HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-08 Annual Town Meeting MinutesCOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, 1, on March 6, 2003 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 Killarn 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 Alice M. Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Charles Mobil on the Run, 1330 Main Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 8, 2003, 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 12, 2003.
A true copy. Attest:
Cheryl hnsonf own Clerk
17
Da i �Halloran, Jr., onstab le� JVM
TOWN WARRANT
(Seal)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
K8kkikeSex.sa.
TV any of the Constables of the Town VfReading, :
|O the name 0fthe Commonwealth Vf Massachusetts, you are hereby required to
notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and
Town affai[S, to meet in the h]UOVVOg p|oC8 designated for the eight precincts in said
Town, namely:
Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road
TUESDAY, the EIGHTH DAY {}F APRIL A.D,2003
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz:
ARTICLE I To elect by ballot the hdkomino Town Officers:
A Moderator for one year;
One member Cf the Board of Selectmen for three years;
One member of the Board of Assessors for three years;
Two members Cf 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-six Town Meeting K8orDb9[s shall be elected to represent
each of the following precincts:
Precinct 1 Eight members for three years;
Precinct Eight members for three years;
Precinct Eight members for three years;
Precinct Eight members for three yearn;
Precinct Eight members for three years; One member
for two years '
Precinct Eight members for three years;
Precinct 7 Eight members for three years;
Precinct O Eight members for three years; One nlanlbgr
For two years
Question I Shall the Town of Reading ba allowed to assess aD additional $4.5O0.O0O
in real estate taxes and pe[SOD8| property taxes for the purpose of maintaining as O8a[
as possible current levels of service for Reading Public School Department, Police
Department including Crossing Guards, Fine Department including Advanced Life
Support, Public Safety Diopatoh, Community Services Department including the 800io|
Worker and Mosquito Control, Finance and Accounting Departments, Reading Public
Library, Department of Public Works and Road Improvements for the Fioom| Year
beginning July 1.2003?
0j,
and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road, in said
Reading on
MONDAY, the TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2003
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 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 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 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 4 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal
Year 2003 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 5 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 6 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2003 - FY 2012
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 7 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to M.G.L. c. 43B Section
10(a) to approve an amendment to the Reading Home Rule Charter by adding the
following language to Section 3-5:
"The Municipal Light Board shall hire the General Manager of the Reading
Municipal Light Department and set his compensation; the General Manager shall serve
3
\ at the p(G@3u0 of the Board and may be removed by vote of a majority of the entire
Board after notice and hearing.
\ (
The Municipal Light Board shall appoint the Accounting W18DaQer or Chief
Accountant of the Reading Municipal Light Department; and appoint counsel to the
Reading Municipal Light Department.
The Accounting Manager Or Chief Accountant as the case may be' and Counsel
shall b8 subject to the supervision Of the General Manager.
The Municipal Light Board shall approve warrants for payments of all bills and
payroll of the Municipal Light Department; and approve all contracts made in accordance
with YW.G.LC.3OB. except contracts for purchasing Ofpower.
The Municipal Light Board Sh@U employ the Auditor appointed by the TnxvD Of
Reading Audit Committee.
The Municipal Light Board shall annually set electric rates and approve an
8OnVa| Vpgr@UDg budget and Capital |mnpPOVeDlen1s Program each fiscal year. Such
approval will be done by a majority vote of the Municipal Light Board. After the
Municipal Light Board has approved an annual operating budget and Capital
Improvements Pnognurn' it will present them to the Reading Finance Committee and
Reading Town Meeting. Upon request of any ofthe other towns served bythe Reading
Municipal Light Department, the Municipal Light Board shall nnmhe o presentation tothe
Finance Committee and/or Town Meeting Of any such town (o).^
or take any other action with respect thereto.
' Board of Se|8CtRleD
— ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes
taken under Article 12 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 22, 2002, as
amended by Article 5 of the Subsequent ~ of November 12, 2002, and as
amended by Article 7 of the January 13, 2003 Special Town Meeting relating to the
Fiscal Year 2008 municipal budget, and to see vvhoi sum the Town will raise by
borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate as the result of
any such urneDd8d votes for the operation of the Town and its QoVe[OOOent. or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 9 TO see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2004 — FY 2013
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 10 To see what Sum the Town will raise by borrowiOg, whether in
anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section U'
Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax
|evV, or tF8DSf8r from available funds, Or Othenwise, for highway projects in accordance
with Chapter 90, yWaoaoohUsettS General LavVe, or take any other action with respect
Board ofSelectmen
ARTICLE 11 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 Louanis Water Treatment Plant and related facilities by
construction of a new facility or renovation of the existing facility, 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
water system 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 12 To see what sum the Town will vote to establish revolving funds
under Chapter 44, Section 53E'/2 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;
♦ Using the receipts'generated from the rental of parking spaces and/or parking
fines to enforce parking regulations;
+ Administering the consultant fee provision of Reading General Bylaws Section
5.7, Wetland Protection;
♦ Using all or part of the receipts generated from the issuance of Building, Plumbing
or Gas, and Wiring permits for the, Walkers Brook Crossing Development to pay
the costs of oversight and inspection of the development on that site; and
♦ Using the receipts generated through registration fees and other revenues for
Recreation programs to pay the costs of the Recreation program and related
expenses.
and to pay for related expenditures, and to determine the total amount of expenditures
during Fiscal Year 2004 which may be made from each such fund, or to 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 raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or
otherwise, and appropriate for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal
Year 2004 beginning July 1, 2003, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen,
with the approval of the School Committee and the approval of the Commissioner of
Education, to rent or lease certain surplus space in the Reading Memorial High School
to one or more public or private profit-making businesses or non-profit organizations;
provided, however, that joint occupancy of the High School building will not interfere with
educational programs being conducted in said building and provided that the terms of
any such rental or lease shall be approved by the School Committee, or take any other
action with respect thereto.
School Committee
I;."
ARTICLE 15 T0 see if the Town will accept the provisions of Chapter 71,
Section 71F of the Massachusetts General Laws related to "Nonresident or foster care
\ )
students; deposit Of tuition poyrn8OtS and State Foi[nbU[oenlHDtS; expenditures and
appropr|aUODe.^or take any other action with respect thereto.
School Committee
ARTICLE 16 To G8G if the Town will accept the provisions of Chapter 40
Section 3. Paragraph 3of the Massachusetts General Laws related to "Towns; power to
hold, lease and convey property," or take any other action with respect thereto.
School Committee
ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town of Reading will vote to reaffirm previous Town
Meeting votes that: accepted the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as
public ways the following described private ways under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment Ofbetterments, such VVaVS being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen; and authorized the Board of Selectmen to take
such ways under the provision of |avv authorizing the assessment of betterments, in fee
or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the pn]ViGiOOs of Chapter 79 of
the General Laxva. as Gnn9nded, or acquire said lands in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to @GSeG8 betterments therefor. Such ways
being filed iO the Office Of the Town Clerk in-accordance with the statutory requirements.
And to see what SUnl the TVVVO will [8iSG by bO[nJVViOg' or from the tax levy, Or tnBDSf8[
from available funda, or otherwise, and appropriate for the acquisition of said lands or
easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages and for the
construction of said xvaya, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Proposed Public Way
ProRosed Public Way
Anson Lane
Lindsay Lane
Ashley Place
Fairchild Drive southerly
approximately 950 feet to
the 1997 acceptance
Milepost Road
Chapel Hill Drive
Old Farm Road
Davis Lane
Partridge Road
Duck Road
Pond Meadow Drive
Emerald Drive
Rice Road
Estate Lane
Riverside Drive
Fairchild Drive
Sanborn Lane
From 1989 acceptance
westerly approximately
670 feet to Lilah Lane
Fairview Avenue
From Sunnyside Avenue
to Riverside Drive
Sanborn Lane
From Roma Lane to
cul-de-sac
Gateway Circle
Stone Well Road
Haystack Road
Symonds Way
Jessica Circle
Terrace Park
Kurchian Lane
Thomas Drive
Lilah Lane
Verde Circle
Board ofSelectmen
n.
ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen of
the Town of Reading to convey and /or abandon certain rights in fee and /or easements in
Reading, Middlesex County, MA in the portion of the cul -de -sac in the public way known
as Linnea Lane which portion to be abandoned is shown on a highlighted portion of the
plan entitled "Street Acceptance Plan, Linnea Lane" originally dated February 1960; and
to determine the minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance and /or abandonment;
and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey and /or abandon all or any part of
said rights in fee and /or easements for such amount or a larger amount, and upon such
terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen shall consider proper, and to deliver a
deed or deeds therefore if necessary, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 7 -9 of the Town of
Reading Home Rule Charter by inserting in the second sentence after "The approval of
any such Warrant by the Town Manager" the words "and subsequently by the Board of
Selectmen" so that the entire text of Section 7 -9 shall read as follows:
Section 7 -9: Approval of Financial Warrants
Warrants for the payment of Town funds prepared by the Accountant
in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws shall be submitted to
the Town Manager. The approval of any such Warrant by the Town Manager
and subsequently by the Board of Selectmen, shall be sufficient authority to
authorize payment by the Town Treasurer but the Board of Selectmen shall
approve all Warrants in the event of a vacancy in the office of Town Manager.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Petition
ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Reading
Bylaws, Article 2, Section 2.2 Conduct of Town Meetings Rule 3 by adding the words "or
Charter" after the word Bylaws so that the rule shall read in its entirety:
Rule 3 Prior to debate on each Article in a Warrant involving changes
in the Bylaws or Charter, the Bylaw Committee shall advise
the Town Meeting as to its recommendations and reasons
therefore.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Rules Committee
7
ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town of Reading Zoning
Map as follows:
Designate and include the following property in the PRD-R Zoning District:
Assessor's Map 58, Lot 5
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote 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:
James E. Barry
Francis J. Burgholzer, Jr.
Kevin M. Douglas
Board of Selectmen
1.1
and you are directed toserve this Warrant bv posting an attested copy thereof iDatleast
one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to
April O,2003. the date set for the Election iD said Warrant, and b] publish this Warrant iD
a newspaper published in the Tovvn, or by mailing an attested copy ofsaid Warrant to
each Town Meeting Member 8t least fourteen (14) days prior 1O the time Of holding said
meeting.
