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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-02-21 Board of Selectmen HandoutTOWN MANAGER'S REPORT Tuesday, February 21, 2006 • The Police Department is transitioning, with the two new vehicles being purchased this year, to a "Black and White" pattern for the vehicles. One of the major reasons is improved visibility of the vehicles. • Preliminary estimate of the storm last weekend is $130,000: o Sanding/Salting: 3AM - 5AM. o Plowing: 5AM - 11 PM. o Sanding/Salting: 11 PM - ongoing. o School pickup- Monday square pickup -Monday starting at 10PM. • The Library has been awarded an Equal Access Libraries grant, a professional development program of Libraries for the Future in partnership with the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The purpose of the grant is to enhance service to older adults through lifelong learning programs. The grant will provide four days of training for two librarians and funding for two programs. Congratulations to Nancy Aberman for an outstanding application! • Verizon is offering cable TV service as of 2-15-06 • Verizon interconnect for PEG programming • Rubbish and recycling working group - Feb 23 • Zoning Enforcement • Rain Barrel rebates • The place to be is Reading Library on Saturday, March 4. The Library will be celebrating their 5th Annual Open House, which is generously sponsored by The Friends of the Library. There will be something for everyone squeezed in between 10 AM and 2PM that day including, Children's Theater, Dance Revolution for teens, door prizes, music, refreshments and more! As part of Open House Week, there will be a variety of computer classes offered and a program featuring best-selling author Anita Diamant. Drop by or call the library for more info. ® Two bridges are out of service due to the need for repairs in the Track Road area. One is out on Track Road and one on Harvest Road • 1 wanted the Board of Selectmen to know that I am signing the drainage access agreement between the Town of Reading and ASN READING LLC, as detailed in the documents attached to Brian Blaesser's letter dated February 3, 2005, and as approved by the Town Engineer and Town Counsel. Hechenbleikner, Peter From: patricia.a.harty@verizon.com Sent: Friday, February 17, 2006 3:36 PM To: Town Manager Cc: peter.t.bowman@verizon.com Subject: Marketing efforts for Reading FIOS TV Attachments: Reading FiOS TV Launch 2-21-06.doc &--I Reading FiOS Launch 2-21-06 Hi Peter, Here is a copy of the news release that is scheduled for distribution to the press for 2/21/06. 1 thought you might appreciate seeing it prior to its release. We will also start local marketing on 2/21/06. Our marketing efforts includes direct mail, bill inserts, weekend events at the Woburn Cinema lobby, a possible partnership with Reading Youth Hockey, auto messaging, blue book coupon inserts, local newspaper ads, email, door to door sales, a presence at the Burlington Mall, and our techs will be regularly distributing brochures during premise visits in Reading. We are also contacting the Peg Studio to investigate a sponsorship. Thanks, Pat Patricia A. Harty Regional Director Public Affairs 781-224-2005 (See attached file: Reading FiOS TV Launch 2-21-06.doc) 1 0 NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 21, 2006 Media contacts: Patricia Harty 781-224-2005 patricia.a.hai-ty a,verizon.com Cliff Lee 518-396-1095 clifford.p.lee@verizon.com Verizon Expands FiOS TV Availability in Massachusetts Consumers in Reading Can Experience Better Television Technology; New Service Offering Provides More Competitive Choice and Greater Value READING, Mass. - Verizon today introduced FiOS TV in this community of 23,000 north of Boston. Reading joins Woburn as the first markets in Massachusetts for the new fiber- optic television service. Verizon launched the service in Keller, Texas, last September and began taking orders in Woburn two weeks ago. The company also has begun offering the service in parts of California, Florida and Virginia and on Long Island in New York. "FiOS TV gives Reading consumers an outstanding, superior alternative for their video entertainment," said Donna Cupelo, Verizon region president for Massachusetts and Rhode Island. "Customers who liked what FiOS did for their Internet connection will love what it does (9 Verizon News Release, page 2 for their TV. We've harnessed the speed and capacity of fiber-based broadband with the power of broadcast to create a revolutionary, new entertainment experience," said Cupelo. Service highlights include: • A broad collection of all-digital programming and compelling consumer choice - with more than 390 total channels