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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-03-09 Special Town Meeting MinutesSPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School March 9,1998 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 Gail F. Wood, Precinct 2, 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 1 - On motion.by Camille W. Anthony, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, it was moved that the subject matter of Article 1 be tabled. ARTICLE 2 - On motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was moved that the Board of Selectmen accept the bid related to the retail use of the landfill on Walkers Brook Road, for consideration given, such acceptance shall be made on or before July 1, 1999. Motion does not carry. 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 motion by George C. Hines, Precinct 5, it was voted to amend the FY 1998- FY 2007 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter by adopting the amended Capital Improvements Plan as included in the Warrant report for the Special Town Meeting of March 9, 1998, pages 14-18. ARTICLE 4 - On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted 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 Subsequent Town Meeting of November 10, 1997 relating to the Fiscal Year 1998 Municipal Budget, and to raise from available funds and appropriate as described the following sums for the operation of the Town and its government: CHANGE NEW Source in Adopted BUDGET of BUDGET DESCRIPTION Budget AMOUNT Funds C6 Assessor's - Appraisal Services $25,000 $25,000 Lottery Receipts J1 School - Personal Services - Free Cash Custodian - retroactive pay $39,776 $21,310,801 I43 Capital-Data Processing-fiber optic Lottery Receipts connection for GIS $27,000 $55,000 L3 Employee Benefits- Unem to ment $10,000 $30,000 Lottery Receipts CHANGE NEW Source in Adopted BUDGET of BUDGET DESCRIPTION Budget AMOUNT Funds K40 Capital - Elementary School Free Cash enrollment architectural feasibility $50,000 $50,000 NET BUDGET MODIFICATIONS $151,776 On motion by Gail F. Wood, Precinct 2, to amend Line item K40 from $50,000 to - 0 - Motion to amend Line item K40 does not carry. Original motion carries. ARTICLE 5 - On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted to raise by borrowing under Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 8 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any other enabling authority, and appropriate the sum of Four Million Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,400,000) for the purpose of constructing a new Police Station on land currently owned by the Town at 13 Union Street, and abutting property, including the cost of original furnishings and equipment, architectural fees, engineering fees, inspection fees, relocation costs, contingencies and related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to file applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said Police Station and related matters, and to - authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. Report by William F. Lavoie, Neighborhood Representative: POLICE STATION NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS Last fall the Police Station Building Committee unanimously recommended to Town Meeting the Union/Middle Street site. The Max Ferro study found advantages in terms of cost and benefits to the Town as a whole. The Downtown business community likes it because it will help clean up this corner of the square and increase Police presence. It will provide uninterrupted operation of the Police Department. The neighborhood is in support of the location. The site was available, and there was interest for the reuse of the existing Police facility by community groups. Town meeting then voted in favor of the committees recommendation and we have now had time to put things into perspective in relation to the neighborhood. Donham and Sweeney Architects will present to you tonight, a project that will meet with the neighborhood concerns regarding building size, shape and location on the site. This building will blend well in our eyes and will still not. interfere with the neighborhood needs for continued off-street parking. The Town Manager, Architect and Project Manager seem to be willing to work with us in our concerns for privacy. Eric-Jason Smith is a committee member whose Special Town Meeting - March 9, 1998 ARTICLE 3 - TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007 L ~-,jJECT DESCRIPTION FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 TOTAL CD-C-03 OPEN SP, REC ACQU-A 40.0 A 40.0 A 40.0 A 40.0 A 40.0 A 200.0 CD-C-03 OPEN SP, REC ACQU-G 60.0 G 60.0 G 60.0 G 60.0 G 60.0 G 300.0 SUBTOTAL CONSERVATION 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 500.0 CD-P-02 E MAIN ST PARKING-A 10.0 A 10.0 CD-P-02 E MAIN ST PARKING-G 300.0 G - 300.0 SUBTOTAL PLANNING 310.0 - 310.0 FN- -02 REPL DATA PROC EQ-A 55.0 A 50.0 A 64.0 A 50.0 A 50.0 A 50.0 A 50.0 A 50.0 A 50.0 A 50.0 A 519.0 FN- -02 REPL DATA PROC EQ-S 3.5 E 25.0 E 8.0 E 36.5 FN- -02 REPL DATA PROC EQ-W 3.5 E 25.0 E - 8.0 E - 36.5 SUBTOTAL FINANCE 62.0 100.0 80.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 - 50.0 50.0 50.0 50.0 592.0 HS-E-01 REPL VAN ELDER SERV - 52.4 A 60.8 A - 113.2 SUBTOTAL HUMAN SERV. 52.4 - 60.8 113.2 LB- -01 LIBRARY COMPUTERS 25.5 A 18.9 A 49.2 A 6.0 A 6.3 A 21.0 A 5.0 A 131.9 -02 LIBRARY CIRCULATION -03 LIBRARY FURNISHINGS 21.2 A 6.3 A 5.1 A 5.1 A 5.1 A 5.1 A 47.9 SUBTOTAL LIBRARY 46.7 25.2 54.3 6.0 5.1 6.3 26.1 10.1 179.8 PS-F-07 REPLACE PUMPER 250.0 D PS-F-08 REPLACE AMBULANCE 102.5 A 116.0 A PS-F-10 REPLACE CHIEF'S VEH 26.0 A 30.0 A PS-F-11 REPLACE RESCUE TOOL 25.0 A PS-F-13 REPL BREATHING APPA 64.0 A PS-F-15 PURCH SKID PUMP 8.0 A PS-F-17 REPLACE FIRE HOSE 9.4 A PS-F-18 REHAB ENGINE 3 16.0 A SUBTOTAL FIRE 115.0 16.0 102.5 250.0 17.4 30.0 116.0 250.0 218.5 56.0 25.0 64.0 8.0 9.4 16.0 646.9 PS-P-02 REPLACE RADIO EQUIP 5.0 A 5.0 A 5.0 A 5.0 A 5.0 A 5.0 A 5.0 A 35.0 PS-P-03 MOBILE DATA TERM 35.0 A 25.0 A 60.0 PS-P-06 PORCH PORT RADIOS 7.3 A 6.1 A 6.1 A 19.5 PS-P-07 PURCH REPEATER 12.5 A - - - - 12.5 SUBTOTAL - POLICE - 54.8 - - 6.1 6.1 5.0 5.0 30.