Loading...
The URL can be used to link to this page
Your browser does not support the video tag.
Home
My WebLink
About
2009-10-20 Board of Selectmen Packet
PROCLAMATION RED RIBBON WEEK WHEREAS: Communities across America have been plagued by the numerous problems associated with alcohol, tobacco and other drug use; and WHEREAS: There is hope in reducing substance abuse in Reading, and the hope lies in. the hard work and determination of our community to reduce unhealthy behaviors and promote healthy behaviors to create an empowering and safe environment; and WHEREAS: Local leaders from the government, schools, clergy, law enforcement, youth serving organizations and in the community, know that the support of the people in community is the most effective tool they can have in their efforts to reduce use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs by residents; and WHEREAS: Success will not occur overnight, and our patience and continued commitment to drug education and prevention are imperative; and WHEREAS: The red ribbon was chosen as a symbol commemorating the work of Enrique "Kiki" Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration Agent, who was murdered in the line of duty and has come to represent the belief that one person CAN make a difference; and WHEREAS: The Red Ribbon Campaign was established by Congress in 1988 to promote this belief, and encourage a drug-free lifestyle and involvement in drug prevention efforts. NOW, THEREFORE, WE, the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts do hereby proclaim October 24-31, 2009 as Red Ribbon Week, and encourage all citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, media, religious and educational institutions to show their support for a drug-free state by wearing a red ribbon and participating in drug-free activities throughout the week, and joining the rest of the Nation in promoting the Red Ribbon Celebration and a drug-free America. BOARD OF SELECTMEN Ben Tafoya, Chairman James E. Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille W. Anthony, Secretary Stephen A. Goldy Richard W. Schubert Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: McNamara, Erica Sent: Tuesday, October 13, 2009 9:28 AM To: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Red Ribbon Week Proclamation Hi Paula- A Joshua Eaton rep contacted me about the Red Ribbon Week dates. If it's not too late to adjust the proclamation, the date for Red Ribbon Week is actually the last week of October. It should be October 24th-31 st. Thanks so much! Best Regards, Erica McNamara, MPH Director Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse 15 Union Street Reading, MA 01867 Email: Emcnamara aaci.reading.ma.us Phone: 781.942.6793 From: Schena, Paula Sent: Wednesday, October 07, 2009 12:02 PM To: McNamara, Erica Subject: RE: Red Ribbon Week Proclamation Erica, we have it on the October 20 agenda. I'll let you know what time when we get closer to the date. From: McNamara, Erica Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 2:33 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: Red Ribbon Week Proclamation Hi Paula, Joshua Eaton Elementary School representative Anne Manna contacted me to see if the Board of Selectman could issue a proclamation to celebrate Red Ribbon Week as they did last year. The language will remain the same as last year. The dates are 10/17/09-10/24/09. If the Board can do this, they will bring students to accept the proclamation. Do you have last year's info on file? Best Regards, Erica McNamara, MPH Director Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse 15 Union Street Reading, MA 01867 Email: Emcnamara(c)ci.reading.ma.us Phone: 781.942.6793 10/13/2009 Ipswich River Greenway Town of Reading MA The Town of Reading seeks federal funding for approximately 50% of the cost of a "greenway" project that will be constructed along the Ipswich River and Bare Meadow Brook, from Strout Avenue to Haverhill Street. In 2003 the Ipswich River was named the third most endangered river in the nation by American Rivers a national rivers protection organization. In June 2005, following much discussion in the community, the Town of Reading Town Meeting voted to purchase all of its water from the regional utility authority, the MWRA, and to abandon its well fields except for an emergency supply. Eight of the Town's nine wells are located in the Ipswich River basin, several of them almost literally in the banks of the river. The Town of Reading has, to date, borne 100% of the very significant cost of making this change in water supply, and as a result water rates in the community have risen almost 50% in the past 2 years to cover the cost of buying into the MWRA for water supply. The result of the Town's actions were perhaps best seen in the very dry fall of 2007, when the Ipswich River in Reading had a full level of water, compared to other seasons when the river was dry or very low in similar circumstances. Reading saved a river! As a result of the actions by the Town of Reading to save this distressed river, the Town has taken this opportunity to re-envision the Ipswich River as a recreational asset, and has created a plan for development of the Ipswich River stream corridor and the Bare Meadow Brook stream corridor in Reading as the Ipswich River Greenway. Major features of the Greenway are illustrated on the attached map and include: • The trails and boardwalk will be over 2.5 miles in length, and will connect existing side-branching trail networks as one continuous system ; • The project includes redevelopment of the former Louannis Water Treatment Plant site for multi-purpose recreation uses • Handicapped accessible trails and boardwalks constitute over half the length of the Greenway The project includes construction of two accessible fishing piers along the river • The project includes an accessible wildlife viewing platform at Bare Meadow • The Ipswich River Greenway will connects the Haverhill Street bikeway, the Bare Meadow trail network, the Mattera conservation site with the log cabin, the Mill Street historic site, the Wood End Elementary School, the Town Forest trail network, the proposed multi-use recreation area that will be developed after demolition of the WTP, and several neighborhoods along the route; • This project provides an exciting regional recreational facility unmatched in the north shore area of Massachusetts • The Ipswich River Greenway showcases good environmental stewardship of this unique and once distressed natural resource. dal Congressman John F Tierney's Fiscal Year 2009 Appropriations Form Please complete this form and return it to the attention of Mr. Kevin McDermott via email (Kevin.MeDermott@tnail.hoztse.gov) by 6pm on Friday, February 22, 2008. Accompanying this form must be a formal, signed letter (preferably in PDF form) from the submitting institution to Congressman Tierney. Such letter must request support for the project, detail the purpose of the project, and indicate the benefit(s) of the project. i) NAME OF SUBMITTING INSTITUTION: Town of Reading MA. 2) PRIMARY PROJECT CONTACT: (please provide name, title, work and cell number, fax, email, and mailing address): Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager; 781-942-9043; 781-883-0o16; 781-942-9017; townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us. 3) PROJECT TITLE: Ipswich River Greenwav 4) PROJECT LOCATION: North end of Reading,, through lands owned by the Town, along the Ipswich River and Bare Meadow Brook 5) PROJECT DESCRIPTION (In 1-3 sentences, please explain how the institution hopes to use the requested federal assistance. If the request is for construction, please identify the programmatic activity that will be carried out in the facility. Please specifij who will be the recipient of the grant): The Ipswich River Greenwav project will construct over 2.5 continuous miles of trail and boardwalk through Town owned lands along_ the Ipswich River and Bare Meadow Brook. The trail boardwalk and key feature areas will connect from Haverhill Street westward to the former Louannis Water Treatment Plant site and will require crossing only 2 public streets The Greenwav will include accessible fishing piers, signage, and a pedestrian activated signal across Main Street. The main trail, and side trails will connect the Ipswich River Greenwav with other major community facilities and neighborhoods including the Wood End Elementary School, Mill Street Historic site and canoe launching area, the Mattera conservation site including the log cabin, the Town Forest. and many other sites The site of the former Water Treatment Plant will be developed as a greenway trailhead and multi-purpose recreation area. 6) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE REQUESTED (please provide a brief itemized budget for the requested federal assistance) $ 1.35 million; • Construction of trail and boardwallc $ 700,000 • Pedestrian actuated signal on Main Street $ 100,000 • Purchase of parcel of land $ 50,000 • Demolition of Water Treatment Plant $1,450,000 • Construction of multi-use-recreation facilities At LWTP site $ 5oo,ooo o Total $2,800,000 '~'t 2---, 7) FEDERAL AGENCY (if unknown, please leave blank): 8) SPECIFIC AGENCY ACCOUNT (if unknown, please leave blank): 9) PROJECT'S ANTICIPATED TOTAL COST: $2,8oo,ooo (total) 1o) OTHER FUNDING SOURCES (STATE, LOCAL, OR PRIVATE) ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROJECT OF ACTIVITY, IF ANY: • State $ 200,000 • Local $1,250,000 11) PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL PROJECT'S COST EACH OF THESE FUNDING SOUCES IS CONTRIBUTING, IF APPLICABLE: • State _mK • Local 45fl-b • Federal _a8 -to 12) AMOUNT RAISED/EXPENDED ON THE PROJECT TO DATE, AND THE AMOUNT OF WORK COMPLETED ON THE PROJECT: • Committed from the State - $200,000 • Committed by the Town - $1,250,000 • Overall design of the IRG is complete. • Detailed design of the boardwalk specification is underway. • State commitment to the construction of the Mill Street fishing pier is in place Construction will begin in the spring of 2oo8. • Design of the demolition of the former Water Treatment Plant is done. Demolition will begin in the spring of 2oo8 13) SOURCES OF FEDERAL FUNDING THAT HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THIS SPECIFIC PROJECT BY YEAR: None to date 14) PLEASE ATTACH AN ABSTRACT (maximum one-page) THAT DESCRIBES THE OVERALL GOALS OF THIS PROJECT 2 Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Feudo, John Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 2:41 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: Hi Peter, Any chance of getting on sooner? My calendar is jam packed over the last 2 weeks of October with meetings and Travel Basketball tryouts. I am on Oct 20th already for a Field Fees and BM Master Planning Hearing. Any chance we could sneak it in that night or the week prior? Don't mean to be a pain - O John John A. Feudo Recreation Administrator Town.of Reading From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 2:36 PM To: Feudo, John Subject: RE: October 27, 2009 Town Cleric - Elections update 7 Washington Park Playground 8 Library Board re: Building Assessment Discussion - Customer Service From: Feudo, John Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 2:33 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: Yes. We can present as soon as you can get them on the agenda. I will co-present with the committee chair. FORR has offered to host the playground fundraiser as a 501 c3 and get behind it for marketing. If we can get on the agenda for after 8:00 PM that would be very helpful. We will have a presentation ready. Thanks Peter. Let me know anything else you need. John John A. Feudo Recreation Administrator Town of Reading 'k / t 10/16/2009 Page 2 of 2 From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 2:14 PM To: Feudo, John Subject: RE: I'd like to do a brief presentation at a Board of Selectmen meeting. Do you have a plan? From: Feudo, John Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 2:10 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: H I Peter, Thanks. This is (good. As a heads, up the Washington Park Playground Fundraising team is gearing up to do a brick campaign. They would like to do a small brick walkway for the playground entrance. As many as 200 Bricks. I am happy to show you more of what I mean. The playground committee has committed to supplement the funding in the Capital Plan by approximately $20K to get the equipment appropriate for the playground we laid out in the master plan. Please let me know any necessary steps to take before I turn them loose. John John A. Feudo Recreation Administrator Town of Reading From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, October 02, 2009 12:47 PM To: Reading - Department Heads; Feudo, John Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: Please see the attached policy that was revised by the Board of Selectmen in September. Since staff is usually the first to be approached about donations, please see that appropriate are aware of the policy and are adhering to it.. Pete 10/16/2009 LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold the follow- ing public hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts: -Birch Meadow_ Master Plan 8:00 p.m. -Recreation Fees 8:15 p.m., A'copy of the proposed doc- uments regarding these topics are available in the Town Manager's Office, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., M-F and are attached to the hearing notice, on the website at www.readingma.gov. All interested parties may appear in person, may submit their comments in writing, or by email to townmanag- er@ci.reading.ma.us. By order of Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager 10/13 f Birch Meadow Master Plan Adopted by the Board of Selectmen 4409 OVERVIEW At the request of the Board of Selectmen, an ad hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee was formed to help reach consensus among stakeholders of the Birch Meadow Area on a corm-nunity vision and Master Plan for recreation and open space, so that the conununity can more thoroughly benefit from this valuable resource. Geographic Focus "Birch Meadow" is defined as the Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) site, the parks and playground surrounding the RMHS site, the Coolidge Middle School site, the Higgins Conservation property including the property, extending along the Abeijona River to and including town owned property on Grove Street. The focus of this Master Plan is placed where a long-range plan was deemed most appropriate. These areas included: 1. Three softball fields along Birch Meadow Drive 2. Former Imagination Station site 3. Field behind Coolidge Middle School 4. Grove of trees with circle of benches 5. Grove of trees with hill and ropes course 6. Basketball and volleyball courts 7. Castine Field 8. Higgins Conservation area. 9. Morton Baseball Field Initial Analysis The following goals are established for the Master Plaiming process: O Address the wants and needs of Reading constituents Make efficient, flexible use of the land in the Birch Meadow Area Make a long-term plan to help channel future funding appropriately In an early part of the process a number of activities and issues were taken into consideration during the discussions. These included: 0 Softball/baseball • Soccer/football/field hockey/lacrosse • Kickball/dodge ball (gym class games) • Ice skating • Playground, target age group ages 8-14 (similar to Imagination Station) • Rest rooms/snack shack • Wiffle ball field • Open play space • Multi-purpose surfaces (street hockey, dodge ball, basketball) • Water park/community pool • Paddle boats • Lighting • Double sided scoreboard • Tetherball • Paddle tennis • Parking • Shade Trees/water fountainsibenches • Ropes • Hiking/cross country skiing BIRCH MEADOW AREA SURVEY To understand the community's interests, the Birch Meadow Ad Hoc Corninittee produced a survey for completion by families and teens through the month of September 2007. Over 800 individuals responded either to the electronic survey on the Reading Recreation website or the form included in the Fall 2007 issue of the Reading Recreation Magazine. The survey asked questions to understand: a Frequency of Use o Desired Additions o Top Choices The survey also welcomed general free text comments from respondents. ~~3 Demographics for Respondents 300 1 - - 250 1 ~ 200 150 - - - " ro _ 100 I~Y 50 I 1 o NumSeniors ❑ NumCollege ❑ NumHighSchool NumMiddleSchool 0 NumElementary D NumPresSchool Middle School (Ages 10-13) Top Choices for Area: Middle School Top Choices restrooms sport court-\ O waterpark/pool El teen center whiffle ball /-waterpark/pool skate park = ❑ playground ❑ skate park 8 whiffle ball playground ' ❑ sport court o restrooms teen center High School (Age 14-20) Top Choices for Area High School Top Choices whiffle ball skate park sport court restrooms waterpark/pool teen center O waterpark/pool I❑ teen center 0 restrooms 0 sport court o skate park 0 whiffle ball playground All Top Choices whiffle ball restrooms skate park w aterpark/pool sport court older kid playground teen center rl w aterpark/pool o teen center ❑ older kid playground ❑ sport court o skate park a restrooms a whiffle ball ,Highlights,from the free text comsne,nts included: "Please maintain the natural beauty of Birch Meadow and do not add more parking lots or buildings. Take special care of the undeveloped meadows and wetlands around the area." o Many people wanted the Birch Meadow area to stay OPEN AND GREEN, requesting that whatever is done not upset the ecological balance of the Castine area or over-develop the open space. o Individuals of all ages responded very positively to the idea of cycling, hiking and walking TRAILS in this area. Many requested measured routes within and around the Birch Meadow Complex. "Keeping these grounds available for casual use is important and they serve as a valuable community resource." o People want MORE FIELDS - baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and wiffle ball - with LIGHTING for later in the day/older patron use. o There was strong support for MULTI-SPORT areas that can be used for dodge ball, volleyball, roller hockey, or a skate park. o People want a BALANCE between structured league sports or activities and drop-in activities that adults and kids can take advantage of when they have time. Popular new requests are Frisbee, wiffle ball and volleyball leagues, along with walking and cycling clubs. I REPLACING IMAGINATION STATION was a top choice in the free comment area. o The majority of respondents agreed this playground should be for older kids. Within the existing Birch Meadow area is the Tot Lot adjacent to the tennis courts and nearby is the Birch Meadow School playground. Teens requested RESTROOMS AND A SNACK SHACK in the area in greater numbers than those who filled out the family surveys! L~ k I PARKING is a concern among many who fear that any additions to the Birch Meadow area will aggravate an already tight parking situation. There was strong support for a SPLASH PARK and for a COMMUNITY POOL, although people did not know where a pool could be situated in this already filled area. ,"Clean up trash on a regular basis. Have police bike/foot patrols, especially evenings and night. Make sure field lights go out on time. Enforce rules posted on signs at parks. " From these comments, the planning process focused on: o Restrooms/community gathering place o Multi-sport courts o Additional fields o Older kid playground o Hiking trails o Amenities: water bubblers, spray fountains, signage for trails, seating o Clean up the creek area around the stadium track and imagination station - as in clean back dead/overgrown growth and plan appropriate greenery The Hill The Hill between the High School parking lot and Morton Field is the only topographical relief in the area. It also acts as a natural barrier between the High School and other recreation portions of the Birch Meadow Area. The Committee could not determine if the hill is natural or man made, There is speculation that the core of the hill is old construction debris, but that is only a guess. Currently the hill is overgrown with brush and small weed trees growing at the base of many larger frill grown trees. This gives the hill an unkempt and unattractive appearance. The top of the hill is accessible from several directions. The underbrush on the hill provides cover from view and it is a hangout area for under-age drinking and other undesirable activities. There is a high ropes course located at the top of the hill that is used by the High School. The ropes course was recently upgraded and is heavily used as part of the Athletic Department's curriculum. There is a low ropes course at the bottom of the hill near the tennis courts. There is also an open area between the hill and the newly built softball field next to the tennis courts. There are some large trees in this area and undergrowth with a small open space of grass leading up to the newly created walkway that goes along the edge of new softball field's outfield. The Board of Selectmen has decided to leave the hill for its natural and recreational attributes and will schedule minor "cleaning up" the some of the underbrush to neaten the hill's appearance and increase its accessibility and visibility. All of the large trees will remain. The high ropes course will remain in place. However, the low ropes course will be removed or relocated for safety reasons. Until this becomes financially feasible and an agreeable location is found, the current low ropes ~jb course should be enclosed with some type of barrier consistent with other barriers at the complex for safety purposes. The Town will work towards hiring a landscape architect to create a proposal for landscaping the hill to take full advantage of its natural features. ,Open Space Between Hill and New Field There is a small grassy area between the hill and the new softball field that is big enough to locate a small field or a hard top court. The area is not big enough for a full size softball field. Close to the hill there are several large trees and some underbrush. Since this area will not be irrigated, grass is not likely to survive if this area is to be used for active recreation uses including use as a practice field. However, this site is well-suited to meet the potential need for a multi-use court in the Birch Meadow Area following completion of the tennis courts because only tennis will be allowed on the tennis courts. This, coupled with the ability to locate a multi-use court away from neighboring houses, made,this concept for this space a natural fit. Further, lighting around the new softball field and on the multi-use court would greatly expand the use of this area. Space Between Hill, Morton Field, and Practice Field The area where the batting cage is currently located is well traveled with pathways from the school to the tennis courts and to Morton field. This is also a major travel way connecting the neighborhoods, and serves as the major service road for maintenance fo the entire Birch Meadow complex. In addition to the batting cage, there is a permanent small building housing electrical and water services for the field irrigation as well as a storage trailer for the Morton Field equipment plus a soccer kick wall. The space is flat with a few trees. The batting cage should be moved toward right-center field of Morton Field and the softball field. This will allow easy access for both baseball and softball teams while maintaining a sufficient distance from residences to minimize noise. The kick wall will be removed, and the functions of the service building and storage trailer should be relocated. Due to the central location of this space, a "Public House" with an open air pavilion will be built. The location will be closer to the hill to take advantage of the walking path and accessibility to a dumpster to alleviate trash concerns. The (roughly 20' x 30') Public House will house restrooms, a t? snack shack; and the electrical and water services for the;„ fields. A slightly larger foot print could potentially house the maintenance equipment for Morton Field as well. 1s The 24' x 100' open-air pavilion would hold roughly 100 * 4r r~~tiT~t ` ~lT patrons and could offer yearlong events, including a free} summer concert series, Taste of the Town, Fine Arts Festival and seasonal ice-skating. This unique outdoor facility would be available to rent from April through mid-October for catered parties and dinners, business meetings, fundraisers and many other functions. N~~ Based on information from area communities, the rental for the pavilion could be as little as $35 for 5 hours or as much as $150 a day plus application fee. The circle of trees between the site of the pavilion and the softball fields could include picnic tables for outside picnics in the shade. Coolidte Middle School Presently, the land behind the Coolidge Middle School is used as a playing field, mostly for soccer and lacrosse. This field area is uneven and the soil is pogr malting it very difficult to maintain. The field needs renovation as a natural grass field. The intention is use by U-10 soccer or lacrosse teams. Three Softball Fields The three skinned fields are used throughout the year by the following organizations: RMHS-softball, track and field (shot put, javelin and discuss), soccer, football, field hockey RMHS girls softball team Reading Youth Softball Reading men's and women's leagues Reading POP Warner Reading Youth Soccer All of the softball fields adjacent to Castine Field have serious drainage problems - the situation is most pronounced at the field alongside the driveway entrance next to the former Imagination Station site. Following a slight rain, the fields are extremely wet and saturated. Deep standing water following heavy rain renders them unplayable. The overall condition of the softball fields is poor due to frequent flooding and nearly constant use. Restoration is needed. Several priorities were agreed upon for this area: 1. The drainage issue must be addressed to minimize down time on the fields since Reading has limited areas where softball can be played. 2. Reconfigure the softball fields (varsity field) so that all three fields can be used simultaneously and at night men (RMSL) and Reading Youth Softball (RYS)-- thereby reducing the interference from the RMSL players hitting into RYS field/games. Also, the infields of the softball fields need resurfacing in a similar manner to Morton Field. This would require excavating the existing infield areas and restoring with the sauce fill as used at the baseball field for optimum performance and maintenance properties. 3. It is recommended to place a scoreboard on Morton Field as well as the Varsity softball field, which will require extension of the current electrical utilities to power the equipment. 4. Include standing dugouts on the reconfigured softball fields. 5. Replace the batting cage and relocate it with a doublewide cage to include electricity service for lighting - the site should be in the same area as the softball field scoreboard. 6. Bleachers protected by netting are needed for the softball fields to make the games safe and enjoyable for spectators. 7. Remove the green storage shed 4J~' Higgins Conservation Area Higgins Conservation Area is on the, north side of Birch Meadow Drive, adjacent to Birch Meadow School and Birch Meadow Drive. As the name implies, the area is dedicated to conservation-related activities. The property is under the jurisdiction of the Reading Conservation Commission. The land is restricted by covenant to conservation purposes, which severely limits its use for activities such as active recreation. The parcel is predominantly wetlands with the designation of Bordering Vegetated Wetlands and Land Subject to Flooding under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act. These wetlands border the Aberjona River wluch runs along the southern boarder of the site and exits the Higgins Area at Lowell St, near the P&S Convenience Store. The designation as jurisdictional wetlands and flood plain restricts modifications (e.g. filling, grading or construction) on most of the parcel. Even the upland (i.e. non wetland) areas of the Conservation Area are within the Buffer Zone of the wetlands and subject to restrictions. There is a dirt trail through a portion of the area that is maintained by volunteers (most recently by David Hanson as part of his Eagle Scout project). The trail is used for exercise and nature study but because of its configuration, it is of limited use for access to the Birch Meadow Complex from residential areas. The existing trail also provides access to the interior of the site which supports quiet and undisturbed high quality wildlife habitat. All of the alternative plans for the Higgins Conservation Area were considered in light of the overall Birch Meadow Planning objectives and limitations on the Parcel. Due to the combined constraints of the Conservation Covenant and the Wetlands Protection Act, active uses of the parcel were deemed infeasible. Of the passive recreation options, the expanded trail system was identified as preferable and thus the reconuriended use for the area. An expanded trail system would have multiple advantages and would not adversely affect current uses or constrain future uses. In addition, an expanded trail system nicely satisfies one of the top requests for the Birch Meadow area as registered in the town-wide survey for walking, running, biking trails. The existing uses for nature walks, exercise, and nature study could continue with an expanded trail system. In fact, these uses would be expanded because more areas would be accessible and there would be greater exercise opportunities. In addition, an expanded trial system could provide walking opportunities for residents, particularly students, from contiguous neighborhoods to get to the area's school and recreational activities. Travel by bicycle or foot would minimize vehicular traffic and afford incidental nature observation opportunities. Planning and implementation of the expanded trail system should take into account the area's resources. Exceptional wildlife habitat areas should be identified and trails designed to allow access, without adversely affecting the natural setting. The system should also be designed to facilitate travel to and from residential areas and sidewalk access points. Much of the trail system would be in jurisdictional wetlands, particularly along the river; regulations dictate the use of a raised boardwalk to minimize damage to the wetlands. Castine Field Current Conditions Castine Field is an approximately one acre parcel adjacent to the Aberjona River just upstream of Birch Meadow Drive. The area is surrounded by a bean and the interior is approximately four feet below the adjacent playing fields and sidewalks. The low point in the interior space is the approximate elevation of the adjacent Aberjona River. Castine is connected to the river by culverts with controls that allow river water to both enter and exit the area. These culverts were installed to create an ice skating pond in winter and to drain the area in summer. Castine Field supports multiple and sometimes conflicting uses. As mentioned, it is flooded during winter and serves as a popular skating area. When the ice thaws, the area becomes a pond approximately 2 feet deep that is a wildlife habitat for water fowl and amphibians. During the summer, when the area dries out, it serves as a recreational field for both organized soccer and unstructured play. The attractiveness of the area for both soccer and skating is enhanced by the lighting surrounding the field. The area is also important as a flood storage area; when the Aberjona is at or above the banks, Water can be diverted to Castine thereby relieving the potential for flooding elsewhere in the Birch Meadow complex. Downstream areas also experience flooding issues. Retention of water in the Castine Area mitigates the damage and inconvenience of high water associated with the Aberjona. Although Castine supports active recreation, it is a jurisdictional wetland under the Massachusetts Wetland Protection Act. The low elevation of the area results in a groundwater elevation at, and sometimes above, the ground surface. This condition produces soils saturated with water during most of the year, a primary characteristic defining a wetland. Also, even though the grass is periodically cut, the area supports wetland vegetation (e.g. cattails), the other primary characteristic defining a wetland. The characteristics that make the area a wetland and flood plain also compronuse its value as an active recreation area. Especially during wet years, the soil is so saturated during spring and even into early summer that the field cannot be used. Later in the year, it is not uncommon for only a portion