to close out the fiscal year, and once in the December/January time frame to close out the bills from the remainder of the construction -season. We don't usually have a large number of reimbursements in June because at best, we have only processed bills for April and May (the first two months of the construction season). The finance department has requested that we do reimbursements in June to coincide with the end of the fiscal year. The December/January reimbursements are really done as a matter of convenience. The construction season has ended and we are generally a bit slower and can find the time to do reimbursements. While the addition of one more reimbursement will probably help the cash flow situation, the December/January reimbursement will likely be the largest because of the lack of timely billing by contractors. Many of the contractors we deal with do not always submit monthly pay estimates. Because they are very busy during the construction season, they often fall behind on their billing and we receive a glut of bills in the fall. In fact, we often times have to ask the contractors to submit a bill just so we can see where we stand on budget. So, while we will ® Page 1 ~ ~ 1 probably see some improvement to the cash flow, we will likely be receiving the lion's share of our reimbursements after the construction season is over. Beginning on January 1, 2006 we will submit reimbursement requests each year on: January 1st June 30th September 30th #3 - Improve Controls - School Kinderaarten Proqrams As the letter indicates, in FY06 we centralized the accounting for the school kindergarten program within the Finance Office of the School Department. • Policies and procedures are currently being developed regarding the invoicing, collection, receipt, recording and turnover of kindergarten tuition receipts which will incorporate the town's cash receipts policies as well as the recommendations of the auditors. • We agree that receipt forms are not currently pre-numbered and will make that correction for FY07. • We disagree with the findings regarding outstanding receivables lists. Currently, outstanding receivables are tracked using an Excel spreadsheet and are updated on a weekly basis. • We disagree with the findings on endorsement of checks. All checks are stamped "For Deposit Only - Town of Reading" at the time of receipt. • We disagree with the finding regarding segregation of duties. Currently invoicing for kindergarten tuition is performed by the school secretaries with copies sent to the Finance Office. The Administrative Assistant receives and records all receipts, and the Director of Finance is responsible for turnover of receipts to the Town Finance Office. CURRENT YEAR RECOMMENDATIONS #4 Develop Ambulance Billinq Write-off Policy The Town of Reading has instituted an Ambulance Billing Policy that addresses our billing procedure, acceptance of payments, abatement policy and when ambulance receivables will be written off as uncollectible. The Town of Reading is aware not all ambulance bills will be paid. Therefore, all ambulance receivables as of June 1St of each year that are more than twelve months old will be determined to be uncollectible and written off. It is the policy of the Town of Reading to grant a reduction in fees or a waiver of payment due to a financial hardship. Patients may apply for a reduction in fees, a waiver of payment or request a payment plan. All requests for abatement will be submitted to the Chief of the Fire Department for review and determination of eligibility. A full copy of the policy is attached. 0 Page 2 3 6z. #5 Improve Controls - Assessing Office • The Assessor's Office does maintain a log to track abatements and remaining balances of the overlay accounts. A copy of this document is included. • The Assessors will communicate this information on a monthly basis to the Town Accountant. • The Assessors present information annually to the Board of Selectmen - they will provide a more frequent update as required. #6 Improve Controls - Athletic Revolving Accounts • We agree that policies and procedures specific to the Athletic program need to be developed. Currently, the town's cash receipt procedures and policies are used as a guideline. Specific policies and procedures will be developed for FY07. • We disagree with respect to turnover forms identifying the source of revenue. Currently, the Athletic Director is responsible for completing and signing all turnover forms. We have reviewed a random sample of these forms and see that they all indicate a specific source of revenue. . • Detailed activity records and a receipt log do exist, however, need to be improved so as to provide a better trail between turnovers and registrations. The athletics office has been instructed to create such a log using Excel so that this information can be better tracked. • We agree that user fee registrations are filed alphabetically rather than by date or activity. This is done so that the forms can be located more easily when necessary. In the future, the receipt log that is maintained in Excel will include the date of receipt and the activity so that this information can be sorted by these fields. • We disagree with the finding that the individual responsible for counting gate receipts is the same individual preparing the turnover. Currently, game staff is responsible for counting gate receipts and the athletic director then recounts the receipts and prepares and signs the turnover forms. • We disaaree with the finding that checks are not endorsed at the time of receipt. All checks are stamped using the Town's endorsement stamp at the time of receipt. #7 Periodically Discuss Fraud Prevention with Emplovees The Town Accountant will draft a procedure on what action should be taken if an employee suspects or detects fraud. In conjunction with the Town Manager and Human Resource Director, a policy will be developed for employees to follow in the event of suspected or discovered fraud. The information will be communicated via department meetings and employee newsletters. #8 Improve Controls - School Lunch Program • We agree that policies and procedures specific to the food service program need to be developed. Currently, the town's cash receipt 0 Page 3 3 1,3 procedures and policies are used. Specific policies and procedures will be developed for FY07. We agree that cash registers are not used at the elementary level. During the 2006-07 school year, the cash registers will be installed at the elementary schools. We agree that cash register tapes at the High School and Middle School are not included in the daily turnovers to the food service office. We will incorporate this practice as of February 1, 2006. We disagree with the finding that turnovers do not differentiate cash from checks. Each school identifies cash and checks and the deposit sheets list them as well. 0 Page 4 364 UPDATED 12/08/2005 OVERLAY ACCOUNT BALANCES AS OF 09/30/2005 FY1994 FY1995 FY1996 FY1997 FY1998 FY1999 TAX RATE 16:69 17.34 16.38 16.62 16.13 15.89 BALANCE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 207.93 P.P. OUSTNDNG 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 R.E. OUSTNDNG 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 A.T.B. EXPOSURE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 CH 58 SEC 8 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 SURPLUS 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 207.93 FY2000 FY2001 FY2002 FY2003 FY2004 FY2005 TAX RATE 14.79 13.51 12.24 11.49 12.23 12.57 BALANCE 0.00 0.00 78,276.12 57,612.49 194,759.03 217,035.52 P.P. OUSTNDNG 0.00 0.00 4,664.14 4,368.75 2,404.62 2,106.33 R.E. OUSTNDNG 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 211,894.89 A.T.B. EXPOSURE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 37,711.20 60,944.40 CH 58 SEC 8 0.00 0.00 0.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 10,000.00 SURPLUS 0.00 0.00 73,611.98 43,243.74 144,643.21 (67,910.10) TOTAL SURPLUS FY1998 0.00 FY1999 207.93 FY2000 0.00 FY2001 0.00 FY2002 73,611.98 FY2003 43,243.74 FY2004 144,643.21 FY2005 (67,910.10) TOTAL 261,706.86 c~J ~1 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2686 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager&l.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of. Selectmen k t FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: March 17, 2006 RE: Water Supply TOWN MANAGER (781) 942.6643 Following are notes, emails, and a listing of telephone calls from people who have provided input in the water supply issue. The intent of this discussion item on March 21, 2006, is for the Board of Selectmen to understand. all of the information that you have received to date, to request any additional information, and then move forward to the "Open House" on March. 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Library. At the Open House, staff and hopefully the Board will be available to meet with residents, hear their questions, comments and concerns, and have the residents "vote" on their preference for future water supply. We also hope to have someone from either DEP,or Weston Sampson at your meeting on the 21St to discuss the issue of vulnerability of our current water supply from contamination. PIH/ps 3G( 1 r r I MWRA Advisory Board 2005 Water Sewer. Retail Rate Survey 2005 COMBINED RETAIL WATER & SEWER RATES COMMUNITY CHARGE COMPARISONS $0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 $1,600 $1,800 Arlington Ashland Bedford NOTE: Charges are based on an annual water consumption of 12,000 cubic feet (approximately 90,000 gallons) 3c z Page - 3 77 2005 Water & Sewer Retail Rate Survey Water Sewer Combined Change Arlington (W/S)' $333.80 $315.60 $649.40 4.8% Ashland (S) 310.00 800.00 1,110.00 0.0% Bedford (S/partial W) 455.00 601.00 1,056.00 0.4% Belmont (W/S) 548.72 935.64 1,484.36 2.1% Boston (W/S) 352.68 476.32 829.00 0.0% Braintree (S) 222.60 597.00 819.60 4.8% Brookline (W/S) 504.00 612.00 1,116.00 3.9% Burlington (S) 135.90 263.40 399.30 9.8% Cambridge (S/partial W) 327.60 715.20 1,042.80 5.1% Canton (S/partial W) 346.80 577.80 924.60 8.3% Chelsea (W/S) 380.40 567.60 948.00 5.9% Chicopee (W) 278.00 336.42 614.42 18.8% Clinton (W/S) 216.00 162.00 378.00 0.0% Dedham (S) 515.44 878.40 1,393.84 0.9% Everett (W/S) 181.20 493.20 674.40 0.0% Framingham (W/S) 403.20 439.20 842.40 10.9% Hingham (S) 664.68 762.00 1,426.68 0.0% Holbrook (S) 279.60 492.00 771.60 16.3% Leominster (partial W) 200.00 184.00 384.00 2.1% Lexington (W/S) 355.20 820.00 1,175.20 1.0% Lynn (partial W) 286.43 528.26 814.69 5.2% Malden (W/S) 393.60 488.40 882.00 21.6% Marblehead (W) 442.00 656.00 1,098.00 11.4% Marlborough (partial W) 447.60 336.00 783.60 14.4% Medford (W/S) 363.60 759.60 1,123.20 0.0% Melrose (W/S) 439.20 675.00 1,114.20 9.5% Milton (W/S) 496.80 849.12 1,345.92 10.5% Nahant (W) 850.80 847.20 1,698.00 12.4% Natick (S) 233.40 760.40 99180 -5.2% Needham (S/partial W) 430.00 1,005.00 1,435.00 34.4% Newton (W/S) 436.40 608.00 1,044.40 6.9% ' Northborough (partial W) 347.76 396.56 744.32 27.8% Norwood (W/S) 359.52 527.04 886.56 7.4% Peabody (partial W) 265.80 356.40 622.20 0.0% Quincy (W/S) 351.60 582.12 933.72 6.2% Randolph (S) G ~ 228.00 ~573 60 - - 448.80 693 60 676.80 267.20 1 4.8% 5.5% z p -.,Reading (S) . . + . , t R.vere (W/S) 252.00 853.20 1,105.20 13.6% Saugus (W) 374.24 273.96 648.20 8.1% Somervil!e (W/S) 381.20 646.80 1,028.00 8.4% Stoneham (W/S) 390.00 750.00 1,140.00 5.6% Stoughton (Slpartial W) 408.24 780.00 1,188.24 2.5% Swampscott (W) 658.80 432.00 1,090.80 5.8% Wakefield (S/partial W) 456.00 824.00 1,280.00 7.6% Walpole (S) _ 452.40 575.71 1,028.11 3.8% Waltham (W/S) 256.56 455.64 712.20 0.2% Watertown (W/S) 368.12 661.20 1,029.32 0.0% Wellesley (S/partial W) 280.92 610.80 891.72 2.0% Westwood (S) 515.44 736.00 1,251.44 3.2% Weymouth (S) 389.28 736.84 1,126.12 9.0% Wilbraham (W) 288.00 315.60 603.60 6.3% Wilmington (S) 409.20 429.60 838.80 10.1% Winchester (S/partial W)' 244.80 259.80 504.60 0.0% Winthrop (W/S) 320.40 621.60 942.00 0.0% Woburn (S/partial W) 160.00 274.00 434.00 17.3% Worcester (partial W) 285.60 298.56 584.16 9.0% AVERAGE $372.29 $572.89 $945.17 6.3% The following communities do not provide municipal sewer services and therefore are not listed: Lynnfield Water Dis trict, South Hadley Fire District tl t• Southborough and Weston. 'Arlington and Winchester utilize the debt ser ico exclusion as permuted un der General Law 59 Section 21C(t)). MWRA Advisory Board Page - 6 r "AS ILI MWRA Advisory Board 2005 Water & Sewer Retail Rate Survey Water Sewer Arlington (W/S)' $333.80 $315.60 Ashland (S) - 800.00 Bedford (S/partial W) 455.00 601.00 Belmont (W/S) 548.72 935.64 Boston (WIS) 352.68 476.32 Braintree (S). - 597.00 Brookline (W/S) 504.00 612.00 Burlington (S) 263.40 Cambridge (S/partial W) 327.60 715.20 Canton ($/partial W) 346.80 577.80 Chelsea (W/S) 380.40 567.60, Chicopee (W) 278.00 - Clinton (WIS) 216.00 162.00 Dedham (S) - 878.40 Everett (W/S) 181.20 493.20 Framingham (WIS) 403.20 439.20 Hingham (S) - 762.00 Holbrook (S) - 492.00. Leominster (partial W) 200.00 - Lexington (WIS) 355.20 820.00, Lynn (partial W) 286.43 - Lynnfield (W) 302.00 - Malden (WIS) 393.60 488.40 Marblehead (W) 442.00 Marlborough (partial W) 447.60 • Medford (W/S) 353.60 759.60 Melrose (WIS) 439.20 675.00 Milton (W/S) 496.80 849.12 Nahant(W) 850.80 - Natick (S) - 760.40 Needham (S/partial W) 430.00 1,005.00 Newton (WIS) 436.40 608.00 Northborough (partial W) 347.,76 - Norwood (W/S) 359.52 527.04• Peabody (partial W) 265.80 - Quincy (W/S) 351.60 582.12 Randolph (S) - 448.80 F i Reading (S) - 693.60 Revere (WIS) 252.00 853.20, Saugus (W) 374.24 - Somerville (WIS) 381.20 646.80, South Hadley (W) 348.80 - Southborough (W) 301.08 Stoneham (WIS) 390.00 750.00 Stoughton (S/partial W) 408.24 780.00 Swampscott (W) 658.80 - Wakefield (Slpartial W) 456.00 824.00 Walpole (S) - 575.71 Waltham (WIS) 256.56 455.64 Watertown (WIS) 368.12 661.20 Wellesley (S/partial. W) 280.92 610.80 Weston (W) 168.40 - Westwood (S) - 736.00 Weymouth (S) - 736.84, Wilbraham (W) 288.00 - Wilmington (S) - 429.60 Winchester(S/partial W)` 244.80 259.80 Winthrop(WIS) 320.40 621.60 Woburn (Slpartial W) 160.00 274.00 Worcester (partial W) 285.60 - AVERAGE $362.53 $616.38 Percent change . 11.2% 3.9% ✓Jater and Sewer Charges are based on an annual water consumption of 12,000 cubic feet (approximately 90,000 gallons). 'Arlington and Winchester utilize the debt service exclusion as permitted under General Law 59 Section 21 C(n). Page - 5 Notes from Selectmen Forum of March 14, 2006 All five members of the Board of Selectmen plus the Town Manager and Assistant Town Manager were present. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the "slide show" that was also available on the website. There were eight phone calls as follows: 1. Bill Brown suggested we build a new Water Treatment Plant at the old Compost Center site. 2. Fred Van Magness felt that we should build a new Water Treatment Plant. 3. A caller was concerned about potential pollution of the Town's wells and recommended going to the MWRA. 4. Jamie Maughan recommended going to the MWRA. 5. The caller asked who makes the decision on this matter and, suggests that we promoted rain barrels. 6. The caller wondered whether if we went to MWRA whether the aquifer district restrictions could be lifted. 7. Bill Brown called again to say that the current Water Treatment Plant was built in 1931. 8. John Wood called favoring the construction of a new Water Treatment Plant. 3c S MWRA Tallv Sheet Name Everett Blodget Virginia Blodget Ms. Durell Webb I Snyder I IRWA Giunta Gill Finch I Van Magness Mass Audubon Ehl I For MWRA YES YES YES I YES Build New WTP~ YES YES I YES YES YES YES YES YES 3cb Hechenbleikner Peter From: GaryH [gehylan58@earthlink.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:25 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Reading Water Supply concerns Hello, my name is Gary Hylan of 12 Boyce St., Reading. I am very much in favor of keeping the Ipswich River Basin as our primary source of drinking water and supplimenting with MWRA water. The reasons I favor this plan over going completely,to the MWRA source is: 1) Control of the source. 2) My father lives in Wakefield,- which is a*MWRA supplied town and his water bill is very high compared to what we are paying in Reading. 3) I fear the loss of the Ipswich River basin as an optional source- According to the article in the March 15 Chronicle the town can't change their mind and go back to using the basin after switching to the MWRA. 4) I don't the take or leave it attitude of the MWRA. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion. Regards Gary Hylan 1 3c-7 "lass Audu Don prod" t1w Nate, of ~t~tass~ is 2@41«AR 15 AM 10. 