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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-28 Board of Selectmen HandoutPage 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: bonazoli@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 8:33 AM To: Schubert, Rick; Schubert, Rick; Anthony, Camille; Hechenbleikner, Peter; Tafoya, Ben; Schena, Paula Subject: Meeting absence Hello all As a reminder or to inform those I haven't - I will not be at tonight's meeting due to a business meeting out in Lee Mass. I do apologies for my absences but unfortunately these meetings have been out of my control. I do have comments that I will hold until next week but for Liaison reports if you could urge everyone to return the Nurse Advocacy Survey to Town Hall we would appreciate it. We- have had a decent response but welcome more input. I will not have access to this email account so'if you need me please feel free to call my cell phone at 781-956-5468 or email my work at iamesbona.us.ibm.com. Thank you - good luck James D 2/28/2006 TOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, February 28, 2006 • Is the Board interested in attending a CPDC meeting on March 13 to discuss a request by the developer of Johnson Woods to "release" the back portion of the property earlier than the 7 year time frame provided in the zoning bylaw; • The next Board of Selectmen Forum is March 14 • 1 have signed the agreement with the MSBA on reimbursement for the RMHS project. Town Accountant Gail LaPointe deserves a lot of credit for getting this groundbreaking document put together and executed. This will ensure that the Town does not need to sell any additional debt on this project and that we get reimbursed on an ongoing basis by the MSBA. • Reminder - Nurse Advocacy survey needs to be turned in ASAP. The next 128193 meeting is March 15 • 8 Walkers Brook Drive - We have ordered Cumberland Farms to remove the underground gasoline tanks from the ground. The station has been closed for over six months and since the tanks are of single wall construction they are classified by the Fire Prevention Code as abandoned and must be removed. Today the work should begin. 85 Main Street - We have noticed over the last couple of weeks that this station has not been pumping fuel. The Fire Prevention Code classifies a station as "Temporarily Out of Service" when they are not adding or removing products. The code requires several steps to be followed including all products to be removed from the tank. These tanks are of double wall construction and they may remain in the ground for two years.. We are working with Cumberland Farms to see the tanks are closed properly • Upcoming Board of Selectmen meeting agenda: March 7, 2006 Office hours - Anthony Highlights Eldcr%HuMau Services Appointment - Historical Commission Assoc., Registrar Proclamation ( American Red Cross Hearing 75 Pleasant Street LIP Hearing Establish Economic Development Committee • 1 am in the process of hiring a consultant engineer to replace Town Engineer Joe Delaney who has left to work for the State DEP. This will be on an interim. as needed basis until we hire a new Town Engineer. /tin April 24 2006 Annual Town Meeting WARRANT OUTLINE 02/28/2006 Art. Mover/ Moderator # Article Description Sponsor Comment Notes l-lccti~~ii R~~port_s ~ 13o~trii ol~ S~ IC~lI71C11 ~ln,tiuct un il3u u~l ~>f ti~]~~tn~~n ° 4 Amend Capital Improvement Board of Selectmen Verizon funds Program FY 2006 - FY 2015 5 Approve payment of Prior Year's Board of Selectmen ° bills 6 Amend the FY 2006 Budget Board of Selectmen Appropriating proceeds from legal settlement to Water budget ■ Appropriating Verizon funds for capital r i _ p J 7 1 ib 7 Approving FY 2007 - 2016 Capital Board of Selectmen ° Improvements Program 8 Establish Storm Water Board of Selectmen • Management Enterprise fund 9 Authorizing disposition of surplus Board of Selectmen tangible property 7-- 1 U I I L a l t I I 1IUtLl tI ~i(l i 11](21 it l3o u(l ( I Icaltll 11 Authorizing debt and Board of Selectmen ■ Appropriating Chapter 90 funds 12 Appropriation of contributions Board of Selectmen Inwood park from Developers for various projects n Conservation 13 Authorizing Revolving funds Board of Selectmen ■ Composting ■ Inspections II 14 Acceptance of Special Retirement Contributory benefit to Veterans on disability Retirement Board l JAphru%irl]'the 1-Y 2007 hnd~"Ct I-Iti~'0!\1 16 J V tc~ltc 1" a,;cmcnt 9 I iartshornc 13uarc o1, Sclcctmcn 17 Sewer Betterment - Franklin Board of Selectmen Terrace _ a~ _ t l t ' 18 Authorizing debt for . the Board of Selectmen ' acquisition of land - north Main Street Lind ,s aji cur Sircci f I> , tr ] ol" ~clcctmcn 21 General Bylaw Amendment - Board of Selectmen ' Animal Control _ 22 General Bylaw amendment -Board of Selectmen ' Hours of construction 23 General Bylaw Amendment - Board of Selectmen ' regulating door to door solicitors 24 Amendment to Demolition Delay Historical Commission • bylaw 25 Zoning Bylaw amendment re CPDC ' Accessory Apartments 26 Amendment to Zoning Bylaw - Petition ° Addison Wesley property 27 Removal of Town Meeting Board of Selectmen ' members D COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, 1, on notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue Precinct 8 Mobil on the Run, 1330 Main Street The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 4, 2006, the date set for the Local Election in this Warrant. also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in the issue of Corey W. Porter, Constable A true copy. Attest: Cheryl A. Johnson, Town Clerk D TOWN WARRANT (Seal) COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said Town, namely: Precincts 1. 2. 3.4. 5. 6. 7 and 8 Addison-Weslev/Lonaman. One Jacob Wav TUESDAY, the FOURTH DAY OF APRIL, A.D., 2006 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz: ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers: A Moderator for one year; One member of the Board of Selectmen for three years; one member for one year; One member of the Board of Assessors for three years; Two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years; Two members of the Municipal Light Board for three years; Two members of the School Committee for three years; and sixty nine Town Meeting Members shall be elected to represent each of the following precincts: Precinct 1 Eight members for three years; Precinct 2 Eight members for three years; one member for two years; one member for one year; Precinct 3 Eight members for three years; two members for one year; Precinct 4 Eight members for three years; one member for two years; one member for one year; Precinct 5 Eight members for three years; Precinct 6 Eight members for three years; Precinct 7 Eight members for three years; Precinct 8 Eight members for three years. Question 1 Shall the Town of Reading approve the amendments to Article 4 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, proposed by the Reading Town Meeting, which will take effect on July 1, 2006 and which is summarized below? Article 22 - Zonina Board of Appeals Membership o Section 4-4 Board of Appeals There shall be a Board of Appeals consisting of members appointed by the Board of Selectmen arranged that as near an equal number of terms year. 5 members and 2 associate for three (3) year terms so as possible shall expire each The Board of Appeals shall have the powers and duties of Zoning Boards of Appeal under the Constitution and General Laws of the Commonwealth and such additional powers and duties as may be authorized by the Charter, by bylaw, or by Town Meeting vote. YES O NO O and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on MONDAY, the TWENTY-FOURTH DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2006 at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Official, Board, or Special Committee. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and. Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2006 - FY 2015 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen 3 0 ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal Year 2006 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 15 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 25, 2005, as amended under Article 5 of the November 14 2005 Subsequent Town Meeting, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2007 - FY 2016 Capital Improvements Program as, provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 44, Section 53FY2 of the Massachusetts General Laws establishing the Town's Storm Water Utility as an Enterprise Fund effective Fiscal Year 2007, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, various items of Town tangible property, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will, in accordance with G.L. c. 40, section 4A, authorize the Town Manager on behalf of the Board of Health to enter into an inter- municipal agreement with one or more other governmental units to provide public health services which the Board of Health is authorized to perform, in accordance with an Inter- Municipal Mutual Aid Agreement to be entered into between the Town and various governmental units, or take any other action relative thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 11 To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, whether in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6, Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen 4 io ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate contributions from all or any one of the following or other developers: ♦ Johnson Farms ♦ Archstone Development Inwood Park in Woburn For purposes including but not limited to street design, road improvements, sidewalk and curb improvements, trail improvements, water and sewer improvements, or any other related improvements as approved by the Town Manager, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 13 To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate to establish revolving funds under Chapter 44, Section 53E'/Z for any or all of the following purposes: ♦ Using the receipts generated through the sale of compost and recycling bins to purchase additional compost and/or recycling bins, said expenditures to be administered by the Public Works Director; Administering the consultant fee provision of the Reading General Bylaws Section 5.7, Wetland Protection, said expenditures to be administered by the Conservation Commission; o Using the receipts generated from the issuance of Building, Plumbing or Gas, and Wiring and other permits for the Archstone Development, the Johnson Woods Development and/or the Addison Wesley Development to pay the costs of legal expenses, oversight and inspection, plan review, initial property value appraisal and appeals, and other administrative expenses related to those developments; and for the construction of curb, sidewalks, and other pedestrian safety improvements; said expenditures to be administered by the Town Manager, and to determine the total amount of expenditures during Fiscal Year 2007 which may be made from each such fund, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 1 of Chapter 157 of the Acts of 2005 that provides accidental disability retirees who are veterans with an additional yearly retirement allowance of $15 for each year of creditable service with the total of this additional retirement allowance not to exceed $300 annually, or take any other action with respect thereto. Contributory Retirement Board ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to determine how much money the Town will appropriated by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 2007 beginning July 1, 2006, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to release all of the Town's right, title and interest in a 20' drainage easement located upon the property at 98 Hartshorn Street, Assessors Map 113, Parcel 77, presently owned by David M. Swyter and Suzanne I. Biron; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept in its place a 15' drainage easement located upon the property at 98 Hartshorn Street presently owned by David M. Swyter and Suzanne I. Biron; or take any other action in relation thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 17 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy or transfer from available funds or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of constructing a sanitary sewer system and sewer facilities on all or portions of Franklin Terrace, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectman to acquire by purchase, eminent domain, gift or otherwise, two parcels of land containing approximately 2.14 acres located on Main Street shown as Lots 2 and 16 on Board of Assessors Map 237 currently believed to be owned by the estate of Richard A. Mattera, said land to be used for open space and conservation purposes in accordance with the provisions of Mass. General Laws Chapter 40, Section 8C to be under the care, management and control of the Town of Reading Conservation Commission and further to be dedicated in perpetuity to purposes stated in Article 97 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts including the protection of water resources and shall be fully protected by all provisions of Article 97; and to see if the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, a sum of money; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into any and all agreements and contracts upon terms and conditions as they may determine to be necessary to carry out the acquisition of such parcel and the purposes of this Article, and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, Town Manager and/or the Conservation Commission to apply for a grant or grants, including but not limited to a Self-Help Grant under MGL, Chapter 132A, Section 11, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of the purchase price for such parcel of land; provided however that any borrowing authorized by this Article and any appropriation subject to this Article shall be contingent upon the passage of a debt exclusion referendum question under. General Laws Chapter 59, §21 C within 90 days of the close of this Annual Town Meeting, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town of Reading will vote to accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as public ways the following described private ways under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen; and authorized the Board of Selectmen to take such ways under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterment's, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said lands in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise 6 6) and to assess betterment's therefore, the plans and descriptions for such ways being filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said ways, or take any other action with respect thereto. • Adam Way Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to transfer lands of the Town including portions of George Street in excess of a 40' wide right of way to an abutting property owner or owners; and further to see if the Town will vote to discontinue the portion of George Street to be so transferred; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to accept from an abutting property owner or owners, portions of private property to establish a right of way on George Street of not less than 40'; and to see if the Town will vote to accept the additional portion of George street as a public way; all actions under such terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen may determine, or to take any other action with respect thereto, Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to rescind the entirety of Section 5.6 of the General Bylaws, and replace it with the following, or take any other action with respect thereto: ANIMAL CONTROL BYLAW 5.6.1- Definitions As used in this By-Law, the following words and terms have the following meanings: 5.6.1.1 ACO The Animal Control Officer. 