HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-04-28 Annual Town Meeting MinutesPRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY & LOCAL ELECTION
February 5, 2008
Pursuant to the Warrant and the Constables Return thereon, a Presidential Primary and Local
Election was held for all eight precincts at the Hawkes Field House. The Warrant was partially
read by the Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on motion of Frederick Van Magness, Precinct
1, 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 was found to be empty and registered at 000.
The Town Clerk declared the polls open at 7:00 a.m. and closed at 8:00 p.m., with the following
results:
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
5697 voted Democratic Ballots
3158 voted Republican Ballots
6 voted Green-Rainbow Ballots
0 voted Working Families Ballots
8836 ballots (54%) of registered voters cast as follows:
BALLOT OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
John R. Edwards
18
17
7
12
18
19
18
9
118
Hillary Clinton
408
401
361
405
393
419
369
415
3171
Joseph R. Biden, Jr.
1
3
3
2
4
2
6
2
23
Christopher J. Dodd
2
2
1
0
0
2
0
1
8
Mike Gravel
0
0
0
1
1
0
1
0
3
Barack Obama
319
230
242
320
244
315
345
239
2254
Dennis J. Kucinich
1
0
2
1
0
1
2
0
7
Bill Richardson
1
2
3
1
1
3
0
2
13
No Preference
6
9
8
4
3
4
9
4
47
Others
2
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
Blanks
7
6
4
6
1
5
11
11
51
Total
765
670
631
752
665
770
761
683
5697
STATE COMMITTEE MAN- Vote for One
Candidate
1
2-T
-3
4
5
6
7
8
Total T
Joseph F. Lawless, 111
459
414
408
395
393
469
422
369
3329
Others
0
0
0
0
1
1
1
0
3
Blanks
306
256
223
357
271
300
338
314
.
2365
Total
765
670
631
752
665
770,
761,
683,
5697
S
TATE COMMITTEE WOMAN - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Peg Crowe
77
78
80
64
94
81
67
63
604
Betsy Sheeran
410
382
352
367
338
417
395
330
2991
Others
1
0
0
0
0
2
1
0
4
Blanks
277
210
199
321
233
270
298
290,
2098
Total
765
670
631
752
665
770
761
683
5697
DEMOCRATIC TOWN COMMITTEE (Vote for not more than thirty-five)
Group 1
0
John F. O'Neill*
204
196
207
231
231
278
224
185
1756
Mary Ellen O'Neill*
221
197
219
256
249
286
252
192
1872
Meghan A. Young*
215
179
, 179
240
213
239
202
173
1640
Ben Tafoya*
318
213
210
355
235
308
319
252
2210
Audrey C. Thompsen*
234
211
163
189
183
233
204
171
1588
Group 2
Donna M. Corbett*
266
172
173
160
237
237
250
171
1666
David L.A. Rall
200
132
111
117
182
177
197
123
1239
Steven McLaughlin*
248
221
145
134
207
194
213
136
1498
Douglas N. Greene*
214
164
135
133
218
187
235
149
1435
Patricia K. Kelly*
253
194
171
147
223
226
247
163
1624
Donald M. Green*
210
166
137
163
220
186
205
137
1424
Harry M. Simmons*
251
178
172
233
227
202
224
144
, 1631
Marilyn P. Simmons*
250
188
187
235
238
218
231
163
1710
Carolyn R. Whiting*
240
166
151
147
212
201
223
149
1489
Davins L. Shuman*
246
183
147
142
214
189
207
135
1463
Margaret L. Soli*
263
181
169
214
242
225
250
181
1725
Christine Ford*
242
224
147
135
211
195
211
146
1511
Ellen C. Kearns*
285
179
153
150
223
206
222
167
1585
Shirley R. Slack*
227
156
148
149
210
193
210
142
1435
Jeffrey M. Doucette*
233
171
151
135
209
196
227
145
1467
Wai-Por Richard Cheng*
219
151
130
145
201
198
199
128
1371
George V. Hines*
298
200
177
245
262
279
.319
217
1997
Alice W. Collins*
242
171
160
187
256
264
247
158
1685
John A. Lippitt*
220
158
135
158
228
211
220
134,
1464
Andrew K. Herlihy*
275
189
150
156,
208
199
235
167
1579
Gaina M. Herlihy*
266
194
155
155
221
204
229
173
1597
William J. Griset, Jr.*
276
165
126
173
212
217
227
217
1613
Julie Gregori Cremin
222
160
130
117
194
204
222
119
1368
Claire M. Paradiso*
280
200
149
131
198
188
213
149
1508
Alejandra E. Guzman*
254
183
136
128
190
176
182
133
1382
Joleen James Avtges
210
145
132
123
215
183
192
119
13.19
Arthur W. Berg*
222
160
140
144
223
200
232
144
1465
Karen M. Berg*
231
165
155
154
225
209
241
135
1515
Patricia P. Fitzgerald*
236
186
203
221
241
214
243
159
1703
Thomas P. Fitzgerald*
226
173
183
200
226
197
221
143
1569
Dennis Newman*
246
184
131
125
194
163
198
139
138',
Raymond J. Cabot
214
150
121
123
185
169
190
138
121
Maureen Kelly*
241
181
169
155
223,
209
243
153
1574
Janet Baronian*
237
156