23 March 13, 2006 Camille Anthony, Chairman Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chairman Anthony and Members of the Board: As you know, Mass Audubon has been concerned for many years regarding the impacts of Reading's wells on the Ipswich River and our sanctuary. We are writing to support the proposed purchase of Reading's water supply from the MWRA, so that the town can discontinue the use of its Ipswich River Watershed wells. The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is Mass Audubon's largest sanctuary and is located in the Towns of Topsfield, Hamilton and Wenham. Eight miles of the Ipswich River meander through the woods and meadows of this 2,272-acre sanctuary north of Boston. The floodplain forest consists of silver maple and occasional river birch and open meadows of reed canary grass and rare sedges line its course. The Great Wenham Swamp, the largest wetland on the North Shore, is part of the sanctuary and provides habitat for rare birds such as the American Bittern, rails,, and pied-billed grebe. The ecological and recreational values of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary are impacted by the Ipswich River's severe low-flow problems. The river's fisheries are especially impacted, resulting in the loss of flow-dependent fish species including fallfish and brook trout. Water quality is also impaired; dissolved oxygen, which is critical to healthy aquatic ecosystems and water quality, plummets in summer low-flow periods. Recreational values suffer from low-flows that make the river inaccessible or impassable for canoes and kayaks; in fact, last summer Mass Audubon had to cancel a number of programs because there was insufficient water in the river. The aesthetic values of the river are also seriously compromised during low-flow periods. The United States Geological Survey's modeling of water supply alternatives shows that water withdrawals by Reading and others diminishes summer flows by an order of magnitude (i.e. one - tenth of what they would be naturally). Even a 50% reduction in withdrawals, similar to what Reading originally proposed, will have only marginal benefits to the river. Ceasing use of the wells, either seasonally, during low-flow periods, or year-round, will make a significant difference toward restoring healthy water levels. 3c8 208 South Great Road • Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 , tel 781.259.9500 ~ fax 781.259,8899 • www.massaudubon,org Mass Audubon recognizes that Reading has proposed to purchase some water from MWRA to supplement its supply in summer, but this purchase is not sufficient to allow the Town to stop using the wells during low-flow periods. We urge the Town to take action now toward allowing the wells to be shut down completely during the May through October period, and year-round if necessary, to avoid further damage to the Ipswich River. Thank you for your consideration. Acerely, Laura A. i hnson President cc: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 3c9 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: RCTV CBB [cbb@rctv.org] Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 12:11 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: Schena, Paula . Subject: Fwd: Water treatment'plant vs. MWRA for March 14th discussion (questions) Begin forwarded message: From: "Janet Ehl" <ianeh1Ocomcast.net> Date: March 13, 2006 10:52:30 PM EST To: <forum(a),rctv.ora> Subject: Water treatment plant vs. MWRA for March 14th discussion (questions) Hi Thanks for the opportunity to ask some questions about this topic. My questions and comments are as follows: . 1.) My understanding is that a state law currently exists which states something to the effect of "if a town has a currently viable water supply (which Reading does) then the town has to utilize that source" - do you know if this law currently exists and if so is Reading receiving some exemption from if? 2.) The MWRA recently completed a new water treatment plant - would this be the one providing Reading its' water supply? Related to this -1 would imagine the MWRA would like more customers to, in essence, pay for this plant -what expectation on fee increases does the MWRA predict over the next 5-10 years? 3.) My last concerns may be more of comments than questions but I would like to hear your opinions on this: If the town of Reading moves to the MWRA instead of building a new water treatment plant - I would see this as a move of no return - I can't imagine a scenario where we could move back - I am sure the resistance by Ipswich River commission or related groups would be great and the future costs too high. Building a new water treatment plant seems safer, more in the control of the town, probably less expensive when you get beyond the first 10-20 years, and if an emergency happens we have MWRA back-up. Maybe a much safer move than being part of a water supply that feeds many communities if we want to even discuss the risk of terrorism. Thanks for your time and thoughts. Janet Ehl Franklin Street A 0 3/14/2006 Pagel of 2 Schena, Paula From: Phil Rushworth [phil@rctv.org] Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:58 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: Fwd: Questions for Water Program Question for Selectmen forum Begin forwarded message: From: "Peg" <"ea0-110.net> Date: March 13, 2006 7:48:50 PM EST To: <forumO_rctv.ora> Subject: Questions for Water Program Thanks for allowing input on the water situation in Reading. I will start with a few questions, then add my comments. These questions relate to emergency preparedness 1. What would the impact be on either system if a prolonged power outage occurred? Is either system system more vulnerable to a power outage or shortage? 2. Are there situations in which water could not be provided to the town? 3. Are there any plans in place for back-up teams to cover water distribution and systems maintenance in the event the regulars are not available to do their jobs (e.g. due to regional disaster, illness, quarantine, etc.?) The next questions relate to fluorine in the water supply. 1. Many experts around the world say adding fluorine the water supply is potentially dangerous to individuals. Most of Europe has banned the practice, and there has been considerable debate across the u.s. and also in Massachusetts in recent months. For example,.see: httD://www.fluoridealert.orp,/ Has or will reading address this issue? 3 Colt 3/14/2006 Page 2 of 2 In my opinion, local control over town water supplies could be beneficial to the community. While availing the town to mwra water supplies would address certain issues, it would substantially decrease reading's control over it's own water supply. I think that control over the town's water supply is important if we want to seriously reconsider the value of fluoridation of our drinking water. Because the mwra floridates its water, our continued reliance on the mwra would constrain our ability to seriously debate this important issue. I have started to seriously question the value of floridation. While i am aware that reading has floridated its municipal water for many decades, the time may be ripe to directly address the issue. In effect, fluoridation is a process of medicating the water supply, which in the age of fluoride toothpaste is arguably not necessary. And it is not without its risks. Recent studies conducted by harvard university show that fluoride in drinking water increases the risks for certain cancer in young boys. As a mother of a young boy, it is my opinion that the issue demands a thorough analysis. 2. Would it be possible to raise the question of water flouridation by ballot initiative, or at town meeting? I would be in favor of using MWRA water if they leave the decision to fluorinate the water on a local level. Thank you. Peg Raciti 26 Barbara Lane 3/14/2006 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Kristin Barr [kbarr@massaudubon.org] Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 3:37 PM To: Reading - Selectmen; Town Manager Subject: Reading's water supply Attachments: ReadingBoS1.doc NWIN F~i ReadingBoSl.d oc (552 KB) To whom it.may concern, Please take.a few moment to read the attached letter from Laura Johnson regarding the proposed purchase of Reading's water supply from the MWRA. A hard copy of this letter will. follow in the mail. Regards, Kristin Kristin Barr Executive Assistant Mass Audubon 781-259-2101 781-259-2301 (fax) <<ReadingBoSl.doc>> 3ci3 1 r ass AudU Don Prot" M~-, Natar& f~ta~sac;Gutisetts March 13, 2006 Camille Anthony, Chairman Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chairman Anthony and Members of the Board: As you know, Mass Audubon has been concerned for many years regarding the impacts of Reading's wells on the Ipswich River and our sanctuary. We are writing to support the proposed purchase of Reading's water supply from the MWRA, so that the town can discontinue the use of its Ipswich River Watershed wells. The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is Mass Audubon's largest sanctuary and is located in the Towns of Topsfield, Hamilton and Wenham. Eight miles of the Ipswich River meander through the woods and meadows of this 2,272-acre sanctuary north of Boston. The floodplain forest consists of silver maple and occasional river birch and open meadows of reed canary grass and rare sedges line its course. The Great Wenham Swamp, the largest wetland on the North Shore, is part of the sanctuary and provides habitat for rare birds such as the American Bittern, rails, and pied-billed grebe. The ecological and recreational values of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary are impacted by the Ipswich River's severe low-flow problems. The river's fisheries are especially impacted, resulting in the loss of flow-dependent fish species including fallfish and brook trout. Water quality is also impaired; dissolved oxygen, which is critical to healthy aquatic ecosystems and water quality, plummets in summer low-flow periods. Recreational values suffer from low-flows that make the river inaccessible or impassable for canoes and kayaks; in fact, last summer Mass Audubon had to cancel a number of programs because there was insufficient water in the river. The aesthetic values of the river are also seriously compromised during low-flow periods. The United States Geological Survey's modeling of water supply alternatives shows that water withdrawals by Reading and others diminishes summer flows by an order of magnitude (i.e. one - tenth of what they would be naturally). Even a 50%.reduction in withdrawals, similar to what Reading originally proposed, will have only marginal benefits to the river. Ceasing use of the wells, either seasonally, during low-flow periods, or year-round, will make a significant difference toward restoring healthy water levels. 3clY 208 South Great Road Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 tel 781.259.9500 fax 781.259.1089 www.massaudubon.org Mass Audubon recognizes that Reading has proposed to purchase some water from MWRA to supplement its supply in summer, but this purchase is not sufficient to allow the Town to stop using the wells during low-flow periods. We urge the Town to take action now toward allowing the wells to be shut down completely during the May through October period, and year-round if necessary, to avoid further damage to the Ipswich River. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, . Laura A. Johnson President. cc: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager 3c.rr 203 South Great Road Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 tel 781.259.9500 fax 781.259.1089 www.massaudubon.org Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Steve Crampe [scrampe@crosofma.com] Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 3:57 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Water Treatment Plant Peter, I was watching the discussion on the $24 Million dollar water treatment plant the other night. I heard POS and CONS from both sides. Questions How many other.communities draw water from the Ipswich? How stable are their treatment plants? Can Reading partner with the other communities to create our own little water resource association? If this is possible, What are the POS and CONS? Steve Crampe 12 Putnam Road Reading, MA 306 I Hechenbleikner, Peter From: McIntire, Ted Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2006 10:43 AM. To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: Water Treatment Plant See comments in document, following each question. Ted -----Original Message----- From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 4:59 PM To: LeLacheur, Bob; McIntire, Ted Subject: FW: Water Treatment Plant -----Original Message----- From: Steve Crampe [mailto:scrampe@crosofma.com] Sent: Monday, March 06, 2006 3:57 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Water Treatment Plant Peter, I was watching the discussion on the '$24 Million dollar water treatment plant the other night. I heard POS and CONS from both sides. Questions How many other communities draw water from the Ipswich? - 13 How stable are their treatment plants? - unknown Can.Reading partner with the other communities to create our own little water resource association? - The Town is considering purchasing 100% MWRA,water as an alternative to constructing a new water treatment plant. The Town had also considered purchasing water from the Town of Andover, but the MWRA option was more feasible in regards to constructability and implementability. If this is possible, What are the POS and CONS? Steve Crampe 12 Putnam Road Reading, MA 1 February 28, 2006 Elaine L. Webb 309 Pearl Street To: Reading Board of Selectmen Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner Assistant Town Manager, Robert LeLacheur Re: Water Treatment Plant Decisions for the Town of Reading Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, Firstly, I would like to apologize for my lateness in sharing my perspective with you on this weighty decision that I know you are struggling with. I believe that our Town's journey on this decision has already been a long one. My own participation began with the tour of the water treatment facility that was offered to Town Meeting members almost two years ago. My own thinking on this decision has oscillated over this time period as external factors have changed. Some of these factors are; water conservation, status of the Ipswich, volatility in the MWRA rates, the impact of the salamanders, possible impacts to our compost, and the projected financial impact. At this juncture, I believe that a decision to abandon our own water source would bankrupt future generations in Reading in order to feel less financial pain in the present. We must recognize that our own plant in our own town is an anomaly in our country that.we must prize. The list below highlights several important reasons to maintain our commitment to our water source. • Avoid being held captive to the certainty of MWRA continual rate escalation at levels we've not seen in Reading. • Our own plant in conjunction with our summer supplemental MWRA purchase provides an important redundant supply AND allows us to protect our local water source during peak usage. • Reading has taken a strong proactive stand on conservation and protection of the Ipswich. We have wanted to be a community leading change in how we use this precious resource. Reading needs to stay vested in the Ipswich River community and continue that role. G • The location of the new plant must be optimized for the long term and it must continue to enable the operation of Reading's composting area. The compost area provides considerable benefits to our community that can absolutely not be provided with curbside pick up. Many people initially thought that if we went 100% to MWRA that we would be able to "water our lawns whenever we want". We know that it not true even with our supplemental purchase. As citizens, we must make thet hard decisions that are required to protect the environment for future generations. Maintaining our Town's water supply will engender conservation ability and awareness that we would not have if we purchase all our water from MWRA. Equally as important, it will allow us to maintain control over the costs, supply, and quality of our water. I appreciate your tireless work on this critical issue facing our town. Respectfully, Elaine L. We66 Elaine L. Webb Douglass E. Webb 309 Pearl Street 3 C 19 4-1 C a~ Schena, Paula From: Bo or Gina [bogina03@earthlink.net] Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2006 7:16'PM To: Reading - Selectmen; Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: LeLacheur; Bob; tmcintyre@ci.reading.ma.us Subject: On the topic of MWRA buy-ih February 18, 2006 Selectmen & Town Manager Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading MA.01867 Dear Selectmen and town Manager: As you know, I have been participating in the decision making process regarding what the town should donto address water supply issues. As a long-time and founding member of the Reading.-North Reading Ipswich River Stream Team, one of my goals has been to protect the river. I have given alot of thought to whether I should write,.and as I do riot know the time frame for discussions and decisions, and 1 am going to be on vacation, I have decided to send this letter with my thoughts at this time. I recognize that this is"a complicated decision that the town needs to make. However, as stated by our DPW in,'the December meeting after the presentation by the MWRA, there is currently no emergency as the 'Town is in.no danger of not meeting the latest standards for water quality. I believe that it is neither in the best interests of the town nor in the best interests of the river'to fully buy into the MWRA.