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 4th day of March, 2003.
v
Daniel W. Halloran, Jr., OonstabT6—
Camille W. Anthony, Chairman
X�
Matthew Cummings, Vice Chairman
Q 7, � q. -&W/
64 �
Richard VKSchubert,
Areorge V. Hines
�
Gail FWood
SELECTMEN [)FREADING
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
Apri18, 2003
Pursuant to the Warrant and the Constable's Return thereon, a General 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 Laurene Gadbois, 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:
7621 ballots (48 %) of registered voters cast as follows:
Moderator for one year - Vote for One
fund
r 1
Pr 2
P 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr ¢
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Alan E. Foulds*
775
497
466
759
575
696
722
659
5149
Other
3
4
2
2
3
3
4
5
26
Blanks
341
262
216
3341
259
325
353
356
2446
Total
1119
763
684
1095
837
1024
1079
1020
7621
*Elected
7621
*Elected
684
1095
837
1024
1079
1020
7621
Board of Selectmen
for three years - Vote
for One
cqud.=
P1
Pr 2
Pr3
I P4
'r 5
Pr 6
Pr7
Pr8
T�ta_l
Camille W. Anthony*
752
472
457
751
564
663
686
633
4978
Other
1
5
3
6
11
5
8
6
45
Blanks
366
286
224
338
262
356
3851
381
2598
Total
11191
763
684
10951
837
1024
1079
1020
7621
*Elected
684
1095
837
1024
1079
1020
7621
*Elected
Board of Assessors for three years - Vote for One
Cqnclidate
Er 1_
Pr 2
'fir .,
Pr 4
Pr
Pry
P 7
Pr 8
Total
Thomas J. Ryan*
673
458
452
672
512
633
628
577
4605
Jody Avtges
4
7
2
1
3
4
2
12
Other
4
21
1
8
11
6
21
4
4617
Blanks
438
2961
231
413
323
382
445
437
2965
Total
1119
684
1095
837
1024
1079
1020
7621
*Elected
I
Board of
Library Trustees for three years - Vote for Two
Pr 1
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Susan Hopkins Axelson*
615
397
331
483
386
453
490
434
3589
John E.Brzezenski
238
174
169
286
196
276
285
290
1914
Karyn A. Storti*
454
347
367
5461
418
4811
497
4081
3518
Other
4
3
0
3
4
3
2
1
20
Blanks
927
605
501
872
670
835
884
907
6201
Total
2238
1526
1368
2190
1674
2048
2158
2040
15242
I*Elected
I
i
I -
I
I
I
I
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
Andrew K. Herlihy*
584
391
358
539
414
507
533
472
3798
Daniel A. Ensminger*
613
405
385
652
478
603
648
563
4347
Other
1
31
2
71
1
3
01
2
19
Blanks
1040
727
623
992
781
935
977
1003
7078
Total
2238
1526
1368
2190
1674
2048
2158
2040
15242
*Elected
Blanks
482
358
318
432
378
427
412
455
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
Janice V. Berner
275
186
190
260
212
211
258
245
1837
John E. Carpenter*
523
327
267
538
349
461
601
451
3517
Linda M. Phillips
3381
255
247
289
276
369
273
310
2357
Robert L. Spadafora, Jr.*
620
397
345
665
457
578
613
577
4252
Other
0
3
1
6
2
2
1
2
17
Blanks
482
358
318
432
378
427
412
455
3262
Total
2238
1526
1368
2190
1674
2048
2158
2040
15242
*Elected
Town Meeting
Members for three years - Vote for not more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr3
Pr4
Pr 5
Pr6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
William R. Grace*
579
383
579
Mary Frances Grimmer*
611
374
611
Marc Guyott*
5211
1
1
364
521
S. Paul Pedi*
494
346
494
Thomas J. Ryan*
503
331
503
Nancy H. Stager*
551
376
551
Thomas H. Clark*
5521
1
1
1
355
552
David F. Lee, Jr.*
537
378
537
John F. Russo
452
19
452
Other
6
3178
6
Blanks
4146
6104
4146
iTota
8952
I
I
8952
I*Elected
I
Town Meeting Members for three years - Vote for not more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr3
Pr4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Christopher P. Flanagan*
383
383
Christine Ford*
374
374
Carolyn L. Johnson*
3641
1
1
364
Lizabeth Ann Malinski*
346
346
Rita C. Robertson*
331
331
Peter F. HodRes*
376
376
John T. Hugo*
3551
1
1
355
Sean Patrick Whalen*
378
378
Other
19
19
Blanks
3178
3178
Total
61041
6104
1*Elected
I
I
I
I
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
Joseph M. D'Alessio*
381
451
381
Albert Garbarino*
387
419
387
Francis P. Driscoll*
407
4391
407
Richard W. Fischer*
10
496
10
Robert M. Murphy, Jr.*
10
439
10
Thomas Francis Procopio*
10
403
10
Paul J. Murphy*
9
3791
9
Anthony M. Warren*
9
451
9
Other
13
487
13
Blanks
4236
582
4236
Total
5472
12
5472
*Elected
4202
4202
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
Jonathan E. Barnes*
451
451
Martin J. Benison*
419
419
Lynne H. Cameron*
4391
439
Randy Scott Gearhart*
496
496
Glen M. Hartzler*
439
439
Dirk U. Petersen
403
403
Everett J. Roscoe, Jr.
3791
379
Audrey Doyle*
451
451
Matthew L. Wilson*
487
487
Mary Ann Wright*
582
582
Other
12
12
Blanks
4202
4202
Total
8760
8760
*Elected
Town Meeting
Members for three years - Vote for not
more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5 1
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
Kevin M. Fulgoni*
308
4081
308
408
Bo S. Garrison*
270
386
270
386
John J. Greichen, Jr.*
5
407
5
407
Eleanor K. Higgott*
254
399
254
399
Timothy J. Houston*
837
397
837
397
Lawrence E. Mabius*
402
402
Charles Robert Robinson*
448
448
Patrick M. Fennelly*
9
9
Other
22
22
Blanks
3818
3818
Total
6696
6696
*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
James B. McGrath*
308
308
Jared Lamb
270
270
Other
5
5
Blanks
254
254
Total
837
837
*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
James E. Bonazoli*
494
458
494
James B. Francis*
522
488
522
Robert R. Lynch*
499
4921
499
Alexander D. McRae*
453
512
453
Linda M. Phillips*
398
486
398
Barry C. Berman*
422
424
422
Jacquelyn A. Mandell
315
3821
315
Robert L. Mandell
300
401
300
James P. Mulvey*
426
538
426
Mary M. Parr*
4361
9
1 436
Ricardo Steve Penafiel
357
44421
357
Gary D. Phillips
381
8632
3811
Other
5
I
5
Blanks
30841
1
3084
iTota
80921
1
8192
I*Elected
I - -
I
Town Meeting Members for three years - Vote for not more
than Eight
Candidate
Pr I
Pr 2
Pr 3
Pr 4
Pr 5
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr 8
!at-al
Martin J. Foodman*
458
458
Jennifer K. Lachmayr*
488
488
Jeffrey W. Struble*
4921
492
Denise D. Wyer*
512
512
Brook W. Chipman*
486
486
Douglas R. Cowell*
424
424
Charles V. Donnelly-Moran
3821
382
Marc Robert Dumas*
401
401
Maria E. Silvaggi*
538
538
Other
9
9
Blanks
44421
4442
iTota
8632
8632
I*Elected
I
Town Meeting Members for three years - Vote for not
more than
Eight I
Candidate
Pr I
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr 7
Pr 8
Total
John E. Brzezenski*
Stephanie Marie Rotstein*
693
465
545
654
587
4249
405
405
Tina P. Brzezenski*
Other
369
356
451
401
411
3190
391
391
Brian E. Grottkau*
Blanks
33
16,
28
24,
22
182
3881
3881
Karen Gately Herrick*
Total
1095
8371
10241
10791
1020
76211
399
399
Kevin M. Nestor*
*Elected
409
409
Monette Dugas Verrier
337
337
Thomas J. Walsh, 111
333
333
Dale Marie Merrill*
346
340;
Karen M.Sawyer
346
346
Angela R. Spadafora*
483
483 '
Robert L. Spadafora, Jr.*
518
518
Other
6
6
Blanks
3799
3799
Total
8160
8160
J*Elected
Town Meeting Member for two
years - Vote for not
more than
One
Candidate
Pr I
Pr I
Pr
Pr
Pr
Pr 6
Pr 7
Pr
Total
Stephanie Marie Rotstein*
693
465
545
654
587
4249
No
525
525
Other
369
356
451
401
411
3190
Blanks
3
3
Blanks
33
16,
28
24,
22
182
ITotal
492
492
Total
1095
8371
10241
10791
1020
76211
1020
1020
*Elected
1 -1
Question 1
Shall the Town of Reading be allowed to assess an additional $4,500,000 in real estate taxes and
personal property taxes for the purpose of maintaining as near as possible current levels of service for
Reading Public School Department, Police Department including Crossing Guards, Fire Department
including Advanced Life Support, Public Safety Dispatch, Community Services Department including
the Social Worker and Mosquito Control, Finance and Accounting Departments, Reading Public Library,
Department of Public Works and Road Improvements for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2003?
Question I I
Pr 1
Pr 2
Pr
Pr
Pr 5
Pr
Pr
Pr
Total
Yes
638
367
300
693
465
545
654
587
4249
No
461
377
364
369
356
451
401
411
3190
Blanks
1 201
191
20
33
16,
28
24,
22
182
ITotal
1 11 191
7631
684
1095
8371
10241
10791
1020
76211
A tst
copy.
ad-L�
Ca
heryl Johnson
� i,
Reading Memorial High School April 28, 2003
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:45 p.m., there being a
quorum present.
The Invocation was given by The Reverend Edward T. Malone of St. Agnes Catholic Church,
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. There was a moment of silence for the Ed
Palmer, former member of Town Meeting, School Committee and 3501h Committee.
All Town Meeting members were sworn in.
The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on motion by
George V. Hines, 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.
ARTICLE 2 — Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, gave the following
State of the Town 2002 Report:
The rhythm of events in our community is much like the rhythm of happenings in our personal
and family lives. We can be assured that the usual activities will be part of our daily routine, but
we can never anticipate the immensity of other challenges that are awaiting us.
As we should expect, events did arise that required immediate action by our citizens and the
elected officials if Reading was to retain the fabric of the community, as we today know it. Two
very significant realities, Mass highway's proposed reconfiguration of the 128/93 interchange
and the failure of our available financial resources to support the 2004 level service budget,
would have very detrimental effects upon our neighborhoods and our Town departments.