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 127.0 PW-B-02 RECON LIB PRKG LOT 55.0 A 55.0 PW-B-04 EQU MAINT EXPANSION 40.0 A 500.0 D 540.0 -05 FUEL TANK REMOVAL-D 25.0 A 25.0 A 50.0 _J 14 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS TEN YEAR'CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007 PROJECT DESCRIPTION FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 TOTALti PW-8-07 MEZZANINE AT DPW GA 10.0 A - - 10.0 PW-8-08 ROOF REPAIRS 32.5 A 9.6 A 30.0 A 72.1 PW-8-09 CONST. NEW POL. STA 50.0 A 50.0 PW-6-09 CONSTR. NEW POL. ST 4400.0 0 4400.0 PW-B-11 TOWN FACILITY MAINT 35.0 A 55.0 A 80.0 A 35.0 A 32.0 A 55.0 A 15.0 A 50.0 A 17.0 A 30.0 A 404.0 PW-8-12 REPAIR/REPL. WINDOW 20.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 25.0 A •10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 125.0 PW-8-12 WATERPROOF MASNRY T 65.0 A 65.0 PW-8-13 AIR SYST. IMP. FIRE 93.2 A 93.2 SUBTOTAL BUILDINGS 4685.7 214.6 115.0 560.0 42.0 65.0 25.0 90.0 27.0 . 40.0 5864.3 PW-C-07 LAUREL HILL RD REPA 10.0 A 10.0 SUBTOTAL CEMETERY 10.0 - 10.0 PW-E-01 REPLACE BACKHOE/LOA 29.0 A 96.6 A 121.0 A 135.0 A 135.0 A 95.0 A 611.6 PW-E-04 REPLACE DUMP TRUCKS 38.0 A 41.0 A 134.0 A 68.0 A 68.0 A 70.0 A 70.0 A 70.0 A 70.0 A 629.0 PW-E-05 REPLACE PICKUP TRUC 36.0 A 23.6 A 55.0 A 78.2 A 192.8 PW-E-07 REPLACE SIDEWALK PL 60.0 A 60.0 A 120.0 PW-E-09 VEHICLE HOT TOP SPR 30.0 A 30.0 PW-E-10 REPLACE SNOW PLOWS 12.0 A 25.0 A 13.0 A 13.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 32.0 A 140.0 PW-E-11 REPLACE MOWER 35.0 A 61.0 A 30.0 A 126.0 PW-E-12 REPLACE COMPRESSOR 15.0 A 5.0 A 12.0 A 32.0 PW-E-13 REPLACE 85 TRAILER 8.0 A 8.f PW-E-15 REPLACE CATCH BASIN 85.0 A 85. L, PW-E-16 REPLACE SANDERS 14.0 A 14.0 - PW-E-18 REPLACE SNOW BLOWER 218.8 A 218.8 PW-E-19 REPLACE BUCKET TRUC 90.0 A 90.0 PW-E-20 REPLACE CHIPPER 25.0 A 25.0 PW-E-21 REPLACE ROLLER 13.0 A 13.5 A 35.0 A 61.5 PW-E-23 REPLACE RACK/SPRAYE 70.0 A 70.0 PW-E-24 REPLACE SWEEPER 135.0 A 135.0 PW-E-25 FLEXIBLE ACCOUNT 10.0 A 10.0 A - 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 100.0 SUBTOTAL - EQUIPMENT 319.0 269.8 268.6 164.5 164.0 386.6 323.0 320.0 293.2 - 180.0 2688.7 PW-F-01 SHADE TREE NURSERY 5.1 A - 5.3 A 5.6 A 5:6 A 6.2 A 27.8 SUBTOTAL FORESTRY 5.1 - 5.3 5.6 5.6 6.2 27.8 PW-L-01 LANDFILL CLOSURE 1600.0 D 1600.0 PW-L-01 LANDFILL CLOSURE 13.0 A 4000.0 G 4013.0 PW-L-02 WASTE MATERIAL PROC 100.0 A - 100.0 A 200.0 SUBTOTAL SOLID WASTE 13.0 5700.0 100.0 5813.0 PW-P-03 FIELD/COURT/PLAYGRO 12.0 A 12.0 A 12.0 A 12.0 A 5.0 A 7.0 A 7.0 A 7.0 A 7.0 A 81.0 PW-P-05 INDOOR SWIM FACILIT 500.0 D 500.0 PW-P-05 INDOOR SWIM FACILIT 1500.0 CO 1500.r 15 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007 r..4JECT DESCRIPTION FY98 FY99 FY00 - FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 TOTAL PW-P-06 PITMAN BICYCLE PATH 250.0 G 250.0 PW-P-07 TENNIS CT STORAGE S - 12.0 A 12.0 SUBTOTAL PARKS 12.0 2262.0 24.0 12.0 5.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 - 2343.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE BANCROFT 20.0 G 40.0 G 60.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE BRIARWOOD 25.0 G 25.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE FOREST 100.0 G 100.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE FOREST GL 20.0 G 20.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE GARDNER 10.0 G 10.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE GREEN ST 25.0 G 25.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE HARTSHORN 40.0 G 40.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE HAVEN STR 30.0 G 30.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE HIGHLAND 24.0 G 24.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE IDE ST 10.0 G 10.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE JOHN ST 30.0 G 30.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE OAKLAND R 15.0 G 15.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE PLEASANT 25.0 G 25.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE RUSTIC LA 35.0 G 35.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE WASHINGTO 20.0 G 20.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE WILLOW.ST 48.0 G 48.0 PW-R-01 RESURFACE WILSON ST 25.0 A 25.0 PW-R-02 RECON ASH ST 84.0 G 84.0 PW-R-02 RECON BEAR HILL RD 145.0 G 145.0 -02 RECON BERKELEY ST 155.0 G 155.0 9-02 RECON CHAPIN AVE 96.0 G 96.0 PW-R-02 RECON EATON ST 204.0 G 204.0 PW-R-02 RECON GOULD ST 67.0 G 67.0 PW-R-02 RECON GREEN (ASH-MN 20.0 G 20.0 PW-R-02 RECON HOWARD ST 100.0 G 260.0 G 360.0 PW-R-02 RECON KING ST 96.0 G 96.0 PW-R-02 RECON PENNSYLVANIA 160.0 G 160.0 PW-R-02 RECON SHORT/MILL ST 190.0 G 190.0 PW-R-02 RECON SUMMER MN-WES 175.0 G 225.0 G 100.0 G 280.0 G 225.0 G 1005.0 PW-R-02 RECON UNDESIGNATED 450.0 G 450.0 G 450.0 G 1350.0 PW-R-03 GEN DRAINAGE IMPROV 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 150.0 PW-R-03 IMPROVE DRAINAGE AB PW-R-03 SAUGUS RIVER BASIN 733.0 D 733.0 PW-R-04 STREET ACCEPTANCES 1.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B 168.