HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007-04-23 Annual Town Meeting MinutesCOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, on March 6, 2007 notified and warned the
inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the
place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant
in the following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station,. 15 Union Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street
Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Mobil on the Run, 1330 Main Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 3, 2007,. the date
set for the Local Election in this Warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading
Chronicle in the issue of March 7, 2007.
Thoma Freeman, Constable
A true copy. Attest:
.OoOrC-heryl 11 Johnson, rwn Clerk
1
TOWN WARRANT
(Seal) .
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to
notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and
Town affairs, to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said
Town, namely:
PrecFncts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
RMHS.Hawkes Field House, Oakland Road
. TUESDAY, the THIRD OF APRIL, A.D., 2007
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers:
A Moderator for one year;
Two members of the Board of Selectmen for three years;
One member of the Board of Assessors for three years;
Two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years;
Two members of the Municipal Light Board for three years;
Two members of the School Committee for three years;
and sixty five Town Meeting Members shall be elected
to represent each of the following precincts:
Precinct 1 : Eight members for three years;
Precinct 2 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 3 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 4 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 5 Eight members for three years; one member
for one year,
Precinct 6 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 7 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 8 Eight members for three years.
.and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading
on
MONDAY, the TWENTY-THIRD DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2007
at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are
to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance
with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
2
ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town
Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town
Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement
Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees,
Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other
Official, Board, or Special Committee.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special
Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special
Committees, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or
transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and
Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2007 - FY 2011
Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule
Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of. Selectmen
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes
taken under Article 15 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 24, 2006., as
amended by Article 5 of the November 13, 2007 Subsequent Town Meeting, and as
further amended.by Article 4 of the February 26, 2007 Special Town Meeting; and to see
what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available
funds, or otherwise, as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the
Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal
Year 2007 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services
actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2008 - FY 2012
Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule
Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto. .
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter
184, Section 52 of the Acts of 2002 which allow the expenses of the Senior Tax Work
Program to be charged against the Overlay Reserve, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
3
ARTICLE 9 To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate. by borrowing,
whether in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6,
Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax
levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance
with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine,
various items of Town tangible property, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 11 To see what sums the Town will vote to appropriate to establish
revolving funds under Chapter 44, Section 53EY2 for any or all of the following purposes:
Using the receipts generated through the sale of compost and recycling bins to
purchase additional compost and/or recycling bins, said expenditures to be
administered by the Public Works Director;
Administering the consultant fee provision of the Reading General Bylaws Section
5.7, Wetlands Protection, said expenditures to be administered by the Conservation
Commission;
Using all or part of the receipts generated from the issuance of Building, Plumbing
or Gas, and Wiring and other permits for the Walkers Brook Crossing Development,
Archstone Development and/or the Johnson Woods Development to pay the costs
of legal expenses, oversight and inspection, plan review, initial property value
appraisal and appeals, and general management of the Community Services
operations related to that development; and to pay for related expenditures, said
expenditures to be administered by the Town Manager;
♦ Operating public health clinics and any related expenses which fund, shall be credited
with receipts from clinic fees and third party reimbursement administered under the
authority of the Health Services Administrator acting with the approval of the Town
Manager;
and to determine the total amount of expenditures during Fiscal Year 2006 which may
be made from each such fund, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to rescind the entirety of Section 4.3.4
of the Town of Reading General Bylaws which provides for the publication of a valuation
list every 10 years, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to determine how much money the
Town will appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds,
or otherwise, for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 2008
beginning July 1, 2007, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
4
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to accept the report of the Board of
Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way the following. described private way under
the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out
in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to take such ways under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain,
under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said
lands in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess
betterments therefore, the plans and descriptions for such way being filed in the Office. of
the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to see what sum the
Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for
payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said ways, or take
any other action with respect thereto.
• Woodland Street (from John Carver Road easterly to Town owned Birch
Meadow property)
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to establish a stabilization fund for the
purpose of funding post employment benefits, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to accept Chapter 32, Section
9(2)(d)(ii) that allows an increase to the death benefit for surviving children, or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Retirement Board
ARTICLE 17 To see what sum the Town will vote to raise by borrowing and
appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 Section 7(1) of the Massachusetts General Laws, for
reconstructing surface drains, sewers and sewerage systems, including the cost of
consulting engineering services, designs, plans, contracts, specifications, equipment,
inspection fees, contingencies and related facilities and expenses related thereto and
necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent under the direction of the Town
Manager; and see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager, the Board of
Selectmen or any other agency to file an application(s) for a grant or grants to be used to
defray all or any part of said sewer construction and/or reconstruction and related
matters; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any
or all agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Article, including
but not limited to, the applications and acceptance of a grant and a non-interest bearing
loan from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and authorize the Treasurer-
Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to said loan,
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
5
ARTICLE 18 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making
improvements to Main. Street from Salem Street to Washington Street, the so called
Downtown Improvement Project, including the costs of engineering services, plans,
documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto
and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the
direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of
Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or
grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part. of, said improvements; and to
authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may
be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 19 To see what sum the Town will raise . by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of purchasing and
installing a financial hardware and software system, including the costs of consulting
services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses
incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by
and under the direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the
Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a
grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said system; and to
authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may
be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 20 To see :what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise,.and appropriate for the purpose of purchasing a fire
engine, including the costs of consulting services, plans, documents, cost estimates,
bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection
therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager;
and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any
other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of
all, or any part of, said fire engine; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any
and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this
Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 21 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making
improvements to or replacing the Birch Meadow Tennis Courts, including the costs of
engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services, construction
management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in
connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town
Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town
Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to
defray the cost of all, or any part of, said improvements; and to authorize the Town
6
- , Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to
carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 22 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making artificial
turf field improvements at the Parker Middle School and/or the Coolidge Middle School,
including the costs of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding
services, construction management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto
and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the
direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town will authorize the Board of
Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or
grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said improvements; and to
authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts.and agreements as may
be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 23 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making
improvements to the Sunnyside Avenue and Fairview Avenue sewer, including the costs
of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all
related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to
be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager; and to see if the Town
will authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the
Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of,
said improvements; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into any and all
contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article,
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 24 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 2.2.13 of the
Reading Zoning By-Laws so that it will read as follows:
2.2,13. Lot Frontage: The continuous uninterrupted length of a lot boundary line along a
street line having a depth into the lot of not less than twenty (20) feet, said depth
measured at an angle to said street line of not less than 65 degrees, over and
through which, actual legal and physical access to the potential building site by
both pedestrian and vehicles shall be required. The presence or existence of an
access easement shall not satisfy the requirement for actual legal and physical
access. The end. of a street without a cul-de-sac shall not be considered
frontage.