In each of these instances the residents of Reading successfully organized and supported the
actions necessary to address these challenges. The immediate results of these efforts have been
that MA highway shelved the proposed interchange design and has embarked upon a new design
process that includes the three communities of Reading, Stoneham and Woburn. The passage of
the $4.5 million override this month has ensured that the services Reading residents enjoy will
continue to be delivered by the Town and School departments. In each of these instances,
leadership by its citizenry has helped preserve the foundation of this community.
Will we be complacent and assume that our work is done? The reality is that the 128/93 design
project remains a potential threat to the abutting homeowners and the community as a whole.
The adequacy of our financial resources to meet our departments' needs will always be of
concern and will require creative ways to fund and provide services due to the constraints of
proposition 2 %z.
Reading's neighborhoods have also been challenged by the proposed state - mandated 40B
applications that have been submitted by developers. Communities across the state are faced
with these projects that could dramatically alter a neighborhood. In the past three years seven
40B projects have been proposed for development on sites in our community. Affordable
housing is one of this community's goals and the challenge is to ensure that these developments
are providing affordable units as well as preserving the residential character and streetscape of
the neighborhood.
The Zoning Board of Appeal recently approved the Archstone proposal for Spence Farm that
will add 204 units to our affordable housing inventory. Reading will now be able to place a
moratorium on the acceptance of any new 40B proposals for the next two years as we have
reached the yearly quota of new affordable housing as established by the state. Within the next
two years, it is our responsibility to develop an appropriate, comprehensive plan for meeting our
10% state goal of affordable units. The fact remains that if the community does not do the
planning, then we will be at the mercy of the developers.
The Board of Selectmen has been given many challenges in the past year that have covered a
broad range of issues. It has been a difficult year financially. Not only did we have our bond
rating lowered by Moody's, the new Governor suspended the payment of $371,000 in Reading
state aid which was to support our current 2003 revenue stream. Our already precarious fiscal
stability was further compromised as the Financial Forum dealt with how to reduce the 2003
budget to accommodate these reductions. We also knew that state aid for the 2004 budget was
going to be more severely impacted by increased state cuts. Today we still are unsure of our
state funding and are hopeful that the 12.4%-reduction in state aid that we anticipated while
preparing the 2004 budget will be sufficient.
The Board of Selectmen has spent many hours including moments of controversy trying to
convey the need for the adoption of the RMLD ad hoc recommendations to the RMLB as well as
to the other service communities Boards of Selectmen and Citizen Advisory Board members.
The adoption of the ad hoc recommendations is the catalyst for a new vision that ensures that the
citizens of Reading and the ratepayers from the other three service communities are well served.
Of great importance to the well being of our community is the fact that the Board of Selectmen
did not "dream the impossible dream" of selling the former landfill although it often appeared as
such. The Town was responsible for the immediate closure of the landfill at a cost of
$4,000,000. On March 11, 2003, we were free of this liability as the sale was finalized. The
transformation of the landfill into a retail site began immediately as evidenced by the ongoing
activity. Dickinson Development is under contract to provide Home Depot with its completed
building on July 1, 2004, with Chili's restaurant, Jordan's Furniture and the retail component to
follow. The Board has thanked many times Mark Dickinson for his perseverance in staying with
this very complicated process and seeing it through to fruition. The sale price of $3,000,000 will
be available as stages of the closure are accomplished and will provide funding for much - needed
capital projects over the next ten years.
Two issues regarding town -owned land, which are certain to create legitimate controversy, have
been brought before the Selectmen. These include the citing of a skateboard park and the request
by the Meadowbrook Golf Club to execute a land swap involving Town Forest, which would
enable the club to expand to 18 holes. This past Saturday members of the Board did a site visit
—. to many of the areas which the recreation department has designated as potential skate park
- 2 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
locations and a hearing for public input will be held this Spring. The request for a land swap is
in the very early stages and will require the development of an evaluation process as to its merits
for the community. It should be noted that this land swap would require the approval of town
meeting.
Many initiatives were begun by town departments during this past year that will be continuing.
These include the Master Plan visioning process, the application to the MWRA as a secondary
source of water, the funding for the Downtown Streetscape which is on the MA highway
approved list, and the modernization of the water treatment plant.
The community will also hear of the need for zoning changes for South Main Street's
commercial areas in order to foster economic development. Many of these projects will require
citizen participation, and as experience has shown, it will be forthcoming.
When reflecting upon the happenings during the past year whether the mundane or those steeped
in controversy and concern, we can take comfort in the realization that Reading is a community
whose residents and employees care and will respond to its needs. We are thankful for those
who quickly organized the "Support the Troops" gathering on the Common, the Garden Club for
continuing the very successful Adopt an Island Program and the small cadre of volunteers who
have conceived and spearheaded the High School Technology Fund. It is because of the
dedication of Reading's citizens, employees, and elected officials that make Reading a desirable
place to call home.
ARTICLE 2 — Catherine Martin, Chairman and Andrew Grimes of the Finance Committee,
gave the following State of the Town's Finances Report:
These past few months have been tumultuous. The landfill deal was finally closed which
relieves the town of the financial responsibility for closure and also provides cash and future tax
revenues. A debt exclusion for the renovation of the high school was approved though recent
actions by the Dept. of Education may result in a delay for this project. A debt exclusion for the
shortfall for the construction of the fifth elementary school was also approved allowing that
project to proceed.
This winter, the governor was granted the power by the legislature to reduce local aid to cities
and towns by $371K with the reduction of another $70K for residential SpEd assistance, all of
which affected the 2003 budget. Eventually a plan was developed to close this budgetary gap.
This will be presented in article 8 of the warrant.
During all of this, the municipal and school departments were crafting the 2004 budget that
makes up article 13. This budget was prepared based on the again reduced state aid budget from
the governor. Once the governor's budget had been analyzed, the final figures revealed a
shortage that would have drastically altered the services provided to the citizens of Reading.
Again, the town boards met and finally determined a course of action that culminated with
Selectmen placing an $4.5M operating override question on the annual town ballot earlier this
month.
- 3 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
This warrant includes a budget that was balanced without the use of free cash. At present, free
cash is just under $1M. Ideally it should be at least $1.4M, (2.5 %) if not $2.8M. The budget
includes $405K for roads repairs and other capital items. While the budget expands our fire
department to include paramedic services, it only provides the same level of service for the other
departments as last year, and does not restore the cuts made the prior two years.
It is hoped that the governor's budget represents the lowest amount that Reading will receive in
state aide next year. This belief is bolstered by the fact that the House version would give the
town an additional $630K.
Due to time constraints, preliminary figures for '05 have not yet been prepared. Within the next
two months, we will be reviewing updated revenue and expense projections for '05 and
(hopefully) final state budget numbers for '04.
Andrew Grimes has analyzed the town's demographics and spending levels and compared them
to those of the surrounding communities.
As the scope of the state's budget crisis and its effect on the town's finances became clear last
fall I decided to do some research regarding how Reading's finances compare to those in
neighboring and other similar communities. I am going to present some of the more interesting
points because this is data that town meeting should be aware of as it makes decisions which will
affect the town's future finances.
Comparison to Other Towns
I broke the related town comparisons into three areas — spending, revenue source and
demographics.
Spending
The Massachusetts Department of Revenue collects data regarding spending in a number of
categories. Here is how Reading's spending compared to 25 similar communities that reported
detailed data:
General Gov't
23`d
Fire
22 "d
Police
20`h
Human Services
19`h
Culture /recreation
23`d
Debt service
18`x'
Schools (per pupil)
21"
Overall
22nd
I looked at the data in a number of ways over a number of years. The conclusion was always the
same. Compared to other similar towns, Reading is a very frugal community.
- 4 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
Revenue Source
That was the good news. Unfortunately there are forces which work against us on the revenue
side of the town's budget equation. One is our lack of commercial tax base.
Compared to other towns, we are heavily dependent on our residents rather than businesses for
our taxes.
Town
Residential
Commercial
Reading
93.3%
6.7%
Wakefield
67.8%
31.2%
Stoneham
82.8%
17.2%
Wilmington
52.0%
48.0%
North Reading
85.4%
14.6%
Woburn
.43.2%
56.8%
Lexington
74.9%
25.1%
Bedford
56.1%
43.9%
Winchester
94.9%
5.1%
Andover
68.6%
31.4%
Burlington
35.3%
64.7%
We also rely more heavily than other towns on the state for funding. With 21% of our total
revenues coming from state aid, Reading ranked third among the 25 comparable towns in
reliance on state aid. As we have seen this year, the state is not a dependable source of revenue,
particularly at the most critical times.
Demographics
Our demographics also make our financial situation more challenging. If it ever seems to you
that there are an awful lot of children in Reading, you are right. The following chart shows that
Reading has one of the highest ratios of students per total population among neighboring towns.
Population
Average #
Ratio of Residents
Town
(2000 Census)
of Students
per Student
Woburn
37,258
4,824
7.7
Dedham
23,464
3,084
7.6
Melrose
27,134
3,569
7.6
Norwood
28,587
3,906
7.3
Stoneham
22,219
3,124
7.1
Wakefield
24,804
3,581
6.9
Marblehead
20,377
2,971
6.9
Wellesley
26,613
.3,948
6.7
Belmont
24,194
3,642
6.6
North Andover
27,202
4,352
6.3
Winchester
20,810
3,367
6.2
Burlington
22,876
3,826
6.0
-5 -
Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
Reading 23,708 4,273 5.5
North Reading 13,837 2,507 5.5
Wilmington 21,363 4,018 5.3
The high percentage of children in town may be a positive testament to our excellent schools, but
it has a negative impact on our towns finances. The following chart shows how our reliance on
residential taxes and our demographic situation combine to put pressure on our property taxes.
Per Pupil Percent Paid Amount Remainder Number of Average
- My conclusion from the data I have gathered is that while Reading spends its money very
carefully, it has to be careful because it faces a number of pressures on the revenue side of its
budget.
ARTICLE 2 - Richard J. Ogden, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees, gave the
Following State of the Reading Public Library Report:
The staff and trustees of the Reading Public Library wish to thank Reading's citizens for their
continual strong support both from a financial and more importantly from, a usage standpoint.
The following statistics manifest how truly important the library is to Reading residents:
♦ Reading is the busiest library in the North of Boston Library Exchange in terms of per capita
circulation and hourly circulation (13.5 items per capita and more than 100 items per hour).
♦ Patrons asked more than 51,000 questions, an 11% increase over the prior year.
Nearly 17,000 people enjoyed events that ranged from story hours to kitchen remodeling to
bone density screening.
♦ More than 330,000 items circulated the past fiscal year and we're on track to exceed that
number this year.
♦ The number of people holding Reading library cards increased 5.6% to 19,794.