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B 177.0 PW-R-05 SIDEWALK+CURB CONST 50.0 A 60.0 A 70.0 A 80.0 A 80.0 A 80.0 A 80.0 A 90.0 A 1`00.0 A 110.0 A 800.0 PW-R-09 AERIAL TOPOGRAPHIC 50.0 A 50.0 PW-R-12 WEST ST CORRIDOR IM 1410.0 G 1410.0 PW-R-13 TRAFFIC SIG. OPT. S 29.4 A 29.4 PW-R-15 DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMEN 1500.0 G 800.0 G 300.0 G 300.0 G 300.0 G 3200.0 PW R 17 RECONSTRUCT WALKERS - 1250.0 G 1250.0 SUBTOTAL ROAD/STREET 2737.4 3276.0 1365.0 848.0 829.0 837.0 683.0 556.0 566.0 576.0 12273.4 SD-B-01 RMHS IMMEDIATE REPA 1850.0 D 1850.0 SD-B-08 BOILER/BURNER REPLA 700.0 D 700.0 SD-B-09 OIL TANK REMOVAL 40.0 A 40.0 A 40.0 A 60.0 A 180.0 '-12 RENOVATE COOLIDGE M 9000.0 D 9000.0 16 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007 PROJECT DESCRIPTION FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 - FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 TOTAL. SD-B-14 NEW OR RENOV RMHS 40.0 A 30000. D 30040.0 SD-B-15 ELEM. SCHOOL ENROLL 50.0 A 300.0 D 7390.0 D 7740.0 SD-8-15 RENOV KILLAM, BARRO 3000.0 D 3000.0 SO-B-16 UPDATE BIRCH MEADOW 600.0 D - 600.0 SUBTOTAL SCHOOLS BUILD 12240. 340.0. 7390.0 40.0 3000.0 40.0 60.0 30000. 53110.0 SD-E-01 CLASSROOM TECHNOLOG 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 1000.0 SD-E-03 VEHICLE REPLACEMENT - 20.0 A 20.0 A 20.0 A 20.0 A 80.0 SUBTOTAL SCHOOLS EQUIP 100.0 120.0 100.0 120.0 100.0 100.0 120.0 120.0 100.0 100.0 1080.0 PW-S-01 INFLOW AND INFILTRA 115.0 E 155.4 E 270.4 PW-S-02 SEWER MAIN HIGH ST 47.6 E 47.6 >W-S-02 SEWER MAIN REPL-PLE 31.0 E 31.0 DW-S-02 SEWER MAIN SWEETSER 16.1 E 16.1 ,>W-S-03 SEWER MAIN - MILL&S 82.5 B 82.5 PW-S-03 SEWER MAIN MILL&SHO 192.8 E 192.8 PW-S-04 VEHICLE REPLACEMENT 65.0 E 65.0 E 65.0 E 195.0 DW-S-06 SEWER LIFT STATIONS - 30.0 E 30.0 E 30.0 E 90.0 SUBTOTAL SEWER 390.3 171.5 173.6 65.0 30.0 65.0 30.0 925.4 PW-W-02 CARBON FOR FILTERS 193.2 E 193.L ;,W-W-02 FLUORIDE ANALYZER R 6.0 E 6.0 - :,W-W-02 HIGH SERVICE PUMP 15.1 E 15.1 PW-W-02 LAB AUTOCLAVE REPLA 8.6 E 8.6 PW-W-02 LAB INCUBATOR REPLA 7.0 E 7.0 PW-W-02 LAB SPECTROPHOTOMET 7.0 E 7.0 aW-W-02 WATER TRTMT. PLANT 24.5 E 75.0 E 9240.0 ED 9339.5 :,W-W-03 VEHICLE REPLACEMENT 29.0 E 65.0 E 26.0 E 64.0 E 26.0 E 26.0 E 33.3 E 85.0 E 26.6 E 380.9 DW-W-05 REVAY WELL PUMP & E 12.0 E 12.0 ?W-W-05 WELL EXPLOR. AND DE 129.0 E 129.0 DW-W-05 WELL POWER SUPPLY R 18.0 E 18.0 PW-W-07 STORAGE TANK REPAIR 300.0 E 435.0 E 8.3 E 8.5 E 8.7 E 9.1 E 9.5 E 9.7 E 788.8 PW-W-08 WATER MAIN - CAUSEW 32.0 E 32.0 PW-W-08 WATER MAIN - KING,P 5.0 E 5.0 PW-W-08 WATER MAIN - MAIN/A 245.0 E 245.0 PW-W-08 WATER MAIN - WAKEFI 40.0 E 40.0 E 80.0 DW-W-08 WATER MAIN - WALKER 164.9 E 164.9 PW-W-08 WATER MAIN - WAVERL 8.4 E 8.4 PW-W-08 WATER MAIN LINING 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 1600.0 PW-W-08 WATER SUPPLY PROTEC 153.0 E - 95.0 E 124.6 E 249.1 E 81.2 E 119.9 E 822.8 SUBTOTAL WATER 698.5 670.0 742.0 10015. 338.0 355.0 208.6 233.3 294.5 308.3 13863.2 LD- -02 DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM 7000.0 ED 7000.0 17 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007 t-.WECT DESCRIPTION FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 TOTAL SUBTOTAL LIGHT DEPT 7000.0 7000.0 YEARLY TOTALS: 28784.4 13270.3 10432.7 12141.6 4789.0 1988.7 1497.9 1698.8 31488.7 1375.6 107467.7 SOURCE OF FUNDING: A ANNUAL APPROPRIATION 1245.6 B BETTERMENT 83.5 CO CAPITAL/DEBT EXCL. OVRD. C SALE OF CEMETERY LOTS D DEBT TO BE AUTHORIZED 17283.0 E ENTERPRISE APPROP. 1013.3 ED ENTERPRISE DEBT 7000.0 G GRANT OUTSIDE FUNDING 2159.0 S SALE OF REAL ESTATE 28784.4 967.8 831.1 748.6 1.0 1.0 1.0 1500.0 2400.0 7390.0 500.0 891.5 931.6 840.0 9240.0 7510.0 1279.0 812.0 13270.3 10432.7 12141.6 492.0 1.0 3250.0 338.0 812.0 4789.0 801.7 701.3 889.5 713.2 1.0 168.0 1.0 1.0 30000.0 385.0 208.6 298.3 324.5 801.0 420.0 510.0 450.0 1988.7 1497.9 1698.8 31488.7 556.3 7947.1 1.0 259.5 1500.0 60823.0 308.3 5539.1 16240.0 510.0 15159.0 1375.6 107467. - 18 property borders the new Police station site on the south and his home is three feet from that border. Traffic, noise, and lighting are concerns for him, and we feel the architect and Town Manager have expressed the same concerns and made suggestions which address these issues. As one of three neighborhood representatives on the committee, I am sure there will be things that come up from time to time during construction. But I feel we can work with the Towns Project Manager, Richard Marks, from Daedalus Projects Incorporated, to resolve these issues. I personally find the Police Station Building Committee, Peter Hechenbleikner, Richard Marks, and Bret Donham all very capable and willing to address any concerns of the neighborhood or the Police, and will provide us with a new facility that will take us well into the next millennium. On motion by Willard J. Burditt, it was voted to move the question. 2/3 vote required 136 voted in the affirmative 7 voted in the negative On original motion: 2/3 vote required 141 voted in the affirmative 2 voted in the negative On motion by Nathan C. White, Precinct 6, it was voted that this Special Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at the Reading Memorial High School, Thursday, March 12, 1998. Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. 