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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-09 Board of Selectmen Packet~O~NOFRpgofy Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Os`fi9°!N 0 RQp4FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us TOWN MANAGER Website: www. readinnma.cgov (781) 942-9043 MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: February 5, 2010 RE: Board of Selectmen Meeting - February 9, 2010 James Bonazoli will be having office hours at 6:30 p.m. 3a) Newly named Police Sergeant Richard Abate will have his badge pinning ceremony at 7:25 p.m. Sergeant Abate was the previous School Resource Officer. The Police Department in conjunction with the Schools is going through a process later this month to designate a new School Resource Officer. 4a) Selectman Richard Schubert indicated he wanted to give the Board of Selectmen a brief liaison update on the 128/I93 Interchange Task Force. 4b) Included in this packet is a draft outline of the Annual Town Meeting Warrant. By separate memo I will be outlining details of the draft; Warrant, and will be requesting feedback from the Board of Selectmen as to what Articles would go on the Warrant. 4c) RMLD CAB member Tracy Sopchak will be in to give the Board of Selectmen an update on CAB activities. 4d) The Customer Service Policy previously reviewed with the Board of Selectmen will be a subject of a hearing before the Board of Selectmen. The policy is actually in two pieces. The first is a policy to be adopted by the Board of Selectmen. The second is the standards that will be separately adopted by the Town Manager. The policy and standards reflect all of the input received to date including that of the Board of Selectmen. 12 4e) Amendments to Gifts Policy - The Board of Selectmen heard a presentation by the Chairman and Administrator of the Recreation Division suggesting some amendments to the gifts policy. The draft reflects recommendations from the Recreation Division as well as any comments made by the Board of Selectmen. 4f) Hearing - School Zones - The memo and map from the Town Engineer are self explanatory. This was previously reviewed in draft with the Board of Selectmen. The Board wanted us to discuss'the proposed changes with the two principals of the schools. This has been done. The Board also wanted to hold a public hearing on the proposed changes. Following the public hearing, the Board of Selectmen may indicate their support for the proposals. PIH/ps 13 Richard P. Abate 280 Woburn Street Reading, MA 01867 (781)-944-5531 richabateC@_verizon,net Objective: To obtain the position of Sergeant within the Reading Police Department that will enable me to utilize my training, education, and experience to foster the professional growth and development of the department and the community. Assets: ® Highly organized, detail-oriented, self-directed, ambitious, take charge professional with diverse comprehensive training, practical experience; and expertise. ® Strong problem solving and decision-making skills. Ability to develop and implement effective action plans through excellent communication skills. ® Ability to function independently and as part of a team by providing motivation and training by example. Professional Education: • 2008: Master of Science, Criminal Justice, University of Massachusetts, Lowell, MA. ® 1992: Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Merrimack .College, North. Andover, MA. ® 1988: Reading Memorial High School, Reading, MA. Professional Work Experience: Reading Police Department, Reading, MA School Resource Officer August 2006 - Present ® Primary responsibilities include: Provide police services to the school community including the development and implementation of programs and activities to promote crime prevention and safety objectives; act as a liaison between the Reading Police Department, school administration, students, parents, town departments, youth organizations, other agencies within the community and the Courts; and investigate criminal activity committed on or adjacent to school property. School Threat Assessment Response System Team Leader: o Enhance school safety by identifying threats/cause of violence in 500 NEMLEC schools o Develop solutions and strategies to address causes of violence. o Leader of 1 of 5 on-call response teams for crises and critical incidents. Rape Aggression Defense Instructor (RAD): o Instrumental in bringing the RAD Program to Reading Memorial High School. o Worked with School Committee and PTA to.obtain funding to support program. o Coordinated class scheduling with police and school to optimize student participation., o Taught numerous RAD courses for the Reading Police Department as well as assisting other towns with their. program. o Presented annual safety talks to RMHS students and public groups. ® District Readiness and Emergency Management Advisory Group Member: o Instrumental in creating district and building specific safety plans based on National Incident Management System (NIMS) model. o