HomeMy WebLinkAbout1996-11-12 Subsequent Town Meeting MinutesSUBSEQUENT 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
Tuesday, November 12, 1996, 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, Town Manager and any other Board or Special Committee.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 2 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and
determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see
what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and
appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the
instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 1997 - FY 2006 Capital
Improvement 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
1997 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered
to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Chapter 71 of the
Acts of 1996 which authorizes certain public employees creditable retirement service time for
active service in the armed forces, or take any action with respect thereto.
Contributory Retirement Board
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken
under Article 17 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 8, 1996, amended by action
taken under Article 5 of the Warrant of the Special Town Meeting of September 9, 1996, relating
to the Fiscal Year 1997 Municipal Budget, and to 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.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to rescind all or part of the remaining bond
authorizations made for the purpose of renovating and adding to the Birch Meadow School and
the Joshua Eaton School pursuant to a vote taken under Article 13 of the 1993 Annual Town
Meeting; and vote to rescind all or part of the remaining bond authorizations made for the
purpose of replacing a portion of the roof at the Reading Memorial High School pursuant to a
vote taken under Article 10 of the 1994 Annual Town Meeting; or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.4.3 of the General Bylaws
oft he Town by adding thereto "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 4.43 shall read as follows, or take any other action with
respect thereto:
"4.4.3 No present or former municipal employee shall violate any of the conflict of
interest provisions in Chapter 268A, as amended from time to time. 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."
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 9 To see what sum the Town will appropriate from available funds for
highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other
action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 10 To see what sum the Town will appropriate from available funds for North
Main Street sidewalk construction, or take any other section with respect thereto-
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 11 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy,
or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for design work in connection with
a Downtown Streetscape Design Program, to include urban design, landscape architecture,
historic preservation, traffic engineering, civil engineering, and related services, to develop
working drawings for streetscape improvements and enhancements in all public rights-of-way,
public parking lots, the Town Common, and other public lands in Downtown Reading, that is, the
area contained in the Business - B Zoning District and immediately adjacent areas, all moneys to
be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen with advice of the Community
Planning and Development Commission and the Downtown Steering Committee, or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 12 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy or
transfer from available funds or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of constructing a
sanitary sewer system and sewer facilities on all or portions of Longwood Road and/or Kelch
Road, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, or take any
action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 13 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy or -
transfer from available funds or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of constructing a
sanitary sewer system and sewer facilities on all or portions of Elliott Street, such sum to be
expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, or take any action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Section 4A of Chapter 40 of the
General Laws to authorize the Town to enter into a contract with other participating cities and
towns and Franklin County to help the participating cities and towns improve their Computer
Assisted Mass Appraisal (CAMA) and Tax Administration software and to engage in joint
purchasing of products and services related to such software. Such agreement shall be effective
for ten fiscal years beginning July 1, 1996, and ending June 30, 2006, as among the member cities
and towns, and for a one year renewable term between the member cities and towns and Franklin
County or its successor, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws of the Town of
Reading by adding the following new section 5.13 relating to Emergency vehicle Access and Fire
Lanes, or take any other action with respect thereto:
"5.13 Emergency Vehicle Access and Fire Lanes
5.13.1 No person shall park a motor vehicle so as to obstruct or block, or otherwise obstruct
or block, the entrance to any roadway, highway, street, private way or driveway so as
to prevent access by emergency vehicles to any single or multi-family dwelling,
business, commercial establishment, shopping center, school, sports or recreational
facility, other place of public assembly or public or private parking area.
5.13.2 No person shall park a motor vehicle so as to obstruct or block, or otherwise obstruct
or block, a fire lane.
5.13.3 Exemptions: Emergency vehicles may park in fire lanes while responding to calls for
emergency service. Vehicles making a delivery to a building abutting a fire lane may
park in the fire lane for the reasonable length of time necessary to actually make such
delivery, if the nature of the delivery or business in the building prohibits or
unreasonably restricts the use of any other access to such building.
5.13.4 The Board of Selectmen shall place and maintain signs relating to fire lanes where
applicable to public buildings, public ways and public parking areas. The owner(s) of
record of all other properties or private ways containing fire lanes shall place and
maintain signs so identifying the fire lanes. All such signs shall be no less than twelve
(12) inches by eighteen (18) inches and shall read: "FIRE LANE - NO PARKING -
TOW ZONE".
5.13.5 As used in this Section 5.13, "fire lane" shall mean a fire lane designated by the Board
of Selectmen upon the recommendation of the Chief of the Reading Fire Department.
Fire lanes shall be a distance of twelve (12) feet from the curbing of a sidewalk;
however, where no sidewalk with curbing exists, the distance shall be twenty (20) feet
from the front wall of the nearest building. These distances may be modified by the
Board of Selectmen to any distance that the Chief of the Fire Department determines is
necessary for public safety.
5.13.5 Any motor vehicle found violating the provisions of this Section 5.13 may be issued a
parking violation by the Reading Police Department and/or towed under the direction
of the Reading Police Department, and all towing and storage charges shall be as
authorized by Section 120D of Chapter 266 of the General Laws. In addition, any
person found violating the provisions of this Section 5.13 shall be punished by a fine of
not less than twenty-five ($25.00) dollars for the first offense and not less than fifty
($50.00) dollars for the second and any subsequent offense, and each day that such
violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. The provisions of this Section
5.13 may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.11 hereof and Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
convey and/or abandon a ten foot (10) portion. of a certain forty foot (40) right of way in
Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts situated on land known as and numbered 49 Spring
Street; to determine the minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance and/or abandonment;
and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey or abandon all or any part of said ten foot
(10) portion of the right of way for such amount or a larger amount and upon such other terms
and conditions as the Selectmen shall consider proper and to deliver a deed therefor if necessary;
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town will vote to rescind the action taken under Article 34 of
the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of March 23, 1987 pursuant to which the Town voted
to accept the gift of real estate located on Main Street and shown as Lot 36 on Board of
Assessors Plat 225, from Raymond E., and Carmen Bahr, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By-Laws
relating to Communication Facilities and Communication Structures as follows, or take any other
action with respect thereto:
1. Delete existing Section 2.2.7. "Communication Facility" and substitute therefor the
following new Section 2.2.7 :
"2.2.7. COMMUNICATION FACILITY: a building whose principal use is to contain
telephone, telegraphic, or electronic exchanges for the purpose of connecting or
networking communications systems; similar facilities; and ancillary offices."
2. Add the following new Section:
"22.7.1. COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURE: a tower,
antenna, dish, or other free-standing structure as defined in the State Building
Code, together with any related ancillary building, used for the transmission and/or
reception of radio, television, telecommunications, or other electronic
communication signals for commercial purposes."
3. Amend Section 4.2.2. Table of Uses so that "Commercial Communications Structures"
shall be listed directly beneath "Communication Facilities" and shall be designated as
"SPA****" in the Residential S-15, Residential S-20, Residential S-40, Residential A-80
Districts, and designated as "SPA" in Business A, Business B, Business C, and Industrial
Districts; that the word "no" be placed in reference thereto in respect to the Residential
A-40 District; and that the following be placed at the end of said Table 4.2.2.: "****May
be permitted only within a State-owned Interstate highway right-of-way."