158 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: %Cheryl- . Johnscjh Town ' lerk Special Town Meeting -March 9, 1998 ADJOURNED SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School March 12,1998 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Alan E. Foulds, at 7:50 p.m., there being a quorum present. Moment of Silence for long-time Town Meeting Member and member of the Conservation Committee, Maurice Proctor. The Invocation was given by the Reverend Alan B. Bond,.Pastor of the First Congregational Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 1 - On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was moved to remove Article 1 from the table. ARTICLE 1 - Report of Progress on Landfill was accepted and given by W. Bruce MacDonald: Reading Business Park The Town with the approval of Town Meeting has requested proposals for the reuse of the former Reading landfill site also known as the Reading Business Park. Requests for proposals were developed and advertised by the Town in late December, and were sent to 45 parties who had expressed interest in the site. In late February proposals were received. The Town was disappointed in receiving only two proposals. In addition to a concern about the number of proposals received, the Town is concerned about the quality of the proposals. Neither of them is for the 600,000 square feet, of off r6,, research, or hotel space that the Town had wanted to see. However, the Board.F Selectmen: j.o'intly with the Reading Business Park Task Force heard presentation, by two proponents on Tuesday night. The proponents have been given until next:Tuesday'to submit'any~additional information on their proposals: The Board will then evaluate those'proposals end take one of two courses of action - 1) Determine that one of the proposals, received has the potential for providing the Town with what it wants from that site and negotiate t?,7ith that bidder; or 2) go back out to the marketplace to solicit proposals again. ;It important to note at this point that the offer of $4 million was received from each ,party; and that $4 million is the cost of closing the landfill. The goals that the Town has for this site is to: 1) close the former landfill with as little expense to the Town as possible; 2) maximize other revenue from the sale of the property; 3) maximize tax revenue from the property; 4) maximize job creation from the site. The Board of Selectmen will continue to work diligently to accomplish as many of those goals as possible. ARTICLE I - On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald it was moved that Article 1 be laid on the table. ARTICLE 6 - On motion by Russell T. Graham, Precinct 4, it was voted to raise by borrowing under Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 8 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any other enabling authority, and appropriate the sum of Nine Million Dollars ($9,000,000) for the purpose of constructing additions, remodeling, reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School on Birch Meadow Drive, including the costs of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and architectural fees, inspection fees, relocation costs, contingencies and related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the School Committee; and to authorize the School Committee to file applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said school renovations and additions and related matters, and to vote to authorize the School Committee-to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. On motion by George C. Hines, Precinct 5, to substitute for the figure "$9,000,000", the new figure 19,500,000 and; after the phrase "to the Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School on Birch Meadow Drive" add in such a way as to not impact the area of the existing open space behind the current building used for recreation fields by more than 5%". See attached handout On motion by Jacqueline S. Chipman, Precinct 6, it was voted to move the question. 2/3 vote required 104 voted in the affirmative 28 voted in the negative Motion by George C Hines Precinct 5, to amend Article 6 does not carry. 2/3 vote required 123 voted in the affirmative 9 voted in the negative ARTICLE 7 - On motion by Timothy R. Twomey, Precinct 4, it was voted to raise by borrowing under Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 8 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or any other enabling authority, and appropriate the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($700,000) for the replacement of boilers and/or burners and for the abatement and/or removal of asbestos at any or all of the following locations: Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B. Lord Drive; and the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading Massachusetts, including all engineering fees and preparation costs required to complete the purpose of this Article; said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the School Committee; and to authorize the School Committee to file applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said project and related matters, and to vote to 2 Special Town Meeting- March 12, 1998 authorize the School Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be - necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. 2/3 vote required 115 voted in the affirmative 1 voted in the negative ARTICLE 8 - On motion by Daniel A. Ensminger, Precinct 7, it was voted that the Town of Reading instruct its state representatives and state senator to file a Home Rule Petition with the General Court and pass said petition in substantially the same form as follows: "AN ACT RELATIVE TO A CERTAIN RETIRED EMPLOYEE OF THE TOWN OF READING. Section 1. Notwithstanding any special or general law, rule or regulation to the contrary, the Town of Reading is hereby authorized to grant Louis Bacigalupo a superannuation retirement allowance in accordance with Chapter 32 of the General Laws equal to 2.1% of either (i) the average annual rate of regular compensation received by Mr. Bacigalupo during any period of three consecutive years of creditable service for which such rate of compensation was the highest, or (ii) the average annual rate of regular compensation received by Mr. Bacigalupo during the period or periods, whether consecutive or not, constituting his last three years of creditable service preceding retirement, whichever is greater, multiplied by the number of years of creditable service; provided however such superannuation retirement allowance shall be in lieu of and not in