5.6.1.2 Banishment An order by the Animal Control Appeals Committee (AGAC) that a vicious dog may no longer reside or visit in the Town of Reading. 5.6.1.3 Destruction An order by the Animal Control Appeals Committee (ACAC) that a vicious dog be destroyed in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 and Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals guidelines. 5.6.1.4 Effective voice control - To be under effective voice control, the animal must be within the keeper's sight and the keeper must be carrying a leash and the animal must refrain from illegal activities. 5.6.1.5 Keeper Any person having charge of an animal within the Town of Reading, including but not limited to the animal's owner; dog walkers, dog sitters, members of the animal owner's household or family. 5.6.1.6 Kennel Four or more dogs, six months of age or older, kept on a single property, whether for breeding, sale, training, hunting, companionship, or any other purpose. D 5.6.1.7 Kennel license A special license issued to a kennel, which allows payment of a single fee covering all dogs in the kennel; with the kennel license, the kennel owner receives a special kennel tag for each dog in the kennel. 5.6.1.8 License A'dog's registration, evidenced by a tag issued annually by the Town Clerk to the owner of each dog residing in Reading and worn by the dog securely fixed to its collar or harness. 5.6.1.9 License, transfer The registration issued to a dog already licensed in another US jurisdiction, after the dog moves into the Town of Reading. 5.6.1.10 License period Annually, from January 1St through December 31St 5.6.1.11 Muzzling Using a device that fits over a dog's mouth and prevents it from biting, but that does not cause any injury or interfere with the vision or respiration of the dog that wears it. 5.6.1.12 Nuisance dog A dog that repeatedly violates Section 5.6.5 of this By-Law. 5.6.1.13 Permanent restraint - An order issued by the Animal Control Appeals Committee under Section, requiring a vicious dog's keeper to restrain it. 5.6.1.14 Restraint Limiting, restricting, or keeping an animal under control by means of a physical barrier (e.g., a leash, substantial chain or line, visible or invisible fence). 5.6.1.15 Running at large A dog is running at large if it is not on the private property of its keeper, or on private property with the express permission of that property's owner, or on a leash, or under effective voice control (i.e., within the keeper's sight and the keeper is carrying a leash). 5.6.1.16 Temporary restraint An order issued by the ACO under Section 5.6.3.2(4), requiring the dog's keeper to restrain a nuisance dog or suspected vicious dog for 30 days. 5.6.1.17 Vicious dog A dog that, without provocation, bites a human being or kills or maims a domestic animal without provocation. 5.6.1.18 Any word or term defined in Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, Section 136A, and not otherwise defined here, is incorporated by reference. 5.6.2 VACCINATION. LICENSING. AND FEES 5.6.2.1 Three or fewer dogs. 5.6.2.1.1 License and vaccination requirements. All dogs six months and older, while residing in the Town of Reading, must have a license. To obtain or renew the license, each dog owner must annually present proof of a current rabies vaccination. When a veterinarian determines that vaccination is inadvisable, the owner may present a veterinarian's certificate exempting an old or sick dog from vaccination for a stated period of time. 5.6.2.1.2 New dogs. Within 30 days of acquiring a dog 6 months of age or older, each dog owner in Reading must present proof of that dog's current rabies vaccination and obtain a license and dog tag from the Town Clerk. 5.6.2.1.3 New puppies. Within 6 months of a puppy being born, each dog owner in Reading must present proof of that puppy's current rabies vaccination and obtain a license and dog tag from the Town Clerk. 8 5.6.2.1.4 New residents. A new resident who owns a dog 6 months of age or older must license it within 30 days after moving into Reading. The Town Clerk will issue each dog a transfer license, upon the owner's surrender of a current license from another US jurisdiction and proof of current rabies vaccination. The transfer license is valid until the next regular licensing period. 5.6.2.1.5 Lost tags/replacement tags. Dog owners must replace a lost tag within three business days of the loss, by obtaining a replacement tag from the Town Clerk. 5.6.2.1.6 Tag exemptions for dog events and medical reasons. (1) A dog while actually participating in an official dog sporting or dog fancy event (if the event sponsors do not allow participants to wear tags) is exempt from the requirement that its license tag be affixed to its collar, provided its keeper has the tag at the event and available for inspection by the ACO. (2) When a veterinarian determines that a dog cannot wear a collar for medical reasons, the dog is exempt until it recovers from the requirement that its license tag be affixed to its collar, provided its keeper has the tag in his or her possession and available for inspection by the ACO. 5.6.2.1.7 Annual renewal. Dog owners must renew each dog license annually. The annual licensing period runs from January 1St through December 31St 5.6.2.1.8 License due date/late fee. The application form for obtaining, renewing, or transferring a license shall be available to each household no later than December 31St each year. Dog owners must return forms and fees to the Clerk by March 31 (or the first business day thereafter, if March 31 falls on Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday). Any license renewed after this date is overdue, and the owner must pay a late fee as determined by the Board of Selectmen in addition to the license renewal fee. The overdue license fee and the late fee may be added to the owner's tax bill or may be recovered through the imposition of a municipal charges lien on any property standing in the name of the dog owner, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 58. 5.6.2.1.9. License fees. The fees for licensing each dog shall be determined by the Board of Selectmen. The fees shall differentiate between neutered or spayed dogs, and not neutered or non-spayed dogs. The fee for neutered or spayed dogs shall be less than the fee for non- neutered or non-spayed dogs. 5.6.2.2 Four or more doss. 5.6.2.2.1 License and vaccination requirements. Anyone who owns or boards four or more dogs within the Town of Reading must apply for and obtain a kennel license from the Town Clerk. (This requirement shall not apply to medical boarding by any licensed veterinarian practicing in the Town of Reading.) To obtain or renew the license, the kennel licensee must present proof of current rabies vaccinations for each dog in the kennel older than six months. When it is off the kennel property, each dog in the kennel must wear a kennel tag, issued by the Town Clerk, affixed to its collar or harness. 5.6.2.2.2 New dogs and new puppies. The kennel licensee must report to the Town Clerk each new dog in the kennel within 30 days of its acquisition, show proof of current vaccination, and obtain a kennel tag for that dog. The kennel licensee must show proof of current vaccination and obtain a tag for each puppy when it reaches six months old. 9 D 5.6.2.2.3 Application process. Every applicant for a new kennel license must first obtain Zoning approval as required by the Reading Zoning Bylaws prior to submitting an application to the Town Clerk on a form prescribed by the Clerk. 5.6.2.2.4. Inspection process. Before the Town Clerk can issue the kennel license, the Health Division animal inspector must inspect the proposed kennel, file a report on the inspection, and favorably recommend that the kennel meets all the following requirements: (1) The location of the kennel is appropriate for housing multiple dogs. (2) The location of the kennel on the property will have no significant adverse effect on the peace and quiet or sanitary conditions of the neighborhood. (3) The area provided for housing, feeding, and exercising dogs is no closer than 20 feet to any lot line. (4) The area provided for housing, feeding, and exercising dogs is no closer than 50 feet to any existing dwelling on an abutting lot. (5) The kennel will be operating in a safe, sanitary, and humane condition. (6) Records of the numbers and identities of the dogs are properly kept. (7) The operation of the kennel will be consistent with the health and safety of the dogs and of the neighbors. 5.622.5 Periodic inspections. Before a kennel license is renewed, and at any time they believe it necessary, the ACO and or the Health Division may inspect any kennel. If the ACO or the Health Division determine that it is not being maintained in a safe, sanitary, and humane condition, or if the kennel records on the numbers and identities of the dogs are not properly kept, the ACO will report the violations to the Animal Control Appeals Committee (ACAC) for a hearing on whether to impose fines or revoke the kennel license. 5.6.2.2.6. Kennel review hearings. Within 7 business days after receiving the ACO's report of violations the ACAC will notify all interested parties of a public hearing to be held within 14 days after the notice date. Within 7 business days after the public hearing, the ACAC shall either revoke the kennel license, suspend the kennel license, order compliance or otherwise regulate the kennel. (1) Any person maintaining a kennel after the kennel license has been denied, revoked, or suspended will be subject to the penalties in Section 5.6.7 of this By-Law. 5.6.2.2.7. Annual renewal, Each kennel licensee must renew the license annually, at the Town Clerk's Office. The annual licensing period runs from January 1St to December 31St 5.6.2.2.8. License due date. Kennel license renewal forms will be sent to each licensed kennel, no later than December 1St each year. Kennel licensees must return forms and fees to the Town Clerk by January 15th (or the first business day thereafter, if the 15th falls on Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday). Failure to pay on time will result in a late fee, due in addition to the license fee. The overdue license fee and the late fee may be added to the licensee's tax bill or may be recovered through the imposition of a municipal charges lien on any property standing in the name of the kennel licensee, pursuant to Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 58. Nothing in this bylaw shall prevent or abrogate the Board of Health's authority to license and inspect kennels in the Town o f Reading. 5.6.2.2.9 Fees. The fees for licensing each kennel shall be established by the Board of Selectmen. 10 0 5.6.2.2.10 Incorporation. The following provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 are expressly incorporated herein: Section 137B-Sale or other delivery of unlicensed dog by kennel licensee; Section 137D-Licensee convicted of violation of statutes relating to offenses against animals; and Section 138A-Importation of dogs and cats for commercial resale, etc. 5.6.3 CONDUCT OF ANIMALS 5.6.3.1 Endangering safety. No animal keeper shall allow its animal to bite, menace, or threaten, all without provocation, so as to endanger the safety of any person. This section is not meant to preclude an animal from acting as a watchdog on its keeper's property. 5.6.3.2. Disturbing the peace. No animal keeper shall allow the animal to disturb the peace of any neighborhood by making excessive noise without provocation. Noise is excessive if it is uninterrupted barking, yelping, whining, or howling for a period of time exceeding 15 minutes. This section is not meant to preclude a dog from acting as a watchdog on its keeper's property. 5.6.3.3. Damaging property. No animal keeper shall allow the animal to damage public or private property or realty. 5.6.3.4 Running at large. When not on the private property of its keeper, or on private property with the express permission of that property's owner, an animal must be on a leash or may be under effective voice control in locations noted below. To be under effective voice control, the animal must be within the keeper's sight and the keeper must be carrying a leash. (1) Voice control (in place of leash control) allowed. A dog may be under voice control when within the Town Forest or on Conservation lands. (2) Public gatherings -leash control only. An animal may be at any public gathering not otherwise specified in this By-Law only if it is on a 6-foot or shorter leash and the animal must refrain from illegal activities, (3) School grounds-animals not allowed during school/leash control only at other times. Unless the school principal gives permission in advance, no animal may be on school grounds from 30 minutes before classes begin until 30 minutes after classes end. At all other times, the animal may be on school grounds only if it is on a 6-foot or shorter leash. An animal is not violating this prohibition if it remains within a vehicle. (4) Exception for assistance animals (service animals). Section 5.6.5.4 does not apply to any properly trained assistance animal or service animal while performing its duties. 5.6.3.5 Chasing. No animal keeper shall allow the animal to chase a person, motor- powered vehicle, human-powered vehicle, or animal drawing or carrying a person. 5.6.3.6 Dog litter. Every dog keeper is responsible for expeditiously removing any dog feces the dog deposits anywhere except on its keeper's private property, on other private property with the property owner's permission,. This provision does not apply to any assistance dog or service dog while it is performing its duties. 5.6.4 ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICER 5.6.4.1. Appointment. The Town Manager shall appoint an Animal Control Officer (ACO) under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, 11 n Sections 151 and 151A to carry out the provisions of this By-Law and to perform such other duties and responsibilities as the Town Manager or his designee may determine. 