Or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
7
ARTICLE 25 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By-
Laws to change the parking requirements for retail stores, offices and consumer service
establishments located within the Business B/Mixed=Use Overlay district, by amending
Section 6.1.1.1. The amendments would eliminate the so-called "300 foot exemption"
and replace it with a more flexible parking formula that requires 50 percent of parking to
be constructed onsite and sets up a funding mechanism for central parking facilities, and
transportation and pedestrian alternatives. The new language in Section 6.1.1.1. would
read as follows:
"No land shall be used and no building shall be erected, enlarged or used unless
off-street parking areas, and off-street loading and. unloading areas, conforming in
amount and type to that described herein are provided except that the CPDC may allow
the applicant representing retail stores, offices or consumer service establishments
located within the Business B/Mixed Use Overlay to be exempted from up to fifty (50)
percent of the required parking spaces if the applicant pays an impact fee of $20,000 for
each parking space not provided. The money shall be deposited into a separate
account, with half the funds to be used for short or long-term parking solutions in the
Town in the Business B/Mixed Use Overlay District, and half to be used to fund
transportation alternatives for employees and customers in the Business B/Mixed Use
Overlay District or pedestrian enhancements to streets inside or leading to or from the
Business B/Mixed-use Overlay District."
By Petition
ARTICLE 26 To see if the Town will vote to delete Section 5.6.2.2.3 of the
General Bylaws of the Town of Reading and re-numbering subsequent sections of the
bylaw, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 27 To see if the Town will vote to pursuant to Section 2-6 of the
Reading Home Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to
be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting
Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of
election or for failure to attend one half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the
previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto:
Precinct 2 Robert DeMild Jr.
John W. Fay
Thomas F. O'Donnell
Precinct 3 Thomas F. Procopio
Precinct 8 Timothy C. Curren
Board of Selectmen
8
and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least
one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to
April 3, 2007, the date set for the Election in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in
a newspaper published in the Town, or providing in a manner such as electronic
submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town
Meeting Member.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to
the Town Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
Given under our hands this 27th day of February, 2007. ABen Tafoya, air
James E. Bonazoli, Vice Chairman
Camille W. Anthony
ww "~V 24
Richard W. Schubert
SELECTMEN OF READING
;.Thomas H. F man
Stephen A. Goldy, Secretary
9
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
April 3, 2007
Pursuant to the Warrant and the Constable's Return thereon, a General Election was held for all eight
precincts at Reading Memorial High School - Hawkes Field House. The Warrant was partially read by the
Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on motion of Fred Van Magness, Precinct 1 Warden, it was voted
to dispense with the further reading of the Warrant, except the Constable's Return, which was then read by
the Town Clerk. The ballot boxes were examined by the respective Wardens and each found to be empty
and registered 00.
