HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-11-10 Subsequent Town Meeting MinutesCOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, onoctober 2, 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:
ty
Precinct 1 J. Warren. Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6 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 November 10, 2003, the
date set for the Subsequent Town Meeting in this Warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this Warrant to be published in the Reading
Chronicle in the issue of October 15, 2003.
u es Jr. able
A tr e copy. Attest:
heryl Johnson, own Clerk
1
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
(Seal)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to
notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and
Town affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road
in said Reading, on Monday, November 10, 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 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town
Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town
Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board,
Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees,
Community Planning & Development Commission, Conservation Commission, Town
Manager and any other Officer, Board or Special Committee.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 2 To . choose
Committees and determine what
Committees, and to see what si
available funds, or otherwise, an(
and Special Committees to carry
action with respect thereto:
all other necessary Town Officers and Special
instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special
m the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from
appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers
out the instructions given to them, or take any other
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2004 - FY 2013,
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 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
2
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken
under Article 13 of the April 28, 2003 Annual Town Meeting relating to the Fiscal Year
2004 Municipal Budget, and see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer
from available. funds, or otherwise, and appropriate as the result of any such amended
votes for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 6 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax
levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate into the Stabilization
Fund as authorized under. Section 5B of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 40, or take
any other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 7 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, whether in
anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6, Massachusetts
General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax levy, or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90,
Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 8 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from
available funds or otherwise and appropriate for the purpose of designing and constructing
sidewalks, curbing, and related improvements on Franklin Street west of Main Street and
on abutting streets as necessary for the purpose of providing pedestrian access to the new
elementary school being constructed at the end of Sunset Rock Lane; provided that any
appropriation subject to this Article shall be contingent upon the passage of a capital
exclusion referendum question under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section
21 C within 90 days of the close of this Subsequent Town Meeting, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of Twenty Three
Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and Sixty Seven Cents ($23,565.67), which
represents the balance remaining from the development of schematic designs of the
Reading Memorial High School (Article 4, April 25, 2002) for the purpose of making
extraordinary repairs and/or additions to the Reading Memorial High School and said sum
to be expended under the direction of the School Committee, or take any other action with
respect thereto.
School Committee
ARTICLE 10 To see what sum the Town will vote to raise by borrowing under
Chapter 44, Sections 7 (3) and 7 (3A) or Chapter 70B of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth of. Massachusetts, or pursuant to any other enabling authority and
appropriate for the purpose of constructing an addition, remodeling, reconstructing and
3
making extraordinary repairs to the Alice M. Barrows School on Edgemont Avenue,
including the costs of original furnishings and equipment, landscaping, paving, and other
site improvements, engineering and architectural fees, plans, and specifications,
inspections fees, relocation costs, contingencies, and related expenses incidental thereto
and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the
direction of the School Committee as an addition to, and in conjunction with, the sum
authorized by vote under Article 5 of the Warrant for the Special Town Meeting of
December 7, 1998, and Article 12 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of April 24,
2000; and that the Town vote to authorize the School Committee to file applications for a
grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said school renovations
and addition and related matters; and that the Town vote to authorize the School
Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Article. Further, to see what authorized but unissued amount the Town
will vote to rescind from the authorization for the new elementary school approved on
November 15, 1999 under Article 14 in the amount of $9,100,000, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
School Committee
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
and/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 if the Town will vote to apply for admission to the
Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Water System to receive from Massachusetts
Water Resources Authority a supply of a supplemental public water supply in accordance
with Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984 of the Commonwealth; and to see what sum the
Town will raise by borrowing, or. transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and
appropriate for the payment of entrance fees, costs of connection' and other expenses for
the same; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, acting as
Water Commissioners, to take such actions necessary or required to apply for admission
to and to receive a supplemental public water supply from the Massachusetts Water
Resources Authority Water System, including, without limitation, filing legislation, payment
of applicable fees and charges, and entering into an agreement with the .Massachusetts
Water Resources Authority as may be required or necessary to receive a supply of water
at prevailing rates charged by the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to
communities in its water supply system, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
4
ARTICLE 13 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of constructing a
replacement 20 inch diameter water main extending approximately from Bancroft Avenue
at the intersection of Hartshorn Street, northerly to approximately the intersection of Forest
Street and Colburn Road, including the cost 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 14 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Home Rule
Charter by adding a new Section 8-17 as follows:
"All members of multiple member bodies, whether elected or appointed, and
all individuals appointed to unpaid positions by the Board of Selectmen, shall
be residents of the Town and shall only be qualified to serve as such for the
period in which they reside in the Town. Any such member and/or individual
who no longer resides in the Town shall be deemed to have vacated his/her
position. Any member of a multiple member body and any individual
appointed to an unpaid position by the Board of Selectmen who intends to
change his/her residency to outside the Town shall immediately notify the
Town Clerk in writing of such change."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.6 of the Reading
General Bylaws by changing "Five Hundred Dollars ($500)" in the first sentence to "Five
Thousand Dollars ($5,000)" so that the first sentence of Section 4.6.1 reads as follows:
"Whenever an item or collection of items of tangible personal property with an
estimated net value of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) within the control of an
official body, but excluding the Municipal Light Board, shall be determined by that
official body to be surplus, obsolete, salvage, or beyond repair, it may be disposed
of by sale, trade, or otherwise, by the Town Manager with the approval of the
Finance Committee."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.5.4.2 of the Reading
General Bylaws by deleting from that paragraph the following words: "other than
specifically designated areas. The Town Manager, the Superintendent of Schools, and the
General Manager of the Municipal Light Department shall designate areas in which
smoking shall be allowed and shall post an appropriate number of signs indicating those
areas in which smoking is prohibited" so that Section 5.5.4.2 reads as follows in its entirety:
"5.5.4.2 No person shall smoke or have in his possession any
lighted cigar, cigarette, or other tobacco product in any building
or room owned or occupied by the Town."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Health
ARTICLE 17 To see whether the Town will vote, pursuant to Section 116 (a)(1) of
Chapter 46 of the Acts of 2003, to designate the employees of the Reading Municipal Light
Department for eligibility for an early retirement incentive program established pursuant to
said statute, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Reading Municipal Light Board
ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.3.11 Nonconforming
Buildings; subsection 6.3.19:1 One Family, Two Family Dwellings by adding subsection (a)
as follows:
(a) The site coverage of the dwelling within the minimum setback may
be increased to the extent that the line of extension is either parallel
to or divergent from the lot line. In no case may an extension create
a new nonconformance.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
6
and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least
one (1) public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to
November 10, 2003, the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this
Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or by mailing an attested copy of said
Warrant to each Town Meeting Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to 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 23rd day of September, 2003.