5.6.4.2 Duties. The ACO's duties shall include but not be limited to the following: (1) Enforcement of the Town of Reading by-laws and relevant state regulations... (2) Explanation of By-Law violations. (3) Notification to the owner of Unlicensed dogs. (4) Issuance of Temporary restraint orders. The ACO shall issue an order of temporary restraint to the keeper of any animal that is a nuisance or that is awaiting a decision under Section 5.6.6 as to whether it is vicious. An order of temporary restraint is an order that the animal must be confined to its keeper's property when not on a 6-foot or shorter leash or may be ordered to be sheltered at a local kennel or veterinarian facility at the animal owner's expense; muzzling will be at the ACO's discretion. It shall be in force for no more than 30 days unless the ACO renews it in writing for subsequent 30- day periods. The ACO shall rescind or stop renewing the order when, in the ACO's judgment, restraint is no longer required. The animal's keeper can petition the Animal Control Appeals Committee (ACAC) under Section 5.6.5.2 to rescind the order of temporary restraint. (a) Nuisance animal. An animal is a nuisance if it repeatedly violates any subsection of Section 5.6.3, particularly if it continues to chase motor vehicles, pedal vehicles, or animals carrying or drawing a person, or continues to damage property after its keeper has been fined for the animal running at large. (b) Awaiting a decision on a vicious animal hearing. The ACO must order an animal restrained and (when off the keeper's property) muzzled pending the outcome of a vicious animal hearing under Section 5.6.6.2. (6) Issue an order of Confinement. The ACO may make arrangements for the temporary housing of any animal that is to be confined under the provisions of this By-Law. The housing may be at local veterinary clinics, or at dog kennels within the Town or neighboring towns, and shall be at the animal owner's expense.. (7) Complaint resolution. The ACO shall investigate all complaints arising within the Town pertaining to violations of this By-Law and try to mediate disputes between Town residents pertaining to the behavior of an animal maintained or located within the Town. If the mediation fails, the ACO will decide on a solution and inform the animal owner and any resident that brought a complaint or problem to the ACO's attention. Any party aggrieved by or disagreeing with the ACO's decision may appeal that decision to the Animal Control Appeals Committee; the ACO shall attend the meetings of the ACAC on the matter. (8) Recordkeeping. The ACO shall keep accurate, detailed records of the confinement and disposition of all animals held in custody and of all bite cases reported, and the results of investigations of the same. The ACO shall maintain a telephone log of all calls regarding animals and submit a monthly report summarizing the log to the ACAC. 12 9) 5.6.5 ANIMAL CONTROL APPEALS COMMITTEE IACACI 5.6.5.1 Composition of the ACAC. The Animal Control Appeals Committee is comprised of three Reading residents, none of whom can be employees of the Town, appointed to three-year overlapping terms by the Board of Selectmen. The ACAC will annually select a member to serve as the chair. At least one of the three members must be a dog owner. 5.6.5.2 Right to appeal. When the Animal Control Officer has investigated a complaint regarding an animal's behavior and has issued a finding or an order of temporary restraint with which either the animal's keeper or the complainant disagrees, then either party may appeal by sending a written request to the Town Clerk within 10 business days after issuance of the ACO's decision. Following the Clerk's receipt of a written appeal, the ACAC shall hold a public hearing on the appeal within 14 days, at which the dog owner, the complainant, and the ACO must appear. 5.6.5.3. Findings and further appeals. The ACAC shall vote at the public hearing on whether to uphold, reverse, or modify the ACO's decision and shall mail its ruling to the animal owner, complainant, and ACO within three business days after the public hearing. 5.6.5.4 Hearings vicious dogs. The ACAC shall hold public hearings and make decisions on any vicious dog declaration under Section 5.6.6. 5.6.5.5 Further Appeals. An appeal from a decision of.the ACAC may be made by either the Owner or Complainant pursuant to the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 30A. 5.6.6 VICIOUS DOGS 5.6.6.1 Declaring a dog vicious. Any dog that, without provocation, bites a human being or kills or maims a domestic animal without provocation may be declared vicious by the ACAC. An exception may be made for a puppy (animal under 6 months old) that draws blood, or for a dog that attacks or bites an unaccompanied domestic animal on the dog keeper's property. 5.6.6.2. Procedure for declaring a vicious dog. Upon the written complaint of the ACO, any other public safety agent, or upon the petition of not less than 5 individuals from 5 separate households the Animal Control Appeals Committee (ACAC) shall hold a public hearing, after which it will determine whether it should declare a dog vicious and, if so declared, what remedy is appropriate. 5.6.6.3 Exceptions. A dog shall not be declared vicious if the ACAC determines any of the following: (1) The person's skin was not broken. (2) The person who was bitten was willfully trespassing, committing a crime, or attempting to commit a crime on the premises occupied by the dog's keeper. (3) The dog was being teased, tormented, abused, or assaulted by the injured person or animal prior to attacking or biting. (4) The dog was protecting or defending a human being in its immediate vicinity from attack or assault. 5.6.6.4 Remedies. Upon its finding that the dog is vicious, the ACAC shall order one of the following remedies: permanent restraint; banishment; or destruction in accordance with M$PCA guidelines. 13 (1) Permanent restraint order is an order that the dog must at all times while on its keeper's property be kept within the keeper's house or a secure enclosure ; whenever the dog leaves its keeper's property, it must be muzzled and restrained on a lead no longer than 6 feet or confined in an escape-proof enclosure. The secure enclosure shall be a minimum of 5 feet wide, 10 feet long, and 5 feet in height, with a horizontal top covering the entire enclosure; shall be constructed of not less than 9 gauge chain link fencing; the floor shall be not less than 3 inches of poured concrete; with the bottom edge of fencing embedded in the concrete; shall be posted with a clearly visible warning sign including a warning symbol; must contain and provide protection from the elements; and shall comply with all applicable building codes and with the Zoning Bylaws of the Town of Reading. In addition, the keeper of the dog shall annually provide proof to the Town Clerk of a liability insurance policy of at least one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the benefit of the public safety. (2) Banishment is an order that a vicious dog may no longer reside or visit in the Town of Reading. (A vicious dog that is confined to a vehicle while passing through Reading is not "visiting" and therefore is not in violation of the order of banishment.) (3) Destruction is an order that the dog be destroyed in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140 and Massachusetts -Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals guidelines. 5.6.7 PENALTIES 5.6.7.1 Fines. Any animal keeper who maintains a kennel after the kennel license has. been denied, revoked, or suspended, or who fails to obtain a kennel license; and any animal keeper who fails to comply with Section 5.6.5 CONDUCT OF ANIMALS shall be subject to penalties as determined by the Animal Control Appeals Committee, not exceeding $300 per day for every day of the violation. 5.6.7.2 Reimbursement of costs. If the Animal Control Officer confines a dog and the animal owner does not pay all fees directly to the kennel or veterinary clinic, then the dog's keeper must reimburse the Town of Reading for any expenses incurred in boarding that dog. If the dog has not been licensed, the keeper must obtain a license and pay any applicable late fee before the dog can be released. 5.6.7.3 Penalties for violating restraint orders. The ACAC shall determine a schedule of penalties not exceeding $300 for each and every violation of restraint orders. 5.6.8 MISCELLANY 5.6.8.1 Non-criminal disposition of violations. The ACO may, as an alternative to initiating criminal proceedings, initiate and pursue proceedings for the non- criminal disposition of any violation of this By-Law, in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, Section 21 D, to the extent of the specific penalty provided therefore. 5.6.8.2 Incorporation of state law. The provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 140, Sections 136A through 156 and 158 through 174D, inclusive, as may be amended from time to time and except as modified herein, are hereby incorporated into this By-Law. 14 5.6.8.3.Severability. The invalidity of one or more sections, subsections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or provisions of this By-Law shall not invalidate or impair any other part of this By-Law nor invalidate the By-Law as a whole. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following General Bylaw regulating construction hours and noise limits, or take any other action with respect thereto: 5.5.8 - Construction Hours and Noise Limits 5.5.8.1 - Purpose. The intent of the bylaw is to regulate the hours during which construction and demolition activities may take place within the Town and otherwise to limit the impact of such activities on nearby residents and business. 5.5.8.2 - Definition. • "Construction" shall mean and include the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, demolition and/or removal of any building, structure or substantial part thereof if such work requires a building permit, razing permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, gas permit, or mechanical permit. "Construction" shall also include excavation that involves the use of blasting jackhammers, pile drivers, back hoes and /or other heavy equipment. "Construction" shall also include the starting of any machinery related to the above, deliveries, fueling of equipment, and any other preparation or mobilization for construction which creates noise or disturbance on abutting properties. 5.3.8.3 - Hours. No person shall perform any construction within the Town except between the hours of: • 7 a.m. and 8 PM, Monday through Friday; • 8 a.m. to 5 PM on Saturdays; • None on Sundays and legal holidays. 5.3.8.4 - Exemptions. The restrictions set forth in this bylaw shall not apply to any work performed as follows: • By any Federal or State Department, Reading Department of Public Works, the Reading Municipal Light Department and/or any contractors working directly for these agencies; • By a resident on or in connection with his residence, without the aid of hired contractors, whether or not such residence is a detached single family home. • In the case of work occasioned by a genuine and imminent emergency, and then only to the extent necessary to prevent loss or injury to persons or property. 5.3.8.5 - Permits. The Chief of Police or his designee (the Chief), may in his reasonable discretion issue permits in response to written applications authorizing applicants to perform construction during hours other than those permitted by this bylaw. Such permits may be issued upon a determination by the Chief, in consultation with the Building Inspector, the Town Engineer, or other Town staff, that literal compliance with the terms of this bylaw would create an unreasonable hardship and that the work proposed to be done (with or without any proposed mitigative measures) will have no adverse effects of the kind which this bylaw seeks to reduce. Each such permit shall specify the person authorized 15 D to act, the dates on which or within which the permit will be effective, the specific hours and days when construction otherwise prohibited may take place, and any conditions required by the Chief to mitigate the effect thereof on the community. The Chief may promulgate a form of application and charge a reasonable fee for each permit. No permit may cover a period of more than thirty days. Mitigative measures may include notice to residents in the surrounding area, and other mitigation as determined by the Chief. 5.3.8.6 - Unreasonable Noise. Regardless of the hour or day of the week, no construction shall be performed within the Town in such a way as to create unreasonable noise. Noise shall be deemed unreasonable if it interferes with the normal and usual activities of residents and businesses in the affected area and could be reduced or eliminated through reasonable mitigative measures. 5.3.8.6 - Copy of Bylaw. The Building Inspector shall deliver a copy of this bylaw to each person to whom it issues a building permit, razing permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, gas permit or mechanical permit at the time that the said permit is issued. 5.3.8.7 - Enforcement. The Police Department, Zoning Officer, and/or other agent designated by the Town Manager shall enforce the .restrictions of this bylaw. Fines shall be assessed and collected in the amount of up to $300 for each violation. Each day or portion thereof that a violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. Any alleged violation of this bylaw may, in the sole discretion of the enforcing agent be make the subject matter of non-criminal disposition proceedings commenced by such agent under M.G.L. c. 40, § 21 D. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town will vote to adopt the following General Bylaw regulating door-to-door solicitors and canvassers, or take any other action with respect thereto: 5.5.9 Door-To-Door Solicitors and Canvassers 5.5.9.1 - Definitions; applicability. 5.5.9.1.1 As used in this section, the terms "solicit" and "canvas" shall mean and include any one or more of the following activities conducted at residences without the previous consent of the owner: (a) Seeking to obtain the purchase, or orders for the purchase of goods, wares, merchandise, foodstuffs or services of any kind, character or description whatever for any kind of consideration whatsoever; or (b) Seeking to obtain subscriptions to books, magazines, periodicals, newspapers and every other type or kind of publication. 5.5.9.1.2 The provisions of this section shall not apply to officers or employees of the Town, county, state or federal government, or any subdivision thereof when on official business, or to neighborhood youth and students who solicit for the shoveling of snow or cutting of lawns or similar services to residents, nor shall it be construed to prevent route salespersons or other persons having established customers to whom they make periodic deliveries from calling upon such customers. 16 2Z 5.5.9.1.3 If any solicitor or canvasser is under the age of 18 years and is selling goods or periodicals for a commercial purpose, the provisions of M.G.L. c. 101, §34 shall apply. 5.5.9.1.3 The provisions of this section shall not apply to any person soliciting solely for religious, charitable or political purposes. 5.5.9.2 - Registration required. It shall be unlawful for any person to solicit or canvas or engage in or conduct business as a canvasser or solicitor without first having obtained a Certificate of Registration from the Chief of Police as provided in this section. 5.5.9.3 - Application for Certificate of Registration. 5.5.9.31 Application for a Certificate of Registration shall be made upon a form provided by the Police Department along with a nonrefundable application fee of $25.00. 