•water supply. I say this in terms of looking very far ahead, and I believe that if the river is not a water supply, it will not be protected long term: All one needs to do is look at'what has happened on the North Reading side of the river, and while that type of development may be unlikely, who is to say what pressures will be on the town fifty or a hundred years from now. Since I'have lived here, I have seen the wetland resources in the town slowly eaten away. Additionally, the town should not forget the value of controlling the resources within the town. Water rights are predicted'to be a major issue by the end of this century. I also have spoken with water resource experts and from what they have said, I don't believe the cost estimates of what the MWRA water supply will cost are complete. Finally, since we do have the luxury of.not having an issue of non-compliance looming.over-us, thl, option of building the water plant on the existing site by utilizing a design that incorporates as much of the existing structure as possible sh0*4_..be evaluated. I support taking a step back and reconsidering the entire.scenario. Sincerely, Gina Snyder 11 Jadem Terrace . Reading 3 Lzo cc: Asst. Town Manager DPW Director t /C ' IPSWICH RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION PO Box 576, Ipswich, MA 01938 978-887-2313 fax 978-887-2208 March 6, 2006 Board of Selectmen Town Hall Reading, MA Dear Chairman and Members of the Board, The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) is writing to express our support for the proposed purchase of Reading's future water supply from MWRA, and to offer to assist the Town in implementing a water supply alternative which will protect the Ipswich River by ceasing the use of the town's wells, while ensuring the safety and sustainability of water for Reading's residents and businesses. ~:V,~ - IRWA has worked for more than a decade to address the extreme environmental degradation that occurs to the Ipswich River as a result of water withdrawals. Nowhere is that damage more ' severe and more chronic than adjacent to the Reading wells. The adverse impacts of Reading's Ipswich River wells have been thoroughly investigated and documented, and affect the river not only in Reading, but throughout its course downstream. IRWA believes that the dewatering of the river runs counter to a number of laws that protect rivers and associated wetlands, and may also infringe upon rights of Massachusetts citizens, riparian (riverfront) landowners, and communities downstream. IRWA recognizes how challenging this situation is. We are aware that the increased cost of building the new treatment plant has changed the alternatives analysis. We are concerned that the town may decide to continue to use the wells, despite the damage that they cause. In fact, the likelihood is that town would increase use of the wells and decrease the MWRA purchase, in order to justify and afford the expenditures on the treatment plant. We urge the Town not to take this path. Not only will this approach continue to degrade the Ipswich River ecosystem, but the town will continue to face management burdens and financial and regulatory risks. Use of the wells could be further restricted or prohibited in the future, because of the ecological degradation they cause. Quite conceivably, this could result in Reading having to pay to build the new water treatment plant, yet having to forgo its use from May through October or during low-flow periods. Nor are the risks and. issues strictly limited to the question of future authorization to use the wells. The town's water supply remains vulnerable to contamination from a variety of actual and potential sources, and the siting of the new water treatment plant near rare species habitat and sensitive wetlands represents an additional threat to environmental quality. As has already been demonstrated by the escalation in costs of the water treatment plant, the future costs of continued use of the town's wells is at best uncertain, and may well be higher than currently projected,. when all the concerns, and costs to address them, are fully accounted for. While MWRA water is also subject to cost increases, these costs are subject to very detailed forecasting and are shared among many communities. The state treasury has also, at times, absorbed some of these costs. We are aware that concerns have been raised that ceasing use of the Ipswich wells may not be allowed, due to the requirement that "viable sources" of water must be exhausted prior to approval of an interbasin transfer. We reiterate our prior comments that the Ipswich River wells are not a viable source in low-flow periods because of the environmental damage they cause. However, we note that the viability definition also incorporates an economic analysis by which the wells would not be considered viable if they are not a cost-effective source. We are also aware of concerns that, if the Ipswich River is no longer used as Reading's water supply, protection of the river would suffer. Presumably this refers to the protection of riparian land, not the river itself, because the indisputable fact is that the use of the wells destroys the river now, rather than protects it. If the wells are no longer used, the town can still protect this riparian land as a public asset for open space, recreation and ecological protection. As you know, IRWA originally supported the alternative of Reading purchasing sufficient water from the MWRA to cease using the Ipswich River wells during the May through October period, but to retain the use of the wells the rest of the year. However, we recognize that the economics of the situation have changed, with the cost of building a new treatment plant escalating sharply, so that the use of the local wells while purchasing sufficient water from the MWRA to meet all the town's summer demand may be cost-prohibitive. Based on this change in the economics of the partial use option, we have concluded that the best alternative to ensure the safety and sustainability of the town's water supply, while protecting the river, is to completely cease the use of the wells. IRWA stands ready to assist the Town of Reading in whatever way we can to assure a safe and sustainable water supply for Reading, while protecting the Ipswich River. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Kerry Mackin Executive Director cc: Peter Hechenbleilmer, Town Manager GZ~"10 3 March 6, 2005 Michelle Benson Town of Reading 230 Ash Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Dear Ms. Benson, . Local Governments for Sustainability ICLEI is pleased to welcome the Town of Reading as a full member of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainabiliiy. The Town of Reading is now part of an international network that consists of 1'65 US counties, towns, and cities and more than 600. local governments around the world. Attached is a resolution for the Town of.Reading to adopt regarding participating in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and working within ICLEI's milestone process to fight global warming. ICLEI program staff will contact.you and provide the CCP Toolkit and software along-with technical and policy assistance to identify and implement actions that reduce global warming pollution, reduce traffic congestion, improve local air quality, and increase the energy efficiency of Town operations. In your role as staff liaison to ICLEI and the Cities for Climate Protection program, you will receive ICLEI information designed solely for staff officials. ICLEI will help you and your colleagues from other ICLEI CCP'communities keep abreast of each other's programs and progress in climate protection efforts. ICLEI will also update you on grant opportunities, new publications and resources, upcoming workshops, and climate-related policies relevant to local elected officials, such as resolutions coming before NLC. Town Manager Hechenbleikner has, been identified to coordinate. interaction between your jurisdiction and ICLEI CCP as the liaison representing elected officials. Together you will keep the Town of Reading connected to ICLEI and the community as you work to fight global warming. Thank you for your payment of the Town's annual membership dues, which are payable every year on January 1. We're looking forward to working with the Town of Reading. Please contact me at (510) 844-0699 with comments or questions. Welcome to ICLEI and Cities for Climate Protection. Start using your membership today! Sincerely, Susan Ode Outreach Officer ICLEI-USA iCLE1 U.SA, inc. 43614th Street, Suite 1520 Oakland, California 94612, U.S.A. Phone: +1.5101844.0699 Fax: +1-51018440698 Email: loleLusa@lclel.org U.S. Regional Capacity Centers Northeast Mobile: +1-6171820-8038 Phone: +1-6171635.3853 Fax: +1-617/635-3435 Western States Mobile: +1.9701416-7942 Phone: +1-9703241273 Washington, DC Phone: +1-510-332A988 World Secretariat Toronto, Canada International Training Centre Freiburg, Germany Africa Secretariat Johannesburg, South Africa East Asia Japan Office: Tokyo, Japan Korea Office :Seoul, Korea European Secretariat Freiburg, Germany Latin America and Caribbean Secretariat Rio de Janeiro, 8raiii North America Canada Office: Toronto, Canada U.S.A. Office: Oakland, U.S.A. Oceania Secretariat Melbourne, Australia Southeast Asia Secretariat Manila, Philippines South Asia Secretariat New Delhi, India Project Offices China Indonesia Mexico Pagel of 1 t (C ~(f Hechenblefter, -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. ,Ao&q 1/11/2006 Page 1 of 1 C & C Hechenblelkner, Peter From: John & Natalie Gill [fisigill@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, January 09, 2006 7:36 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Town Manager Subject: MWRA water 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 is yellow and smells badly; I am hoping for a vast improvement so that my children can grow up drinking high quality water. In all honesty, the poor drinking water is the one true negative in Reading's quality of life index. Currently, we have to use three water filters to make our tap water acceptable to drink - a 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 lived in Melrose which has MWRA water and it tasted fine. It was such a shock to move to Reading and find that the water is sub-par. Please do whatever it takes to switch over to MWRA water. Thanks, Natalie Gill 12 Francis Drive Reading, MA 01867 781-944-7420 45cma" 1/9/2006 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: willfinch@juno.com Sent: Monday, February 06, 2006 1:09 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: MWRA buy in To the Board of Selectman, I would like to thank the Town.Hall staff for organizing the meeting with DEP concerning the town's purchase of MWRA water. It was a good exchange of information, and all parties benefited. I am glad I had the chance to attend. One point which I failed to make at the meeting concerns the fact, as I see it, is that at times of low flow the pumping of the wells has an adverse impact on Reading wetlands, which is clearly a violation of the Wetlands Protection Act as administered by'DEP Wetlands Division. Of course I realize that the town has permits to withdraw water granted from a different department of DEP.I am not sure what DEP's position is on this contradiction. If Reading was successful in purchasing all o.f our water from the MWRA, Reading would come into compliance with Massachusetts wetland laws. Also, speaking as a citizen as well as a Conservation Commission member, a dilemma which has concerned me for some time would be eliminated, by the town coming into such compliance. I am speaking for myself, not for the Commission as a'whole. Thank you for wrestling with this difficult issue. Sincerely, Will Finch 3 Gzb 1 Page 1 of 2 Schena, Paula From: Fred Van Magness [vanmagness@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, December 05, 2005 12:47 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula; Hechenbleikner, Peter; woodengr@netzero.net Subject: Water Treatment Options Now that I have. had a chance to absorb the details from the BOS meeting of Nov. 29, 2005, 1 have a few comments that I would like you to consider. Any decision by the BOS to abandon the current in-house treatment of potable water is, in my opinion, unconscionable. Isn't anything sacred in Reading any more??? I cannot believe that there is even sustained discussion within the BOS about going 100% MWRA. There are too many risks, not the least of which is the inferior water quality of MWRA vs. current Reading in-house oversight/process, for the BOS to subject Reading residents to a 100% MWRA decision. Our Reading forefathers left all of us a legacy of pure, clean, reliable water. You_cannot,.gve this up this ASSET to Reading. by goinglkQ1 Forget about registration issues. There is no precedent for reductions/eliminations unless you voluntarily give them up. Don't be spooked by the Ipswich River Watershed folks. The town already acquiesced by switching a portion of our-load to MWRA at significant future cost to residents. Forget about looking for real incremental cost differences that will drive you to any one decision. As Mr. LeLacheur's fine analysis has pointed out, cost won't be a final determinant. Move on to "build" options. As for "build" options, your first choice should be to build on the current water treatment site and buy water from MWRA on a short term duration basis during construction. Yes, there is some up front cost of demolition, but incrementally, you will be demolishing the plant in some manner anyway. There are many advantages,. including not disrupting the existing compost center and avoiding "Not in my back yard" issues with Foster Circle, etc. The second choice should be the "OLD" compost site. Amove to this location or building on the current site will preserve yet another precious (to many) resource in the town, namely the existing compost center. Either of these choices also avoids a future Prop 2 1/2 override issue to cover the cost of curb-side pick-up. Reading (town side at least) doesn't have a successful track record on overrides. Either of these choices also avoids further burdening residents who will have to pay extra money out-of-pocket for bags to put leaves/grass in should you move to curbside pickup. And what would residents do with. the mountain of brush that ends up at Strout Ave. should the Compost Center disappear? If you want to look.at being environmentally friendly with any decision, then keeping a workable recycling program seems to be a wise choice. The last and certainly the most UNDESIRABLE choice from my perspective would be to use the existing compost site. This could be the most costly option to residents. As I see the process, I believe the BOS can make a decision now. Yes, it is sometimes desirable to check out the data. But the process you are embarking upon will bring you more data than you can handle, the data will be wildly variable, and will delay the decision process as you get into one rework loop after another trying to find an answer. I have seen prior BOS dwell over issues like this in the past and not take the leadership to move on. This board can move forward quickly and decisively if you choose. You have good data now. Financially, there isn't a solid answer that drives one option or another. But there is cost risk if you go with 100% MWRA..When did.a State governmental agency ever keep costs under control Ask yourselves the question ...If we go with 100% MWRA, is the BOS willing to step up and say that any cost increases above the 7% used in the study will be absorbed by the town operating budget over the 35 years Of course the answer is a strong NOM So why subject residents to the risk Seems to me that you need to have a short discussion, move the 100% MWRA option off the table and not waste any more time with it., Even your Water and Sewer Advisors say to forget MWRA. Nobody I hear from says this is even worthy of discussion, so why are you prolonging the discussion?? Why not listen to your advisors or, if their input is not valued enough to make a decision, then dismiss the group. as not needed. 30-1 3/13/2006 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager&l.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 1 FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: March 17, 2006 RE: Consideration of Sale of Land - Oakland Road TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-6643 The attached map shows land across Oakland Road from the Reading Memorial High School that is owned by the Town. This land is tax title land, and the Board of Selectmen has authority from Town Meeting to dispose of tax title land. This matter was on the Warrant for the Fall Town Meeting and at the request of the School Committee it was tabled. The School Committee was concerned that with all of the construction activities still taking place at the High School, they would not want additional activity taking place in the area until the High School is finished. This land represents a considerable asset to the Town. Under current zoning, it has approximately seven building lots to be developed. Building lots sold for $300,000 each (a conservative estimate in today's market) this site could yield over $2 million to the sale of real estate fund. I recommend that after Town Meeting is completed, the Board of Selectmen and the School Committee meet jointly to discuss this property. I would then suggest that the Board and staff with the Community Planning and Development Commission to analyze the property, determine the best use and determine a marketing plan. The Town may want to consider hiring a marketing consultant to work with us to sell this property. I would hope that the proceeds from the sale of this property could be used to purchase and/or develop other areas for active recreation use in the community. PIH/ps 3d( N 58 52 so RMHS 51 81 a 50 62 .F C 49 , t " 48 ? Jj. 32 31 30 29 r t 34 25 26 27 iC, ~Vx ARTICLE 13 Q fl p ?-Q133 ~PtaQ,. 24 23 22 / 21 20 19 18 17 r 14 1,4 20 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager&l.reading.ma.us TO: Board of.Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: March 17, 2006 RE: Final 2006 Goals and Work Plan TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-6643 MEMORANDUM Please see the final goals and work plan based on discussion with the Board of Selectmen and with the Department Heads. 3 eI MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of the Town of Reading Municipal Government is to provide essential services to the residents of the Town of Reading. Town government will balance near and long term objectives with prudent fiscal discipline to ensure that the community remains a vibrant place to live and work. The Board of Selectmen will provide the vision and leadership to guide Town Government to act in a manner consistent with their adopted Values in the pursuit of their stated Goals. 