One of the many annual highlights at the library is the summer reading program. Last summer's
program "Making Tracks for Reading" with a train/transportation theme, had 1,196 children
register, an increase of 7 %. But even better was the extent of participation. An amazing 17,326
- 6 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
Spending
by
Paid by
to be
Residents
tax bill per
(statewide
Commercial
Commercial
funded by
per
resident
average)
Taxes
Taxes
Residential
Student
Taxes
Woburn
7,874
57%
4,472
3,402
7.7
442
Stoneham
7,874
17%
1,354
6,520
7.1
918
Wakefield
7,874
31%
2,457
5,417
6.9
785
Winchester
7,874
5%
402
7,472
6.2
1,205
Burlington
7,874
65%
5,094
2,780
6
463
Reading
7,874
7%
528
7,346
5.5
1,336
North Reading
7,874
15%
1,150
6,724
5.5
1,223
Wilmington
7,874
48%
3,780
4,094
5.3
773
- My conclusion from the data I have gathered is that while Reading spends its money very
carefully, it has to be careful because it faces a number of pressures on the revenue side of its
budget.
ARTICLE 2 - Richard J. Ogden, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees, gave the
Following State of the Reading Public Library Report:
The staff and trustees of the Reading Public Library wish to thank Reading's citizens for their
continual strong support both from a financial and more importantly from, a usage standpoint.
The following statistics manifest how truly important the library is to Reading residents:
♦ Reading is the busiest library in the North of Boston Library Exchange in terms of per capita
circulation and hourly circulation (13.5 items per capita and more than 100 items per hour).
♦ Patrons asked more than 51,000 questions, an 11% increase over the prior year.
Nearly 17,000 people enjoyed events that ranged from story hours to kitchen remodeling to
bone density screening.
♦ More than 330,000 items circulated the past fiscal year and we're on track to exceed that
number this year.
♦ The number of people holding Reading library cards increased 5.6% to 19,794.
One of the many annual highlights at the library is the summer reading program. Last summer's
program "Making Tracks for Reading" with a train/transportation theme, had 1,196 children
register, an increase of 7 %. But even better was the extent of participation. An amazing 17,326
- 6 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
hours were read and reported —an increase of 41% over last year. (The Children's Room staff is
already preparing for this summer's program which will have the rainforest as the theme.)
In August, the Library sponsored a Vehicle Day, which featured compliments of the Friends, a
real trolley car, which ferried families down to the Depot and back. Nearly 300 people came out
in the rain to visit a collection of large working vehicles old and new from the Town, as well as
from area construction companies.
Students entering Grade 6 and up were offered the opportunity to have fun at the Library by
joining the Starbound Summer Reading Club. 198 students read 875 books and answered trivia
questions all summer to earn cosmic credits. The Starry, Starry Night Auction and Ice Cream
Celebration was an extremely fun and successful event. The Friends funded the program and
many local businesses donated prizes.
Additionally, the Williams Family donated the proceeds from the 2nd Annual Movie Day at their
Gloucester movie theater to the Library's teen program. Approximately 150 attended the opening
day for the new Harry Potter movie.
As part of our "Smart Start" Early Childhood Literacy Program and with the help of the Friends,
the Library held two Infant - Toddler Sing -a -longs per month (with over 100 people attending
each). This Grant also funds several popular lap -sit programs of stories, songs and rhymes for
children 2 and under.
School and public library cooperation and coordination continue to grow. This was reflected
during the year through the 6` Grade Cookie Tours, use of required reading lists, author visits,
loaner collections to R.M.H.S., meetings with school media specialists, links to school sites,
teacher deposit collections, and spring book talks.
Our web page has a new design due to the benevolence of the Friends. Same address, new look.
Citizens can access all of their favorite links and services in a new, easy to view and use format.
Patrons can have pin access to their library accounts and remote and in -house access to
databases.
The 2nd Annual Library Open House was held on March 22, featuring four major programs and
other activities. The Friends generously underwrote the cost of the day. More than 1,200 people
visited the Library and borrowed more than 1,800 items.
The Reading Public Library is the first library in the State to perform both the popular
Reference -On -Call and 24/7 Reference programs at the same time. Unfortunately, both will end
June 30 due to statewide budget cuts.
Throughout this report, mention has been made of the Friends of the Reading Public Library who
provide continued remarkable support for the Library.
We are also blessed to have wonderful support from the Reading Public Library Foundation for
their generosity in supplementing, not supplanting, the Library's finances. This past year, that
- 7 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
generosity enabled us to renovate our media room where the collection continues to increase
rapidly. We are most appreciative to both of these organizations.
In closing, on March 11 this year, two trustees, library lovers and long -time Town volunteers left
Town service: Maria Silvaggi and Gene Nigro. Seldom has this Town in one night lost as much
talent, experience and years of service. We thank them very much and will miss their valuable
contributions.
ARTICLE 2 — On motion by Russell T. Graham, Chairman, it was moved to accept the
following final report of the School Building Committee:
In December of 1988, Town Meeting voted to establish a Special Committee of Town meeting to
be known as the School Building Committee. The purpose of the Committee was broad in scope
- - that being to look into the space problems of the Reading School Buildings and to report back
to Town Meeting on recommendations to solve those problems.
The maker of that motion nor those of us who voted for it could ever have anticipated the lengthy
life of the Committee, the scope of the problems, the complexities of the solutions, and certainly
have never predicted the extraordinary positive response to solving those problems, not only on
the part of town meeting, but on part by the citizens of Reading.
This evening, Mr. Moderator, the School Building Committee is pleased to report that the space
-- problems of the Reading School system have been analyzed, recommendations have been made
ias to solutions, and those solutions have been accepted.
At the elementary level, renovations of and additions to the Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton
Schools have been completed. Additions to and renovation of the Barrows School and the
building of a new elementary school go forward. These being approved by Town Meeting and
by the voters of Reading three times. With the implementation of that approval, the space
problems at the elementary level will finally be solved.
At the middle school level, a new Parker Middle School and a totally renovated Coolidge Middle
School have answered not only the enrollment problem at that level but has brought those
schools to a level consistent with the middle school educational needs of the 21" century.
At the high school level, surely the most complex and unquestionably the most costly project to
be addressed, Town Meeting allocated and the voters supported a $450,000 schematic design
which would allow the School Building Committee to present to Town Meeting a proposal that
would answer the long term problems of the Reading Memorial High School.
The result of that extensive process was a recommendation made to Town Meeting on January
13`h of this year. Town Meeting heartily endorsed the plan presented, subject to a debt exclusion
vote of the people of Reading. On February 25, 2003, that debt exclusion vote took place and in
what can only be described as a stunning vote, the vote of Town Meeting was vigorously
affirmed. The answers to the space problems of the Reading Memorial High School have been
presented and have been approved.
- 8 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
At the State level, the current fiscal conditions have prompted the Commissioner of Education to
propose a moratorium on projects effective June 30, 2003. A preliminary list of approved
projects in line prior to June 30th did not include the Reading Memorial High School, despite its
having gone through the extensive process it had, up to and including voter endorsement.
Believing this to be a political, educational and economic mistake by the Department of
education, Reading has been in constant, almost eternal dialogue with the Commissioner, the
School Building Assistance Bureau, the Department of Education, the Executive Office of the
Governor, and has been working hand in hand with our local Legislators to make clear the
serious consequences of this mistake particularly as it applies to Reading.
In that regard, special thanks must be given to Representative Jones and Senator Tisei who have
been dogged in their determination to see this project, one so clearly supported by the people of
Reading is approved prior to June 30th. We remain confident that will, in fact, be the case.
We are even more sure that even the imposition of a short lived moratorium will not mean that
the high school project will not be approved. The Department of Education has already indicated
that we have an approvable project and it will ultimately be a reimbursable project.
When a Committee has, as this one has, been in existence for so long and has dealt with so many
projects it is difficult to thank all those who have contributed to the end results - - but let me try.
First tot he present and past members of the Committee itself, too numerous to list, who have
given untold hours of their lives to never ending meetings and who expertise in so many varied
areas served the purpose of the Committee so well.
To the School Committee members past and present who lent their input when needed, got out of
the way when needed, and strove always to work harmoniously with this Town Meeting
Committee, with but one aim - - to serve the needs of the students of Reading.
To the administration and staff of the School Department on whom we leaned so much
particularly the present Superintendent. As he leaves Reading, the School Building Committee
must note that his effort, labor and dedication was a significant reasons for the eventual positive
outcomes.
To the principals and teachers of the Reading School System, with whom we worked so closely.
Their professionalism define the excellence of our schools.
To the Town Manager, Director of Finance, Town Accountant and staff of Town Hall whose
support when needed was so respectfully and competently rendered.
To the Board of Selectmen and to the Finance Committee, when they thought their burden was
heavy, along came the School Building Committee to add significantly to the weight they did not
shirk from their duty of addressing that burden.
- 9 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
To the voters of Reading, five times the recommendations of the School Building Committee as
i approved by Town Meeting have been brought to the voters and the end result, in every case, has
been affirmation of the process and support of the actions of Town Meeting. Despite the
financial consequences, and in some cases sacrifice, support for and commitment to a quality
school system remains a Hallmark of Reading.
To those who labored so hard to remind us of what pride in community can mean, and spread the
message - - thank you.
Finally, of course to you the member of Town Meeting. The School Building Committee merely
advised — the decisions and the consequences are yours.
The overwhelming support you have given to the recommendations of the School Building
Committee have been a constant source of inspiration to the Committee. The actions we took,
and the recommendations we made were not always the easy ones. The criticism was sometimes
dramatic, certainly consistent, the rhetoric sometimes harsh.
It did not deter you from listening and debating and then deciding fulfilling your obligations as
the elected representatives of the people of Reading.
And now you can reflect that those decisions will positively influence the education of thousand
of Reading children for decades to come and in so doing enhance their happiness and enrich their
lives.
I know I speak for all of the members of the School Building Committee over the last fourteen
some years in expressing what a great privilege it has been to serve you in the noble endeavor.
Mr. Moderator, the School Building Committee believes that, as a result of actions of Town
Meeting, every Reading child from the day they enter kindergarten till the day they graduate
from the Reading Memorial High School will be educated in space sufficient to their number,
conducive to their environmental needs, appropriate to current educational standards and
compatible to the community.
We therefore, at long last, with some degree of pride, and with a tremendous respect and
admiration for this special place called Reading, respectfully submit this the final report of the
Reading School Building Committee.