5.5.9.3.2 An authorized representative of the sponsoring organization shall apply to the Chief of Police or his/her designee either in person or by mail. All statements on the application or in connection therewith shall be under oath. The applicant shall provide all information requested on the application, including: (a) Name, address and telephone number of the sponsoring organization, along with a listing of all officers and directors; (b) State and/or federal tax identification number of the sponsoring organization. (c) Name, residential and business address, length of residence at such residential address, telephone number, social security number and date of birth of each representative of the sponsoring organization who will be soliciting or canvassing in the Town; (d) Description sufficient for identification of the subject matter of the soliciting or canvassing in which the organization will engage; (e) Period of time for which the Certificate is applied (every Certificate shall expire within one year of date of issue); (f) The date of the most recent previous application for a Certificate under this section; (g) Any previous revocation of a Certificate of Registration issued to the organization or to any officer, director or representative of the organization by any city or Town and the reasons therefore; (h) Any convictions for a felony, either state or federal, within five years of the application, by the sponsoring organization, any of its officers or directors, or any representative who will be soliciting or canvassing in the Town; (i) Names of the three communities where the organization has solicited or canvassed most recently; (j) Proposed dates, hours and method of operation in the Town; (k) Signature of authorized representative of the sponsoring organization. 5.5.9.3.3 A photograph or an'acceptable photocopy of a photograph of each representative of the sponsoring organization who will be soliciting or canvassing in the Town shall be attached to the application. 17 D 5.5.9.3.4 No Certificate of Registration shall be issued to any person, or to any organization having an officer or director, who was convicted of commission of a felony, either state or federal, within five years of the date of the application, nor to any organization or person who's Certificate of Registration has previously been revoked as provided below. 5.5.9.3.5 Fully completed applications for Certificates shall be acted upon within five business days of receipt. The Chief of Police shall cause to be kept in his office accurate records of every application received together with all other information and data pertinent thereto and of all Certificates of Registration issued under this section and of all denials. 5.5.9.3.6 Upon approval of an application, each solicitor or canvasser shall be issued a Certificate of Registration with a photo identification badge to carry upon his/her person at all times while soliciting or canvassing in the Town and to display the Certificate whenever asked by any police officer or any person solicited. 5.5.9.4 - Revocation of Certificate. 5.5.9.3.1 Any Certificate of Registration issued hereunder may be revoked by the Chief of Police for good cause, including conviction of the holder of the Certificate of violation of any of the provisions of this section or a false material statement in the application. Immediately upon such revocation, the Chief of Police shall give written notice to the holder of the Certificate in person or by certified mail addressed to his/her residence address set forth in the application. 5.5.9.3.2 Immediately upon the giving of such notice, the Certificate of Registration shall become null and void. In any event, every Certificate of Registration shall state its expiration date, which shall be no later than one year from date of issue. 5.5.9.5 - Deceptive practices. No solicitor or canvasser registered or exempt from registering may use any plan, scheme, or ruse which misrepresents the true status or mission of any person conducting the solicitation or canvas in order to gain admission to the home, office or other establishment of any person in the Town. 5.5.9.6 - Duties of solicitors and canvassers. It shall be the duty of every solicitor and canvasser going onto any premises in the Town to: (a) Display a Town-issued photo identification badge on the outside of their person; and (b) First examine whether there is a notice posted stating that no solicitors are welcome. If such notice is present, then the solicitor or canvasser shall immediately and peacefully depart from the premises; and © Any solicitor or canvasser who has gained entrance to any residence, whether invited or not, shall immediately and peacefully depart from the premises when requested to do so by the occupant. 5.5.9.7 - Lawful hours to conduct solicitation or canvas. 18 All canvassing or soliciting under this section shall be confined to the hours between 10:00 A.M. and sundown or 8:00 P.M., whichever is earlier, throughout the year. 5.5.9.8 - Penalty for violations. Any solicitor or canvasser who violates any provision of this section shall be punishable in accordance with section 1.5 of the Town of Reading General Bylaws. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 24 To see if the Town will vote to amend § 5.13 of the General Bylaws of the Town as follows: • § 5.13.3.2 - by deleting said section in its entirety, and inserting in its place: "Upon the receipt of a completed application form for a Potentially Significant Structure, the Building Inspector shall immediately forward a copy thereof to the Commission for review." • § 5.13.3.3 - by deleting the word "Permit" in the first sentence and replacing it with the word "Application", so that the first part of said section reads, "Within fourteen (14) days of the date upon which the Commission receives the Demolition Application, the Commission shall make an Initial Determination that is..." • § 5.13.3.6 - by deleting the word "six (6)" in the second sentence and replacing it with the word "twelve (12)", so that said second sentence shall read, "The Commission shall so advise the applicant and the Building Inspector, and a Demolition Permit may be delayed up to twelve (12) months after the conclusion of the hearing during which time alternatives to demolition shall be considered." • § 5.13.3.4 - by deleting the second sentence of the second paragraph and replacing it with, "The Applicant shall be responsible for costs associated with the mailing, posting or publishing of the required notices." or take any other action with respect thereto. Historical Commission ARTICLE 26 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.3.2.8 of the Zoning Bylaw, Accessory Apartments as follows: The language of Section 4.3.2.8a. is deleted and replaced with the word "Reserved." The phrase as it existed on August 1, 1982 is deleted from Section 4.3.2.8e. Or take any other action with respect thereto. Community Planning and Development Commission ARTICLE 26 To see if the Town will vote to take the following action with respect to the Zoning By-Laws: 19 D a) Amend Article 2.0, DEFINITIONS, by adding the following definition as Section 2.2.28.1: "2.2.28.1. Lifestvie Center: A group of commercial establishments (including any combination of retail sales uses, consumer service establishments, restaurants, financial institutions and offices) situated on 15 acres or more of land in a Business C District, together with ancillary utility facilities, parking areas, driveways, roads, landscaped areas and buffer areas. A Lifestyle Center may consist of one or more lots and one or more buildings, provided that the separate lots and buildings are developed with a unified approach to access and circulation, parking, truck loading and unloading, vehicular entrances and exits, drainage, utilities and management of landscaped and buffer areas. Uses in a Lifestyle Center shall not be considered a mixed use as defined in Section 2.2.21.2.." b) Amend 4.2.2 Table of Uses as follows: In the column entitled "Bus C" by adding a after the word "No" in the row entitled "Retail Sales"; and by adding a "*****"after the word "No" in the row entitled "Consumer Services," and by adding under the heading " Business and Service Uses" after "Retail Sales" and before "Consumer Services" the following new item: PRINCIPAL USES RES I RES RES BUS ( BUS BUS ( IND S-15 I A-40 ( A-80 A I B C S-20 I I I I I S-40 I Lifestyle Center I No I No No ( No + No ( Yes ' No + by adding to the notes appearing at the end of the Table of Uses, the following: Notwithstanding the above, such use is allowed as a part of a Lifestyle Center." C) Amend Section 4.3.1.3 by adding after the word "located" the following: 9t , provided that the foregoing shall not preclude the use and operation of restaurants or other uses typically included in a Lifestyle Center." d) Amend Section 5.1.2 Table of Dimensional Controls as follows: by deleting the row entitled "In BUS-C Districts" under the Section entitled "Other Permitted Principal Use" in its entirety and substituting therefor the following: 20 (5) Maximum Minimum Minimum Yds. Maximum Building Lot Height Lot Width Circle Area Sq. Frontage Front Side Rear Coverage Feet Diameter Feet Feet Feet Feet Feet % of Lot Feet I I In Bus-C N.A. I I N.A. 10*** 10*** I J 10*** 60 55** Districts by adding at the end of the footnote to the Table of Dimensional Controls labeled as " ' the following: "See additional provisions contained in Section 5.3.1.4.a." by adding after footnote to the Table of Dimensional Controls, the following: "***Except as provided in Section 5.2.3.7." e) Amend Section 5.2.3 Yards by adding the following as Section 5.2.3.7: "5.2.3.7. Notwithstanding anything contained in this By-Law to the contrary, a Lifestyle Center may be constructed on more than a single Lot, and such Lots may be in separate ownership, and in such event the intensity regulations set forth in Section 5.0 of this By-Law (including, without limitation, the Table of Dimensional Controls set forth in Section 5.1.2) shall not be applied to each individual Lot, but shall be applied to all of the Lots on which the Lifestyle Center is located as if the same were a single Lot." f) Amend Section 5.2.6 Gross Floor Area by deleting the word "Gross" in the title to Section 5.2.6 and adding the following as Section 5.2.6.3: "5.2.6.3. In a Lifestyle Center, no retail store shall exceed 70,000 square feet of net floor area. No retail store may divide its use in a Lifestyle Center into two or more retail spaces that in the aggregate would exceed maximum retail store area limitations." g) Amend Section 5.2.8.2 by deleting the Section in its entirety and substituting therefor the following: "5.2.8.2. Except as otherwise set forth in this Section 5.2.8.2, where two or more principal buildings are on the same lot, they shall be located at least fifty (50) feet apart. Notwithstanding the above, two or more buildings situated on the same Lot within the Business C District shall have no required minimum distance between buildings." 21 D h) Amend Section 5.3.1.4 by deleting subparagraph a. of the Section in its entirety and substituting therefor the following: "a. Except as otherwise set forth in this subparagraph a, no building shall be located within one hundred (100) feet of a Residence District. Notwithstanding anything contained in Section 5.3.1 to the contrary, provided that no retail use within the Business C District exceeds fifty-five (55) feet in height, buildings may be situated within fifty (50) feet of a Residence District, but only if such buildings do not exceed fifty-five (55) feet in height." i) Amend Section 6.1.1.3 Off-Street Parking and Loading/Unloading Requirements by adding after "Restaurants" and before "Industrial and Manufacturing Establishments" the following new item: Principal Use Minimum Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required Lifestyle Center One space for each two hundred fifty (250) square feet of Net Floor Area for all uses within the Lifestyle Center. Minimum Number of Off-Street Loading and Unloading Spaces Required For a Building containing between 0 and 25,000 square feet-zero spaces. For a Building containing between 25,001 square feet and 50,000 square feet-one space. For a Building containing in excess of 50,001 square feet-two spaces. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a lesser number of loading and unloading spaces may be provided for a Lifestyle Center upon a determination of sufficiency by the CPDC pursuant to Section 4.3.3.12.2. j) Amend Section 6.2.3.2.3. Sians in Business-C Zonina Districts by adding the letter "a." at the beginning of the first paragraph and adding after the word "Paragraph 6.2.3.2.1." and before provided, however," the following: "and except as otherwise provided in subparagraph b. of this Section 6.2.3.2.3." k) Amend Section 6.2.3.2.3. to add the following paragraph after the first paragraph: "b. For Lifestyle Centers, the provisions of Section 6.2.3.2.1 shall not apply. Signage in a Lifestyle Center shall be subject to review and 22 0 approval by the Community Planning and Development Commission as part of site plan review, applying the signage standards of Sections 4.9.5.6.1. through 4.9.5.6.4. As part of site plan review, the CPDC may allow the following additional signage for a Lifestyle Center: (i) Where a tenant or occupant has an additional storefront public entrance for customers located in a secondary wall (being a wall other than the wall where the primary sign is located), and the additional entrance faces a vehicle drive, parking area or pedestrian walkway, an additional sign may be permitted on the secondary wall. (ii) In addition to building signage, a business that occupies the Lifestyle Center may have its name and/or logo on an approved canopy. (iii) If the Lifestyle Center abuts Route 95, there may be additional building signage facing that highway, provided that (a) the lumens and brightness of illumination of such signs shall be subject to approval by the CPDC; and (b) such signage shall not be higher than the top of the building on which it is located; and (c) any illumination of such signage shall be turned off between 11:00 pm and the next morning at 7:00 am; and (d) the signage identifies either the name of the Lifestyle Center or occupants in the Lifestyle Center who have a store or restaurant of at least 5,000 square feet. (iv) A free-standing sign may be allowed on a separate lot if that lot is within the Business C District." (v) Additional signage on the front of the buildings may be allowed in sole discretion of the CPDC. 1) Amend Table 6.2.3., Sians Permitted Accordina to Zonina District by adding a reference to a new note "(G)" after "Business-C" in the heading "Business-A, Business-C and Industrial Zoning District:". The revised heading of the second Section of Table 6.2.3. shall read as follows: "Business-A, Business-C(G) and Industrial Zoning District:" m) Amend Table 6.2.3. by adding after Note "(F)" the following new note (G): "(G) Lifestyle Centers shall be subject to the provisions of Section 6.2.3.2.3 (b), and shall not be restricted by the limitations set forth in the above Table 6.2.3." or take any other action with respect thereto. By Petition ARTICLE 27 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto: Precinct 2 Kevin T. Flanagan Precinct 3 John T. O'Connor Precinct 4 Priscilla D. Hollenbeck 23 Precinct 5 Paul A. Kelley Precinct 7 Pasquale M. lapicca Board of Selectmen rvat) Nftwoool, and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 4, 2006, the