4. Add new Section 4.3.5. as follows:
"43.5. COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURES
Special Permit for Communications Structures: No Commercial Communications
Structure, whether itself a principal use of a lot or as an accessory use to a
Communication Facility, shall be constructed without a special permit having been
granted by the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals may grant a special permit, in
accordance with Section 7.3. hereof, for such a Commercial Communications
Structure, provided that the Board determines that the following criteria have been
fulfilled:
a. If located in a Residential S-15, S-20, or S-40 District, the communications structure
shall be located in a State-owned Interstate Highway right-of-way,
If located in a Residential A-80 District, the communications structure shall be mounted
only on a building which is more than forty-eight feet in height and which is located not
farther than 850 feet of a State-owned Interstate Highway right-of-way,
If located in a Business A or Business B District, the communications structure shall only
be ancillary to an allowed principal use on the property and shall not be solely or
principally used for sending, receiving, or transmitting communications signals as part of a
communications system or network not related to or used by any other use taking place on
the lot on which the communications structure is located;
b. For purposes of public safety, no ground-mounted communications structure shall be
erected nearer to any boundary line of the property on which the structure is located than
a distance equal to half the vertical height of the structure, inclusive of appurtenant devises
as measured at the mean finish grade of the base of the structure;
c. For purposes of public safety, no roof-mounted communications structure shall be
erected nearer to any boundary line of the property on which the structure is located than
a distance equal to half the vertical distance between the roof level of the building on
which the communications structure is directly mounted and the top of the
communications structure, inclusive of appurtenant devises; any such communications
structure mounted on the roof shall be properly secured according to State Building Code
and shall be so located or screened that it shall not be unduly visually prominent as viewed
from any public way or abutting property;
d. All applicable state and federal licenses and approvals have been obtained;
e. The communications structure is located and screened, fenced, or otherwise provided
with effective safety devices which prohibit unauthorized access near or onto the
structure;
f. If such communications structure is able in whole or in part to transmit or re-transmit
signals, satisfactory evidence shall be submitted that such structure or its type will not
cause interference with electronic or electromagnetic devises located on any other
property;
g. The application for Special Permit shall be accompanied by an application for a
Building Permit, with engineering certification that the installation will conform with .
structural and safety requirements of the Building Code, and by certification of the
applicant that the structure will be properly dismantled following two years of continuous
disuse of the structure; and
h. No signs other than required safety warning signs shall be mounted on the structure.
A Special Permit for any communications structure shall remain valid only so long as the
owner of such structure shall ensure that the structure is maintained in good operating condition-
A failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of the Special Permit. The Building
Inspector shall have access to the premises from time to time to inspect this structure.
Exception:
A dish for purposes of reception only shall not be subject to the provisions of Section
4.3.5. provided that such dish is not larger than eighteen inches in diameter."
Community Planning and Development Commission
ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By-Laws as
follows:
1. By replacing Paragraph 4.7.2.1.h., which now reads: "Required Low- and Moderate-
Income Housing: There shall be provided on-site, or off-site in a manner acceptable to the
Reading Housing Authority, a minimum of ten percent of its total units (both on-site and
off-site) affordable to low-income, moderate-income, or elderly households in
perpetuity.", with the following wording:
"Required Low- and Moderate-Income housing: There shall be provided in perpetuity
on-site or off site in a manner acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority a minimum of
ten percent of the total units relative to the development (both on-site and off-site)
affordable to very-low-income, low-income, moderate-income, and/or elderly households
as determined by the most recent calculations of the U.S. Department of Housing and
Urban Development for the Boston Metropolitan Area."
2. By replacing Paragraph 4.9.4.5.g., which now reads: "Provision of low or moderate
income or elderly housing within the PUD in conformance with this PUD By-Law and/or
off site in a manner acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority.", with the following
wording:
"Provision in perpetuity and in a manner acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority, of
housing units within the PUD, in conformity with this PUD Bylaw, and/or off-site, which
units are affordable to very-low-income, low-income, moderate-income, and/or elderly
households as determined by the most recent calculations of the U. S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development for the Boston Metropolitan Area."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
on request of the Reading Housing Authority
ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning By-Laws by
substituting the following: for Section 2.2.17-
2.2.17, "HOME OCCUPATION: the use of any part of a dwelling as an office, studio or
working room by person(s) resident in the dwelling, provided that no goods are publicly
displayed for sale on the premises, that no goods are offered for sale on the premises, that
not more than one person is employed on the premises who is not a resident of the
dwelling, that the public is not generally solicited or invited to enter the premises in order
to conduct business, and that the location of the premises is not advertised to the general
public." or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning Map by adding
a Planned Residential Development--General (PRD-G) Overlay Zoning District to property
consisting of Lots 4B, 5, and 6 as shown on the Reading Board of Assessors Map 30 as revised
through January 1, 1996, totaling approximately 4.1 acres of land, at and adjacent to 139 Howard
Street, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Reading Zoning Map by
rezoning from Residential S-15 to Business A all of Lot 20 and portions of Lots 12, 13, and 14,
as shown on the Reading Board of Assessors Map 43 as revised through January 1, 1977, on and
behind 315 Main Street and adjacent properties to the north and east, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
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 12,
1996, 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 ..day of 1996.
George V. Hines, Chairman
Camille W.-Anthony, Vice Chairman r
j ,
B ce MacDonald, Secretary
Sally M. Ho'
Daniel A. Ensminger
SELECTMEN OF READING
"Thomas H. Freeman, Constable
-:A TRUE ;OP ATTEST:
JTOWN~LERK
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, on September 25, 1996notified and warned the inhabitants
of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time
specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places
within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 67 Pleasant 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 Arthur W. Coolidge, Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 12, 1996, 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 1, 1996.
c
Thomas H. Freeman, Constable
A true copy. Attest:
Cheryl ' Johnson 0 own Clerk
1996 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 12, 1996
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin, at 7:48 p.m., there being a
quorum present.
The Invocation was given by The Reverend Jean Russo-Parks, Old South United Methodist
Church 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 - Dr. Harry K. Harutunian, Superintendent of Schools, presented the "State of the
Schools" report, which was accepted as. a Report of Progress:
Good Evening.
It is with a great deal of pleasure that I stand before you this evening in my second year as
Superintendent of Schools in Reading. This past year, as many of you know, has been an
outstanding and exciting year for the school, system. We were able to balance the FY96 budget
last April with your help at town meeting. As we opened school in the Fall of 1996 there were
many positive and exciting changes that took place.
First, there were new administrators hired. At Reading Memorial High School we have
hired a new principal, Frank Orlando. He was principal at Pentucket High School in West
Newbury, Massachusetts. This Fall Frank has met with some of you, in small groups, to discuss
his entry plan. He has established himself as a strong, articulate, hardworking and visionary
leader. At Reading Memorial High School we have closed the campus, and starting in September
of 1997, students at Reading Memorial High School will be scheduled for classes seven periods
per day.
At the Joshua Eaton Elementary School, we are fortunate to have hired William
Mcsheehy, a nine year veteran elementary principal from Lunenburg, Massachusetts. Bill has
been on board since July 1st and has accomplished so much in his first four months.
With the approval the FY97 School Budget, we were able to hire a Director of
Technology, Cynthia Conti. For the past two years, Cynthia has been the Director Of Technology
in the Haverhill Public Schools. Under her leadership, technology here iri Reading ~as.already
jumped by leaps and bounds, moving us toward the 21 st century.
An area in our system which has needed strong leadership for several years is special
education. This past Spring, we were very pleased to hire Dr. Valerie Ardii who is our new,
Director of Special Education. Dr. Ardi is also statewide President of the Special Educatior•' _
Administrators Association.