Developed and implemented district-wide lock down procedure and training program. Richard P. Abate 14 Richard P. Abate 280 Woburn Street Reading, MA 01867. (781)-944-5531 richabateo ,erizon.net o Responsible for coordinating and scheduling district-wide Incident Command System (ICS) training and NIMS compliance. • Co-Chair bistrict-Wide Safety Committee: o Responsible for coordinating monthly meeting with 26 member district committees comprised of building representatives and district nurses. o Maintain records for building specific safety teams and assigned ICS roles. o Coordinate training and updates to be distributed to each specific building safety team • Board of.Directors Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse: o Serve as School Resource liaison for Reading Police Department to advise community- based coalition. o Key projects focused on assessment, capacity-building, and implementation activities in concert with staff; youth; school, police, town, community partners, parents, and local residents. • Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) Member: o Serve as member of national organization that works to strengthen the capacity of community coalitions in their effort to develop safe, healthy and drug-free communities. o Accessed training and technical assistance opportunities including National Coalition Academy training to support the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse. • Citizen.'s Police Academy Instructor: o Instruct public on role of SRO and school safety. Patrol Officer January 2006 - August 2006 Certifications and Specialty Training: • IACP Drug Evaluation and Classification Program-DRE School Training, Bourne, MA, April 2009. • Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation Advanced Course -John A. Reid and Associates, Burlington, MA, June 2008. • Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design - The National Crime Prevention Council, Burlington, MA, March 2008. • Reid Technique of Interviewing and Interrogation - John A. Reid and Associates, Boston, MA, February 2008. • Proper Techniques for Taking Finger/Palm Prints- MPI, Inc. Wilmington, MA, October 2007 • SRO training, National Association of School Resource Officers - North Andover, MA; April, 2007 • Sexual Assault Investigator - The Municipal Police Training Committee, Reading, MA, Nov 2006. • Basic Physical Defense Instructor - RAID Systems Inc., Waltham, MA, June 2006. • Police Mountain'Bike Officer - C.O.B.W.E.B., Andover, MA, May 2006. • Emergency Medical Technician - Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Nov 2004. Richard P. Abate 15 Y 2 ~o ~OFR~9O'~ Town of Reacting ,e Go~ ~doe 16 Lowell Street Pew Reading, MA 01867-2685 31.-mcoRQ~ FAX: (781)942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us Website: www. readingma.gov MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenbleikner DATE: February 5, 2010 TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 RE: Draft Annual Town Meeting Warrant Outline The outline includes the potential for 26 Articles. These are detailed as follows: Article 1 -Elections Article 2 - Reports - The only known report at this time is the State of the Town Report. Article 3 - Instructions - There are no known instructions at this time. Article 4 - Amendment to the Capital Improvement Program 2010 - 2019 - I don't believe there are any amendments at this time, but Town Meeting wanted this Article to appear on Warrants. Article 5 - Amending FY2010 Budget - There will be more information as the fiscal year matures, but the known budget amendments could be to add money for snow and ice, to add money so the Assessment Division can move forward with the revaluation. Article 6 - Payment of Prior Years Bills - This Article is on all Warrants but there are no prior year bills known at this time. Article 7 - Disposal of Tangible Property - This is a standard Article on all Town Meeting Warrants. There would be primarily trade in of vehicles. Article 8 - Authorizing Revolving Funds - The usual Revolving Funds will be authorized under this Article, accept that we will not be reauthorizing the compost bin revolving fund, since all monies have been collected and expended for the compost bins. 16 Article 9 - Approving the FY2011 - FY2020 Capital' Improvement Program effective July 1, 2010. Article 10 - Accepting the Meals Tax - The Board of Selectmen may want to consider this, although the FY2011 budget does not depend on revenues from the meals tax at this time. Article 11 - Approving the FY2011 Budget - This Article will be taken up by Town Meeting at the beginning of one evening. Article 12 - The Board of Assessors has previously indicated an interest in accepting the COLA for exemptions, and they would have to determine whether or not they would have to vote to have this on this Warrant. Article 13 - The Town is in the process of developing bid documents, and negotiating the rubbish disposal contract. The rubbish disposal contract should be for at least 10 years, and the