143
137
199
193
223
177
1465
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
2
0
2
Blanks
17340
16508
15985
19678
14790
18697
17804
17779
138581
Total
26775
23450
22085
26320
23275
26950
26635
23905
19939511
Thiectea
BALLOT OF THE REPUBLICAN PARTY
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
John McCain
178
117
132
191
134
211
149
166
1278
Fred Thompson
1
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
2
Tom Tancredo
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
Duncan Hunter
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Mike Huckabee
6
6
7
12
8
13
16
9
77
Mitt Romney
265
171
161
229
191
219
209
260
1705
Ron Paul
11
4
2
5
9
7
6
7
51
Rudy Giuliani
2
2
4
2
1
1
2
5
1
No Preference
6
1
1
1
2
1
1
0
1
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
2
4
1
0
2
3
0
12
Total
469
303
312
441
345
454
387
447
3158
STATE COMMITTEE MAN - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Albert J. Turco
275
194
197
263
213
276
230
247
1895
Others
0
1
1
2
2
0
0
0
6
Blanks
194
108
114
176
130
178
157
200
1257
Total
469
303
312
441
345
454
387
447
3158
S
TATE COMMI
TTEE WOMAN
- Vote
for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
_
Total
Monica C. Medeiros
272
179
190
255
208
268
231
243
1846
Others
0
1
1
2
2
0
0
0
6
Blanks
197
123
121
184
135
186
156
204
1306
Total
469
303
312
441
345,
454
387
447
3158
REPUBLICAN TOWN COMMITTEE - Vote for not more than thirty-five
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Group
0
Curt E. Nitzsche*
243
161
139
210
175
204
183
181
1496
Raymond R. Couture*
222
155
134
213
173
219
193
185
1494
Sally C. Nitzsche*
234
158
130
201
170
204
181
174
1452
Judith Alice Webb*
222
147
131
189
162
201
185
174
1411
L. Nancy Forsberg*
219
149
128
189
162
194
180
170
1391
Ronald Thomas O'Keefe, Jr.*
235
150
126
192
162
193
178
174
1410
Krissandra Holmes*
221
140
135
206
155
189
180
174
1400
Eleanor K. Higgott*
215
142
127
193
160
190
174
169
1370
Henry A. Higgott*
212
140
120
196
164
188
173
164
1357
Louise M. Callahan*
221
148
136
207
157
191
177
176
1413
Frederick Van Magness, Jr.*
235
156
134
207
159
206
185
185
1467
Elaine M. Little*
224
145,
131
211
163
196
176
180
1426
Willard J. Burditt*
218
150
140
214
160
194
174
178
1428
Kenneth J. Rossetti*
230
149
138
191
159
198
189
178
1432
Daniel A. Ensminger*
240
155
128
219
167,
206
200
185
1500
Diana M. Kaine*
222
149
132
201
161
201
177
174
1417
Kenneth A. Holt*
218
143
127
191
162
206
180
184
1411
Richard H. Coco*
212
144
129
199
156
202
177
172
1391
Nancy C. Leavitt*
218
146
126
204
166
200
174,
167
1401
Mary T. Carbone*
222
144
137
210
164
197
178
175
1427
Richard H. Curtis*
227
155
141
221
174
206
181
185
1490
Others
0
4
1
6
2
11
8
5
3 7
Blanks
11705
7475
8150
11165
8642
11694
9742
11936
80509
Total
,
16415
10605
10920
15435
12075
15890
13545
15645
110530
f
L,ic~Lcu
BALLOT OF THE GREEN-RAINBOW PARTY
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
-
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Jared Ball
O
F
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Ralph Nader
0
1
0
0
0
0
0
1
2
Elaine Brown
0
0
0
0
1
0
0
0
1
Kat Swift
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Cynthia McKinney
0
0
0
0
2
0
1
0
3
Kent Mesplay
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
No Preference
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
1
6
STATE COMM
ITTEE MAN - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
1
6
Total
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
1
6
S
TATE COMMI
TTEE WOMAN - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
1
6
Total
0
1
0
0
3
0
1
1
6
GREEN-RAINBOW TOWN COMMITTEE - Vote for Ten
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
10
0
0
30
0
10
10
60
Total
0
10
0
0
30,
0
10,
10
60-
BALLOT OF THE WORKING FAMILIES PARTY
PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE - Vote for One I
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
No Preference
0
0
0
. 0
0
0
0
0
0
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
77T
0
0
--01
- 01
0
0
STATE COMM
ITTEE MAN - Vote for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
S
TATE COMMI
TTEE WOMAN - Vote
for One
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Others
0
0
0
.0
0
0
0
0
O.