- I am also pleased that in the last few months, Town Manager, Peter Hechenbleikner, and I
have written a tentative agreement to merge the Reading Public School's Maintenance
Department and the Town's Maintenance Department. Under the direction of the Superintendent
of Schools, the inside of seven school buildings and the inside of the seven Town buildings will
be cleaned and maintained by school staff. Under the direction of the Town Manager, all fourteen
Town buildings will have their grounds, walks and the immediate areas adjacent to the schools
and Town buildings maintained by the Town.
Last Friday, I appointed a new Director of Buildings for the Town of Reading, John
Bandini. John is presently the Director of Facilities at the Hogan Regional Center in Danvers. He
will be joining us in the next few weeks to take over all supervision for the seven schools and the
seven town buildings. We look forward to his leadership and vision.
We are very proud to have opened the doors at the new Parker Middle School this Fall.
We look forward to the school's completion in the Spring of 1997. The excitement and the high
energy in the whole building is contagious.
The School Department was able to gain approval at the April Town Meeting, for a
budget which I believe, reflects the needs of the School Department.
I am pleased to stand before you and tell you that the schools are running extremely well,
that the morale of the students, teachers, and parents appears to be strong and vibrant. Their
accomplishments are many and most impressive. Almost 80% of the graduating class of 1996 at
RMHS entered four year colleges this September.
Reading Memorial High School's SAT scores continue to be far above not only the national
average, but the Massachusetts average.
SAT 1 - VERBAL SCORE
MEAN RMHS MASS NATION
525 507 505
SAT 1 - MATH SCORE
MEAN RMHS MASS NATION
529 504 508
This Summer through the approval and generosity of town meeting, $500,000 was spent
on technology for the reading public schools. This meant that we were able to put over two
hundred brand new computers in the hands of teachers and students this Fall. We also delayed
the opening of school one day to provide computer training for all teachers, and administrators
k-12. We continue through our in-service training to provide ongoing support to our teachers
and administrators.
We hope in the next few months to offer a program where teachers and administrators
may purchase computers similar to the ones they use in the school for their own personal use at
home. A great deal of the research for purchasing this technology and the ultimate actual
purchasing of the new computers was done by one individual.
At this time, I would like to recognize this person, not only because of the hard work and
his vision for education, but also for his commitment way beyond his job description and way
beyond anyone's expectations. At this time, I would personally like to thank Joe Cain. Joe, thank
you for all your dedication and hard work not only this Summer, but for over twenty-three years
in the Reading Public School System.
As we move forward in developing the FY98 budget, the school department must take
into consideration provisions for new time and learning laws. These regulations must be
implemented by September of 1997. This will force an increase in our budget for staffing. This
increase is necessary to keep Reading an outstanding school district.
For me the first year has been exciting, challenging, and very rewarding. I want to thank
publicly the Reading School Committee and the school administrators for their confidence and
support during this past year. I have had the opportunity in the last year to build strong
relationships with the Town Manager, the Finance Director, the Town Accountant, the
Selectmen, the Finance Committee and Town Meeting Members. It is truly a privilege to be the
Superintendent of Schools in Reading. I am honored to work with such a dedicated teaching
staff, truly supportive parents in* such a wonderful community.
Finally, I look to many continued years of success for the Reading School District. As
Superintendent, I look forward to serving your children, parents, and the entire Reading
community.
Thank you and good night.
ARTICLE 1 - Russell T. Graham, Precinct 4, presented a report of the School Building
Committee, which was accepted as a Report of Progress:
The School Building Committee's major area of reporting this evening is the feasibility
study for the high school. Prior to that, we wish to report that the Parker Middle School, not
without some degree of controversy and during the demolition stage some degree of danger,
opened on time to what theater critics would call rave reviews.
Construction continues at the building, and the auditorium is being renovated and rebuilt.
The project is on time and well within budget. When complete, the building will be one in which
the Town can take great pride. Observers from other towns have commented on what a great
Town Reading must be. We couldn't agree more! As wonderful as it may be, it is not exempt
from reality and, on that note, we move to report to Town Meeting on the results of the feasibility
study relative to the Reading Memorial High School.
As reported to you at the Annual Town Meeting, the firm of Drumey Rosane Anderson
undertook a feasibility study of the high school with the express direction that the study must
- show levels of what must be done, should be done and what would be best to do. In addition, the
I end result must be a plan acceptable to the SBAB and thus reimbursable by the State at 66%. The
architect's report is long and for the purpose of reporting to Town meeting, has been summarized.
The high school's original building was built in 1952 and is thus now 44 years old. The
building was enlarged in 1969 and those additions are now 27 years old. The additions in 1969
were undertaken to meet the needs of high enrollment ending double sessions and correcting the
negative impact lack of space was having on the education of Reading High School students.
155,983 square feet of space was added at that time bringing the total structure to a total of
340,000 square feet able to serve a student population of 2000 students. The current population
of the high school is about 1000 students (presently 1031).
Current demographic studies assume that the present surge in the elementary school will
affect the high school within the next five years peaking at about 1285 students, and eventually
settling to about 1175 students. There is obviously plenty of space, in fact too much space for
anticipated need. The problem is thus not one of quantity but one of quality of space.
The most important aspect of the study is .that the building is structurally sound. No
problem at all was found with the basic structure. Except for the science building classroom, size
at RMHS do not meet current State standards. While the study shows that the school is in
generally good condition considering its age and, in the opinion of the architect, has been well
maintained, the fact remains that material and finishes do eventually wear out and the life
expectancy of the interior has just about been reached. Obviously, both the original and the 1969
additions are now outdated.
Lighting levels are low throughout the building, and much of the structure has little or no
natural light. It is in general a dingy and not overall attractive building. The most pressing
concern, however, is the mechanical systems of the building.. Most of these have reached or
exceeded their life expectancy. It is in this area that we see the most "must do" items and much of
the mechanical needs are short term issues. There is a long and detailed list of specific items but,
summing it up, all of the heating, ventilation, plumbing and electricity should be replaced. In
addition, the steep topography of the area creates a difficult traffic pattern and parking is at best
difficult.
Whenever discussing renovation or construction, we must legally, and as a matter of
principle at any time, accessibility. Many entrances to the original building are not accessible to
the handicapped. No entrances into the science building are accessible from the exterior. Many
indoor ramps are too steep to meet current standards. There is no access to the second or ground
floor of the library building and additional accessible toilet fixtures and accessories are needed
throughout the building.
Thus, two basic tenets of the report are simple. There is indeed plenty of space and
indeed the structure is sound. The complexity arises in that the quality of spaces do not lend
themselves to meeting educational needs, nor is the quality of space compatible to meeting the
educational goals of Reading and within that very sound structure lies, both in the area of
mechanics and aesthetics, a building outmoded and coming to the end of its normal life
expectancy.
Not surprisingly, the architects recommend that the Town of Reading proceed with a
renovation plan to address all of the above through enlargement of classrooms, renovation of all
finishes, replacement of heating, ventilation, electrical and plumbing systems, upgrading of
accessibility, installation of computer network outlets, creation of an asbestos abatement plan,
improvement of circulation and implementation of site improvements and of athletic fields.
Given the content of the report, the School Building Committee would like nothing better
than to be recommending to this body either the renovation of the present RMHS or the building
of a new high school to meet the educational goals of the community- There is, however, one
small little problem. It is a problem not unfamiliar to those of us in Town Meeting as we grapple
with providing the needs of the community.
The estimated cost to carry out this plan is slightly above $30,000,000.000. A careful
review of the cost..of the project called for deliberation and reflection on the part of the School
Building Committee. Some of you may remember and some may choose to forget that this
Committee was created by this body after it as a body had rejected the original plans to address
the elementary school problems, and after the voters of Reading had soundly defeated a debt
exclusion override to address that same problem. The problem had not gone away by virtue of
these votes, and Town Meeting recognized that the problem was very much a community problem
not just a school problem.