of the field to be dry enough for soccer or other active recreation. When the groundwater elevation is low, the area does provide a useful and enjoyable playing field. However, even at these times, a significant rainfall can render the field unusable for a time due to the poor drainage. More time was spent by the Birch Meadow Master Planning Committee discussing and evaluating Castine than any other area. The area has significant potential for active recreation, including soccer and ice skating. Castine Field would be in high demand due to the limited field resources within Reading, especially in the spring. Any enhanced recreation use of the Castine Area would require filling the wetland to create a dry surface or placing cooling coils on the bottom of the depressed land. This would be difficult given the area's significant limitations as result of wetland protection regulations and the area's role in flood control and protection. The conunittee explored these limitations and consulted and coordinated its discussions with the Town's Conservation Commission, which administers the Wetlands Act. The mitigation requirement for fill placed in Castine proved to be the critical limitation for active use of the area. According to the State's Wetland Protection Act and Reading By-Laws, any jurisdictional wetland filled must be replaced on a two for one basis. The replacement area must be in close proximity to the filled area and cannot be in existing wetlands. Thus, filling of an acre for recreation in Castine would necessitate creating two acres of wetland adjacent to the Arbojona River. Additionally, the filling would require excavation of a comparable volume to create substitute flood storage volume. Even if non jurisdictional land in the inunediate vicinity could be acquired for wetland replacement, the cost would be prohibitive. Even with replacement, filling of Castine could exacerbate existing flooding issues and concerns for residents in the immediate area and downstream. Thus, enhanced soccer field and ice skating were deemed as infeasible alternatives. This conclusion was not reached casually and because of the high demand for reliable playing fields, many ideas to enhance Castine were considered. Ultimately all were rejected, primarily because of the constraints imposed by the State's and Town's wetland protection regulations. The alternative of a restored wetland and nature park could be consistent with limitations on the area imposed by wetland regulations. This alternative was retained as a possible long term use of the area. This final use is also consistent with comments by Reading residents participating in the town-wide survey who wrote in requests to preserve the natural beauty of the Birch Meadow area. Current demand for soccer fields necessitates retaining Castine as a field even though its use is limited due to the high groundwater. If the Town acquires additional O 4 4 soccer fields, the alternative of converting the area to a nature park should be revisited. Thus, the recommendation for the Castine Area is no change; retain it as a field with limited use until such time as the Town has other adequate field capacity. Bancroft Avenue/Tot Lot Area Presently, the area across from the intersection of Bancroft Avenue and Hartshorn Street, contiguous to the current tennis courts complex has a new state of the art playground for pre-school aged children, one basketball court and an unusable volleyball court. The Tot Lot is well used during the day until dusk by young children in town. The basketball court is also well used later in the day by middle and high school aged residents for pick-up games. The basketball court should stay in its current location; however the court is in need of a new surface. The volleyball pad could either be removed and returned to open space or a second basketball court could be constructed depending on demand. A second multi-use court is proposed in this area, directly behind the Field House and adjacent to the new softball/t-ball field as described above (see Open Space Between Hill and New Softball Field). Lighting, combined with easy drive-by access behind the high school complex, will enable activities in this area to be monitored by police in the evening. The tot lot has become an intricate part of the Birch Meadow Complex. This should remain in it's current location. The Tot Lot will remain unchanged. In addition, "No Parking" signs on Bancroft Street are difficult to see. To make them more visible, they should be lowered. Morton Field and Batting Cage Morton Baseball Field is among the best fields in the Middlesex area. The newly designed infield and outfield fence give a polished look - more like a baseball field than a playground field (wide open). There is a backstop with a limited wing fence on both the first and third base side. There is a recently enhanced batting cage located in the right field area beyond the fence. 7 777T f0 ~S y I JI I5 TI f I "r J I r ] f ,IS ~ E f Leave Morton Field in its current location. Adding storage near the backstop, dugout structures for both participating teams and spectator seating. The dugout and spectator seating should have protective netting for players and fans. The Board of Selectmen has recently approved the installation of a fiilly fimctional electronic scoreboard to be placed in the left-center field area. The scoreboard will; • be constructed and maintained at no expense to the Town of Reading o be constructed with a 1 to 2 foot gap between the top of the existing fence and the bottom of the scoreboard e be LED or equivalent lights, not larger than 18" in height • be black or dark green in background color, and may include accent colors • have the name of "Morton Field" included on it • be a maximum size of 24' in width, by 10' in height, with a maximum height above ground of 17' to 18', and 6" in depth, and shall be similar in design to Eversan catalogue # 9871 • be adequate in size of support structure to handle the size, weight, and height of the scoreboard and the support shall not deviate from the vertical plane. • subject to receipt by the donor of any permits required including but not necessarily limited to Conservation, building, and wiring. Imagination Station Area Replacing Imagination Station was a top choice of respondents to the Birch Meadow Area Survey. The majority of respondents agreed this playground should be for older kids. Within the existing Birch Meadow Complex is the Tot Lot adjacent to the tennis courts and nearby is the Birch Meadow School playground. The footprint of land formerly filled by the Imagination Station playground has been reduced due to environmental setbacks required for the Abeijona riverfront. A 50-foot buffer must now be observed along the stream. In addition, the high school requires land for an emergency access road to the high school from Birch Meadow Drive. Within the existing Birch Meadow Complex area is the Tot Lot adjacent to the tennis courts and across the street is the Birch Meadow School playground, designed for 5-10 year olds. Given that not all children mature at the same rate, this playground should extend play opportunities for children through 81h grade,. Trees will also be planted around the new Imagination Station. The current thinking is that equipment for this demographic should offer unlimited points of entry, unscripted play routes (as Imagination Station did), encourage stretching, upper body fitness, competitive spirit, and be fun. The play area should also be something unique to our community. Imagination Station was a leading-edge playground design when it was installed in 1990. Companies like Game Time and Landscape Strictures offer "extreme" systems targeted at the 6-12 age group. In addition to offering creative play and a range of physical activities, these playgrounds are not made from pressure treated wood and they are open, so parents have the opportunity to see their children at play. These two issues had been noted deficiencies of the Imagination Station playground. Like Imagination Station, the Gaune Time and Landscape Structures systems are customizable to suit the imagination of our community. The area will also feature a skate park (50 X 50) to acconmzodate the elementary and middle school demand for skateboarding. i i Accommodations will need to be made for protected land remediation. That needs to be included in any plans to reconstruct the playground. This will be done under the guidance of the Conservation Administrator and Conservation Commission. ~1y Other Considerations One of the attractive features of the Birch Meadow area is the openness of the area. One guiding principal of the Master Plan is to minimize the use of fencing while at the same time developing the site for the purposes intended. Additionally, the location and number of trees and other landscaping is an important feature of the site. The Board of Selectmen will work to secure the services of a landscape architect to guide the town in the placement of trees and other landscape features as the site is further improved. Among the community comments entered on the Birch Meadow area survey was to clean up the area to maintain the natural beauty and preserve wetlands. The area around the wetlands between the stadium field and the Imagination Station plot is so overgrown that it traps litter that blows in from around the area. The current overgrowth needs to be trimmed back judiciously and plantings that are both visually attractive and suitable to the wetlands area should be added. The conunittee also recommends designating an area under trees for gathering and waiting. Such an area could include picnic tables or several benches which could be used by individuals watching children at the playground or waiting for children who are finishing up games. The cormnittee also recommend adding a welcome gate or arch with a map and information about the Birch Meadow area. Site Amenities Currently, there are many amenities at the Birch Meadow area. Unfortunately many of them are outdated or in need of repair or replacement. There are currently three (3) water fountains servicing the Birch Meadow area. These fountains use an older style spigot that can be left on accidentally and cause puddling with many gallons of wasted water. One fountain is located along Birch Meadow Drive near the YMCA, one at the end of Bancroft Avenue between the temiis court and Morton Field, and another one between the Tot Lot and basketball court. The use of signage in the Birch Meadow area is inconsistent and sparse. Morton Field has a plaque embedded in a stone at the field and there is a free standing sign at the entry of the field from Bancroft Avenue. There is also a plaque at Castine Field. Benches are available inside the Tot Lot and tennis courts. Bleachers also exist at Morton Field, the lacrosse field, and football stadium. There are a few other benches sprinkled around the area. Walking paths have been constructed as part of the high school construction project. These paved walkways connect the major areas of the Birch Meadow complex. Lighting in the area consists of field lights at the lacrosse field, football field, tennis courts, varsity softball field and Castine Field. There are no convenience or safety lights in the area. Trash receptacles are located throughout the area. There are currently three cross:walks that allow pedestrians to safely cross Birch Meadow Drive to access the area. These cross-walks are located at Arthur B. Lord Drive, Birch Meadow School, and Coolidge Middle School. Changes to the amenities at the Birch Meadow complex include: • replacing the spigot-type water fountains to a new low flow water conserving fountain with an attached mister and dog bowl. "Misters" would be placed in the following locations: Imagination Station, pavilion, near batting cage.. • To make the Birch Meadow area more inviting, the existing signage should be replaced and new signage added as discussed above. • The benches in the area are sufficient at the Tot Lot and field locations. The wooden benches throughout the area should be replaced and more added. • The pathways in . the area are well constructed and useable. However, adding lighting and adding a pathway from the end of Longfellow to the Tot Lot path would enhance the walking experience. • While there are many trash receptacles throughout the Birch Meadow area, additional trash/recycling receptacles should be added with a well-documented removal plan in place. • In addition to the play structure at Imagination Station, bike racks, water fountains, and clusters of low boulders should be placed in the Birch Meadow Complex for climbing and gathering. r F 4~M ~J} l ,e J ' The following general recommendations were made: • Redirect current path that goes along side the Tot Lot and basketball court to travel in a straight line to the new parking lot; including a walking lane in front of the HS to help direct pedestrians and keep students off the new landscaping. • Picnic tables in the area around the pavilion including the grove of trees and the hill. One picnic table near the Tot Lot. • A walking path should be continued around, but not cut across, the Birch Meadow fields, and connect with the proposed walking paths in the Higgins Conservation area.. • Place several climbing structures or large rocks in the pavilion area. • Acquire a fire retardant canopy to cover the turf fields during fireworks. • Take out all outdated "Vita Course" signage. • Remove old pressure treated telephone poles and replace with post and rail structures to match as the . fencing (doubles as seating) on Oakland Road. q~IG~' Conclusion and Final Word The Board of Selectmen would like to thank the Ad Hoc Birch Meadow Planning Committee and all those who have provided their time, expertise and opinions. We are especially grateful to the residents who took the time to complete the survey, which played a very strong role in guiding the Committee in many of it decisions. The concerns of all ages of Reading residents were taken into account in the process of drafting these recommendations, and though we do not expect every resident to be happy with all aspects of this plan, we are confident that, if implemented over the long-term, the recommended improvements will lead to a higher utilization of the area, and a greater overall enjoyment. LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: . Please take notice that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold the follow- ing public hearing on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts: -Birch Meadow Master Plan 8:00 p.m. -Recreation Fees 8:15 p.m., A copy of the proposed doc- uments regarding these topics are available in the Town Manager's Office, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., M-F and are attached to the hearing notice on the website at www.readingma.gov. All interested. parties may appear in person, may submit their comments in writing, or by email to townmanag- er@ ci. reading. ma.us. By order of Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager 10/13 q co / Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Friday, September 25, 2009 2:25 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Field Fee Vote Last Night at the Rec Committee Meeting Board of Selectmen 10-20-09 From: Feudo, John Sent: Thursday, September 10, 2009 10:53 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Field Fee Vote Last Night at the Rec Committee Meeting Hi Peter, The Recreation Committee voted to make two changes to the current Field Fee schedule/policy last night. The first change was to amend to the current definition of Reading Resident to include "HS Graduates from RMHS or Austin Prep". The current policy includes working in Reading, living in Reading or going to school in Reading. The second change pertained to our In-Town Reading Organizations. Non-Residents will now be assessed $100/per season to participate in what we consider Reading Leagues. Reading residents will remain at $10 per season. I will explain the reasoning behind the changes when we sit down and talk. The selectmen will need to approve this I believe. The spirit of the changes help aid the issue we had back in the spring with over populated fields. We have found the one in particular organization has been aggressively pursuing non-residents for their program. Currently leagues only have to be 50% or more to classify as Resident League. I will schedule some time to talk with you further. John