3ez Page 1 of 14 updated 03/17/06 VALUES STATEMENT The following values shall guide Reading Town Government and its employees and officials in conducting their business. These values are adopted as an element of the Town's Mission Statement. COMMUNITY INTERACTIONS ➢ All business of the. Town shall be conducted according to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. ➢ Employees and officials shall operate in an open manner, providing opportunities for public discussion and input into their decisions. ➢ Employees and officials will keep the community informed with accurate, timely, and factual information. ➢ Mutual respect and an attitude of caring shall govern all aspects of Town Government. ➢ Employees and officials shall conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. Reading values professionalism. COMMUNITY SERVICES . ➢ Reading residents value the quality of services provided by their Town Government.' The highest feasible quality of service is the standard for Reading Town Government. ➢ The Town strives for continuous improvement in all services that it provides. ➢ The Town is open to new methods and technology to make improvements in its services. ➢ All services need to be provided in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. While respecting the past and present, Reading will continue to plan for the future, embracing improvements that make the community a better place to live and work. 3e3 Page 2 of 14 updated 03/17/06 COMMUNITY CHARACTER ➢ Residents of Reading strongly identify with the community, and have a great deal of pride in their Town. This is evidenced in the level of civic involvement within the community. This is a standard that is embraced and supported by Town Government. ➢ Reading is an open and welcoming community. ➢ Reading embraces diversity. ➢ The Town will strive to maintain and enhance the character of the community including: volunteerism, history as reflected in historic buildings and areas, quality of residential development, a concentrated and focused commercial center, outstanding public buildings, and a quantity and quality of open space and recreation areas. 3eq Page 3 of 14 updated 03/17/06 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. Financial Strength • Enhance and maintain the financial strength of the community in order to have the resources to accomplish its priority services. • Develop and maintain both physical and intellectual infrastructure in a manner that reflects significant community investment and financial support. 2. Public Health and Safety • Support Public Health and Safety as priority local services. • Enhance local efforts with assistance from Federal, State, and regional resources. 3. Communication • Continuously enhance open two-way communication between Town Government and its residents. ® Emphasize and enhance effective communication within Town Government. . 4. Planning • Utilize long-range strategic planning on all levels, to provide a consistent and reliable framework for decision making. • Continuously evaluate and improve the services the Town provides, and how the services are delivered. 3es Page 4 of 14 updated 03/17/06 GOAL 1 - Financial Strength: ® Enhance and maintain the financial strength of the community in order to have the resources to accomplish its priority services. ® Develop and maintain both physical and intellectual infrastructure in a manner that reflects significant community investment and financial support. Objective 1-1: Expand the Commercial Property Tax Base 1. Create and implement an Economic Development Committee in the community as a focus for the community's many economic development activities. 2. Complete the development of Archstone, Maplewood Village, Johnson Woods, 10 Haven Street and Walgreen's sites. 3. Work with the property owner, residents, and proposed developer(s) of the Addison Wesley site to ensure the re-zoning, approval, and redevelopment of that site for uses that maximize the benefit to the Town consistent with the Master Plan. . 4. Implement the Downtown Improvement Project beginning construction in 2006 to its completion in 2007. While this is not a Town administered, project, work with the.' State and the contractor(s) to ensure the least possible disruption to the businesses s and the community from the construction of the project. 5. Implement mixed use development in downtown including 40R and or 40S. 6. Work with property owner of M.F. Charles building on redevelopment plans. 7. Explore outside funding to implement improvements to Downtown Reading including parking and other appropriate improvements. 8. Work with owners of the buildings in town that were damaged by fire to redevelop the sites in a manner that provides the maximum benefit to the community. 9. Work with Walkers Brook Drive property owners to expand commercial development . in this area. ' This includes Stop and Shop, Dickinson, the TASC building, 128 Marketplace, 128 Ford, and Fraen. 10. Provide improved information to the development community and potential companies that would want to relocate to Reading, outlining the key elements of locating in the community, including location, utilities, taxes, and internet access. Provide this information on the web page, and try to get parties benefiting from such. exposure (utilities, brokers, property owners) to pay any costs associated with these efforts. d.~ C..."~'^ r.::... d. .,'.1..... f'..N.f S.. CfC"/'/'®. 3e6 Page 5 of 14 updated 03/17/06 Obiective 1-2: Apply for and secure outside funding and grants consistent with the community's goals, focused primarily, on one-time and capital expenses 1. Identify and apply for at least one grant for a capital project. 2. Evaluate the use of a grant person to assist the Town in securing additional grants _ for programs or projects consistent with Town goals and the Capital Improvement Program. 3. Identify and seek grants to fund the Town's "Initiative Against Substance Abuse". 4. Seek grants that will assist in implementation of approved strategic plans. . .11- 1 11 1 11 Obiective 1-3: Work with State and Federal officials to enhance local government services and projects. 1. Develop a comprehensive local legislative agenda, and host an annual meeting with the Town's state legislative delegation. 2. Stay up to date on Health Care and other hot button State and Federal issues. 3. Identify as quickly as possible the Town's FY 2007 financial needs, and work with the legislative delegation to try to address any shortfalls through increased aid or grants. 4. Attempt to secure a priority position for the Town on the SRF program for low interest funding for the Water Treatment Plant in the event that the Town decides to move forward with the project. 5. Work with the legislative delegation and the MBTA and others to try to secure assistance with relocation of the portion of Ash Street at the railroad, to try to : eliminate the grade crossing. 6. Determine whether there are any state or federal programs.available to assist the Town with major drainage projects like the Saugus basin improvements. 7. Determine whether assistance is available or appropriate to develop the connection from Walkers Brook Drive to Main Street bypassing the Washington Street neighborhood. 8. Secure a position on the state Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the West Street project. 3t7 Page 6 of 14 updated 03/17/06 Obiective 1-4:. Review the Capital Improvement Program and capital operating budgets with a focus on maintaining and improving the current infrastructure. _ Purchase capital planning software. .2. Develop a capital improvement program process involving all stakeholders. 3. Develop a capital funding strategy recognizing the current and projected debt service and the Town's ability to pay. 4. The CIP has been enhanced in recent years by the development of a water distribution master plan, a GIS master plan, a water supply master plan, a Road Improvement program, a storm water management plan, and a telecommunications master plan. These plans should continue to be evaluated, updated, and implemented through the CIP. 5. Work on implementing the program for funding the storm water management master plan. 6. Develop additional infrastructure master plans in areas not yet covered by such plans, including a sidewalk and bike path master plan. Obiective 1-5: Develop a long term plan to identify capital needs and ensure each building and related equipment receives proper preventive maintenance, receives timely repairs, and is properly cleaned 1. Confirm the support of Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools for a strong and effective Facilities Department. 2. Identify issues and capital and maintenance needs for each facility performed by all Department Heads with the Facilities Director. 3. Develop preventive maintenance plan (Facilities Director with input from Department Heads). 4. Develop calendar based schedule of maintenance activities. 5. Ensure that the Facilities Department has proper financial resources to achieve mission. 6. Develop e-mail based work order system that: ■ Allows the building manager to prioritize repairs. Provides feedback to building manager on approximate date of repair. 7. Provide feedback to the Facilities Department on quality of service, with the Facilities Director meeting quarterly with Department Heads. 3e8 Page 7 of 14 updated 03/17/06 t.,.....'...... '...1 ...1.! 11~ Obiective 1.-6: Provide training and other resources in key areas to maximize the human resource potential of our employees. 1. Conduct employee Technology Training in Word, Excel, Outlook, Power Point, the web, and Access. Conduct an in-house resources inventory; then seek outside resources as necessary. 2. Develop a Customer Service program utilizing Training & a web linked Software 3e q Page 8 of 14 updated 03/17/06 GOAL 2 - Public Health and Safety: ® Support Public Health and Safety as priority local services. ® Enhance local efforts with assistance from Federal, State, and nal resources. rezao ......r. r.. ._.,r::,. c :.r. . .a.....,.. Obiective 2-1: Evaluate recent and projected economic development projects and their impact on local Public Health and Public Safety services,Y and`. address any deficiencies. . , , . 1. As part of FY 2007 departmental operations, evaluate the demand for additional service created by the new commercial and residential developments. 2. Address the additional demands through provision of additional resources as appropriate. 3. As part of the Water Treatment Plant design development (if this project is to be built), include security measures for the Town's water supply. 4. Identify resources to implement a comprehensive ID system for employees and those volunteers who would be involved in addressing an emergency incident. Obiective 2-2: Respond to demands for Emergency Preparedness and Response on local Public Health and Public Safety services and develop a flexibl"lan to address these demands. 1. Identify resources/costs associated with emergency preparedness and response demands. 2. Implement Planning for emergency preparedness and response in an updated web- based system (includes GIS). 3. Respond in a timely manner to all Surveys and reporting requirements related to emergency preparedness. 4. Conduct training on Emergency Preparedness for Key employees & elected officials updated annually. 5. Develop a process to let the community know how to find out about emergency preparations in the event of an emergency. 6. Secure equipment as needed and available to implement priority emergency preparedness goals. Page 9 of 14 updated 03/17/06 3c-1 ° Obiective 2-3: Work to secure all available resources to . support Public Health and Safety services in the Community. 1. Utilize Town resources and/or a grants-person to fund additional demands for services, particularly in capital or one-time expenses. Page 10 of 14 updated 03/17/06 GOAL 3: Communication: • Continuously enhance open two-way communication between Town Government and its residents. • Emphasize and enhance strong communication within Town Government. Obiective 3-1: Improve the internal communications within Town Government, and between the Town, School, and the RMLD, both on a staff and on a Board basis. 1. Establish and foster internal communications, through retreats and other mechanisms. 2. Build a secure web based system for employee communications and information (benefits, policies). 3. Educate elected and appointed Boards & staff on respective roles, responsibilities and relationships. 4. Develop a New Board / staff orientation process. 5. Continue "Highlights" once a month on the Board of Selectmen agendas. 6. Continue to incorporate the RMLD & School Dept in Department Head meetings and activities. 7. For Town Boards/Committees/Commissions (BCC) develop an internal feedback mechanism for the public to provide. systematic comment on the conduct of the Town's volunteer government. 8. Develop a system of mterconnectiveness with calendars of members of Boards/Committees/Commissions. This should be similar to the Microsoft Exchange program in use for Town employees, to facilitate better planning of meetings involving the volunteer portions of Town government. 9. Develop guidelines and procedures for all Boards, Committees, and Commissions based on the best practices exhibited within town government. ' 10. Develop and document the budget process involving Boards & staff, including all Departments (Town and School) and major Boards/Committees/Commissions. Obiective 3-2: Develop a universal and comprehensive strategy of how Town Government gets information to and from our residents. 1. Identify stakeholders. 2. Inventory current communications systems. Page 11 of 14 updated 03/17/06 3elz 3. Assess information needs (including specialized needs). 4. ID how to get info to and from residents. 5. Use a focus group of residents not involved in Town government to evaluate different communication models. 6. Establish a policy of how the Town departments communicate with the public, and under what circumstances. 7. Establish a system.of citizen feedback for customer service. 8. Evaluate the above results and establish a communication strategy. 9. Provide the resources needed to operate, maintain and continuously evaluate the communication strategy. It would be helpful to understand how many residents/what percentage of the community has access to computers with internet access and email. 3g Page 12 of 14 updated 03/17/06 GOAL4 - Planning: e Utilize long-range strategic planning on all levels, to provide a constant and reliable framework for decision making. ® Continuously evaluate and improve the services the Town rovides, and how the services are !delivered Community Master Plan up-date and all Obiective 4-1: Complete the ancillary elements of this Plan 1. Complete the Open Space and Recreation element to the Master Plan. 2. Develop an implementation strategy and process. p an of how the Town will address Obiective 4-2: Develop a process and pI the additional affordable housing needs in the community. 1. Update the inventory of affordable housing. 2. Convene a housing forum to solicit input from all parts of Town government involved . in housing, as well as the community at large. 3. Evaluate alternative methods of developing affordable housing, including 40R, new developments, use of the housing trust fund, and other methods. 4. Based on the above, develop a pro-active program to address affordable housing needs with a goal of meeting or exceeding 10% of the Town's housing stock as affordable housing within 5 years. ~~.O.biective~4-3,.:.C,...,... , ~W_.... omplete the 5 year Library plan 1. Conduct an evaluation of the Reading Public Library building as well as library services. .,°P a.._ r r.:..:. 1 t 1, 1 Obiective 4-4: Review all aspects of the Department of Public Works operations, and develop a strategy for ensuring that the Department has the resources to address infrastructure maintenance. 1. Develop a scope of services to evaluate the entire operation of the DPW. 2. Identify consultants and scope the cost of conducting such a study. 3. Identify funding for the study,. including use of utility enterprises left over budgets, etc . 1.11 . . Page 13 of 14 updated 03/17/06 3e'~ for such a study. 4. If funding is available to proceed with the study, develop an RFP, and secure the services of a consultant to start work before the end of the fiscal year. ective 4-5: Evaluate alternative ways to more effectively deliver Town services. efficiently and 1. Improve the overall collections process and its availability to consumers, including building on the recent ability to pay via the web. Expand the number and type of bills that can be paid that way. 2. Establish additional e-commerce opportunities. 3. Establish an electronic records management system and begin implementation. 4. Evaluate communications connections between phones & computers. 5. Improve Town telecommunications network using the WAN funding from Verizon. 6. Develop an electronic room reservations & meetings posting system for internal use. Implement a mechanism to show the meeting schedule on the website and send it to via email to participants. 7. Implement a Permits Coordination system using additional personnel and software, to improve the customer service functions in the Community Services Department. As part of this process, establish a universal, written, user friendly system of application forms and instructions for citizens/developers to better understand the development review process. 