With these realities as its basics, the.School Building Committee has resolutely remained
firm in its commitment to bring to Town Meeting not only a plan to address the space problems
but also a plan that spells out the financing of those plans. A plan which does not jeopardize the
fiscal stability of Reading. In our opinion, the key to the successful projects at the elementary
level and in the building of the new Parker Middle School has been that commitment. We remain
firm in that commitment!
With this proposal in hand, we met with and discussed the project and its cost with the
Director of Finance, Beth Klepeis. I cannot come to this podium without stating again, no matter
how many times I have before, that the cooperation, competence and attitude of our Director of
Finance remains one of the Town's strongest assets.
The Director of Finance projected the recommendation at $30,000,000.00 into the capital
plan under various assumptions and the conclusion, not surprisingly, was that this project at this
cost was not financially feasible based on present and anticipated revenues and level of debt
service. Because of the timing of SBAB reimbursement, the cash flow to Reading does not work.
The deficit would begin to hurt beginning in FY99 at about a negative 1,632,000.00
working its way up to a negative of 3,500,000.00 in FY 2002. The degree of impact on the
finances of Reading would, in her opinion, be dramatic and of such a magnitude as to adversely
affect the bond ratings of the Town. Needless to say, the results are not compatible with the
guidelines as presently recommended by the Finance Committee.
With the information provided and with the reality of present revenues and projections not
suggesting any increase in revenue either through override or extraordinary income such as sale of
real estate, the School Building Committee regretfully but unanimously voted to not recommend
to Town Meeting the project outlined in the architect's feasibility study. It must be emphasized
that the driving force in that recommendation is financial and if money were not an object, the
vote might be assumed to have been a different one.
The School Building Committee is not oblivious to the very real problems revealed by the
feasibility study, nor is it blase as to the effect such problems have on the education of our
children. The problems as outlined are very real and do not forget for one moment will not go
away. They must to some degree or another be addressed or a bad situation will become an
impossible situation.
The School Committee has directed the Superintendent to work with the School Building
Committee to create a ten year plan to address the capital needs of the School System as a whole.
The original request to proceed with a feasibility study was to define the problems of the building
and outline an answer to those problems. We believe the study has done so. We are stymied that
we are unable to implement those answers.
We urge Town Meeting to follow closely the recommendations to come from the
Superintendent and School Building Committee. It may require some sacrifice, it may require
some reflection on present practice, it may require re-prioritization of plans. Whatever it may
take, it must at least be considered for it is Town Meeting s responsibility and ultimately it is
Town Meeting's decision.
ARTICLE 1 - Stephen J. Blewitt, Precinct 6, presented the Finance Committee's Report of
Progress on the status of Town finances as preparations are underway for the development of the
FY 1998 budget.
Thank you for this opportunity to update Town Meeting Members regarding the activities
of the Finance Committee and the current status of the Town's financial position.
During the past six months, the Finance Committee has undergone some organizational
changes. In August, after significant discussions, the Capital Improvements Advisory
Subcommittee was restructured to become a true sub-committee of the Finance Committee
consisting of three members of the Finance Committee, rather than five members who were not
necessarily Finance Committee members. Tom Green, Carol Grimm and Cathy Martin were
chosen to work on this sub-committee. The purpose of this change was to allow for more
efficient communications between all participants in the capital budgeting process. The impact of
this change has been felt immediately as the Budget Council -(which consists of the Board of
Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committee) will be challenged to incorporate a new,
comprehensive capital plan for the School Department this year. We are able to make this change
at this time because the groundwork that the CIAS undertook to inventory assets, survey
surrounding communities, and establish operating guidelines has been completed. The Finance
Committee extends its appreciation to former members of the CIAS, including Charlie Peacock,
Dick McDonald and Bob Cavicchi, and especially George Thompson and Jim Keigley, who
served four years on the committee.
In September, the Finance Committee welcomed our newest member, the previously
mentioned Dick McDonald, who joined us after spending one year on the Capital Improvements
Advisory Subcommittee.
Since September, the Finance Committee has been working on a number of initiatives.
First, in conjunction with the restructured CIAS, the Finance Committee has begun to routinely
hold its meetings in Town or School buildings other than Town Hall, where we can tour the
property and see first hand about any capital needs. So far, we have held meetings in the
Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools and the Town Library, and our next meeting will be held in
the High School. Second, we are focusing more on longer-term budget concerns for which we
need a deeper understanding. To date, we have held a joint meeting with the Board of Selectmen
regarding public safety staffing and downtown development, and we have appointed a liaison to
the new committee that is charged with the sale of the landfill. We also intend to meet with the
Conservation Committee regarding the Open Space Plan, and the RMLD regarding changes in
their marketplace. Third, we are continuing to review Finance Committee and Town policies and
practices which are financial in nature. For example, last year we adopted a policy on cash
reserves and this year we will adopt a policy on capital expenditures. This year, we have or will
have reviewed the Town's investment policy, risk management policy, and the status and
performance of the Town's pension funds. Finally, we are communicating more frequently with
the community and other communities.
Jim Keigley and I had an opportunity last winter to have a productive meeting with
members of the school councils, and we hope to repeat that this year; Jim and I also recently met
with the Chairman and Vice Chairman of a neighboring Finance Committee to learn about their
process and issues that they face and we expect to meet with two other Towns in the coming
weeks. The draft warrant that we sent to each of you a few weeks ago was also an attempt to
promote two-way communication. We received between five and ten responses to the draft, and
we appreciate the feedback that we received. One thing that I have learned in my tenure on the
Finance Committee is that many Town Meeting Members have valuable experience and/or
knowledge about subjects that come before us. Please share that information with us as early in
the process as possible so that we can meaningfully act on your behalf.
Enough about the Finance Committee. I am pleased to report to you that, as of
September 30, 1996, the Town has over $2 million in free cash and $150,000 in its annual
budgeted reserve fund. In aggregate, this amounts to approximately 5.5% of the Town's
operating budget. In addition, the Town expects that revenues for the current fiscal year will
exceed the original budget by over $400,000, although I urge you to be cautious about this
amount since expenditures have exceeded our original budget by $750,000, on average, for the
last three years.
While our cash position is strong, preliminary estimates for the next fiscal year show that
expenditures will exceed revenues by over $1 million. This projected deficit is driven by a number
of requirements in the school system on top of ordinary increases on both the school and
municipal sides. Since we have faced projected deficits in the past and managed to balance the
budget, we should not be overly alarmed. However, this projected deficit gap appears to be
larger than ones that we have faced before and may be more difficult to, close.
On a longer-term basis, the Town is fortunate that a number of budget items have
stabilized, including health insurance and trash disposal. Capital spending -and pension
obligations, which also make up sizable portions of the budget, are also projected at stable
amounts. However, future increases in Special Education costs and labor costs are unknown and
remain a concern for the future. In addition, the Town is vulnerable to a downturn in the
economy or a reduction in the Commonwealth's commitment to local communities, which could
negatively impact revenues.
For these reasons, the Finance Committee will continue to recommend prudent use of cash
reserves to address operating budget deficits and will encourage initiatives such as downtown
improvements and development of the landfill to broaden and grow our economic base.
Thank you.