John A. Feudo Recreation Administrator Town of Reading Nei 9/25/2009 Page 1 of 1 /c-42 o/© Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 3:04 PM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Meals tax discussion Attachments: ATT228110.txt Copy for Board of Selectmen 10-20-09 From: readingma_notes-bounces@mm.windigicert.com [mailto:readingma_notes- bounces@mm.windigicert.com] On Behalf Of Reading Notes Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 2:37 PM To: readingma-notes@mm.windigicert.com Subject: Fwd: Meals tax discussion At approximately 8:30 PM during its regular meeting on October 20, the Board of Selectmen is seeking community input into whether or not Reading should adopt the local meals tax option. This meeting is held at Town Hall (16 Lowell Street) and also carried live on RCTV. This local meals tax option is available to individual communities pursuant to state law passed this past summer. If adopted, this local tax would add 0.75 percent to the existing state meals tax for restaurant meals. For a $10 meal, the local tax would be 7.5 cents - for a $100 meal, it would be 75 cents. It is estimated that a local option meals tax would generate approximately $150,000 annually to the Town of Reading. The ultimate decision as to whether or not to approve the local option meals tax is up to Town Meeting, and this item is included as Article 11 on the November 9 Subsequent Town Meeting warrant. For further information contact Bob LeLacheur at either financeaci.reading. ma.us or (781) 942-6636 10/5/2009 V Was Meal Tax Considered? Was it Adopted? Andover Yes Yes Bedford Yes, passed at Special Town, Meeting began collecting 10/1 Yes Belmont Yes, BOS approved -will go to voters Pending voter approval -Concord Discussed hotel and meal tax at Board level. Had one month public comment and only one hotel responded. Pending Town Meeting action Danvers Yes No - failed Everett Yes Yes Lawrence No discussion Lexington Yes Pending Town Meeting action Lowell No discussion Lynnfield Yes Pending Town Meeting action Malden Not discussion Medford Yes Yes Melrose Yes Yes North Reading Yes Yes Saugus Yes Yes Stoneham Yes Pending Town Meeting action Wakefield Yes Pending Town Meeting action Wilmington' Discussed, not moving forward Winchester Yes Pending Town Meeting action Woburn Yes No ~~l COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSEES Aroma Cafe 607 Main Street Anthony's Roast Beef 216 Main Street Bagel World 323 Main Street Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant 76 Haven Street Bertucci's Italian Restaurant 45 Walkers Brook Drive Burger King 357 Main Street Caf6 Capri 355 Main Street Chili's Grill & Bar 70 Walkers Brook Drive Chinatown Cafe 672 Main Street Christopher's Restaurant 580 Main Street Colombo's Pizza and Caf6 2 Brande Court Dandi-Lyons 1331 Main Street. Dunkin' Donuts 273 Salem Street Dunkin' Donuts 454 Main Street Emperor's Choice Restaurant 530 Main Street Epicurean Feast 55 Walkers Brook Drive 4 ~3 COMMON VICTUALLER (Continued) Fuddruckers 50 Walkers Brook Drive Green Tomato 42 High Street Gregory's Subs & Deli 162 Main Street Harrow's 126 Main Street Hot Spot in Reading 85 Haven Street Jimbo's Famous Roast Beef & Seafood 454 Main Street Last Corner Restaurant 49 High Street Longhorn Steak House 39 Walkers Brook Drive Mandarin Reading Restaurant 296 Salem Street McDonald's 413 Main Street Meadow Brook Golf Club 292 Grove Street Meadow Brook- Snack. Bar 292 Grove Street P & S Convenient Store 287 Lowell Street Pizza World 583.Main Street Quiznos Sub 505 Main Street t q, COMMON VICTUALLER (Continued) Reading Ice Arena Authority 51 Symonds Way Richardson's Ice Cream 50 Walkers Brook Drive Ristorante Pavarotti 601 Main Street Romano Macaroni Grill 48 Walkers Brook Drive Starbucks Coffee 228 Main Street Swiss Bakers 32 Lincoln Street Town Pizza & Deli 648 Main Street Twin Seafood 591 Main Street Venetian Moon 680 Main Street q. 5"~ Pagel of 2 Schena, Paula From: • Ellen Doucette [ecdoucette@brackettlucas.coml Sent: Thursday, October 01, 200912:39 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; LeLacheur, Bob Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: Re: Meals Tax Peter, Please forward to the Fincom the following: The,local meals tax option (c.64L sections 1-6) must be accepted pursuant to G.L. c.4, sec.4. That statute provides that statutes accepted thereunder may only be revoked in the same way (that is by Town Meeting vote) unless the statute being accepted provides for another form of revocation. Chapter 64L does not provide for another form of revocation or for adoption of the statute with a "sunset clause". Therefore, it would be my opinion that the statute cannot be accepted with a "sunset clause". The meals tax is levied on "restaurant meals". Chapter 64L adopts the meanings of certain words defined in c.64H, sec. 6(h). A "meal" is defined in c.64H, sec. 6(h) as "any food or beverage, or both, prepared for human consumption and provided by a restaurant, where the food or beverages is intended for consumption on or off the restaurant premises, and includes food or beverages sold on a "take out" or "to go" basis, whether or not they are packaged or wrapped and whether or not they are taken from the premises or restaurant" Therefore, the local option meal tax is imposed on alcohol and other beverages served either with or without a meal, for example, at the restaurant bar. A "restaurant" is broadly defined and means "any eating establishment where food.... or beverages are provided and for which a charge Is made, including but not limited to, a cafe, lunch counter, private or social club, cocktail lounge, hotel dining room, catering business, tavern, diner, snack bar, dining room, vending machine, and any other place or establishment where food or beverages are provided, whether stationary or mobile, temporary or permanent; provided however, that delicatessen, grocery, market or bakery stores.' hall not be considered eating establishments within the meaning of this chapter except for any part of such a store which engages, in the sale of dinners, luncheons, barbecued chicken, other than barbecued chicken served whole and unsliced, sandwiches, snacks pizzas, and other similar items which are commonly sold at snack bars, coffee shops or luncheon counters; provided, further, that such stores shall not be deemed to be restaurants under this chapter based solely on the preparation and sale of prepared meat, poultry and fish items if such sales constitute less than a major portion of the total sale of such stores;" Hopefully, the DOR will issue implementation-guidelines as to how a local community is to determine what a "major portion" of the store is for purposes of this exemption although perhaps it is clear, that a grocery store providing one small counter with prepared foods to go, is unlikely to be considered a restaurant under this exemption. Vending machines which dispense snacks and candy with a price of less than $3.50 are also exempt. So with respect to the specific questions in your email; it would be no to candy, and yes to fast food and alcoholic beverages in restaurants and. bars. Please call if you.have any other questions regarding this matter. Regards, Ellen 10/1/2009 Page 2 of 2 Ellen Callahan Doucette, Esq. Brackett & Lucas 19 Cedar Street Worcester, MA 01609 (508) 799-9739 (508) 799-9799 Facsimile Original Message ' From: Hechenbleikner. Peter To: LeLacheur, Bob Cc: Schena. Paula ; Bien Doucette Sent: Thursday, October 01, 2009 9:3TAM Subject: Meals Tax Additional information requested by FINCOM re meals tax (per my notes) 1. What are other communities doing Paula - can you get this for the dozen or so communities in our area: North- Reading, Wilmington, Wakefield, Lynnfield, Woburn, Stoneham, Melrose, Winchester, Lexington, Concord, Belmont, Bedford, Danvers, Medford, Maiden 2. Re-do the list of common Victualers - eliminating restaurants that are no longer in business, adding restaurants, eliminating clubs except for Meadowbrook Paula - names and addresses only 3. Can this provision be accepted with a sunset clause? Doucette 4. Can we get information as to what % of meals are purchased by Reading residents vs, out of town residents? Bob - good luck! 5. Prepare a chart that shows what the tax would be for meals in $10 increments from $6, $10, $20 Bob 6. What is the meals tax levied on? 'Fast food? Candy bars?Drinks at a restaurant? Drinks at a club? Bob, Ellen 10/1/2009 CITIES and TOWNS (246) Reading Method: Using DOR Returns . (This method uses 2007 Meals Tax Return data to distribute the Aggregate Revenue Impact, Meals Tax From Out-of-State Returns (Mostly Restaurant Chains) Is Distributed Proportionately to in-State Cities and Towns) .i=.+'PSa ^;l;iitltkl~: trtl.".+-' aY.'.lla :wacisY7u:vai:=a~ :ah7LU: ~:^?.+t4"FiSf:.~ 113,916 $170k full year. Method: Using U.S. Census Department Data on Restaurant Sales, Number of Restaurants, or Population in a Locality (This method uses MA Economic Census data for. NAICS code 722 (Food Services) to distribute the Aggregate Revenue lmpact see footnotes) 92,442 38k full year Explanation of Meals tax Local Estimates _MA Meals Return and Census Data-June-2009 Estimates of impact of Local option Meals. Tax. June 2009 Explanation of methodology and data limitations DISCLAIMER: General limitation of DOR returns data for meals taxes DOR data contains addresses for meals tax returns, or taxpayer registrations, as part of their return. However, businesses that operate in more than one location in Massachusetts generally file a single meals tax return covering all of the locations in the state. in the data kept by DOR, these meals would all be attributed to the address listed on the return, or reg~istration. Tale for example a theoretical business that has two locations, one in Sheffield and one in Cambridge. if this business files a single return from-Sheffield listing meals tax from both locations, then the data from the meals tax returns would be placed under the "5heffield" category, even though some of the meals tax•was not generated by sales in that locality. similarly, meals tax from restaurants that are part of a chain may be filed together under the address of the corporate headquarters. If this address is out-of-state, then the meals tax from this chain might not appear in any of the local tallies, and would need to be distributed among -the-cities and towns. Furthermore, a business can have its return filed by a third party, such as an accountant, with the address of this party on its return. In this case, our data may show the meals tax in the city or town in which the accountant's office is located. For these reasons, DOR returns data does not well represent the amounts of economic activity taking place in any particular city or town. Two Methods: Using DOR Returns Data and U.S. Census Data Two methods are presented to estimate the impact of a 0.75% local option meals tax (i n addition to the current 5% state-wide meals tax) that raises a total of $60.7 million in new tax revenues for an eight month period (assumed effective date of 10/1/2009 and assuming that all towns would adopt) in FY2010. The first uses DOR meals tax return data to allocate this increase. The second method uses data gathered by the us Census bureau as part of its 2002 Economic census of business activity. Method 1: DOR Meals Tax Returns The accompanying spreadsheet lists all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts in alphabetical order. The first method uses 2007 meals taxes.(by town) obtained from DOR s meals tax return data for taxable receipts. These data are subject to the data limitations described Page 1 Explanation of Meals tax Local Estimates -MA Meals Return and Census Data-June-2009 0 in the disclaimer. Also note that towns from which fewer than three taxpayers filed' tax returns in any given year are excluded from these data to ensure the confidentiality of taxpayer-specific i nformation. This method uses the percentage of meals taxes reported by each town in the 2007. meals tax return data to allocate the revenue that would be generated by a 0.75% increase in the meals tax. For the meals tax revenue reported from out-of-state taxpayers, revenue was distributed to Massachusetts cities and towns proportionately, based on the percentage of in-state meals tax revenue attributable to each city and town. Method 2: U.S. Census Data using food service industry data from the U.S. census Bureau's 2002 Economic census of Business Activity (the most recent available), the Department of Revenue estimated the proportion of total.restaurant activity (and thus meals tax revenue) for each of the commonwealth's 351 cities and towns. The 2002 census provided the following information: total food service (mostly restaurant) sales and the number of food service establishments for the state as a whole; food service sales for the larger individual towns; and the number of food service establishments for many of the smaller towns in Massachusetts. These data were used to allocate meals taxes to individual towns. However, for some towns (mainly the. smallest ones), there were neither sales nor establishment data available from the census Bureau. Where no sales or establishment data were available, the remaining meals tax was allocated based on population. The percentages of total restaurant activity for each city and town were then used to allocate the approximately $160.74 million in new local meals tax revenue for.an eight-month period in FY2010. Note on Estimates The actual impact of the proposal to increase the meals tax rate in any given city or town depends on several factors, including how many establishments actually exist, their future sales, and how customers would react to an increase in the meals tax. Customers' reactions may be especially important if contiguous towns (whether inside or outside Massachusetts) opt for different local option taxes or none at all. while the Department of Revenue believes that in general the census-based estimates to be preferable to the meals tax return-based estimates, in some cases the estimates based on meals tax returns may be more accurate, especially where census data on sales and the number of food service establishments were unavailable. Page 2 1 16 f Explanation of Meals tax LocaT Estimates _MA Meals Return and census Data_7une_2009 it should also be noted that the method based on the-2002 U.S. census data implicitly . assumes that the distribution of restaurant sales among cities and towns has not changed since 2002. DOR believes that while this is a reasonable assumption, there are probably some cases in which this assumption does not hold,.and that the estimates should therefore be used with caution. 0 Board of Selectmen Meeting . September 22, 2009 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Library Director Ruth Urell, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown, Rachel Baumgartner, Karen Sanborn, Kurt McGrath, Muriel Hall, Adam Heroux, Gail Sallop. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there was a letter in the packet from Nick Safina regarding the proposed water tanks at the Interchange. Mr. Safina mentioned size, proximity and impact of shadows in his letter. He also recommended a pump fed system which reiterates what the Selectmen's perspective is on this issue. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that she attended a meeting of the Trust Fund Commissioners. Vice Chainnan James Bonazoli indicated that he spoke with the Northeast Regional Vocational School regarding the Mattera Cabin. Ted Nikole is now the Principal and one carpenter teacher retired, so they are short handed. They will come out and meet with us to determine what materials will be needed. The first thing that they will need is a dumpster. He also noted that he attended the School Committee Meeting regarding the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, and there were no glaring changes. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there was an article in the Chronicle regarding RCASA efforts and events, and that survey is the basis for the RCASA. He also noted that the RCASA Annual Meeting is next Thursday. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he received a letter regarding flying the flag of the Commonwealth. The Town Manager noted that the Veteran's Agent checked with the State, and they indicated that we do not need to fly the flag. Chairman Tafoya also noted that he read an article regarding a liquor license that Wilmington denied, the ABCC then overruled, then the Town took it to court and won. He requested that the Town Manager get the details on this matter. sa' Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 22, 2009 - Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: • Franklin Street reclamation and repaving complete. • Wine Nation has filed an appeal with the ABCC on the denial of their liquor license. Town Counsel Gary Brackett and Ellen Doucette will represent the Town. • RCASA Annual Meeting is October 1 st at 7:00 p.m. at the Library. • The Reading School Committee and Board of Selectmen will host a meeting on Monday, September 21st at the Performing Arts Center at the High School at 7:15 p.m. The results of the local 2009 Youth Risk Behavior Survey will be presented by Jim Ryan and Sara Grinnell, Northeast Center for Healthy Communities. • Sewer Inflow Infiltration smoke tests being conducted this Summer/Fall. Some 100 properties that had tied into the sewer system without approval from the Town are now being billed. • Preparation for September 29th Boards/Committees/Commissions training. • Children's Room closed 8/31 - 9/7, carpet in Library, costs covered by mfr. • Collins Field rededication yesterday. • Next Financial Forum is 10-14-09 at the Senior Center. • Flu clinics are on hold pending shipment of flu vaccine. • Thank you for your support during my recent surgery and convalescence. • Thank you for affording me the ability to attend the ICMA Conference in Montreal. I will have a report shortly for the Board of Selectmen on the sessions I attended. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Resolution in Support of Bottle Bill - The Town Manager noted that the MWRA is requesting that the Town support the bottle bill. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli noted that this is a way to keep the water ways clear of bottles. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli that the Selectmen approve the Resolution in Support of H.3125: An Act to Expand the Bottle Bill was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Highlights - Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) - Recreation Administrator John Feudo was present and reviewed the program. He noted .that Reading received seven kids for 25 hours per week, for seven weeks and was paid for by a grant. They cleaned up fields, picked up grass clumps on fields, moved furniture, washed walls, painted the band stand, replaced the wooden box at the tot lot, etc. He also noted that the kids were great to work with. Rachel Baumgartner re: Mass Memories Road Show - Librarian Rachel Baumgartner gave a presentation on the Mass Memories Road Show. She that the Library received a grant to participate in the Road Show. The purpose is to collect pictures of families in Reading and events such as blizzards, gas spills, Scout troops. At the end of the program, the Town will receive CD's with the pictures scanned and cataloged. It is $8000 - $•10,000 worth of worlc. Close the Warrant - Subsequent Town Meeting - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting. He noted that Article 16 is a potential bylaw regarding the West Street Historic District. The Commission has no members and that holds up property owners from doing work. This Article would rescind the local Historic District. v J Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 22, 2009 - Page 3 Selectman Richard Schubert asked if members of other Boards and Committees can be a member of the Historic Commission, and the Town Manager indicated that they could. Selectman Schubert offered his services if needed. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked if the junk, bylaw is for a pawn shop, and the Town Manager indicated that it is for precious metals. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about Article 11 regarding the meal tax, and asked how it will be discussed before Town Meeting. It was noted that it will be discussed at the Financial Forum on October 14th and then on the Selectmen's Agenda on October 20t". Selectman Richard Schubert indicated that he would like a list of restaurants, and Selectman Stephen Goldy indicated that he is interested in knowing how many towns have considered the meal tax and how many have adopted it. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen close the Warrant consisting of 16 Articles for the Subsequent Town Meeting to take place on November 9, 2009 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing - Parking Regulations - Mt. Vernon Street - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that a request came from residents to limit parking on Mt. Vernon Street 130 feet from High Street. He also noted that the road gets narrow during the Winter. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that commuter parking seems to be a safety hazard. The resident from 115 High Street noted that he has a deaf son, and he has to walk into the street to see past the parked vehicles. Adam Heroux of 73 Mt. Vernon Street asked how the signs will be posted, and Police Chief Jim Cormier indicated that they will be posted on two poles. Mr. Heroux asked that the police be vigilant and make sure that the parking doesn't get worse. Karen Sanborn of 54 Mt. Vernon Street noted that the snow plows all the snow on her side of the street and the road is receding. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked how many cars are being displaced, and Chief Cornier indicated four cars are being displaced. The resident from 111 High Street indicated that he was in favor of the no parking. He noted that people clear the snow off their cars in the street, and it turns to ice causing cars to slide down the street. Gail Sallop of 71 Mt. Vernon Street noted that commuters park there because it's free. Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 22, 2009 - Page 4 Muriel Hall noted that the commuters park and block the drains in the Wintertime which makes the roads a mess. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if no parking within 20 feet from the corner is enforced, and Chief Cormier indicated that it is enforced. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Board might want to regulate the whole street at some point. _A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Goldy to close the hearing on parking regulations on Mt. Vernon Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Move that the Board of Selectmen amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by adding to Article 54 Section 5.1.7, the following: "No Parking Anytime" Street Location Mt. Vernon Street Both sides for 130 feet from the intersection of High Street The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing Rescinding Parking Regulations on Birch Meadow Drive Hillside Road Longfellow Road, Waverly Road - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that parking regulations were put in place during the construction of the High School. Now that the construction is done, the restrictions should be rescinded. The Town Manager also ' noted that there was a letter from a resident who wants to keep the regulations on Longfellow Road. Chief Cormier noted that everyone is making use of the parking lots. People are not parking where signs have been removed. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how Arthur B. Lord Drive is doing, and Chief Cormier noted that it is a busy area and the crosswalks are being used. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to close the hearing on rescinding parking regulations on Birch Meadow Drive, Hillside Road, Longfellow Road, Waverly Road was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to amend the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995 by rescinding from Article 5, Section 5.4.41, the following: 56~ ' Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 22, 2009 - Page 5 "NO PARKING BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 10:00 A.M. TO 11:00 A.M." Street Location Birch Meadow Drive Both sides of Birch Meadow Drive from Oakland Road to Arthur B Lord Drive Waverly Road Both sides for the entire length Hillside Road Both sides from Oakland Road to Waverly Road Longfellow Road Both sides from Oaland North to the Dead End The motion was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing - Parking Regulations on Lowell Street (in front of CVS) - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that businesses are requesting six to eight parking spaces with a 30 minute limit from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. There appears to be a lack of parking in the evening. Chief Cormier noted that he is not in favor of this, and indicated that this is taking a step backwards. The Downtown construction has just finished, and we will get requests from other businesses if we approve this. He also noted that the consultant does not recommend 30 minutes parking anywhere Downtown. It is very difficult to enforce 30 minute parking and enforcement will be inconsistent. Chairman Ben Tafoya indicated that he is not in favor because there would be more signs and enforcement will be a problem. Selectman Camille Anthony indicated that if 30 minute parking cannot be enforced, then it's an exercise in futility. She suggested the property owners work it out amongst themselves. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked about parking meters, and Chief Cormier noted that meters are easier to manage. Selectman Goldy noted that he was disappointed that there was nobody present in favor of it. A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on parking regulations on Lowell Street was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. There was no further action taken. Hearing- Approving Amendments to Liquor Policies - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that the amendment eliminates the minimum seating in clubs, there is no requirement of the serving of food in clubs, and the language on orderly closing is the same as restaurants. &5. 5 Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 22, 2009 - Page 6 A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on amendments to the liquor policies was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to approve the amendments to Article 3 of the Board of Selectmen Policies was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Hearing - Amendments to Policy on Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager noted that people want to donate to the Town and this spells out the process. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there needs to be a requirement for a gift to have a funding mechanism for maintenance and upkeep. He also noted that the Town should be consulted prior to any fundraising efforts. The Town Manager noted that Imagination Station had a small maintenance fund but the Town had no control over it. Chairman Ben Tafoya requested language that when the Town accepts gifts, the Selectmen should consider how the maintenance gets funded. He also noted that agreements should be documented. A motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli to close the hearing on amendments to the Policy of Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the amendments to the Policy on Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Continuation of Charter Review - This item was taken off the agenda. Approval of Minutes A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony to approve the Minutes of September 1, 2009 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting of September 22, 2009 at 9:45 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary '5~/ G - - - 6W ~M _ SV~y September 30, 2009 L (C &Q% Commonwealth of Massachusetts DEPARTMENT OF MOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT Deval L. Patrick, Governor ♦ Timothy P. Murray, Lt. Governor O Tina Brooks, Undersecretary Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 Re: Chapter 40R Smart Growth Zoning District -Certificate of Compliance Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner: Pursuant to MGL Chapter 40R, Section 7 (a-b) and 760 CMR 59.07 (2), each year, the Department of . Housing and Community Development -sends a smart growth zoning district Certificate of Compliance to each city or town with an approved district. Attached is the Certificate of Compliance for 2009 (July 1,.2008-June 30, 2009). If you have any questions, contact me at (617) 573-13160- Sincerely, - E3 r y O Elaine Wijnja, AICP e Principal Land Use Planner -Ta eu CD W gp~ % 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300 wNv\v.mass.gov/dhcd Boston, Massachusetts 02114 ' ' 617.573.1100 Certificate of Compliance - 2009 Smart Growth Zoning District -Chapter 40R Reading-Gateway Smart Growth District The Department of Housing and Community Development (Department) has reviewed the information submitted in your Annual Update and finds as follows: 1. the city or town has adopted an approved smart growth zoning district; 2. prior certification has not been revoked by the Department; 3. the district is being developed in a manner that reasonably complies with the minimum requirements set forth in section 6 for housing density and affordability; 4. that the approving authority has not unreasonably denied plans for projects; 5. the Start of Construction (as defined in 760 CMR 59.07(a)) did not need to occur for any Project or Planned Infrastructure upgrade within an Approved District since three years have not lapsed from the payment of the Zoning Incentive Payment; and 6. the Municipality has not been found responsible for a violation of federal, state, or local fair housing laws with respect to a Project within an Approved Districts, as determined by a state or Federal court, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, or a local fair housing commission. Therefore, in accordance with MGL Chapter 40R, Section 7 (a-b) and 760 CMR 59.07 (2), the Department issues this Certificate of Compliance. Donald J. Schmidt Director, Smart Growth Zoning Program ae S 61C 60 M n w F fy, 0~4 ~dspv JAMES J. DWYER REPRESENTATIVE 30TH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT October 5, 2009 Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Town Manager Hechenbleikner, ROOM 39, STATE HOUSE TEL (617) 722-2014 FAX: (617) 626-0831 I am writing to you to indicate my support in phasing out the double poles within Reading. As a former member of the Woburn City Council, I understand the frustrations that these double poles cause as well as their inherent public safety risks. I am very much willing to work with the town, Representative Jones, Senator Tisei, and Verizon to remedy these issues. Also, I am a co-sponsor of Senator Ken Donnelly's legislation that will increase the fines for the carriers who have ignored this issue. If I can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 617-722-2014 or via email at James.J.Dw-yer@state.ma.us 7 fVate e esex District g Woburn, Reading, Stoneham ` 0 C-) s CC: Board of Selectmen Senator Richard Tisei Representative Bradley Jones lV HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES STATE HOUSE, BOSTON, MA 02133-1054 Committee: Judiciary Children, Families a Persons with Disabilities Steering, Policy 8 Scheduling CUSHINGW October 6, 2009 Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleilcner Town Manager Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Mr. Larry A. Ramdin Health Services Administrator Health Department Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Re: Release Notification Form for Release Tracking Number (R TA) 3-28717 Reading Municipal Light Department Gaw Station (Station 4) 45 Causeway Road Reading, MA CJW Project No. 5363 Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner and Mr. Ramdin: 8 0 F) 9 In accordance with the Massachusetts Contingency Plan (MCP) [(310 CMR 40.1403(3)(h)] and on behalf of Reading Municipal Light Department, the purpose of this letter is to: ♦ Notify the Town of Reading of a release of oil and/or hazardous material. The enclosed copy of the Release Notification Form (RNF) (BWSC 103) which was submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MADEP), and the associated Notice of Responsibility Letter from the MADEP in response to the RNF provide more information concerning the release; and ♦ Notify you of your rights to request additional Public Involvement Activities under 310 CMR 40.1403(9), as applicable, and upon Tier Classification, if performed, under 310 CMR 40.1404. 