addition to any retirement allowance Mr. Bacigalupo may have been receiving prior to the effective date of this act; provided further that such superannuation retirement allowance shall be deemed non-contributory for the purposes of this act. Section 2. This act shall take effect as of January 1, 1998." counted vote requested 112 voted in the affirmative - 0 - voted in the negative Report to Town Meeting by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2; The Reading Historical Commission wishes to inform Town Meeting that it voted on March 7, 1998 to present Articles 9 and 10 and recommend tabling Articles 11-14. Articles 11-14 were developed by -a private individual, who has stepped out of the picture based upon the sentiment of the neighborhood on Sweetser Avenue and the Antiquarian Society. We have been informed that the Antiquarian Society wishes to acquire the Special Town Meeting - March 12, 1998 Sweetser Avenue lot for enhancement of the historic.Parker Tavern and we will support this at a later time. The Reading Historical Commission's mandate to identify, protect and preserve Reading's history is embodied in the efforts to save the historic Foster-Emerson House. Articles 9 and 10 are placed on the Special Town Meeting Warrant to ensure that the house survives in Reading. The Commission has researched available sites, located this portion of land on Grove Street and will meet the requirements of the Aquifer Protection District and concerns of the Conservation Commission. The proposal is now before Town Meeting for final approval. Town Meeting's passage of Articles 9 and 10 is required if the circa-1710 Foster- Emerson House is to be preserved in Reading. The house, one of the nation's earliest houses, is the subject of a demolition permit currently filed with the Town and it is protected by the Town's demolition review by law that provides for a stay of demolition until April 27, 1998. The Foster-Emerson house is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and in the MA Historical Commission's First Period Thematic Survey. This endangered property is one of Reading's most significant historic assets, and is also an important part of the nation's history. The plan to save the house requires the acquisition of the Grove Street lot so that the house can be removed from its Meadow Brook Golf Club site and relocated to the new lot. The rehabilitation of the house as a single family residence will be placed under specifications and restrictions established by the Historical Commission and sold to a qualified buyer with the financial means and restoration management capability to handle the project. One option currently in place to facilitate the plan, is a non-profit, Reading Friends of Historic Preservation, Inc. group which can manage the house move and restoration. The Grove Street lot is the basis for making the plan work. After`town meeting votes to transfer the lot to the Board of Selectmen, they will sell the lot to a qualified bidder, with restrictions that the Foster-Emerson House be the only house to be located on this site. It is also understood that the Board of Selectmen, at their discretion, will convey the lot for $1.00 and a negotiated sum that will be paid to the Town when the project is completed and sold at fair market value. The Friends are ready to serve as qualified bidders for the moving and rehabilitation of the house. Their funds are available for moving costs, and the Reading Cooperative Bank has committed to loan funds for restoration. These steps are critical to ensure the financial viability of the house relocation and preservation. Since the object of this enormous effort is based on the preservation/saving the house, no financial gain is expected - BUT - financial assistant and community support will be essential for a successful outcome. THE TOWN GOVERNMENT IS NOT BEING ASKED TO PUT UP ANY MONIES. In fact, the project, when completed, will bring in new revenue as the house and lot enters the tax roles. During any stage of the program, a buyer could come forward who would be qualified financially and able to Special Town Meeting- Mauch 12, 1998 conform to the restoration standards set forth by the historical commission and Board of Selectmen. The concept is a complex and unique approach to preserving the Foster-Emerson House but it is a necessary one in order to save this relic of Reading history. There is only one way this will happen - with the support of Town Meeting and the community at large. ARTICLE 9 - On motion by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2, it was voted to transfer the care, custody, management and control of all or any part of the following described property, currently being held by the Board of Selectmen for. protecting the water supply of the Town to the Board of Selectmen for any other municipal purpose, including the possible sale or lease thereof: Approximately 22,500 square feet of land located on Grove Street being a portion of the land shown on Reading Board of Assessors' Revised Jan. 1, 1977 Map 187 as Lot 3, and being a portion of the land described at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 6656, Page 167. On March 4, 1998, the Conservation Commission voted to support Articles 9 and 10 with the following conditions that a conservation restriction be placed on the rear portion of the proposed lot and a silt fence be placed to protect rare and endangered species which live in the area; and that the front portion be limited to a structure constructed circa 1730 or earlier. Voted 4-0-0 Motion by William C. Brown, Precinct 8, to amend Article 9 by deleting the words "sale or" after the word "possible". On motion by Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 6, it was voted to move the question. 