ARTICLE 2 — Vinnie Cameron gave the following RMLD report on the budget:
2002 Performance
• The RMLD restructured a power supply contract in the spring, which saved the
ratepayers over $700,000.
• The RMLD put a Purchased Power Adjustment Charge in its rates in June to
- refund $3.5 million to the ratepayers.
- 10- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
• The RMLD gave back $3 million in November as a one-time refund.
• The RMLD's reliability index was 99.9957, which means that the average customer
outage is 22 minutes per year. This rating is among the highest in New England.
2003 Performance
The RMLD's Operating Budget for 2003 is $57,962,206, which is $156,414 lower than the
2002 pro forma expenses of $58,118,620.
Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
2003 Annual Expenses as a
Percentage of Total Expenses
2003 Performance (Continued)
• A Cost of Service Study was commissioned to reduce and de-seasonalize the
electric rates in mid 2003.
• The second phase of the Cost of Service Study will explore the feasibility of
developing rates to include a school rate, primary user rate and block rates
reflecting climate control usage.
• The RMLD's Customer Service Department brought the Residential
Conservation Service in house, which is saving $36,000 per year in Outside
Services Costs.
• The RMLD has $13.5 million in its Rate Stabilization Fund. A part of which is
being used to stabilize the fuel charge.
• The RMLD also uses the Rate Stabilization Fund as a reserve against unforeseen
events (early nuclear decommission, loss of large customers, sustained economic
down turn, etc.).
• The RMLD has approximately $4.2 million in bonds through the Town of
Reading, which will be paid off by 2007. The RMLD does not foresee the need
for additional bonding through 2007.
- 12 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
ARTICLE 2 — William C. Brown gave the following report of progress of the Veterans
Memorial Fund:
Tonight I am pleased to report that the Veterans Memorial Fund as of March 31, 2003 has
reached $77,214.57 of the goal of $90,000.00. The Fund would like to thank the Staff and
students of the Coolidge Middle School that as a civic project collected cans that will add an
additional $500 to $600 to the fund. The staff and students should fee proud that by their effort
together with other contributions will ensure that each and every Veteran buried in Reading will
have a plant each Memorial Day to honor their service to this country and our freedom.
On behalf of all Reading Veterans past and present — Thank you!
ARTICLE 2 — On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved to table the subject matter of Article 2.
ARTICLE 3 — On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved to instruct the Board of Selectmen to request the Governor to file Home Rule legislation
authorizing the Town of Reading to incur debt for the renovation and construction of the
Reading Memorial High School project for up to 30 years. Said debt was approved by the
Reading Town Meeting under Chapter 44, Section 7(3) and 7 3(A) and Chapter 70 B of the
General Laws on January 13, 2003, and excluded from the property tax levy limits of Chapter
59, Section 21 C in a Town wide election on February 25, 2003.
Counted Vote Requested
157 voted in the affirmative
1 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 3 — On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved that the subject matter of Article 3 be tabled.
ARTICLE 4 — On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted
that the subject matter of Article 4 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 5 — On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman 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 and pursuant to Chapter 30B of the General Laws, the
following items of Town tangible property:
• Two (2) Weil McLean Gas Fired Hot Water Furnaces
• Kohler Diesel - Powered Generator #20 Fast Response with Transfer Switch and Panel
• Two Police Cruisers
• DPW Dumptruck/Sander
ARTICLE 6 — On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted
that the subject matter of Article 6 be indefinitely postponed.
- 13- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
ARTICLE 7 — On motion by George V. Hines, member of the. Board of Selectmen, it was voted
pursuant to M.G.L. c. 43B Section 10(a) to approve an amendment to the Reading Home Rule
Charter by adding the following language to Section 3 -5:
"The Municipal Light Board shall hire the General Manager of the Reading Municipal Light
Department and set his compensation; the General Manager shall serve at the pleasure of the
Board and may be removed by vote of a majority of the entire Board after notice and hearing.
The Municipal Light Board shall appoint the Accounting Manager or Chief Accountant of the
Reading Municipal Light Department; and shall appoint counsel to the Reading Municipal Light
Department.
The Accounting Manager or Chief Accountant as the case may be, and Counsel shall be subject
to the supervision of the General Manager.
The Municipal Light Board shall approve warrants for payments of all bills and payroll of the
Municipal Light Department; and approve all contracts made in accordance with M.G.L. c.30B,
except contracts for purchasing of power.
The Municipal Light Board shall employ the Auditor appointed by the Town of Reading Audit
Committee.
The Municipal Light Board shall annually set electric rates and approve an annual operating
budget and Capital Improvements Program each fiscal year. Such approval will be done by a
majority vote of the Municipal Light Board. After the Municipal Light Board has approved an
annual operating budget and Capital Improvements Program, it will present them to the Reading
Finance Committee and Reading Town Meeting. Upon request of any of the other towns served
by the Reading Municipal Light Department, the Municipal Light Board shall make a
presentation to the Finance Committee and/or Town Meeting of any such town (s)."
On motion by William C. Brown, 'Precinct 8, it was moved to delete "and approve all contracts
made in accordance with M.G. L. c. 30B, except contracts for purchasing of power" from
paragraph 4.
Motion did not carry.
On motion by Glen Hartzler, Precinct 4, it was moved to amend by replacing the preamble words
by adding the following language to Section 3 -5: "The Municipal Light Board" with the words
by replacing the period at the end of the second paragraph of Section 3 -5 with a comma and
inserting thereafter the following language:
"and known as the Reading Municipal Light Department."
Text from original motion
"The Municipal Light Board"
-14- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
Then include P paragraph from Charter.
Motion did not carry:
On motion by Frederick Van Magness, Precinct 8, it was moved to amend fourth paragraph of
the original motion by deleting "and approve all contracts made in accordance with M.G.L.
c30B, except contracts for purchasing of power." And replace it with "and shall approve all
contracts and, further, all contracts shall be made in accordance with M.G.L. c.30B. Contracts
for purchasing of power shall not be subject to M.G.L. c.30B but shall be approved by the
Municipal Light Board."
Motion to amend carries.
2/3 voted required
126 voted in the affirmative
6 voted in the negative
Presentation by Vinnie Cameron, General Manager, RMLD:
Restatements of Massachusetts Law (Chapter 164)
• The RMLD Board shall hire the General Manager.
• The RMLD Board shall set the General Manager's compensation.
® The General Manager shall serve under the direction of the RMLD Board.
® The RMLD Board may remove the General Manager by a majority vote of the entire
Board after notice and hearing.
• The RMLD Board shall approve warrants for payment of bills and payroll.
• The RMLD Board shall annually set electric rates.
• The RMLD Board shall approve an annual operating budget by a majority vote of the
Board.
Conflicts with Massachusetts General Law (Chapter 164)
• The RMLD Board shall appoint the Accounting Manager or Chief Accountant of the
RMLD.
- 15 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
According to Chapter 164, Section 56, the General Manager has the authority to
hire employees of the Municipal Light Department.
• The RMLD Board shall appoint counsel to the Reading Municipal Light Department.
According to Chapter 164, Section 56, the General Manager is responsible
for the employment of attorneys.
• The RMLD Board shall approve all contracts made in accordance with M.G.L. c. 30B,
except contracts for purchasing of power.
According to Chapter 30B only the Municipal Light Board has the
authority by majority vote of the Board to accept Chapter 30B guidelines.
Actions Taken
Policy Changes
The RMLD has taken the following actions and changed its policies in order that past problems
do not reoccur.
• The RMLD no longer has company credit cards and eliminated the credit card policy.
• The RMLD has revised its policies with respect to travel. Meals are only reimbursable
on a per diem basis.
• The RMLD Policy 19, Board of Commissioners has been changed so that the RMLD
employees may directly contact any RMLD Board member for any reason.
• The RMLD Board has an exceptions sheet, upon which it lists questions, concerns and
comments concerning the payables and payroll. The General Manager and the
Accounting Manager review and respond to the Board's questions and concerns.
• Petty cash is only used for storm duty expenses and payroll problems. Neither incident
has arisen since the change enacted in January 2002.
Changes in RMLD Board Policy #19 that reflects Article 4 points.
• The RMLD Accounting Manager Board Sub Committee will interview the final
Accounting Manager candidates and makes recommendations to the General Manager
prior to the hiring of a new Accounting Manager.
-16- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
• On a quarterly basis the Accounting Manager will meet with the Town Accountant and a
member of the RMLD's Audit Sub Committee.
• The Accounting Manager has been given the authority to meet with the RMLD Board
with instances when there arises an issue for resolution with respect to expense reporting,
payables, payroll, and any other financial issues.
• The General Manager, as part of the quarterly budget process, will give the RMLD Board
an update on the budget versus actual expenditures for Outside Services.
• The General Manager will present to the RMLD Board, as part of the budget process, the
counsel(s) that he plans to use for the next fiscal year.
Revision No. 8
X" (- �', A e, , "
General M -nader
RMLD Policy No. 19
BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS
PURPOSE
A. To establish the role of the RMLD Board and Commissioners.
Effective Date: 4/3/03
Per Board Vote: 4/3/03
Chairman /Date
B. To establish administrative controls for certain Commissioner activities.
C. This policy may not be changed unless it is advertised in the local newspapers in
the four -town service territory once a week for two consecutive weeks. These
newspapers are Reading Daily Times Chronicle, The Wilmington Town Crier, The
North Reading Transcript and The Lynnfield Villager. The notice of this change
will also be posted in the Town Halls in the four -town service territory. Any
changes that involve grammar or minor content needed for clarification need not
be advertised.
II. GOVERNING LAWS
M.G.L., Chapter 164 and other applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Board Chairman and Vice Chairman:
Chairman is responsible for calling regular, emergency, and Executive Session meetings
of the RMLD Board as needed.
2. Chairman presides over RMLD Board meetings, approves the agenda and recognizes all
speakers, including other Commissioners.
3. Chairman nominates Board members to represent the Commission at appropriate
-17- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
functions, events and meetings. Final decision is byomajority of the Board members. A
majority of the Board is at least three ofthe five members.
4. Chairman nominates Board members toBoard . Final appointment is by
a majority vote of the Board members.
5. If the Chairman is unable to attend a Board meeting, then the Vice Chairman will serve mn
the Chairman cfd)e Board MeeUng. � the Cho�monand V�oCh�rmenar unable to
attend o Board meeting,
then the Secretary of the Board will assume the duties of the
Chairman and will appoint a Commissioner to serve as Secretary for that meeting.
O. The Board will not address a new issue past 1O:45PM and ends all Board meetings hy
11:15 PM.
B. Board Secretary:
1 . Final review of Board minutes.