The Town Clerk declared the polls open at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 8:00 p.m., with the following results:
2314 ballots (14%) of registered voters cast as follows:
Moderator for one year - Vote for One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Alan E. Foulds*
280
161
154
302
197
244
272
235
1845
Other
2
0
0
2
5
0
0
0
9
Blanks
55
42
35
72
49
67
88
52
460
Total
337
203
189
376
251
3,11
360
287
2314
* Elected
Board of Selectmen for three years - Vote
for Two
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Stephen A. Goldy*
214
115
114
243
157
217
209
161
1430
Richard W. Schubert*
243
121
119
254
155
183
238
176
1489
Randall W. Jones
83
77
79
102
92
101
112,
94
740,
Other
0
4
4
4
0
2
3
1
18
Blanks
134
89
62
149
98
119
158
142
951
Total
674
406
378
752
502
622
720
. 574
, 4628
*Elected
Board of Assessors for three years - Vote
for One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Ralph A. Colorusso*
248
148
139
263
181
225
229
201
1634
Other
0
1
0
2
1
0
0
0
4
Blanks
89
54
50
111
69,
86
131
86
676
Total
337
203
189
376
251
311
360
287
2314
*Elected
Board of Library Trustees for three years - Vote for
Two
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Richard H. Curtis*
132
99
112
198
127
133
125
104
1030
Cherrie M. Dubois*
178
124
110
191
159
, 172
203
165
1302
Brian S. Kimerer
108
67
50
108
71
110
172
101
787
Other
0
1
0
1
0
1
1
0
4
Blanks
256
115
106
254
145
206
219
204
1505
Total
674
406
378,
752
502
622
720
574
4628
I* Elected
Municipal Light Board for three years - Vote for Two
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Ellen C. Kearns*
236
143
130
249
160
212
233
192
1555
Philip B. Pacino*
219
138
129
248
165
213
219
186
1517
Other
0
0
2
4
0
0
0
0
6
Blanks
219
125
117
251
177
197
268
196
1550
Total
674
406
378
752
502
7
20
574
4628
*Elected
School Committee for three years - Vote for Two
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Elaine L. Webb*
251
110
110
206
125
168
212
164
1346
Karen T. Janowski
150
115
98
170
124
153
187
156
1153
Charles R. Robinson*
217
124
124
285
180
234
250
174
1588
Other
1
1
2
0
1
0
3
0
8
Blanks
55
56
44
91
72
67
68
80
533
Total
674
406
378
752
502
622
720
574,
4628
I*Elected
Town Meeting Members for t
hree years - Vo
te for not more than Eight
Candidate
Pr I
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Sheila M. Mulroy*
251
251
Steven L. Perry*
247
247
Jane M.Spano*
246
246
Ronald Thomas O'Keefe, Jr.*
208
208
Eric P. Raciti*
201
201
James Foster Rigney*
219
219
Valerie A. Ross*
9
9
Susan Gifford Fay*
4
4
Other
13
13
Blanks
1298
1298
Total
2696,
2696
*Elected
Town Meeting Members for t
hree years - Vot
e for not more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr I
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Peter G. Cournounduros*
138
138
Alice M. O'Sullivan*
148
148
Anthony L. Rickley*
129
129
Denise M. Iozzo*
170
170
Amanda Lee Foulds*
4
4
Priscilla Ryan*
2
2
Robert V. Hunt
1
1
Paul F. Robertson* *
1
1
Christopher P. Flanagan
1
1
Kathleen M. Flanagan
1
1
Suzanne M. Flanagan
1
1
Charles B. Powers
1
1
Robert L. Green* *
1
1
Other
5
5
Blanks
1021
1021
Total
1624
1624
I*Elected
**Tie Breaker decided at Town Meeting April 30, 2007
Town Meeting Members for three years - Vo
te for not more than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Mary Ellen Begonis*
139
139
Walter B. Begonis*
137
137
William H. Downing*
136
136
Catherine L. Martin*
125
125
Donald J. Muse*
120
120
Patrick A. Schettini*
128
128
Albert Garbarino*
136
136
John Michael O'Leary*
19
19
Randall W. Jones
7
7
Other
15
15
Blanks
550
550
Total
1512
1512
* Elected
Town Meeting Members for t
hree years - Vot
e for not more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Neil L. Cohen*
226
226
Andrew W. Grimes*
188
188
Richard E. McDonald*
187
187
Thomas J. Meharg*
178
178
Brian C. Snell
175
175
Robert H. Soli*
176
176
Ralph L. Vinciguerra*
227
227
Richard H. Curtis* *
175
175
Stephen A. Goldy*
214
214
Peter P. Lattanzi, Jr.
157
157
Gil J. Rodrigues
142
142
Other
4
1
1
4
Blanks
959
959
Total
3008
3008
*Elected
**Tie Breaker decided at Town Meeting April 23, 2007
Town Meeting Members for t
hree years - Vo
te for not more than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Loretta E. Cavagnaro*
152
152
Christina L. DiNardo*
164
164
Robert L. Fuller*
160
160
Susan A. Giacalone*
149
149
Janice M. Jones*
167
167
Eileen C. O'Shea*
159
159
Philip B. Pacino*
162
162
David A. Talbot*
160
160
Other
5
5
Blanks
730
730
Total
2008
2008
*Elected
Town Meeting Member for one year - Vote for no
t more than One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Thomas Joseph Quintal*
177
0
Other
2
0
Blanks
72
0
Total
251
0
*Elected
Town Meeting Members for t
hree years - Vot
e for not more than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Kevin M. Douglas*
210
210
James J. Fandel*
193
193
Diana M. Kaine*
194
194
Gael Phillips-Spence*
195
195
Drucilla Wood-Beckwith*
210
210
Steven G. Oston*
160
160
Linda M. Phillips*
148
148
Greg F. Selvitelli*
185
185
Other
3
3
Blanks
990
990
Total
2488
2488
1* Elected
Town Meeting Members for three years - Vote for not more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Charles V. Donnelly-Moran*
221
221
Norman F. Kozlowski*
243
243
Nancy B. Matheson*
225,
225,
Sandra J. Michaud*
227
227
Frances C. Sansalone*
220
220
Richard W. Schubert*
256
256
David C. Michaud*
253
253
Ruth S. Urell*
8
8
Other
27
27
Blanks
1200
1200
Total
2880
1
1 2880
1* Elected
Town Meeting Members for three years - Vote for not more than Eight
Candidate
Pr L
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Christine L. Derse*
184
184
James F. Lordan, Jr.*
180
180
George B. Perry II*
185
185
John H. Russell*
184
184
Margaret W. Russell*
177
177
William J. Hecht, Sr.*
173
173
Andrew Patrick Murphy*
173
173
Robert J. Beckman
1
1
James S. Bradley
1
1
Kendra J G Cooper
1
1
Donald J. Golini
1
1
Patricia Jean Lloyd**
1
1
Caroline Ross
1
1
Karen M. Sawyer
1
1
Robin M. Watson
1
1
Other
2
2
Blanks
1030
1030
Total
2296
2296
*Elected
**Tie Breaker decided at Town Meeting April 23, 2007
A.tr e cop tt
hery John on
Tow lerk
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School April 23, 2007
All Town Meeting members were sworn in. Precinct I met and appointed Keith J.