2/3 vote required 79 voted in the affirmative 20 voted in the negative Motion by William C. Brown Precinct 8 to amend does not carry. On original motion 2/3 vote required 85 voted in the affirmative 15 voted in the negative ARTICLE 10 - On motion by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2, it was voted to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey all or any part of the following described property for Special Town Meeting - March 12, 1998 the relocation or use by a pre-1740 structure and that the Town determine the minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance is one (1) dollar; and to authorize the Board of i - Selectmen to convey all or any part of said property for such amount of money, or a larger amount, and upon such other terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen shall consider proper including conditions that protect any rare and endangered species on or which use the property, and to deliver a deed therefor: Approximately 22,500 square feet of land located on Grove Street being a portion of the land shown on Reading Board of Assessors' Revised Jan. 1, 1977 Map 187 as Lot 3, and being a portion of the land described at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 6656, Page 167. 2/3 vote required 94 voted in the affirmative 7 voted in the negative ARTICLE 11 - On motion by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 11. ARTICLE 12 - On motion by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 12. ARTICLE 13 - On motion by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 13. ARTICLE 14 - On motion by Virginia M. Adams, Precinct 2, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 14. On motion by W. Bruce MacDonald, Precinct 4, it was voted that the Special Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die at 10:33 p.m. 136 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Cheryl, A. Johns n Town Clerk Special Town Meeting- March 12, 1998 TOWN OF READING READING, MASSACHUSETTS March 6, 1998 Dear Town Meeting Member, Reading School Committee Timothy R. Twomey, Chair School Building Committee Russell T. Graham, Chair Finance Committee James A. Keigley, Chair We are writing to reassure you of our complete support for moving forward with the renovations and additions to the Coolidge Middle School. On Thursday, February 12, 1998, the Reading School Building Committee voted to support and place the Coolidge Middle School as a warrant article at the Special Town Meeting on March 9, 1998. On Wednesday, March 4, 1998, the Reading School Committee voted to support the $9 million renovations and additions for the Coolidge Middle School. On Friday, March 6, 1998, the Reading Town Finance Committee voted to support Article 6 and to recommend to Town Meeting that they support the $9 million renovation and addition to the Coolidge Middle School at the Special Town Meeting on March 9, 1998. The School Committee is committed to the 6-8 middle school concept. The completion of the Parker Project in the fail of 1997 reflects,that contirfu:ing commitment to have two middle schools 6-8 in Reading, each for approximately 600 students. Renovations and additions to Coolidge Middle School will provide an equitable resolution reaffirming that commitment., After meeting over ;the past few, months, ari nrollment and School Size Study Committee appointed by the Superintendent of Schools recommended three options to solve the elementary enrollment issue. On four nights in February and March the Reading Schoo.1'Committee held meetings at the four elementary schools to receive input from parents and members of,the.community on how to solve the long term elementary enrollment problem. The School Committee wants to evaluate all options for addressing this elementary enrollment by using the $50,000 that will be requested at the March 9, 1998 Town Meeting for a feasibility study. Addressing the elementary problem before seeking that input and before an extensive feasibility study is done would not serve the long term interest of the elementary schools. Town Meeting Members March 6, 1998 Page 2 We have attached a letter from James L. Anderson, Acting Administrator School Governance, Environment and Structural Support Services indicating that the Coolidge Middle School construction project qualifies as "approvable" under the current school building assistance act and regulations. He also indicates that Reading would be reimbursed at the current reimbursement rate of 66%. Each of us, the Chairman of the Reading School Committee, Chairman of the School Building Committee, and Chairman of the Finance Committee, urges you as a Town Meeting Member to support this desperately needed middle school project as well as the $50,000 elementary feasibility request. Beth Klepeis, Finance Director, indicates that this renovation and addition can be included in a balanced FY98 Capital Plan. The enrollment in the Reading schools continues to grow because of an outstanding community which is supported by a strong school system. If any one of us can provide any further information, please feel free to call us at our homes. Sincerely, V Timothy R. Twomey, C Russell T. Graham, Chair Reading School Committee School Building Committee (781) 942-0146 (78I)..944-7846 James Keigley, Chair Finance Committee (781) 944-5565 The Commonwealth ® Massachusetts Department of Education 350 Main Stmt, Malden, Massachusetts 02148-5023 February 23, 1998 Harry Harutunian, Superintendent Reading Public School District 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Dear Superintendent Harutunian: TTY: NZT. (781) 388-3300 On February 23, 1998, the required School Building Assistance Needs Conference was held with representatives of the