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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-24 Annual Town Meeting MinutesANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 13, 1998 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:50 p.m., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Matthew Cummings, Precinct 8. This month the Town lost one of its longtime volunteers, Robert Fields. Bob, who passed away, was a member of the Board of Library trustees for 32 years, having first been elected in 1966 and served every since. He was also probably the library's most frequent visitor. I would like a moment of silence, please. The moment of silence was 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 Camille W. Anthony, 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 Report: The years pass so quickly, too quickly; and once again it is time for us to reflect upon the health of the community. It is always enlightening to pause and assess the situations that have arisen during the past year and evaluate the decisions made to address these needs. As a preface to my remarks on the.State of the Town, let me first extend our thanks on behalf of the entire community to the Reading Police Department for the professional manner in which the department dealt with the disappearance of Elaine Donahue. Their perseverance in solving the case was tempered with a respect for a family in crisis. This event brought the citizens of Reading together initially in a common bond of concern and hope, and finally left us dismayed and saddened. Now, let us reflect upon some of the events occurring during the year that have brought many rewards to the community. ❖ The state of our public buildings keeps improving. Due to the strength of our Capital Improvements Program, a new, redefined Police Station will become a reality as final design is accomplished and construction begins in the fall. The completion of the Parker Middle School and full occupancy this past fall is a landmark in the community. The recent approval by Town Meeting to fund renovation of the Coolidge Middle School continues the School Department's program of upgrading our schools. ❖ Due to the efforts of the Historical Commission through the enactment of the Demolition Delay Bylaw, we have been successful in preserving the Damon House on John Street and the Foster-Emerson Home located at the Meadow Brook Country Club. ❖ Downtown revitalization, under the auspices of the Downtown Steering Committee, is moving forward with the final design of the Streetscape Program approved by the Board of Selectmen, and the continued work of the economic development consultants. ❖ Reading's open space inventory increased due to the acquisition of 9.2 acres of Sledge Woods, made possible through Town funds and the awarding of State self- help funds. Additionally, a Reading family has donated 1.2 acres on Van Norden Road. ❖ The level of services offered by the Elder Affairs Department will be strengthened because of the bequest by Dorothy Burbank of $200,000. ❖ The Reading Housing Authority was the recipient of the 1997 Outstanding Achievement Award from the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials, Massachusetts Chapter for the program for low and moderate income families affiliated with the Summit Village project. The Housing Authority continues to provide guidance to families enabling them to attain greater economic independence. ❖ Under the leadership of Eugene Nigro, the Reading Public Library Foundation was established. The endowment fund will enhance the Town's ability to ensure that the Library continues to meet the needs of its citizens in the new millennium. ❖ The dedication of Wood End Cemetery marked the completion of another milestone - in the Town's commitment to meet the needs of the community into the future. ❖ Collaborative efforts between the Water Department and the Ipswich River Stream Team to protect our water supply are ongoing. ❖ Nelson Burbank and the Recreation Department continue their joint efforts to provide a swimming pool, which will bring new vitality to the community. Looking forward, it is apparent that many issues discussed in 1997 still need resolution. The closing of the landfill and its subsequent development continues to be the Board of Selectmen's first priority. The Board of Selectmen has recently rejected the two bids for the sale of this property. The Board determined that the bids were non- responsive to the RFP, and the process had gotten very awkward, with the two bidders apparently bidding against each other beyond their original proposals. The Board of Selectmen intends to have this property back out to bid very shortly. The 35-acre former landfill site is our best opportunity to make a significant impact on the commercial tax base in the community, and because of this it deserves our best attempt to maximize the benefits from the site. The ability of the Town to fund services and capital needs at present funding levels are of concern. The Budget Council will need to reassess the Town's ability to 2 Annual Town Meeting- April 13, 1998 meet long-term budget estimates when establishing the budget priorities for the year 2000 and beyond. This past Fall, a task force was formed to evaluate several potential Town uses of Longwood Farm should the land be taken out of 61A agricultural status and placed on the market. The Town has the right of first refusal that must be exercised within 120 days of a bona fide offer being accepted by the owners. The potential Town uses for open space and recreational facilities are evident. The ability to acquire all or a portion of the property will be determined by availability of funds or.the establishment of a private/public partnership. The Board of Selectmen has been extremely busy during this past year in its attempt to address the many issues that have come before it. These include such diverse issues as Compost Center hours, beer and wine liquor licenses, and road improvements. The Board's decisions continually impact the Town Departments and the available resources needed to provide services. However, due to the untiring efforts of our Town employees, progress continues to be made and the residents of Reading do live in a community which attempts to address the concerns of its citizens. Upon reflection, it should be noted that the accomplishments we have achieved were due to the diligence and commitment of the many stakeholders in our midst including our many volunteers, interested residents and staff. Let us celebrate the commitment, concern and collaboration by many to move the Town forward. ARTICLE 2 - The following Berger Awards were presented by Dennis Richards, Assistant Superintendent of Schools: After downloading from the Internet a trial version of Sunburst's Web Workshop, we purchased a five-CD ROM package of this very kid-friendly web-page maker. Working with our technology assistant, Mrs. Linda O'Leary, students are learning how to create a subject-based web page. A group of third-grade students are making an informative web site on El Nino. Mrs. Lynch's fifth-grade class has begun work on a web site on Habitats of the World. Students will be incorporating their artwork created on KidPix into this web site along with information that they have gathered from their research. Once we have completed these pilot projects, we intend to continue taking advantage of student publishing opportunities on the Internet with other Birch Meadow students. CU-See-Me software and a color video camera were also purchased. Last year, Mrs. Lynch's class enjoyed a year-long e-mail exchange with an American school in Hong Kong. This school year, she wanted to go a step further in cyberspace by engaging in live "video conferences" with this school. Due to difficulties on the Hong Kong end, we have had to set aside this plan and look for other possibilities with video conferences. Annual Town Meeting - April 13, 1998 - We have experimented with the software and camera and are now registered on the Global School Net (http://www. s~ n.org), a web site that helps connect schools around the world with each other so that they may engage in live video conferences. The organization holds "practice days" and helps school make use of CU-See-Me video conferences. We anticipate international show and tell activities in the near future! And, with our new Media One Internet access connection, which was installed on April 9, we will be able to enjoy faster video transfers when we go live with the other schools. The Berger Award money has enabled us to move ahead with technology. Our library media center now has a well-equipped multimedia production station, thanks in large part to this award. 1997-1998 Arnold and Dorothy Berger Award for Exemplary Teaching Technology 2000: Innovation at Birch Meadow I came before Town Meeting last Spring to explain a change in the way the Berger Award would celebrate exemplary teaching. This year instead of identifying exemplary teachers, the Arnold and Dorothy Berger Award for exemplary teaching is supporting innovative teaching in Reading's schools. The 1997 Berger Award goes to teachers at the Birch Meadow Elementary School for their Technology 2000 proposal. In the Fall Birch Meadow teachers developed a proposal for exemplary teaching that is on the cutting edge of technology usage for schools. They implemented the proposal this year and are here tonight to report to Town Meeting on the results of their work. I'd like to invite Principal Richard Davidson and Media Specialist & Librarian Nancy Anthony of Birch Meadow School to come up here and speak to Town Meeting about their school's project. Our School, like others in the district, has been fortunate to have support in the area of technology. Teachers and students are continually learning to use various applications, and they are finding ways to incorporate technology into meaningful learning experiences. While we recognize the need to strive toward mastering the resources we now possess, we are also mindful of the need to be continually looking ahead to new ways to incorporate technology in learning. To this end, we would like to utilize the $500 Berger Funds to purchase equipment and software that will enable us to pilot several new endeavors with technology. We are interested in CU-See-Me, a software application