George V. Hines, Chair an
~F
Richard W. Schubert, Vice Chairman
Gail F. Wood, Se tary
Camille W. Anthon 4
Matthew C mings
SELECTMEN OF READING
William,. Hu sta e r
7
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 10, 2003
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:39 p.m., there being a
quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Thomas J. Ryan, Precinct 1, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance
to the Flag. The Warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Cheryl A. Johnson, when on
motion by 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 1- The following State of the Schools report and Superintendent's address was given
by Pete Dahl and Dr. Schettini:
Slide 1
Slide 2
Slide 3
Slide 4
Slide 5
- 2 - Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 6
Slide 7
Slide 8
- 3 - Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 9
Slide 10
Slide 11
- 4 - Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 12
Slide 13
Slide 14
-5- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 15
Slide 16
Slide 17
-6- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 18
Slide 19
Slide 20
-7- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003.
Slide 21
Slide 22
Slide 23
x'j
Barrows Elementary.-
W
Lower Figor
(
u.;
I
I
1 Kli*marien .
2 :3stGRf&:,
g
~
1
.Art
4 .
6 <Qtta4un
a., `GYin :Gym M6e .
r ! ~
l ,
-8- Subsequent Town Meeting
. November 10, 2003
Slide 24
Slide 25
Slide 26
-9- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 27
Slide 28
Slide 29
-10- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 30
Slide 31
Slide 32
- 11 - Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Slide 33
ARTICLE 1- The following State of the Light Department Report was given by Vinnie
Cameron:
Reading Municipal Light Department
2003 Performance
• In 2003, the RMLD will return over $2 million to the Town of Reading in the form of the
annual town payment and voluntary payments.
• Since 1980 the RMLD has returned over $31 million to the Town of Reading.
• In June 2003, the RMLD restructured its electric rates that resulted in the elimination of
the seasonal rates, which decreased the base rates approximately 6%.
• The RMLD is refunding $3 million to its customers during November 2003.
• The RMLD is also refunding an estimated $3.7 million through the Purchased Power
Adjustment during 2003.
• Over the last two years the RMLD has refunded $13.3 million to its customers in the
form of the Purchased Power Adjustment ($7.3 million) and one time refunds ($6
million).
-12- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
• The pro forma income statement for 2003 shows that the net income will be $5.1 million,
which will result in an estimated under recovery of $250,000.
• The Town Accountant, an RMLD Board Member, and the RMLD's Accountant have
been meeting quarterly to discuss the RMLD financial issues.
• The RMLD made a presentation of its 2003 Operating and Capital Budgets to the Town
of Reading Finance Committee.
• The RMLD's new computer system has five components live (General Ledger, Payroll,
Purchasing, Payables, and Inventory). The billing system is being tested in November
and the entire system should be live during the first quarter of 2004.
• The RMLD will have the results of the Cost of Service Study in December. The RMLD
has requested that a "School Rate" be calculated as part of this study.
• The RMLD Board and the Citizen's Advisory Board are reviewing the level of the Rate
Stabilization Fund.
• The R.MLD's reliability remains consistently high at over 99.99% annually.
• The RMLD does not foresee the need for a rate increase or additional bonding through
2009.
• The RMLD is planning on changing its fiscal year to coincide with the Town of Reading.
This change could occur in 2004 based on the full implementation of the new computer
system.
The RMLD re-organized during 2003, without creating additional positions as compared to the
2001 organizational.
-13- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
b "
u
i
c E
t
w
co
°
r °
r
U
cx
V
Q'
p
N
~
GN
m Olin-
Q
(A
yy
cCy
V
cm
W
c'
p
C
wm
V
d m
Q a
~
`
Y aTi
m
Y
c
w
rn
`m
C
O
N m
N
°
rn cp
yx
y
a0
L
E
n y
3
0
in
c
0
a
p
C L
d
m
o
LL
C
w
C
l
w
v
N
c
d
V
Nm
c o
N a
m
®
_o
m C
c8
d T
Om
LL
W
0c
m, ro
tLOx
33
O
ro d
E
_ c
,o
O T
N
R
V
Cm
° ro
~mh
`mU
CD
C
CL2
w
~
232
O1
m 'E
~
N O
N N
20
W U~
a)
H
o
T
9
.
a
Nd
=c
ro
EN
6 'c
~
U o
~w
z
Ea
m
C
E
Em
x
m
o
c
ca
'
i
!
y
rn
10
4` p
rn
m
toc
c
cE
E~
Wa
2
S2 cu
li
O
E °y
°
22
CE
{
i~
.
J
c
O
=m
Q
U
m
N mm
W O
N O
o °
Y~O
.o°. 'm d
~ O LL
a°
'ma'r
E
o~
co
~U
C.
W
N
It
CO
to
N
Z-
M
N
N
M
qt
M
CIO
CA
N
CO
to
O
cc
O
N
to
M
M
(x)
O
ti
CA
rt
00
N
O
N
M
ti
°
N
M
O
O
0
O
O
0
O
O
O
O
O
O
0
O
0
CD
00
N
M
r
O
00
M
t~
O
t~
d
N
cD
r
O
ld)
O
O
to
O
N
O
O
0
t-
CO CO
M
W
E'S
O
O
(9
h7
0
00
(6
M
to
CV)
00
I`
o
~
r,
1-
~
-
r
00
tt')
0
Co
00
LO
a)
00
v
r
Cri
CO
r
d
C)
CA
C,~
to
r,:
t-
L!
CA
d
N
N
I«
CA
M
I`
O
00
CO
m
M
00
C)(1
0O
M
Co
Q
~j
r
N
~
D
d•
61?
I-
d'
O
r
h-
N
11
ct
H3
r
M
CO
r
r
r
2
to
QI-
CC
r
v-
r
Ul
Ef}
0
CA
CO
N
M
r
t-
M
N
et
H}
d'
6C,
M
T-
CA
V
M
Ed}
N
69-
N
6F}
W
to
I`-
r
0)
r
M
Ef}
00
69
0)
V).
Co
6H
N
T-
It
Eg
0)
N
00
C~
CA
Cn
U-
m
69
Ef}
6
*
69-
65-
61
3-
VD-
69.
EF}
<i?