D'Entremont to fill a vacated seat. Precinct 4 tie votes were broken with Richard H.
Curtis for a three year term. Precinct 8 tie votes were broken with Patricia J. Lloyd for a
three year term.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:47 p.m., there
being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Mary Ellen O'Neill, Precinct 6.
There was a moment of silence in memory of Navy Pilot Lieutenant Commander Kevin
Davis (RMHS 1992 graduate) followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. New
Town Meeting Members were sworn in by the Moderator.
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on motion
by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to dispense with
further reading of the Warrant except for the Officer's Return, which was read by the
Town Cleric.
ARTICLE 2 - Chairman of the Board of Selectman Ben Tafoya gave the following State
of the Town Report:
It is my honor to serve as the Chair and tonight I have the opportunity to say a few words
on behalf of the Board of Selectmen on the state of the town. Change and challenges are
constants for the Town of Reading. The year 2006 was no exception as we had new faces
in town hall, new initiatives from our boards and new issues to face to help secure a safe
and prosperous future for our community.
But 2006 saw the Board of Selectmen spend considerable time on some long standing
issues that I will touch on briefly...
W/S Associates' proposal for a Retail Lifestyle Center at the former Addison
Wesley site continued to be debated with density and traffic impacts being the major
issues for the community. In September of 2006 the Board of Selectmen voted to not
accept the developer's proposal for a Lifestyle Center. In recent months the property
owner, Pearson, approached the town with a new lead developer to resume discussions
about a mixed use development that can secure broader public support.
The I-93/I-95 Interchange Project process continued and a series of public
meetings have been held regarding specific design alternatives. Camille Anthony and
Rick Schubert from the Board of Selectmen, CPDC member Jonathan Barnes, and
resident George Katsoufis represent the Town on the State task Force and are very active
members and participants. The issues of traffic and transportation have been a constant
theme over the past year.
Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
A considerable amount of time was spent on downtown parking. The Board, with
staff and business input, made comprehensive changes to the downtown parking
regulations. These changes hopefully make the regulations easier to understand, create
some opportunities for much needed employee/merchant parking, and make downtown
Reading a more friendly business environment. In addition, the Board of Selectmen
created an Ad Hoc Downtown Parking Task Force to explore options to create more
parking for the downtown area. The Committee has already made a recommendation to
the Board of Selectmen that we explore options for a parking structure in downtown.
Town meeting joined us in this discussion through the recent resolution of a long
debate about a zoning change for a parcel of land on Sanborn Street to increase the
parking for the Reading Cooperative Bank. You also approved Bylaws requiring the
registration of door-to-door solicitors; updating Animal Control regulations and
restricting the hours of construction, all of which required debate and discussion by
Board members.
We also all spent time considering issues regarding the purchase and use of open
space and the development or renovation of recreation opportunities. The Board of
Selectmen directed the Town Manager to move ahead with the acquisition of the property
at 1481 Main Street to be used for open space and recreation. The full acquisition cost is
covered by a grant and by a very generous donation from Nelson Burbank. Pin happy to
report that, as of Monday, April 9, 2007 the Town tools title to this property, and we are
in the process of snaking it ready to be used by the public.
To help with the stewardship of this and other open space we formed the Northern
Area Greenway Committee to look at near and long term plans for the area of open space
that stretches across the Northern areas of our town, now almost continuously from
border to border.
The Board also approved the purchase and sales agreement for acquisition of
Dividence Meadows that consists of 10 acres of land at the end of Kiernan Road, and that
purchase has been completed. A state grant covered over 1/2 the cost of this acquisition of
this Conservation land.
In July the Board of Selectmen directed Town Counsel to move forward to take
the necessary actions to prepare a cy pres petition for Memorial Park. A preliminary
design has been prepared for updating Memorial Park and work will continue. We expect
the cy pres petition to the court to be filed within about a month.
In December 2006 the Board of Selectmen approved the demolition of
Imagination Station with the preservation of certain artifacts including plaques, signs and
artwork and directed the Town Manager to proceed with a design process for the layout
and construction of a new Imagination Station at that site. This will be done as part of a
master planning process for the Birch Meadow area.
2 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
A considerable amount of time has also gone into maintaining and enhancing the
financial strength of our town government. Later in town meeting we will hear the
highlights of the budget process initiated this year which involved an earlier set of
financial forums. This is a challenging budget year for our town and most communities
across the state and it requires a careful eye to make sure commitments do not outstrip
resources.
Work continues on other fronts to help insure good financial strength for Reading.
We formed an Economic Development Committee as an outgrowth of the work on our
Master Plan, an ad hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee and an ad hoc Tax
Classification Study Committee.
This is just a taste of the many actions of the Board in the past year and work on
these and other initiatives continues this year, including the final approvals from the
various bodies involved in the momentous decision last year for the full buy-in for our
water sources from the MWRA and the investment in our infrastructure through the
establishment of the Stormwater Management enterprise fund.
This work also reflects the great strengths of our town which continued this year. I want
to briefly comment on three.
First let me say how inspiring it is to see week in and week out how our tradition of
volunteer involvement in this community makes Reading a better place to live and work.