ARTICLE I - Report of Progress on the Sale of the Landfill was accepted and given by George
V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen:
Fellow Town Meeting Members:
It is time to move forward aggressively on the sale of the Reading landfill, which has been
given the new name Reading Business Park. The commercial real estate market is rebounding,
closure and capping of the landfill has been planned and funded, and the capital funding needs of
the Town are growing.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen has convened a blue-ribbon committee
consisting of Selectman Daniel Ensminger as chair, representatives of the Town's major land-use
boards (CPDC, ZBA, and the Board of Assessors), a Fincom representative, citizen commercial
real-estate experts, and the Conservation Commission have been invited. Disposition of the
landfill has been voted by the Board of Selectmen as its number one priority for the coming
budget year. Accordingly, Reading Business Park Advisory Committee has adopted the goal of
obtaining an agreement for sale or long-term lease of the landfill to a private developer by the end
of Calendar Year 1997.
. In its initial two meetings, the committee has discussed the history of the landfill sale, the
landfill closure plan and schedule, the current real estate market and its implications, marketing
( strategies for the site including the- use of the INTERNET, and the pros and cons of various
development scenarios for the site. Town Meeting has previously approved a multi-use plan for
this site consisting of a combination of Class-A high-rise office space, ancillary retail development,
and a hotel. Our resident real-estate experts have stressed the "time-to-permit" factor as the _
single greatest barrier to selling this property in today's competitive market, other towns are
cutting regulatory red tape to lure commercial development, and Reading must compete with
them. The impending development of the former American Mutual property on Lake
Quannapowitt provides additional incentive to act now.
What this means is that this committee will be bringing several warrant articles to the
Annual Town Meeting in April 1997. First, Town Meeting must modify the original 1986 landfill
sale authorization to allow the Selectmen to negotiate the sale or lease of the property to someone
other than the original designee, Homart Development Corporation. Monies will need to be
appropriated for appraisals and brokerage fees recall that brokers were instrumental in the sale
of the 25 Haven Street property. Finally, the committee and CPDC will carefully review the
Planned Unit Development (or P.U.D.) section of the Reading Zoning By-Law to see if certain
provisions can be streamlined while still protecting Reading's interests. For example, the current
P.U.D. requires two sets of public hearings which could be reduced to one. Also, given the fact
that the Town is selling its own land, the issue of "linkage" should be re-examined to see if it is
the best way of obtaining community amenities.
In the coming weeks, the committee will meet with the landfill closure contractor, Camp
Dresser and McGee, develop a plan to pre-market the site nationally, estimate funds needed for
marketing, appraisals, and brokers, establish a schedule for developing and issuing the RFP, and
propose necessary zoning by-law changes. We encourage all Town Meeting members to stay
abreast of the committee's work through the local newspaper and Selectmen's liaison reports. All
of the committee's meetings are open to the public, with the next one scheduled for Thursday,
December 12, and we encourage you to attend them and offer your input.
ARTICLE 1 - Report of Progress on the Downtown Turnaround was accepted and given by Mr.
Peter Simms, co-chair of the Downtown Steering Committee:
Good Evening
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak to you once again. My names is Peter Simms
and I am co-chair of the Downtown Steering Committee (DSC). When I spoke to you six months
ago, I told you that the DSC was formulating a plan to revitalize the downtown area. As you can
see from our handout on Article 6, #13-9, we now have one in place.
The Steering Committee is asking for funds to be appropriated for the hiring of an economic
developer slash/facilitator. Through the efforts of the Town of Reading and the Steering
Committee, we have been awarded a $240.00 grant for streetscape design. This money will be
used to make architectural and landscape designs of our downtown area. Through research of
towns that have been successful in revitalization, Winchester, Andover, and Newburyport to name
three, a pattern has developed. Streetscape design balanced with economic development equals
success.
The streetscape grant has no provisions in it to hike an economic development person. Medford
( and Salem are two examples of communities that relied to streetscape design alone. The results in
l each of these towns was disastrous.
Our Committee has met with a variety of professionals and has determined an economic developer
will cost about $30,000. If the Town of Reading allocates $20,000 to this project, the Chamber
of Commerce will contribute $5,000 and the DSC will raise the balance.
By having a streetscape design as well as a solid economic plan in place, our hope is that the
Town of Reading can position itself to be eligible for grant money from the State and Federal
Government for implementation. We have missed countless opportunities in the past because we
have never had a comprehensive plan in place.
Through the combined efforts of town officials, the business community and the citizens of
Reading, we are now in a position to make some dramatic improvements to our downtown area.
WITH YOUR HELP WE CAN TAKE A GIANT STEP TOWARDS REACHING . THAT
GOAL. I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO CONSIDER THIS PROPOSAL.
THANK YOU!!!
ARTICLE 1 - Report of Progress on the Reading Municipal Light Board was accepted and given
by Allen Ames:
In 1995, we reported that the electric utility industry was in the midst of radical change as
it becomes deregulated. In 1996, I can again say the same thing. The process of deregulation is
still underway but its exact dimensions and impacts are still vague and evolving. Hopefully, a
clearer picture will emerge during 1997, through some combination of the legislative, political,
and judicial actions at both state and federal levels.
In the interim, the RMLD has continued to uphold its obligations to its customers and to
prepare for the surviving and thriving well into the 21" century. The Board of Commissioners is
ever mindful of how policy decisions and programs might fare in the transition from a monopoly
to a competitive organization. Nor have we forgotten the more practical and short-term issues
that make us a low-cost electricity provider for Reading and the towns of Lynnfield, North
Reading, and Wilmington. A short list of some of these projects includes:.
1. Completely rebuilding the underground system serving Reading downtown.
2. Finishing a completely new feeder to serve the entire service area of Lynnfield.
3. Completing various studies to ensure our future ability to purchase and distribute
sufficient electricity to meet the increasing demands of customers.
4. Completion of our first link in a new fiber optics communication system for our
network of substations.
5. Investing almost $1 million in new computers, network capability and software to
allow better and more efficient customer service and employee productivity.
6. Last, but not least, a continuing effort to understand, meet and exceed customer's
expectations of us.
We have operated the RMLD for three years without a rate increase. This has been
accomplished while returning just under $1.6 million to the Town of Reading in 1996 as a return
on your ownership interest in the utility. This is in addition to the approximately $1.2 million
annual reimbursement the RMLD does for other expenses incurred by the Town on our behalf,
such as insurance and pension obligations. It is also in addition to the $2.8 million annual capital
investment we make in rebuilding and expanding our physical plant of wires, transformers, poles,
etc. In short, we prudently manage a complex enterprise that has a long record of providing very
reliable electricity at prices that are 16 to 25% lower than that of any privately owned electric
utility in Massachusetts.
Our transition to competition has started. The road will be filled with many twists and
turns and the hazards will be numerous. However, the RMLD employees and the Board of
Commissioners are all confident that we can continue the traditions of excellent customer service,
high reliability and low cost electricity to support the economic foundation of Reading, its
residents and the surrounding communities.
For those of you who are interested, we will be briefing the selectmen and finance
committee on utility restructuring as we presently understand it on the 25th of this month, 7:30
p.m. at 230 Ash Street. You are welcome to attend.
Thank you for your attention.
ARTICLE I - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to lay Article 1 on the table.
ARTICLE 2 - On motion by Russell T. Graham,: Precinct 4, it was moved to have the first
session of the 1997 Annual Town Meeting held at the Parker Middle School Auditorium.
ARTICLE 2 - On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved to have the Reading
Light Department give a report on the net proceeds from the sale of 25 Haven Street before final
adjournment of this town meeting:
Report given by Philip B. Pacino.