E9
69-
699
to}
ER
Q9,
6F}
4
O
!R
40
69
a
~
o
FL
U
~t
m
0
T" :
d•
N
f~
N
O
:S'~I:
N
Z
~
r
C7
Cl
T
C$)
~
~
_
69
U
0
Q
W
It
to
O
LO
CA
r
M
N
N
r
Cn
4t
M
00
M
N
w
to
0
0
O
N
0
M
M
w
O
I`
N
M
't
W
I`
N
et
CIO
M
m
"t
N
M
r
O
0
O
O
0
O
c
0
CO
o
0
W
o
0
00
O
0
r
O
(O
0
00
N
M
r
A
.O
tlo
M
r
ti
O
LO
O
C
O
I
O
t~
O
O
to
<A
N
CA
O
a
t--
m
d•
0
d
O
U
0
0
0O
CO
Ch
to
M
00
I
O
ce
CO
W
ct
C
to
CA
LO
N
M
O
CO
Co
Co
Co
r
I`
CO
I-
o
il-
I*
M
r
`
LO
CO
-
i
r
ct
e~
00
CO
to
M
O
I~
M
N
CA
Ef}
M
d'
M
M
r
CA
CA
M
M
N
I--
N
to
w
'd'
Il.
O
O)
O
M
I'.
w
00
to
M
m
00
N
0
1'
(d
0
id
w
#!Y
LO
0
t-
t-
LL
=
m
69
Q~-
r
69-
N
69,
69
M
Qf-
r
6F}
r
Q=}
<
r
09~
r
6R
tf}
CA
r
N
69
T-
69
M
6n.
"t
f{}
61).
r
69,
OD
69
6H
6F}
0
r
69
r
vg
64
69
E9
H}
r
pf}
N
6e,
O
't
Eg
0
4
Q
~
r
69•
6f?
Q
~
C_
U
N
C
a
a
o
U
O
U
M
aD
C
RI
C
N
J
O
+
O
o
o
o
CU
s
`
i
N
>
c
n
E
U
1
\
tm
~
n
4
X
W
c
O
C
j
r
C
O
Z
0
=
Cu
U
z
m
U)
CD
T-
2
c)
C
4 N
C
0
cc
0
M
C
N
d
p
E
0
C
.2
m
C.
O
Rs
E
to
O
(n
U
O
a)
U
o
~
c
c
et
M
C
a
°
c
v
v
a
V
n
o-
em
u-
o
C.
~
~s
o
=
rn
~
~
m
.
U
a)
`
Q
O
Z
in
C
o
_
C-
c
O
Cu
J
U
C
O
.
Cn
-
+
CA
Co
~
O
to
O
m
r
N
~G
O
U
C
C
O
C
O
O
Q
J
C
0
_
V
d
>
a
=
U
a
O
C
LL
b
U
m
O
O
C
CTS
E
T
_
F
Z
(p
41
Co
E
CO
-Cu
CU
W
X
W
X
W
N
0)
X
W
Cu
tL
C
N
~o
O
15
C0
.n
=
E
D
C
•
O
t~
t'TS
p
tt
c
C.
J
v
p
N
N
W
N
.
C
-
Co
LL,
p
rr
y
C
=
M
`
Q
E
O
E
t~
p
c
N
(1)
2
t/)
i
C
C
J
U-
U
Q
I~
Cn
C
`I
a
Q
C
~
N
to
r
C
>
L-
E
COL
O
E
N
O
U
O
CL)
12
O
U
V
U
p
O
CO
N
O
C
C
O
~
$
-
l
n
H
_
Q
X
O
r
M
N
J
=
E
W
C
(p
0
=
N
~
U
V
C
p)
€
•E
J
O
N
q
V
O
W
w`
°
-
a
u
a
Q
o
~
~
C.
tv
~
c
rn
~
J
°
aoi
v)
E
Z
~:C
a
V
(n
W
CU
-2
>
Y
p
N
O
ll
0
O
iU
N
(~o
U
"o
N
CU
=
'
O
Q
U
(n
C
o
U-
m
a)
V
~n
~
C
u
a~
N
O
p
c
_
S
a
Z
N
a~
N
c
C
'm
Cll
c
N
o
V
.
C
Cu
M
t
N
O
O
O
N
S
~
N
Q
CT3
O
O
CTS
O
~
2
C
O
C
O
>
r
O
C
D
U
LL
Cn
LL
LL
LL
LL
LL
U)
L)
U)
0
F•
U
~
tr
~
~
=
f1)
Q'
Q_'
U
(n
(n
F-
W
U'
~
CL
O
V
LL
0
N
r
M
'Qd
m
dU
~
4
m
tlj
9
CmO
CUO
0
CA
N
Q
oo
U
~
W
U-
U
_
-
N
r
r
r
r
r
r
OPERATING REVENUE:
SALES OF ELEC - BASE
SALES OF ELEC - FUEL
TOTAL OPERATING REVENUE
OPERATING EXPENSES:
PURCHASED POWER - BASE
OPERATION EXPENSE
MAINTENANCE EXPENSE
DEPRECIATION EXPENSE
SUB-TOTAL
PURCHASED POWER - FUEL
TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES
TOTAL OPERATING INCOME
OTHER INCOME:
MDSE AND JOBBING
INTEREST INCOME
FORFEITED DISCOUNTS
NON-RMLD STREET LIGHTS
TOTAL OTHER INCOME
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME DEDUCTIONS:
CUSTOMER DEPOSIT INTEREST EXP
BOND INTEREST EXP
AMORTIZATION OF DEBT EXP
NON-RMLD STREET LIGHTS EXP
TOWN PAYMENTS
TOTAL MISCELLANEOUS DEDUCTIONS
JAN FEB MAR
2,904,091 3,021,481 2,631,926
2,333,070 2,368,988 2,488,842
5,237,161 5,390,469 5,120,768
1,403,847
1,412,532
1,482,393
700,732
644,582
767,918
279,345
278,095
309,402
145,833
145,833
145,833
2,529,756
2,481,041
2,705,546
21333,070
2,368,988
2,488,842
4,862,826
4,850,029
5,194,388
374,335
540,440
(73,620)
7,000
7,000
7,000
35,400
35,400
35,400
50,822
52,876
46,059
11,253
11,253
11,253
104,475
106,529
99,712
3,750
3,750
3,750
15,595
15,595
15,595
440
440
440
20,514
20,514
24,295
86,667
86,667
86,667
126,966
126,966
130,747
NET INCOME 351,843 520,002 (104,655)
READING MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT
2004 BUDGET SUMMARY
APR
2,677,551
2,183,795
MAY
2,674,292
1,991,162
JUN
2,980,199
2,420,574
JUL
3,511,892
2,672,142
AUG
3,684,842
2,723,923
3,480,399
2,341,042
4,861 346 4,665,454 5,400f773 6,184 034 6,408 765 5,821,441
1,349,229
653
982
1,410,769
1,388,708
1,432,519
1,433,690
1,449
395
,
274,345
628,182
274,995
755,858
318
522
689,042
637,782
,
718,893
145,833
145,833
,
145,833
279,445
145
833
269,245
291,562
,
145,833
145,833
2,423,388
2
459
778
,
,
2 608,921
2,546,838
2,486,549
2 6051683
2,183,795
1,991,162
2,420,574
2,672,142
2,723,923
2,341,042
4 607,183
4
450
940
,
,
5,029,495
5,218,980
5,210 472
4,946 725
254, 163 214;514 371 278 965,054 1 198,293 874,716
7,000
35,400
7,000
35
400
7,000
7,000
7,000
7,000
46,857
,
46,800
35,400
52
153
35,400
'35,400
35,400
11,253
11,253
,
11,253
61,458
11
253
64,485
60,907
,
11,253
11,253
100,510 100,453 105 806 115,111 118,138 114,560
3,750
15,595
3,750
15
595
3,750
3,750
3,750
3,750
440
,
440
151595
15,595
15,595
15,595
20,514
20,514
440
28,085
440
20,514
440
20
514
440
86,667
86,667
86,667
86,667
,
•
86,667
24,295
86,667
126,966 126,966 134,537 126,966 126,966 130,747
227,706 188,000 342,547 953,198 1,189,464 858 529
TRANSFER TO RATE STAB TO MEET 8%-RETURN LESS':
LESS: INVESTMENT'FROM INTEREST INCOME BOND PAYMENT PRINCIPAL
NET INCOME SUBJECT TO 8% RATE OF RETURN
DRAFT 1 9/18/03
OCT NOV DEC TOTAL
2,881,839
2,934,750
3,133,880
36,517,142
2,187,052
2,176,359
2,404,887
28,291,836
5,068,891
5,111,109
5,538,767
64,808,978
1,441,736
1,451,800
1,445,686
17,102,304
656,382
647,782
761,743
8,262,877
273,245
271,095
370,502
3,489,794
145,833
145,833
145,837
1,750,000
2,517,195
2,516,509
2,723,768
30,604,975
2,187,052
2,176,359
2,404,887
28,291,836
4,704,247
4,692,868
51128,655
58,896,811
364,644 418,241 410,112 5,912,167
7,000
7,000
7,000
84,000
35,400
35,400
35,600
425,000
50,432
51,358
54,843
639,050
11,253
0
0
112,530
104,085
93,758
97,443
1,260,580
3,750
3,750
3,750
45,000
15,595
15,595
15,595
187,140
440
440
455
5,295
20,514
20,514
29,195
269,984
86,667
86,667
86,663
1,040,000