3.C is Page 14 of 14 updated 03/17/06 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager&l.reading.ma.us MEMORANDUM TO: Board of.Selectmen " FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner G, I DATE: March 17, 2006 RE: Bandstand TOWN MANAGER (781) 942.6643 Please see the attached material that was done in 1997 when a group formed to build a bandstand in Town. After much consideration of Memorial Park or the Common area (but not on the Common) the group decided that the front area of Town Hall was the best site. At the time, there was a large beech tree in the area where the bandstand was proposed. That tree has since died and been removed. As we move forward with the revitalization of our downtown, its seems an appropriate time to consider whether or not to move forward with this project. The intent would be to have a volunteer fundraising effort to construct the bandstand. The Sunday concerts could then be moved to the common area and other events like the tree lighting ceremony, Friends and Family Day, and other programs will utilize this structure. PIH/ps 3 F~ Reading Community Bandstand Committee "Lets ,Stride Up Ile BandZstand" Post Office Box 240 Reacting, Massachusetts 01867 Wednesday, October 15, 1997 Board of Selectmen Town Hall Reading, Ma. 01867 Dear Selectmen, Following two years of lengthy discussion and long and involved meetings, our com- mittee would like to make the following recommendations concerning the erection of a bandstand. 1. Place a 22 foot bandstand on Reading Common in. one of four locations described on the attached drawing. 2 Spend the necessary funds to re-furbush the Pacino Platform in Memorial Park including a colonial brick fascia and appro- piiate bronze plaque. Our committee proposes to do this at no expense to the Town of Reading and we are prepared to raise $50,000 in private funds to accomplish both projects. The are many reasons for these decisions so allow us to outline a few of our consid- erations. The first big question was "Why not Memorial Park where the concerts are presently held?". It was decided by a unanimous vote of our committee that the above plan offered the best of both worlds. If desired, concerts could be continued at Memorial Park on a much more attractive platform and additional events could he held on the Common at the bandstand. It should be noted that when members of our committee and orchestra leaders Jon Asgiersson and Bob Bachelder, both of whom have played at Memorial, were asked their preference for a bandstand, both supported the Town Common location. A second very important reason behind the selection of the common was vandalism. A bandstand already existed in Memorial Park and in a much more visibile spot than the Pacino Platform location and it fell to vandalism. Even with proper lighting we feel the same could happen to a new facility. A third reason for choosing the Common site was that a bandstand is much more visible there than at Memorial. A bandstand is used for concerts on a limited basis but it can enhance and beautify the landscape on the upwards of 350 other days of the year. At the Memorial Park location visibility is severely limited. And we feel very strongly that a bandstand will enhance the beauty of the Common as well as enhance the plans that are now being considered for downtown revival. A fourth and probably the most obvious reason of all is why spend the money to destroy the Pacino Platform and place a bandstand there, when we can have two sites Z 3F each of which could be used as desired for approximately the same amount of money. A fifth primary reason is that a tastefully designed bandstand like we propose will enhance the beauty of the Common as it has in such neighboring communi- ties as Burlington, North Reading and Wakefield. Of course a bandstand on the Common could also be used for a number of other occasions including the Christmas Lighting Program and as a reviewing or speaking platform for special occasions such as Memorial Day and as a focal point for downtown promotional events. As we told your committee in our first appearance before you over one year ago that we want the bandstand to compliment what already exists on the com- mon and after extensive meetings and considerations our belief is still very strong. Further, we have received a number or endorsements from very qualified per- sons for the Common location. These include Wil Gates a landscape architect who was hired for the town's Streetscape Program and his associate Don Leighton, another landscape architect, who both fully indorsed the Common site. Local architect Tom Stohlman who has been very involved in the process has also endorsed the Common location as has Town Planner Jonathan Edwards. We already mentioned band leaders Jon Asgeirsson and Bob Bachelder support the Common and Mark Eyerman who was hired as an economic advisor also supports the idea of a bandstand on the Common. Architect Tom Stohlman will be present at Tuesday evening's meeting with his "Virtual Reality" computerized tour of the bandstand sites from different views. This dispels, we feel, any idea that a bandstand will "dominate" the landscape and will allow your board a visual chance to see close-up the four locations. Our committee has worked long and hard for over two years to come up with what we feel is the best and most logical decision and we anxiously await your support so we can go forward and begin the arduous task of fundraising and construction. Sincerely, L~~:k, ~Richard P. Haggerty Chairman 3F3 READING COMMUNITY BANDSTAND COMMITTEE Dick Haggerty, Chairman 944-2200 Jon Asgeirsson 944-0900 Bob Bachelder 944-4304 Steve Chuha 944-6060 Joe Connelly 942-9075 Brian Crosby, Treasurer 944-2322 John Douglass 944-0284 Dick Fotino 944-1251 Bill Hughes 944-2689 Tim Kelley 944-0232 Cecelia Lewis 944-6507 Rich Lombardo 944-4283 Loretta Marino 944-3006 Mike Moynihan 944-0695 John and Marjorie Pacino 944-3984 Tom Stohlman 944-8307 Everett and Margie Roscoe 944-7054 Dom Rotundi 944-9598 Bob Taber 944-1588 Gerry Varney, Clerk 944-4127 Don Welford 944-7745 Ron Winslow 944-1864 r r ~ j r 5o~th church ow SALEM ~ w 0, a C E.go, ~fiC E-- `a Town - /l Ole . 1 a Sign 4 z 3 P1c~q e RND ON THE COMMON 8 ANDST B . SCH~ _ DATE:09/05/97 f f _M . µ_r v t ~ s 't s eta: { {ASF %-a-A YT „ta . i F 'SL~Gy'•`4r"i+:"°Pr~IL."G"`~:r"ii"`te+"6e"Y:.~"5c"'6 '•[giff -Y gl- t i .y is r } f~ f~ d ep 3 d ,t pK- r t a + a~,, ~ '•y:\`. ~ Jam. • Zz. 1 G ,(t. w ~ 1 .yam{~''• .-'..~vw~ ~,•.,.•r'"',.,~'..~~wt~". .s n.JC.~,• ,:~t•+.•'Ti 1tN1Ij ~t+. 2' 'M '~\y~":~,^t ~••t :4 s ( 1 Board of Selectmen Town of Reading Reading, MA 01867 re: Bandstand Dear Board Members, Difficult as it may be to object to a proposal by well intended proponents it must be done. Siting the proposed bandstand on the Common or surrounding area is the main concern. The proponents have stated that a bandstand would make a charming addition to the Common, while I disagree. The issue then, becomes a conflict in vision regarding the Common area. Based on research and study to learn how commons fit into the historic fabric of New England towns I can now more fully appreciate Reading's fine example of our 18th century green. The retention of an unencumbered greensward is the preferred treatment for the Common. The Common, because it is the heart of the town, most certainly should be utilized for gatherings and community events. These happenings can take place, conclude and disperse, and thus return the area to it's picturesque open setting. A bandstand, empty but for a few times a year, does not fit into that vision. In 1930, the town fathers agreed the Common was no longer the desired site for the existing bandstand and had it removed. Today, I trust you will see the wisdom of your predecessors. The late Miriam Barclay wrote in 1988 when replying to the question of what should be done to the Common, "The Common was meant to be used, not 'all dolled up' with something to look at...We repeat, leave the Common alone." The same sentiments are mine today. Respectfully yours, v in.ia M. Adams Oc',- ber 21, 1997 ip T-H IPSWICH RIVER WATERSHED ASSOCIATION PO Box 576, Ipswich, MA 01938 978-887-2313 fax 978-887-2208 March 6, 2006 Board of Selectmen Town Hall Reading, MA Dear Chairman and Members of the Board, c /C pus The Ipswich River Watershed Association (IRWA) is writing to express our support for the proposed purchase of Reading's future water supply from MWRA, and to offer to assist the Town in implementing a water supply alternative which will protect the Ipswich River by ceasing the use of the town's wells, while ensuring the safety and sustainability of water for Reading's residents and businesses. IRWA has worked for more than a decade to address the extreme environmental degradation that occurs to the Ipswich River as a result of water withdrawals. Nowhere is that damage more severe and more chronic than adjacent to the Reading wells. The adverse impacts of Reading's Ipswich River wells have been thoroughly investigated and documented, and affect the river not only in Reading, but throughout its course downstream. IRWA believes that the dewatering of the river nuts counter to a number of laws that protect rivers and associated wetlands, and may also infringe upon rights of Massachusetts citizens, riparian (riverfront) landowners, and communities downstream. IRWA recognizes how challenging this situation is. We are aware that the increased cost of building the new treatment plant has changed the alternatives analysis. We are concerned that the town may decide to continue to use the wells, despite the damage that they cause. In fact, the likelihood is that town would increase use of the wells and decrease the MWRA purchase, in order to justify and afford the expenditures on the treatment plant. We urge the Town not to take this path. Not only will this approach continue to degrade the Ipswich River ecosystem, but the town will continue to face management burdens and financial and regulatory risks. Use of the wells could be further restricted or prohibited in the future, because of the ecological degradation they cause. Quite conceivably, this could result in Reading having to pay to build the new water treatment plant, yet having to forgo its use frown May through October or during low-flow periods. Nor are the risks and issues strictly limited to the question of filture authorization to use the wells. The town's water supply remains vulnerable to contamination from a variety of actual and potential sources, and the siting of the new water treatment plant near rare species habitat and sensitive wetlands represents an additional threat to environmental quality. As has already been SA demonstrated by the escalation in costs of the water treatment plant, the future costs of continued use of the town's wells is at best uncertain, and may well be higher than currently projected,. when all the concerns, and costs to address them, are fully accounted for. While MWRA water is also subject to cost increases, these costs are subject to very detailed forecasting and are shared among many communities. The state treasury has also, at times, absorbed some of these costs. We are aware that concerns have been raised that ceasing use of the Ipswich wells may not be allowed, due to the requirement that "viable sources" of water must be exhausted prior to approval of an interbasin transfer. We reiterate our prior comments that the Ipswich River wells are not a viable source in low-flow periods because of the environmental damage they cause. However, we note that the viability definition also incorporates an economic analysis by which the wells would not be considered viable if they are not a cost-effective source. We are also aware of concerns that, if the Ipswich River is no longer used as Reading's water supply, protection of the river would suffer. Presumably this refers to the protection of riparian land, not the river itself, because the indisputable fact is that the use of the wells destroys the river now, rather than protects it. If the wells are no longer used, the town can still protect this riparian land as a public asset for open space, recreation and ecological protection. As you know, IRWA originally supported the alternative of Reading purchasing sufficient water from the MWRA to cease using the Ipswich River wells during the May through October period, but to retain the use of the wells the rest of the year. However, we recognize that the economics of the situation have changed, with the cost of building a new treatment plant escalating sharply, so that the use of the local wells while purchasing sufficient water from the MWRA to meet all the town's summer demand may be cost-prohibitive. Based on this change in the economics of the partial use option, we have concluded that the best alternative to ensure the safety and sustainability of the town's water supply, while protecting the river, is to completely cease the use of the wells. IRWA stands ready to assist the Town of Reading in whatever way we can to assure a safe and sustainable water supply for Reading, while protecting the Ipswich River. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, K,eA,,7 AA f Gk4l~*_ Kerry Mackin Executive Director cc: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager s~v ICLEI U.S.A., Inc. 43614th Street, Suite 1520 LI : I LC Oakland, California 94612, U.S.A. Local Phone: +1-5101844-0699 Governments Fax: +1-5101844-0698 . for Sixstainability Email: iclei_usa@iclei.org U.S. Regional Capacity Centers March 6, 2005 Northeast Mobile: +1-617/820-8038 Michelle Benson Phone: +1-617/635-3853 Fax: +1-617/635-3435 Town of Reading 230 Ash Street Western States Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Mobile: +1-9701416.7942 Phone: +1-8701232-4273 Dear Ms. Benson, Washington, DC Phone: +1-510-332-4988 ICLEI is pleased to welcome the Town of Reading as a full member of ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainabilify. The Town of Reading is now part of an international network that consists of 165 US counties, towns, and cities and more than 600 local governments around the world. Attached is a resolution for the Town of Reading to adopt regarding participating in the Cities for Climate Protection Campaign and working within ICLEI's milestone process to fight global warming. ICLEI program staff will contact,you and provide the CCP Toolkit and software along with technical and policy assistance to identify and implement actions that reduce global warming pollution, reduce traffic congestion, improve local air quality, and increase the energy efficiency of Town operations. In your role as staff liaison to ICLEI and the Cities for Climate Protection program, you will receive ICLEI information designed solely for staff officials. ICLEI will world Secretariat help you and your colleagues from other ICLEI CCP communities keep abreast of Toronto, Canada each other's programs and progress in climate protection efforts. ICLEI will also International Training Centre update you on grant opportunities, new publications and resources, upcoming Freiburg, Germany workshops, and climate-related policies relevant to local elected officials, such as Africa Secretariat resolutions coming before NLC. Johannesburg, South Africa Town Manager Hechenbleikner has been identified to coordinate. interaction between East Asia your jurisdiction and ICLEI CCP as the liaison representing elected officials. Japan Office: Tokyo, Japan Korea Office :Seoul, Korea Together you will keep the Town of Reading connected to ICLEI and the community as you work to fight global warming. European Secretariat Freiburg, Germany Thank you for your payment of the Town's annual membership dues, which are payable every year on January 1. We're looking forward to working with the Town of Latin America and Caribbean Secretariat Reading. Please contact me at (510) 844-0699 with comments or questions. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Welcome to ICLEI and Cities for Climate Protection. North America Start using today! g your membership Canada Office: Toronto, Canada U.S.A. Office: Oakland, U.S.A. Sincerely, Oceania Secretariat Melbourne, Australia Susan Ode SoutheastAsia Secretariat Outreach Officer Manila, Philippines ICLEI-USA South Asia Secretariat New Delhi, India Project Offices China Indonesia Mexico Sa3 g16 MAR -2 Fib E= 415 February 28, 2006 Town of Reading Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA Attn: Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner Re: Town of Readins -Verizon Cable Franchise Notice of Service Date: Februarv 16, 2006 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner; t ( &d*~ I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce myself and let you know that I will be the point of contact for franchise related issues for the Verizon cable franchise recently completed.with the Town. If you or a member of your staff has any questions or if any franchise related matter is brought to your attention, please do not hesitate to contact me 1 at 908-559-2221, (leah.c.leigh@verizon.com) and I will respond as quickly as possible. In addition to providing my contact information, this letter also serves to provide formal notice of the Service Date in accordance with the terms of Verizon's video Franchise Agreement with the Town of Reading. As required by Section 1.33 of the Agreement, the Service Date of the Agreement is February 16, 2006. Verizon looks forward to continuing its relationship with Reading. If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact me at the above number. . Sincerely, t Leah Leigh Franchise Service Manager - NY/NE Regions cc: Peter Bowman Paul Trane File S,' L( C t" The Town of Reading - Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading; MA 01867 2N HAR -6 M 11. 