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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-06-30 Special Town Meeting MinutesC, COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on June 3, 2008 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 Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road 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 Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to June 30, 2008, the date set for the Special 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 June 4, 2008. 0 AID Ulrich, Co st ble A true . Attest: 1 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING (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 at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road in said Reading, on Monday, June 30, 2008, at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 1 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, Conservation Commission, Town Manager and any other Board or Special Committee. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 2 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 raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate 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 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2008 - FY 2017, 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 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the 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 as amended by Article 5 of the April 28, 2008 Annual 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 2 ARTICLE 5 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. • Baldwin Lane Extension Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to rescind authorized but unused debt for: • Water main repairs as authorized by Article 10 on November 7, 2005 or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading as follows: to renumber Section 2.2.2.28.1 thereof so that it reads Section 2.2.28.1; to renumber Section 4.5.2 of Section 4.5 thereof so that it reads Section 4.5.1 and to renumber each successive paragraph accordingly; or take any action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to establish the following revolving fund pursuant to Chapter 44, Section 53E'/2 Library Materials Replacement Fund, the purpose of which shall be to acquire equivalent Public Library materials to replace items lost or damaged by those who borrow such materials; provided however, that receipts to be deposited into said fund shall be monies paid by the borrowers of the lost or damaged materials and that such monies represent - the replacement cost of the materials; provided further, that the Library Director, with the approval of the Board of Library Trustees shall be authorized to expend from this fund 3 without appropriation; and to establish a limit on the total amount that may be expended from such fund in fiscal year 2009; or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, by borrowing, transfer from available funds or otherwise, to pay costs of entrance fees, costs of connection, demolition of the existing Water Treatment Plant and other modifications to the water distribution system, and other expenses for the same, which amount. shall be expended in addition to the $8,600,000 previously appropriated for this purpose by the Town under Article 4 of the Warrant at the June 12, 2006 Annual Town Meeting; to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, to take such actions necessary or required to apply for admission to and to receive the entirety of the Town of Reading's public water supply from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Water System, including, without limitation, filing legislation, payment of applicable fees and charges, and entering into an agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority as may be required or necessary to receive a supply of water at prevailing rates charged by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to communities in its water supply system, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate a sum of money, by borrowing, transfer from available funds or otherwise, to pay costs of making artificial turf field improvements at the Parker Middle School, including the payment of costs of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services, construction management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, which amount shall be expended in addition to the $650,000 previously appropriated for this purpose by the Town under Article 22 of the Warrant at the April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting; 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 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. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Mass. General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 12, to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract, including all extensions, renewals and options, for a Substance Abuse Prevention Program Evaluator, for a period greater than three years but not exceeding five years upon such terms and conditions determined by the Town Manager, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen 4 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 June 30, 2008, the date set for the meeting 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 May, 2008. AT . Bonazol' C irman Steph ?nA. roKdy. Vice.Chairman Ben Tafova. nretarw 4 C ~J. Richard W. Schubert SELECTMEN OF READING qnW.ich, Constable SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School June 30, 2008 Precinct 1 appointed Francis J. Andrews to fill the one-year vacancy. Precinct 2 appointed Rita F. Bridges to fill the one-year vacancy. Town Clerk Cheryl Johnson sworn in one of the newly appointed Town Meeting members after the precinct meetings. The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:37 p.m., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Phil Pacino, Precinct 5 followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on motion by Stephen Goldy, 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. Charles Robinson, was extremely thrilled and proud to inform Town Meeting and the Reading community that Mary Delai, Director of Human Resources and Finances for the Reading Public. Schools is the 2008 recipient of the Massachusetts Association of School Business Officials John F. Conway Award. This annual award, named in remembrance of MASBO's first executive director, was established to recognize the accomplishments of individuals relative to enhancing the effectiveness of a school district in addressing its educational mission. The award consists of a plaque that was presented to Mary at the MASBO annual meeting in May and a $1,000 contribution made to the district on Mary's behalf. Ms. Delai has functioned as Director of Human Resources and Finances in Reading for the past four years. The Superintendent and School Committee continues to be impressed and appreciative with Mary's tenacity in seeking and implementing ways the Reading Public Schools can save money. Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner called Joe Cain to the podium to thank him for his years of audio visual service to Town Meeting and presented him with a "Cain Court" street sign. Joe Cain officially retired today. ARTICLE 1 - On motion by Stephen Goldy, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 1. ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 2. Special Town Meeting June 30, 2008 ARTICLE 3 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to amend the FY 2008 - FY 2017, Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, by adding: FY 2008: + $450,000 for Water Treatment Plant demolition and related modifications to the water system. + $86,350 for field improvements at Parker Middle School. ARTICLE 4 - On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted to amend 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 as amended by Article 5 of the April 28, 2008 Annual Town Meeting as follows; and that the Town vote to appropriate by transfer from available funds, the noted sums as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government: General Fund - Wages and Expenses Account Line Description Decrease Increase M1 Accounting - Salaries and Wages (OT) $2,500 N17 Finance - Salaries and Wages (OT) $9,000 R7 Public Safety - Salaries and Wages >Police Salaries and Wages $23,500 R8 Public Safety - Expenses >Police and Dispatch Clothing Allowance $12,000 Q23 Community Services - Expenses > Casualty Insurance $35,000 U10 Town Building Maintenance $35,000 Subtotals Net froju Free Cash $58,500 $58,500 ' S0 Enterprise Funds - Wages and Expenses Account Line Description Decrease Increase W5 Water Fund $42,869 Subtotals $42,869 Net from Water Reset-N es $42,869 2 Special Town Meeting June 30, 2008 ARTICLE 5 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 5. ARTICLE 6 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to rescind authorized but unused debt for water main repairs as authorized by Article 10 on November 14, 2005, in the amount of one million four hundred thousand dollars ($1,400,000). ARTICLE 7 - On motion by David B. Tuttle, Community Planning and Development Commission, it was voted to amend the Zoning By-Laws of the Town of Reading as follows: Renumber Section 2.2.2.28.1 thereof so that it reads Section 2.2.28.1. 2/3 vote required Declared unanimous by Moderator ARTICLE 8 - On motion by Stephen Goldy, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to establish the following revolving fund pursuant to under Chapter 44, Section 53E'/2 for the following purposes: Library Materials Replacement Fund, the purpose of which shall be to acquire equivalent Public Library materials to replace items lost or damaged by those who borrow such materials; provided however, that receipts to be deposited into said fund shall be monies. paid by the borrowers of the lost or damaged materials and that such monies represent the replacement cost of the materials; provided further, that the Library Director, with the approval of the Board of Library Trustees, shall be authorized to expend from this fund without appropriation up to $10,000 from such fund in Fiscal Year 2009. ARTICLE 9 - On motion by Ben Tafoya, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to appropriate the sum of $450,000, by borrowing, to pay costs of entrance fees, costs of connection, demolition of the existing Water Treatment Plant and other modifications to the water distribution system, and other expenses for the same, which amount shall be expended in addition to the $8,600,000 previously appropriated for this purpose by the Town under Article 4 of the Warrant at the June 12, 2006 Annual Town Meeting; and that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, to take such actions necessary or required to apply for admission to and to receive the entirety of the Town of Reading's public water supply from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Water System, including, without limitation, filing legislation, payment of applicable fees and charges, and entering into an agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority as may be required or necessary to receive a supply of water at prevailing rates charged by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to communities in its water supply system. 2/3 vote required Declared unanimous by Moderator 3 Special Town Meeting June 30, 2008 ARTICLE 10 - On motion by James E. Bonazoli, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to appropriate the sum of $86,350 by transfer from free cash to pay costs of making artificial turf field improvements at the Parker Middle School, including the payment of costs of engineering services, plans, documents, cost estimates, bidding services, construction management services, and all related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, which amount shall be expended in addition to the $650,000 previously appropriated for this purpose by the Town under Article 22 of the Warrant at the April 23, 2007 Annual Town Meeting, 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. ARTICLE 11- On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member for the Board of Selectmen, it was voted, pursuant to Mass. General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 12, to authorize the Town Manager to enter into a contract, including all extensions, renewals and options, for a Substance Abuse Prevention Program Evaluator, for a period greater than three years but not exceeding five years upon such terms and conditions determined by the Town Manager. On motion by Stephen Goldy, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m. 133 Town Meeting Members were present. son A true copy. Attest: hery/lerk To wn 4 Special Town Meeting June 30, 2008