that allows "video conferencing." While this technology is still somewhat primitive, school all over 4 Annual Town Meeting - April 13, 1998 the world are enjoying this capability. Students are not only corresponding via E- Mail, but they have the added advantage of actually seeing the students they correspond with. CU-See-Me is a natural follow-up to the activities that occurred last year at Birch Meadow. Several teachers engaged in international E-Mail projects, namely a first-grade long-term Japanese exchange via E-mail and "snail mail." In addition, a fifth-grade class has a partner class in Hong Kong which students wish to meet via the CU-See-Me technology. Linda O'Leary, technology assistant at Birch Meadow, will be overseeing the implementation of this technology. Costs for CU-See-Me: software and viz-camera package $250.00 High-speed 56K modem: approx. $100.00 The remaining funds will be used to pilot projects involving the creation of web pages. Teachers and/or students will be creating web pages and using them as a vehicle for intra-school communications and also for communication between home and school and among schools all over the world. Web pages are also produced in the form of "web quests," which is a teacher or student created resource that is placed on the Internet. A web quest makes use of various topic- related web links for students to research and explore. We are at the beginning stages of this and wish to use $150.00 for the purchase of an application such as Microsoft Front Page or Claris Home Page (2-3 copies) that will enable the creation of Web pages. ARTICLE 2 - Timothy R. Twomey, Chairman, gave The following School Committee Report: Over the past school year the Reading School Committee has had the pleasure of honoring some very special young people who have won state recognition in academic and athletic competitions. Tonight I would like to take a few moments to recognize the accomplishments of those schools and organizations. I would also like to take a moment to thank the professional staff for all the time and effort they put into making such accomplishments possible. Last Thursday night, the Reading School Committee honored 34 teachers with more than 30 years of service and in May will be honoring the teachers with 25 to 30 years of service. This year in the faculty of the Reading Public Schools K-12, we have 42 teachers with 25 years to 30 years of service to young people everywhere, 26 teachers with 30 to 35 years of service, 7 teachers with 35 to 40 years of service, and 1 with more than 40 years of service. Tonight I would like to recognize those teachers. Please give them a hand. Now I would like to take a few moments to recognize State Championships won by students in the following schools: Annual Town Meeting- April 13, 1998 At the Reading Memorial High School: The Drama Club The National History Day The model United Nations The State Relay Champs The Indoor Class B - Girls At the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School The Science Olympiad At the Walter S. Parker Middle School: The National Promising Young Writers Club The Boston Globe Scholastic Art Award The Massachusetts State Library Media Association ARTICLE 2 - The following State of the Reading Public Library Report was given by Maria Silvaggi, Chairman of the Board of Library Trustees: library. Perhaps more than at any other time we can label this the year of the public Last November, the Library of Congress heralded the centennial of its beautiful Jefferson Building, whose seed collection consisted of the 6487 books of Thomas Jefferson's library, which, you may recall, the retired President offered to the United States Congress after British troops burned the Capitol during the War of 1812. The celebration serves to remind us of Congress' far-sightedness in appropriating $23,950 to purchase the Jefferson collection, thus establishing the great national treasure that is the Library of Congress. Closer to home, Boston Public Library is celebrating its sesquicentennial, boasting of the fact that it is the first publicly supported public library in the world, and focusing attention on the role a modern public library plays in our daily lives. Like these venerable institutions, Reading Public Library - which is celebrating its 130th birthday this year - can point to a legacy of vision and public support by local citizens, town officials, and the local government's appropriating authority, Town Meeting, from its founding in 1868 with $500 from Horace Wakefield matching by an equal appropriation from Town Meeting. As provident as those founders were, surely they never dreamed how loved and important to the community this public institution would become, or how vast or far- reaching its resources, nor how respected would be its reputation. 6 Annual Town Meeting- April 13, 1998 Reading is a community of library supporters who, in each consecutive year, i increase usage of the service over the previous year. In this past year, our 22,500 registered patrons borrowed more than 300,000 items and asked us more than 40 thousand research questions. Some of those questions take more time to answer because, as the reference librarians tell me, "We don't say we can't find answers anymore. Thanks to our technology which links us to resources throughout the world, we have access to information that wasn't available to us a few years ago." The technology explosion has benefited our patrons enormously. In collaboration with Media One, the Library installed two computers with high-speed Internet access, in addition to the 14 computers already connected through the library's NOBLE (North of Boston Library Exchange) network. Internet classes for adults and seniors filled up quickly, and evaluations were very positive - although a suggestion for improvement by serving wine and cheese is one we, unfortunately, cannot implement! Children's librarians taught Internet classes for elementary students, and "Read- alots's" weekly trivia questions motivated Internet use for those in grade 4 and up. Through Netguide program, high school students taught other students how to use the Internet. Patrons began to use our e-mail service and our Web site to ask questions, request books, and renew library materials from home. "Project Place" a part of our Web site done in cooperation with Reading teachers, made major assignments available to children using the Internet at home or in the library. Perhaps there is no better indication of the extent of the change in library service precipitated by technology than to note that the library's comprehensive long-range plan published just five years ago in January, never mentioned the word "Internet." As we prepare to launch another state mandated five-year plan, we are confronted with the challenge of reading the future to discern what marvelous technological advances will impact library service of the 21" century. Whatever those inventions, they will not replace the printed word nor render obsolete the many offerings we provide. Indeed, demand for increased services has resulted in our expanding library hours so that we are now open seven days per week for most of the year. We will grow if our past history is any indication of our future. Consider this: last year, nearly 10,000 people attended the 300 free programs organized by the Children's Room staff: storytimes, sing-alongs, class tours, booktalks, not to mention sleepovers. There are now three monthly book discussion groups, two for adults and one for children. Storytimes for two-year olds were doubled because of the demand. 7 Annual Town Meeting -April 13, 1998 Adolescent author Caroline Cooney visited the Library and middle schools in March in a jointly run event. A popular addition to the library is Bibliobites Cafe that opened last year, is managed by the Friends of the Library, and is supplied by "The Hot Spot." In the past year we have worked with members of the Historical Commission and the Antiquarian Society to inventory the local history and genealogy collection, and with a grant from the Town's Celebration Trust, arranged for the rebinding and care of 65 of the most important and fragile local history volumes. To put the Reading Public Library in perspective, according to the state public library rankings report, Reading Public Library is 8t' in activity for its population division, but 15a' in expenditure. All is not paradise in the beautiful building on the hill, however. During the past year, as welcome and necessary as the renovation of the HVAC system was, staff and patrons suffered the installation with its accompanying noise, dirt and inconvenience. It created much stress. We know their will be more. The elegant, hospitable library building sitting majestically on Middlesex Avenue _ is, after all, a 101-year-old dowager confronting space-age technological demands. If it is to continue to satisfy the needs of an ever-growing number of patrons, and fulfill their expectations for modern service, it will require constant refurbishment and periodic major renovation. In the past decade, the attentiveness of the Town Manager and willingness of Town Meeting to address this building's maintenance problems has resulted in a well- cared for structure that signals its stature as - to borrow Tom Stohiman's phrase - "the community's living room." It goes without saying that the Board of Library Trustees is anxious that such diligent upkeep be continued under the new building maintenance collaborative. No matter how inviting are the physical surroundings in which library service is delivered, it is the staff delivering that service that set the standard for its quality. I am proud to stand before you and report that Reading Public Library enjoys a state-wide reputation for excellence thanks to its talented, well-trained hard-working and enthusiastic staff who are dedicated not only to satisfying our patrons needs but to trying to please patrons. _ In this budget they seek your support in making salary adjustments that are long overdue. Amiual Town Meeting- April 13, 1998 As I noted in the beginning of this report, to be successful, the community and those in government who are responsible for making decisions must support a library. That Reading Public Library is outstanding is due in no small part to the far-sightedness of town officials and Town Meeting - those present and those of previous generations - which created the plans and provided the funding that have brought this library service to the glory of its present day. As you prepare to accomplish this Town's business, we respectfully remind you that the Reading Public Library's future accomplishments will reflect the wisdom of the decisions you make today. In conclusion, I speak personally and for the Board of Trustees in expressing our respect, admiration and appreciation for the accomplishments of Attorney William Diamond, who has retired after serving as a library trustee since 1957, and Mr. Robert Fields who died two weeks ago after serving as library trustee since 1966. Each has established a hallmark of excellence to which the Board will strive, and we are grateful to them for their example of dedication and service. ARTICLE 2 - The following Rules Committee Report was given by Mark Johnson: Introduction - Town Meeting will recall that an Instructional Motion was made at the 1997 Annual Town Meeting to have the Moderator, acting as the Chairman Pro- Tem(pore), call a meeting of the Rules. Committee. The instructional motion went on to include the election of a chairman, to have the committee work with the Bylaw Committee seeking to change either the Town's bylaws or the Home Rule Charter in order to have the Moderator serve as the Chairman of the committee, and the requirement to have the Rules Committee meet annually. This is the report of the Rules Committee to Annual Town Meeting. Rules Committee Meeting - The Rules Committee met on February 19, 1998, at Reading Town Hall. A chairman and clerk were elected. The committee discussed a variety of topics that had been submitted to the Moderator as a result of a letter that he had sent to all Town Meeting members, dated July 1, 1997. Selected topics and highlights of the discussion at the Rules Committee meeting follow. The committee discussed the suggestion that the Moderator serve as Chairman. The conclusion was that the Moderator would be a member. It was further agreed that the committee would be called together by the Moderator within 30 days of the completion of Annual Town Meeting. The committee also discussed: ❖ The distribution of warrant articles that had been revised between the printing of the warrant and their presentation at Town Meeting; ❖ The issue of moving the question as it relates to amendments made and the main motions to which they are made; 9 Annual,rown Meeting -April 13, 1998 ❖ The issue of reorganizing non-Town Meeting members who wish to speak at Town Meeting; •3 The procedure for voting on the budget article; ❖ The removal of Town Meeting members by means of the existing Bylaw; and ❖ The overall conduct of Town Meeting. Summary - The Rules Committee concluded that Town Meeting was being well conducted. The Moderator would take the various suggestions made and use them during the course of Town Meeting. The Rules Committee will work with the Bylaw Committee in order to include the Moderator as a member of the Rules Committee. The minutes of the Rules Committee are on file in the Town Clerk's office. ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved that the subject matter of Article 2 be tabled. ARTICLE 3 - On instructional motion by John K. Downey, Precinct 8, should the Selectmen solicit bids for the use of the Landfill site for retail use? Please direct this vote to the Board of Selectmen and the Reading Business Park Task Force for their consideration when the bids close July 1, 1998. On motion by Mark Jackson to move the question: 2/3 vote required 76 in the affirmative 50 in the negative Motion to move the question did not pass. Instructional Motion carried. 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 George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was moved that the subject matter of Article 4 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 5 - On motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, it was voted to accept the sum of $211,205.05 from the estate of Dorothy Burbank and to establish a Trust Fund in the custody of the Commissioners of Trust Funds. The principal and interest on said fund shall be expended for Elder Services under the direction of the Council on Aging in accordance with the wishes of the donor. ARTICLE 6 - On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was moved.that the subject matter of Article 6 be tabled. 10 Annual Town Meeting -April 13, 1998 ARTICLE 7 - On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was to amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 22 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 14, 1997 as amended under Article 5 of the November 10, 1997 Subsequent Town Meeting and as further amended under Article 4 of the March 9, 1998 Special Town Meeting, relating to the Fiscal Year 1998 Municipal Budget, and to transfer from available funds and appropriate as the result of such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government the following: Budget # Description Change in adopted budget New Budget Amount FINCOM Recommendation B6 Inspections - Personal Services $675 $85,271 B7 Inspections - Non-Personal Ex enses $250 $2,540 B9 Community Development - Non- Personal Expenses $300 $2,150 C8 Technology - Non-Personal Expenses $6,000 $99,997 C10 Personnel - Non-Personal Expenses $2,000 $41,844 C11 Finance - Personal Services $2,000 $223,171 D5 Law - Labor Counsel $4,000 $34,000 D6 Law - Expenses $4,000 $10,000 D11 Property and Casualty Insurance -$10,000 $86,328 E2 Health - Non-Personal Expenses -$15,000 $46,087 E8 Recreation - Personal Services $125 $39,322 E10 Human Services - Personal Services $1,600 $50,565 G3 Animal Control - Personal Services $700 $14,460 G5 Fire - Personal Services $150,000 $2,531,492 G6 Fire - Non-Personal Expenses $7,150 $106,685 G7 Dispatch - Personal Services $6,000 $239,719 H11 DPW - Personal Services -$65,000 $1,085,143 H12 DPW -Non-Personal Expenses $39,000 $410,315 H15 Snow and Ice control $55,000 $287,467 L7 Police and Fire Indemnification $9,000 $29,000 J1 Schools - Special Needs $75,000 $21,385,80 1 J2 Schools - Town Building Maintenance $27,625 $389,504 Net Change - General Fund $300,425 Free Cash N1 Sewer -Personal Services $14,500 $172,067 Sewer Reserve N4 Capital Outlay $80,000 $198,593 Sewer Reserve 11 Annual Town Meeting -April 13. 1998 ARTICLE 8 - On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was moved that the subject matter of Article 8 be tabled. ARTICLE 9 - On motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, it was voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the following items of Town tangible property: 1970 Sicard Snow-Blower 1982 GMC Dump Truck 3 Police Cars Digital B1000 Printer Miscellaneous computer equipment including monitors, printers, computers and keyboards ARTICLE 10 - On motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Community Planning and Development Commission, it was voted to transfer from the funds obtained under that certain agreement described below for Strawberry Hill Subdivision the sum of twenty thousand dollars 20,000) for the purpose of completion of construction according to approved plans for a subdivision known as "Strawberry Hill Lane" and conditions of approval of said plans, which approval was granted by the Community Planning and Development Commission on September 11, 1995, in accordance with the terms of a certain Agreement entered into and executed to the benefit of the Town of Reading on _ December 4, 1995 by the Wakefield Development Corporation, the Danvers Savings Bank, and said Commission, pursuant to the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in Reading and in accordance with Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 41, such funds to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. ARTICLE 11 - On motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, 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 to pay for related expenditures pursuant to a program administered by the Department of Public Works, and to authorize expenditures not exceeding $2500 during Fiscal Year 1999. ARTICLE 12 - On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted to establish a revolving fund in accordance with Chapter 44, Section 530/2 of the General Laws for the purpose of using the receipts from antennae licenses on the Town's water towers, to fund community improvements pursuant to a community improvement program to be administered by the Town Manager under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize expenditures not exceeding $48,000 during Fiscal Year 1999. On motion by Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 6, to move the question. 12 Annual Town Meeting - April 13, 1998 2/3 vote required 82 voted in the affirmative 46 voted in the negative Motion did not cam. On motion by Mark W. Jackson, Precinct 4, to add "in the Auburn Street and Parkview neighborhood" after the word improvements. Counted vote requested 67 voted in the affirmative 54 voted in the negative Motion to amend carries. On motion by Stephen M. Conner, Precinct 4, to amend Article 12 by replacing the word "community" after the word "fund" with "capital" and by replacing "a community improvement program" with "the overall CIP". Motion to amend did not carry. Original Motion as amended: Counted vote requested 78 voted in the affirmative 41 voted in the negative Motion as amended carries. On motion by Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 6, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School, Thursday, April 16, 1998. Meeting adjourned at 10:56 p.m. 166 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Y hery7L . John n Town lerk 13 Annual Town Meeting- April 13, 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 16, 1998 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:40 p.m., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Reverend Robert Sweet of the Old South United Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. A Patriot's Day Walking Tour will be conducted by the Reading Historical Commission on Sunday, April 19, 1998 from 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. The Foster-Emerson House on Grove Street will be featured along with Franklin Street houses of Reading Patriots. Everyone is welcome. Start at Franklin Street