ARTICLE 2 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 3 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to amend the FY 1997 - FY 2006 Capital Improvement Program as provided for in Section
7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, and as previously amended, by adopting what is detailed
in bold in the
"TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM,
FISCAL YEARS 1997 THROUGH 2006,"
dated 10-24-96, set forth in the Report on the Warrant Subsequent Town Meeting, November 12,
1996.
ARTICLE 4 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to table the subject matter of Article 4.
ARTICLE 5 - On Motion by Camille W. Anthony, Precinct 5, it was voted to accept the
provisions of Chapter 71 of the Acts of 1996 which authorizes certain public employees creditable
retirement service time for active service in the armed forces.
ARTICLE 6 - On Motion by Camille W. Anthony, Precinct 5, it was voted to amend one or
more of the votes taken under Article 17 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 8,
1996, amended by action taken under Article 5 of the Warrant of the Special Town Meeting of
September 9, 1996, relating to the Fiscal Year 1997 Municipal Budget, and that the Town
appropriate the sums of the amended votes for the operation of its government from property
taxes, state aid, and non-property tax local receipts unless otherwise noted:
BUDGET
DESCRIPTION
CHANGE
NEW
#
in adopted
BUDGET
budget
AMOUNT
B9
Community Development General Department - Non Personal
+$20,000
$21,700
Expenses - Consulting fees for Downtown Economic
Development
C 12
Finance General Department - Non Personal Expenses for back
+$425
$50,310
taxes Sughrue
El
Health - Personal Services for Sealer of Weights and Measures
+$1,787
$31,281
E2
Health - Non Personal Expenses for Sealer of Weights and
-$1,787
$42,414
Measures
F2
Library - Non Personal Expenses - NOBLE and office supplies
+$6743
$125,440
K7
PW-B-11 -Town Building Improvements
-$25,000
$22,000
K9
Capital - PW-B-13 Air systems -Town Hall, Fire Station &
+$125,600
$212,700
Library
K13
PW-E-4, 7, 10, 16 - Public works Equipment
414,800
$245,700
K18
SD-B-5 - School Ceiling Tile Replacement
-$23,100
$22,900
K45
SD--B-13 Portable Building - Portable classroom
+$5,000
$75,000
K46
SD-13-12 - Renovate Coolidge Middle School
+$23,100
$23,100
JI
School Department
+$1,307
19,509,313
L1
Contributory Retirement
+$7,000
$1,913,300
L3
Unemployment
+20,000
$40,000
L4
Group Health and Life Insurance
-$1,307
$2,405,214
NET-TAX RATE MODIFICATIONS
$144,968
M4
Water - capital (source of funding - water reserves)
+$165,000
$822,800
N4
Sewer - Capital (source of funding - sewer reserves)
+$200,400
$362,400
TOTAL NET BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
$510,368
ARTICLE 7 - On Motion by Camille W. Anthony, Precinct 5, it was voted to rescind all of the
remaining bond authorizations in the amount of $465 made for the purpose of renovating and
adding to the Birch Meadow School and the Joshua Eaton School pursuant to a vote taken under
Article 13 of the 1993 Annual Town Meeting; and vote to rescind all of the remaining bond
authorizations in the amount of $7650 made for the purpose of replacing a portion of the roof at
the Reading Memorial High School pursuant to a vote taken under Article 10 of the 1994 Annual
Town, Meeting.
ARTICLE 8 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of 'the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to amend Section 4.4.3 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding thereto
"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.
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."
ARTICLE 9 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to lay Article 9 on the table.
ARTICLE 10 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted that the Town appropriate from free cash the sum of one hundred thousand dollars
($100,000) for North Main Street sidewalk construction.
ARTICLE 11- On Motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted that the Town
raise by borrowing in anticipation of reimbursement from the State government, and appropriate
the sum of two hundred twenty-nine thousand five hundred dollars ($229,500) for design work in
connection with a Downtown Streetscape Design Program, to include urban design, landscape
architecture, historic preservation, traffic engineering, civil engineering and related services, to
develop working drawings for streetscape improvements and enhancements in all public
rights-of-way, public parking lots, the Town Common, and other public lands in Downtown
Reading, that is, the area contained in the Business-B Zoning District and immediately adjacent
areas, all moneys to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen with advice of the
Community Planning and Development Commission and the Downtown Steering Committee.
ARTICLE 12 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted by majority that the Town appropriate from sewer reserves the sum of one hundred
ninety-four thousand dollars ($194,000) for the purpose of constructing a sanitary sewer system
and sewer facilities on all or portions of Longwood Road and/or Kelch Road, such sum to be
expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
William C. Brown, Precinct 8, moved to table article 12. Motion did not carry.
Original Motion by George V. Hines:
majority required
91 voted in the affirmative
12 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 13 - On Motion by Daniel A. Ensminger, Precinct 7, it was voted that the Town
appropriate from sewer reserves the sum of six thousand five hundred and five dollars ($6505) for
the purpose of constructing a sanitary sewer system and sewer facilities on all or portions of
Elliott Street, such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen.
On Motion by Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 5, it was moved that this Subsequent Town Meeting
stand adjourned to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. on
Thursday, November 14, 1996.
The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.
146 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
Cheryl X Johnson
Towntlerk
ADJOURNED SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING
Reading Memorial High School November 14, 1996
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin, at 7:48 p.m., there being a
quorum present.
The Invocation was given by The Reverend Robert K. Sweet, Jr., Old South United Methodist
Church followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Solid Waste Advisory Committee is conducting a survey on recycling. They would
appreciate it if every member took 30 seconds to fill out the forms available at the sign-in tables.
They are especially interested in information from households that do not currently recycle. If
you filled out this survey at the election, you don't need to again.
Tonight's forms can be returned as you leave the auditorium.
Announcement by Moderator, Paul Dustin:
As it looks as though we may be able to finish tonight, I want to make a few remarks before we
begin.
This may be a bit early to start the Reading political season but I do want to let. town meeting
members know that I have decided to step down at the close of my current term. It doesn't seem
possible that ten years have passed, but they have, and it is time to step aside while hopefully;
"one is still ahead." As I look out at town meeting I see many new and younger members and I
think that the time has come to step aside for one of you. This won't be a surprise to those that I
have discussed it with, but to the rest of town meeting and the viewers at home, let me say that it
has been a privilege to have served as Reading's moderator for these past ten years, and
particularly during the Town's 350th anniversary.
So, for those of you who might aspire to the job, pay particular attention tonight. Now, back to
Town meeting.
ARTICLE 14 - On Motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, it was voted pursuant to Section 4A of
Chapter 40 of the General Laws, to authorize the Town to enter into a contract with other
participating cities and towns and Franklin County to help the participating cities and towns
improve their Computer Assisted Mass. Appraisal (CAMA) and Tax Administration software, and
to engage in joint purchasing of products and, 'services related to such software. Such agreement
shall be effective for ten fiscal years beginning ;July 1, 1996 and ending June 30, 2006, as among
the member cities and towns, and' forr, a one year renewable term between the member cities and
towns and Franklin County or its successor.
- ARTICLE 15 - On Motion by W. Bruce, MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted to amend the
General Bylaws of the Town of Reading by adding the following new Section 5.13 relating to
Emergency Vehicle Access and Fire Lanes:
"5.13 Emergency Vehicle Access and Fire Lanes.
5.13.1 It is the purpose of this Bylaw to regulate the parking of motor vehicles so that such
vehicles will not impede access to properties by emergency vehicles or obstruct fire
lanes..