52 Dear Mr. Hechenbleil~er, I am writing to you regarding the recent information that I read and heard about involving a redevelopment of the Addison Wesley property into a lifestyle retail center. I have lived in the town of Reading for over 40 years and I have seen many changes occur throughout the town of Reading during that period of time. The Town has seemed to adapt and to grow with all of these different changes into what I think is today a better overall community. In light of these changes that I have seen over the years, I am one resident who is strongly in favor of the development of this lifestyle center. I think that as the Addison Wesley property sits now, not only does it not add anything to the vibrancy of the community, but it detracts from our town as it is an old, outdated white elephant that is highly visible to the outside world. I think that a retail development at this site will add to the vibrancy and the character of the Town of Reading. I have seen pictures of the proposed development and I think that it is the quality of development that we are looking for in the Town of Reading. Additionally, I have seen the traffic improvements that the developer has proposed, and I think that' they appear to be logical and that they will make the traffic flow smoothly on that part of Main Street. I am also in favor of the project, as I feel that the projected $1,200,000 incremental Real Estate taxes that the shopping center will generate will be a real economic boom for the town. Lastly, if we do not support this project, I am afraid as to what type of development may end up at the Addison Wesley site. Would we rather have a shopping center that is smaller in size but made up of big box retailers such as Wal-Mart or Target? Worse yet, would we rather be burdened with another 40B development that would. add even more children to our school system and further tax our town's already stretched out infrastructure? While no new development can be seen as perfect, I am strongly in favor of the Park Square at Reading development. I think that it will create an asset that the town can be proud of and that it will immensely help out with the town budget shortfalls. Let's say yes to Park Square at Reading. Sincerely, WA,I&YX ®~,r William "Bill" McHardy 50 Orange Street Reading, MA 01867 (781) 944-0572 5c/ , Lac &.5 C . bc,c>S%~- March 6, 2006 Town of Reading 2136 MAR -6 PH 12, 51 Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell St. Reading, Ma. 01867 Subject : Flat fee for residential storm water Town Counsel has stated under Section 16 of Chapter 83 the Town can set a flat fee for the proposed storm water management for residential and actual impervious area for commercial . Article IV Section 1 Chapter 1 of the Constitution of Massachusetts states " and to impose and levy proportional and reasonable assessments , rates and taxes etc . An amendment to the section does allow to asses , rate and tax differently in classes so established, but proportionately in the same class . Given the Constitution requirements that rates must be proportionate in each class in my opinion you can set a rate for residential but each property must be assessed proportional to the amount of impervious surface to meet the requirements of the Constitution. William C. Brown 28 Martin Rd. Reading, Ma. 01867 781 944 2807 OL March 6, 2006 Town of Reading Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell St. Reading, Ma. 01867 2(36 LIAR -6 PM 62= 5 i Subject : Newly Elected Town Meeting Members ~,.5 S v Section 2.2.6 of the Town of Reading Bylaws requires that Town Meeting Members and Town Meeting Members - Elect hold an annual precinct meeting after the Annual Town Election but before the convening of the business sessions of Annual Town Meeting for the propose of electing a Chairman and Clerk. The Town of Reading Home Rule Charter requires that Town Meeting Members take an oath of office. The Constitution of the Commonwealth requires that every person chosen or appointed to any office take the oath before he enters the duties of his office . Town Counsel in the past has ruled that newly elected Town Meeting Members may vote at precinct meeting , given the Constitution I strongly disagree with that ruling . The Bylaw states that a quorum is require to hold a meeting, since newly elected members in my opinion can not vote unless they have taken the oath is a quorum 13 of 24 or 9 of 16 that have taken the oath ? C- William C. Brown 28 Martin Rd. Reading, Ma. 01867 781 944 2807 ,r,e 1 L (C 66~ GPI Greenman - Pedersen, Inc. Engineering and Construction Services NEX-2005105.00 February 27, 2006 Mr. John Blundo, P.E. Chief Engineer Massachusetts Highway Department Ten Park Plaza Boston, MA 02116-3973 Attention: Mr. David Anderson, Project Management Engineer Reference: West Street Reconstruction - Reading, Massachusetts Project File Number 601705 Dear Mr. Blundo: On behalf of the Town of Reading, Greenman-Pedersen, Inc. (GPI) is pleased to submit for your review the 25% Design Submission for the above referenced project. This Package includes the Design Plans, Functional Design Report (FDR), 25% Checklist and Preliminary Estimate as required per the latest MassHighway Standards. There are four (4) full size sets of plans including cross sections, fifteen (15) full size sets of plans without cross sections, one (1) half size set of plans for the Federal Highway Administration, and six (6) copies of the Functional Design Report which includes the 25% Checklist and Preliminary Estimate. It should be noted that one (1) full size set of plans with cross sections and one (1) copy of the FDR has been excluded from this submission. GPI plans on submitting these plans and report directly to the Town of Reading today for their use, thus eliminating the need for MassHighway to forward this portion of the submission to the Town. GPI has prepared the necessary Early Environmental Coordination with the appropriate authorities and would be more than happy to provide any information that MassHighway may require pertaining to this material. GPI is in the process of preparing the Preliminary Right of Way Plans for the Project and anticipates submitting these documents to your office within the next two weeks. There are no land takings presently on this project, so these plans shall show only Temporary Easements where required due to the construction activities. It is anticipated that an Environmental Notification Form (ENF) shall be required due to the number of existing trees that are to be removed in order to construct the improvements. GPI is also prepared to put together the necessary documentation for the Categorical Exclusion Checklist should this project be constructed with Federal Funds. The preparation of these documents shall be coordinated with your office at the appropriate time. '5- 105 Central Street, Suite 4100, Stoneham, MA 02180 Tel: (781) 279-5500 Fax: (781) 279-5501 WWW.aoinet.com GPI You may recall that GPI has recently submitted a Design Exception Report (DER) to your office for review and comment. This DER contained information for a waiver for both the lane and shoulder width along the West Street Corridor. The enclosed 25% Design Package includes the proposed lane width (11 feet) and proposed shoulder width (4 feet) that was presented in the January 30, 2006 submission of the DER. Again, we would be more than happy to provide any additional information that you may require pertaining to this document. Both GPI and the Town of Reading look forward to the receipt of the Department's comments so that we can continue to move forward to the Public Hearing and Final Design stage as well as the eventual advertisement and construction of the project. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to contact me directly at (781) 279-5500 0012. Sincerely, GREENMAN-PEDERSEN, INC. Geoffrey J. duo i , P.E. Assistant Vice President Enclosures c: Mr. Manhar Patel, MassHighway Project Manager (w/enclosure) Mr. Edward D. "Ted" McIntire, Jr., Town of Reading Director of Public Works (w/enclosure) shy 03{15/2006 13:21 19788371540 TOPSFIELD INSPECTION PAGE 02 Town of gopmfirlbi TOPSFIELD, MASSACHusETTS Conservation Commission March 15, 2006 Reading Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chairwoman Anthony and Members of the Board, t. / C(&,( The Topsfield Conservation Commission supports the proposal, currently under consideration by your board, to stop the use of Reading's public water supply wells and instead purchase all of Reading's water from the MWRA_ The entire town of Topsfield is within the Ipswich River watershed, so there is concern about the quality and quantity of water in the Ipswich River, The impact of Reading's wells on the Ipswich River has been the most extreme of any community in the watershed. Water withdrawals in Reading have resulted in major fish kills, loss of critical aquatic habitats, as well as serious environmental impacts to the numerous downstream communities. Thus, ceasing use of the water supply wells would result in a dramatic improvement of both water quantity and quality for those towns, including Topsfield, that depend on water from the Ipswich Diver. And, such a change would result in substantial improvements to downstream aquatic environments. As you may be aware, the Ipswich River is recognized as one of the most endangered rivers in the nation (American Rivers, 2003), and is classified as "highly stressed" by the Massachusetts Water Resources Commission (2001) and impaired under the Federal Clean Water Act. Although the purchase of MWRA water would be costly, the resulting assurance of a safe and sustainable water supply for Reading and the increased protection of the Ipswich River for the entire region would be well worth the investment. Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Lana pTopsfield Conservation Administrator Cc: IRWA TCC ,Town Mall, 8 West Common Street, Topsfield, Massachusetts 01983 LICX01 Cr Massachusetts March 2, 2006 Bob Keating Tree Warden 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Dear Bob: 2106' NAR 13 Ail If: 16 Congratulations! Your application for Tree City USA for 2005 has been approved and forwarded to the National Arbor Day Foundation! As you may already know, we will hold our annual Tree City USA forum and awards ceremony on April 13, 2006 from 9:00 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the Ecotarium in Worcester, Massachusetts. Enclosed, please find your invitation and additional information for this event. Our records indicate that Reading has now been a Tree City for 21 years. We are honored by your participation in this important program and by your commitment to community trees and forests. For this year's forum, we are inviting up to three representatives to attend from each Tree City Community. We encourage you to take advantage of this, and invite your community and citizen leaders to join you. Please RSVP by April 1" with the names of attendees to Eric Seaborn at (617) 626-1468 or eric.seaborn4state.ma.us. Congratulations again. y r, Eastern MA Massachusetts DCR Urban and Community Forestry Program Sine rely, J ne ,alvin Co unit Action Forester, Eastern MA Cc: Town Manager Peter Hechenbleilcner COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS - EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Department of Conservation and Recreation Mitt Rornney Stephen R. Pritchard, Secretary 251 Causeway Street Governor Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Boston, MA 02114. ~Ii?^:• G 6'21. /-E:_E-1.~}E;8 t' Kerry Healey Stephen H. Burrin9ton, Commissioner www.mass,gov/dcr Lt. Governor Department of Conservation & Recreation r dc* Massachusetts 0 Please join us, along with your community leaders, for the 2006 Tree City / Tree Line USA. Forum and Awards Ceremony Thursday, April 13, 2006 9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. The Ecotarium Worcester, Massachusetts Hosted By: City of Worcester MA Department of Conservation and Recreation's Urban and Community Forestry Program Sponsored By: National Grid AV Due to space limitations for this event, we can accommodate three representatives from each Tree City Community. We encourage you to use this opportunity to build support for Urban and Community Forestry among your community leaders and citizen advocates. Please RSVP with the names of your guests by April 1 to Eric Seaborn at eric. seabornastate. nta. us (617) 626-1468 Tree City / Tree Lime USA Forum Program 9:00 Coffee and Registration 9:30 - Welcome andIhtroduction 10:00 - Creating Change Hear about some community efforts to create change and grow their urban and community forestry programs. 11:00 - I-Tree, More than Just a Name Greg Ina, Davey Resource.Group and David Bloniarz, USDA Forest Service 12:00 - Lunch, Sponsored by National Grid 1:00 - Tree Line USA and Tree City USA Awards Stephen H. Burrington, Commissioner, Department of Conservation and Recreation Jim DiMaio,, Chief, Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry Join us in congratulating the three utilities and 80 coinniunities who are making a commitment to improve their urban and community forests. Some communities will also receive special awards. 2:30 _ Adjourn The Urban Forestry Program of. the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation assists communities in building long-term support for the protection and management of community trees and forests in Massachusetts. The Ecotarium is at 222 Harrington Way Directions are available at httD://www.ecotarium.orL/info/directions/index.html or: Traveling 290 East (from Auburn): Take Exit 21 (Plantation Street exit). At the end of the ramp, turn right on Plantation Street. Go through three sets of traffic lights, including a.major intersection with Route 9. At the first light after the Route 9 intersection, take a left onto Franklin Street. Take the second right onto Harrington'Way. EcoTarium is on the left after a baseball field. Traveling 290 West (from Marlborough): Take Exit'22 (Shrewsbury/Worcester exit). At the end of the ramp, bear right and continue to the second set of lights. Turn left onto Plantation Street. Travel along Plantation Street past the University of Massachusetts Medical Center and cross Route 9. At the first light after Route 9, turn left onto Franklin Street, and then take the second right onto Harrington Way. EcoTarium is on the left Traveling the Mass. Pike (I-90) East (from Western Massachusetts): Take Exit 10 (Auburn) to Route 290 East. Follow the above directions from Route 290 East. Traveling the Mass. Pike (I-90) West (from Boston): Take Exit 11. At the end of the ramp, turn left onto Route 122 North (Grafton Street). Follow for approximately three miles. Turn right onto Plantation Street at Rice Square. Follow for about one mile. At the second traffic light, turn right onto Franklin Street. Take the second- right onto Harrington Way. EcoTarium is on the left after a baseball field. 5~3. A 0-0& glass Au d u Don Pvrot" &c - N& we- of ~t~taTSaclirtise t~~6 FIAR 15 AM 10: 23 March 13, 2006 Camille Anthony, Chairman Board of Selectmen Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chairman Anthony and Members of the Board: As you know, Mass Audubon has been concerned for many years regarding the impacts of Reading's wells on the Ipswich River and our sanctuary. We are writing to support the proposed purchase of Reading's water supply from the MWRA, so that the town can discontinue the use of its Ipswich River Watershed wells. The Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary is Mass Audubon's largest sanctuary and is located in the Towns'of Topsfield; Hamilton.and Wenham. Eight miles of the Ipswich River meander through the woods and meadows of this 2;272'acre sanctuary north 'of Boston. The floodpldin forest consists_ of silver maple and occasional river birch and open meadows of reed canary grass and rare sedges line its course. The Great Wenham Swamp; the largest wetland on the North Shore, is part of the sanctuary and provides habitat for rare birds such as the American Bittern, rails, and pied-billed grebe. The ecological and recreational values of the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary are impacted by the Ipswich River's severe low-flow problems. The river's fisheries are especially impacted, resulting in the loss of flow-dependent fish species including fallfish and brook trout. Water quality is also impaired; dissolved oxygen, which is critical to healthy aquatic ecosystems and water quality, plummets in summer low-flow periods. Recreational values suffer from low-flows that make the river inaccessible or impassable for canoes and kayaks; in fact, last summer Mass Audubon had to cancel a number of programs because there was insufficient water in the river. The aesthetic values of the river are also seriously compromised during low-flow periods. The United States Geological Survey's modeling of water supply alternatives shows that water withdrawals by Reading and others diminishes gummier flows by an order of magnitude,(i.e., one. tenth of what they would be naturally). Even a 50% reduction in withdrawals, siihilar to:what Reading originally proposed, will have only marginal benefits to'the river. Ceasing use of the wells, either` seasonally; during low flow periods, or year=round,.will make a significant 'difference toward restoring healthy water levels 208 South Great Road • Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 . tel 781.259.9500 • fax 781.259.8899 : wr w.massaudubon.org Mass Audubon recognizes that Reading has proposed to purchase some water from MWRA to supplement its supply in summer, but this purchase is not sufficient to allow the Town to stop using the wells during low-flow periods. We urge the Town to take action now toward allowing the wells to be shut down completely during the May through October period, and year-round if necessary, to avoid further damage to the Ipswich River. Thank you for your consideration. t nson cc: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager s~'2~ VO4 ®VO BRADLEY H. JONES, JR. STATE REPRESENTATIVE MINORITY LEADER o~oudc a~~e~ueder~L`atirse~ ,at'e ,&z9e,OlIOlB 027§ 7054 L ( C Sa 20 IjP~I~ 16 Psi 19: 27 201" MIDDLESEX DISTRICT READING • NORTH READING LYNNFIELD • MIDDLETON ROOM 124 TEL. (617) 722-2100 Rep.BradleyJones@hou.state.ma.us March 10, 2006 Mr. John