126,966 126,966 135,658 1,547,419
341,763 385,032 371,897 5,625,328
(278,034)
(425,000)
(846,000)
4,076,294
ARTICLE 1- James B. Francis, Finance Committee gave the following Status of the Town
Report:
Mr. Moderator, town meeting members, Reading residents:
As we are well aware, the world is not the same place it was in the 1990's, economically or
otherwise. In just the last three years, we have witnessed the tech bust, the events of September
11, the collapse of giants like Enron and WorldCom, and the subsequent slowdown in our
nation's economy. Our State has experienced a similar economic slowdown, and our leadership
at the State level has told us repeatedly not to expect significant increases in state aid in the near
term.
Here in Reading, we are feeling the same economic pain; schools need to be built, renovated,
operated, and maintained. A new and ever-present threat of terrorism requires that our
department of public safety be expanded and trained to protect us. Rising health care, costs and
an under-funded pension liability are obligations to our town employees that cannot be ignored.
The list of sobering budgetary realities goes on and on.
While there has always been healthy debate on the subject of expenses, the major boards of the
Town believe whole-heartedly that our residents' tax dollars are spent efficiently. Expenses have
been cut to the point where further cuts would compromise our quality of life. Residents gave
their seal of approval bypassing two debt exclusions and an operating override over the last
year. These necessary measures will sustain us for the near term, but the future is still uncertain.
It has become evident, therefore, that we now need to spend more time looking at the long term.
Reading's potential for managing its finances is unlimited, when one is given a clean slate with
which to work.
Slide 1. During the summer of 2003, still awash with vacations and baseball optimism, the
Finance Committee held a series of meetings with just one item on the agenda - long range fiscal
planning. Representatives attended the meetings from the School Committee, Board of
Selectman, and the Reading Public Library, along with some Reading residents. These
brainstorming sessions had two basic rules: 1) keep the discussion positive and 2) all ideas would
be given consideration. It was critical that these meetings were open to all suggestions for
revenue enhancement and expense management and that nothing was to be left "off the table".
Slide 2. The major themes of the brainstorming sessions included investment, resource
utilization, and long range planning. Some of the ideas floated were the need for a better-
managed system for Town volunteers, a closer look at the value of the Reading Municipal Light
Department, the sale of naming rights on Town-owned structures, and a commitment to
investment in technology. Each topic of discussion was so broad and deep that we have barely
scratched the surface. As just one of several participants, I consider this the beginning of ail
ongoing process that will require a commitment from not only the major boards and Town
departments, but the residents of Reading as well. In fact, one of the action items of the
brainstorming sessions is to circulate the Reading Taxpayer Survey.
-14- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
- Slides 3 & 4. Under the topic of resource utilization, FinCom and the other boards put our heads
together to determine if there are any areas of Town that could be identified as potential sources
of new revenue. These included naming rights for town facilities, exploring uses for the hospital
trust fund, an updated valuation of the RMLD, the sale of timber rights in the Town Forest, and
the sale of town services to other communities.
Slides 5 - 8. The next slides detail 5-year forecasts of revenues and expenses for the Town of
Reading as prepared by the Town Manager. The first slides show a projection of revenues that
assumes new growth in the tax levy of $155,000 per year, plus new growth from the current.
major real estate projects. The forecast also includes revenue from the previously approved debt
exclusions for school projects. Peter used an assumption of a decrease in base state aid, but
recognition of SBA reimbursement beginning in 2008 for the new school and 2009 for Barrows.
There is also an assumption of a 2% annual increase in earnings distribution from the RMLD.
For this analysis, free cash is held to around 4% in all years through 2009.
On the expense side, increases in salaries, both on the Town and school side, reflect historical
levels. This projection also assumes a 10% annual increase in healthcare costs, as well as
increases in contributory retirement and workers compensation.
Looking at the bottom line, you can understand why the major boards in Town decided to
brainstorm in the first place. While we can we are in a positive position in 2004, the projections
turn increasingly negative looking ahead to the next five years. In fact, the forecast shows a
deficit of over $8 million in 2009.
Members of Town Meeting, this forecast is not an exaggeration, and will be a reality even with
our current level of expense cutting, debt exclusions, and the operating override.