Blanks
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
WORKING FAMILIES TOWN COMMITTEE - Vote for TEN
Candidate
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
Total
Others
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Blanks
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
Total
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
LOCAL ELECTION
8274 ballots (51 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*
857
639
641
772
649
753
782
673
5766
Other
4
6
1
4
1
4
4
3
27
Blanks
360
228
264
352
303
315
344
315
2481
Total
1221
873
906
1128
953
1072
1130
991
8274
*Elected
Board of Selectmen for three years - Vote for Two
Candidate
Pr I
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
James E. Bonazoli*
749
533
516
620
547
693
689
628
4975
Ben Tafoya*
718
543
570
744
557
661
676
585
5054
Other
6
7
8
5
4
6
5
0
.41
Blanks
969
663
718
887
798
782
890
769
6476
Total
2442
1746
1812
2256
1906
2142
2260
1982
16546
*Elected
,
Board of Assessors for three years - Vote for One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
L r5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Francis Joseph Golden*
801
599
617
708
602
710
703
625
5365
Other
5
6
3
3
0
1
0
1
19
Blanks
415
268
286
417
351
361,
427
365
2890
Total
1221
873
906
1128
953
1072
1130
991
8274
*Elected
L Board of Assessors for one year - Vote for One
Candidate
Robert 1. Nordstrand*
Pr 1
810
Pr 2
604
Pr 3
606
Pr 4
708
Pr 5
596
Pr 6
721
Pr 7
707
Pr 8
638
Total
5390
Other
3
2
3
3
0
2
3
1
17
Blanks
T
t
l
408
267
297
417
357
349
420
352
2867
o
a
1221
873
906
1128
953
1072
1130
991
8274
*El
t
d
ec
e
Board of Library Trustees for three years - Vote for T
wo
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
David P. Hutchinson*
732
547
544
666
566
672
694
570
49911
Victoria V. Yablonsky*
728
529
564
656
555
662
664
551
4909'
Other
3
1
2
2
0
1
1
0
10
Blanks
979
669
702
932
785
809
901
861
6638
Total
2442
17
812
' 2256
1906
2144
2260
1982
16548
*Elected
Municipal Light Board for three years - Vote for One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Robert H. Soli*
763
589
601
701
605
690
688
606
5243
Other
3
4
3
3
1
2
3
0
19
Blanks
455
280
302
424
347
380
439
385
3012
Total
1221
873
906
1128
953
1072
1130
991
8274
I*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
Lisa Gibbs*
596
415
476
576
416
519
590
426
4014
Carl McFadden
537
368
377
453
384
518
475
452
3564
Karen T. Janowski*
729
576
465
694
623
664
688
650
5089
Other
4
3
6
5
3
5
3
6
35
Blanks
576
384
488
528
480
438
504
448
3846
Total
2442
1746
1812
2256
1906
2144
2260
1982
16548
I*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
Roy A. Benjamin, Jr.*
687
687
Lynne A. Crawford*
661
661
Roger J. D'Entremont*
685
685
Mark L. Dockser*
682
682
Ellen Mounteer*
641
641
Paula J. Perry*
715
715
Elaine L. Webb*
740
740
Keith J. D'Entremont*
696
696
Other
10
10
Blanks
4251
4251
Total
9768
9768
*Elected
Town Meeting Member for two years - Vote for not more than One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Gary C. Derusha*
7.19
719
Other
2
2
Blanks
500
500
Total
1221
12
21
I* Elected
1
,
.1
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
Wei E. Lam*
488
488
Reginald T. Peters*
523
523
Geroge A. Snow*
545
545
Mary Grimmer*
15
15
Anthony Bastiani*
4
4
John B. Sullivan*
3
3
David O'Sullivan*
3
3
Joseph Connearney**
2
2
Walter Carroll**
2
2
Steve Alagero
1
1
Wes Sullivan
1
1
Maeve Sullivan
1
1
Rich Moore
1
1
Kevin Milner
1
1
Barbie Travis
1
1
Amanda Milner
1
1
Michael Lee
1
1
Larry Racheleau
1
1
Chris Powers
1
1
Other
44
44
Blanks
5389
5389,
Total
7028
7028
*Elected
i ie rsreaxer to be aetermineci by Yrecmct at Annual "Town MeetinP
Town Meeting Member for one year - Vote for not more than Two
Candidate
Pr I
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Mary Grimmer*
4
Anthony Bastiani*
3
3
Carol Sampson
2
Bradford Bridge
2
Other
23
23
Blanks
1712
1712
Total
1735
1738
*Elected
i own Meeting Members for
three years - Vote for not more than Ei
ght IJ
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Norman W. Blanchard*
499
49G_
Richard W. Eagleston, Jr.*
498
498
Lawrence A. Hurley*
496
496
Sheila C. Spinney*
538
538
David Craven*
6
6
Randall Jones*
2
2
Kathleen Tibbetts*
2
2
Meghan Crook* *
1
1
Laura Crook* *
1
1
Linda Hank**
1
1
Peg Faulkner**
1
1
Donald Smith**
1
1
Daniel Suchy* *
1
1
Larry Kuhn**
1
1
Anthony D'Arezzo**
1
1
Thomas Wagner* *
1
1
Jeanne Duran**
1
1
Charles Capobianco**
1
1
Alan Leland**
1
Craig MacDonald**
1
Stacey Sanella**
1
t
Kristen Eagleston**
1
1
Other
16
16
Blanks
5194
5194
Total
7266
7266
*Elected
11C DlrUKCi LU be deCermined ny rrecinct at Annual Town Meeting
Town Meeting Member for one year - Vote for not more than One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Gary Oliveria*
2
2
Other
14
14
Blanks
886
886,
Total
902
902
*Elected
i
i
aul J. Baratta*
Tanks
otal
Town Meeting Member for two
to Pr 1 Pr 2 Pr
l Town Meeting Members for three 3
Candidate Pr 1 Pr 2 Pr 3
Camille W. Anthony*
Angela F. Binda*
Paul C. Dustin*
Gary M. Nihan*
Frederick S. Shaffer*
Gina Dirocco*
F
Other
Blanks
Total
*Elected
- Vote for not more than One
'r4 Pr5 Pr6 Pr7
7
34
1087
1121
8
7
1087
1128
ears - Vote for not more than Eight
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
549
549
478
478
499
499
537
537
487
487
7
7
5
5
3
3
18
18
5041
5041
7624
7624
Town Mee
ting Member for one year - Vote for not more t
han One
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Regina Snyder*
4
0
Other
28
Blanks
921
0
Total
9531
1
0
I*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
Ralph A. Colorusso*
668
668
Ronald M. D'Addario*
664
664
Timothy J. O'Neill*
620
620
Gary D. Phillips*
548
548
Robert Mandell*
7
7
John Miles*
7
7
Peter Shields*
7
7
Jacqueline Mandell*
7
7
Other
56
56
Blanks
6012
6012
Total
8596
8596
*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
Michele Weber Chiappini*
653
653
Harvey "Pete" J. Dahl*
662
662
John "Jack" K. Downing*
630
630
Carl F. Anderson I11*
578
578
Christopher Caruso*
659
659
George V. Hines*
22
22
Brian R. Walsh*
10
10
C. Ellen Commito*
7
7
Other
29
29
Blanks
5790
5790
Total
9040
9040
*Elected
A true copy. Attest:
4heryl .Johnso
Jerk
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School April 28, 2008
Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson sworn in elected Town Meeting members before their
precinct meetings. Precinct 8 met and appointed Bruce A. MacKenzie to fill a vacated
seat until the next local election. Precinct 2 tie votes were broken with Joseph T.