Cogliano, Secretary Boston Region MPO State Transportation Building Ten Park Plaza, Room 2150 Boston, MA 02116 Dear Secretary Cogliano: I am writing to you in your capacity as chair of the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) in response to the recent announcement from the Executive Office of Transportation regarding notice of decreased federal funding for the current fiscal year for certain projects included in the Statewide Road and Bridge Program. I understand the MPO is accepting public comment on the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2006 element of the FY2006-2010 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). I would like to take this opportunity to submit a letter of support for one of my local projects in the current 2006 TIP. I am very pleased to see that the Town of Reading's Route 28 (Main Street) project is in the TIP and that no changes are proposed in the amendment. I am very appreciative of the MPO's support for this very important project to Reading and would like to request that this project remain unchanged in the FY 2006 TIP. The purpose of the Reading project is to reconstruct Route 28 (Main Street) from Washington Street to Route 129 (Lowell Street). The project is extremely important to the Town of Reading for Route 28 also serves as Main Street which is the primary commercial corridor in Reading. The area also serves as the primary arterials to funnel traffic to and from I-95 and I-93 and serve as relief valves in the frequent event of traffic back-ups on the interstates. The town seeks to improve pedestrian and vehicular safety by defining traffic operations within the roadway and improving street crossing areas. The proposed improvements for this project consist of geometric modifications, pavement rehabilitation, signalization improvements, and sidewalk and streetscape enhancements including ornamental lighting, street trees and brick pavers. These modifications will improve levels of service, enhance pedestrian and traffic safety, and simplify traffic circulating through the downtown. By way of status, the project is moving along well and the Town of Reading has secured all right-of- ways and solved all traffic control agreements. The town has responded to all issues raised in terms of final review and is ready to have a bid on the project in April 2006. Once again, thank you for your continued support of the Reading project. Thank you in advance for your time and attention to this request. If I can provide any additional information, please feel free to contact me at your convenience. Si Cc: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Reading Town Manager Page 1 of 2 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Reading PEP [readingpep@comcast.net] Sent: Thursday, March 02, 2006 7:03 PM To: readingpep@comcast.net Subject: From Police Chief Cormier OFYI Arneo 1V. Cornier Chief , f Ailiee Dear Resident: OFFICE, OF THE CHIEF 15 Unian Street Rviding, Musachusetts 01807 Vniergency Only: 911 All Other U13: 781-944-1212 Fmc 781-944-2695 I,r1~~Xti~; 3Gar3~rierC~Ci.re,uli~ag,»ta.us tl CP This correspondence is intended to inform the parents of Reading children about a very important program that .is being offered by the Reading Police Department in conjunction with the Reading Public Schools Adult Education department. This program is a Drug Abuse Recognition Program, and will be presented by Ms. Marilyn Belmonte. Ms. Belmonte has different programs she offers to parents, teachers and students. This educational opportunity is geared directly towards parents. I believe education and awareness are vitally important for parents to understand what potential exposure issues exist today. I don't believe we can begin educating ourselves soon enough. The addictions of today are far different than they were five, ten or fifteen years ago. I strongly recommend that parents, regardless of the age of their children, attend this training. Unfortunately, in society today addiction and abuse start at far younger ages than in the past. Studies have shown that luiowledgeable parents can have a dramatic impact on the exposure their children have and ultimately on their decision making process. The program will be held on Tuesday evenings beginning March 7111, four Tuesdays in a row. The attached information packet outlines the dates and times, the program is free, it only costs your time to attend. Please come and learn about recognizing the drugs that are in society today. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Chief James W. Cormier 3/2/2006 Page 2 of 2 CATCH WELLNESS" - Community Agencies Working Together Citizen Drug Recognition Academy Free 4 Tuesdays in March -March 7, 14, 21 28 Would you know what a hollowed out light bulb is if you found it in your daughter's room? What would you be thinking if you found an empty tampon tube and Vick's Vapor Rub in your son's drawer? Can you tell the difference between normal mood swings and drug induced symptoms in your teenager? Can you protect your kids from being dosed a drug without their knowledge? The Reading Police Department in conjunction with the Community Adult Education Program and the Reading Public Schools are sponsoring a unique program for parents and concerned citizens. "Citizens Drug Recognition Academy" provides the community with a comprehensivd training on recognition of drugs, drug paraphernalia, eye clues and physical symptoms of drug abuse. It is free of charge and open to adults only. Each week a different section of drug abuse will be discussed: Plant-Based/Traditional Drugs; Prescription and Over-The-Counter Drugs; Designer/Club Drugs; Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults. The last session will conclude the program with a "Q & A" panel of police and school department. The program will be a collaborated presentation between officers from the Reading Police Department and Marilyn Belmonte, Co-Chair of the Burlington Drug & Alcohol Task Force from Burlington, MA. Presentations are multi-media programs including slides with full color pictures, video clips of real kids talking about their drug experiences and hands-on paraphernalia. The purpose of the training is to educate adults to recognize the signs of drug abuse early because early detection greatly increases the chance of stopping drug abuse. Young people become addicted much more quickly than adults so early intervention is critical. "Parents have more power than they may realize to prevent drug abuse and drug related assaults. This program will empower parents with the knowledge they need to protect their children, no matter how old they are," says Marilyn Belmonte. "Every adult in our children's lives should be trained to recognize drug abuse. Early recognition leads to early intervention which can prevent addiction." Register for the program by sending your name, address, age and phone number to info(@,iDswellness.org or through Community Adult Education at 781-942-9136 Instructor: Marilyn Belmonte, RMHS Library 7-9PM 3/2/2006 Schena, Paula From: Sent: To: Cc: Subject: February 18, 2006 Bo or Gina [bogina03@earthlink.net] Saturday, February 18, 2006.7:16 PM Reading - Selectmen; Hechenbleikner, Peter LeLacheur; Bob; tmcintyre@ci.reading.ma.us On the topic of MWRA buy-ih Selectmen & Town Manager Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Dear Selectmen and Town Manager: As you know, I have been participating in the decision making process regarding what the town should do to address water supply issues. As a long-time and founding member of the Reading.-North Reading Ipswich River Stream Team, one of my goals has been to protect the river. I have given a lot of thought to whether I should write,.and as I do not know the time frame for discussions and decisions, and I am going to be on vacation, I have decided to send this letter with my thoughts at this time. I recognize that this is a complicated decision that the town needs to make. However, as stated by our DPW in the December meeting after the presentation by the MWRA, there is currently no emergency as the Town is in no danger of not meeting the latest standards for water quality. I believe that it is neither in the best interests of the town nor in the best interests of the river to fully buy into the MWRA•water supply. I say this in terms of looking very far ahead, and I believe that if the river is not a water supply, it will not be protected long term. All one needs to do is look at what has happened on the North Reading side of the river, and while that type of development may be unlikely, who is to say what pressures will be on the town fifty or a hundred years from now. Since I have lived here, I have seen the wetland resources in the town slowly eaten away. Additionally, the town should not forget the value of controlling the resources within the town. Water rights are predicted to be a major issue by the end of this century. I also have spoken with water resource experts and from what they have said; I don't believe the cost estimates of what the MWRA water supply will cost are complete. Finally, since we do have the luxury of.not having an issue of non-compliance looming over-us, the option of building the water plant on the existing site by utilizing a design that incorporates as much of the existing structure as possible shm3kl e evaluated. I support taking a step back and reconsidering the entire scenario. Sincerely, Gina Snyder 11 Jadem Terrace Reading cc: Asst. Town Manager DPW Director SJ9. Page 1 of 1 L ( -cj ~ a Hechenbleikner, Peter From: attywhs@comcast.net Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 5:23 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Re: Head end Peter Was in the process of calling you to catch up, including on my getting you a bill. Thought you would be interested in this afternoon's news. I have been working on this recently to the extent I can - getting folks to meet with Markey, and such. As we always thought and acted on, being (almost) first was the best strategy. I would like to get together with you when we both have an opportunity to go over post-license analysis. Hope all is well. Bill Solomon House Panel OKs National Franchise Multichannel News 3/9/2006 10:28 AM In a setback for cable, key House lawmakers Wednesday night agreed in principle to award a national cable franchise to phone companies and to subject cable operators to continued local franchising requirements until phone rivals have reached 15% local-video-market penetration, industry and Capitol Hill aides said Thursday morning. The agreement was reached by House Energy and Commerce Committee chainnan Joe Barton (R-Texas), Telecommunications and the Internet Subcommittee chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Reps. Chip Pickering (R-Miss.), John Dingell (D-Mich.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.), the sources said. AT&T Inc. and Verizon Communications Inc. have been urging Congress to adopt a national-franchise policy, but the agreement includes provisions that have not been publicly debated. For more, click below (no subscription required) htt- :Hemail.multichaiuiel.com/cai-bin2/DM/v/eni_ JOGdd4800ZJOC1cAAOAe 4 3/9/2006 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Knocknagore@aol.com Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 3:42 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Addison Wessley Complex. Dear Sir: I live at 32 Shackford Road and am opposed to the construction of a Mall on that site. While I agree with most of the opinions of those opposed to this proposition my reason is this. When I went to vote there I was not able to get from Cross Street to the inner lane of Rt 28 South towards Stoneham. I tuned around and went up Summer Ave to the light and the problem there was ignorant drivers blocking the entrance to the other end of Summer Ave. As a result of this traffic heading towards Reading Square was a mess as people trying to make a left turn onto Summer Ave were prohibited from doing so as the street was blocked. This led to drivers getting silly and losing patience. I did eventually make it across and eventually got into the correct lane. The entrances to most of the business on the way to South Street were blocked. Other than that everything regarding the election was a pleasant experience. Thank you for the terrific job you and all the members of the board are doing on our behalf. You all look terrific on TV..Sincerely..Noel B. Higgins. (781-944-5094) S r~ 3/9/2006 ~c V3 as Hechenblelkner, Peter From: Frey, Bob (EOT) [Bob, Frey@state. ma. us] Sent: Thursday, March 09, 2006 8:16 AM To: Corey, John; Schubert, Rick; Anthony, Camille; Barnes, Jonathan; Bruen, Darlene; Casey, Paul; Clarke, Dennis; Cosgrove, Joe; DiBlasi, Joe; Durrant, Ian; Everson, Jeff; Festa, Mike; Gallagher, Jim; Grover, Robert; Grzegorzewski, Josh; Hamblin, Eileen; Havern, Robert; Jones, Bradley; Katsoufis, George; Kennedy, Anthony; Kinsman, Art; Leiner, Craig; McLaughlin, Tom; Meaney, Paul; Medeiros, Paul; Molter, Andrew; Natale, Patrick; Rogers, Maureen A.; Smith, Suzanne; Sodano, Paul; Stinson, Richard; Sullivan, Dan; Tarallo, Ed; Tisei, Richard; Webster, Bill Cc: Blaustein, Joan; Callan, Melissa (Rep Mike Festa); Christello, Tricia (Mass Motor TA); Cooke, Don; DiZoglio, Dennis; Draisen, Mark; Edwards, Adriel; Florino, Ron; Frey, Bob; Town Manager; Lindstrom, Mike (Sen Richard Tisei); Lucas, Barbara; Lutz, Elaine; McKinnon, Anne; McLaughlin, Thomas; Mcvann, John; Medeiros, Paul (work); Miller, Kenneth; O'Rourke, Carmen (Rep Paul Casey); Pap, Mary (Rep Brad Jones); Purdy, Jim; Pyke, Keri; Reilly, Chris; Schwartz, Bill; Stein, Kathy; Tafoya, Beh; Van Magness, Frederick (Rep Brad Jones); Wood, Gail Subject: 93/95 PUBLIC MEETING CLARIFICATION Importance: High YESTERDAY'S MESSAGE INCORRECTLY STATED THE DATE OF THE APRIL'S PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING. JUST TO BE CLEAR, THE CORRECT DATE IS WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5TH Sorry for any confusion... Thanks, - Bob Bob Frey Manager of Statewide Planning Office of Transportation Planning Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (617) 973-7449 bob.frey@eot.state.ma.us 1 50. Page 1 of 5 Hechenblelkner, Peter From: nomall01867 [nomall01867@comcast.net] Sent: Friday, March 10, 2006 10:18 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Town Manager Subject: Reading C.A.R.E.'s response to S.R. Weiner's 3/7/06 Request Town of Reading Board of Selectmen; Reading C.A.R.E. is extremely concerned by the request that S.R. Weiner made at the March 7th Board of Selectmen's meeting asking to create a working group to discuss the potential of scaling back the plans for the Addison Wesley/Pearson site. S.R. Weiner is once again manipulating the process for their gain at the expense of those who live on South Street and in surrounding neighborhoods, as well as at the expense of Reading in general. After being asked repeatedly to scale down the size of the proposed development, why on March 7th, less than 60 days from Town Meeting, do they make a public offer to put a committee together to look at scaling this down? They continue to avoid answering traffic questions, and they have not presented a reasonable solution to the extra 12,000 to 16,000 cars per day that will cut through our neighborhood streets. Neighbors and townspeople have gone to many meetings and have told the developer this is wrong for the town ...only to get more of the same, meeting after meeting. Peter Heckenbleikner indicated that the seriousness of this proposed development warranted a Special Town Meeting; ignoring this, the developer and their (Reading-based) lawyers petitioned for the Annual Town Meeting in April. Subsequently, Selectman Richard Schubert argued that the developers had "shortchanged the process" by securing a spot for the warrant at the Annual Town Meeting. We hope that the Board of Selectmen made note of the fact that at the ` 6f - 3/10/2006 Page 2 of 5 meeting on March 2nd at Addison Wesley, S.R. Weiner's Bob Frazier became defensive to the neighbors and community in attendance when they expressed their concerns over the project, and continued his hollow threats regarding alternative uses of the site. We know S.R. Weiner has already spoken to potential customers, promising them 16,000 carloads of customers per day. Do you really think they are going to go back to these customers and tell them they have considerably scaled back the size of their project? Absolutely not. The project will remain as large as they originally intended once the zoning is passed for retail. S.R. Weiner stated emphatically at the January 17th meeting that anything smaller than what they were proposing would not be economically feasible for them. Why should Reading suffer just so that this developer can put as much money into its pockets as possible? If we give them another chance, there is no doubt in our minds that on the night of Town Meeting, they will propose more changes to disillusion and confuse the Town Meeting members. This proposal is clearly a public relations maneuver. We think these actions are indicative of the type of business partner they would be for our community. Reading C.A.R. E. is requesting to bring the warrant article to amend the Reading Zoning By-law-as presented to the town on February 13, 2006 by Latham, Latham and Lamond, P.C.