Article six on the warrant, the establishment of a stabilization fund, takes a step toward the
prevention of the deficits projected in the analysis. Not only would it set aside funds as a hedge
for volatility in state aid, it is looked upon favorably by bond ratings agencies.
Slide 9-11. The brainstorming process resulted in one additional idea that will require the
participation of the Town of Reading. The Town Taxpayer Survey, a simple 5-part
questionnaire, will be sent to households in Reading at the beginning of 2004. The purpose of
the questionnaire is to take the pulse of the community with regard to issues such as resource
utilization, volunteerism and expense allocation. The final question on the survey is a query for
new ideas, because we know there are new ideas out there. There will be more information on
this to come, but please take the time to answer the survey when it arrives.
Slide 12. Finally, I want to thank all who participated in the meetings that were held this
summer and for the work that is ongoing. While we have had some lively discussions that have
produced interesting ideas, that was the easy part of the process. What remains is to determine
which ideas are viable, then put together a plan to implement them. Implementation will require
participation from Town departments, boards, and residents. A good start would be to look for
your Reading Taxpayer Survey, answer the 5 questions and send it back. There is no limit to
what we can do when we put our heads together.
-15- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
Reading Finance Conimittee
Summer 2003 Brainstorming
Meetings
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Major Areas of Discussion
• Recent Trends in Town Revenues and Expenses
• Resource Utilization
- Areas of Investment & Revenue Enhancement
• Long-range Fiscal Planning
• Reading Taxpayer Survey
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Resource Utilization - Continued
- Reading Municipal Light Department
• Rafionallu ownership
• Evaluate financial aspects Including payments to/fmm, In-kind
transactions, and cash position
• Consider retaining onindustry rnneultant
- Town Services
• Offer services like special edumtion and dispatch services to other towns
for a fee
- Land
• Town Forest
• Timber Rights
• R.A-land inventory for pauible roles
- Economic Development Capabilities.... revive EDC
- Borrowing Capacity
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Introduction
• Met throughout the summer of 2003
• Participation from SC, BOS, Library, and the Town
• Goal was long-range fiscal planning
• Looked for enhancements in both revenue and
expenses
• Two rules for these meetings:
• Keep the discussions positive
• No Idea would be left "off the table"
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Resource Utilization
• Mission: To evaluate opportunities to generate additional revenue
and better manage expenses through more effective utilization of
town resources.
Areas of Town Finances Evaluated
- Fadllues
• NeMng Rights to FDgh School
• College Partnerships
Cross Functional Purposes, I,a a health clinic at the high school
- The Hospital Trust Fund
• Possible financial resource for health related projects
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
S-Year Forecast
Peter Has Table of Projections
1
I~
0)
C
N.
N `o
U) w
~ o
v N
ea
ea U)
a~
c
zi m
d ~
~ -a
c
o ~
L
0
t- c
'CJ
w~
W
O
.
Go:
n
o m P: to cri
y cq ' o r. co; w r v¢ u~ i' cis S; '
.yWn ~N1 iQ {dy .m t+rf H''L :b iM! ErR~ 0 1~p . c.
M~: o N
v.J
p 11 _ M
H, (M '1 :,~0 r t` 'fir-'. wl EV r~+ ,~R7p1 'flp+:
p. .i n . ,o o tom. O N''
M
yLq tp SKj, A 11'! _ M M T~ 'S ~Pi SO T +r_-. O O O O 4~{ o~ - .tf{
1: T
I ,5xii M''III !'4 IN °v3,'
'
~Y: ~p 'V' hi W kV r Y7 . r.
i..i i. .n!'!'.~.:. I:. v.... i..: .1 I ~.v......t :~r : _.,.~Ir T _:Ii. .,_._i. .t. . _
W,L
o
qii
f
e
I
o
,
cL1
1
M
i,
l
I,
~
I O
a 4 G G a0i
O P P- O CL O' p
P
L:
~G.
O''
I
u~ : m
bSil
!V
ti 1 'b. , Y I !C4 OI
Ili.. i 41 O T P
1 1
d'tlI
ial'l
,
~1~
h.
FI ' 3
,
t ua ?
1 i.
pN1~~'eM-
t
^
,
i~ pp .0.. e o e> cl
5~,
u I, i
M„
I
O O p pl
,M
N.
~
ice-
1, 7 :i ~.i:~
~i i:.::
Q m
U
a
L
a
o w
O
oo
~
w N
~
Q'
(
N C
~ ~ c
t/)
~ U c o
a fA
y
C~ ~
CL
° w c
W V CJ
G
a
d O, E
G
yr
~ m a
3 a'
K
d C
~ c =
m y Yt
`N' c N
g w
E
`c2
a
i
'o
>y`
w
> a m
a a.
Q.
N
J N
16
{Q
O gdCj
C
V D
a
G
a a
.
U v~ u
.Ru
G W
~ n
4; I Ica
N
~
~ w 'Fn
r
m
49 ° °c
0
~
G
N
ca
yy
O c a N a C 3 U
'
d y ~~•e ~ O
Q W d
j
Wd
Fj
Q1
O
N
ro
~
p O W
'O
w
N
& E c w yy~ d
~
'c
Em
N
`
°
"
.
a
i
C tE VJ d
E d A E a=i a a
v
f
9
N
CL C
U N Iqt! o Lei cai
0
.ARTICLE 1
0
0
r
u~
m
O
O
N
0)
N OL
d "s0
N 11'~
= O
y CV
N
d
L
~d
V
.Q
y
d
L
0.
m
!
"
l
g~
:::!ga
N
'
g
Hi: C ~ ~e!n7
w+ ?`acrA
\°I
ti
M
M ii.
A
a.
O
n
N
M
F
O
d
O. G
O ~
d C
'O R
d ~
co
O
'R C
E •Of
c
~.1 •C
o
CL .2
O 0
d ~
d
0 0
n d
E 4)
o °
E
R ~
w ~
C ~
R N
O ~ .
R o)
C =
O
co a. yN
C C
~ d
O. ~
C1 cc F
O y
I N C
Cf N 'C
O a R
w G ° O
tf> O ~
N H D
W G
N N ~
5- U,
R D m c
d ~ R W
a d R w C
O O
~ d N = cN0
3 °
~y C v 'D N
C ~ ~ R R
3
U1 p N N
9L cl
4 m V a W
ARTICLE 1
0
N
O
l~
H
m
Q
Q
}N
ii.
~d
U) to
O
N
U
H
i10y
C
CL
W
~i
L
V
_d
V
d
.O
L
ARTICLE
1
io
r
I
N
M
Q1
ti
f ,m
!
r
a
N•
U~
C
CV
M
O
'N
Ii
i
'
1
iii
i I
,
l
I
pp
~ I! ID
144
~a+
pp
;q_i
i
'p
f3
O
~'y
N:
!~M~i O 1 r` O$Q i0~ .tOQ
i
i!'.