2. Certifies, oo required by law, votes of the Board.
Ui
B. Board Secretary:
8. Signs, upon direction of majority of the Board mambom, power supply contracts and
legal settlements onbehalf of the Board. Alternatively, the General Manager orany
Commissioner may be authorized by a majority vote of the Board to perform this function.
C. Commission as a whole, by majority vote:
Responsible for approving overall goals, objectives and policy setting for the Department
to be discharged by the General Manager within the constraints of N1.Gl, Chapter 104
and other applicable federal and state statutes and regulations.
The Commission is elected by the voters of the Town of Reading, accountable to the
Town cf Reading and responsible hn the ratepayers ofdmentireRMLDoomiceoma.
Selects the General Manager and establishes the rate and manner of compensation.
The General Manager serves as the equivalent of the Chief Executive OfficaandUhe
Chief Operating Officer for the Board with the ultimate authority and responsibility for the
operation and the management of the 0N0.under the direction and control of the
Commissioners and subject hxK8.Gl, Chapter 184.
Before the end of the fiscal Board will give the General Manager a written
performance appraisal based on the General Manager's performance during the previous
fiann| year and adjust the General Manager's uo|mry based on that appraisal. During this
pmooso. the Board will set the General Manager's goals and expectations, in whhng, for
the next fiscal year, upon which the General Manager will beevaluated.
Except for actions contrary to dmjeiOD8 or written policies made by the Board as
a whole, the General Manager io authorized to take whatever actions are
required to operate and manage the utility.
The General Manager is the only designated representative for the Board regarding
mdleo8vo bargaining negotiations. The Gon000| Manager may utilize other RMLD
management personnel as needed to carry out these responsibilities.
3. When a new Accounting Manager /s hired, the Accounting Manager
will interview the final candidates and makes recommendations to the General
- lO- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
Manager before the General Manager hires the Accounting Manager.
4. The General Manager will present to the Board the selection criteria and legal
counsels) to be used for the coming year as part of the Operating Budget
presentation.
5. The Commissioners will meet quarterly with the Accounting Manager to discuss the
quarterly budget variances report on the Operating Budget. This meeting will be held
during a Board meeting in Open Session. If any issues to be discussed are being
considered in Executive Session, then the discussion will proceed during the next
Executive Session.
III. RESPONSIBILITIES
C. Commission as a whole, by majority vote:
5. The Accounting Manager will also meet with a member of the RMLD's Audit Sub -
Committee and the Town Accountant quarterly to discuss the RMLD's financial issues.
These meetings may be held more frequently if the RMLD Accounting Manager believes
that necessary.
Also on a quarterly basis, coinciding with the Accounting Manager's presentation in
Open Session to the Commissioners, the General Manager will give an update on
the expenditures on Outside Services, which includes the legal, engineering, audit,
and other consulting services. The General Manager is required to give the
Commissioners a full report on the expenditures for each of the outside services
including the dollars expended, cost to complete, and a projected end date. if any
legal issues are being considered in Executive Session then the explanation of that
legal issue will be given in closed session.
When the Accounting Manager questions a payment on an invoice, the Accounting
Manager shall bring his concerns to the Commissioners for discussion and
resolution at the next available Board meeting. The issue will be discussed in Open
Session unless there is a need to go into Executive Session (i.e., invoices
concerning legal matters, etc.).
6. Serves as an appeal body for ratepayers on matters arising from the RMLD's
Operations.
7. The RMLD Board will appoint one Commissioner to serve on the
Town of Reading Audit Committee. Reappointment of this position
will be done annually and coincide with the Board restructuring,
which occurs at the first meeting after the annual Town of Reading
election. The Town of Reading Audit Committee will send out a
Request for Proposals for Auditing Services on behalf of the Town
and for the Reading Municipal Light Department. The presence of a
Commissioner on the Town of Reading's Audit Committee will
ensure that the selected auditing firm is qualified to perform a
financial audit of a municipal electric utility. The RMLD Board of
Commissioners accepts the audited financial statements and
management letter and shall require the General Manager to submit
a written action report on any item commented on by the auditor's
Management Letter. -
B. Annually selects Commissioners to serve as Board Chairman, Vice Chairman and
Secretary. The Chairman, Vice Chairman, and Secretary will be elected by a majority
-19- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
vote of the Board. A special restructuring of the Board may be held with a vote of four
members.
9. Approves, after allowing u 30-day period for input from the Citizen's Advisory Boand, as
provided for in the Twenty-Year Agreement, on the following topics:
a. Significant Expansion mRetirement of theRMLD's Transmission.
Distribution, General PlentorGeneraUon
b. Power Contracts and Agreements and their Mix;
C. Cout-of-Semion and Rate Making Practices;
d. Financial and Cost Accounting Practices and;
6. Other Issues that may come before the Board.
C. Commission aoa whole, by majority vote:
10. Approves:
a. The annual report (including audited financial statements) of the 0N0.
b. All correspondence onRMLD letterhead that is written byany
Commissioner to other elected Boards, Committees orratepayers.
C. All collective bargaining agreements. Also establishes the goals and objectives
for the General Manager to meet in bargaining new or amended ooUooUve
bargaining agreements.
d. All presentations made by the RN\LDhn other elected Boards orCommittees.
e. Initiation cf litigation orsettlement.
[ The appointment of Commissioners to Board 8ub'Committeeo.
11. Approves, in conjunction with the General Manager, the payroll and weekly accounts
payable warrants.
12. Commissioners may attend (consistent with approved RIVILDbudgets)
meetings, oonfemncea, training oeoakmo and similar (bnodono as appropriate for
enhancing policy-making skills. Attendance at APPA's summer and winter national
conferences and NEPPA'n annual conference and annual business meetings are
presumed to be appropriate. Attendance of similar functions sponsored by the Town of
Reading orthe Commonwealth o[ Massachusetts for elected officials are also presumed
hobeappropriate.
Attendance for all other meetings, conferences, training sessions and similar functions
shall be administered in the same manner as for RMILD management employees, as
outlined in Policy 5, Employee, RIVILD Board of Commissioners, Citizen's Advisory Board
Overnight/Day Travel Policy. In the event a Commissioner disagrees with the resultant
decision(s), he/she may request the Board as a whole, by a majority vote, to approve
attendance (subject to any conditions deemed appropriate by the Board). Any
Commissioner attending meetings, conferences, training sessions and similar functions as
appropriate for enhancing policy-making skills are required to make a full report at the next
available Commissioner's meeting.
It is the policy of the Board that no Commissioner will have a personal or economic
interest or benefit, directly or indirectly, from attendance in meetings, conferences, training
-20- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
sessions and similar functions. Further, itio the responsibility of each Commissioner hn
make u full public disclosure of any personal interest or benefit inadvance.
U. Commissioners serve as TrVShoeG of the RMLD Pension Trust with all
rights and obligations CODf8[rad UpVO them by the Trust, as Qnlgmd8d by
the Trust from time to time. [|ODlnDiSsiOO. as 8 VVho|8 and by majority vote,
aa Pension Trustees*
'
1. Acknowledges that the Town of Reading Audit Committee will select the firm that
performs the =omm mx*cm/ uuuu of the nwILu renomw /moc The RIVILU Uuan1 of
Commissioners accepts the audited financial statements based on the recommendation of
the RK4LD'o Audit Gub-Committne.
2. Selects the firm that performs an annual actuarial study of the RIVILD Pension
Ui RESPONSIBILITIES
D. Commissioners serve @s Trustees Of the RMLD Pension Trust with all rights and
obligations conferred upon Ulann by the T[Uat. as amended by the Trust from time to time.
Commission, as a whole and by majority vote, as Pension Trustees:
Selects all professional services associated with the Pension Trust. Approves all
professional services invoices associated with the Pension Trust.
Approves all financial transactions (including investments and disbursements) and records
involving any aspect of the Pension Trust.
E. Board Sub-Committees:
1. Serve ama mechanism for the Board ho review and consider specific issues.
Sub-Committees can nacommend, but not approve un|aea specifically delegated, a course of
action N the Board.
Task Force Subcommittee
To sit onRMLD Oversight Task Force.
GMCommittee/Beamh
Review GM evaluation process and search.
Audit Sub-Committee
Recommend audit findings to the Board. One member
of the Audit Sub Committee
meets at least quarterly to with the Accounting
Manager and the Town Accountant bo review and
discuss Rk4LD financial issues.
Community Relations
Review and approve all press releases.
Power Contracts, Rate Setting,
Recommend power contracts hoBoavd
Customer Choice
ReuommundrabsohangeotothaBoa-
Poneion
Recommend actuaries and actuary findings bnthe
Board.
Operating and Capital Budget
Recommend Operating and Capital Budgets hxBoard.
Payob|nx
AouountPayab|aa
Review and approve payab|eouno weekly basis.
This position |urotational. |t requires three primary
signers and one back up. No Commissioner may
-21- AouuuIowoMen6ug
April 28, 2003
serve more than three consecutive years on this Sub-
Committee and must take aymar leave before
returning to this Sub-Committee.
Payroll Review and approve payroll. This position ie
rotational. |L requires primary signer and one back up.
No Commissioner may serve more than three
consecutive years nn this Sub-Committee and must
take e year leave before returning ho this Sub-
Committoo.
C4B/BnondSubcommiKee Recommend payment hu the Town.
RMLD Board of Commissioners Subcommittees Responsibilities
Town of Reading Audit Committee
Accounting Manager Sub-Committee
IV.
A. It is the policy cf the RMLDBoard:
Sit on the Town of Reading Audit Committee and
select finn that performs annual financial audit of
RMLD pension trust.
Interviews the final candidates and makes
recommendations to the General Manager before the
General Manager hires the Accounting Manager.
POLICY ELEMENTS
1 To operate in accordance with the spirit, as well as the letter of all laws affecting its
business and its employees.
2. All Commissioners and employees are required ho act with the highest level of integrity,
business ethics and objectivity in any Rk4LD transaction or where o Commissioner or
employee represents the Board or the RMLD. No Commissioner or employee is allowed to
misuse the authority or influence of his or her RN1LDposition.
3. To operate in a businesslike and efficient manner in all aspects of operating and
managing the RMLD.
4. bbesupportive ofogood working relationship between Management and Unions as
detailed in the Labor Relations Objective section of the Labor Relations Guide for
Managers; to initiate communication and interaction with respect to R[WLD business with
all RK4LD employees only through the General Manager; to provide union employees
separate access to the Board as constrained within the collective bargaining agreements.