Conneamey, Sr. for a three year term. Precinct 3 tie votes were broken with Jeanne
MacDonald Duran for a three year term.
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:39 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. All newly elected and appointed 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 James E. Bonazoli, 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 Clerk.
Moderator informed Town Meeting that Troop 702 was at Town Meeting as part of their
community service badge.
Moderator reminded Town Meeting Members about instruction motions. Technically
State Law does not allow motions to be made when the subject matter does not first
appear in the Warrant. They have traditionally been allowed here because they are
completely "non-binding." Our bylaws stipulate that all Main Motions (which these are)
must be made in writing. Additionally, I ask that they be written on an 8 '/2 by 11 sheet,
containing nothing but the motion. Otherwise they are likely to be lost. The Chair will
enforce that rule tonight. In addition, I would ask that whenever practical all such
motions be presented to the Moderator at the beginning of each night's session. At some
convenient point the Chair will inform the body what intended Instructional motions have
been presented. This is being done in fairness to those being "Instructed," and deserve
some semblance of notice, and to Town Meeting Members who, when making a decision
as to whether or not to adjourn for the evening, should know what business is still before
them. Unlike all the regular articles, members have no idea what type of Instruction
Motions will be made.
ARTICLE 2 - Chairman of the Board of Selectman James E. Bonazoli gave the
following State of the Town Report:
I am proud to present to you the 2008 State of the Town report on behalf of the Board of
Selectmen, and although they need no introductions I want to acknowledge the other
members of the Board who have worked so hard and helped make this report possible -
Vice Chairman Steve Goldy, Secretary Ben Tafoya, and Selectmen Camille Anthony and
Rick Schubert.
Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
f As I prepared this and looked back on what has been accomplished within the last year
since our last April Town meeting I found it very difficult to keep this short but I promise
I will do my best to keep it within one night.
Reading is the envy of many surrounding communities due to the strong partnerships we
foster both internally and externally. The excellent working relationship between Town
government and the School Department, Facilities Department, and Reading Municipal
Light Department are exemplary, and these relationships need to be recognized.
Additionally, Reading enjoys an excellent relationship with State Senator Richard Tisei,
State Representatives Brad Jones and Patrick Natale, and many departments of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, including the Massachusetts Highway Department and
the Department of Environmental Protection with whom we have worked a lot with
lately. We also have excellent support and partnerships with our delegation in Congress,
and I particularly want to mention Congressman John Tierney with whom we met
recently on issues of concern to Reading.
Our community and its Town government continue to thrive. There is a level of positive
activity and change probably unmatched in our history. We are truly a Community of
Excellence. This is largely because of the people who have come together to serve their
community - as paid staff and as volunteers. We are very fortunate to have such a strong
base of dedicated, creative, and hard working employees at all levels - both school and
town.
Even in the midst of major changes in personnel this past year we never skipped a beat. I
would like to outline just a few of those changes. We had the retirement of our Health
Administrator who worked for years in our community and helped create many of our
policies and guild lines. We had turnover in our Public Nurse and Town Planner which if
you consider how much development we had in town last year and then think how each
of these positions play major roles in the progress and success of those projects it is
astounding. The Town Manger and Department Heads are to be commended in assuring
that these transitions have gone so smoothly.
I do want to thank each of those who have left Reading's service, and welcome those
who have joined our official family this year.
As proud as I am of the staff and employees we have - it is our heart and soul - our
volunteers that makes Reading Reading. Our employees' energy, creativity and hard
work is equally match by our core of volunteers.
It is absolutely amazing what are community is willing and able to do. During 2007,
Reading Town government:
♦ filled 237 volunteer positions,
♦ on 47 standing Town Boards, Committees and Commissions (not including Town
Meeting),
2 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
♦ contributing to over 7000 volunteer hours per year (3.6 person years).
♦ each volunteer dedicates the equivalent of almost a week of full time work per year
♦ each Board, Committee, or Commission meets on average 30 hours per year - many
meet much more.
Plus keep in mind that is 47 "standing" boards and committees - in addition, the Town
has had several ad hoc groups dealing with topics such as Birch Meadow Park planning,
Ipswich River Greenway planning, tax classification, and the Community Preservation
Act. Add to this the tremendous number of volunteers on behalf of our schools,
recreation programs, cultural offerings, etc, and this is truly a remarkable story.
I would love to name all our volunteers but that just isn't possible in the time we have but
there is one individual who does deserve mention, and that is the senior member of our
volunteer corps - Ben Nichols. Ben moved from Reading last year after spending almost
all of his 99 years as a resident and serving in many official and community volunteer
positions in the community. As seen here Ben was honored with a going away party at
the Senior Center in October of this past year, organized by our very own Bill Brown and
staff.
For me Ben will always be the symbol of volunteerism and civic duty. He cared for the
well being of Reading more than anyone I know. May all of us strive for such excellence
and longevity in all we do for Reading.
Community Development
Much of Reading's activity and success last year was in the area of Community
Development:
The long awaited contract to construct the Downtown Improvement Project was awarded .
by the State in 2007 and if any of you have tried to go down Main St. you know work has
begun. Although it will be a difficult process and perhaps a bit of a logistical headache at
the end it will be well worth it. We ask for everyone's patience and although it may not
be as easy to get to them please make a concerted effort to patronize all our merchants.