By my informal count of the details recorded in our annual report for 2006 the Board of
Selectmen made over eighty appointments to Boards, Committees and Commissions. But
govermnent service is a small fraction of this strength. (and I am not talking about the
effort that must go into addressing and stuffing the envelopes for all the fundraising
appeals I receive.) We have hundreds of residents involved in coaching sports across all
seasons, our cultural institutions such as the choral groups, orchestra, bands, dance,
drama and more, our church communities, social service organizations, our seniors and
our schools, all depend on the countless hours of community service given by Reading
residents in service to themselves, their neighbors and the children of the community. As
I look out at this audience I see so many people who serve the community in multiple
capacities and I thank you and all those at home for your help and service.
During 2006 one of the best examples of this was the energy and numbers of people
committed to help the community in the initiative against substance abuse. The official
not for profit was formed last year and has secured some funding and its impact on the
town will be great.
The second strength I want to comment on is our commitment to professional
management to steer our town government and our schools. The results show. I
continually receive complements from folks in, and interestingly, outside of Reading on
what a good job our town does and how well managed it is. We profit from expert
leadership and advice. In this area 2006 saw some change, our new town engineer,
George Zambouras, had a full year under his belt and our town planner, Chris Reilly left
3 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
for a new job. Mike Schloth was promoted to permits coordinator in our planning
department, Tim Brennan hired as a new Assistant Building Inspector and Ann Gentile as
Assistant Town Clerk. But the heart of our management team stayed together this year
and this will help with the challenges ahead. We want to thank Pete Hechenbleikner who
celebrated 20 years of service to the community in 2006 and our department heads and
town staff for their continuing excellence. We also want to give special thanks and
recognition to Paula Schena, our Office Manager who provides direct and excellent
support to the Board of Selectmen in all of our work. This excellence in service is also
true of our schools which continue to win awards, gain recognition for Reading and
educate our community's most precious of resources, our children.
Finally, I want to comment on our willingness to tackle difficult decisions. We have seen
this willingness in town meeting during the discussion of water infrastructure leading to
the MWRA buy-in. And we have some tough discussions ahead. Perhaps the most
pressing issue continues to be how we can continue to provide excellent services in the
era of Proposition 2.5? With a municipal inflation rate of something close to 5% and a
property tax base of $45 Million do we have the resources to continue to provide the
services our citizenry has come to expect? Our new Governor, Deval Patrick, has
proposed a municipal partnership act that would give us some additional flexibility on
taxing and spending, as well as property tax relief for lower income homeowners. We
need to consider whether we support these initiatives and what they would mean for our
town.
Equally important, we need to examine what is sustainable in terms of programs and
services given the budget outlook for the next few years. One area in which I think we
might take the initiative is the examination of further regionalization of services. We have
a very successful partnership with Wilmington for Veteran's Services. Could we not take
advantage of our strengths and look at how we might be able to save some money by
joining with other communities for some services such as building and health inspections
or other areas?
In closing let me say that we should have confidence in the future strength of the town
because of the people who live in the community and commitment we snake to each
other. That is the heart and soul of this form of government we have in New England. I
look forward to an exciting year, good luck to all of us for a successful town meeting and
thank you for the privilege of sharing these thoughts tonight.
ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to table the subject matter of Article 2.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to table the subject matter of Article 3.
ARTICLE 4 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to table the subject matter of Article 4.
4 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
ARTICLE 5 - On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was voted to amend the following votes taken under Article 15 of the Warrant of the
Annual Town Meeting of April 24, 2006, as amended by Article 5 of the November 13,
2006 Subsequent Town Meeting, and as further amended by Article 4 of the February 26,
2007 Special Town Meeting; and that the Town vote to appropriate by transfer sums from
available funds as noted for the operation of the Town and its government:
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
C13
FINCOM Reserve Fund (Finance -
$91,700
Expenses) leaves $50, 000 balance
E7
Public Safety Wages
$103,000
• Police $35,000
• Dispatch $40,000
• Fire $28,000
E8
Public Safety Expenses
$ 7,000
• Fire - Medical Supplies
$7,000
Fl I
DPW - Wages
$23,323
• Admin. - Bus'n Adm.
($12,323)
• Engineer - Ass't CE
($30,000)
• Highway - OT $19,000
F12
DPW - Expenses
$104,148
• Admin. - Procurement $1,748
• Engineer - Pavement
Management Study $5,600
• Hwy/Equip - line paint
$13,000; Equip. maintenance
$46,000; Details $2,800;
Signs $15,000; Patch $5,000;
Fuel $15,000
F14
Rubbish Collection/Disposal
$ 9,600
• Imagination Station $9,600
F15
Snow & Ice (includes $19,200 for
$150,631
4/4)
I
Vocational Schools - New placement
$ 26,000
K8
Employee Benefits
$358,888
• Group health/life ins.
$228,426
• Medicare/Social Sec.
$130,462
Subtotals from above
$115,023
$759,267
Net from Free Cash
$644,244
Capital
5 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
J3
School Building Capital
$60,000
• JE clock tower repairs
$35,000
• BM portables removal
$25,000
Net from Free Cash
$60,000
Enterprise Funds
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
Ll
Water - Wages
• Distribution OT - MWRA
valve
$94,250
L2
Water - Expenses
. • MWRA water assess
$94,250
M2
Sewer - Expenses
• System Maint. $38,000
• MWRA sewer assess
($23,843)
$14,157
Subtotals
$94,250
$108,407
Net from Water Reserves
$0
Net from Sewer Reserves
$14,157
ARTICLE 6 - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter of Article 6.