date set for the Election in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or by mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the time of holding said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this 28th day of February, 2006. Camille W. Anthony, Chairman Richard W. Schubert, Vice Chairman Joseph G. Duffy, Secretary James E. Bonazoli Ben Tafoya SELECTMEN OF READING Corey W. Porter, Constable /r4 OV 24 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Please take notice that the Department of Public Works of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, March 23, 2006, in the Lower Level Conference Room of the Reading Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts, regarding the proposed sanitary sewer main on Franklin Terrace. As property owned by you may be subject to a betterment assessment for this sewer construction, you are urged to be present or represented at this hearing. By: Edward D. McIntire, Jr. Director of Public Works D Methods of financing the purchase of 1481 Main Street Presumed net purchase price: $ 1,200,000.00 $ 499,999.00 1 One Year Caprtal (or any other method)' Recent Town Valuation $ 3,362,233,820 Tax Levy $ 42,263,279 $ 1,200,000.00 $ 499,999.00 Tax Rate/$1000 $ 12.57 $ 0.36 $ 0.15 Average home - value $ 420,000 Average home - current taxes $ 5,279 Average home - one-time tax_ X4,.90 62;46 ~2'i! State;House note 5 years Usually economic for <$500k (maximum is often $1 million) Usually used in emergencies for rapid borrowing Above market interest rate, but low cost of issuance Example: 5-year borrowing at interest rate of 5.00% 5.00% $ 1,200,000.00 $ 499,999.00 fees $ 85.00 $ 85.00 legal opinion (if >500k) $ 7,500.00 $ 1,207,585.00 $ 500,084.00 Total Cost $ 1,367,317.10 $ 566,232.10 Annual Cost $ 273,463.42 $ 113,246.42 $ 0.08 $ 0.03 Average home - value $ 420,000 Average home - current taxes $ 5,279 Average home -extra annual tax (for 5 years) $ 34 16 $ 14:-1 ~3. Regular borrowjng 5 years Usually economic for >$500k Market interest rate, but higher cost of issuance Example: 5-year borrowing at interest rate of 3.50% 3.75% $ 1,200,000.00 $ 499,999.00 fees $ 5,000.00 $ 5,000.00 legal opinion (if >500k) $ 7,500.00 $ 1,212,500.00 $ 504,999.00 Total Cost $ 1,323,449.45 $ 554,597.75 Annual Cost $ 264,689.89 $ 110,919.55 $ 0.08 $ 0.03 Average home - value $ 420,000 Average home - current taxes $ 5,279 Average home -extra annual tax (for 5 years) $ .,33Q0", $ 13.86 0 DRAFT MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: February 2, 2006 RE: Water Supply - DEP Meeting On January 26, 2006, a number of officials from Reading met with officials from DEP regarding Reading's water supply. From Reading were Board of Selectmen Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectman James Bonazoli, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Public Works Director Ted McIntire, Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Peter Tassi, Conservation Commission member Will Finch, WSSWMAC member John Wood. From DEP/Water Resources Commission were the following: Kathy Baskin, EOEA; Margaret Callahan, EOEA; Kellie O'Keefe, DEP; Glenn Haus, DEP; Mike Gildeazame, DCR; Eric Worrau, DEP; Tom Mahin, DEP; Richard Cuayn, DEP; Michelle Drury and Linda Hutchins, DCR; Steve Johnson, DEP Waste Site Cleanup. Bob LeLachuer shared a list of questions that the Town had with DEP. It was noted there was a finding that at levels previously used, the Ipswich River Basin is not a viable water supply. The following was the sense of those in attendance. 1. DEP does not object to the Town considering full MWRA buy-in. 2. The Town would need approval under the Interbasin Transfer Act (ITA) to purchase all of its water from the MWRA. 3. DEP would require the Town to keep at least some of its wells operational - probably keeping its best well(s) on line with emergency stand-by power. The remaining wells that are taken off line would not be able to be re-established. 4. Reading's wells have some environmental vulnerability - there has been previous contamination and the AGFA issue (Revay Well) is not yet resolved. 5. Reading's water registration could be reduced in 2008 to the current level of average daily water use. 6. Under the Interbasin Transfer Act (ITA) the Town would have to prove the case that the current water source is viable. This would be using the three categories of quality, quantity and cost. 7. The Town will always have water use restrictions regardless of the source of water due to the Interbasin Transfer Act. D 8. Application under the ITA would require a notice of project change through MEPA and then MEPA would scope a new environmental impact report. The Water Resource Commission process could be bundled with the MEPA process, but the MEPA certificate must be issued prior to the final WRC approval. 9. The Town would need to deal with comments from the Ipswich River Basin organizations, as well as the donor basin comments. Discussion leading up to these conclusions included: o A preliminary decision on Hamilton, Wenham and Topsfield's permits would indicate that DEP's ability to regulate has been upheld in terms of their ability to put restrictions on permits. The permits will have allowable water withdrawals lowered to current (May - September) water use, and there are conservation requirements. ♦ Statewide registrations are up in 2008 and subject to renewal. It is probable that DEP will make changes in the registration. One possibility for the changes in registration is to reduce the registration to the amount that the community is actually drawing currently, so that any growth in demand for water would have to be met through conservation. However, DEP did say that they did not know exactly what would happen with registrations. ♦ Regarding viability of the Town's current water supply, the Town would need to make a case based on quantity, quality or cost, that the current water supply is not viable. The Town has made a case on quantity as it relates to environmental impact for the supplemental buy-in from May through October. One of the issues would be cost. ♦ It was noted that if the Town gave up the water source, it would be unlikely that the Town would get that water supply or water source back. They would need Water Resource Commission approval to do it. DEP would be opposed to giving up a water source, but maintaining. the water source could mean something as simple as keeping some of the wells and pumping them periodically. The Town could be required to maintain sufficient local water supply through wells and standby power to pump untreated water into the system for fire suppression. If this was done, it would include orders to use water for human consumption only if it was boiled. ♦ As a general rule, DEP would not be opposed to the Town going wholly to the MWRA for its water supply. ♦ Steve Johnson talked about contamination. He noted that well 82-20 had previously been pumped to waste because of contamination. This occurred for a short period of time int eh early 1990's. There are problem areas in the industrially zoned portions of North Reading which are not currently on sewers. All sites are currently under control and one is still being remediated. There is also a problem with the AGFA Plant in Wilmington and its effect on the revay well. There is currently more awareness of contamination issues than there has been in the past. #30 ♦ It was mentioned that one sub-alternative would be to buy more MWRA water, but not use MWRA exclusively. The Town Manager noted that this would be the worst of both worlds financially - having to build a new water treatment plant and buy additional MWRA water. ♦ It was noted that under the SRF (State Revolving Fund) Program, bonding may be able to be done for 30 years. ♦ It was noted that Reading in their partial MWRA buy-in has gotten the determination that the Ipswich River Basin is viable at 1 million gallons per day in the summertime. DEP noted that there is no guarantee that this is, in fact, viable - but it was an improvement from the current situation. ♦ DEP reiterated that the most likely scenario on well registrations is that the registrations would be adjusted to reflect what is actually used as opposed to some other number. In Reading, the registration is for 2.57 million gallons per day. The average annual use is below 2 million gallons per day. DEP stated on more than one occasion that they did not know for sure what -the process would be regarding registrations. DEP did not "take away" the permitted amounts in other cases in the Ipswich Basin - they just did not allow the communities to use their permitted amounts in the summer months. ♦ The question was asked as to whether or not the Federal Government would have any regulatory authority here. The response was that it would not. The question was raised as to how long it would take to get a decision on this matter. The sense is that it would take less time than the Town previously went through on the partial MWRA buy-in. Reading would be the first community to make this change. The MWRA has indicated that they have adequate water supply, but there may be a sense that the water they have available for sale should be planned so that priority situations get addressed. For example, if there is a community with contaminated wells, that would be a high priority. The Town would not need further legislation, but would need further approval from the MWRA. PIH/ps WS 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. a 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 the 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, ECaine L. Webb IDcuugLa~E. W ebrlr Elaine L. Webb Douglass E. Webb 309 Pearl Street V07 DRAFT 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 an attractive 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. Pa V ge 1 of 14 updated 02/28/06 Nzao~ 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. Page 2 of 14 updated 02/28/06 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. Page 3 of 14 updated 02/28/06 ko) 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 strong 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. Page 4 of 14 updated 02/28/06 D GOAL 1 - Financial Stren gth • 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. Obiective 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 and proposed developer 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. 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 to ensure the least possible disruption to the community from the construction of the project. 5. Implement mixed use development in downtown including 4013 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. Page 5 of 14 updated 02/28/06 D 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 plans 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. Page 6 of 14 updated 02/28/06 0) Obiective 1-5: Review the Capital Improvement Program and capital operating budgets with a focus on maintaining and improving the current infrastructure. 1. Purchase capital planning software; 2. Develop a capital improvement program process; 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 J and Obiective 1-6: Develop a long term plan to identify capital needs ensure each building and related equipment receives proper preventive maintenance, receives timely repairs, and is properly cleaned 1. Build support of Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools. 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. ■ 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 Head. Obiective 1-7: 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, web, access. Conduct an In-house resources inventory; then seek outside resources as v Page 7 of 14 updated 02/28/06 U14 necessary. 2. Develop a Customer Service program utilizing Training & a web linked Software Page 8 of 14 updated 02/28/06 O GOAL 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. Objective 2-1: Evaluate recent and projected economic development projects and their impact on local Public Health and Public Safety services, and address any deficiencies. 1. As part of FY 2007departmental 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 (if this project is to be built) development, develop 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 flexible plan 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. Secure equipment as needed and available to implement priority emergency preparedness goals. Page 9 of 14 updated 02/28/06 A 1 (010) 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 02/28/06 GOAL 3: Communication: • Continuously enhance open two-way Town Government and its residents. communication between ® Emphasize and enhance strong communication within Town Government. Objective 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 guidelines and procedures for all Boards, Committees, and Commissions based on the best practices exhibited within town government... 9. Develop new budget process involving Boards & staff. Objective 3-2: Develop a universal and comprehensive strategy p nsive strate of how Town Government ets information to and from our residents. 1. Identify stakeholders 2. Inventory current communications systems 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 different communication models Page 11 of 14 updated 02/28/06 Town government to evaluate 6. Establish.a policy of how the Town departments communicate with the public, and under what circumstances 7. Evaluate the above results and establish a communication strategy. 8. 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. Page 12 of 14 updated 02/28/06 r~sgv GOAL4 -Planning: • 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 ices are delivered_ services rovades, an erv and ow t. e - Obiective 4-1: Complete the Community Master Plan up-date and all ancillary elements of this Plan 1. Complete the Open Space and Recreation element to the Master Plan 2. Develop an implementation strategy and process.. Review all aspects of the Department of Public Works, Objective 4-3 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 for such a study. 2. 