Speaking of not easily accessible - The Downtown Parking Task Force conducted a
survey which showed that there is a shortage of 280 spaces for employees, and a shortage
of 120 customer spaces. The problem will only be compounded on a short term with the
construction but in the long run with additional growth and new establishments moving
in we may have a serious problem. To help address this concern the Town received a
grant from the Commonwealth of MA in the amount of $50,000 to proceed with a
parking garage feasibility study which we hope to commence shortly. Additionally to
address a very specific need - Town Meeting re-zoned a parcel of land on Sanborn Street
for the Reading Cooperative Bank to construct employee parking which have freed more
spaces for other merchants and patrons.
3 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
To date our plans for economic development have been centered on Walkers Brook
Drive. Following on the success of the development of our former landfill, Dickinson
Development decided they liked Reading so much, that they redeveloped the former
Boston Stove property and the new Stop and Shop opened on that site this past year. The
TASC building was purchased, and Hallmark Health occupies one wing of the building,
while the new TASC building owner has been able to re-rent additional major portions of
the 6 story office tower. Bertucci's and Longhorn Steakhouse restaurants have been
constructed on the front portions of the site and if you have gone there you know how
successful they have been. I was put on the waiting list at Longhorns Friday and I think
my table will be ready tomorrow.
The former General Tire property is being redeveloped into a retail center, with major
tenants consisting of the Baby Warehouse, Reading Athletic Center, and K&G clothing.
Market Basket will soon open on the site, and there is room for additional retail
development.
In 2007 Pearson selected National Development to partner with the Weiner Group to re-
develop the Addison-Wesley/Pearson site. In August 2007 the Selectmen voted to
approve submission of a Smart Growth 40R Application to the State. Re-zoning of the
Addison Wesley/Pearson property for mixed use development, including a 40R
development was approved by Town Meeting in December. Assuming the plans are built
out this will be a major move in meeting our low-income housing needs.
On other fronts to promote economic development we had an outcry from the residents
for an "early cup of coffee" which resulted in a change of the Town's Bylaws regarding
hours of operation for retail businesses. The Selectmen adopted a policy regarding a
waiver of the hours of operation to allow retail businesses to open before 6:00 a.m. To
my surprise we have only had one applicant who was just recently approved after their
first application to the Board of Selectmen was denied back in July..
Additionally in an effort to help revitalize the downtown area, the Board of Selectmen
had several discussions around putting an Article on the 2008 Annual Town Meeting
Warrant to allow restaurants with less than 100 seats to have an All Alcoholic Liquor
License. This is Article 13 on the warrant for this Town Meeting.
These are just two examples of how the Board is looking to promote business within
Reading. Much of the work and plan are coming from the Economic Development
Committee.
Moving to conservation and recreation development in May 2007, the Board of
Selectmen approved a purchase and sales agreement for the purchase of 1481 Main Street
(Mattera property) with funding coming from a $400,000 State grant and the generosity
of Rita and Nelson Burbank who donated $400,000. The property was purchased, and a
dedication of the property was held last spring. Although we have seen some activity out
of here we really hope this will become a hub for many recreation and conservation
activities.
4 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
A Memorial Park Master Plan was developed and approved by the Board of Selectmen.
Proposed improvements to the park included reshaping the ice rinks and adding lights to
them, add bocce, horseshoes and volleyball, public parking along Harrison Street,
additional shade trees and plantings, a handicapped accessible bucolic pathway through
the park, and reconstruction of the tennis court and basketball court. The cost is
estimated at $740,000 and a Nelson and Rita Burbank donated funds for the majority of
the work. Friends of Reading Recreation have been involved with this project's design
and will contribute several elements to the project.
The ad hoc Northern Area Greenway Committee was charged with developing ways to
improve public access to the Town owned lands along the northern area of Reading
mostly along the Ipswich River. They developed a plan that includes a main route and an
alternative route if the boardwalks do not come to fruition. They recommended benches
and picnicking in the Town Forest area. The former Water Treatment Plant site is the
headway and should have active recreation and kiosks. They recommended the
construction of a boardwalk to connect the Town Forest to Mill Street, and a fishing pier
at the Lobs Pound Mill site along with handicap accessibility. If you have ever been up
in the Salisbury/Hampton NH area you know how beautiful and wonderful these trails
could be.
After it was determined Imagination Station had to be dismantled we wanted to make
sure a proper plan was put together. The ad hoc Birch Meadow Master Plan Committee
was charged with developing a master plan for recreational use of the Birch Meadow
area. A resent survey showed that residents of the Town would enjoy big open areas,
desire to rebuild Imagination Station, and want more fields and a pool. This master plan
will be the basis for town budget and planning as well as an avenue for contributions and
donations.
One option to help fund these projects is the Community Preservation Act. An ad hoc
Community Preservation Act Study Committee was put together and they recommended
that the Selectmen place the Community Preservation Act on the Warrant for the
Subsequent Town Meeting. The Board of Selectmen decided to postpone this action until
a later date.
Our new Nurse Advocacy Program under Elder Services is off to a very strong start. Our
nurse, Dianne Luther was hired in September and has already worked with 50 Reading
seniors. Dianne is dedicated to helping Reading seniors manage their health care needs
and plan strategies for managing these needs both in the short term and future mostly in
the seniors' very own homes. By providing education, counseling and advocacy, Dianne
is helping seniors and their caregivers prevent falls, injuries and unnecessary disabilities.
The program is working with fire & police as well as other community providers to assist
seniors proactively. Information about the program will be available at the checkers table
after our next town meeting.
5 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
The efforts at combating substance abuse in Reading lead to the formation of a non-profit
group - Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA). This organization was
formed in September 2006, and was the recipient of a $10,000 planning grant. The 21
member board meets monthly and has made great strides in organizing to combat
substance abuse. The Town applied for and was awarded a very competitive $100,000 a
year S year Drug Free Community grant which allows the Town to hire staff and move.
the RCASA agenda forward. Staff was hired in early 2008. We have already seen
positive results in organizing the effort by having this staff member in place but as we all
know, sadly, true success will be measured in months to years. Nonetheless this is a
battle we can never stop fighting.