ARTICLE 7 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to approve the FY 2008 - FY 2012 Capital Improvements Program as
provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 8 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 59 Section 5K. of the Massachusetts General
Laws.
ARTICLE 9 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to appropriate the sum of four hundred fifty-one thousand three hundred and
forty-eight dollars ($451,348.00) for highway projects from the proceeds due to the Town
under the provisions of M.G.L. Chapter 90.
2/3 vote required
Declared Unanimous by Moderator
ARTICLE 10 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon
6 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
such terms and conditions as they may determine, the following items of Town tangible
property:
Department
Equipment
Fire
1979 Mack Fire Engine
DPW
Two(2) International Dump Trucks
DPW
One(1) International Dump/Rack Body Truck
DPW
One(1) Caterpillar Backhoe
DPW
One(1) Ford Crown Victoria
Police
2 Police Cruisers
ARTICLE I I - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to authorize revolving funds for certain Town departments under
Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53E '/2 for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2007 with the receipts, as specified, credited to each fund, the purposes, as listed,
for which each fund may be spent, the maximum amount that may be spent from each
fund for the fiscal year and the disposition of the balance of each fund at fiscal year end.
Revolving
Spending
Revenue
Expenditure
Year End
Account
Authority
Source
Allowed Expenses
Limits
Balance
Fees charged
Available for
Home
for compost &
$499
expenditure
Composting
Public Works
recycle bins
Purchase of bins
next year
Fees As
provided for
Consulting and
in Reading
engineering services
General
for the review of
$25,000
Conservation
Bylaws
designs and
Commission
Section 5.7,
engineering work for
Available for
Consulting
Conservation
Wetlands
the protection of
expenditure
fees
Commission
Protection
wetlands.
next year
Legal, oversight and
inspection, plan
Building
review, initial
Plumbing,
property appraisals
Wiring, Gas
and appeals,
and other
Community Services
permits for the
general
$200,000
Walkers
management, landfill
Brook
monitoring costs,
Crossing,
curb sidewalks and
Archstone and
pedestrian safety
Inspection
Johnson
improvements,
Available for
Revolving
Town
Woods
records archiving
expenditure
Fund
Manager
developments
and other project
next year
7 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
related costs.
Vaccines, materials
for screening clinics
and clinical supply
costs, medical
equipment and
$25,000
Health
Clinic fees
supplies,
Services
and third party
immunizations,
Available for
Public Health
Adminis-
reimburse-
educational
expenditure
Clinics
trator
ments
materials
next year
ARTICLE 12 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to rescind the entirety of Section 4.3.4 of the Town of Reading General
Bylaws which provides for the publication of a valuation list every 10 years, and
renumber the subsequent sections of the Bylaw.
ARTICLE 15 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was moved to take Article 15 out of order.
ARTICLE 15 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was moved to establish a stabilization fund for the purpose of funding post employment
benefits, and to fund the stabilization in the amount of sixty thousand two hundred dollars
($60,200) from Free Cash.
2/3 vote required
28 voted in the affirmative
124 voted in the negative
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to postpone
Article 13 until Thursday night, April 26, 2007.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 14 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way
the following described private way under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, such ways being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to take
such ways under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, in fee or
rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the
General Laws, as amended, or acquire said lands in fee or rights of easement therein by
purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess betterments therefore, the plans and descriptions
for such way being filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory
requirements; and that the Town appropriate the sum of ninety four thousand two
g Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
hundred and eighty four dollars ($94,284) from free cash, for the acquisition of said lands
or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages and for the
construction of said ways:
■ Woodland Street (from John Carver Road easterly to the Town owned Birch
Meadow property)
2/3 vote required
128 voted in the affirmative
12 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 16 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to accept.Chapter 32 Section 9(2)(d)(ii) of the Massachusetts General Laws.
ARTICLE 17 - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 Section 7(I) of
the Massachusetts General Laws, the sum of three hundred and eighty thousand dollars
($380,000) for reconstructing surface drains, sewers and sewerage systems, including the
cost of consulting engineering services, designs, plans, contracts, specifications,
equipment, inspection fees, contingencies and related facilities and expenses related
thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent under the direction of
the Town Manager; and that the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager, the
Board of Selectmen or any other agency to file an application(s) for a grant or grants to
be used to defray all or any part of said sewer construction and/or reconstruction and
related matters; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager to enter
into any or all agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Article,
including but not limited to, the applications and acceptance of a grant and a non-interest
bearing loan from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, and authorize the
Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to
said loan.
2/3 vote required
137 voted in the affirmative
1 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 18 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted that the Town raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of
the Massachusetts General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of six hundred and
fifty thousand dollars ($650,000) for the purpose of making improvements to Main
Street from Salem Street to Washington Street, the so called Downtown Improvement
Project, including the costs of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates,
bidding services and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection
therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager;
and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other
agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or
any part of, said improvements; and that the Town authorizes the Town Manager to enter
into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes
9 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
of this Article, and authorize the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board of
Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to said authorization.
2/3 vote required
138 voted in the affirmative
-0- voted in the negative
ARTICLE 19 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted that the Town raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of the
Massachusetts General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of one million two
hundred and fifty thousand dollars ($1,250,000) for the purpose of purchasing and
installing a financial hardware and software system, including the costs of consulting
services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses
incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and
under the direction of the Town Manager; and that the Town authorize the Board of
Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or
grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said system; and that the Town
authorizes the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may
be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, and authorize the Treasurer-
Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to said
authorization.
2/3 vote required
138 voted in the affirmative
- 0 - voted in the negative
On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting
stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium,
on Thursday, April 26, 2007.