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. a Obiective 4-4: Evaluate alternative ways to more efficiently and effectively deliver Town services. - - - - w 1. Improve the overall collections process and its availability to consumers, including building on the recent ability to pay via 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 Page 13 of 14 updated 02/28/06 do) - 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, and evaluate a mechanism to show the meeting schedule on the website send it to & email participants; 3. Implement a Permits Coordination system using additional personnel and software, to improve the customer service functions in the Community Services Department... Page 14 of 14 updated 02/28/06 D ~~Sp"RCfS q ~y MASSACHUSETTS WATER RESOURCES AUTHORITY G 3 ? Charlestown Navy Yard 100 First Avenue, Building 39 Boston MA 02129 9SSgCH"'n Frederick A. Laskey Executive Director February 24, 2006 Edward D. McIntire, Jr., Director Department of Public Works 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: 2006 MWRA FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE UPDATE Dear Mr. McIntire: Telephone: (617) 242-6000 Fax: (617) 788-4899 TTY: (617) 788-4971 9 ra This letter provides an update on local financial assistance programs administered by the MWRA Community Support Program. Sewer System Grant and Loan Funds Funding assistance (45% grants and 55% interest-free loans) for local infiltration/inflow (I/1) reduction and sewer rehabilitation projects is provided by MWRA through the I/I Local Financial Assistance Program. Details are contained in the Program Guidelines, available on-line at www.mwra.com. A one-page overview of the funding assistance program is enclosed (pink sheet). The back of this sheet outlines funds allocated and distributed to each community through February 2006. At this time, the Town of Reading has fully exhausted its available funding under this program. The Community Support Program liaison to Reading for the I/I Local Financial Assistance Program is John McLaughlin - 617-788-4349 or iohn.mclaualllinOl.nwra.state..ma.us. Water System Loan Funds MWRA funding assistance (100% interest-free loans) for local projects to eliminate unlined water mains is provided by MWRA through the Local Pipeline Assistance Program. Details are contained in the Program Guidelines, available on-line at www.mwra.com. A one-page overview of the funding assistance program is enclosed (blue sheet). The back of this sheet outlines funds allocated and distributed to each community through February 2006. A total of $500,000 is currently available for Reading. The Community Support Program liaison to Reading for the water Local Pipeline Assistance Program is Kristen Hall - 617-788-4831 or kristen.halleinwra.state.ma.us. 9 Printed on 100% Recycled Paper Water Conservation Outreach and Water System Leak Detection MWRA promotes water conservation to help maintain water demand below the system's safe yield, as well as to help minimize wastewater flow. The water conservation/demand management program is outlined on the enclosed yellow sheet. MWRA's efforts on residential conservation include the distribution of water conservation public education materials and low-flow device kits to member communities and retail customers at no cost. The Community Support Program liaison to all communities for water conservation outreach is Elaine Donahue - 617-788-4695 or claine.donahue@mwra.state.ma.us. In July 1991, Leak Detection Regulations went into effect requiring MWRA water communities to perform a leak detection survey not less than once every two years. To assist member communities in this effort, MWRA manages a task-order contract for leak detection services. To utilize the MWRA task-order contract, a community submits a request for leak detection services, executes an agreement with MWRA, and the designated contractor performs the leak detection survey. The community reimburses MWRA for the entire project cost (interest-free) during the next fiscal year through a "charge of special application". The Community Support Program liaison to all communities for water system leak detection services is John McLaughlin - 617-788-4349 orjohn.mclaughlin@mwra.state.ma.us. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the appropriate Project Manager or myself at 617-788-4356. Very truly yours, ~2~ Carl H. Leone Senior Program Manager Community Support Program cc: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Joseph E. Delaney, Town Engineer Elizabeth W. Klepeis, Town Treasurer MWRA I/I LOCAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The MWRA's Infiltration/Inflow (M) Local Financial Assistance Program provides $180.75 million in grants and interest-free loans to member sewer communities to perform I/I reduction and sewer system rehabilitation projects within their locally-owned collection systems. Eligible project costs include: sewer rehabilitation construction, pipeline replacement, removal of public and private inflow sources, I/I reduction planning, engineering design, engineering services during construction, etc. The program goal is to assist member communities in improving local sewer system conditions to reduce UI and ensure ongoing repair/replacement of the collection system. This prograin is a critical component of MWRA's Regional I/I Reduction Plan. Specifically, local sewer system rehabilitation projects are intended to at least offset ongoing collection system deterioration to prevent a net increase in regional I/I. In the long-term, system rehabilitation should result in lower I/I, which will allow for future increases in sanitary flows (residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional) without a net increase in total wastewater flow. The program fosters efficient operation and maintenance of local sewer systems. I/I Local Financial Assistance Program funds are allocated to member sewer communities based on their percent share of MWRA's wholesale sewer charge. Phase 1 and 2 funds (total of $63.75 million) were distributed for approved projects as 25 percent grants and 75 percent interest-free loans. The grant/loan split was revised for distribution of the Phase 3, 4 and 5 funds (total of $117 million) to 45 percent grants and 55 percent interest-free loans. Interest-free loans are repaid to MWRA over a five-year period beginning one year after distribution of the funds. Details of the program are provided in the I/I Local Financial Assistance Program Guidelines that are available on MWRA's web page at www.mwra.com. Through February 2006, all 43 member sewer communities have participated in the program and more than $127 million has been distributed to fund 300 local PI reduction and sewer system rehabilitation projects. Distribution of the remaining funds has been approved through FY13. Updated through February 2006 D MWRA 1/1 LOCAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FUNDING SUMMARY THROUGH FEBRUARY 2006 Community Arlington Ashland Bedford Belmont Boston Braintree Brookline Cambridge Chelsea Dedham Everett Framingham Holbrook Lexington Malden l IVI Melrose "AM M; Natick Needham Newton Norwood Quincy Randolph Revere Somerville Stoughton Wakefield Walpole 1 Waltham Watertown Wellesley Westwood Winchester Winthrop Totals Total Allocations (Phases 1/2/3/4/5) $3,449,000 $734,500 $1,383,600 $2,108,100 $51,618,200 $3,109,000 C $5,112,200 $9,323,100 $2,469,100 $2,381,000 $3,141,500 $5,003,000 ggli! rS,Q0 $640,600 1 $2,827,300 $4,593,900 $2,30~~1jj,300 $2,270,600 $2,630,600 $8,265,400 $2,715,400 $7,665,000 $2,354,800 $3,750,900 $6,155,800 $1,852,900 $2,356,900 $1,447,000 1 $5,392,400 f $2,581,800 $2,255,700 $973,300 ti $1,704,000 $1,342,400 {1 2 1 $180,750,000 Total Distributions (Phases 112/314/5) $1,951,500 1 $550,500 $775,300 $1,292,400 $31,346,446 $2,483,127 $3,980,200 $6,y656,655 $1,609,264 $2,183,000 $2,425,500 $4,230,395 $496,600 $1,533,600 ($,3,226,997 $1,769,300 $1,772,000 $1,478,300 $4,641,200 $2,115,963 $5,985,000 $1,614,900 $2,407,789„ $3,925,290 $1,436,900 $2,157,600 $1,139,000 $4,212,4001 $322,565 1 $854,624 $733~~,~3yy00 $952,300 $287,100 $127,386,715 1 Percent Distributed 57% 75% 56% 61% 61% 1 80% 78% 71% 65% 92% 77% 85% 78% 54% 70% 77% 56% 56% 78% 78% 69% n........., .,l 64% 64% 78% 92% 79% 78% 12% 38% 75% 56% 21% 70% Funds Remaining $1,497,500 $184,000 $608,300 $815,700 $20,271,754 $625,873 $1,132,000 $2,666,445 , 59x836 $8 $198,000 $716,000 1 $772,605 $144,000 $1,293,700 J $1,366,903 .111% 11 $532,000 $498,600 $1,152,300 $3,624,200 $599,437 $1,680,000 $739,900 $1,343,111 $2,230,510 $416,000 $199,300 $308,000 $1,180,000 1 $2,259,2351 $1,401,076 $240,000 jign $751,7001 $1,055,300 i $53,363,285 3V) MWRA LOCAL PIPELINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM The MWRA's Local Pipeline Assistance Program (LPAP) provides $255,517,500 in interest-free loans to member water communities to perform water main rehabilitation projects within their locally-owned water distribution system. Eligible project costs include: water main cleaning/lining, replacement of unlined water mains, lead service comlection replacement, engineering design, engineering services during construction, etc. The program goal is to assist member communities in improving local water system distribution pipeline conditions to better maintain water quality and to promote the use of distribution system best management practices. This program is a critical component of MWRA's Integrated Water Supply Improvement Program. It continues the effort of the two-year, $30 million "pilot" program that provided grants and loans for local distribution system rehabilitation projects during FY98 and FY99. LPAP funds are allocated to member water communities based on their percent share of unlined water pipe. MWRA partially supplied communities receive pro-rated shares based on their percentage use of MWRA water. Interest-free loans are repaid to MWRA over a ten-year period beginning one year after distribution of the funds. Communities that complete rehabilitation of their unlined pipe during the program are permitted to use remaining funds for other water quality improvements (e.g. looping of dead ends, water tank maintenance, etc.). Details of the program are provided in the Local Pipeline Assistance Program - Program Guidelines that are available on MWRA's web page at www.mwra.com. To qualify for MWRA LPAP funds, a community must demonstrate that it has met or is in the process of meeting distribution system best management practices, including: • Unidirectional Flushing Program Implementation; • Distribution System Improvements; • Water Quality Testing Improvements; and, • Cross Connection Control Program Development. Through February 2006, more than $99 million has been distributed to fund 125 local water pipeline rehabilitation projects. Distribution of the remaining funds has been approved through FY13. Updated Through February 2006 MWRA LOCAL PIPELINE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ALLOCATION AND FUND UTILIZATION BY COMMUNITY THROUGH FEBRUARY 28, 2006 . Community Community Allocation Community Total Allocation Max Annual To Date for 10 years Allocation (6 years) Arlington $9,723,620 $972,362 ( $5,834,172 Bedford* $1,018,610 ( $500,000 $1,018,610 Belmont $4,213,570 ( $500,000 ( $3,000,000 Boston $61,571,330 $6,157,133 $36,942,798 Brookline '$625,090 $500,000 $625,090 Canton* $2,080,380 $500,000 ( $2,080,380 Chelsea $5,023,870 $502,387 $3,014,322 Dedham/Westwood* $7,500 $7,500 $7,500 Everett $5,429,020 $542,902 $3,257,412 Framingham $8,681,800 $868,180 $5,209,080 Lexington $1,539,570 $500,000 $1,539,570 Lynnfield Water District $320,000 ( $320,000 $320,000 Malden $10,244,520 $1,024,452 $6,146,712 Marblehead $6,320,350 $632,035 $3,792,210 Marlborough* $1,166,200 $500,000 $1,166,200 Medford $9,723,620 $972,362 $5,834,172 Melrose $6,586,590 $658,659 ( $3,951,954 Milton $6,771,800 $677,180 $4,063,080 Nahant $1,331,210 $500,000 $1,331,210 Needham* $1,286,520 $500,000 ( $1,286,520 Newton $25,860,190 $2,586,019 $15,516,114 Northborough* ( $97,180 ( $97,180 $97,180 Norwood $5,139,630 ( $513,963 $3,083,778 Peabody* $838,030 $500,000 ( $838,030 Quincy $15,835,600 $1,583,560 $9,501,360 Reading* 00 ( $710,000 $500,000 $500,000 Revere $5,371,140 $537,114 $3,222,684 Saugus $9,029,070 $902,907 ( $5,417,442 Somerville $9,480;530 ( $948,053 $5,688,318 Southborough $81,030 $81,030 $81,030 Stoneham $1,736,360 $500,000 $1,736,360 Stoughton* x ( $4,480,000 ( $560,000 $2,240,000 Swampscott $5,602,660 $560,266 $3,361,596 Wakefield* $2,524,950 ( $500,000 $2,524,950 Waltham $13,636,210 $1,363,621 $8,181,726 Watertown ( $1,736,360 $500,000 $1,736,360 Wellesley* $1,279,280 $500,000 $1,279,280 Weston $127,330 $127,330 $127,330 Winchester* $665,190 $500,000 ( $665,190 Winthrop $4,167,260 ( $500,000 $3,000,000 Woburn* $3,454,330 $500,000 $3,000,000 Funds Percent Total Distributed Distributed Remaining Thru Feb 06 (6 years) Funds _ 10 years $700,000 1 12% $9,023,620 $636,177 62% 1 $382,433 $650,000 22% 1 $3,563,570 $36,942,798 100% ( $24,628,532 $0 ( 0% $625,090 $0 0% $2,080,380 $192,920 6% $4,830,951 $0. 0% ( $7,500 j $2,145,101 66% ( $3,283,919 $5,184,460 100% $3,497,340 $153,957 10% $1,385,613 $320,000 ( 100% $0 $4,640,645 75% $5,603,875 $0 0% $6,320,350 $0 0% ( $1,166,200 $3,889,448 67% $5,834,172 $2,637,359 67% ( $3,949,231 $3,385,900 83% $3,385,900 $534,242 40% $796,968 $257,304 20% $1,029,216 $12,930,095 83% $12,930,095 $0 0% ( $97,180 $2,729,815 89% $2,409,815 $251,409 30% ( $586,621 $6,334,240 67% $9,501,360 $0 0% ( $710,000 $1,000,000 31% $4,371,140 $3,608,721 ( 67% 1 $5,420,349 $5,688,318 100% $3,792,212 $0 + 0% $81,030 $0 0% $1,736,360 $0 0% $4,480,000 $3,361,064 100% $2,241,596 $0 0% $2,524,950 $0 0% $13,636,210 $0 0% $1,736,360 $516,957 40% ( $762,323 $127,330 ( 100% $0 $665,190 100% $0 $0 + 0% $4,167,260 $0 0% $3,454,330 TOTAL $255,517,500 $162,219,720 $99,483,450 1 _ ~61% 1 $156,034,051 * Partially Served Communities a Stoughton's total allocation is for eight years; the Town was not an MWRA member water community for the first two years of the Program. NO Reading's and Dedham/Westwood's total allocations are for five years; the Towns were not MWRA member water communities for the first five ye of the Program. 9 MWRA WATER CONSERVATION/DEMAND MANAGEMENT PROGRAM The MWRA's Water Conservation and Demand Management Program targets both the MWRA- owned distribution system, as well as member community-owned distribution systems. The purpose of the program is to maintain average water demand below the system's safe yield of 300 mgd and to help maintain the dry day wastewater flow to MWRA's Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant below 436 mgd (NPDES permit limit). In 1985, MWRA inherited a water system that had been exceeding the 300 mgd safe yield for almost twenty years. MWRA instituted and continues to maintain an effective water conservation/demand management program that has reduced average annual water demand to less than 230 mgd. The program includes MWRA and member community leak detection and system repair; as well as water conservation outreach to local communities and individual residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional water users. To minimize water lost through leaks from the 260-mile Authority-owned distribution system, MWRA conducts an annual leak detection and repair program. To ensure member communities identify and repair leaks in local-owned distribution systems, MWRA developed leak detection regulations that went into effect in July 1991. Under these regulations, communities purchasing water from MWRA are required to complete a leak detection survey of their entire distribution system at least once every two years. Communities can accomplish the survey in one of three ways: (1) using their own crews, (2) hiring their own contractor, or (3) using MWRA's task order leak detection contract. MWRA's task order contract provides high quality leak detection services at a reasonable cost that has been bid taking advantage of the large volume of work anticipated throughout the regional system. A member community can simply request Task- order leak detection services performed for a member community are paid for by MWRA, and the costs are billed to the community the following year. To request information or initiate a leak detection task-order project, please call John McLaughlin, Project Manager at (617) 788- 4349 or email at iohn.mclauahlinQmwra.state.ma.us. To encourage water conservation, MWRA provides both educational materials and low-flow device kits (showerheads, faucet aerators, and toilet dams) to member communities and individual customers at no cost. MWRA's water conservation public education materials include brochures on indoor water use (toilets, shower heads, faucets, washing machines, etc.) and outdoor water use (lawn and garden). The education materials are designed as bill-stuffers to be efficiently distributed by communities to retail customers. MWRA also maintains a dedicated water conservation informational telephone line (617-242-SAVE) to allow community representatives and the public direct access to MWRA staff as a technical resource. Additional information is available at MWRA's website at www.mwra.com. Updated through February 2006 611) Hechenblefter, Peter From: Vlad Liberman [vovka0@verizon.net] Sent: Friday, February 24, 2006 5:15 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: Addison Wesley development I am writing to let you know that I strongly oppose the proposal for a large mall at the Addison Wesley site. This type of development would harm the quality of life for Reading residents. Just a mile down the road, this same developer has empty retail space in Redstone Plaza in Stoneham. Why can't the new retail stores go there instead? Reading needs to pursue more appropriate, smart-growth development for this site and for our downtown. Instead of large scale stores like Home Depot, Walgreens and Whole Foods, Reading should be trying to attract smaller scale mixed development with apartments, condos and small businesses, particularly in the downtown area and near the train. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, Rebecca Liberman 50 Pratt St. Reading, MA 01867 1 0 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter from: Boucher Family [boucher7@comcast.net] Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 8:47 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: I favor Addison Wesley Proposal I am writing to express my support of the current proposal for the Addison Wesley site. My thoughts are captured in a Letter to the Editor pulished on Monday February 27 in the Daily Times Chronicle from Linda Simard. Unless Reading is willing to purchase this property then something will be developed there. I am sure it will not be a low impact project so why not build something that will improve our tax base and add local employment. The stores planned for this site are exactly why I moved to this area. I feel our community did an excellent job on the Home Depot/Jordan's Project and I am confident this project will be the same. Thanks David L. Boucher 23 Lynn Village Way Reading, Mass. 2/28/2006 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Ed Shaw [edshaw@dickinsondev.com] Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 4:18 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: Reilly, Chris Subject: Re: WBC Peter, I delivered the proposed planter submittals to Chris Reilly today. The 6 shoebox fixtures were ordered on January 30th. The scheduled delivery is 6 to 8 weeks. ( They need to be sent out for painting in order to match the existing white finish ) I'll ask the electrician to confirm the delivery date and get back to you. Ed Shaw Original Message From: Hechenbleikner. Peter To: Ed Shaw Cc: Reillv. Chris Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 4:59 PM Subject: WBC Ed Where are we on the 3 items on phase 2 which were to be completed by Feb 28? And what is the status of the lighting retrofit at Jordan's'. Last I know you had the go ahead from Tom to proceed with the changes. Pete D 2/28/2006 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: molar85@comcast.net Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 8:27 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: RNR Chamber Commerce Subject: Parking Meeting Dear Board: Please notify us of the date for the next downtown/depot area parking meeting or public hearing which is a follow up to your February 21st meeting. Unfortunately I or any represenative from my office were unable to attend the last meeting. We would like to address our concerns over parking provisions for employees who work in this town that are not residents who are providing services to it residents yet are slowly being squeezed out of places to park. One suggestion you might want to consider. for your next meeting would be "Permit" Parking not "Resident" parking, with a varying fee stricture for Resident vs. non-resident. The "Resident" parking in our area is not utilized for the most part by residents during the day time hours because they are generally at work and most have driveways to park in. Our office has no onsite parking of its own and we are now surrounded by resident or 2 hour parking. Please consider these remarks and please notify us of the next meeting. Lisa Vouras DMD 85 Woburn Street Reading, MA 01867 PH 781-944-4940 Fax 781-944-0445 Net: molar85@comcast.net D 2/28/2006 Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Halloran, Michelle Sent: Monday, February 27, 2006 1:10 PM To: GerardSevigny@comcast.net Cc: Cormier, Jim; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: West Street-No truck signs Dear Sir- Chief Cormier asked me to update you with the status of the West Street "No Truck" signs. Per your request, "No Truck" signs have been placed on both sides of the roadway at the Wilmington and Woburn town lines. If you have any other suggestions or concerns, please feel free to contact us. Thank you kindly, Safety Officer Michelle Halloran (Reading Police Department) 2/28/2006 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Frey, Bob (MHD) [Bob.Frey@state.ma.us] Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2006 11:22 AM To: Corey, John; Schubert, Rick; Anthony, Camille; Barnes, Jonathan; Bruen, Darlene; Casey, Paul; Clarke, Dennis; 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; Woelfel, Steve Cc: Blaustein, Joan; Callan, Melissa; Christello, Tricia; Cooke, Don; DiZoglio, Dennis; Draisen, Mark; Edwards, Adriel; Florino, Ron; Frey, Bob; Town Manager; Lindstrom, Mike; Lucas, Barbara; Lutz, Elaine; McKinnon, Anne; McLaughlin, Thomas; Mcvann, John; Miller, Kenneth; O'Rourke, Carmen; Pap, Mary; Purdy, Jim; Pyke, Keri; Reilly, Chris; Schwartz, Bill; Stein, Kathy; Tafoya, Ben; Van Magness, Frederick; Wood, Gail Subject: Next Meetings: 1-93/1-95 ITF Update Attachments: ITF 2006 02-15 highlights.doc " ME ITF 2006 02-15 highlights.doc.. Hello Again Task Force Members, Here is some further information on upcoming meetings.: * Our next Task Force meeting will be Wednesday, March 15 at the Reading Senior Center (4:30 - 6:30 PM as usual). A reminder announcement and an agenda will be sent out next week. * Our first public informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5 at the Stoneham Town Hall Auditorium 6 - 9 PM. As we have discussed in the ITF meetings, we are planning for this first public meeting to be an open house forum with different exhibits, presentations, and opportunities for questions throughout. A summary presentation will take place at 7 PM, with the bulk of the time before and after devoted to the open house "stations." We will discuss this more on March 15th. * The 2/15 ITF meeting highlights have been posted to the web site (and are attached). «ITF 2006 02-15 highlights.doc>> * And as always, check www.9395info.com <http://www.9395info.com> for the latest information ( and encourage others to do so as well ! ) Thanks, - Bob Bob Frey Manager of Statewide Planning Office of Transportation Planning Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation (617) 973-7449 bob.frey@state.ma.us 1 D I-93/1-95 Interchange Transportation Study Highlights of the 2/15/06 Interchange Task Force Meeting The I-93/I-95 Interchange Task Force met on Wednesday, February 15, 2006, in Stoneham. The following is a brief summary of the meeting (a more detailed summary will be available soon). Administrative Items/Congestion Subcommittee reuort Bob Frey, EOT, reported that the congestion subcommittee had met twice since the January Task Force meeting. Subcommittee members and the consultant team reviewed projected "no-build" traffic conditions for the year 2025 and compared those conditions to existing conditions. Sudhir Murthy of Traflnfo described the methods for assessing the traffic impacts of the alternatives. The regional model estimates future volumes using population and employment projections and information on fiiture land uses, and the CORSIM model simulates speeds, densities, and traffic flows. In the next 20 years, traffic in the interchange is projected to increase by about 80,000 total vehicles per day, an overall growth of roughly 20%. Of note is that traffic increases will be greater on I-93 NB and Rte. 128 SB than on the other segments. The model also predicts that traffic south of the interchange heading east will increase significantly and that traffic on Rte. 128 SB to I-93 NB will increase by 23%. Traffic on local streets will grow as much as 30% on cut-through routes such as Route 28, Route 129, Montvale Avenue, West Street, and Washington Street, in part due to drivers avoiding the congestion on the interstate system. Sudhir Murthy demonstrated how Option 1 (removal of the NW quadrant loop ramp to eliminate the Rte. 128 weave at I-93) would operate. The simulation shows that the southbound weave on Route 128 cause a series of backups that cascades around the cloverleaf in both morning and afternoon. The options discussed at the January meeting remove the southbound weave and keep traffic moving. Develonina and Evaluating Options (continued from Januarv 11 Task Force Meeting) Options 1 through 5 were reviewed in January. Bob reviewed the context in which alternatives were being developed. He reminded the group that at this stage, specific alternatives were not being proposed, nor was any particular strategy or design being favored. The main goal at this point was to look at various options and assess the positive and negative aspects of each one. The ITF will collectively help decide what options are best to carry forward for further consideration. Jiro Purdy and Rick Azzalina, Louis Berger Group, described single-line tracings of Options 6 through 11. These options initially pass the screening tests of improving traffic flow, improving safety, and avoiding takings, although not all movements to Washington Street are possible in some of the options. Option 6: Eliminates the 128 NB and I-93 SB weaves by removing the SW loop ramp. Replaces the loop ramp with a direct ramp connection from I-93 SB to Route 128 NB. Maintains all local traffic connections. Option 7: Eliminates Rte. 128 NB and I-93 NB weaves by removing the SE loop ramp. Replaces the loop ramp with a direct ramp connection from Route 128 NB to I-93 NB. Maintains all local traffic connections. Option 8: A collector-distributor (C-D) system on Rte. 128 NB provides access from Rte 128 NB to the Mishawtun area via Washington Street and the Route 28 interchange. Connections are also provided from the CD road to I-93 SB and from I-93 NB to the CD road, which continues on to Route 128 NB. No direct connection from Washington Street to I-93 NB. All other local connections maintained. e✓ Office of Transportation Planning, LBG Page 1 of 2 February 15, 2006 I-93/1-95 Interchange Transportation Study Option 9: Extends the fourth lane on Rte. 128 NB to Rte. 129 in Wakefield reducing backups due to the present lane-drop. Modifications to the Route 128 on and off ramps at Rte. 28 would be examined. This option is compatible with the other options being studied. All local connections are maintained. Option 10: Combines Options 5 (C-D system on Rte. 128 SB) with Option 8 (C-D-system on Rte. 128 NB). All mainline weaves would be eliminated through use of C-D roads to segregate through-traffic from entering/exiting traffic. No direct access from I-93 SB to the Mishawum area via Rte. 128 (I-93 SB motorists would use hterchange 37C and Commerce Way); no direct connection from Washington Street to I-93 NB; no direct connection from Route 28 to I-93 SB (trade-off for providing connection from I-93NB to Mishawum Road); 1-93 NB to Rte. 128 SB traffic would join the southbound C-D road and would have direct access to the Mishawum area. All other local confections maintained. Option 11: Combines Option 7 and Option 1, new direct connections from Rte. 128 NB to I-93 NB and Rte. 128 SB to I-93 SB. Eliminates the NW and SE loop ramps. Eliminates all mainline weaves between Route 128 and I-93. Ed Tarallo, Woburn planning director, felt that some of the options had serious problems in terms of maintaining direct local access and recommended that they be eliminated. Dennis Clarice, Cummings Properties, agreed that those options with fatal flaws identified by the Task Force should be dropped. Rick Azzalina suggested that the team try to address the problems first. Bob Frey said it is important in this planning study to look methodically at all the options before eliminating anything. Next steps with options: The team will try to address concerns raised and will suggest how options 6 through 11 might be combined with Options 1-5, which address the 128 southbound weave, which is the most serious problem; Sudhir Murthy will analyze the traffic impacts. Planning for Public Meetines The first public informational meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 5 (location to be determined). The format will be a combination open house and presentation to help participants learn about the new planning process and the work done to date. Anne McKinnon, Howard/Stein-Hudson, said a number of activities to get the word out will be done in advance, including meetings with Boards of Selectmen and business groups; media releases; newsletter; meeting notices distributed widely, etc. Task Force members will be contacted about setting up speaking opportunities before boards and organizations. Web cards featuring the 9395info.com web site were given to all Task Force members to hand out as they see fit. Paul Meaney, Woburn Business Association, said cable television in Woburn is a great medium for talking about the interchange study. Bob Frey reviewed a PowerPoint show that could be the basis of the presentation portion of the public infonmational meeting. Suggestions for the show were primarily to simplify the presentation, make it shorter, and acknowledge that most people know there are problems. The discussion on planning for the public meeting will continue during the next Task Force meeting. Next Meetings The next meeting of the Task Force was tentatively scheduled for March 8 or 15, 2006, location to be determined. A subcommittee meeting may also be held in the interim. Office of Transportation Planning, LBG Page 2 of 2 February 15, 2006 TOWN OF READING 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 Phone: 781-942-6612 Fax: creffly@d.readingana.us COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Email: : creillyQci.reading.ma.us February 28, 2006 Camille W. Anthony Chairman, Board of Selectmen 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 RE: CowLIANCE/ENFORCEMENT OF CPDC DECISIONS Dear Camille: This letter is a follow up to the action that the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) accepted at our January 3, 2006 joint meeting to review the Compliance/Enforcement issue in more detail and to provide our recommendations for improving the situation both from