5. To hold regular open and public meetings ln allow ratepayers bo provide direct input on
any open session matter before the Board.
8. To affirmatively and courteously respond to all requests for public information, subject to
the oono\noinhu of Policy 12, Board Document Dissemination and the Massachusetts
Public Records Law. All requests will be arranged through the General Manager,
7. To not contribute, in any form, to civic, charitable, benevolent or other similar
organizations.
8. To maintain "cost ofservice" e|ecthci(y mUae; to manage the RN1LD with the goal that its
residential rates are lower than any investor owned o|eotho uU|ib/ in Massachusetts and
lower than any electric utility whose service area is contiguous with the RMLD's.
Q. Tn utilize technology, training, personnel, and flexible work and administrative processes
to maintain a competitive and municipally owned electric utility serving the best interests of
-22- AuuuuTowoMeeting
April 28, 2003
all ratepayers, to direct and manage the RMLD in the best interests of the RMLD, the
Town of Reading, and its ratepayers.
New Concepts
• The RMLD shall make a presentation of the Annual Budget and Capital Improvements
Program to the Reading Finance Committee and Reading Town Meeting each fiscal year.
• The RMLD shall make a presentation of the Annual Budget and Capital Improvements
Program to the Outside Towns' Finance Committee and/or Town Meeting.
Benefits of the RMLD
• The RMLD is the largest municipal electric utility in the Northeast.
• The RMLD has a Rate Stabilization Fund (RSF) in order to offset unforeseen events
(early nuclear decommission, loss of large customers, sustained economic down turn,
etc.) and stabilize fuel costs.
• The RMLD has approximately $4.2 million in bonds, which are backed by the RSF and
will be paid off by 2007. The RMLD doesn't see the need for additional bonding through
2007.
• The RMLD returned $1,948,829 to the Town of Reading during fiscal year 2002.
• The RMLD has returned over $29.6 million to the Town of Reading since 1980.
• The RMLD's residential rates are in the lowest third of the electric utilities in
Massachusetts.
• The RMLD's commercial and industrial rates are among the three lowest in
Massachusetts.
• The RMLD provides community oriented educational activities to the youth and seniors
of the Town of Reading.
• The RMLD continues construction programs, which are revitalizing its distribution
system and increases its reliability both in the Town of Reading and throughout its
service territory.
ARTICLE 8 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee it was
voted to amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 12 of the Warrant of the Annual
Town Meeting of April 22, 2002, as amended by Article 5 of the Subsequent Town Meeting of
November 12, 2002, and as amended by Article 7 of the January 13, 2003 Special Town Meeting
-23- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
relating to the Fiscal Year 2003 municipal budget, that the Town transfer from available funds
and appropriate the following sums for the operation of the Town and its government; and that
the Town vote to close the self insured Workers Trust Fund as of June 30, 2003.
Line jAcc't.
Description
Shortfall
Reduction
Al
25
Town Accountant Salaries
$3,675
B 1
61
Conservation Salaries
$5,000
B6
511
Health Salaries
$1,000
B8
541
Elder/Human Services Salaries
$11,321
B 17
62
Community Services Salaries
$2,000
C 12
35
Finance Salaries
$4,660
C13
35
Finance Expenses
$5,300
D4
41
Law Expenses
$10,000
DIO
52
Elections/Registration
Expenses
$5,000
D 1
850
Property/Casualty Insurance
$3,000
D14
15
General Services Salaries
$1,996
K17
12
Capital - Flexible Account
$7,789
02-
080
Capital - Town Hall Masonry
$7,789
El
611
Library Salaries
$22,716
F I
1 1 1
Police Salaries
$26,969
F2
111
Police Expenses
$52,000
F5
121
Fire Salaries
$27,263
G3
362-
DPW - Engineering Salaries
$1,525
G4
302
DPW - Engineering Expenses
$790
G5
303
B-PW- Highway Salaries
$46,952
G6
303
DPW - Highway Expenses
$26,000
U-7
313
DPW - Park/Forestry Salaries
$15,520
G8
313
b-PW- Park/Forestry
Expenses
$3,850
G9
DPW - Salaries
$30,050
G11
325
325
DPW - Street Lighting
$13,290
G12
312
312
DPW - Rubbish/Recycling
$66,000
G13
32 1
321
UP-W- Snow and Ice Control
$325,200
$135,723
From Free Cash
G14
481
DPW Cemetery Salaries
$31,620
G14
1
481
DPW Cemetery Expenses
$31,620
H3
Town Building Maint. Salaries
$6,000
H4
Town Building Maint.
Expense
$20,000
Ml
400
DPW - Water Salaries
$15,000
M2
400
DPW - Water Expenses
$15,000
M3
405
DPW - Water Capital
$56,750
1
$56,750
From Water Reserves
- 24 - Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
M3
405
DPW - Water Capital
$50,000
$50,000
From Water Reserves
M3
405
DPW - Water Capital
$69,500
$69,500
From Water Reserves
On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted to adjourn that this Annual Town
Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School, on
Thursday, May 1, 2003.
Meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m.
166 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: bery/erk
nso
Town
P.,;'
-25- Annual Town Meeting
April 28, 2003
4
Ll
Fiscal Year
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
2030 to 2035
"All
Cost to Avg. Home
under Historic SBA
Program
$11.25
$171.88
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$436.55
$413.93
$391.31
$368.69
$346.08
$323.46
$300.84
$278.22
$255.60
$232.99
$210.37
$187.75
$165.13
$142.52
$119.90
$97.28
$74.66
$52.04
„B„
Cost to Avg Home
under Anticipated
SBA Program
$11.25
$171.88
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$339.27
$784.08
$761.46
$738.85
$716.23
$693.61
$670.99
$648.38
$278.22
$255.60
$232.99
$210.37
$187.75
$165.13
$142.52
$119.90
$97.28
$74.66
$52.04
„C,V
Cost to Avg Home
under 30 year debt
SBA Program
$11.25
$155.38
$421.44
$420.91
$421.42
$421.09
$421.15
$421.14
$421.08
$421.40
$421.48
$421.30
$421.49
$421.36
$421.43
$75.28
$75.56
$75.26
$75.58
$75.29
$75.58
$75.77
$75.27
$75.30
$75.83
$75.67
$75.43
ANNUAL, TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School May 1, 2003
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:42 p.m., there being a
quorum present.
The Invocation was given by The Reverend Kevin H. Vendt of the First Baptist Church,
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 9 — On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
approve the FY 2004 — FY 2013 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7 -7
of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 10 — On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted
that the subject matter of Article 10 be tabled.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
indefinitely postpone the subject matter of Article 11.
As I reported to Town Meeting in November 2002, we fully expected to request funding of
the design of improvements to the Louanis Water Treatment Plant at this Town Meeting.
However, two issues remain to be finalized at this time:
➢ Completion of the final pilot testing program
➢ Completion of the financing plan
Pilot Testing
The pilot testing programs, of which there are four, has taken longer than expected. The final
process we will be piloting is a treatment system called MIEX (Magnetic Ion Exchange), a
process that has the potential to remove organic compounds from the raw water, and may help us
further address the color and taste issues. The test, including laboratory results and a
recommendation from our consultant, is expected to be completed in 6 — 8 weeks.
Financing Plan
In an effort to stabilize Water and Sewer Rates, staff has developed a preliminary ten -
year financing plan for Water and Sewer. We have had discussions with the Water and Sewer
Advisory Committee, Finance Director, Town Accountant and the Town Manager. We are
incorporating operating budgets as well as capital projects including, but not limited to, the
MWRA Buy -in, the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Water Distribution system upgrades.
We are reviewing recent information on projected MWRA Sewer Assessments. We are also
looking at borrowing options and the use of Reserve Funds over a long period of time, to help
offset rates.
In order to fully explore these important issues, continue discussions with the WSAC,
and ultimately to Town Meeting, it is recommended that Town Meeting postpone action at this
time. We expect to bring this back to the next Town Meeting for approval of the design portion
of the project.
ARTICLE 12 — On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to establish a revolving fund under Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 of the General Laws for the
purpose of using the receipts generated through the sale of compost bins to purchase additional
compost bins, and authorize expenditures administered by the Department of Public Works, not
to exceed $4,000 during Fiscal Year 2004 which may be made from such fund.
ARTICLE 12 — On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to establish a revolving fund under Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 of the General Laws for the
purpose of using the receipts generated from the rental of parking spaces and/or parking fines to
enforce parking regulations, and authorize expenditures administered by the Police Department,
not to exceed $15,000 during Fiscal Year 2004 which may be made from such fund.
Article 12 — On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to change $15,000 to
$11,190.
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 12 — On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to establish a revolving fund under Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 of the General Laws for the
purpose of administering the consultant fee provision of Reading General Bylaws, Section 5.7,
Wetlands Protection, and authorize expenditures administered by the Conservation
Administrator, not to exceed $50,000 during Fiscal Year 2004 which may be made from such
fund.
ARTICLE 12 — On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to establish a revolving fund under Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 of the General Laws for the
purpose of using all or part of the receipts generated from the issuance of Building, Plumbing or
Gas, and Wiring permits for the Walkers Brook Crossing Development to pay the costs of
oversight and inspection of the development on that site, and authorize expenditures
administered by the Town Manager, not to exceed $200,000 during Fiscal Year 2004 which may
be made from such fund.
ARTICLE 12 — On motion by Richard W. Schubert, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to establish a revolving fund under Chapter 44, Section 53E1/2 of the General Laws for the
purpose of using the receipts generated through registration fees and other revenues for
Recreation programs to pay the costs of the Recreation program and related expenses, and
authorize expenditures administered by the Recreation Administrator, not to exceed $500,000
during Fiscal Year 2004 which may be made from such fund.
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
moved to raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, and
appropriate the sum of
$61,451,120
- 2 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 2004 beginning July 1, 2003.