-to Town Meeting for debate and vote on May 4, 2006, as the developer originally requested. If the Board of Selectmen should concede to S.R. Weiner's request, any meetings should be public and should include representatives of Reading C.A.R..E. We also ask that you visit the following website to learn about the 3/10/2006 Page 3 of 5 experience that residents of Canton, Conn., had when working with S.R. Weiner on a similar project in their town. Their experience is eerily similar to how Reading's experience with this developer is tracking. We do not want to be in their position in 18 months. httr)://www.cantoncare.ora/newur)dates.htm Below are excerpts from www.Cantoncare.org: C.AA.E., which formed after the course was rezoned, regrets the town's failure to buy the parcel and the choice to rezone it. But given this set of circumstances, C.A.R.E. was pleased by the developer's stated intention to attempt a walkable project, of only one quarter the size that regulations would allow, of multiple uses, and to actively recruit locally-owned tenants. The developer's multiple alterations, however, have radically altered the project to one that is at odds with the promised development and incompatible with the town of Canton. The site plan initially approved by Zoning included a west anchor store (Kohl's, now under construction) and an east anchor store. Multiple smaller, individual buildings would have lined both sides of a street connecting the two anchors. As part of the original approval, the applicant stated an intent to create a "pedestrian-friendly" development. No tenant had yet been identified for the east anchor, but the applicant stated that a specialty foods store would be sought for that site. In 2003, the developer received Zoning approval to combine several buildings into one 83,000 sq. ft. building (next to Kohl's). The developer has since announced that Shaw's, the northeast's second largest grocery chain, will occupy this building. Reading C.A.R.E. Kate Adams Jennifer Gramzow Neil Adams Susan Gravallese Mary Avery Jean Marie Halley Kelli Bacon Steven Halley Suzanne M. Bent Michelle Healy Kimberly Bitto Tom Healy Heidi Bonnabeau Maureen Hennessy Jerry Bonnabeau Mark Hennessy Christopher Brungardt Barbara Henry Christine Brungardt Bill Henry Bob Cahill Marie Hickey Peg Cahill Robert Holt 5 f 3 k 3/10/2006 Page 4 of 5 Simon Camelo Rhonda Holt Linda Camelo Michelle Hopkinson Veronica Collins Tom Hopkinson Peter Collins Ronald Howland Susan Cort Ellen Howland Joan Cotter Lisa lapicca Mark Coughlin Ronnie lapicca Wendy Coughlin Kathy Keen Jennifer Culbert Ray Keen Rob Culbert Phil Kluge Stephen D'Amico Kerry Kreppein Carmela D'Amico Jamison Kreppein Lisa D'Alessio Jean Krogh Joe D'Alessio David Lane Mark Daley Carol Lane Barbara Daley Corey Lattanzi Laura Diemer Peter Lattanzi Jr. Chris Diemer Catherine Lenox Joe DiMambro Jay Lenox Carolyn Doherty Rebecca Liberman Tom Doherty Tom Loughlin Bernie Donohue Marty Lusk Maria Donohue Janet Lusk Marianne Downing Jack Malley Audrey Doyle Michele Malley Matt Doyle Kenneth Margossian Meghan Dynan Paul McCarthy Paul Dynan Camille McCormick Nancy Errico Clark McCormick Alison Evangelista Ann McGoldrick Derrick Evangelista Jeff McGoldrick Carol Everson Diana McKee Jeff Everson Brian . McKee Liz Farley Stacy McKenna Chris Farley Mark McKie Cheryl Fay Kate Menzie Kenneth Fay Mike Menzie Beth Ferraro Mike Merullo Joe Ferraro Kristen Merullo Brian J. Ferrick Kara Miele Mary Kate Fischer Paul Millett Rich Fischer Paul Missert Kate Fitzgerald Carolyn Missert L i ` Paul Fitzgerald Alice Modica 3/10/2006 Page 5 of 5 Paul Gallo Michael Modica Al Garbarino Nancy Morley Andrea Garbarino Bertie Mullin Mike Gass Gerri Mullin Katy Gass Bob Murphy Paula Gentile Theresa Murphy Ann Gentile Drew Nastri Frank Gentile Jr. Joanne Nastri Madeline Gillis Janice O'Brien Neil Gillis Tom O'Brien William Gillis Tim O'Connor Scott Graham Susan O'Connor Mary Graham Mary Ellen O'Neill William Gramzow John O'Neill Sys 3/10/2006 Hechenbleikner Peter From: GaryH [gehylan58@earthlink.net] Sent: Wednesday, March 15, 2006 9:25 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Reading Water Supply concerns Hello, my name is Gary Hylan of 12 Boyce St., Reading. I am very much in favor of keeping the Ipswich River Basin as our primary source of drinking water and supplementing with MWRA water. The reasons I favor this plan over going completely to the MWRA source is: 1) Control of the source. 2) My father lives in Wakefield, which is a MWRA supplied town and his water bill is very high compared to what we are paying in Reading. 3) I fear the loss of the Ipswich River basin as an optional source. According to the article in the March 15 Chronicle the town can't change their mind and go back to using the basin after switching to the MWRA. 4) I don't the take or leave it attitude of the MWRA. Thank you for allowing me to voice my opinion. Regards Gary Hylan 1 Page 1 of 1 L ( C~o Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Paula G [pmgentile@gmail.com] Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 11:48 PM To: Reading - Selectmen; Town Manager; Planning; gwood@ci.reading.ma.us; mcummings@ci.reading. ma.us; Rick Schubert Multiple Addresses; anthony@ci.reading.ma.us; ghines@ci.reading.ma.us Cc: RichardTisei@state.ma.us; PatrickNatale@hou.state.ma.us; letter@globe.com; Rep. Brad leyJones@hou.state.ma.us; reading@cnc.com; readingchronicle@comcast.net Subject: The 40B Question Please Stay Informed, Educate Yourselves Dear Sirs, I am a resident on South Street in Reading, MA, and I am opposed to the new proposed "Lifestyle Center" Mall project currently being pushed in our town. Many other towns in our state are fighting similar battles. (ref. www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2006/03/12/selectmen back- revised mixed use plan/ There is a huge fear about 40B housing possibly going in the site if the mall project does not go in. This is an attack tactic that many developers like to use against the towns, and it is completely unfair. Many residents are asking, what if? and well, something has to go in there. That is very true. But no one takes the time to educate residents about the 40B issue, so that they (and town planners) can have options at their fingertips when needed. All I am asking is that the newly formed economic development planning committee in Reading, MA, my elected officials, and the rest of my neighbors understand this, and take the time to educate themselves and implement something proper. Being railroaded by a developer with threat tactics for the benefit of the almighty dollar is no way to negotiate with citizens. Please, go to my blog, lnttp://reading-notiustanotliermalltown.bloaspot.com/, go to the State of MA website, and educate yourselves and your citizens about this. Yes, I would be impacted greatly in a negative way by this project and other projects like these. But so won't we all if you take the time to think about it. Paula Gentile Reading, MA s~ 3/14/2006 Page 1 of 4 L(C 9G Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Reilly, Chris Sent: Tuesday, March 14, 2006 10:02 AM j To: Scott_Dale@avalonbay.com Cc: Lisa Raucci; Edward Tarallo; Greg Selvitelli; Maria Scirpo Selvitelli; John_Pitner@avalonbay.com; Matt-Gendron@avalonbay.com; jtarby@murthalaw.com; Reading - Selectmen Subject: RE: Avalon Inwood Drive - Reading Residents Chris Reilly Reading Town Planner 16 Lowell St. 01867 781-942-6612 fax 781-942-9071 http://www.ci.readina.ma.us/Dlannino, From: Scott-Dale@avalonbay.com [mailto:Scott Dale@avalonbay.com] Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 10:23 AM To: Reilly, Chris Cc: Lisa Raucci; Edward Tarallo; Greg Selvitelli; Maria Scirpo Selvitelli; John_Pitner@avalonbay.com; Matt Gendron@avalonbay.com; jtarby@murthalaw.com Subject: RE: Avalon Inwood Drive - Reading Residents Thanks for your reply below, voicemail and other proactive efforts on our behalf -we appreciate the cooperation. I have some comments below and will follow up with you by phone. Chris, Maria, Lisa, et.al.: I wanted to respond to your e-mails below and reiterate that AvalonBay has a history of working cooperatively with our new neighbors to address the types of issues your have identified in your e-mail below. I have outlined my thoughts based on our prior conversations below: Neighborhood security: I suggest we monitor this collectively going forward. We have not experienced problems in this regard at other communities and given the proximity of our properties, separated by a large wetland, I would not anticipate a problem here. However, to the extent issues and concerns do arise, Avalon's on-site staff will be prepared to deal with them. Once we have an office established your will have a phone # to call to voice any concerns directly to Avalon. You obviously have my number and e-mail in the interim. If our residents, for whatever reason, are leaving our property and trespassing over other properties, the appropriate action will be taken to prevent this, signage, security fencing,etc. I understand the neighbors concerns, however, I also have the knowledge of what happens at our other communities and am confident this issue can be managed to everyone's satisfaction. The expectation of a Class A management would obviously be in the best interest of everyone. We assume there will be provision for 24 hour security and would appreciate access to site staff to address any immediate and chronic issues, with availability to management in the event of unsatisfactory resolution to reasonable concerns. Traffic Noise and Visibility (1-93): Once the final grades have been established and building locations identified, It may be beneficial to supplement the existing landscaping buffers between our properties with additional screening. I suggest we stay in communication on this issue. We do appreciate the initiative although the concern is landscaping alone has not proven to be an effective sound barrier. We assume you will be taking appropriate measures to mitigate noise and visibility for your own residents and would like the opportunity to participate in appropriate review and C 3/14/2006 Page 2 of 4 discussion as those plans evolve. Maintenance: I believe the quality of the maintenance at our other local communities speaks for itself. Again, to the extent there are concerns, you will have the phone # of our on-site maintenance staff. The professional operation of your communities is certainly acknowledged. At your convenience I would like a copy of your operations and maintenance plan so we may offer practical and mutually beneficial suggestions on how our concerns can be monitored and addressed. Water run-off: This issue has been studied extensively. Any potential adverse impacts have been mitigated by our stormwater runoff system designed by our engineers and reviewed by the Woburn engineering department. Please see above Lighting: We are providing only basic security lighting to the rear of our buildings closest to the neighborhood. Parking will be either in front and/or between the buildings and will be lit to provide adequate light for safety and security only - the same purpose for the lighting on your neighborhood streets. We can also add shields to any specific street lamps that are identified as a problem in the future. The attention to site layout by Avalon and Woburn is appreciated-at your convenience it would be helpful to have the lighting specs so we can review suggestions for simple and low cost shielding and agree on a practical application to make things smoother for everyone going forward. Also any screening buffering of the headlights can be achieved by some minimal fencing and landscaping, which we would like to have further input on at the proper time before occupancy. Visibility of the Apartments: I hope we all realize that it is an unrealistic expectation to think that we can make our buildings located to the rear of our site disappear from your view. We will however, assist with funding for additional landscaping to supplement the existing vegetation in areas where we collectively determine the landscaped buffering can be improved. I believe he most effective location for this maybe on the neighborhood side of the wetlands given the elevation difference between the neighborhood homes and the closest Avalon buildings. I agree any mitigation would probably be most affective on the neighborhood side. I would suggest minimum 2" caliper American aboravitae for year round screening to augment existing buffer. I hope this summary accurately reflects the essence of prior conversations. The key to success going forward will be cooperation, open communication and realistic expectations. Pis call if you have any questions. 617-847- 1202. Thanks for your ongoing efforts to address our concerns. We look forward to a cooperative and open dialogue as your project moves forward to an acceptable outcome for all. "Reilly, Chris" <creiliy@ci.reading.ma.us> Ssy 3/14/2006 Page 3 of 4 03/06/2006 12:13 PM To "Maria Scirpo Selvitelli" <mscirpo@yahoo.com>, <scott_dale@avalonbay.com> cc "Greg Selvitelli" <gfselvitelli@yahoo.com>, "Lisa Raucci" <dlraucci@aol.com>, "Edward Tarallo" <etarallo@cityofwoburn.com> Subject RE: Avalon Inwood Drive - Reading Residents Mr. Dale, Based on my understanding of the outcome from the February 2 meeting, mitigation as described below has been agreed upon in principle by the attendees and Avalon. I would appreciate being copied on any formal MOU, associated plans and installation schedule once available. Of course I would also like to be informed of any follow up meetings to discuss the enclosed concerns. Thank you for the cooperative spirit you have shown your neighbors in Reading. Chris Reilly Reading Town Planner 16 Lowell St. 01867 781-942-6612 fax 781-942-9071 httD://www.ci.readinL)-.ma.US/Dlamiino, Maria Scirpo Selvitelli [mailto:mscirpo@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, March 03, 2006 3:36 PM To: scott_dale@avalonbay.com Cc: Maria; Greg Selvitelli; Lisa Raucci; Edward Tarallo; Reilly, Chris Subject: Avalon Inwood Drive - Reading Residents March 3, 2006 Dear Scott, I would like to thank you again for taking the time to meet with me and my neighbor s Thursday, February 2nd, 2006. As we discussed, as it relates to the Avalon Inwood property in Woburn, Ma, our main concerns are with the following areas: • Neighborhood security • Traffic noise & visibility (1-93) • Quality of maintenance of the property • Water run-off • Lighting on and around property • Visibility of the apartments from our neighborhood The attached is the document we provided to you at the time of your visit for your electronic records. I believe that we concluded the meeting on the 2nd of Feb. with the understanding that you would speak with others at AvalonBay to address our concerns, specifically planting trees (on Avalon property and abutting residents) to reduce visibility of both the highway and apartments. Another area which you would address is security fencing, to minimize foot & vehicle traffic into properties surrounding Avalon Inwood. As you already 3/14/2006 ~;7s5 Page 4 of 4 aware, the Alice Barrows Elementary School is in our neighborhood. You also reassured us that maintenance, lighting, and water run-off were all being taken care of through standard protocols. Since our meeting, I spoke with you on the telephone prior to your vacation leave on February 17th. You indicated that you spoke with your counterparts at AvalonBay and concluded that AvalonBay would follow through and provide trees & necessary landscaping both on abutting residents' properties (Raucci, Selvitelli and Low) and Avalon Inwood property to minimize highway (1-93) visibility. As well, you suggested we wait for the "foot prints" for the actual buildings to be placed before we determine where security fencing & some trees will be placed. I am following up with you today to confirm the above mentioned and to continue the lines of communications. I look forward to working with you and making these items a reality. Please reply to this message as confirmation that you did receive this email. In addition, I will call you by March 10th to follow up with you. On behalf of the Reading residents in the Barrows neighborhood, thank you for your help. Kindest regards, Maria Scirpo Selvitelli 25 Arnold Avenue Reading, Ma. 01867 781-944-5520 phone Yahoo! Mail Bring photos to life! New PhotoMail makes sharing a breeze. 3/14/2006 Page 1 of 1 t ~ C Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, March 13, 2006 5:08 PM To: Bonazoli, James; Schubert, Rick; Schubert, Rick; Tafoya, Ben Subject: Johnson Woods workshop At the CPDC meeting tonight there is a Zoning Workshop on "Phase 2" of the Johnson Woods project. The Zoning provides in section 3.9.6.2 (h) that the portion of the PRD-R within 300 feet of the Town boundary cannot be used for residential development until 7 years form the re-zoning of the property - which was May 1, 2003. The property owner is interested in accelerating the schedule from 7 years to 4 years. I would suggest that the Town also look at the % of affordable units - it's 15% in Phase 2 and perhaps we should look at it at being 20 or 25%. Pete s~ 3/13/2006 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Burns, Greg Sent: Thursday, March 16, 2006 11:34 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Cormier, Jim Cc: Reading = Police Dispatchers; Reading - All Fire Department Subject: Fire Marshal Press Release for Pine Ridge Road Fire Reading Fire Caused By Misuse of Smoldng Materials Page 1 of 1 C-& C, State Fire Marshal Stephen D. Coan, Reading Fire Chief Gregory Bunts, and Reading Police Chief James Conner announced the joint investigation into the March 10, 2006 fire at 93 Pine Ridge Road, Reading has determined the cause was misuse of smoking materials. The fire started in an upholstered chair in the first floor breezeway and was reported about 11:30 p.m. No one was home at the time of the fire but there had-been a gathering of young adults earlier in the evening where smoking took place. Smoking materials can smolder inside upholstered furniture for a long time before there is any extenzal sign of fire. The fire was jointly investigated by investigators in the Reading Fire Department and the Reading Police Department, and State Police assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal. -30- y 3/16/2006