Meeting adjourned at 10:43 p.m
157 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
Town
10 Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 2007
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School April 26, 2007
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:44 p.m., there
being a quorum present: The Invocation was given by Anthony Rickley, Precinct 2,
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Town Moderator presented William C.
Brown and Robert L. Fuller with Street Signs and acknowledged their 40 years of service
as Town Meeting members.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from
available funds, and appropriate the sum of
• $79140,913
for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2008, beginning
July 1, 2007.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item 139:
• Benefits $9,911,440
to be provided as follows:
Line 139: $169,213 from Overlay Surplus; and the remainder of line B9 from
property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items C 1 through C 14:
• Capital $819,600
to be provided as follows:
Lines C 1 through C 14 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item D3:
Annual Town Meeting
April 26, 2007
• Debt $6,594,457
I
to be provided as follows:
$375,000 of Line D3 from Sale of Real Estate; and the remainder of Line D3
from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item Fl:
• Stabilization Fund $60,200
to be provided as follows:
Line Fl from Free Cash.
On motion by Harvey J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was moved to reduce Line Item F1 from
$60,200 to -0-.
Motion to amend carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item H 1:
• Vocational Education $250,000
to be provided as follows:
Line Hl from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items M1 and M2:
• Accounting $119,527
to be provided as follows:
Lines M 1 and M2 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
Motion carried.
2 Annual Town Meeting
April 26, 2007
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items N16 and N17:
• Finance $1,234,522
to be provided as follows:.
Lines N16 and N17 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items P 1 and P2:
• Library $1,114,381
to be provided as follows:
Lines P1 and P2 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
On motion by Ronald M. D'Addario, Precinct 6, it was moved to increase Library budget
by $59,774 to reinstate hours of service on Thursday mornings that were eliminated in
2001.
Motion to amend did not carry.
Original Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items Q22 and Q23:
• Community Services $1,564,058
to be provided as follows:
Lines Q22 and Q23 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items R7 and R8:
3 Annual Town Meeting
April 26, 2007
• Public Safety $7,260,645
f
to be provided as follows:
Lines R7 and R8 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Items S 14 and S 15, and S 16, S 17, S 18, S 19 and S20:
• Public Works: $4,576,214
to be provided as follows:
$120,000 of Line S 14 from the Reading Ice Arena Authority; $10,000 of Line
S20 from Cemetery Sale of Lots; with the remainder of Lines S 14 and S 15, and S 16, S 17,
S 18, S 19 and S20 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
On motion by Ronald M. D'Addario, Precinct 6, it was moved to increase Line Item S11
by $15,000 for trees on South Main Street from the railroad tracks to Stoneham.
Motion to amend did not carry.
On motion by Stephen L. Crook, Precinct 3, it was moved to increase Line Item S6 by
$15,000 for line painting.
Voted Count Requested
80 voted in the affirmative
62 voted in the negative
Motion to amend carried.
Ori,ginal Motion as amended by Stephen L. Crook carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item T19:
• School Department $34,787,537
to be provided as follows:
Line T19 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
4 Annual Town Meeting
April 26, 2007
On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was moved to increase Line Item T19 by
$50,000 from free to fund a current position of a health and wellness coordinator to deal
with substance abuse issues.
Motion to amend did not carry.
On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to adjourn this Annual Town
Meeting at 11:13 p.m.
Motion to adjourn did not carry.
On motion by John W. Fay, Precinct 2, it was voted to move the Line Item T section of
the budget.
2/3 vote required
87 voted in the affirmative
42 voted in the negative
Original Motion carried.
On motion by Ronald M. D'Addario, Precinct 6, it was moved to adjourn this Annual
Town Meeting at 11:24 p.m.
Motion to adjourn did not carry.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item U10:
Town Building Maint. $661,503
to be provided as follows:
Line U10 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item W5:
• Water Enterprise Fund $4,815,487
to be provided as follows:
Line W5 from user fees and other charges.
Motion carried.
5 Annual Town Meeting
April 26, 2007
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item X5:
• Sewer Enterprise Fund $4,511,587
to be provided as follows:
Line X5 from user fees and other charges.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget as
presented for Line Item Y5:
• Storm Water Enterprise Fund $341,734
to be provided as follows:
Line Y5 from user fees and other charges.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Andrew J. Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee,
it was voted that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2008 Budget,
exclusive of State and county assessments:
• $79,095,713
• Representing the total of all motions made under Article 13 as amended
• Funds are to be provided as set forth in said motions as amended
2/3 vote required
111 voted in affirmative
l voted in the negative
On motion by Jeffrey W. Struble, Precinct 7, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting
stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium,
on Monday, April 30, 2007.
Meeting adjourned at 11:28 p.m.
154 Town Meeting Members were presenWTownerk
A true copy. Attest: so
6 Annual Town
Meeting
April 26, 2007
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School April 30, 2007
Precinct 2 met and tie votes were broken with Robert L. Green and Paul F. Robertson.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:52 p.m., there
being a quorum present. The Moderator led Town Meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag.
ARTICLE 20 - On motion by Stephen Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted that the Town raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of the
Massachusetts General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of four hundred and ten
thousand dollars ($410,000) for the purpose of purchasing a fire engine, including the
costs of consulting services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all
related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be
expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager; and that the Town authorize
the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply
for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said fire engine;
and that the Town authorizes the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and
agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article and authorize
the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant
to said authorization.