and Pasture Road on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. Point of Privilege by Russell T. Graham, Precinct 4, presenting the following resolution: RESOLUTION HONORING BENJAMIN NICHOLS WHEREAS: Benjamin Nichols has served the Town of Reading in a multitude of roles, following in the tradition of a venerable family steeped in the rich history of Reading; and - WHEREAS: He has served Town Meeting with particular distinction always advocating for the right as he saw it; and WHEREAS: Benjamin Nichols has served the environment and open space of Reading by zealously guarding and seeking to expand their horizons; and WHEREAS: He has served the Boy Scouts of America and thereby served the youth of Reading, consistently offering to them an exemplary life of honor and community service. THEREFORE, BE ITRES.OLVED by this Town Meeting assembled on April 16, 1998, that on the'occasion of his having attained ninety years of fruitful and productive life; the community wishes to express their sincere respect everlasting -gratitude and deep affection to him in honor of the extraordinary,service he has rendered to the Town he so dearly loves and be it further resolved that this resolution be made a permanent record of the Town of Reading, as a lasting testament to the special place he holds in the heart of the Reading community. ARTICLE 8 - On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was moved to remove Article 8 from the table. ARTICLE 8 - On motion by George V. Hines, Precinct 7, it was voted to adopt the Capital Improvements program entitled "Town of Reading, Massachusetts Ten Year Capital Improvement Program Fiscal Years 1999 - 2008" dated 10-April-98 as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter. (See attached blue sheets) ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved that the subject matter of Article 13 be tabled. ARTICLE 14 - On motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, 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, and appropriate the sum of $437,000 for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90 of the Massachusetts General Laws. ARTICLE 15 - On motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, it was voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into an agreement with the YMCA of Greater Boston, Inc., the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc. and/or any other party for the construction or remodeling, reconstruction or making extraordinary repairs to a swimming pool and accessory uses and structures on land of the YMCA of Greater Boston, Inc., on Arthur B. Lord Drive and relating to the use of said swimming pool and accessory uses and structures by the Town of Reading; and that the Town vote to authorize that certain funds due to the Town, as Lessor, from the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc., as Lessee, pursuant to the Indenture of Lease dated February 23, 1993, as amended, up to the amount of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000) together with interest thereon at the rate of Six Percent (6%), be assigned to the YMCA of Greater Boston, Inc., for the Town's share in the construction or remodeling, reconstruction or making extraordinary repairs to such swimming pool and accessory uses and structures and for the financial obligations of the Town in connection with the Town's use of such swimming pool and accessory uses and structures in accordance with the aforesaid agreement; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into all contracts and agreements and to amend the aforesaid Indenture of Lease dated February 23, 1993 as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Article. ARTICLE 16 - On motion by Timothy R. Twomey, member of the School Committee, it was voted to support the School Department leasing classroom and accessory space in private buildings in order to resolve present and anticipated needs for classroom space at several of the Town's schools and for other educational purposes; any such lease to be for an initial term of not more than five years and upon such other terms and conditions as the School Committee shall consider proper. Jacalyn S. Wallace, Precinct 3, raised the following questions to Dr. Harry Harutunian: 2 Annual Town Meeting -April 16, 1998 What is the cost to rent classroom space at the parochial school - please provide breakdown by area and classroom per month? What are we the Reading School System charging for rental of classroom space to Media One, REAP and Cultural Connections? On motion by Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 6, it was voted to move the question. 2/3 vote required 106 voted in the affirmative 47 voted in the negative Motion to move the question carried. Original Motion carried. ARTICLE 17 - On motion by Matthew J. Nestor, Precinct 7, it was voted to accept the provisions of Chapter 32, Section 103 of the Massachusetts General Laws which provides for the payment of cost of living adjustments to retirees in the Town's contributory retirement system; and that the Town votes to provide the same cost of living adjustments to noncontributory system retirees of the Town of Reading. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 18. ARTICLE 19 - On motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, member of the Community Planning and Development Commission and Conservation Commission, it was voted pursuant to Section 5.8.1 of the General Bylaws of the Town to designate Mill Street as a Scenic Road. On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School, Monday, April 27, 1998. Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m. 161 Town Meeting Members were present. t A true copy. Attest: Cheryl' fohnso Town Q erk Annual Town Meeting - April 16, 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 27, 1998 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 Interim Associate Pastor Jane Fadden of the First Congregational Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Frances C. Sansalone, Precinct 1, requested a "Point of Personal Privilege." A word of Recognition for RMHS Boys Outdoor Track Team. For more than 26 years the Reading Memorial High School Boys' Outdoor Track Team has owned an unbeaten record in Middlesex League dual meets. Their string of victories constitutes a national record in high school sports. Today, under a questionable officiating call, that string was broken when Reading lost to Woburn High School. During those years, hundred and hundreds of high school boys have learned invaluable lessons - about track and field and about life - under the direction and education of Hal Croft and his assistants (currently Pete Rittenberg and John Fiore). - More than many sports, track and field participants compete against themselves as well as against their rivals. The high school's success for both boys' and girls' teams has resulted in an amazing participation of approximately one-fifth of the student body in track and field. It is a testament of the coaching staff and to the outstanding performances of the many participants over the years. Despite the loss in today's meet, the team and coaching staff deserve our recognition and honor and respect for their unflagging dedication and for a job spectacularly done over the years. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, to move that the Town raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, and appropriate the sum of $49,777,942 for the operation of the Town and its Government for Fiscal Year 1999 beginning July 1, 1998. FY 1999 BUDGET PRESENTATION Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager This is the 12°i budget that has been prepared and presented to Town Meeting since the inception of our new form of Town government. Unfortunately, budgets are not "Cheaper by the Dozen", and the operation of this Town government is no exception. In future years, FY 1999 and the preceding three years will be referred to as the "good old days". The budgets approved since FY 1996, and the budget proposed for FY- 1999, represent almost a 19% increase, all without a proposition 2-'/Z override. But many in this room will remember the "bad old days" when our budgets actually - declined from year to year, and I'm sure we are all committed to avoid that scenario again if possible. Therefore, this is a time for thoughtful and conservative financial decisions, and for investment in the future of this community. As this slide demonstrates, the revenues available for FY 1999 have increased 6.92% excluding the use of the "Sale of Real Estate" fund. This is on top of a 7% increase last year, and a 5.30 % increase the previous year. Looking forward, that level of expenditure is not sustainable unless there is an increase in the source of funds available - through a Proposition 2 'h override or other increase. If Free cash were not to be used next year, the funds available for balancing the FY 2000 budget would increase only $1.8 million, compared to the $2.9 million increase this year. The prognosis going forward is no better, especially when you discount the increase in State funding of SBAB for reimbursement of school building projects, which is to be devoted to capital needs. Town Meeting should be aware that one version of the State Budget would increase the amount of State Aid to Reading by $130,000. Since the State Budget will not be passed until late June, the prudent course of action would be for the Town to move forward with the budget as proposed, and then consider revisions in the fall if that is appropriate. A part of the revenue picture of the community is the cash reserve status. Going into FY 1998, the Town had cash reserves (made up of free cash and the reserve fund) of $2,390,000, or 5.6% of the operating budget. This compares to a goal of 5%. The current projection of "cash reserves" is that effective July 1, 1998, we will have $1,775,000, or 4% of the operating budget. FINCOM has warned that it will not recommend the use of any Free Cash to fund the FY 1999 budget beyond what is shown tonight. A cash reserve level of 4%o is not bad, and in years past we would have been ecstatic with such levels. By itself, this is a healthy level of cash reserves. However, the trend is troubling because it is in the wrong direction. Equally troubling is the trend in our reserves for the water and sewer enterprise