Infrastructure Improvements
The Route 128/I-93 Interchange Project completed its work and will be moving on to the
Environmental Impact process. In May 2007, the Board of Selectmen approved a
position paper on the Route 128/1-93 Interchange Project. It is far from over but at least
one phase is closed.
MWRA - in the beginning we thought we would never get there but in October 2007, the
Selectmen approved the Water Supply Continuation Agreement between the
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the Town of Reading with a term expiring
June 30, 2016. The Town is now completely dependent on the MWRA for water supply
and has suspended the use of the local water supply. It isn't often that one can say it, but
Reading's action has saved a river. Now we just need to worry if we will have a set of
dumb bells or whatever you see in the proposed water towers at the end of Main St.
We accomplished a tremendous amount of road reconstruction and resurfacing this past
year. You have the list above but Peter do we know how many miles? Either way - we
have miles more to do.
Granite curb and sidewalks were installed on all or parts of the following streets in 2007:
Franklin Street (Main Street to Grove Street - westerly side),
West Street (Enos Circle to Catherine Avenue - westerly side only).
Sidewalk construction has many benefits including reduction of vehicle travel,
improvements to health, and connections of neighborhoods. Much more needs to be
done in this area, and the Board of Selectmen is discussing the possibility of asking our
voters to approve a multi-year program to expand our Walkable Reading initiatives.
Additional capital improvements were also authorized and work proceeded on:
School buildings
Town Buildings
Library furnishings
Public Works equipment
6 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
Playgrounds
downtown improvement
financial systems
fire engine
artificial turf field
Technology
fire ladder truck
Tennis courts
It's all worth it.
The Town's financial situation continues to be excellent, maintaining appropriate cash
reserves and the ability to continue supplemental capital projects. This is due to
consistent, sustainable, and conservative budgeting, and the establishment by the Finance
Committee of sound financial policies and goals.
The ad hoc Tax Classification Task Force studied the notion of shifting the tax rate. The
Task Force voted to recommend adopting a shift. After input from residents and business
owners and much deliberation the Board of Selectmen voted to not shift the tax rate.
The Town's bond rating by Moody's was upgraded from Al to Aa3, thanks to the hard
work of the Town Accountant Gail LaPointe and Assistant Town Manager/Finance
Director Bob LeLacheur, and building on the previous strong financial base set by the
retired Town Accountant Richard Foley and retired Finance Director Beth Klepeis.
But again as we see with snow and ice budget we just don't know what is ahead and we
must continue consistent, sustainable, and conservative budgeting.
Don't get me wrong. I am not looking at the Town through rose colored glasses. I know
we have many challenges ahead - many unknowns. The economy will continue to be our
main concern with energy and gas prices rising - the unknown in health care and more
and more need to help our neighbors young and old.
We know what additional things we need to do as a community - we are planning for
that. Together - our local elected officials, our several Departments, our volunteers, our
legislative leaders on a state and national level - we can and will accomplish more to
benefit this entire community.
We know what excellence looks like. (hockey team)
It can be duplicated
well maybe not duplicated in all cases
But certainly most (Olympiads)
By supporting each other, we can achieve what seems to be the impossible.
We have some of the best leadership (Town Manager) around to. guild us (School
Superintendent) through the challenges.
7 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
We have the financial thought leadership in Bob LeLacheur, Gail LaPointe, and Mary
Delai and are financially stronger because of them and by this body and others being
Cautiously Optimistic and conservative in our approach.
We will continue to find new ways to communicate and to share ideas (World Cafe slide).
Where young and old can work together and help each other building a stronger
community.
We have a solid foundation of the people who came before us (Ben Nichols) to build on
and learn from. All of this is what makes the fabric of our town.
We know what we can do as a community - we have shown that - and it is amazing. So
as you see it isn't a question of "what do want Reading to become" We have become
it. The question is what are we doing as individuals, boards and committees today,
tomorrow and the next day to ensure we continue to be a Community of Excellence?
We are off to a good start. By you sitting here tonight you are doing just that and I want
to thank you for your support in the betterment of our community of Reading.
Thank you and Good night.
ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Stephen A. Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to table the subject matter of Article 2.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to table the subject matter of Article 3.
ARTICLE 4 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to approve the following amendments to the FY 2008 - FY 2017 Capital
Improvements Program provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter
and as previously amended:
o C2 - School Building Improvement - Add $45,000 in FY 2008
o C8 - Public Safety - Fire - Move $115,000 to replace turnout gear from
FY 2009 to FY 2008
o C 14 - Parks & Recreation - Move $40,000 to replace the flag pole on the
Common from FY 2009 to FY 2008
ARTICLE 5 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to amend the following votes taken under Article 13 of the Warrant of the
Annual Town Meeting of April 23, 2007, as amended by Article 4 of the November 13,
2007 Subsequent 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:
8 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
General Fund - Waaes and Exoenses
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
B9
Benefits - Non-Contributory
$18,000
Retirement
D3
Debt Service
$47,000
N17
Finance Expenses: School and Town
$ 25,000
>Phone redundancy - $10,000
>Email backup - $15,000
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
P1
Library Salaries - Extended Sick
$ 6,600
Leave
Q23
Community Services Expenses -
$ 24,500
>Veteran's Assistance $15,000
>Travel and Prof. Development -
$9,500
R7
Public Safety Salaries - Fire (OT)
$ 15,000
R8
Public Safety Expenses - Police
$ 9,300
Academy
S14
Public Works Salaries - Vacant
$60,000
positions for portions of the year
S15
Public Works Expenses
$131,100
>Highway Contractual $40,000
>Highway Supplies $60,000
>Patching $4,000
>Road Project $27,100
S16
Public Works - Street Lighting
$10,000
S17
Public Works - Rubbish Collection/
$50,000
Disposal
S18
Public Works Expenses - Snow & Ice
$592,015
Subtotals
$185,000
$803,515
Net from Free Cash
$618,515
General Fund - Capital
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
C2
School Building Improvements
> Killam roof repairs
$ 45,000
C8
Public Safety - Fire
> Replace Firefighter turnout ear
$115,000
C14
Parks and Recreation
> Replace flag pole in Town Common
$ 40,000
Subtotals
$ 200,000
Net from Free Cash
$ 200,000
Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
Enterprise Funds
Account Line
Description
Decrease
Increase
W5
Water Fund
• Salaries
$137,000
• Expenses
$46,000
• Debt Service
$ 7,000
• Prior ear's capital
$84,000
Subtotals
$137,000
$137,000
Net from:
• Water Reserves
$0
• Sewer Reserves
$0
0 Storm Water Reserves)
$0
ARTICLE 6 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to Indefinitely Postpone the subject matter of Article 6.