464 High Street Clinton, MA 01510 Tel. 978.368.6320 Fax 978.368.6121 ~cj 85 Constitution Ln, Ste 3B4 Danvers, MA 01923 Tel. 978 774.7224 Fax 978.774.7292 CJW Project #5363, RNF to Town of Reading, MA October 6 2009 Page 2 Please do not hesitate to call us at your convenience if you should have any questions. Sincerely, ,,Pff& WHEELER, INC. GUSHING, JAMMAI Jammallo, LSP, PG Enclosure cc: Kevin Sullivan, RMLD Vincent Cameron, RMLD Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Wilmington Office g ~v I' Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection ) Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup BWSC103 J Release Tracking Number y RELEASE NOTIFICATION & NOTIFICATION M ❑ - RETRACTION FOR Pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0335 and 310 CMR 40.0371 (Subpart C) A. RELEASE OR THREAT OF RELEASE LOCATION: Electric Substation 4 1. Release Name/Location Aid: ss: 45 Causeway Road t Add St 2 re ree . Reading 4. ZIP Code: 01867-0000 3. City/Town: UTM Coordinates: a. UTM N: 4711270 b. UTM E: 325033 5 -RE"El ELJ . B. THIS FORM IS BEING USED TO: (check one) sEw o 3 2009 © 1. Submit a Release Notification DAP ❑ 2. Submit a Revised Release Notification Q H R ST REGIONAL OFF19E supporting w o re ease includin th l re ease or ❑ 3. Submit a Retraction of a Previously Reported Notification of a re uire e t Ci ti g d) q s no r on documentation required pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0335 (Sec (All sections of this transmittal form must be filled out unless otherwise noted above) C. INFORMATION DESCRIBING THE RELEASE OR THREAT OF RELEASE (TOR): Date and time of Oral Notification, if applicable: 1 Time: ❑ AM ❑ PM . mm/dd/yyyy h h : m m 2. Date and time you obtained knowledge of the Release or TOR: 08/27/2009 Time: 09:00 AM ❑ PM mm/dd/yyyy hh: mm Date and time release or TOR occurred, if known: 3 Time: ❑ AM ❑ PM . mm/dd/yyyy hh: mm Check all Notification Thresholds that apply to the Release or Threat of Release: (for more information see 310 CMR 40.0310 - 40.0315) 4. 2 HOUR REPORTING CONDITIONS 5. 72 HOUR REPORTING CONDITIONS 6. 120 DAY REPORTING CONDITIONS Sudden Release a. Subsurface Non-Aqueous ❑ a a. Release of Hazardous . ❑ Phase Liquid (NAPE) Equal to ® Material(s) to Soil or ❑ b. Threat of Sudden Release or Greater than 1/2 Inch Groundwater Exceeding Reportable Concentration(s) ❑ c. Oil Sheen on Surface Water ❑ b. Underground Storage Tank (UST) Release b. Release of Oil to Soil ❑ d. Poses Imminent Hazard ❑ Exceeding Reportable ❑ c. Threat of UST Release Concentration (s) and Affecting ❑ e. Could Pose Imminent More than 2 Cubic Yards Hazard ❑ d. Release to Groundwater of Oil to l R ❑ f. Release Detected in near Water Supply ease c. e ❑ Groundwater Exceeding Private Well ❑ e. Release to Groundwater Reportable Concentration(s) ❑ g. Release to Storm Drain near School or Residence d. Subsurface Non-Aqueous h. Sanitary Sewer Release ❑ f. Substantial Release Migration ❑ Phase Liquid (NAPL) Equal to or Greater than 1/8 Inch and (Imminent Hazard Only) Less than 1/2 Inch 3 Revised: 02/10/2006 rage ui o Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection gWSC103 I Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup RELEASE NOTIFICATION & NOTIFICATION Release Tracking Number RETRACTION FORM ❑ - Pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0335 and 310 CMR 40.0371 (Subpart C) C. INFORMATION DESCRIBING THE RELEASE OR THREAT OF RELEASE (TOR): (cont.) 7. List below the Oils (O) or Hazardous Materials (HM) that exceed their Reportable Concentration (RC) or Reportable Quantity (RQ) by the greatest amount. O or HM Released CAS Number, O or HM Amount or Units RCs Exceeded, if if known Concentration Applicable (RCS-1, RCS-2, RCGW-1, RCGW-2) polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB-1232) 11141-16-5 HM 9.1 MG/KG RCS-1 LJ ED 8. Check here if a list of additional Oil and Hazardous Materials subject to reporting is attache? o 33 2009 ED. PERSON REQUIRED TO NOTIFY: 1. Check all that apply: ❑ a. change in contact name ❑ b. change of address notifying 2. Name of Organization: Reading Municipal Light Department Brian 4. Last Name: Smith 3. Contact First Name: P.O. Box 150, 230 Ash Street 6. Title: Engineer 5. Street: Readinig s. State: MA 9. ZIP Code: 01867-0250 7. City/Town: (781) 942-6435 11. Ext.: 12. FAX. (781) 944-7387 10. Telephone: ❑ 13. Check here if attaching names and addresses of owners of properties affected by the Release or Threat of Release, other than an owner who is submitting this Release Notification (required). E. RELATIONSHIP OF PERSON TO RELEASE OR THREAT OF RELEASE: © 1. RP o f~~ V] a. Owner F-] b. Operator ❑ c. Generator ❑ d. Transporter ❑ e. Other RP or PRP Specify: ❑ 2. Fiduciary, Secured Lender or Municipality with Exempt Status (as defined by M.G.L. c. 21 E, s. 2) ❑ 3. Agency or Public Utility on a Right of Way (as defined by M.G.L. c. 21 E, s. 5(j)) ❑ 4. Any Other Person Otherwise Required to Notify Specify Relationship: Page 2 of 3 Revised: 02/1012006 Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection BWSC103 i ` ~ Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup Release Tracking Number RELEASE NOTIFICATION & NOTIFICATION FORM ❑ RETRACTION r Pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0335 and 310 CMR 40.0371 (Subpart C) F. CERTIFICATION OF PERSON REQUIRED TO NOTIFY: 1 I Brian Smith attest under the pains and penalties of perjury (i) that I have personally examined and am familiar with the inform ation.contained in this submittal, including any and all documents accompanying this transmittal form, (ii) that, based on my inquiry of those individuals immediately responsible for obtaining the information, the to the best of my knowledge and belief, true, accurate and complete, and (iii) l is itt b , a m material information contained in this su that I am fully authorized to make this attestation on behalf of the entity legally responsible for this submittal. I/the person or entity on whose behalf this submittal is made am/is aware that there are significant-penalties, including, but not limited to, possible fines d impr onme or will lly submitting false, inaccurate, or incomplete information. Engineer 2 By. 3. Title: Signature Reading Municipal Light Dept. 5. Date: s Z~"cT 4. For: (Name of person or entity recorded in Section D) mm/dd/yyyy 6. Check here if the address of the person providing certification is different from address recorded in Section D. 7. Street: 8. City/Town: 9. State: 10. ZIP Code: 11. Telephone: 12, Ext.: 13. FAX: YOU ARE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL COMPLIANCE ASSURANCE FEE OF UP TO $10,000 PER BILLABLE YEAR FOR THIS DISPOSAL SITE. YOU MUST LEGIBLY COMPLETE ALL RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THIS FORM OR DEP MAY RETURN THE DOCUMENT AS INCOMPLETE. IF YOU SUBMIT AN INCOMPLETE FORM, YOU MAY BE PENALIZED FOR MISSING A REQUIRED DEADLINE. Date Stamp (DEP USE ONLY:) I D7 RECE VtU SCP 0 z9 DEP NOVi WAV RCQIQWAl, OFF1GF- 2 Y Revised: 02/10/2006 Page 3 of 3 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS, EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION w . NORTHEAST REGIONAL OFFICE.. 2d58 Lowell Street, Wilmington, MA. 01887 • (978) 694-3200 DEV'AL L. PATRICK . IAN A. BOWLES Governor Secretary TIMOTHY P. MURRAY LAURIE BURT Lieutenant Governor Commissioner 2009 SEP 1.8 Reading Municipal Light Department RE: Reading P.O. Box 150,230 Ash Street Electric Substation 4 Reading, MA 01-867-025-0. - 45 Causeway Road R.TN 3-2871? Attention: Brian Smith - - NOTICE-Olt RE-SPON-S-IrBIL-1TY PER--M:G.-L: c:21E & 310 CMR 40:0000; the-3VICP-- THIS IS AN IMPORTANT NOTICE. FAILURE-TO ' TAKE ADFQUATEACTION IN RESPONSE TO THIS NOTICE COULD RESULT. IN SERIOUS LEGAL CONSEQUENCES Dear Mr. Smith: Information contained in a Release Notification Form (RNF).submitted to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection *(MassDEP) on September 3, 2009 and submitted by Reading Municipal Light Department indicates that there is or has been a release of oil and/or hazardous material at the above-referenced property which exceeds a "120 day" reporting threshold (310 CMR 40.0315) and which requires one or moire response actions. Based .,6r! this information,' MaSSDEP has reason to believe that the subject property or portion(s) thereof is a disposal aite.as defined in the.Massachusetts Oil and Hazardous Material Release Prevention and Response-Act, M.G.L. c.. 21 E, and the Massachusetts Contingency Plan, 310 CMR 40.0000 (the MCP). M.G.L. c. 21 E and the MCP govern the assessment and cleanup of disposal sites. The purpose of this notice is to inform, you of your legal responsibilities under state law for assessing and/or'remedWing the subject:release.-For purposes of this notice, the, terms and phrases used herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them by the MCP unless the. text clearly indicates otherwise. _ STATUTORY LIABILITIES- - - IVIassDEP has: reason to believe that you ,(as used in this- letter, "you" refers to Reading Municipal Light Department) area Potentially Responsible Party (a PRP) with liability under M.G.L. c.:..21E, §-5, for response action costs. Section 5 makes the following parties liable to the Commonwealth of This information i3 available in altemate format. Call Donald-M. Games, ADA Coordinator at 617-55.6-1057. TDD# 866-539-7622 or 617-574-6868. http://www.mass.gov/dep • Fax (978) 694-3499 Il n !Printed on Recycled Paper / Reading Municipal Light Department Notice of Responsibility Page -2 Massachusetts: current`owners or•operators of a site:from or. at which there is or had been a release/threat'', of release of oil or hazardous material; any person viiho~owried or operated a-site atthe-timehazardous material was stored or disposed of; any person who arranged for the transport, dispo',sal, storage or treatm`ent' of'hazardous ~ aferi I 'to ' or`at a` site; any person who iransported.hazardous materia('to a' transport; disposal; storage.-ort'reatment-sitefrom which`th6re'is or'fias been arelease/threat of release of such material; -arid any person who otherwise caused or is legally responsible for a release/threat of release of oil or hazardous material at a site. This liability is "strict" 'Moaning ..it,,is-,not based on fault, but solely on your status as an owner, operator, generator, transporter or disposer. It is also joint and several, meaning that you may be liable for all response action costs incurred at the site, regardless of the existence of any other liable parties. The MCP requires responsible parties to take necessary response actions at:properties where there is -or has been a release or threat of release of oil and/or, hazar:.dous.material.. If you do not take the. necessary response actions, or fail to perform them in an appropriate and timely mariner, MassDEP is authorized by M.G.L. c. 21 E to have the work performed by its contractors. By taking such actions, you can avoid liability for response action costs incurred by MassDEP and: its contractors ;in performing these actions, and sanctions, which may be imposed for failure to perform, response actions under the MCP. You may be liable:for up to three (3) times all response action costs incurred by MassDEP. .Response action costs_inolude,.without limitation.,..the.oost.of.direct hours spent by.M.assi~E.._P. employees arranging for response actions or overseeing work performed by persons other than.MassDEP or its, contractors, expenses incurred by MassDEP in support ofthose direct hours, and payments to MasspEP's contractors. (For more detail on cost liability, see 310 CMR`40.1200:) MassDEP may also assess interest on costs incurred at the rate of twelve percent (12%.), compounded annually. To.secure'paymeJhf of this debt, the Commonwealth may place liens on all of your property in the Commonwealth. To recover the debt, the Commonwealth may foreclose on these liens or the Attorney General may,bring legal action against you: In addition to your liability for up to three (3) times all response action costs incurred by MassDEP, you may also be liable to the Commonwealth for damages to natural resources caused by the release. Civil and criminal liability may also be imposed under M.G.L. c. 21E,,§ 11, and civil administrative penalties may be'imposed under K.G.L. c. 21A, § 16 for each violation of M.G.L. c. 21 E, the MCP, or any order, permit or approval issued thereunder- NECESSARY RESPONSE ACTIONS The subject site shall not be deemed to have all the necessary and required response actions taken unless and until all substantial hazards presented by the site have been eliminated and a level of No Significant Risk exists or has been achieved in compliance with M.G.L. c. 21 E and the MCP. In addition, the MCP requires persons undertaking response actions at disposal sites to perform.lmmediate Response Actions (IRAs) in response to "sudden releases", Imminent Hazards'.and Substantial Release Migration. Such persons must continue to evaluate the need for IRAs and notify MassDEP immbdiately if such a need exists. You must employ or engage a Licensed Site ProfessionalLSP) to manage, supervise or actually perform the necessary response actions at the subject site. 16 addition, the MCP requires persons undertaking response actions at a disposal site to submit to MossDEP a Response Action Outcome Statement (RAO) prepared by an LSP in accordance with 310 CMR 40.1000 upon determining that a level of No Significant Risk already exists or has been achieved at:a disposal site or portion thereof. [You may Reading Municipal Light; Department Notice of Responsibility; Page -3 i obtain,a';listof.:the names and. addresses'.of.these licensed professionals from the, Board• of Registration of. . Hazardous Waste Site, leanup Profess onals;at •(617) 556-109:1..], MassDEP;has.:determinedthaf1nitial•,site.,investigatin activities; 'in•accordance;with•3;1O GM;R: 40.0405,. are necessary. In addition, unless an RAO is submitted earlier,-a, completed: Tier Classification . Submittal.pursuanf to. 31:0 CMR 40.0510;. and, if appropriate, a completed tier V Permit Application pursuant.to 310 CMR 40.0700, must be submitted to MassDEP within one year of the initial date notice.. of a release is provided to MassDEP pursuant to 310 CMR 40.0300 or from the date MassDEP issues a Notice of Responsibility (NOR), whichever. occurs earlier..! It is important. to note that you must dispose of any Remediation Waste 'generated, at the subject . location in accordance wjth 310 CMR 40.0030 including, without limitation, contaminated soil and/or debris. Any Bill of Lading accompanying such.waste must bear the seal and.signature of an LSP or, if the response action ,is, perfprr.ne ud der the d rect.supervision of MassDEP, the signature of an authorized . . representative oi''IVlassbEP.: MassDEP encourages parties with liabilities under M.G.L. c. •21E to take prompt action in response to releases and threats of .release of oil and/or hazardous material. By taking prompt action, you may significantly lower your assessment and cleanup costs and avoid the imposition of, or reduce the amount of,•certain permit and annual compliance fees for response actions payable under.310.CMR 4.00'. If you Have any q . 6§ bns relative to `this .notice, you should contact Ida Babroudi at the letterhead address-or .(0' 694-3386..All.future communications.regarding this release must reference the Release Tracking Number (RTN) 3-287.1,7 contained in;the.subject;.btock:of;thisaetter. tfuly. yau'rs; Ida Babroudi Environmental Engineer Bureau of Waste Site Cleanup cc: Board of Health, Tq;wn of Reading,'Mr. Larry A. Ramdin (Health Services Administrator) "via electronic 'sl ubmittal", lramd4i ci.reading.ma.us " MassDEP.database .(NQR:JJssued.): SENATOR RICHARD R. TISEI MIDDLESEX AND ESSEX ROOM 308, STATE HOUSE (617) 722-1206 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS SENATE MINORITY LEADER STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133-1053 October 7, 2009 Reading Board of Selectmen Reading Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Selectmen: C /c L,) l DISTRICT OFFICE 979 MAIN STREET WAKEFIELD, MA 01880 (781) 246-3660 f-1) E3 ,o . 