systems. In the past 4 years, the sewer reserve has gone from $824,000 to $416,000 or 50% less in 4 years. Similarly, the water reserves now stand at $240,000, compared to $800,000 four years ago. These funds have been used to offset rate increases, and the Board of Selectmen is looking at setting up rate stabilization funds in order to level out the changes in rates. Relative to expenses in the FY 1999 budget, we will be presenting details of the Department Budgets as we proceed. Some general comments on the factors that shape this budget are appropriate: y There is an increasing demand for services within the Town from a number of sources including: local school enrollment increases, Vocational School District enrollment increases, education reform, increased use of services like libraries and recreation programs, response to resident needs in the areas of condo rubbish 2 Annual Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 collection and compost center operation, and Cost of Living Adjustments for our retirees; ➢ There are a number of major projects facing the Town, with a limited staff ability to deal effectively with them. These include the Landfill Closure, marketing the Reading Business Park, Downtown Improvements, evaluation and determination of our long term water supply, and Open Space acquisition; ➢ There has been an attempt in this budget to reduce expenses through consolidation of services in several areas such as clerical positions in the Finance Department, and consolidation of the supervisor's position in Parks, Forestry, and Cemeteries; ➢ There are 12 labor union contracts that are unsettled as of this date, for a term starting 7-1-98; ➢ A Police staffing and deployment study has been completed, and a number of recommendations have been made. A couple are being addressed in the FY 1999 budget, but more needs to be done; ➢ A study of consolidated building maintenance has been completed, but no meaningful discussion has yet taken place as to the implementation of the recommendations; As we review the budget as recommended by the FINCOM, you will observe a well- balanced and fiscally conservative document. There are two trends that are of concern, however, and which will need action in the future. These include: ➢ A dis-investment in building maintenance - the proposed budget increase in the Town Building Maintenance has been reduced by $30,000 to a figure that is unrealistic, and this issue will need to be reviewed as part of the consolidated building maintenance project; ➢ The Capital Improvement Program is under-funded by over $250,000. Cuts in technology, street reconstruction, open space acquisition, oil tank removal and replacement, and fencing of public lands have been made. In order to maintain the funding for capital for future years as approved in the Capital Improvements Program, this reduction needs to be made up and then increased on an annual basis. The budget is a collaborative process - not the result of one individual or one Town Board, Committee, or Commission. It needs to continue to be collaborative to be successful. I want to acknowledge the hard work on the part of Department Heads; Volunteer Boards, Committees, and Commissions; and particularly the Board of Selectmen, FINCOM and the School Committee. Not all participants agree on the results, but the process makes us strong as a community. FINANCE COMMITTEE REPOR'T' James Keigley, Chairman At Annual Town Meeting, the Finance Committee traditionally explains the budget process to Town Meeting and also reports on the Town's finances. At this time, I Annual Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 would like to thank the members of the Finance Committee who each contributed ideas to include in this report.. The Reading Town Charter requires that the Town Manager submit annually a recommended budget for review by the Finance Committee. On January 29, 1998, we received copies of the proposed fiscal year 1999 budget. The By-laws of the Town of Reading require the Finance Committee to make recommendations on all town meeting articles that include the transfer, raising and appropriation of funds. The Committee has met regularly since early February to review a myriad of written material provided by municipal and school budget makers. Department Heads joined the Town Manager at these meetings to explain the operations and programs offered by the town government. The Finance Department estimates available revenues for FY 99 at $44,644,361. This is an increase of 6.92% over FY 98. The problem was that budget requests far exceeded the increase in available revenues. Trimming the budget is always difficult but this year it was particularly troublesome. In recent years the FINCOM has elected to determine the amounts that needed to be cut from the proposed expenses for the Town and School, and which items, if any, should be cut from the appropriations for the Capital Plan_ The Board of Selectmen and School Board re-evaluated their priorities and adjusted their proposals. This year's budget deficit of budget requests over available revenues was $1.9M. The balanced budget presented in your warrant was achieved by the use of $320,000 overlay funds released by _ the Assessors, the use of $560,000 in Free Cash, and cuts in the proposed new programs for the Town, of $400,000, cuts in the proposed new programs for the school of $600,000, and cuts in the proposed Capital Program of $300,000. This meant that the estimated level of free cash and reserves projected for July 1, 1998 would be $1,775,000, or 4.0% of the budget. This is below the goal of 5% reserves set out in FINCOM's policy. This decision to recommend reducing the Town's reserves was not an easy one. The process was very lengthy and difficult. When we started the process, there were a lot of unknowns. The numbers changed even up to the night we voted the final budget. The budget does balance without an override and with the use of $560,000 in free cash and $320,000 in overlay. Instead of voting each line item of the final budget request, the Finance Committee voted 7:0:0 to recommend the entire FY 99 budget as shown in the warrant. Controversial items included cuts in proposed Capital appropriations to increase funding in the school operating budget: $20,000 for school fences, $40,000 for removal of oil storage tanks, $30,000 in building maintenance and $75,000 in technology. The State Legislature voted to stop funding COLA's. Article 17 asked the town to accept this responsibility due to the fact that the Town had benefited from the rising stock market. The most recent actuarial study suggests that the Town could have its pension funding reduced by $330,000. This is money that could have been used to fund the rest of the operating budget.. Since the Town decided to fund the COLA's, our pension funding will increase by $126,000. This will use the savings and increase the amount by $126,000. Prior to the budget process, the Board of Selectmen voted to fund the trash pickup of the condominium units in the Town. This budget reflects this new cost. 4 Aiumal Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 We anticipate that next year will be even more difficult as we are in the process of negotiating 12 new labor contracts which will hopefully soon be settled; the continued press of Ed reform; badly needed maintenance; increasing school enrollment; the Town assuming the cost of the fast cop program. FINCOM member, Cathy Martin, researched the history of Free Cash. This chart shows the level of Free Cash for the past eleven years. The bars represent the Town's Free Cash position at YE (dollar amount on the left side of the graph) and the points display the percentage of Free Cash to Operating Budget (percentages on the right side of the graph). During that period we dropped from a high of $2.5M in 1988 to a low of $220K in 1992, and climbed back to last year's $2.2M. The Town Accountant, Richard Foley, has projected that Free Cash will decline to $1.6M, matching the 11-year average of $13M. The percentage of Free Cash to Operating Budget has similarly dropped from 9.1% to .7%, rising back to 5.7% for last year. The 11-year average is 3.9%. In many respects Reading is a wealthy community. We are blessed with townspeople who freely give of themselves to help others. Those who volunteer enrich our schools, town library, recreation programs, and churches. While located less than 15 miles from Boston, we are designated a "Tree City" by the National Arbor Foundation and our tree lined roads evoke a more rural setting. Our schools are considered to be among the best in the area. Many of our public buildings have been refurbished and others will be renovated in the near future. Our fiscal planning is a rare collaborative effort by the Board of Selectmen, the School Board, and the Finance Committee. Our conservative practices and ten-year Capital Plan aided in the recent improvement in the Town's bond rating. The FINCOM is sensitive to the fact that the residential tax rate in Reading is the thirty-seventh highest amongst the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. The average residential tax bill in Reading is three thousand two hundred seventy-three dollars ($3,273.00) annually. The Finance Committee's mission will be to advise Town Meeting in the most efficient way to address the Town's business. The Finance Committee will be working diligently with the Budget Council to establish budget guidelines for the FY 00 budget. The Finance Committee will continue to monitor the budget process to bring forth a balanced budget, which the Town can afford, and which can provide as many services as possible to Reading citizens. The Finance Committee, by a vote of 7:2:0, recommends adoption of the budget as presented. The recommended budget before Town Meeting is in balance and in compliance with the levy limit as mandated by the Massachusetts General Laws. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items Al and A2 (Accounting Department): $91,388 to be provided as follows: Annual Town My eting - April 27, 1998 Lines Al and A2 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items B 1 through B9 (Community Development Department): $227,924 to be provided as follows: Line B 1 $940 from wetland fees The remainder of Line B 1 and Line B2 through B9 From property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, to amend Line Item B6 (Inspection Services) of FY 99 from $90,275 to $78,221. Motion to amend did not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items C 1 through C 12 (Finance Department): $821,859 to be provided as follows: Lines Cl through C12 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the. Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items D1 through D13 (General Services Department): $648,867 to be provided as follows: Lines Dl through D13 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, to amend Line Item D4 of FY 99 from $109,777 to $89,777. Motion to amend did not carry. - 6 Annual Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 On motion by Frederick Van Magness, Precinct 8, to amend Line Item D6 (Law Division) of FY 99 from $7,500 to $10,000. Motion to amend did not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items E1 through E11 (Human Services Department): $386,462 to be provided as follows: Lines E1 through El I Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items Fl and F2 (Library Department): $724,260 to be provided as follows: Lines Fl and F2 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by Matthew Cummings, Precinct 8, to amend Line Item F2 (Library) of FY 99 from $137,970 to $147,970. Motion to amend did not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items GI through G8 (Public Safety Department): $5,414,966. to be provided as follows: Lines G1 through G8 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by John D. Wood, Precinct 2, to amend Line Item G3 (Animal Control) of FY 99 from $14,104 to -0- and Line Item G5 of FY 99 from $2,318,275 to 2,332,379. Motion to amend did not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was .moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line items H11 through H19 (Department of Public Works): 7 Annual Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 $3,098,274 to be provided as follows: Lines Hl 1 through H15 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. Line H16 $72,761 from cemetery bequest with the remainder from property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. Line H17 $20,000 from cemetery sale of lots with the remainder from property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by Pasquale M_ Iapicca, Precinct 8, it was moved to table Line Item H13 (Street Lighting). On motion by Daniel A. Ensminger, Precinct 7, it was moved to amend Line Item H14 (Rubbish Collection - Condos) of FY 99 from $913,393 to $877,115. Motion to amend carries. On motion by Fred Van Magness, Precinct 8, to amend Line Item H15 (Snow and Ice Control) of FY 99 from $192,301 to $250,000. Motion to amend did not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items J1 through J2 (School Department): $23,472,007 to be provided as follows: Lines Jl through J2 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by Nancy M. Graham, Precinct 4, it was voted to move the question on Line Items J1 through J2. 2/3 vote required 88 voted in the affirmative 35 voted in the negative Motion to move the question on Items J1 through J2 carried. On motion by Daniel A. Ensminger, Precinct 7, to amend Line Item J1 (School Department) of FY 99 from $22,909,000 to $22,945,278. Motion to amend did not carry. 8 Annual Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 Counted vote requested 58 voted in the affirmative 69 voted in the negative On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, to amend Line Item 71 (School Department) of FY 99 from $22,909,000 to 22,935,278. Motion to amend did not carry. Counted vote requested 62 voted in the affirmative 62 voted in the negative On motion by Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 6, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School, Thursday, April 30, 1998. Meeting adjourned at 11:05 p.m. 149 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Cheryl /'.J~ohnso Town 9 Annual Town Meeting - April 27, 1998 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School April 30, 1998 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:44 p.m., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Reverend Arthur Flynn of St. Agnes Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved to remove Line Item H13 (Street Lighting) from the table. On motion by Pasquale M. Iapicca, Precinct 8, to increase Line Item H13 by $19,418 to relight street lights that were previously shut off. Motion does not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items K1 through K44 (Debt Service and Capital): $3,923,455 to be provided as follows: Line K1 $152,135 from sale of -real estate funds, $58,500 from cemetery bequests, and the remainder f-otn property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. Line K2 through K44 Property taxes, state aid and, non-property tax local receipts. On motion, by, Fred Van Magness, Precinct 8, it was moved to increase Line Item K4 (Oil Tank Removal) by $40,000 to replace/retrofit the school's oil tanks. Amendment to Line Item K4 is carried. On motion by William J. Hughes, Jr., Precinct 7, it was voted to move the question on Line Item K. 2/3 vote required 103 voted in the affirmative 32 voted in the negative ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items Ll through L7 (Employee Benefits): I $5,303,253 to be provided as follows: Line Ll $558,730 from certified free cash; $320,000 from abatement surplus with the remainder from property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. Lines L2 L3 L4 LS L6 and L7 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items M1 through M4 (Water Fund): $2,433.887 to be provided as follows: Line M4 $19,456 from water reserves Lines M1 through M3 and the remainder of M4 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. On motion by Philip B. Pacino, Precinct 4, to amend Line M4 from $19,456 to -0- from water reserves until Finance Committee votes on it. Motion does not carry. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted that the Town approve and appropriate the proposed FY 1999 Budget as presented for Line Items N1 through N4 (Sewer Fund): $3,231,34 0 to be provided as follows: Lines NI through N4 Property taxes, state aid and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 18 - On motion by James A. Keigley, Chairman of the Finance Committee, it was voted that the Town appropriate for the FY 1999 Budget, exclusive of State and County Assessments and exclusive of previous years snow/ice, the sum of: $49,781,664 Representing the total of all previously made motions under Article 18 as amended: Funds are to be provided as set forth in said previously made motions. ARTICLE 20 - On motion by Thomas J. Stohlman, Jr., Precinct 5, it was voted to amend Section 4.4.3 of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting the second sentence thereof which provides: 2 Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 "Notwithstanding anything in Section 17 of Chapter 268A to the contrary, a Special Municipal Employee, as defined in Section 1 of Chapter 268A, shall be subject to paragraphs (a) and (c) of Section 17 of Chapter 268A to the same extent as a non-special municipal employee.", so that Section 4.4.3 shall read as follows: "4.4.3 No present or former municipal employee shall violate any of the conflict of interest provisions in Chapter 268A of the General Laws, as amended from time to time." ARTICLE 21 - On motion by Matthew J. Nestor, Precinct 7, it was voted to amend Section 5.6 of the General Bylaws of the Town as follows: Amend Section 5.6 by deleting the caption "Dog; Leash Law" and substituting therefor the caption "Dog; Control Laws"; and 2. Add the following as Section 5.6.8: "The owner or keeper of any dog shall be responsible for the prompt removal of any feces deposited by the dog on public or private property, except on the property of the owner or keeper or otherwise with the permission of the owner or occupant of the property. The owner or keeper of a dog who does not comply with this Section 5.6.8 shall be punishable by warning or fine as follows: The Animal Control Officer shall issue a written warning to such owner or keeper for the first offense within a calendar year. The Animal Control Officer shall levy a fine of Twenty Dollars ($20.00) for the second _ offense within a calendar year, Thirty Dollars ($30.00) for the third offense within a calendar year, and Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for each subsequent offense within a calendar year. The provisions of this Section 5.6.8 shall not apply to a handicapped person who has the charge or control of a guide dog." On motion by Philip D. LeBlanc, Precinct 2, it was moved to amend Article 21 by adding the words "or helper dog" after the words "guide dog". Original motion as amended carried. ARTICLE 22 - On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted to amend the Town of Reading General Bylaws by adding the following: 2.2.9 Rules Committee 2.2.10 The members of the Rules Committee, established under Section 2-12 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, shall hold an annual meeting within 30 days after the adjournment of the Annual Town Meeting for the purpose of electing a chairman and a clerk and to conduct whatever business may be appropriate. Additional Rules Committee meetings may be called by the chairman. In the absence of a chairman the Moderator shall convene a meeting of the Rules Committee within 60 days after a vacancy for the purpose of electing a new chairman. Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 Ms. Eaton requested holding the meeting at a time convenient to all eight chairs so that they can be present and not at another meeting. ARTICLE 23 - On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted to amend the General Bylaws of the Town of Reading by adding thereto a new Section 5.16 which shall read as follows: "5.16 Outdoor Loudspeakers and Public Address Systems: No commercial establishment shall install or operate any outdoor loudspeaker or public address system on its premises except for the sole purpose of direct communication with a customer to assist that customer or to conduct a specific business transaction at the commercial establishment, as for example at a drive-up window of a fast food or banking establishment, or at self-service gasoline pumps. Any such loudspeaker or public address system shall be operated only during the regular business hours of the establishment. The owner of the establishment shall at all times ensure that the volume of sound produced outdoors by such loudspeaker or public address system shall be such as not to be audible from any portion of a public way or residential property. The use of any outdoor loudspeaker or public address system at any time for playing music, for advertising, for promoting sales events or sale of any item of goods or services, or for any other purpose than that specified above, is prohibited." On motion by Thomas J. Stohlman, Jr., Precinct 5, it was moved to amend the last section by deleting "The use of any outdoor loudspeaker or public address system at any time for playing music, for advertising, for promoting sales events or sale of any item of goods or services, or for any other purpose than that specified above, is prohibited." Amendment carried. On motion by Philip D. LeBlanc, Precinct 2, to remove the word "commercial". Amendment withdrawn. On motion by James Keigley, it was voted to move the question. 2/3 vote required 104 voted in the affirmative 24 voted in the negative Motion as amended carries. ARTICLE 24 - On motion by Ronald L. Wood, Precinct 3, it was moved that the subject matter of Article 24 be tabled. 4 Annual Town Meetuig - April 30. 1998 ARTICLE 25 - On motion by Matthew J. Nestor, Precinct 7, 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 attend one-half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year. Precinct 2 Paul F. Feely Jr. Edward F. Foley Steven E. McLaughlin Pr-eeinet 5 William 0. Str-eman ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Precinct 5, it was moved to remove Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2 - Report by Ted Cohen - Adult Entertainment. Town of Reading, et al. V. Santorelli, et al. Denied the Town's request or a preliminary injunction to enforce Readings Zoning By-Laws relating to adult uses against Video Expo, it has granted a preliminary injunction to Video Expo enjoining the Town to "prevent, restrict or restrain... Video Expo from operating an adult establishment at 1349 Main Street." While the Court has ruled against the Town on these injunctions, it has done so because it found two specific areas where an "otherwise thoughtful and innovative ordinance does not give to... speech the protections the Constitutions require." The two areas where the Court found the By-Law is deficient relate to the availability of adequate channels for adult communications in the Town and an overly broad grant of administrative discretion to the Board of Appeals in granting a special permit. With regard to alternative channels, the Court concluded that restricting adult uses to Industrial Districts subject to certain distance setback requirements results in an area available to adult uses of 38.6 acres or approximately 0.6% of the Town's total area. Those 38.6 acres are comprised of five parcels and portions of four more and two of the parcels are Town-owned wetlands. The Court stated: "The others are privately owned and are apparently in full use. There is no suggestion that any of those parcels, or portions of them, are for sale or lease now, that any have been for sale or lease in the recent past or that they are likely to be for sale or lease at any time in the foreseeable future. On this record, then, confining `adult uses' to that small area of the Town is likely to prevent operation of any such uses within the Town limits. Thus viewed, the By-Laws are not impediments to obtaining a prime site for `adult uses.' Instead, they effectively foreclose any opportunity for speech of the type in which Video Expo wishes to engage." With regard to overly broad discretion in the Board of Appeals, the Court held that the grant of the power that the Board "may" issue a special permit and that the Board may add conditions which the Board deems appropriate to advance the "public health, Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 safety and welfare" is a grant of discretionary power inconsistent with the constitutional rights afforded to speech. Notwithstanding the Court's conclusions on these two issues, the Court did uphold virtually every other aspect of the By-Law and the procedure by which it was adopted. Specifically, the Court held that G.L. c. 40A, Section 6, the state statute which authorizes a zoning by-law which does not grandfather adult uses is constitutional. In reaching that conclusion the Court differentiated the Reading case from the New Bedford case where a Court held that Section 6 was unconstitutional. The Court also appears to uphold in theory those provisions of the By-Law which deny grandfathered rights to adult uses, although whether those rights can be denied in any particular case may be subject to the specific facts of the case. The Court further concluded that the By-Law, together with the state statute, do no constitute an unconstitutional taking of Video Expo's property, and also analyzed whether the By-Law is a content-neutral regulation on speech. which is permissible if it is "designed to serve a substantial governmental interest and allows for reasonable alternative avenues of communication." The Court concluded that the Town "has made a proper showing that the By-Law is truly aimed, not at surpressing speech, but at the secondary effects of `adult uses'." Finally, on the issue of irreparable harm, which the Court has to review in order to grant an injunction, the Court agreed with Video Expo's assertion "that even temporary loss of First Amendment freedoms or freedoms Article 16 safeguards in and of itself creates irreparable harm." With respect to the Town's assertion of irreparable harm to the Town and the public interest, the Court acknowledged that "the concerns that gave rise to the By-Law in the first place" are "concerns that are strong and deeply felt," but concludes on the record before it "there is no showing that the generalized concerns that produced the By-Law in fact have attended defendants' operation of their business." The decision concludes: "In many respects, this By-Law represents a thoughtful and innovative way of dealing with an anticipated set of difficult problems flowing from the operation of a business of a type that elsewhere has contributed to urban blight and decay. That business, however, involves speech. Although much [of] that speech lies at the margin of social acceptance, it is nonetheless entitled to the full protection of the First Amendment and of Article 16. In the respects outlined above, this otherwise thoughtful and innovative ordinance does not give to that speech the protections the Constitutions require." Based upon the foregoing, I recommend that the concerns raised in this decision be referred back to CPDC for review and analysis, so that CPDC can determine whether to propose amendments to the By-Law to some future Town Meeting so as to address and remedy the deficiencies found by the Court. 6 Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 ARTICLE 2 - The following update on the Reading Business Park Development was presented by George C. Hines, member of the Board of Selectmen: We would like to update Town Meeting on the Reading Business Park Development. First, given the recent activity a few preliminary comments on the background of this project are in order. Since the original consultant recommendation in the mid-seventies to close the landfill and the final cessation of active landfill operations in the eighties the Town has been following a course of action that would maximize the long-term financial return to the Town. Investments have been made by the Town toward that end. With one glaring exception, selling a portion of the parcel to a car dealership, the measures the Town has taken have been very prudent efforts toward the long-term goal. Throughout the long process there have been innumerable meetings and the overall process has been very much an open public initiative. Much of the activity involved the doomed Homart project but that project demonstrated that the long-term vision for the property is achievable. The Board of Selectmen has remained committed to an open process and even went to the extent of fulfilling a Town Meeting request to hold a public hearing on the request for proposals. Town officials intimately involved with the project, staff and consultants far outnumbered public attendance at that hearing. The Homart project became a victim of the market economy but with patience, the market can also aid us in attracting a project that will achieve our goal. Toward that end, the Selectmen have continued the effort toward the sale of the property. I have been designated by the Board to Chair the development advisory committee and two meetings have already been conducted since the Board voted to reject the two unsatisfactory bids which were received as a result of the previous advertisement. The first of those meetings was attended by two to three non-committee members who contributed to the dialogue. The next meeting received no attendance outside the committee members. The results of the meetings were recommendations to revise the RFP, hire a marketing consultant and delay the re-bidding until a consultant is hired. The Selectmen this week voted to accept the revisions to the RFP, proceed with hiring a marketing consultant and to proceed immediately with re-advertising the RFP. The reasons for not following the committee's recommendation to delay the bidding include; attempting to maintain the schedule which has been developed for the project a schedule which contains state environmental requirements; a desire to remain proactive during a hot real estate economy; and the recent publicity and interest generated in the local and national media has generated substantial interest from the development community demonstrated by phone calls to Town Ha11, and Board members and other interested parties. Modifications to the RFP include: streamlining the language; reducing the price of the bid package; broadening the language to allow for the inclusion of retail (As before there is no outright prohibition of retail proposals. Such proposals will be evaluated on the criteria as any other proposal.); and lengthening the advertisement period. These changes respond to comments received as part of the process of evaluating the past process and allow for us to pursue the concurrent procedure of hiring a marketing consultant. We 7 Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 anticipate that a consultant can be hired by late May early June and the RFP responses will not be due until approximately mid August. The Selectmen remain committed to pursuing a successful achievement of this project and I have experienced a high level of energy, enthusiasm and commitment from the advisory committee members also. After a formal open appointment process this committee will be requested by the Selectmen to officially screen the proposals received and make a recommendation to the Board. We will continue to keep Town Meeting informed as the process continues. ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved to place Article2 on the table. ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Robert A. Brown, Precinct 6, it was moved to remove Article 3 from the table. ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Robert A. Brown, Precinct 6, it was moved to instruct the Board of Selectmen to prepare an article for consideration at the Fall or next Town Meeting for condominiums in Reading to receive trash and recycling pickup and to prepare an additional article allowing a revolving fund to be set up using funds received from Municipal Recycling Incentive Procedure (MRII') grants. ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Robert R. Lynch, Precinct 6, it was moved to instruct the Selectmen in the RFP for the dump land, the complete dumpsite, for consideration for - retail and/or official park use. ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Thomas J. Green, Jr., Precinct 6, to instruct the Board of Selectmen to remove the water restrictions, for all months except May through August, that were imposed due to closure of town wells if those town wells are now safe to reopen. On motion by Daniel A. Ensminger, Precinct 7, to amend Article 3 (water restrictions) by adding the words "for all months except May through August" after the words "water restrictions. Motion to amend does not carry. Original Motion did not carry. ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Andrew K. Herlihy, Precinct 1, it was moved to instruct the Board of Selectmen, By-Law Committee and any other special committee to report to Subsequent Town Meeting about the possibility of moving the regular town election to the 1s` Tuesday in April in every year, or the date of the Presidential Primary. ARTICLE 3 - On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved to place Article 3 on the table. Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 On motion by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting adjourned at 11:38 p.m. 148 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Cheryl,' Pfis Tow 'Pe 9 Annual Town Meeting - April 30, 1998 TOWN MEETING APPROVED Remarks and - Budget Source of 1 flL• 1492 Fundina $ A. ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT Al Personal Services 91,068 A2 Non-Personal Expenses 320 DEPARTMENT TOTAL 91,388 B COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT CONSERVATION DIVISION 81 Personal Services 41,159 w4owatrd 82 Non-Personal Expenses 0 f.e. ZONING BOARD B3 Personal Services 1,300 B4 Non-Personal Expenses 0 HISTORICAL COMMISSION B5 Non-Personal Expenses 1,200 INSPECTION DIVISION B6 Persond Services 90,275 87 Non-Personal Expenses 0 GENERALDEPARTMENT B8 Personal Services 89,190 B9 Non-Personal Expenses 4,800 TOTAL Personal Services 221,924 Non-Personal Expenses 6,000 DEPARTMENT TOTAL 227,924 C FINANCE DEPARTMENT FINANCE COMMITTEE C1 Personal Services 1,260 C2 Non-Personal Expenses 33,060 C3 Reserve Fund 150,000 ASSESSMENT DIVISION C4 Personal Services 79,213 CS Non-Persond Expenses 9,300 TECHNOLOGY C7 Personal Services 74,400 C8 Non-Personal Expenses 69,320 PERSONNEL C9 Personal Services T7,911 C10 Non-Personal Expenses 35,900 GENERALDEPARTMENT C11 P.ersond Services 221,170 C12 Non-Personal Expenses 50,325 TOTAL Personal Services 453,954 Non-Personal Expenses 367,905 DEPARTMENT TOTAL 821,859 TOWN MEETING APPROVED Remarks and Budget Source of N4. IFY• 1999 Futwin s ???4i:????+.•:?{^;x{{??•i:?S?iiii{•?i:?{4i ii:{{•:{i+' :O:{{{.i:{{ }:.i:{r{{?.,.:r D GENERAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SELECTMEN D1 Non-Personal Expenses 1,950 TOWN MANAGER 02 Personal Services 87,804 D3 Non-Personal Expenses 5,750 LAW DIVISION D4 Town Counsel 109,777 D5 Labor Counsel 40,000 D6 Other Expenses 7,500 TOWN CLERK D7 Personal Services 42,227 D8 Non-Personal Expenses 11,450 ELECTIONSIREGISTRATION D9 Personal Services 21,420 D10 Non-Personal Expenses 16,125 D11 CASUALTY INSURANCE 95,000 GENERAL DEPARTMENT D12 Personal SwAces 157,964 D13 Non-Personal Expenses 61,900 TOTAL Personal Services 309,415 Non-Personal Expenses 339,452 DEPARTMENT TOTAL 648,867 E HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEALTH DNJWTS. & MEAS.. E1 Personal Services 83,290 E2 Non-Personal Expenses 46,141 ELDER SERVICES DIVISION E3 Personal Services 116,035 E4 Non-Persond Expenses 20,146 VETERANS DIVISION E5 Personal Services 10,891 E6 Non-Persond Expenses 560 E7 Veterans Assistance 7,500 RECREATION DIVISION E8 Personal Services 46,330 E9 ' Non-Personal Expenses 3,000 GENERALDEPARTMENT E10 Personal Services 50,569 E11 Non-Personal Expenses 2,000 F LIBRARY DEPARTMENT LIBRARY F1 Personal Services 586,290 F2 Non-Personal Expenses 137,970 DEPARTMENT TOTAL 724,260 Voted Apra 30, 1998 - Article 18 1998 Annual Town Meeting Voted Apd 30, 1998 - Article 181998 Annual Town Meeting TOWN MEETING APPROVED Rourke and Budget Source of ds EY-1999 Funding . i G PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT POLICE G1 Personal Services 2,489,957 G2 Non-Personal Expenses 224,125 ANIMAL CONTROL G3 Personal Services 14,104 G4 Non-Persond Expenses 5,060 . FIREIEMERGENCY MANAGEMENT G5 Personal Services 2,318,275 G6 Non-Personal Expenses 95,920 GENERAL (Dispatcher) G7 Personal Services 244,136 G8 Non-Personal Expenses 23,389 TOTAL Personal Services 5,066,472 Non-Personal Expenses 348,494 DEPARTMENTTOTAL 5,414,966 H PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION Ht Personal Services 80,329 H2 Non-Personal Expenses 2,800 ENGINEERING H3 Personal Services 193,513 H4 Non-Personal Expenses. 13,955 HIGHWAY & EQUIP. MAINT.. H5 Personal Services 571,383 H6 Non-Personal Expenses 321,370 PARKS & FORESTRY H7 Personal Services 322,519 H8 Non-Personal Expenses 56,660 SUB-TOTAL FOR DEPARTMENT H11 Personal Services 1,167,744 H12 Non-Personal Expenses 394,785 STREET LIGHTING H13 Non-Personal Expenses 210,740 RUBBISH COLLIDISPOSAL H14 Non-Personal Expenses 877,115 H15 SNOW & ICE CONTROL 192,301 CEMETERY DMSION S7Z7e1 firm H16 Persond SerAM 188,916 B.W d H17 Non-Personal Expenses 30,395 120.000 fiom Sao dbl. H18 EASEMENT H19 PUBLIC WAY TOTAL FOR DEPARTMENT Personal Services 1,356,660 Non-Personal Expenses 1,705,336 DEPARTMENT TOTAL 3,061,996 TOWN MEETING APPROVED Budget Remarks and FY-1999 Source of ~ f Fun6na s TOWN TOTALS Personal Services 8,392,898 Non-Persond Expenses 2,984,824 TOWN TOTAL 11,377,722 J SCHOOL A Schaal Department 22,909,000 BUILDING MAINTENANCE (Town) Pamond SeMces 64,472 Non-Personal Expenses 281,973 J2 Northeast Regiond Vocational School District Assessment 196,562 SCHOOL TOTAL 23,472,007 K DEBT SERVICE & CAPITAL K1 DEBT SERVICE 3,168.155s1621]S*. .r. dRsai CAPITAL PROJECTS ..a., a S5e,500 K2 B-S4 Sch. Warms & Fre Prot 0 five Caa B.Qwat K3 B-S-5 Sch. Cal. Tie Reel. 0 K4 &S-9 Sch.01 Tank RemovJRetro. 40,000 K5 B-S-12Codidge Renovations K6 B-S-13 Portable Classroom K7 -S-1141 High School Renovations K8 B-T-05 DPW Fuel sta. replace. 60,000 K9 &T-07 DPW Gar. Mezzanine 0 K10 &T-9 Police Station Architect K11 &T-11 Recoa. Library Park Lot K12 &T-11 Town Bld.improvements 50,000 K13 &T-13 Air Sys., T. Hal & Fire Sta. K14 &T-12 Town Hal masonry repair 65,000 K15 &T-12 Window Repair/Replace. 10,000 K16 &T-14 Li nary Renovations 27,000 K17 CD-C-1 Purchase Open Space 0 K18 CD-P-2 Downtown Park improv K19 FN-01 Data Processing 80,000 K20 GS-04 Flexible Account 10,000 K21 GS-06-Community Improve. Prog. K22 LB-1 Purchase Library Computers 19,300 K23 LB-3 Purchase Library Furnishings K24 PS-F-1 Replace Fire Vehicle K25 PS-F-6 Replace Fro Dept Pick-up Trk K26 PS-F-11 Replace Fire Rescue Tod K27 PS-F-12 Replace Fire Dept Radios K28 PS-F-15 Fire Breathing App K29 PS-P-1 Purchase Police &ethalyzer K30 PS-P•2 Purchase Police Rados 5,000 K31 PS-P-3 Purchase Police Computers K32 PW-D-01 Drainage Improvements 15,000 K33 PW-E-04,18,25 Hwy Equipment 287,000 K34 PW-F-011 Shade Tree Nursery 0 K35 PW-P-03 Flaygrnd 4hwk Rehab. 17,000 K36 PW-P-12 School fences 0 K37 PW-L-01 Landfill Sale/Closure K38 PW-R-02 Pavement Mgnt Plan 25,000 K39 PW.R-02 Recon. Temple Street 0 K40 PW-R-06Sidewalk /Curb Consl 60,000 K41 PW-R-07 Aerial Topo Maps K42 PW-R-07 Roadway Consl (OSCO) K43 SDE-1 School Information Techndog 25,000 K44 PW-R-13 Traffic *net Imp. CAPITAL PROJECTS TOTAL 795,300 DEBT SERV. & CAP. TOTAL 3,963,455 Voted Apri 30, 1998 - Article 181998 Annual Town Meeting Voted April 30, 1998 -Article 181998 Annual Town Meeting TOWN MEETING APPROVED Rwnerks and Budpot Source of NQ. EY- 1999 Eundino s . L EMPLOYEE BENEFITS sum,0o rnm Lt Contrbutory Refrement 2.080,260 1 a wn.rewp. L2 Non-Conlrb. Retirement 83,550 a um,73otmm L3 Unemployment Benefits 21,600 *m ooh L4 Group Hadthith 2,633,379 L5 Medcare I Social Security 316,475 L6 Workers Compensation 146,989 L7 Pdice / Fre Indemnification 21,000 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TOTAL 5,303,253 STATE & COUNTY ASSESSMENTS NON-ENTER. TOTALS 44,116,437 M WATER FUND M1 Personal Services 629,531 Non-Personal Expenses: Personnel Benefits 135,584 Other 1,001,584 M2 Total Non-Personal Expenses 1,137,168 SUBTOTAL-OPERATIONS 1,766,699 M3 i DeblService 36,788 M4 Capital Outlay 630,4D0 a19,4sa k. wrr nww~ SUBTOTAL-CAP. 8 DEBT 667,168 TOTAL - WATER 2,433,887 N SEWER FUND NI Personal Services 172,099 Non-Personal Expenses: Personnel Benefits 25,345 Other 2,880,082 N2 Total Non-Personal Expenses 2,905,427 SUBTOTAL-OPERATIONS 3,077,526 N3 DeblSerdce 39,114 N4 CapitalOulay 114,700 SUBTOTAL-CAP. 8 DEBT 153,814 TOTAL - SEWER 3,231,340 RECAP TOTALS 49,781,664 Voted Aprl 30,1998 • Article 181998 Annual Town Meeting