and more on the way. • A lead offer with more than 180 digital video and music channels, for $34.95 a month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying voice plan or $39.95 as a stand-alone service. • More than 20 high-definition channels, with extraordinary clarity and theater- quality sound. • Nearly 1,900 On Demand titles available to customers now, increasing to over 2,000 titles in the next several months. • Channels grouped by genres such as entertainment, sports, news, shopping, movies and family, making it easy for audiences to find their favorite programming. • An easy-to-use interactive programming guide that integrates HD programming, On Demand content and the digital video recorder along with broadcast television into a seamless user experience. • A dual-tuner, HD-capable DVR that gives customers the freedom to pause and rewind live TV, record one show while watching another, and fast forward to their favorite part of the program - all without a VCR, tapes or DVDs. . Information on packages and prices is available at www.verizon.net/frosty. Reading and Woburn-area customers also can call 1-800-880-2943 to see if they're able to order FiOS TV. Verizon obtained a local video franchise in Reading in January and is currently in negotiations with more than 30 other communities in Massachusetts to obtain additional franchises. Under current state law, potential competitors to the incumbent cable-TV operators must obtain video franchises in each community they seek to serve. Delivered over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) network, FiOS TV is designed to be a formidable competitor to cable and satellite. The Verizon FTTP network, the largest of its Verizon News Release, page 3 kind in the country, is currently under construction in more than half the states where the company offers landline communications services, including more than 40 Massachusetts communities. The network brings the power and capacity of fiber optics directly into people's homes and has industry-leading quality and reliability. Fiber delivers amazingly sharp pictures and sound, and has the capacity to transmit a wide array of high-definition programming that is so clear and intense it seems to leap from the TV screen. It also delivers Internet download speeds of up to 30 Mbps (megabits per second) and upload speeds of up to 5 Mbps as well as high-quality voice services. Programming choices for Hispanic, African-American, Asian, Russian and other multicultural audiences are available in every market. Because FiOS TV has so much capacity, it is an outlet for emerging and independent networks to showcase their diverse programming. (More information about FiOS TV and fiber optics is available in Verizon's online News Center at www. vrizon. com/news.) Service and Package Details FiOS TV subscribers can choose from three simple-to-understand service offerings, each with built-in choice and value. They can then choose from packages and premium channels with programming that meets their special interests. Verizon offers three set-top boxes: standard definition for $3.95 per month; high definition, which includes HD channels, for $9.95 per month; and a dual-tuner, HD-capable digital video recorder for $12.95 per month. The services include: o Basic, with access to 15-35 local broadcast weather and community channels for $12.95 per month. The service is digital with a set-top box, which also provides access to On Demand programming. Basic is also available as an analog service that does not require a set-top box for viewing. AWW& CQ Verizon News Release, page 4 • Expanded Basic, Verizon's lead offer, delivers more than 180 video and music channels for $34.95 a month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying voice plan. This tier includes access to On Demand content and requires a set-top box. High-definition channels are included in this tier at no extra charge, and customers must have an HD set- top box and an HD-ready TV to view them. La Conexi6n, an alternative to Expanded Basic service designed for bilingual consumers who enjoy TV programs in English and Spanish, for $27.95 per month with Verizon FiOS Internet Service or a qualifying voice plan. La Conexi6n is also available as a stand-alone service for $32.95 per month. The package includes nearly 140 channels with English and Spanish-language programming and access to On Demand programming. This service requires a set-top box. HD channels are included in this tier at no extra charge, and customers must have an HD set-top box and an HD-ready TV to view them. Verizon FiOS TV customers who sign up for 12 months of Expanded Basic or La Conexi6n will receive additional