:
.
is
.
.
. :
'.I~
•
O
\
,till°I
I Vi IH'~
k
II i.
t[`J
t~
'1 ! I
O>
N
i f
co
i it I'
I
m
l i
{
i
M
] 1 7 i '1 !
'
O
~ i r
h
~i
4
tG
I f i
1
to
.
'f
r
N
G
~a
i
~lil I
N
i;
.
'
I
M
M
ij !
I'
'
fl
,
I
IO
Imo
.
ry~
N
,
{
*
;
i
I
It
r
.
i
,
r
, f
r i t
.
O
~
.
t I
I
7
,
! t' r f
~f ,f F
, f
i
I
I
II
t
I: r ,
~,G 1 i i .t•
f
I .41yi
t) r7Np
4 Lf
'
tl
1
`
ly
Ii1M'1~CII
~7it t 1
t i',iC
14- 'T
'm, i
i Im1 -
t r i If
i
t
'
i
'f
t ,
'
i t
'Mt fO11f9 f~
d
I.'
LL
i~Yyir Wtf-ilk` M D
fQ la ltla.' I IIMm' p~~ .i `cL
, ~ a
, pR:
1
•1
ti f . ~
ll
IT
iM
7
,
!ui '
f!:.,.,,,.n
1;,..::i
l.. ..r..ii:...:
::~.i.
::..i:..._.,_.i
_
;
L.. _
.i..a,
l}e;
i
r
-
1
0
0
0
a b,
b
I
-
M
C
cy , m
r
_
tp
r ! 3
O
r M
'
p
'
I{t
m rn { N
-4
TT~
I
r i
'
i w
i
VIM)
M'I <
1
w
In
,
p
I
I I _
» I u~ii Oa~ I i .
ey
T v
Z;{;'
A
tM
f
M.I
N .1i i u:.:...: J~m.:
QC]
V
C
W
U-(D
C
Rt
G.
_
C
~j
0
m A a e
_
E
E
d
O
G
a o. 0
E
d
C
V
E m e
L
E
CL
d
m
a
y
m
w
•
D
c a s
°
~
CD
V
~
C9
to
C
O
a►
-
as
o B 1 v
1
v!
3
J9
Z
2 Ci `.9
_
c SR
C3
y `A
p.
.2
a o n a !a
c c
d.
p
1-
o o
L33S
v
u1
= O 0
vuri9
3
m
a, o
`3
l
O
N
a a o
c
i
'
a° v
°mW 2A
IR
v
U
't
~
W
0z
C
)
a
Iii
0
a
W
U
F
J
N
N
N
cu
cu
d
cr)
O
N
S
L
.L
N
U.
W
N
d
G.
w
O
.I~
V
d
O.
Japi~ a
7 :5
N
a
N
0
H
A
N C
Q o
1- `
co
r
in
M
01
O
N
m c)
t
co
ur,
V~' 4
o
t
{t!
M
w®
m
CO
r
N
.r
w®
ce)
LO
tC
m
m r„
n ~
0
in®
ONO
±q LO
N ER
M
a
d
0
c
G
A
W
d
d m
•O ~j
a
a o
.C
yCD
Li. d
Qf
QJ
p c
d
N C
4
T
~ C
O O'
~ d
CL
o d
ira
lY
V JCL
C N ti
.C C
R C p fA
d ~ N
A=a3i3O
o a c 0
of M°o m o
d C C V
C
O p d i~A• •Q .O
N = O V
O V > .d
C •2 p d N •O d
N O N = `.di ~Ry O
}N. V (71 N
U') O.
C C y R C. C
lam N R •N v O N C
C w
O T E. C G
V u. O d N
2! cw, co
CL o d C. coo N OC a
N •.i'
w C N C y tN
Q p • d ul tt yW! d
d y
m H Co.
tNC V N
G C ~ p s
C N d R O w
.y C 46 c d p
•a1~COf xax, ,.R,. .C N•yC N
N W c G d d
d d ~ C O
E E
E d O R h
V' C7 .D OF O C •d
C I
ra. 12 12 C, OR :9
Q m V O (
W u. t9
O
N
r
d
J2
R
R
d
.C
O
O
N
d tu
R tu
d `
` N
c
C. D: a`r
a
~ a
N
R 7•
'C M .C
R ~ d
CF CL
d
v
> aci
R
d
C
C T
r
d
C.
= s
10 d 23 -0 ~0
10 N N .RC 0
E O
b!
O
`dr►• d AI S
cc
G O. E~ff
00
d. CL N v►
d R
C N d
j cm
r R 'O C.
> p *g O O
0=0 Q End
c ~ ~ ~ w R
•OY, R ~ ~ ~ a w
Tf N C' .C
R = .,00 C I
to R •O
!NC r+ R E co)
C 0 .C L d
cl.
C p h
~3 N
W c ~ C
.0 log
d U E f
p~
d d N
Q C
S = s J
N
d
N
C.ty
r
d
N N
•c
c o.
.C C
N
R
.C y
QO V
R C
O
V
G Z
ARTICLE 1
0
ARTICLE 1
-IW
~U
H
r
cz
C
0
w
w
a
w
a
0
G
V
i
~0/
6I.
O
z
0
a
U.
0
U)
J
z
a
o
ti
Cli
p
N
M
.
COG
0
M
M
0
.
04
Ul)
U-)
V-r
Efl
0
O
04
d'
0
O
co
o
04
0
Q
Go
O
U)
~
CC)
00
O
C6
N
CY)
0
O
({J
6rt
co
to
to
d
tf~
V
J.
V
p
N
'Tt
M
CD
CJD
N
0
LL
O
Lf)
co
co
OD
p
(Y)
N
N
OD
CO
69
t
61 3,
CV
O
ti
M
C
G
N
M
co
O
C14
cf)
OD
O
CV)
N
cr)
cri
CO
6%
61),
C
G
63
H9
V-
ffl
V,
H3
O
ti
r
OD
f1
p
N Lf)
(0
Ch
CO
dO
V-
69.
dg
Cf)
V-
CC)
6%
O
tG
O
M
t*i
C
to
00
00
O
O
O
Ch
O
N
6%
O
C)
O
C)
O
Q
0
y
;
O
O
O
O
4
4CD
C
O
O
Nt
r
O
O
O
O
C3
o
O
CO
CG
Cl
C
O
to
O
,
O
_
u
N
N
U
co cr)
O
W
63
W-
to
ff}
d}
O
N
O
N
.C
o.
a
0
W
6%
I
M
C
O
CL
v
O
N
O
5
r
04
ca
~
~
3
°v
a
5
2
c
c
a
M
2:
o
a
v
-a
c
C
2
V-
0
a
I
O
J
w
a
v
i
d
_
p
J
c
J
N
a~i
R
-
C
cu
-
-
O
O
tU
CO
06
z
N
C
O
O
C
2
C
O
'C
O
C)
O
N
~
O
~
O
2
m
U
F=
Tv
is
O
m
.