On motion by William C. Brown it was moved to raise by borrowing and/or transfer from
the sale of real estate fund and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts
General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of Eight Hundred and Twenty Thousand
Dollars ($820,000).
Motion to amend did not carry.
Original Motion:
2/3 vote required
133 voted in the affirmative
1 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 21 - On motion by Stephen Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted that the Town raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of the
Massachusetts General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of three hundred and fifty
thousand dollars ($350,000) for the purpose of making improvements to or replacing the
Birch Meadow Tennis Courts, including the costs of engineering services, plans,
documents, cost estimates, bidding services, construction management services, and all
related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be
expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager; and that the Town authorize
the Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply
Annual Town Meeting
April 30, 2007
for a grant or grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said
improvements; and that the Town authorizes the Town Manager to enter into any and all
contracts and agi•cements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article
and authorize the Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to
borrow pursuant to said authorization.
2/3 vote required
136 voted in the affirmative
5 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 22 - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted that the Town raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of
the Massachusetts General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of six hundred and
fifty thousand dollars ($650,000) for the purpose of making artificial turf field
improvements at the Parker Middle School and/or the Coolidge Middle School, including
the costs of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services,
construction management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto and
necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of
the Town Manager; and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen, the Town
Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or grants, to be used to
defray the cost of all, or any part of, said improvements; and that the Town authorizes the
Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to
carry out the purposes of this Article and authorize the Treasurer-Collector, with the
approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to said authorization.
On motion by Russell T. Graham, Precinct 4, it was voted to move the question.
2/3 vote required
112 voted in the affirmative
25 voted in the negative
Original Motion:
2/3 vote required
121 voted in the affirmative
20 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 23 - On emotion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted that the Town raise by borrowing and appropriate pursuant to Chapter 44 of
the Massachusetts General Laws or any other enabling act the sum of three hundred sixty
five thousand dollars ($365,000) for the purpose of making improvements to the
Sunnyside Avenue and Fairview Avenue sewer, including the costs of engineering
services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services and all related expenses
incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and
under the direction of the Town Manager; and that the Town authorize the Board of
Selectmen, the Town Manager, or any other agency of the Town, to apply for a grant or
grants, to be used to defray the cost of all, or any part of, said improvements; and that the
Town authorizes the Town Manager to enter into any and all contracts and agreements as
may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article and authorize the Treasurer-
2 Annual Town Meeting
April 30, 2007
Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow pursuant to said
authorization.
2/3 vote required
126 voted in the affirmative
4 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 24 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to amend Section 2.2.13 of the Reading Zoning By-Laws so that it will read as
follows:
2.2.13. Lot Frontaye: The continuous uninterrupted length of a lot boundary line along a
street line having a depth into the lot of not less than twenty (20) feet, said depth
measured at an angle to said street line of not less than 65 degrees, over and
through which, actual legal and physical access to the potential building site
by both pedestrian and vehicles shall be required. The existence of an access
easement shall not satisfy the requirement for actual lelzal and physical
access. The end of a street without a cul-de-sac shall not be considered frontage.
Note - bold and underline is provided for information to Town MeetinjZ and is not
part of the motion.
2/3 vote required
126 voted in the affirmative
4 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 25 - On motion by David A. Talbot, Precinct 5, it was moved to table the
subject matter of Article 25.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 26 - On motion by Stephen Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to delete Section 5.6.2.2.3 of the General Bylaws of the Town of Reading and re-
number subsequent sections of the Bylaw.
ARTICLE 27 - On motion by Stephen Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter to declare the following
seats of Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove those persons from their
position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days
following the notice of election or for failure to attend one half or more of the Town
Meeting sessions during the previous year.
Precinct 2 Robert DeMild Jr.
Thomas F. O'Donnell
Precinct 8 Timothy C. Curren
3 Annual Town Meeting
April 30, 2007
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved to remove Article 3 from the table.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Gary D. Phillips, Precinct 6, it was moved to direct the
Superintendent to modify the annual School Department's budget as presented to Town
Meeting for approval by including the following Line items:
- Total Payroll Employees
A. Salaried
B. 40 or more hours per week
C. 19-39 hours per week
D. Less than 19 hours per week
Note: Line items A - D should reflect total number of School Department employees on
payroll.
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Linda M. Phillips, Precinct 6, it was moved to instruct the
Selectmen to provide Town Meeting with a complete list of all Town owned equipment
for the Police, Fire and Maintenance Departments for the fall 2007 Town meeting that
includes the following information:
Vehicles and equipment
Year purchased, new, used (or donated)
- Estimated annual maintenance costs
Reasonable longevity and depreciation
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was moved that the
Reading School Department be requested to prepare a report for distribution to Town
Meeting Members prior to the start of the 2007-2008 School Year that includes specific
detail on scope and level of effort on District Substance Abuse Prevention Education for
the 2007-2008 School Year and include an explanation on how that program is different
from the past three school years.
Motion did not carry.
On motion by Ben Tafoya, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved that this
Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die.
Meeting adjourned at 10:32 p.m.
150 Town Meeting Members were present..
A true copy. Attest: Cheryl . Johnson
fown Jerk
4 Annual Town Meeting
April 30, 2007
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, on October 2, 2007 notified and warned the
inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the
place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant
in the following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street
Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Mobil on the Run, 1330 Main Street
The date of. posting being not less than fourteen (14). days prior to November 13, 2007,
the date set for the Subsequent Town Meeting in this Warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading
Chronicle in the issue of October, 24, 2007.
A true copy. Attest:,
Cheryl . Johnso > Town Clerk
1