discounts through a newly instituted annual savings agreement. FiOS TV customers will have the choice of receiving $5 off the monthly Movie Package price for an annual savings of $60. Or, customers can waive the monthly standard set-top box fee of $3.95 - an annual savings of $47.40. Consumers with a passion for movies or sports can add the movie package with 44 channels of Starz, Encore, Showtime and The Movie Channel for a regular price of $11.95 a month and a 15-channel sports package for $5.95 a month. Or, they can buy both packages for $14.95 a month. In addition to the movie package, customers with a set-top box can order new, On Demand movie releases for $3.95 each and selections from a movie library for $2.95 each. For wrestling fans, Verizon offers World Wrestling Entertainment's WAVE 24/7, a subscription On Demand service, for $7.95 a month. Karaoke fans can sing along at home with a subscription to the Karaoke package for $7.95 a month. Verizon also offers 14 HBO channels and 12 Cinemax channels as premium services, with each set of channels available for $14.95. The price includes access to each channel's Verizon News Release, page 5 subscription On Demand library. Subscribers who want both HBO and Cinemax will pay $24.95 per month. The value of FiOS TV extends to the installation and customer support. Specially trained Verizon technicians will install the service and acquaint subscribers with FiOS TV features and services. Verizon is waiving the installation fee for up to three existing TV outlets, and there is no charge to install a needed optical network terminal at the subscriber's home. Charges for other installation services, such as additional outlets, may apply. Verizon provides 24x7 technical assistance by phone from its Fiber Solutions Centers in Providence, R.I., and other cities. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ), a Dow 30 company, is a leader in delivering broadband and other communication innovations to wireline and wireless customers: Verizon operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving 51.3 million customers nationwide; one of the most expansive wholly-owned global IP networks; and one of the nation's premier wireline networks, serving home, business and wholesale customers. Based in New York, Verizon has a diverse workforce of approximately 250,000 and generates annual consolidated operating revenues of approximately $90 billion. For more information, visit wtivw. verizon. com. VERIZON'S ONLINE NEWS CENTER: Verizon news releases, executive speeches and biographies, media contacts, high quality video and images, and other information are available at Verizon's News Center on the World Wide Web at www.verizon.comhnews. To receive news releases by e-mail, visit the News Center and register for customized automatic delivery of Verizon news releases. Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: RoR!nc60@aol.com Sent: Saturday, February 18, 2006 9:31 PM To: Historical; mark.cardono@verizon.net; jonesc@csmonitor.com; Reynolds Santo, Sharl; Adams, Virginia; we4greens@comcast.net; sopatterson@yahoo.com; kherrick@boardwalkrealestate.com; Tafoya, Ben; Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RHC Agenda Feb 21 2006 Reading Historical Commission AGENDA Tuesday February 21, 2006 1. Call to Order 7:30 PM 2. Approval of Minutes 3. Treasurers Report - request expenditure for copying old valuation books 4. Pierce Organ Factory plans - presented by developer called and requested time on the agenda 5. 75 Pleasant St. update - Plans for site report from DRT meeting Feb 21 2006 1 OAM 6. 420 Franklin update 7. Review and vote on amendments from TC for warrant. Prepare written background to Town Meeting on the proposal and why we are requesting it. 8. Other business - request members to attend Bylaw meeting on the Feb 23 2006, Selectmen's meeting February 28 2006. Next Meeting March 14 2006 2/21/2006 m a ~ d n ow PATRICK M. NATALE REPRESENTATIVE THIRTIETH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT WOBURN - READING - STONEHAM ROOM 167, STATE HOUSE TEL. (617) 722-2810 FAX. (617) 722-2846 rep.patricknatale@hou.state.ma.us Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Town Manager Hechenbleikner, February 17, 2006 Committees: Election Laws Children and Families Telecommunications, Utilities Ei Energy Recently, Governor Mitt Romney released his budget proposal for the 2007 Fiscal Budget Year. The enclosed document serves to inform you of the proposed financial expenditures for important local programs in your area. I also included in this report, the final funding for local aid in the Fiscal Budget from 2003-2006. I hope this information helps you better understand