.I
J
~
J
Q
N
m
a
d
O
1
2
co 0
Efl C
CL
2
o a
N E
C
w
C
N
CL
a~
LO CL
~ U
O
'Cs
N
M
CO 0
CY) CU
69 'a
3
t
t~ O
H3 ~
C
O
CG E
ch ~
C7~ .G..
Cc
E
E
O
O X
N m
N
W
0
CA
G
w
6
\c
O
0
E
tQ6 ~
o
4G 2 E
d N
Ca ~
Q Z
0
tom=N
26
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Town Taxpayer Survey - Background
• As a result of the 'Brainstorming Session" the Finance
Committee has decided to survey the community in order
to determine taxpayer priorities as to revenue allocation,
prioritization of resources, and ideas for revenue
generation or expense control.
Reading Finance Committee
1003 Summer Brainstormlug Meetings
Town Taxpayer Survey -The Questions
• Would you be in favor of selling naming rights for
public buildings or venues, or selling advertising at
public buildings or venues?
• Would you be in favor of a resort in Reading that
featured casino gambling?
Reading Finance Committee
1003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
• Many thanks to all participants
- Reading Residents
- Board of Selectmen
- School Committee
- Town Departments
- Town Manager
- Library
• The real work is yet to be done
Reading Finance Committee
2003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Town Taxpayer Survey -The process
• The Finance Committee will print a narrative in the local
papers ( article or editorial) introducing and and outlining
the goals of the survey - December 2003
• Survey included in Census - January 2004
Reading Finance Committee
1003 Summer Brainstorming Meetings
Town Taxpayer Survey -The Quesaoas (continued)
• The town has achieved success through volunteerism in
schools, library, and elder services. Would you be
interested in other areas such as public works, parks, or
town hall?
• Please prioritize where you think revenues should be
allocated 1-4. Library, Public Safety, Public Works,
Schools.
• What ideas or comments do you have?
2
Thank you.
ARTICLE 1- William C. Brown, Precinct 8, gave the following report of Veteran's Memorial
Fund:
The good news is that thanks to a generous donation by Carl McFadden the goal of $90,000 has
been made.
The terms of the trust only allows the interest to be used for the flowers that are placed on each
Veterans grave Memorial Day. As of now that interest will allow the fund to purchase flowers
for the next two or three years.
June 9, 2007 will be the 50th anniversary of Reading Memorial High School. It has been
suggested by the Veterans that the newly renovated Reading Memorial High School be
rededicated that day with the proper ceremonies and a dance that night in the Field House with
the proceeds going to the Memorial Fund to further honor those that served our country.
ARTICLE 1- Alan Foulds, Moderator and Non-voting Chair of the Rules Committee gave the
following annual report of the Rules Committee:
Pursuant to the Charter the Town Meeting Rules Committee met on October 22, 2003 to review
( and make recommendations on possible changes in the conduct of Town Meeting: A previous
attempt to meet was made on June 24, 2003, but was adjourned due to lack of quorum.
i
Several issues were discussed and action was taken on three.
First, a subcommittee was formally established to review the differences between Robert's Rules
of Order, Revised and Town Meeting Time. The intent is to issue a report and possible
recommendation to this body that we make a change in our bylaws, as to the rules of order that
we use. The subcommittee is still looking for two additional members to help with that project.
Second, the committee discussed a proposed bylaw change concerning bylaw changes. It was
recommended by the Rules Committee that proposed bylaw amendments coming before Town
Meeting be voted up or down, as is. No amendments would be allowed from the floor. The
reasoning by the committee is that bylaw changes have been reviewed by the Bylaw Committee,
Town Counsel, and the hearing process, and should not be tampered with at the last minute. In
order to accommodate minor clerical revisions a clause allowing last-minute changes only by
unanimous consent was also considered. This rule change has been passed to the Bylaw
Committee and may appear on a future warrant.
Third, it was voted to refer to the new Charter Review Committee the issue of including the
School Committee Chairman on the Finance Committee Appointment Authority.
ARTICLE 1- On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved to table the subject matter of Article 1.
-16- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
ARTICLE 2 - On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved to table the subject matter of Article 2.
ARTICLE 3 - On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to amend the FY 2004 - FY 2013, Capital Improvements Program as provided for in
Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter by adopting an amended Capital Improvement
Plan dated 11-10-03.
ARTICLE 4 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to appropriate the sum of $10,153 from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local
receipts and to authorize the payment of an unpaid Fiscal Year 2003 bill to CTC
Communications Corp. of Hartford, Connecticut for telephone services.
9/10 vote required
unanimous hand vote declared by Moderator
ARTICLE 5 - On motion by James B. Francis, member of the Finance Committee, it was voted
to amend votes taken under Article 13 of the April 28, 2003 Annual Town Meeting relating to
the Fiscal Year 2004 Municipal Budget as follows:
Line
Description
Increase or
Decrease -
Revised Budget
J
Vocational Schools
- $132,913
$179,198
B23
Property and Casualty Insurance
+ $64,000
$276,999
Kl
Debt Service
+ $156,000
$4,029,200
C2
FINCOM Expenses
+ $750
$34,750
G14
Public Works Rubbish Expense
- $13,500
$1,085,130
G7
Public Works Parks and Forestry
Salaries (Compost Center)
+ $1,700
$324,149
TOTAL
+ $ 76,037
and appropriate the funds from property taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts.
On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to amend Article 5 by adding
$10,000 to line item F6 Fire/Emergency Management Expenses for equipment necessary to
operate new advance life support equipment.
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 6 - On motion by Richard McDonald, member of the Finance Committee, it was
voted to appropriate the sum of $700,000 (Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars) from property
taxes, State aid and non-property tax local receipts for the purpose of establishing a Stabilization
Fund as authorized by Chapter 40, Section 5B of the Massachusetts General Laws.
-17- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
2/3 vote required
134 voted in the affirmative
3 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 7 - On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
raise by borrowing in anticipation of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6,
Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority the sum of $306,431
(Three Hundred Six Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty One Dollars) for highway projects in
accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws.