Reading School Building Committee, and the Massachusetts Department of Education School Governance Services Office staff. The Committee presented a proposal(s) for a Middle School construction project(s). The Department has evaluated the relevant information provided by the Reading School Building Committee and is pleased to confirm that the proposal(s) qualifies as "approvable" under the current School Building Assistance Act (St. 1948, c.645) and Regulations. Review of your proposal(s) indicates that it will be classified as a Category Two for overcrowding. The current reimbursement rate for your school district ism. This rate will be in effect through June 30, 1998. If your project is presented to the Board of Education before that date, the grant will be OM of construction and interest cost. Additionally, any changes in the scope of this proposed project should be brought to the attention of program staff. Major changes in scope may require a new Building Needs Conference. Please be advised that all required documentation for an approved capital grant appiciation must be received in thud Department of Education on or before June 1, 1998 in order to be placed on the FY' 99 Priority List. Sincerely, G S James L. Anderson, Acting Administrator School Governance, Environment and Structural Support Services (617) 388-3300 ext. 659 SCALE c o 2D. 50 Why the Coolidge Project is Needed Proposed Floor Plan - Since 1992, enrollment projections at all levels of the town school system have continued to rise beyond those projected at that time. At this time, Coolidge is over design capacity by approximately 80 students, and by 2006/2007, the middle school level is projected to be 204 students, or 16% over the design capacity of the two middle schools. The bulk of this overcrowding will be in the Coolidge District. In addition, educational program changes, some state mandated, and some due to local changes, have caused the need for additional space. Resulting `temporary' reconfigurations have resulted in various educational and administrative programs being run in substandard space, including former closets. Also, the principal is unable to nm a true middle school `cluster classroom' program, such as the Parker Middle School, due to the general lack of space. Finally, there exists a significant disparity between the new Parker Middle School and Coolidge, both in terms of space available, and the general educational environment. For example, while Parker is wired fully for voice, video, and data, with full access to the Internet, Coolidge has none of this, working with a makeshift computer network installed by volunteer parents. Coolidge, at 37 years old, is also seeing various building systems nearing the end of their useful lives. While the goal of the proposed project is not to provide for full equity between the schools, it is important that there be at the least, similar opportunities at each location. Financial Assistance from the State This proposal is eligible for 66% reimbursement of the total cost of the principal and interest on the entire project. This reimbursement is paid by the State to the Town over a twenty year period. If this project is approved by town meeting and submitted to the State by June 1, 1998, the Town of Reading Nvill receive it's first reimbursement check two to three years sooner than if the project is submitted a year from now on June 1, 1999. Impact on the Tax Rate This project will not impact the tax rate. Funding for the project is available within the Town's levy limit as part of the existing long-range capital budget. An override of proposition 2 1/2 is not required. Project Highlights The proposed addition and renovation project will accomplish the following: • Increase Enro llment Capacity by 231 students by adding 4 new science labs, 7 additional core subject classrooms and 1 additional foreign language classroom Teachers would no longer have to share classrooms. • Allow Middle School/Team Teaching. Reconfigures the existing building classrooms into a Cluster Arrangement to allow for the implementation of a true middle school educational program, similar to that run at the Parker Middle School. • Improve Classrooms. Provides. acoustic ceilings, new teaching surfaces, and additional storage in existing classrooms. • Provide Technology. Provides technology infrastructure throughout the school, including all classrooms, for 21st century learning. • Improve Core Facilities. Provides appropriately sized core facilities to replace undersized existing facilities. A new Gymnasium and Library would be provided, and an extension of the existing Cafetorium would be constructed for school assemblies and performances. • Provide a much needed Multi-Purpose Room Provides a flexible Multi-Purpose Room to allow for use by many departments (music, drama, industrial technology, physical education, etc.) and for interdisciplinary team teaching projects outside of the classroom clusters. Interdisciplinary studies are an integral component of a middle school philosophy. • Provide Appropriate Space for Special Needs Programs. Provides appropriate Special Needs, Guidance, and Tutorial spaces. These programs are currently housed inappropriately in closets and makeshift rooms, taking away needed space from other programs. • Improve Enrichment Programs. Provides appropriate facilities for enrichment programs: Art, Music, and Drama would be housed in new rooms, appropriately sized and equipped. A significant fine arts storage area would also be constructed. All of these facilities would be located in close proximity to each other and to the Cafetorium in order to facilitate better integration between the arts and the performance area. • Upgrade Locker Rooms. Provides additional locker