5.13.2 No person shall park a motor vehicle so as to obstruct or block, or otherwise obstruct
or block, the entrance to any roadway, highway, street, private way or driveway so as
to prevent access by emergency vehicles to any single or multi-family dwelling,
business, commercial establishment, shopping center, school, sports or recreational
facility, other place of public assembly or public or private parking area. Vehicles
making a delivery to a building abutting a driveway may obstruct or block the entrance
to the driveway for the reasonable length of time necessary to actually make such
delive_rv if the nature of the delivery or use in the building prohibits or unreasonably
restricts the use of any other access to such building.
5.13.3 No person shall park a motor vehicle so as to obstruct or block, or otherwise obstruct
or block, a fire lane, provided that such fire lane has been identified as provided for
i herein.
5.13.4 Exemptions: Emergency vehicles may park in fire lanes while responding to calls for
emergency service. Vehicles making a delivery to a building abutting a fire lane may
park in the fire lane for the reasonable length of time necessary to actually make such
delivery, if the nature of the delivery or business in the building prohibits or
unreasonably restricts the use of any other access to such building.
5.13.5 The Board of Selectmen shall place and maintain signs relating to fire lanes where
applicable to public buildings, public ways and public parking areas. The owner(s) of
record of all other properties or private ways containing fire lanes shall place and
maintain signs so identifying the fire lanes. All such signs shall be no less than twelve
(12) inches by eighteen (18) inches and shall read: "FIRE LANE - NO PARKING -
TOW ZONE".
5.13.6 As used in this Section 5.13, "fire lane" shall mean a fire lane designated by the Board
of Selectmen upon the recommendation of the Chief of the Reading Fire Department.
Fire lanes shall be a distance of twelve (12) feet from the curbing of a sidewalk;
however, where no sidewalk with curbing exists, the distance shall be twenty (20) feet
from the front wall of the nearest building. These distances,.may be modified by the
Board of Selectmen to any distance that the Chief of the Fire Department determines is
necessary for public safety.
5.13.7 Any motor vehicle found violating the provisions of this Section 5.13 may be issued a
parking violation by the Reading Police Department and/or towed under the direction
of the Reading Police Department, and all towing and storage charges shall be as
authorized by Section 120D of Chapter 266 of the General Laws. In addition, any
person found violating the provisions of this Section 5.13 shall be punished by a fine of
not less than twenty-five ($25.00) dollars for the first offense and not less than fifty
($50.00) dollars for the second and any subsequent offense, and each day that such
violation continues shall constitute a separate offense. The provisions of this Section
5.13 may be enforced by noncriminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of
Section 5.11 hereof and Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws.
ARTICLE 16 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey and/or abandon a ten foot (10) portion of a
certain forty foot (40') right of way in Reading, Middlesex County, Massachusetts situated on
land known as and numbered 49 Spring Street; that the minimum amount of one dollar ($1) be
paid for such conveyance and/or abandonment; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
convey or abandon all or any part of said ten foot (10') portion of the right of way for such
amount or a larger amount and upon such other terms and conditions as the Selectmen shall
consider proper and to deliver a deed therefor if necessary.
2/3 vote required
108 voted in the affirmative
3 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 17 - On Motion by Sally M. Hoyt, Precinct 4, it was voted to rescind the action taken
under Article 34 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of March 23, 1987 pursuant to
which the Town voted to accept the gift of real estate located on Main Street and shown as Lot
36 on Board of Assessors Plat 225, from Raymond E. and Carmen Bahr.
ARTICLE 18 - On Motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Precinct 5, it was voted to amend the Reading
Zoning By-Laws relating to Communication Facilities and Communication Structures as follows:
1. Delete existing Section 2.2.7. "Communication Facility" and substitute therefor the
following new Section 2.2.7 :
"2.2.7. COMM-MCATION FACILITY: a building whose principal use is to contain
telephone, telegraphic, or electronic exchanges for the purpose of connecting or
networking communications systems, similar facilities; and ancillary offices."
2. Add the following new Section:
"2.2.7.1. COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURE: a tower, antenna, dish
or other free-standing structure as defined in the State Building Code, together with any
related ancillary building, used for the transmission and/or reception of radio, television,
telecommunications or other electronic communication signals for commercial purposes."
tgit~6
3. Amend Section 4.2.2. Table of Uses so that "Commercial Communications Structures"
shall be listed directly beneath "Communication Facilities" and shall be designated as
"SPA****" in the Residential S-15, Residential S-20, Residential S-40, Residential A-80
Districts and designated as "SPA" in Business A, Business B, Business C and Industrial
Districts; that the word "no" be placed in reference thereto in respect to the Residential
A-40 District; and that the following be placed at the end of said Table 4.2.2.: "****May
be permitted only within a State-owned Interstate highway right-of-way."
4. Add new Section 4.3.5. as follows:
"4.3.5. COMMERCIAL COMMUNICATIONS STRUCTURES'
Special Permit for Communications Structures: No Commercial Communications
Structure, whether itself a principal use of a lot or as an accessory use to a
Communication Facility, shall be constructed without a special permit having been granted
by the Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals may grant a special permit, in accordance
with Section 7.3., for such a communications structure, provided that the Board
determines that the following criteria have been fulfilled:
a. if located in a Residential S-15, S-20, or S-40 District, the communications structure shall
be located in a State-owned Interstate Highway right-of-way;
if located in a Residential A-80 District, the communications structure shall be mounted
only on a building which is more than forty-eight feet in height and which is located not
farther than 850 feet of a State-owned Interstate Highway right-of-way;
if located in a Business A or Business B District, the communications structure shall only
be ancillary to an allowed principal use on the property and shall not be solely or
principally used for sending, receiving, or transmitting communications signals as part of a
communications system or network not related to or used by any other use taking place on
the lot on which the communications structure is located;
b. for purposes of public safety, no ground-mounted communications structure shall be
erected nearer to any boundary line of the property on which the structure is located than
a distance equal to half the vertical height of the structure, inclusive of appurtenant devises
as measured at the mean finish grade of the base of the structure;
C. for purposes of public safety, no roof-mounted communications structure shall be erected
nearer to any boundary line of the property on which the structure is located than a
distance equal to half the vertical distance between the roof level of the building on which
the communications structure is directly mounted and the top of the communications
structure, inclusive of appurtenant devises; any such communications structure mounted
on the roof shall be properly secured according to State Building Code and shall be so
located or screened that it shall not be unduly visually prominent as viewed from any
public way or abutting property;
d. all applicable state and federal licenses and approvals have been obtained;
e. the communications structure is located and screened, fenced, or otherwise provided with
effective safety devices which prohibit unauthorized access near or onto the structure;
f. the applicant shall certify in writing to the Board of Appeals that should any complaint as
to electronic or electromagnetic interference be received the applicant shall forthwith
exercise its responsibility to remedy such interference;
g. the application for Special Permit shall be accompanied by an application for a Building
Permit, with engineering certification that the installation will conform with structural and
safety requirements of the Building Code, and by certification of the applicant that the
structure will be properly dismantled following two years of continuous disuse of the
structure; and
h. no signs other than required safety warning signs shall be mounted on the structure.
A Special Permit for any communications structure shall remain valid only so long as the
owner of such structure shall ensure that the structure is maintained in good operating
condition. A failure to do so will result in the immediate termination of the Special
Permit. The Building Inspector shall have access to the premises from time to time to
inspect the structure.
Exception:
A dish for purposes of reception only shall not be subject to the provisions of Section
4.3.5. provided that such dish is not larger than eighteen inches in diameter."