2/3 vote required
unanimous hand vote declared by Moderator
ARTICLE 8 - On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
raise by borrowing under Chapter 44 Section 7 (5) or pursuant to any other enabling authority,
and appropriate for the purpose of designing and constructing sidewalks, curbing, and related
improvements on Franklin Street west of Main Street and on abutting streets as necessary for the
purpose of providing pedestrian access to the new elementary school being constructed at the end
of Sunset Rock Lane, the sum of $250,000 (Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars) provided that
any appropriation subject to this Article shall be contingent upon the passage of a capital
exclusion referendum question under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 21C.
2/3 vote required
121 voted in the affirmative
6 voted in the negative
On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to indefinitely postpone the subject
matter of Article 8.
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 9 - On motion by Harvey J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was voted to appropriate the sum of
$23,565.67 (Twenty Three Thousand Five Hundred Sixty Five Dollars and Sixty Seven Cents),
which represents the balance remaining from the development of schematic designs of the
Reading Memorial High School (Article 4, April 25, 2002) for the purpose of making
extraordinary repairs and/or additions to the Reading Memorial High School and said sum to be
expended under the direction of the School Committee.
2/3 vote required
123 voted in the affirmative
4 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 10 - On motion by Harvey J. Dahl, Precinct 7, it was moved to table the subject
matter of Article 10.
- 18- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
table the subject matter of Article 11.
ARTICLE 12 - On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
table the subject matter of Article 12.
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
table the subject matter of Article 13.
ARTICLE 14 - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, it was moved to amend the Reading Home
Rule Charter by adding a new Section 8-17 as follows:
"All members of multiple member bodies, whether elected or appointed, and all
individuals appointed to unpaid positions by the Board of Selectmen or other
appointing authority, shall be residents of the Town and shall only be qualified to
serve as such for the period in which they reside in the Town. Any such member
and/or individual who no longer resides in the Town shall be deemed to have
vacated his/her position. Any member of a multiple member body and any
individual appointed to an unpaid position by the Board of Selectmen or other
appointing authority who intends to change his/her residency to outside the Town
shall immediately notify the Town Clerk in writing of such change."
On motion by Frederick Van Magness, Precinct 8, it was moved to table the subject matter of
Article 14.
Motion carried.
ARTICLE 15 - On motion by Richard W. Schubert, it was voted to amend Section 4.6 of the
Reading General Bylaws by changing "Five Hundred Dollars ($500)" in the first sentence to
"Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000)" so that the first sentence of Section 4.6.1 reads as follows:
"Whenever an item or collection of items of tangible personal property
with an estimated net value of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) within
the control of an official body, but excluding the Municipal Light Board,
shall be determined by that official body to be surplus, obsolete, salvage,
or beyond repair, it may be disposed of by sale, trade or otherwise, by
the Town Manager with the approval of the Finance Committee."
ARTICLE 16 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to amend Section 5.5.4.2 of the Reading General Bylaws by deleting from that paragraph
the following words: "other than specifically designated areas. The Town Manager, the
Superintendent of Schools, and the General Manager of the Municipal Light Department shall
designate areas in which smoking shall be allowed and shall post an appropriate number of signs
indicating those areas in which smoking is prohibited" so that Section 5.5.4.2 reads as follows in
its entirety: 1
"5.5.4.2 No person shall smoke or have in his possession
-19- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 10, 2003
any lighted cigar, cigarette, or other tobacco product in any
building or room owned or occupied by the Town."
On motion by Douglas R. Cowell, Precinct 7, it was moved to add the word "not" after the words
"Municipal Light Department shall" in Article 16.
Motion did not carry.
ARTICLE 17 - On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to indefinitely postpone the subject matter of Article 17.
ARTICLE 18 - On motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Community Planning and Development
Commission, it was voted to amend Section 6.3.1 La of the Zoning By-Laws by deleting the
phrase "The site coverage of the dwelling within the minimum setback is not increased and" and
substituting therefore the following language: "The site coverage of the dwelling within that
minimum setback may be increased as long as no additional encroachment further reducing the
setback is allowed. No such increase shall create a new non conformity, and".
2/3 vote required
111 voted in the affirmative
5 voted in the negative
On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this
Subsequent Town Meeting stand adjourned until November 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
154 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: Ch/IA. ns n
. 19-
To -20- Subsequent Town. Meeting
November 10, 2003
SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 13, 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 Reverend Wendy Miller Olapade of the First Congregational
Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 11 - On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
moved to remove Article 11 from the table.
ARTICLE 11- On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
raise by borrowing, under Chapter 44, Section 8 (4) or pursuant to any other enabling authority,
and appropriate the sum of $1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars) for the
purpose of making improvements to the Louanis Water Treatment Plant and related facilities by
construction of a new facility and/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.
Thomas J. Ryan, Precinct 1, moves the question.
2/3 vote requested
109 voted in the affirmative
19 voted in the negative .
Motion to move the question carries.
Vote on original motion
2/3 vote required
133 voted in the affirmative
- 0 - voted in the negative
ARTICLE 12 - On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved:
♦ That the Town vote to apply for admission to the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
Water System to receive from Massachusetts Water Resources Authority a supply of a
supplemental public water supply in accordance with Chapter 372 of the Acts of 1984 of the
Commonwealth; and
e That the Town raise by borrowing under Chapter 44, Section 8 (3) or pursuant to any other
enabling authority and appropriate the sum of $3,180,000 (Three Million One Hundred
Eighty Thousand Dollars) for the payment of entrance fees, costs of connection and other
expenses for the same; and
♦ That the Town vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen, acting as Water Commissioners, to
take such actions necessary or required to apply for admission to and to receive a
supplemental public water supply from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Water
System, including, without limitation, filing legislation, payment of applicable fees and
charges, and entering into an agreement with the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority
as may be required or necessary to receive a supply of water at prevailing rates charged by
the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority to communities in its water supply system.
Nancy M. Graham, Precinct 4, moves the question.
2/3 vote requested
89 voted in the affirmative
30 voted in the negative
Motion to move the question carries.
Vote on original motion
2/3 vote required
111 voted in the affirmative
13 voted in the negative .
ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Gail F. Wood, member of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to
raise by borrowing under Chapter 44, Section 8 (6) or pursuant to any other enabling authority
~l and appropriate the sum of $487,000 (Four Hundred Eighty Seven Thousand Dollars) for the
purpose of constructing a replacement to the existing 20 inch diameter water main extending
approximately from Bancroft Avenue at the intersection of Hartshorn Street, northerly to
approximately the intersection of Forest Street and Colburn Road, including the cost 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.
2/3 vote required
Unanimous handcount vote declared by Moderator
On motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this
Subsequent Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die at 10:20 p.m.
139 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest: `-Cheryl l. Johnso
Town Jerk
- 2- Subsequent Town Meeting
November 13, 2003