space and improved air quality. Handicap access would be provided to the locker rooms by a three stop elevator. • Improve Staff Areas. Provides proper staff work areas and proper storage areas for teaching equipment. • Mechanical and Building System Upgrade& Upgrades building systems including the envelope, interior finishes, and all existing mechanical and electrical systems. • Provide Handicapped Accessibility. Brings the school into full compliance with all State and Federal regulations for handicap accessibility. • Improve Supervision and Safety. Relocation of the administrative offices allows supervision of the building entrance. The administrative suite would be relocated to a spot directly abutting the main entrance lobby in order to provide direct control over persons entering the building. Project Costs Construction Costs $6,504,300 Furnishings and Equipment $ 315,000 Technology $ 700,000 Indirect Costs $ 1,480700 Total Project Costs $9,000,000 State Reimbursement: (66 $5,940,000 Cost to Reading: $3,060,000 Reading School Building Committee Russell Graham, Chair Margaret Cowell Robert Grasso Joseph Lupi Paula O'Leary Barbara Poock Richard Radville Roger Sanstad Timothy Twomey Project Facts & Figures Existing Building Area: 59,400 sf Proposed Building Area: 86,130 sf New Construction Cost: $110.00 / sf Renovation Cost: $ 60.00 / sf :w uf~' s;r • T. .t Proposed Addition as Viewed from the Playfields A. W. Coolidge Middle School At the April 1997 Annual town Meeting, a motion was approved to retain an architect to study space needs at the A. W. Coolidge Middle School. The architectural firm of Strekalovsky & Hoit, Inc. was retained to examine the existing facility, study enrollment projections, and prepare alternate schematic plans for review by the School Building Committee. Over the course of the past nine months, the architects and the committee have studied the issue and concluded that the best and most cost-effective solution to the needs at Coolidge is an addition and complete renovations. The total cost of the proposed project is $9,000,000, which will provide proper space for the expected enrollment at Coolidge, provide for upgrades to aging systems and other building components, and provide for modern and I current technology and systems consistent with the goals of the Reading School Committee. As proposed, the project will be in conformance with Massachusetts requirements for reimbursement under the School Building Assistance Board program, at 66% reimbursement, for a net cost to the town of $3,000,000. Part of a Comprehensive System-Wide Plan This addition/renovation project has been endorsed by the School Committee, the School-Building Committee, and the Finance Committee as part of a long-range solution to Reading's school enrollment growth. Each phase of the temporary plan is designed to portable meet the classrooms is need for avoided additional space in a timely manner so that the need for wasteful and Coolidge- Issues • The Coolidge School is already over capacity and enrollments are projected to grow by 125 pupils over the next ten years. Without additional classroom space, the school will be 204 pupils over capacity by 2007. • Coolidge lacks classrooms - there are currently seven teachers who do not have classrooms, including science, math, social studies, and language arts teachers in grades 6, 7, and B. • It is impossible to run a true `middle school' educational program (sinilaz, to the Parker Middle School) in the existing facility. Classroom clusters and an appropriate multi-purpose room should be created to reinforce and improve the interdisciplinary team teaching concept which is at the core of a true middle school philosophy. • Little or no Technology Infrastructure exists. There are no classroom video monitors, no links to the outside world, no centralized TV studio, and no CD Rom towers or video network. • There is only Minimal Computer Access for students. There is only one computer per classroom and no ability to go on the internet. • Science Facilities are Inadequate. One of the labs is undersized and another teacher holds science classes in the former woodworking shop. • Special Needs, Guidance, Testing, Speech, and Reading tutorials are housed in inappropriate rooms, including former storage closets. • The Library is Severely Undersized. The library is approximately 1/2 the size of the new Parker facility. • Drama and Music space is Inadequate. 2/3 of the school is involved in band and there are often up to three groups eying for space in the cafetorium or music room. There are no facilities for drama and practices often are relegated to the art room. • Assembly space is Inadequate. Monthly assemblies are very cramped and the audience for performances typically stretches into the foyer. • The Gymnasium is undersized and inappropriately outfitted. The full basketball court is below regulation size. the 1/2 court baskets are too close to the walls and the flooring is not resilient. • Teacher, Administrative, and Health areas are substandard. Most importantly, the administrative staff lacks proper control over the front door due to it's remote location. • The building is not fully accessible to the handicapped and does not meet ADA requirements. • The 35 year old electrical service and distribution system within the school is too limited to expand needed educational technology throughout the school. Electrical upgrades are required. • Many components of the physical plant (roof, windows, heating and ventilatin at, or near, the end of their g, plumbing, and electrical) are expected life and will require replacement within the near future. If replaced as part of this `enrollment' driven project, the State will pay for 66%0 of this necessary work.