0 C-) w w I understand that the Board voted its support behind House Bill 3515, An Act to Improve Recycling Rates in the Commonwealth. There are several various bills and proposals circulating under the general banner of "the bottle bill," H 3515 among them, and I am in the process of studying all the relevant details. I agree with you that this is an issue that deserves our focused attention. My office is following all bottle bill legislation closely, and I would be glad to speak with any of you about this matter in the near future. Thank you again for sharing the Town of Reading's informed perspective on this matter. I hope to work with the Legislature toward establishing a bottle bill that best addresses the needs of the citizens of Reading and all of Massachusetts. j `kichard-R Ti el STATE SENATOR ~X. Zm9 OCT 13 ISM 11: 39 October 9, 2009 Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Members of the Board: We are writing to share some exciting news! As previously communicated, we have enhanced our services to current Comcast customers receiving Expanded Basic cable channels in your community. These enhancements will allow Comcast customers to enjoy the benefits of digital technology. One of the many benefits of the enhancement is the ability to. provide more HD programming to our customers, which is something they have been asking for. Now customers will be able to tune to channels such as Disney XD, CNBC, ESPN News and more in HD. Enclosed please find a copy of the customer communications announcing the HD programming we will be launching in your community. In addition, the attached customer communication includes information announcing the launch of additional standard definition channels. In addition, on December 2, 2009 we will be launching a new Hispanic service tier, Nuevo Selecto, containing 55 channels. Nuevo Selecto will be available for a monthly price of $14.95, plus applicable taxes and fees, and will require a subscription to Basic Service. As a result, Canales Selecto will no longer be available for new subscription after this date. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these channel additions and package changes, or any other cable matter, please feel free to contact me at 978-927-5700, ext. 4409. Sincerely, Jane M. Lyman Senior Manager of Government & Community Relations Enclosure(s) B¢~ n sa99FRFS 1r.pdf 1 9/29/09 10:56 AM Hallmark Movie Channel Travel Channel HD Lifetime Movie Network HD QVC HD Disney XD HD Bravo HD CNBC HD ESPNews HD B!o HD Planet Green HD 'MLB Network HD 784 Digital Starter 788 Digital Starter 791 Basic 792 Digital Preferred/Classic 794 Digital Starter 795 Digital Starter 796 Digital Preferred/Classic; Sports Entertainment Package 797 Digital Starter 815 Digital Preferred/Classic 818 Digital Preferred/Classic; Sports Entertainment Package Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Digital Standard Business Class Digital Standard Business Class Basic Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Digital Standard Business Class Digital Standard Business Class Preferred and Deluxe; Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe; Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package MGM HD 819 825 Digital Preferred/Classic Digital Starter Business Class Digital Standard Nick HD E! Entertainment TV HD 834 Digital Starter Business Class Digital Standard Lifetime HD 836 Digital Starter Business Class Digital Standard Spike TV HD 855 Digital Starter Business Class Digital Standard Cartoon Network HD 860 Digital Starter Business Class Digital Standard Effective 11/11/09, Nuevo Selecto, a new Hispanic service tier with 55 channels, including TV Dominicana, WAPA America and Telehit will be available for $14.95, plus applicable taxes and fees. Nuevo Selecto requires subscription to Basic Service. Canaies Selecto will no longer be available for new subscription as of this date. TBN Enlace 641 Multimedios 661 Telefe 642 Mexicanal 662 Teleformula 643 La Famil!a Cosmovision 663 Teleritmo 644 Infinito 664 TV Chile 645 HTV Musica 665 TV Colombia 646 HITN 666 Videorola 647 Gran Cine 667 Utii!sima 648 EWrN en espanol 668 TVE 649 El Garage 669 TV Venezuela 650 Ecuavisa 670 Telehit 652 Cuiturai.es 671 Ritmoson Latino 653 CBTV Michoacan 672 Bandamax 654 Caracol TV 673 De Pel!cula 655 Canal 52MX 674 De Pelicula Clas!co 656 Canal 24 Horas 675 SUR Peru 657 Mexico 22 676 Mexico TV 658 Cable Noticias 677 SUR 659 AYM Sports 678 Once TV 660 Supercanal Caribe 704 Mun2 Discovery en espanol Cine Latino Fox Sports en espanol CNN an espanol MTV tr3s Venemovies Cine Mexicano Gol TV (English) History en espanol WAPA America Telemicro Galav!s!on ESPN Deportes iSorpresal Latele Novela TV Dominicana MLB HD launched in the following communities on 7/30/09: Arlington, Belmont, Nahant, Revere, Saugus -A subscription to the proper level of service and HD equipment is required to view all HD channels 705 706 707 708 709 711 712 713 714 716 717 718 719 720 722 723 757 SA99FRFS sa99FRFT lx.pdf 1 9/29/09 10:51 AM -*RLTV 125 Digital vreterreatuiassic Reelz 198 Digital Preferred/Classic 5StarMax 336 Premium OuterMax 339 Premium WMax 340 Premium HBO Signature HD 771 Premium HBO Family HD 772 Premium HBO Latino HD 773 Premium HBO Comedy HD 774 Premium HBO Zone HD 775 Premium MoreMax HD 776 Premium ActionMax HD 777 Premium 5StarMaxHD 778 Premium ThriilerMax HD 779 Premium WMax HD 780 Premium OuterMax HD 782 Premium Encore HD 785 Digital Preferred/Classic G4 HD 786 Digital Starter Style HD 787 Digital Preferred/Classic Fox Business Network HD 789 Digital Starter Hallmark Movie Channel HD 790 Digital Starter Fuse HD 793 Digital Preferred/Classic IFC HD 798 Digital Preferred/Classic WE HD 799 Digital Preferred/Classic TV One HD 816 Digital Preferred/Classic NBA TV HD 817 Digital Preferred/Classic; Sports Entertainment Package NHL Network HD 822 Digital Preferred/Classic; Sports Entertainment Package MTV HD 827 Digital Starter VH-1 HD 829 Digital Starter Tennis Channel HD 838 Sports Entertainment Package CNN Headline News HD 843 Digital Starter The Weather Channel HD 847 Digital Starter CBS College Sports Network HD 856 Digital Preferred/Classic; Sports Entertainment Package Comedy Central HD 858 Digital Starter CMT HD 864 Digital Preferred/Classic HB02 HD 871 Premium Starz Edge HD 873 Premium Start Kids & Family HD 874 Premium Starz Comedy HD 876 Premium Showtime Showcase HD 879 Premium Showtime Extreme HD 880 Premium TMC Xtra HD 884 Premium Big Ten Network HD 885 Sports Entertainment Package ESPNU HD 900 Digital Preferred/Classic; Sports Entertainment Package MSNBC HD 901 Digital Starter TruTV HD 902 Digital Starter Turner Classic Movies HD 903 Sports Entertainment Package ~4 v] o f-'71 B ~'T7l<~' Y/ w f`l~al P~"j.3 r~'~ Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Standard Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe; Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package Business Class Preferred and Deluxe; Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package Business Class Standard Business Class Standard Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package Business Class Standard Business Class Standard Business Class Preferred and Deluxe; Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package Business Class Standard Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Preferred and Deluxe; Business Class Sports Pack and Sports & Entertainment Package Business Class Preferred and Deluxe Business Class Standard Business Class Preferred and Deluxe *A subscription to the proper level of service and HD equipment is required to view all HD channels * RLTV launched in the following communities on 6/5/09: Burlington, Lynnfieid, Peabody, Reading, Stoneham, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn SA99FRFT L I C- , C;s Date: 09/29/2009 To: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager ' From:John Feudo, Recreation Administrat Re: Tennis Court Monument If my memory serves me correct, Kate Kaminer and Lorraine Salter brought this proposal to us on June 10th, 2008. That morning I met with Bob Keating to get his thoughts on the stone as well as to find out if DPW could/would do the installation. To understand the dimensions better, Bob and I went outside of Town Hall to compare the proposed monument to those at the cemetery. Bob seemed to think it was on the big side, but thought some shrubs could dress it down. Kate, Lorraine and I met with you regarding the final approval that same morning. We talked more about appropriate size and location. I remember the chief issue being fitting the names of all the donors on the stone. Donors were recognized as follows: Love= $500 Ace =$1000 Match Point = $2500 1 have enclosed a copy of the monument sheets. Please let me know if you need any more information. ti % ow mmm FaW@YN-016-40 6VI 978-606-AW GREY GRANITE TABLET SIZE: 5-0 X 0-8 X 4-0 TIFFANY 2. BALANCE ROCK PITCH ROCK STRAIGHT TOP. TABLETE TO AHAVECARVED HOLES SIDE LOCATED SHOW. IN BOTTOA JOINT SO WE CAN PIN TO CONCRETE FOUNDATION. 'f FOUNDATION NOT INCLUDED 6~li0 cl'e 8 - THICK u i READING COMMUNITY TENNIS COURTS 2 48' -DEDICATED TO THE DETERMINATION. PASSION. AND COMMITMENT OF THE FRIENDS OF- READING TENNIS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN OF READING- MATCH POW(' DONOR 3/4 ' \ JOHN. SUSAN. WILLS AND SPENCER BLAKE -ACE" DONORS ''I,..... BOB. LORRAINE. IAN. CAM AND SHORES SALTER BOB. KATE. JACK AND CHARLES KAMINFR ANDRIKOPOOIAS FAMILY NANCY HARBERT AND FAMILY FRATffR FAMILY WENIRFMON7 FAMILY MBA AND CAROLYN HOLLIS RON. ELLEN. ANDREA. SARAH. BOB. LAURIE. GARRETT AND DOUG LANE AND MICHAEL LOPEZ ' \ \ \ I / ALAN. DONNA. JARED AND LURE BEAULIEU KEN. JANE. RYAN. JOE. SEAN. \ GENE. SUE. ETHEI. AND SAM MICKEY AND NICK TERNEY \ \ PAUL AND CLAIRE BOLGER ANONYMOUS FAMILY READING COOPERATIVE HANK TERADYNE CORPORATION "LAVE' DONORS GARY. DIANE. AMANDA AND GARRISON DOODLESACK SIEVE. TERI. ASHLEY. LAUREN AND ABBILYN GHUHA BHL. MAUREEN AND DAVID MCISAAC BOB. ELLEN. REBECCA AND SOPHIA COADHIO ANONYMOUS FAMILY SUSAN DIGIOVANNI CHUPPINI FAMILY T21ANABOS FAMILY DAVE. MAKY.JULIA AND PEIM WEST DAVID. E MMY AND IAN WRIGHT \ //j/ DEDICATED JUNE 2008 i -A/ .I'A/t,\`'~~/~%'I Jt/r,l'n „I.n/•/t/t rl./f/rf,y~.,..-.., ............:'"'3'.'....,..- ...w"7 A/ ,i'A/. ri'/t/„I'/f/ ,i./t/, /t/.,i./f/ ,i'/f/. /t ri'/t/ rl'/t/. /7........ ......r ........M..r........... w..-.... Al. 'Al" ifA/. r 1'/f 11 1 f/f / t r i DEAR PETER. PLEASE REVIEW THE KATE APPROVAL. PLEASE APPROVED BY: 3/4' 1 3/4' \ IN '/✓~,I'/,nrrnnri-A/..t./,//. r,^/,/.,1./, .r1'n/v,n,1'/fnri^/./ A/...`A/..tv,/, i'/t/. ri'/t .i •/,/t rl'/,/. rt'/f/. /t/, ri'/,/ 1 rt. PRPOSED ORIAL SPECIFICATIONS AND IF ALL DETAILS MEET WITH THE TOWN OF READING D RaU 0 OUR OFFICE. THANKSI (PETER HECKENBLEIKNER) TE_~ / 0 (T J S 1 r? K a; a a s r-1 M tD rl a ,-1 w 0 Q N W N 0 33fq~Y19-~-ASti Clx9}@"~6~#S>t _ ! GREY Gkit4I T E TABLET • S I ZE - 5 - 0 X E9 - 0 X 4 - "11 T I FFANY 2. BALANCE ROCK P I TCH RRCCK SSTRAUGHTTOP L ► T EKED AND CARVED ONE S i DE AS SHOWN- TABLET 1"O H"E TWO HOLES LOCATED IN BOTTOM JOINT SO WE CAN PIN TO CONCRETE T l Aw+ Foul— IYUftI IUIY. F4 UNDAT I ON NOT i NCLUDED 60 - THICK S t t } t{ ~ \ \ Jj 1k I \ I !7 f I t 1 `l 4 f II4 i ti \ 1\ I f- ~f.fa ra'7tJlrlrhtl ra'tltr,/'/✓l. fa l.fl r,'/1 i7 11a ryfl rr"fyfl ry tls., a~fif. r,~hfl ri"ld.Jl'l+f+ tat, ri~fd, rl f,f Ei' 1~~1 T— T N ` ' f E NO 0 015 NI ~ { dB' COmmT 1 {)I: its Fm3+lE3S QF °DIMICATED TO THE DM'MMIXIN. Y'ASSI€IN% RMM TOM IN PAR1ip ISHIP W M THE Et joMTS OF Tim TOM OF W.ADUC '9X= FONT- DWOR 3/4- MEN. WSAM VM AND 5MCER 3UM y 1~ ~ { t C J4GE' DCi1VO9S UK inM AND SHORN &9= 3<f58 LUR MO AND CRANlM N R - MR LD2N AME . ptv_CRS irauotAT AND YAMY =W A 1 6 EMILY t ' f tANR Alin rA m mw BrairlNS - ROM. ENMlt ls~r SAAML- r -.ia \ ` j f 130L iJISfm GARPaT AND DOUG LANE ANNE 3NiCHAEZ LON EZ HFM.I&Ng mm ArIP- WAN f 4 7 \ GENE. M. immAHD sm Now AHaNtN~1fEB~!;-` t~ A74UN OM FAVIT 4 t ~ iPd7IL AND f fJhtllE BOI Gi31 1 D(G t7DDPNs'RMM IMNK AO+n~~DePOAATI~N l f I -rE UMUM f 1 t ~6r fa n MUM. A1dhlM AND GIN WDIYS= SM. IM ASELW LAUM AND ANiHUM CHUM XGUIEENNAM608L Em. pm = AND S'QPm caum" t 4 ~ t ~ ~r f t 3srsUi~rAuun ~eiu~ a C931A4Q1EII SAIIMy ~ Y t i A ' 1 i 6 ! ' 11111E !CAW I IM AS'Nn vrrm 4 RF r I MPNIM EUM AND UN WMGM' 1 ' \ f i~ 1 9 ALAN DIEDICATED JUNE 2008 r W-5 t,i. r,^t,s 1 ri'!./ a rt ld rl~~i ry i,.r r, .h . 'Jaf •fi i. a, ~7✓. r'1'.ySY.~... ""'~.......r.a-.y.... ...~.~TM.......^~.............. ~.::.t hr.,,:faf..i'hfa ra~hfr.,~J.r. hf.,,'Jar,.l'JaI. J✓,rl~hta ra"ht~Iif~"°~ ....-.n. n`........ rhf. r,...l. / fi.-hn Ar ^hfl ra~hfl rl -hi-tlf. ry arfirl riMr 'l.f. l.~a r! ~.r, , I rhfl J+fa r l "faf en.:fl .,'r.f. , I IYaERS-6W PL -,C j t,-G ORDER HAS RECEIVED LOT 014PIERS PER ! 1 SG I ON TO COMPLETE ABOVE YORK ON SAID AEAORII AL . OR HAS WERE THE ABOVE DECEASSED~ REEBUR l BOOVE t1El50R t AL ON LOT Y J ALL LETTERING jA TE'§.f CCU GT . r {{-`t KATE APPROVED BY : Aai 1119101aQS~ii 1; I®L]YL i16K MEYIE-@S6-4513 Ydls?"f"ua K a a a a I OREr GRit4l TE j TABLET -SIZE: 5-0 X 0-0 X 4-00 TIFFANY 2. BALANCE ROCK P I T t,H R SSTRAIGHT TQP L (EKED AND CARVIvD ONE SIDE AS SHOWN- TABLET T10 HAVE TWO HOLS LOCATED IN 130TTOA JOINT SO WE CAN PIN TO CONCRETE , OUND t i ; cN . FOUNDATION NOT INCLUDED B0 - B- THICK 4 Z ~ f! ! ~a tij • i / ! ^F.r* rar7ar, rL'h" t i,r.l i ^lf f. r. f.h . i'f, a + f,/.,.~fa/. ri+l+/. q~l.l.l Vt,rr Jal~ r/^tK• rl lar READING COMMUNITYJENNO R 48' r ATED TO THE 1lE`!'FAId[I~A'tDI}[~. PASSION%1D OOMtAT OF THE FH[l3+TDS OF TOWN OF IIlrADiI6G" \zi tf f M T IN I'AMEBSEIIP Wm THE [tFSiElEQiTS {3F THE \ f - JOBF. SUSAN. VE1S AND 9MCM MAR ~ ~ ` t t /x ~ ~wNaas MR MUM M. CM AM MOM W M m KM SACK AND G'mmo SAwm ea- m rainv nwt ~ ~ f ~ ur FEh ~i PAd81.Y D'Emna i FAl/FLY SARAIT J{' nM ANDREA oom ' 1 t\ t g . . umsm cfdUltS . wwg Aran t HOB LA4RlE.. "VOT A"D DOUG LANE ADS! IRCNAEL LIUM } ~ f IlNA WAN AM STAN wait . ..,.r.......~.. ; ' ' ~ / l ► - ifCRl iF A~1'ICi~ GENE. SIFE. EDIRLAND 5861 YE5ow PAUL AND CLAW BULG0C ANOKYUM FAMIZ 1 1 YEAMO CGUERAnQ BANS . TERADn~ c~neanAnlx~ / / 1 r ti FnarE DONORS \}r f f \ t ASBUN GAM DIAM. AMU AND G&RRMN DflQDLSMX SM. tF1E ISSi~Y 1AUAFN AM MA CO CH13HA C 806 FIVEN. RFlS~7CA A21D sa pmA csouNero EAA. jfiWDAPBW I(MW t . 9 GI3 FUR TAIJ 'i7FANAlI» Mmy ~ t n 1 1 - nnuF SrawV.nRlJl ANii W07! WFS. i' j num Eum MID IAH VFSGW ALAIN ; t r ~ . DEDICATED JUNE 2008 F I,i s ~^lar. r7'!ar a rt ~ ^!./I. r1 f,l, ri.h . .'!ar •l.r.. ~ ^rJ. 1p.`yi'q.v..v., ~~JYf....... ...o..-....... .~n~~'•,.".,-.••.....^+..~"..•........... ~s~ J,r. eir!✓„1~l.f. r~rl,1..1^+.fahi...i•lars.l^!✓.!✓.rlrh 1. rl^Ja/. f`f7"M' r_..+._ '.r..+r. '.'..r... w•w ..i- , NJ..y q./ ,+7~An f,r 1'-JJ, ra~l.r, r1 hl• r,r, rim tfhn r17:r ifh/. 'ylERMI,4 pLAC I NG ORDER HAS RECEIVED LOT OVNERS PERA I SS I ON TO COMPLETE ABOVE VORK ON SAID AEAORIAL OR HAS 5WHERE TIH€AABOVEI DECEASEDDAREEBBUR I EpVE ttE:JSOR [ AL ON LOT AtL LETTERING ,I TCS E CT. KATE {•.~tir Ytj~~ J,_ APPROVED BY' : -It---- ,+hr,,i^hl Town $485,000 82% State $50,000 8% Donations $60,000 10% Total $595,000 100% 10/08/2009 15:03 6177273065 INVESTIGATIVE UNIT PAGE 01/03 plc '6 b s .AIeoholic.beverages Cotrtrc)I Commission 0,19 Causeway Street, 1-t Floor BOs ton, 1WA 02114 Phone 617:727 3o4o x 29 Faessimila, 6j(7-727-15jo FAX COVER SHEET To., Fax: Gerald J. Caraso, Esq. 617-330-7550 Gw-T S. Brackett, Esq. 508-799-9799 Alen Callahan Doucette, Esq. 508-799-9799 Reading .Licensing Authority. 781-942-9071 k`rom.: Date: JoAnna Ford Thursday, October 06, 2009 Yte: Pages Including Cover: Wine Nation, Inc. pages QUrgent For Review oplease CoTument oPlea.;e Reply Please mote the rescheduled date of the Appeal Hearing. If, you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at 617-727-304o ext. 29. Thank You, JoAnna Ford Assistant to the Comnussion HAVE' .A iCYOOD DAYI ~g~ 10/08/2009 15:03 6177273065 INVESTIGATIVE UNIT Timotbyp, CAM 9}°caseepr acrd Recvhw, (Yemral Cof MOnweal'th of Massachuseas IaePartment o f the State Treasurer Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission 239 Causeway Street Boston, MA 02114 Teleplrone. (61) 727-3040 Fax. (617) 727-12S8 Notice of-Heaa ing Witte Nation, Inc. d.b.a. Winc Nation 40 Walkers Brook Drive Reading, NU 01867 PAGE 02/03 MM S. Cainsboro c'hahmwn You arc hereby notified that a heating wi11 be held by the Corntnission at 239 Causeway Street, V Moor Boston, M/1. on.. Resched li ed f ooin N YMLr 4, 2009 Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 1;30 P.M. APPEAL FROM THE ACTION OF THE LICENSING BOARD or TIME TOWN OF READING FOR DENYING THE APPLICATION OF WINE NATION, INC, D.B.A. WINE NATION FOR AN ALL ALCOHOL FACKAGF, STOKE LICENSE TO BE EXERCISED AT 40 WALKERS BROOK DRIVE, READING, NVL . Heatirrgs are held. pursuant to M.G.L. Ch.138, Ch. 30A and 801 Code of MassacF.usetts Regulations, 51.02 and 61.03. Yo" (nay appear on. your own behalf or with your a,totncy. Hearings are tape-tecorded. Pursuant to M.G.L. Ch.30A., 611 (6) written transcr..ipts will he fuxnish.ecl, if, requested, in writing with tender of payment. You may arrange f()r, y(sur own stenographer. Reports, if any, concerning the violations chatged irtay be examinee and copi9d at the Commission',; office. All (notions regarding tl.