within the CPDC and with policies and procedures. The CPDC is pleased to report that we have taken an introspective look at this issue and would like to offer the following findings and recommendations: (1) We have found that there appears to be a need to improve communication as part of this process. Clearly, both the level of detail found in the conditions of our prior CPDC decisions and follow-up correspondence-by the Town Planner are not being adhered to or addressed. ACTION: All pending actions (Permits/COs) and identified compliance/enforcement issues should be reviewed at the monthly Design Review Team meetings. A separate agenda item should be added to facilitate this discussion and the building inspector should be present for at least this portion of the meeting. A running list (log) should be maintained by the Planning Department and CPDC. (2) Although lacking any enforcement powers, the CPDC has not been as vigilant as it could be in ensuring its decisions are adhered to. ACTION: The CPDC will review prior decisions at its meetings on a monthly basis and provide direct feedback to the Town Planner for action. To support this effort, we will be requesting that the BOS consider expanding the CPDC with the addition of 2 associate members. (3) The Town Planner has made it clear that often times, developers are uncooperative or simply do not pay attention to compliance issues. ACTION: The CPDC will add a condition to every new decision requiring a meeting with developers with the Town Planner and Building Inspector 15-30 days prior to the issuance of a Building Permit, Certificate of Occupancy, and Lot Release, in order to review any outstanding issues. This meeting will be considered a required component prior to issuance of the respective P00000/ items. The CPDC will utilize these meetings as a primary means to PROACTIVELY gauge compliance status. The CPDC will notify the Chair of the Board of Selectmen and the Town Manager in the case of clear departure from or noncompliance with conditions, or should a building permit or certificate of occupancy be issued without the conditions of a CPDC decision being met. (4) The Community Services department lacks -a dedicated manager and as such, priorities and issues are not always given the attention needed. ACTION: The CPDC strongly recommends that the Community Services department be provided with a stand-alone department head that can assist in prioritizing the activities of the planning staff and be more directly involved in resolution of such enforcement and compliance issues. This includes a request to review the allocation of staff time dedicated to enforcement activities and report on this allocation and its adequacy to the BOS and CPDC. (5) The Town Manager requested that more conditions are handled earlier in the process. ACTION: CPDC will craft its decisions such that they can be more easily enforced. CPDC decisions will continue to identify what conditions must be met before a building permit can be issued and what conditions must be met before a certificate of occupancy can be issued. CPDC will craft its decisions such that the large majority of the conditions must be fulfilled prior to issuance of a building permit. (6) There are a number of existing cases which present compliance issues (list to be provided at a later date), for which building permits/certificates of occupancy have already been issued. ACTION: An action plan will be presented by the Town Manager to address these items with a timeframe for resolution. In addition to the above recommendations, as you know, the Town Manager previously provided his comments on this subject in a memorandum dated January 18, 2006. We certainly appreciate the Town Manager's initiative and would like to express our support for items #2 (see recommendation 95 above) and #3 in that memo. With respect to item #4 of that memo, the CPDC is not in favor of this proposal (requiring from a developer a performance guarantee rather than performance of a condition in certain circumstances, via "administrative" authorization). This proposal essentially creates a mechanism by which a developer, having properly applied for and received a decision and/or conditions for a project from CPDC as the lawful granting authority, can engage in action or activities which deviate from those specifically approved by CVDC without the knowledge of CPDC and without ever requesting or receiving approval from the lawful granting authority. We do not believe it would be appropriate to do so. It also appears to be unnecessary. The CPDC meets at least every 14 days, and has always been willing to include additional items on its agenda as "administrative action" as needed; and CPDC could therefore itself entertain any request for relief from or to modify its conditions or requirements where practicality requires it. And in most cases - as would certainly be the case by the Town Manager's example concerning landscaping in winter conditions - the circumstances requiring relief would or should be known sufficiently in advance (CPDC meets every 14 days and given our recommendation #3 above) so that the matter could be presented to CPDC for its consideration as the lawful granting authority. CPDC strongly urges rejection of this proposed action. We do not believe that it is justified or warranted in light of existing comparable relief presently available through the CPDC. In addition, provision of such an alternative can only have the further harmful effect of denigrating and undermining the responsibility and authority of the CPDC. In summary, the CPDC stands ready to actively support the compliance/enforcement issue to the extent feasible and allowed by the Town Charter and by-laws. We are confident that the recommendations listed above are an important first step to improving the situation and more importantly communication between all parties. The CPDC looks forward to hearing a response and your plan of action for implementing the above recommendations and hopes this topic can be further discussed at our next joint meeting (to be scheduled). Regards, ohn Sasso, Chairperson Richard Howard, Secretary Jonathan Barnes Susan DeMatteo Neil Sullivan Community Planning and Development Commission CC: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Chris Reilly, Town Planner Glen Redmond, Building Inspector r54 NWOOW- TOWN OF READING 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867=2683 Phone: 781-942-6612 Fax: 781-942-9071 Email: creilly@d.reading.ma.us COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT February 28, 2006 TO: BOARD OF SELECTMEN (BOS) RE: ASSIGNMENT OF MASTER PLAN ACTION STRATEGIES The Master Plan Advisory Committee completed their work on the most recent version of the Master Plan (MP) in the Fall of 2005 and subsequently it was adopted by the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) on February 25, 2006: This plan is available through the Town's Planning Webpage, and an electronic copy of this document is attached to this letter (see attached CD). This MP provides the strategic and tactical goals and objectives for the Town of Reading and more importantly captures in a Vision statement the core ideals by which each and every board, commission, staff, resident and elected official have agreed as the basis for the community. A list of the seven themes of the Vision statement is as follows: ➢ Sense of Community: neighborhoods, small town feel, scenic ways & volunteerism ➢ Retain and enhance natural resources and open space ➢ Provide housing for diversity - expand infrastructure to support housing Business friendly atmosphere and vibrant downtown ➢ Regional road network, transportation and road improvements and transportation alternatives ➢ Town-wide connections, safety and access ➢ Excellence of School system Chapter 11, Implementation (attached), was developed to take those objectives considered a priority and define specific action strategies requiring execution, identifying a responsible party for each strategy, and proposing an initial timeframe for completion. The BOS has been assigned 14 action strategies. A complete list of the action strategies can be found in the attached spreadsheet. Those assigned to the BOS can be identified by looking for "BOS" in the "Assignment - Primarv" column of the spreadsheet. The BOS may also be responsible as a secondary or "co-assignee." Please also review and coordinate with the primary owner on those actions for which you have been identified in the "Assignment - Secondarv (CO)" column of the spreadsheet. The CPDC is responsible for ensuring execution of this plan, and has made a commitment to the Board of Selectmen (BOS) and the community to keep them apprised of the status. To facilitate this process, we are asking that the BOS identify a single point of contact for each assigned action strategy. This will allow the CPDC to communicate directly with this individual to obtain status, address issues and concerns, answer questions and affect changes as needed. Please understand that while not all of the steps identified in the action strategy (in the implementation 60 chapter) may fall under the BOS purview, it is our expectation and your responsibility to ensure all activities are completed. Please provide the name.of the responsible individual for each of the identified action strategies and update this information into the attached spreadsheet (Name, Email & Phone) for contact purposes by March 31, 2006. This information can be sent to the Town Planner (Chris Reilly) in the Community Development office, or via email to creilly@ci.readinR.ma.us. The CPDC looks forward to working with you and wants to ensure you are provided with the support you need to be successful and complete your assigned action strategy. If you have any questions, the CPDC and the BOS welcome your feedback and encourage you to attend any of the upcoming joint CPDC/BOS status meetings. In the meantime, please feel free to contact the CPDC if you have any questions or comments. Sincerely, John Sasso, Chairperson Richard Howard, Secretary Jonathan Barnes Susan DeMatteo Neil Sullivan Community Planning and Development Commission Attachments: (1) Hard copy of Implementation Chapter (2) Electronic Copy of Master Plan (CD) (3) Action Strategy Spreadsheet 9 _ _ _.,,.ratV Go Stall X066 Zontn W crkshop•....- No""Flar, t_ - not r!',C~_ _ phone `E~aU "jNarne 1 Commission ue Date D veiDtAalto~ Spa nards& 20~-Sa tamber t - GPC ` ObiacE 1Update Desl9 Townmarxa? to Gutde{tnJ ,ad } tisicr~ i~ 2006December GP 1611 Saenic R ` het&ldat+tt iGraata ist P 161 District 2C08.Ma St 2p06 zoning W list 2 zonln ScMduAedlc',,P 'n 2096 rior f at & idet3i tvlar sion'xatton nbar 2D11 09\1610 Undavetoped t and 2006-Nova. E Spring Char & identit tnventary _ ' 2066 initial review) ousin9 2~]4 -June taheduladfar 2D/2 Char&identiN Create NewH S. Camber ' 1811 parinershio ding for 2007- l persua Rdd'1 Fun tt Nousin Usln CPA Nembat 1512 ' ousinp Goals C?DC - L- WA ido~ nO Comnrunicatc~ Nousin tBt3 are Zoning Article to Allow 2w ` ~-GFUG praP - cnm Workshop lot D PR Cluster Dav; mnt April 2006 Z } 2A B/1 e l6 Acory 06"gvlav Housm pAodifY Sea ion n law ? `t is of the Uing In `f ~aed ~1111 S"'edtma' 2P-B12 A tied 2005-N", mbar Introduce M' Fos GFUG Houstn 5N1 r~wntowrJD2R e of Econ 2006.FebNaTv C Daterm rnisston Nouein Develop 2006 Navember net Econ 2811 ~iablishEcon Driopment tntssion Main 2~6 Navamber s gpd2 Corn along South M 0ve Dcon m01 F(070,8 Develop Street Corridor Streetscape bar NIA ~cpaq 3P BJ1 2007-Sa tem Econ pbteln Funding for pavetopmant im rovements 3A-Bf2 dmintstraru~ _ Econ ment ember t Gonsarvation A - iawslSubdivaNallon 2007 Nav 1 1 NIA evel tural Review BY 1 Reas to Enhance Pres 2007-pAav isslon mission Res ou Comm I GonseNation Com Na Natuou 1 A/t FjrPlore lmpa~ F to Fund Conservailon rces allon EtfectiveiY O oln Natural 1W2 pr~ess and eat eadc O fficer - - ' ~BOS Resources Addrg~ ' a tonal N En{OCR=ment ,Nlth Unmet isslon 2007 1 Comm NIA ' - Natural 2B protect W ellitelds by titstonaa ouraes ISiren91henln9 y NIA R~ Amending i P B taws atna - leaner Natural 3A'1 taws On 11 'Cown_Planner 'NIA Resources .--t` ,_ntoEBV _ ~~Town 1 iDAonitor Entorcem and 20q-7-March i Co nmittaa Natural 3A12 Hire ConsuttanttoExP - DRTjRacreaiton nventcrv DRS 'ResOurces Nfsioricaien Space Plan 2007-January,-, Natural 7A/1 _ Review a open 200!<•,JUIV } `Town ~naaer RT t Resources annuatt uat) t Town RAana~ t 1CI1 btia lnut (ann 1 0 t pu asaments for tl=7m- l nuscr°n an s 1612 Ballo S ace Identify ConssNatton Com pub/P"W Eerivl Su~tntander t an Gonnecton ta'~d rnisslon annl far v G13 undln9 for Land 1 O enS ac e - - Provide cAreaslParks ` - 'Town Fores t Com 2D~tdsfP UM- Au ust oat Land for M 2006- O an Sace Develops aationtannty: d 2p12 ur os - °rya ~poan sp tion Land 20CrNanuar`4 ace Evatuati Ga° for?rat C 3Gt1 Oaan S a,Q,,,,-..••- Open Space 3C/2 Develop Interpretive Proqrams 2007-January Open Space Commission Historical Commission Improve Mapping for Open Open Space 3C/3 Space Onqoinq GIS Administrator N/A Conduct Public Education for Open Space 3C/4 Schools/Youth Groups(annl) 2007-Mav Superintendent School Committee Create 'Guide to Reading's Open Space 3C/5 Open Space" 2007-MaV Town Forest Commission GIS Coordinator Support Public Awareness Open Space 3C/6 Events (annualiv) 2006-MaV Recreation Committee BOS Appoint Ad-Hoc CPA Open Space 5A/1 Committee 2006-March BOS CPDC/Finance Committee Implement Developer Impact Open Space 56/1 Fees for Recreation 2007-Mav Recreation Committee BOS/Finance Committee Create Recreation Funding Open Space 56/2 Endowment (annualiv) Ongoing Recreation Committee N/A Recruit Volunteers for Fund Open Space 513/3 Ra sin (ever two vears) 2007-March Recreation Committee BOS Solicit Letters/News Articles for Open Space 58/4 Programs (annualiv) OngoInq Recreation Committee N/A Services & Facilities 1D/1 Review Impact Fee Practices 2007- May Town Planner Town Counsel Services & Facilities 1D/2 Develop Impact Fee BVIaw 2007-November Town Planner CPDC Develop & Maintain Public Services & Health Emergency Response Facilities 2A/1 Plan Health Department N/A Services & Define types of information to Facilities 5A/1 by communicated 2006-November BOB Town Manaqer Services & Define communication means Facilities 5A/2 and methods 2006-November BOS Town Manaqer Services & Identify strategies to couple Facilities 5A/3 information needs/methods 2007-May BOS Town Manaqer Services & Facilities 5A/4 Implement communication plan 2007-November BOS Town Manaqer Explore methodologies for measuring customer Services & satisfaction-with town Facilities 613/1 services 2006-May BOS Town Manager Services & Measure customer satisfaction Facilities 613/2 with town services 2007-Mav BOB Town Manaqer Services & Analysis of results and Facilities 66/3 future actions 2006-November BOS Town Manager Initiate Town-Based Transit Transportation 1B/1 Non-Profit 2008-January BOS Town Manager/Town Planner Identify Parking Concepts for Transportation 1 B/2 Downtown 2007-Januarv BOS Econ Devi. Committee/Town Manaqer Form Town-Wide Parking/Traffic Ad-Hoc Adv Transportation 48/1 Comm. 2006-June BOS Town Manager Explore Impact Fee Bylaw for Transportation 46/2 Sidewalk Improvements 2007-Mav Town Planner N/A Advocate Reading's Transp Transportatio Interests in Reg'1 Ping n 6C/1 Groups Ongoing BOS Town Manager '