past and present state financial funding trends from a broader perspective. The House and Senate have not yet released their budget proposals for the 2007 Fiscal Year. However, negotiations for the final budget should begin as early as March. I know that many local programs rely on state aid and need additional funding to continue providing valuable services within their community. During the budget process, I assure you that I will work diligently to secure the funding needed for these essential local programs. Please feel free to contact me at 617-722-2810, if you have any questions about the upcoming budget or need assistance with any other issues or concerns that may arise. Sincerely, 'Ik Pick M. Natale Esq., LL.M State Representative 30th Middlesex District Woburn, Reading, Stoneham ~A ~ Azf (11/01) PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER t Office of Representative Patrick M. Natale t ' . CommonweaCth of Massachusetts MEMORANDUM- - To: Reading Local Officials Date: February 6, 2006 Subject: UPDATE for FY 106 Budget Subject FY'03 FIN FY-04 FIN FY'05 FIN FY'06 FIN FY'07 GOV EDUCATION Chapter 70 6121,072 6;082 6,682,107 6;290,157 6;939,462 School Transportation Programs 108,637 0 0 0 0 School Construction 1,678,534 1,661,749 1,678,534 0 0 Charter Tuition Assessments Reimbursements 0 5,963 4,402 9,235 11,547 Charter School Capital Facility Reimbursement 0 0 1,484 1,453 2,561 Offset Items-Reserved for Direct Expenditure Racial Equality 220,200 198,554 227,720 244,400 School Lunch 12,237 12,486 11,714 10,816 9,771 Sub-Total, All Education Items 8,140,680 7,960,859 8,005,961 6,556,061 6,963,341 GENERAL GOVERNMENT Distributions and Reimbursements: Lottery, Beano $ Charity Games 2,165,900 1,841,015 1,841,015 2,083,179 2,461,971 Additional Assistance 105,766 1,534,901 1,534,901 1,534,901 1,534,901 Regional Public Libraries 41,097 Police Career Incentive 169,220 172,624 175,895 185,641 197,831 Veteran' Benefits 2,950 0 4,062 3,258 41,418 Exemptions: Vets, Blind & Surviving Spouse 45,548 45,956 44,789 41,841 42,475 Exemptions: Elderly 33,016 29,166 25,100 23,092 21,586 State Owned Land 33,712 26,989 42,231 53,780 44,914 Offset Item-Reserve for Direct Expenditure Public Libraries 26,244 24,141 27,483 29,134 28,741 Sub Total, All General Government 4,323,453 3,674,792 3,695,476 3,954,826 4,373,837 TOTAL ESTIMATED RECEIPTS: 12,464,133 11,635,651 11,701,437 10,510,887 11,337,178 ':,,..Types of Motor Vehicle Citations. ® Written-Warninq_No further action required by Violator ® Civil-Violator will be assessed a"dollar fine for the infraction (i.e. stop sign violation)' ® Criminal-Generally violator must appear in court and will be assessed a fine (i.e. suspended license) e Arrest-Besides being stopped for a motor vehicle infraction, the operator was arrested (i.e. stopped for speeding, which results in a O.U.I. `arrest) " M.TftsiZ7 Citation Statistics :6 Year.Gonwarison ~r . 11ok Warsi CNiI rr sts Summons i f r 2000 5575 4876 416,1120 .1154 699 (12.5 20011495614439, 311,197 1109 1517 110.4 20021517014665 1319199 187 1505 19.7 20031568015083` 13661116 1115 15,97 110.5 20041585015127 14841101 138 . 1723 112.3 1 2005 1535414427; 16241113 190 1927 117.3 Scanning ® Problem is.traffic in c mmunity ® Speed / General Operation 0 Where? Everywhere Citizen requests/complaints PD determined areas - accidents/observation ® Volume is issue but uncontrollable-': 2 Analvsis E Traffic counters a Begun using in fall '05 (weather permitting) e Used in areas determined by citizens complaints/accident history/PD recommendation ■ Supply information such as Volume of traffic' Time of day Speed information ■ Allow PD to pinpoint enforcement efforts to times of day and areas ■ More eilI ctive and ethacnt use of resources Response .Using.hard data from counters, tailor.-. . response: e Speed Trailer/board Unmanned vehicles < Aggressive enforcement w/ documentation Number of models regarding specific enforcement 0 'Cl School Traffic ® Officer Halloran has been meeting with school principals e Every school has traffic issues effecting neighborhoods . All are different but yet similar Different particulars Same basic issues - pick up/drop offs especially pick up times; a 7, i Schooffor i ®av Plan On a rotating-basis picka school each,. weekday © Sector Gar will focus at school start and end times on' particular issues Off. Halloran will meet w/ principals to determine issues at each school need attention a Result will be a continuing/regular effort to address various traffic issues at schools with collateral effect that the neighborhood will reap the berinfif of increased' presence ® 'At lunch times officer will sop in and make appearance with Children 4