~is matter ate requested to be filed with the Commission at least fourteen (14) days prior to the day of hearing. A copy of, any :motion filed with, the Corarmssion sh2J.1 be served on any opposing party at the time of the filing of the motion with the Commission NUM: It is ilnpoztant that licensees and those interested in this matter attend th.t: hearing to Ptesent evidence and testimony. The Commission., in some cases, has the power: to suspend, modify, revoke or cancel licenses. YOU are fiu-thex notified that all patties and/or. thei;h counsel are requited to submit a joint pre-hoaxing Memorandum to the Com'"isSiOn within, twenty (20) days oEteccipt of this notice. The prc-hearng memorandum must be submtted in hard copy. The pre-i,,mring metnotandum must be signed by all of the partics and/or their counsel and contain the following- 1) agreed, upon issues t7f fact to be submitted to the. ABCC on the record of the hearing D 8y~ 10/08/2009 15:03 6177273065 INVESTIGATIVE UNIT PAGE 03/03 2) contested issues of facts and the position of the parties on. those issues oaf facts 3) agreed issues of law 4) contested issues of law and the position:; of the parties on those issues 5) the name and address of each witness to be called by each party (5) a mnunary of, the .facts to which each witness is arr.ticipatcd to testify 7) exhibits the parties agree may be introduced. at natal (rnarked with scquer..txal numbers fox the appellant/petitioner/licensee/taxpayer group and witb sequential letters for the appellee/respondent/Local'Board/licenscc). 8) the natne, addresses and qualifications of each expert and the tnatter on --which the expert is expected to testif.- the substance of alt facts and opinions to which the expert is expected to testify, and a detailed summary of the gwunds of each experts opinion. The failure to list in the pre-l.j.earing metnoran.durn a witness or exkubir, other than a rebuttal witness or exhibit, the need for which cannot reasonably be anticipated prior to hearing, may lead to a Commission order preclucling. the introduction at hearing of the 01nitted testimony or exhibit- Greater specificity of stsppletnentataon of the pre,h.earing mernorandum tnav be required by the Commission. A, continuance must be requested in writing to the Commission, no less the n three (3)-business clays prior to the hearing date. The party requesting the continuance must notify ail parties (if more than one) involved. All patties roust agree for the continuance to be approved. Dated at Boston, Massachusetts this his' day C7ttabex 2009. Kim S. Gainsboro Chairman cc: Reading Licensing Authority via facsimile 781-942-9071 Gerald,). Caruso, esq. via`facsitnile 617-330-7.550 Gary S.13.tackett, Csq. via facairn le 508799-9799 J=,ll.en Callahan Doucette, RRq_ via. facsitnile 508-799-9799 File X93 Page 1 of 1 Ll C 13 oS Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 8:50 AM To: Reading - Selectmen; Reading - Department Heads; rnrchambercom@aol.com Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: New Downtown Attachments: Reading Thanks You.xls I/c Board of Selectmen From: Carol & Ron Boben [mailto:shattuckboben@comcast.net] Sent: Sunday, October 04, 2009 9:25 AM To: Town Manager Subject: New Downtown FYI.... Please pass along my thanks to everyone involved. Since I only seem to write you when I am concerned or have a problem... Thought you might like to see my take on the downtown and the efforts you, and your Boards did to better Reading. It looks great ,,,,and was a much needed change to the downtown. Hopefully your next challenge is to fill in the blanks "No empty business.... left behind" Again, thanks. S 1 0. 10/5/2009 Letter to the Town Manager This is to thank all who participated in the downtown Reading revitalization project. It is a credit to everyone involved from conceptual planning, design, and construction. The deepest appreciation goes to the businesses who hung in there waiting for this day. Where would we be today if they had not stayed the course. The Reading Fall Street Fair coincided and was a nice kick-off to a new beginning for our businesses. It was great to see so many come out and enjoy our downtown. I know my family and many other families represented three generations who came back to Reading for the day to enjoy the beauty of the downtown. Now, we need to continue to support the downtown businesses, take at walk into town, sit on a nice bench, and shop the downtown more regularly. Thanks everyone for a job well done. Carol Shattuck-Boben 23 Henzie Street, Reading, MA ~v Page 1 of 1 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Kathryn M. Greenfield [kreenfield@comcast.net] Sent: Tuesday, October 06, 2009 8:36 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Historical Subject: Re: BCC training Attachments: Minutes Sample Format.doc Peter, This is the format that the RHC has been using for the past year. It is a form that we pulled from a listserve discussion among other historical commissions as to how they handled their minutes. Kathy Original Message From: Hechen.bl.eikner,._Peler To: Historical Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 3:51 PM Subject: BCC training At the BCC training program run on September 29, the comment was made by Angela Binda, I believe, that "the Historical Commission has received fiom its State association a template for minutes that they use successfully." Can you share the template? Are the minutes done on a lap top at the meetings? Thar-Acs Pete 10/6/2009 Draft Historic Commission Meetin Minutes: 8/18/08 Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Member Name Present or Absent Subject Discussion Action Items Follow-up Meeting minutes A review of past meeting minutes and discussion Accept as Amended or Accepted Member Initials Agenda Item Agenda Item Agenda Item Note Taker: Submitted as Final document DATE v Next Meeting: 8/4//08, 7PM, Town Hall Page 1 of 3 L/ G Marino, Lillian From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 3:57 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula; Marino, Lillian Subject: FW: General Comments to the Town L/c Board of Selectmen From: Ramdin, Larry Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 1:46 PM To: sportman@actionambulance.com Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: General Comments to the Town Dear Mr. Portman, I am sorry that you had to go out in the rain, to the field-house, only to find out the Flu clinics were cancelled, due to lack of vaccines. The Health Division has made significant efforts to advise the community that the clinics were cancelled, once we had information that our vaccine shipments would be delayed. The notice advising of the clinic cancellation was posted on the town website, on 9/24, it was mentioned by the Town Manager on his Cable show Ask the Town Manager", at a Selectmen's meeting, carried on RCTV, it was printed in both Reading Newspapers - Chronicle 9/18/09 and the Advocate I am unable to give you an answer as to why vaccines are available at Walgreens and other commercial vaccination sites, however, please be reminded that our regular seasonal flu clinics are normally scheduled for early to mid November. Also the seasonal flu usually is active in mid January to February, so there is still ample time to host a clinic if we receive our supplies in early November. To date all the flu activity that is being reported is novel H1 N1 per the Department of Public Health (DPH). This year we were acting on the advice of the Department of Public Health to hold early clinics, with the expectation that vaccines would be available. Unfortunately on September 17, we were advised that our supplies would be delayed without any indication on when seasonal flu vaccines would be available. Thus with the limited supply of vaccines that we had in hand, clinics were held for the at risk " over 65" group on September 23 , in senior housing and we have completed the seniors vaccination program. To date we have no indication as to when we will receive our vaccine shipments, therefore no new information to share. When the vaccines become available we will be scheduling our clinics and publicizing the clinics on RCTV, the Reading Newspapers and the Town website. 10/16/2009 Page 2 of 3 I would appreciate any suggestions you may have to improve our messaging to ensure that residents get information on the clinics. Larry A. Ramdin MA REHS CHO Health Services Administrator Reading Health Division 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 781-942-9061 781-942-9071-Fax When writing or responding, please remember that the Secretary of State's Office has determined that email is a public record. This communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate, or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and delete the copy you received. From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:41 AM To: Ramdin, Larry Subject: FW: General Comments to the Town Do you have an update, and or other information for Mr. Portman? Please cc me on your response to him. P DJy 10/16/2009 Page 1 of 2 Marino, Lillian From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 3:58 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula; Marino, Lillian Subject: FW: Please forward to the EDC I/c Board of Selectmen From: Delios, Jean Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 1:33 PM To: McCabe, Abigail Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Please forward to the EDC Q1 At Peter's suggestion I followed up with a few commercial property owners (that we knew had 20,000 sf of vacant space) 1. The former Linens and Things property 2. The former Registry space on Salem Street - next to REI 3. Space in the 128 Market Place property - aka Danis to share a solicitation we received from the State looking to rent office space in the area. That resulted in some very positive feedback as noted below. Jean J. Delios Connnunity Services Director/Town Planner Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Tel 781-942-6612 Fax 781-942-9071 jdelios(.d~ci.reading.ma.us www.readi:ngm.a.gov From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 12:34 PM To: Delios, Jean Subject: RE: 128 Marketplace/One General Way contact Thanks - cc to EDC From: Delios, Jean Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 12:08 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: FW: 128 Marketplace/One General Way contact Thought some positive comments would be nice to share. 10/16/2009 Page 2 of 2 Jean J. Delios Community Services Director/Town Planner Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Tel 781-942-6612 Fax 781-942-9071 jdelios(d)ci. reading.ma.us www.reactingma.gov From: Nick Nikolaou [mailto:nnikolaou@danisproperties.corrm] Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 11:53 AM To: Delios, Jean Subject: 128 Marketplace/One General Way contact Hi Jean, Great to talk to you earlier today, please place me as your contact for the 128 Marketplace/One General Way property. Thank you for providing the information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts leasing opportunities. It is great to hear the Town attempting to assist business's in the community. Please keep us in mind if any other opportunities come up. Thanks Nick Nikolaou Danis Properties One General Way Reading, MA 01867 Email: nnikolaou(a)danisproperties.com Ph: 781-944-5558 X2711 Fx: 781-944-9097 % 10/16/2009 Page 1 of 1 Marino, Lillian From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 4:08 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula; Marino, Lillian Subject: FW: Framing the FY11 Budget Discussion Attachments: FY11 0%.PDF I/c Board of Selectmen From: McClellan, Mary Ann [mailto:Maryann.McClellan@mwra.state.ma.us] Sent: Thursday, October 15, 2009 4:04 PM Subject: Framing the FY11 Budget Discussion As you can see by the attached letter, the MWRA Advisory Board is trying to set the tone and frame the discussion for the FY11 budget review by requesting that the FY11 rate revenue requirement stay level-funded with the FY10 budget. We need not tell you how difficult times are. Advisory Board staff is looking for your input, suggestions and support on our 0% rate revenue increase. l 10/16/2009 Arlington • Ashland 0 Bedford • Belmont • Boston • Braintree - Brookline Dedham • Everett • Framingham • Hingham • Holln»ok • Leominster Medford • Melrose • Millon • Nahnnt • Natick • Needham • Newton Revere • Saugus • Somerville • South Hadley • Southboratgh • Stoneham C, 60 C M81 a ADVISORY BOARD Watertown • Wellesley • Weston • Westwood • \vgvmouth • Wilbraham N Frederick A. Laskey, Executive Director Massachusetts Water Resources Authority 100 First Avenue Boston, Massachusetts 02129 Burlington • Cambridge • Canton • Chelsea • Chicopee • Clinton i 9R Lexington • Lynn • l.ynnficid • Malden • Marblehead • Marlborough O Norlhborouglt • Norwood • I'cnbody • Quincy * Randolph • Reading Sloughton • Swampscott • Wakefield • Walpole • Waltham Wilmington a Winchester • Winthrop • Woburn • Worcester Secretary Ian Bowies, Chairman, MWRA Board of Directors Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge St. Boston, MA 02114 October 13, 2009 Dear Secretary Bowles and Mr. Laskey: As the Authority begins putting together its Proposed FY11 Capital and Current Expense Budgets, I would like to take the opportunity on the front end to speak on behalf of the MWRA's cities and towns, and, most importantly, the ratepayers. As I'm sure you're both aware, the financial outlook for the Commonwealth is bleak at best as we hear the first quarter financial news come in. The state's revenues are already far below target for FY10, which will necessitate further reductions to the state budget; local aid cuts are all but inevitable to close this gap. This reduction in focal aid in FY10 will put additional pressure on cities and towns, which have already cut staffing and services to balance their budgets. In addition to service cuts, communities have also increased rates and fees to help maintain core services. Therefore, families and individuals are seeing their taxes, fees, and rates increase even as their disposable income is shrinking. In its attempt to reduce these impacts in FY10 the Commonwealth relied upon one-time revenue sources to build its budget, as well as utilizing rainy day funds. If these measures of last resort could not prevent additional cuts, there is no question that the FY11 state budget could be even more draconian for cities and towns. Therefore, in order to be fair to MWRA staff and responsive to the condition of our cities and towns, the Advisory Board seeks to weigh in early on the proposed rate revenue increase for FY11. On Friday, October 9, the Executive Committee endorsed an approach to keep the rate revenue requirement level-funded in FY11. We have directed Advisory Board staff to utilize the budget review process to work with the Authority to ensure ways to accomplish this goal while still maintaining service. Toward this end, we encourage Authority staff to begin by revisiting the various "tools" provided in the Advisory Board's review of the Proposed FY10 budgets, many of which are items and issues long recommended by the Advisory Board as potential areas of reduction. If ever there was a year to allow cities, towns, and especially ratepayers to "catch their breath" by providing financial respite, it is in FY11. The aim would be to provide communities and ratepayers with this much-needed financial break while minimizing the Joseph E. Pavaluro, Executive Director 11 Beacon Street • Suite 1010 • Boston, MA 02108-3020 • Telephone: (617) 742-7561 • pax: (617) 742-4614 Website: ti-A'w.niwraadvisoryboard.com • Finail: mwra_ab@mwra.state.ma.us Secretary Bowles and Frederick Laskey - Page Two impacts upon service even as we keep the FY12 rate revenue requirement well below current planning projections. We look forward to working with Authority staff to achieve this ambitious and difficult - but timely and necessary - goal. Sincerely, l / ~LAf~'iG~tc~e.... Katherine H. Dunphy Chair, MWRA Advisory Board Cc: Board of Directors Cities and Towns