2/3 vote required
104 voted in the affirmative
12 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 19 - On Motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Precinct 5, it was voted, as modified, to
amend the Reading Zoning By-Laws as follows:
By replacing Paragraph 4.7.2. Lh., which now reads: "Required Low-- and Moderate- Income
Housing: There shall be provided on-site, or off-site in a manner acceptable to the Reading
Housing Authority, a minimum of ten percent of its total units (both on-site and off-site)
affordable to low-income, moderate-income, or elderly households in perpetuity.", with the
following wording:
"Required Low- and Moderate-Income Housing: There shall be provided in perpetuity
on-site or off-site in a manner acceptable to the Reading Housing Authority a minimum of
ten percent of the total units (both on-site and off-site) relative to the development, which
units shall be affordable to very-low-income, low-income and moderate-income families _
and/or elderly households as determined by the most recent calculations of the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Boston Metropolitan Area."
2/3 vote required
114 voted in the affirmative
- 0 - voted in the negative
ARTICLE 20 - On Motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Precinct 5, that the Town vote to amend the
Reading Zoning By-Laws by substituting the following: for Section 2.2.17:
2.2.17. "HOME OCCUPATION: the use of any part of a dwelling as an office, studio or
working room by persons resident in the dwelling, provided that no goods are publicly displayed
for sale on the premises, that no goods are offered for sale on the premises, that not more than
one person is employed on the premises who is not a resident of the dwelling, and that the public
is not generally solicited or invited to enter the premises in order to conduct business."
2/3 vote required
56 voted in the affirmative
65 voted in the negative
Motion does not carry.
ARTICLE 21 - On Motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Precinct 5, it was voted to table the subject
matter of Article 21.
ARTICLE 22 - On Motion by Jonathan E. Barnes, Precinct 5, it was voted to table the subject
matter of Article 22.
ARTICLE 2 - On Motion by George V: Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to remove Article 2 from the table.
ARTICLE 2 - On Motion by Ronald M. Daddario, Precinct 6, it was voted to have the Town
Manager, Peter I. Hechenbleikner, add maps to the Report of the Warrant for Town Meeting
Members.
ARTICLE 2 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to lay Article 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 1 - On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was
voted to remove Article 1 from the table.
ARTICLE 1- REPORT by Edward D. McIntire, Jr. , Director of Public Works:
September 30, 1992 - 10,600 gallons of gasoline spilled into the Town of Reading's water supply.
There is not now, and never has been, any gasoline product contamination in any of our
production wells as a result of the gas spill. The events of that day have affected the every day
lives of the residents of the Town of Reading. All of Reading's production wells and Water
Treatment Plant were shut down immediately and temporary service was gained from the Towns
of Wakefield, Stoneham and Woburn with a back-up temporary connection from North Reading.
Monitoring wells were immediately installed around the perimeter of the Gas Spill site as well as
within the site. Materials saturated with gasoline were removed from the wetlands area adjacent
to Route 93 from the area where the pond is now located. A pump and treat system was installed
to remove gasoline product from the spill site. The Board of Selectmen and the Department of
Environmental Protection declared a Water Emergency and Stage 3 Emergency Water restrictions
were instituted by the Board of Selectmen, which prohibited any outside use of water.
In June 1993 the Town activated B-Line well and the Board of Selectmen modified the water
restrictions from Stage 3 to Stage 2 which allowed the outside use of water on an odd/even basis.
In the Spring of 1995 there was gasoline product detected in one of the perimeter monitoring
wells. Cumberland Farms/Gulf were instructed by DEP to install an additional recovery well to
address the migration of the gasoline product and an additional seven (7) monitoring wells
surrounding the area of the contamination.
In June 1995 Cumberland Farms was instructed to install an additional four (4) monitoring wells
prior to the activation of Reading's production Wells #2 and #3. These wells were activated in
July, 1995.
In the Fall of 1995 the Town requested permission to activate the remaining three (3) production
wells - Wells #13, #15, and #66-8. In October 1995, under the direction of the Department of
Environmental Protection, Cumberland Farms installed an additional recovery well and five (5)
additional monitoring wells. It was planned to activate Well #15 first, continue monitoring,
followed by activation of Well #13 , and then Well #66-8. DEP delayed the activation of these
three (3) wells until the Spring of 1996 in order to collect and evaluate more data.
In early 1996, there was gasoline product detected in the recently installed monitoring wells and
Readings production Wells #2 and #3 were shut down. Within three months there was no
gasoline product detected in those monitoring wells and the Town requested approval to
reactivate them. At a meeting with all parties involved it was proposed and approved by DEP
that Cumberland Farms/Gulf construct a hydraulic water barrier around the perimeter of the spill
site, between the spill site and the Town's production wells with the intent of preventing migration
of water from the spill site towards the production wells. This is referred to as "mounding."
Wells #2, #3 and #15 were activated in August of 1996 and the system continued to operate until
October when a low level of gasoline constituents was detected in our production Well 66-8. The
well was re-sampled and immediately shut down. The results of the second sample indicated that
there was no gasoline product detected in the well. Although this was assumed to be a result of
recent work at this well, DEP ordered the Town of Reading to de-activate Wells #2, #3 and #15.
At a recent meeting with DEP the Town was allowed to operate Wells #2, #3, and #15 on a
intermittent basis during the next three months, continue monitoring throughout the water supply
and spill site area, with a plan to activate Wells #2, #3, and #15 on a full time basis beginning the
end of January, 1997 with the intention of activating wells #13 & #66-8 at a future time.
The clean-up of the site has been a cooperative effort between the Department of Environmental
Protection, the Town of Reading, Cumberland Farms/Gulf and consulting engineers. We have
moved cautiously. The location of the spill site is within 1200 feet of six (6) of our nine (9)
production wells. Two (2) of these wells are located within 600 feet of the original spill site, and
less than 400 feet from the point that contamination has migrated to. We cannot afford to lose
this water supply. The frustration has been extremely high with those of us who deal with it on a
daily basis, with the company footing the bill, with the engineers involved, with your public
officials and with the residents of the Town. It is a difficult situation to deal with for everyone
involved. We continue to work towards brining Reading's wellfield to 100 % operation and to
clean-up the aquifer adjacent to and within the original spill site.
We have gained a great deal at the spill site, but the contamination level continues to fluctuate. In
the last 3 months the level has been below the Drinking Water Standards. If this continues with
the re-activation of Wells #2, 3 and 15, it appears the restrictions could be reduced, and ultimately
lifted. The Board of Selectmen have set a policy of no detectable contamination at the production
wells. If contamination levels increase, or if there is migration of contamination toward the
production wells, I will recommend that restrictions continue.
To emphasize once again - there is not now, and never has been, any gasoline product
contamination in any of our production wells as a result of the gas spill.
ARTICLE 1 - George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, offers his recognition to
Mr. Dustin's service as Moderator.
On Motion by George V. Hines, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved that this
Subsequent Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die.
The meeting adjourned at 9:58 p.m.
130 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest:
r'
Chery)/A. Johnson
Town Clerk
FUNDING FOR LIBRARY HVAC
IMPROVEMENTS
The following is the proposed funding mechanism for the HVAC modifications to the
Reading Public Library. This funding is proposed to be put in place this fiscal year: .
Cost of Project $ 222,700
Available in Capital Program - Line K-9 87,100
Available encumbered design funds 10,000
Reduction in funds from DPW equip. Purchase - K-13 14,800*
Reduction in Building Improvements - K-7 25,000*
"New" funding needed 85,800*
* Requires Town Meeting action under Articles 5 and 6.