ARTICLE 7 - On motion by Stephen A. Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted to approve the FY 2009 - FY 2018 Capital Improvements Program as
provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 8 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to appropriate the sum of Four Hundred Forty Five Thousand One Hundred and
Twenty Two Dollars ($445,122) 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 9 - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon
such terms and conditions as they may determine, the following items of Town tangible
property:
Department
Equipment
Fire
Engine 3 1986 Pirsch Hahn Fire Engine
Ladder 1 1991 E-One 110' aerial
DPW
1996 Chevrolet Dump Truck
Three (3) 1997 Ford Pick-up Trucks
1993 Ford Sedan
1994 Caterpillar Loader 928F
1988 International Bucket Truck
1995 Holder Sidewalk Plow
1995 SKAG Lawnmower
Police
Two (2) Police Cruisers, two (2) Motorcycles
10 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
ARTICLE 10 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, 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'/z 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
Allowed
Expenditure
Year End
Account
Authority
Source
Expenses
Limits
Balance
Fees charged
Available for
Home
Public Works
for compost &
$1349
expenditure
Composting
Director
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
Revolving
Spending
Revenue
Allowed
Expenditure
Year End
Account
Authority
Source
Expenses
Limits
Balance
Legal, oversight and
inspection, plan
review, initial
Building
property appraisals
Plumbing,
and appeals,
Wiring, Gas
Community Services
and other
general
permits for the
management, landfill
$200,000
Walkers
monitoring costs,
Brook
curb sidewalks and
Crossing,
pedestrian safety
rchstone
improvements,
Inspection
and Johnson
records archiving
Available for
Revolving
Town
Woods
and other project
expenditure
Fund
Manager
developments
related costs.
next year
Vaccines, materials
for screening clinics
and clinical supply
costs, medical
equipment and
$25,000
Clinic fees
supplies,
Health
and third party
immunizations,
Available for
Public Health
Services
reimburse-
educational
expenditure
Clinics
Administrator
ments
materials
next year
11 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew 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 o£
• $83,530,015
for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2009, beginning
July 1, 2008.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item B99:
• Benefits $10,885,903
to be provided as follows:
Line B99: $151,667 from Overlay Surplus; and the remainder of line B99 from
property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items C 1 through C 11:
• Capital $650,800
to be provided as follows:
Lines C 1 through C 11 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item D99: ,
• Debt $6,959,654
to be provided as follows:
$350,000 of Line D99 from Sale of Real Estate; and the remainder of Line D99
from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item H99:
• Vocational Education $424,113
12 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
to be provided as follows:
Line H99 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items M I and N12:
• Accounting $124,189
to be provided as follows:
Lines Ml and M2 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items N 15 and N 16:
• Finance $1,372,459
to be provided as follows:
Lines. N 15 and N 16 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items P 1 and P2:
• Library: $1,203,906
to be provided as follows:
Lines P 1 and P2 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax. local
receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to amend
Line Item PI by removing Sunday Hours in the amount of $38,679.
Motion to amend did not carry.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items Q6 and Q7:
• Town Manager's Office $692,818
to be provided as follows:
13 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
Lines Q6 and Q7 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items R14 and R15:
• Community Services $927,231
to be provided as follows:
Lines R14 and R15 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items S 19 and 520, and S 16, S 17, and S 18:
• Public Works: $4,807,030
to be provided as follows:
$120,000 of Line S 12 from the Reading Ice Arena Authority; $37,665 of Line
S 15 from Cemetery Sale of Lots; with the remainder of Lines S 19 and 520, and S 16, S 17,
and S 18 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 11 - On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to amend
Line Item S 17 by removing Curbside Leaf Collections in the amount of $20,313.
Motion to amend did not carry.
ARTICLE 11 - On motion by Harvey (Pete) J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was moved to amend
Line Item P20 by increasing it by $60,000 for road maintenance.
Motion to amend did not carry.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Items T7 and T8:
• Public Safety: $7,622,882
to be provided as follows:
Lines T7 and T8 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts.
14 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 20,09 Budget as
presented for Line Item U99:
• School Department $35,871,170
to be provided as follows:
$75,000 of Line U99 from Free Cash; with the remainder of Line U99 from
property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item V99:
• Town Building Maint. $708,156
to be provided as follows:
Line V99 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 11 - On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item W5:
• Water Enterprise Fund $5,348,472
to be provided as follows: $350,000 from Water Fund Reserves, and the balance
of Line W5 from user fees and other charges.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item X5:
• Sewer Enterprise Fund $5,049,535
to be provided as follows: $250,000 from Sewer Fund Reserves, and the balance
of Line X5 from user fees and other charges.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget as
presented for Line Item Y5:
• Storm Water Enterprise Fund $315,514
to be provided as follows:
Line Y5 from user fees and other charges.