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented in Line Items A 1
and A2 (Accounting Department):
$114J80
to be provided as follows:
Lines Al and A2 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented in Line Items B26
and B27 (Community Services Department):
$1309.865
to be provided as follows:
Lines B26 and B27 — from property taxes, State aid and non- property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented in Line Items C12
and C13 (Finance Department):
IU 1: •
to be provided as follows:
Lines C12 and C13 —from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented in Line Items El
and E2 (Library Department):
':•• 111
to be provided as follows:
Lines E 1 and E2 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Items F9
and F10 (Public Safety Department):
$6,325,738
to be provided as follows:
- 3 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
Lines F9 and F 10 — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Mai-tin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Items G11
through G17 (Department of Public Works):
$3,405,194
to be provided as follows:
Line GI I - $116,074 from the Reading lee Arena Authority
Line G 17 - $ 10,000 from Cemetery Sale of Lots
Remainder of Lines G 11 through G 17 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Item Hl
through H4 (Building Maintenance):
$3,239,861
to be provided as follows:
Line H I through H4 — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Item I
(School Department):
$26,492,645
to be provided as follows:
Line I — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Item J
(Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational School):
$312,111
to be provided as follows:
Line J — from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts
- 4 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
moved to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Items K
through K15 (Debt and Capital):
$4,278,200
to be provided as follows:
Line K through K15 - from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts
On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen it was moved to add
$150,000 to K1 to cover the inadvertent rollover of $150,000 of bond anticipation notes bringing
the amount Lines Items K1 through K15 to $4,428,200.00.
Motion as amended carried.
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Item L8
(Employee Benefits):
$7,458,422
to be provided as follows: —
Line L8 - $ 201,820 from Overlay Surplus, and the remainder from property taxes, State aid and
non - property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Items M1
through M4 (Water Fund):
$2.802,582
to be provided as follows:
Lines Ml through M4 — from property taxes, State aid and non - property tax local receipts
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to approve and appropriate the proposed FY 2004 budget as presented for Line Items N1
through N4 (Sewer Fund):
$4,001,836
to be provided as follows:
Line N4 - $336,000 from Sewer Reserves
Line N 1 through N3 and the remainder of Line N4 from property taxes, State aid and non -
property tax local receipts.
- 5 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
ARTICLE 13 — On motion by Catherine Martin, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to appropriate for the FY 2004 budget, exclusive of State and county assessments:
$61,601,120
Representing the total of all previously made motions under Article 13 as amended.
Funds are to be provided as set forth in said previously made motions.
ARTICLE 14 — On motion by Harvey J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was voted Pursuant to Chapter 40
Section 3 of the General Laws to authorize the Board of Selectmen, with the approval of the
School Committee and the approval of the Commissioner of Education, to rent or lease certain
surplus space in the Reading Memorial High School to one or more public or private profit -
making businesses or non - profit organizations; provided, however, that joint occupancy of the
High School building will not interfere with educational programs being conducted in said
building and provided that the terms of any such rental or lease shall be approved by the School
Committee.
ARTICLE 15 — On motion by Harvey J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was voted to accept the provisions
of Chapter 71, Section 71F of the Massachusetts General Laws related to "Nonresident or foster
care students; deposit of tuition payments and State reimbursements; expenditures and
appropriations."
ARTICLE 16 — On motion by Harvey J. Dahl, Precinct 7 or Susan C. Cavicchi, Precinct 2, it
was voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 40 Section 3, Paragraph 3 of the Massachusetts
General Laws related to "Towns; power to hold, lease and convey property."
ARTICLE 17 — On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted
to approve the motions as presented in writing to Town Meeting on the reaffirmation of the
acceptance of the following streets:
Ashley Place
Duck Road
Fairchild Drive
Haystack Road
Lilah Lane
Old Farm Road
Rice Road
Sanborn Lane (partial)
Terrace Park
Chapel Hill Drive
Emerald Drive
Fairview Avenue
Jessica Circle
Lindsay Lane
Partridge Road
Riverside Drive
Stone Well Road
Thomas Drive
2/3 vote required
Unanimous vote
Davis Lane
Estate Lane
Gateway Circle
Kurchian Lane
Milepost Road
Pond Meadow Drive
Sanborn Lane (partial)
Symonds Way
Verde Circle
- 6 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
Ashley Place
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following described way known as Ashley Place, from Fairchild Drive
southerly approximately 950 feet to the 1997 acceptance, under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Ashley Place, from Fairchild Drive southerly approximately 950 feet to the 1997
acceptance, and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to take such land
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 land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase,
gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with the 1993 Town
Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one dollar ($1) for the
acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages,
said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Chapel Hill Drive
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Chapel Hill Drive under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly —
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Chapel Hill Drive; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the
sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any
eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
DAVIS LANE
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Davis Lane under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by
the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Davis Lane; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1992 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
- 7 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Duck Road
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Duck Road under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by
the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Duck Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Emerald Drive
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Emerald Drive under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Emerald Drive; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen
to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1992 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Estate Lane
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Estate Lane under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Estate Lane; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
- 8 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
the 1994 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Fairchild Drive
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Fairchild Drive under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Fairchild Drive; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash"
the sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of
any eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
Fairview Avenue
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Fairview Avenue, from Sunnyside Avenue to
Riverside Drive, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way
being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the
Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the
acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Fairview Avenue, from
Sunnyside Avenue to Riverside Drive,; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash"
the sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of
any eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
Gateway Circle
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Gateway Circle under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
- 9 - Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
Board of Selectmen as Gateway Circle; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
_ of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the
sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any
eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board, of
Selectmen.
HAYSTACK ROAD
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Haystack Road under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Haystack Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash"
the sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of
any eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
JESSICA CIRCLE
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Jessica Circle under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Jessica Circle; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Kurchian Lane
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Kurchian Lane under the provision of law authorizing
- 10- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Kurchian Lane; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen
to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1994 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Lilah Lane
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Lilah Lane under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by
the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Lilah Lane; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Lindsay Lane
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Lindsay Lane under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerkk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Lindsay Lane; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
Milepost Road
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Milepost Road under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Milepost Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen
to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Old Farm Road
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Old Farm Road under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Old Farm Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the
sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any
eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
Partridge Road
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Partridge Road under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Partridge Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen
to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
-12- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
Pond Meadow Drive
Voted to reaffirmn the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Pond Meadow Drive under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Pond Meadow Drive; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board
of Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1994 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the
sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any
eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
Rice Road
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Rice Road under the provision of law authorizing the
assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by
the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Rice Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1994 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Riverside Drive
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Riverside Drive under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Riverside Drive; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the
sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any
- 13- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
SANBORN LANE (from the 1989 acceptance westerly approximately 670 feet to Lilah Lane)
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Sanborn Lane, from the 1989 acceptance westerly
approximately 670 feet to Lilah Lane, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of
betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of
Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory
requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Sanborn Lane, from the 1989 acceptance westerly approximately 670 feet to Lilah
Lane; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase,
gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with the 1993 Town
Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one dollar ($1) for the
acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages,
said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
SANBORN LANE (from Roma Lane to cul -de -sac)
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Sanborn Lane, from Roma Lane to cul -de -sac, under
the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in
accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the
Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the
public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Sanborn Lane, from Roma Lane to cul -de -sac;
and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift, or
otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting
vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition
of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent domain damages, said sum to be
spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Stone Well Road
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Stone Well Road under the provision of law
authorizing the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly
approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance
with the statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the
Board of Selectmen as Stone Well Road; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of
-14- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
Selectmen to take such land 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 land in fee or rights
of easement therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in
accordance with the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the
sum of one dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any
eminent domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of
Selectmen.
Symonds Way
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Symonds Way under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Symonds Way; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen
to take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1995 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Terrace Park
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Terrace Park under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Terrace Park; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Thomas Drive
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Thomas Drive under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
- 15- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Thomas Drive; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
I take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provisions of
I Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
Verde Circle
Voted to reaffirm the acceptance of the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a
public way of the following way known as Verde Circle under the provision of law authorizing
the assessment of betterments, such way being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved
by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the Office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the
statutory requirements; and to reaffirm the acceptance of the public way laid out by the Board of
Selectmen as Verde Circle; and to reaffirm the authorization given to the Board of Selectmen to
take such land 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 land in fee or rights of easement
therein by purchase, gift, or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor, all in accordance with
the 1993 Town Meeting vote; and to appropriate from "certified free cash" the sum of one
dollar ($1) for the acquisition of said land or easements therein or for payment of any eminent
domain damages, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
ARTICLE 18 — On motion by George V. Hines, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted pursuant to Chapter 40 Sections 3 and 15 and Chapter 82 Section 21 of the General Law to
authorize the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading to convey and/or abandon certain
rights in fee and/or easements in Reading, Middlesex County, MA in the portion of the cul -de-
sac in the public way known as Linnea Lane which portion to be abandoned is shown on a
highlighted portion of the plan entitled "Street Acceptance Plan, Linnea Lane" originally dated
February 1960; and that the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to determine the
minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance and/or abandonment; and to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to convey and/or abandon all or any part of said rights in fee and/or
easements for such amount or a larger amount, and upon such terms and conditions as the Board
of Selectmen shall consider proper, and to deliver a deed or deeds therefore if necessary.
2/3 vote required
Unanimous vote
ARTICLE 19 — On motion by Thomas J. Ryan, Precinct 1, it was moved to amend Section 7 -9
of the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter by inserting in the second sentence after "The
approval of any such Warrant by the Town Manager" the words "and subsequently by the Board
of Selectmen" so that the entire text of Section 7 -9 shall read as follows:
Section 7 -9: Approval of Financial Warrants
Warrants for the payment of Town funds prepared by the Accountant
-16- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
in accordance with the provisions of the General Laws shall be submitted to
the Town Manager. The approval of any such Warrant by the Town Manager
and subsequently by the Board of Selectmen, shall be sufficient authority to
authorize payment by the Town Treasurer but the Board of Selectmen shall
approve all Warrants in the event of a vacancy in the office of Town Manager.
2/3 vote required
failed unanimously
Motion did not carry
ARTICLE 20 — On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted to amend the Town of
Reading Bylaws, Article 2, Section 2.2 Conduct of Town Meetings Rule 4 by adding the words
"or Charter" after the word Bylaws so that the rule shall read in its entirety:
Rule 4 Prior to debate on each Article in a Warrant involving changes
in the Bylaws or Charter, the Bylaw Committee shall advise
the Town Meeting as to its recommendations and reasons
therefore.
ARTICLE 21— On motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Chairman of the Community Planning &
Development Commission, it was voted to amend the Town of Reading Zoning Map as follows:
Designate and include the following property in the PUD -R Zoning District:
Assessor's Map 58, Lot 5
2/3 vote required
127 voted in the affirmative
1 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 22 — On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it
was voted pursuant to Section 2 -6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter to declare the seats of the
following Town Meeting Members to be vacant and to remove the following described persons
from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within thirty
days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one -half or more of the Town
Meeting sessions during the previous year:
Francis J. Burgholzer, Jr. Precinct 3
On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this
Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned since die at 10:22 p.m.
145 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: Cheryl A. Johnson
Town Clerk
- 17- Annual Town Meeting
May 1, 2003
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