15 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Andrew Grimes, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it
was voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2009 Budget, exclusive of State
and county assessments:
• $83,530,015
Representing the total of all motions made under Article 11 as amended
Funds are to be provided as set forth in said motions as amended
2/3 vote required
Declared Unanimous by Moderator
The total budget figure of $83,530,015 includes the State Assessment. Technically, Town
Meeting does not vote on this figure - the actual totals of all of the lines items covered by
the motions in Article 11 is $82,963,832.
ARTICLE 12 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen,
it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 12.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Stephen A. Goldy, member of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted that the Board of Selectmen be authorized to file Home Rule Legislation that
would. place on a ballot at a subsequent election a question as to whether the Board of
Selectmen would be authorized to issue licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages, to
be drunk on the premises, to restaurants that have a seating capacity for less than one
hundred persons, subject to rules and regulations to be established by the Board of
Selectmen, provided that the Legislature may reasonably vary the form and substance of
the requested legislation within the scope of the general public objectives of this petition.
HOME RULE LEGISLATION/SEAT RESTRICTION ALL ALCOHOL
RESTAURANT LICENSE
"An Act Reducing the Minimum Seating Capacity of Certain Restaurants in the Town of
Reading.
Section 1. Notwithstanding section 11 of Chapter 138 of the General Laws, or any
vote cast in the Town of Reading on Question 6 at the November 2, 1982 State Election,
or any other special act or general law to the contrary, the Selectmen of the Town of
Reading shall cause to be placed on the official ballot used in the Town of Reading by the
registered voters thereof at the Annual Town Election to be held in the year 2009 the
following question:
Shall the Board of Selectmen be granted the authority to issue licenses for the sale of all
alcohol beverages to be consumed on the premises to restaurants with a seating capacity
of less than one hundred persons?
Yes No
16 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
Section 2. The Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading is hereby authorized to
and shall include a summary of the aforesaid question to be printed on the ballot along
with the question as stated in section one and to print said summary.
If a majority of the votes cast in said Town in answer to said question is in the
affirmative, said Town shall be taken to have authorized the sale in said Town of all
alcoholic beverages to be drunk on the premises for restaurants having a seating capacity
of less than one hundred persons. Said licenses shall be subject, however, to all the other
provisions of said Chapter 138.
Section 3. This act shall take effect upon its passage.".
Counted vote requested
114 voted in the affirmative
5 voted in the negative
Article 13 Background
Asks the state legislature to adopt a home rule petition.
Under current regulations:
• Restaurants with 100 or more seats are eligible oI for an "all alcoholic"
license
• Restaurants with fewer than 100 seats are eligible only for a "wine and malt"
liquor license.
Reading can issue up to 24 "all alcoholic Restaurant licenses" over 100 seats.
• 13 have been issued - including 4 clubs
Reading can issue up to 5 "wine and malt restaurant licenses" under 100 seats.
• 2 have been issued
This proposal does not change the total number of licenses of each category that the
Town can issue.
Surveyed 6 communities in our area
• 6 abutting Reading, and
• 10 other communities with successful downtowns.
Of the 16 communities
• 5 require 100 seats of more for an "all alcoholic restaurant license". Belmont,
Melrose, Wilmington, Winchester, and Woburn. One other has a 50 seat
minimum - Stoneham.
17 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
• 10 have no minimum other than what is established by the licensing authority.
Amesbury, Andover, Arlington, Concord, Lexington, Lynnfield, Marblehead,
Newburyport, North Reading, Swampscott, Wakefield.
The Board of Selectmen secured input from the community:
• Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA)
• Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce
• Economic Development Committee
• General public hearing - notice in the newspapers, RCN, and mailed
to Town Meeting members - 3-11-08
There have been no objections to the proposed change, and the Chamber of
Commerce, Economic Development Committee, and those in attendance at the
public hearing support the change.
Why make the change?
Commercial space in downtown Reading tends to be fairly small and it is a
challenge to find a location that will fit a 100 seat restaurant
♦ Some smaller specialty restaurants would like to serve alcoholic drinks
commonplace with their food - for example Mexican restaurants with margaritas
♦ The vitality of Reading's downtown depends on a mix of uses including the
potential for smaller specialty restaurants
The Board of Selectmen has adopted very tight regulations for all liquor serving
establishments including extensive training requirements, and the Police Department
is vigilant in enforcing regulations including sales to minors with periodic "stings" to
enforce the seriousness of liquor licensing responsibilities.
Our liquor serving establishments have pledged to work with the Town (through
RCASA) on enforcing underage access to alcohol, and have shown themselves to
be responsible business owners.
The process will be:
♦ Vote of Town Meeting
♦ If successful, and act of the legislature
♦ If successful, a vote of the Town on the April 2009, local election ballot.
18 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008
ARTICLE 14 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to 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 L. Green
Christopher A. Powers
Karen Lynn Powers
Donald C. Stroeble
Precinct 4
John B. Latham
Precinct 5
Patrick M. Fennelly
Thomas Joseph Quintal
Precinct 6
Diane N. Slezak
Precinct 7
John E. Carpenter
Michael Carmen Merullo
Precinct 8
Andrew Patfiek Murphy
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Harvey (Pete) J. Dahl it was moved to remove Article 3
from the table.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Harvey (Pete) J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was moved to request
the Board of Selectmen and the Finance Committee to bring a warrant article or other
plan to Fall 2008 Town Meeting that will address the much needed road repairs in the
Town of Reading, and do so without proposing a debt or capital exclusion, or a
proposition 2 '/2 override.
Motion Carried.
On motion by James E. Bonazoli, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that
this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die.
Meeting adjourned at 11:19 p.m.
158 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: beryl A. ohnson
Town Clerk
19 Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2008