rubbish collection and recycling contract should be for at least 5 years. Article 14 - There are gifts from the Patrons of Older Adults - they are dissolving the organization. It will be $25,000 for a scholarship fund and $125,000 per Brad Latham's memo attached. Article 15 - The School Department has been receiving funds for a scholarship in the name of former Superintendent of Schools Patrick Schettini. This will need to be accepted by and administered by the Trust Fund Commissioners. Article 16 - The Downtown Steering Committee is considering dissolving and turning its assets over to the Town. The financial administration would be through the Trust Fund Commissioners, and the policy and direction would be from the Economic Development Committee with day to day administration by the Town Manager or his designee. Article 17 - Will be to fund design for a building at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Since the Municipal Building Committee is just getting started this may need to wait until next fall. Article 18 - The same comments are true for potential funding for design of Library renovations. Article 19 - Revising the Smart Growth Stabilization Fund - We anticipate that by the Annual Town Meeting we will have received the Smart Growth funds from the Downtown Smart Growth 40R Project. They should be set in the same stabilization fund as the Gateway Smart Growth funds are set up, and the name of the stabilization fund would have to be changed to a Smart Growth Stabilization Fund. Article 20 - Chief Burns has requested that we accept language that would require sprinklering of buildings with four or more housing units in them. 17 Article 21 - The Engineering Office has been working on establishing the bounds of Birch Meadow parcel ownership. This was discussed when the High School project was approved by Town Meeting. Article 22 - Would provide that only the junk license penalty will be subject to the noncriminal disposition. We are developing a Selectmen's Policy for the standards for junk licenses. Article 23 - Would grant an easement for utilities to 767 Main Street next to the Fire Headquarters building. This property needs to tie into the sewer line in the easement behind the fire station, since their septic system has failed. Article 24 - Zoning for earth removal. The Community Services Division is working on a proposed zoning article addressing this issue. Article 25 - Zoning amending 6.3 - The CPDC and the Community Services Division are working on an Article that will revamp the entirety of Section 6.3. Article 26 - Zoning amending Sign Regulations - The Economic Development Committee and the CPDC are working with staff on amendments to the Sign Regulations. 18 DRAFT April 2010 Annual Town Meeting WARRANT OUTLINE 02/08/2010 Art. Mover/ Article Description Sponsor Comment Moderator Notes ~jjli 1f f A 1 Election 2 Reports s ,i u I tl~~ I~~, Board nfSelcctincn 3 Instructions Board (-)f5c1ccwi(:ji + 4 Amend Capital Improvement Board of Selectmen • Program FY 2010 - FY 2019 5 Amend FY 2010 Budget FINCOM • - 3~4f - w = r r k:~ i r J Yn =_2f T L ~ ~ , ti 6 Payment of prior years bills Board of Select u i c rn r.~ 7 Disposal of tangible property Board 8 Authorizing Revolving Funds Bo Lird ~~I ~cl~~U>>~n • ME= 9 Approving FY 2011 to FY 2020 Board of Selectmen • Capital Improvement Program 10 Appropriating Chapter 90 funds Board (,I Scl~~Ltmcn Pf~ r rl- - y~ f i r'_ by •t .}~TZ tw y~ t~ I1 Accepting Meals tax Br~~ud>i~:lecunci~ 12 Approving FY 2011 Budget FINTC » 1 e 2/1 Note _ 13 Acceptance of COLA for Exemptions Boy trd ~)1 _A~sc ~oj- . : 4 ~ - C ~ S } 5 ` ~ ; 2 ~ . 2r ~ 4 ~ Wit 1 • 14 Authorizing contracts greater than 3 Board of Selectmen • 2/3 vote years - Rubbish disposal; Rubbish collection and recycling Y 15 Accept gifts from Patrons for Older Board of Selectmen • Adults Inc. 04 1 P ~ Ar r 57- 16 Accept gift - Patrick Schettini Board of Selectmen • Scholarship d } 17 Accept Gift - Downtown Steering Board of Selectmen • Committee 18 Authorize funding for design of a Board of Cemetery • 2/3 vote building at Laurel Hill Cemetery Trustees 19 =Authorizing funding for library Library Board of 2/3 vote Trustees 20 Revise "Smart Growth" Stabilization Board of Selectmen 2/3 vote fund, and appropriate money into the fund 21 Acceptance of Chapter 148 section Board of Selectmen • 26i - sprinklering of buildings with 4 or more housing units r➢ 22 Birch Amending boundaries of Board of Selectmen • 2/3 vote Meadow parcel ownership IMIMIERKEINIZEM 23 Amending General Bylaw section Board of Selectmen • 4.5.2 to make the junk license penalty subject to the noncriminal disposition 24 1 Granting easement to 767 Main Street (Board of Selectmen. ( • 2/3 vote 2/3 vote 2/3 vote 12/3 vote COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time specified. by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street Precinct 2 Peter Sanborn Place, 50 Bay State Road Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street Precinct 6 Austin Preparatory School, 101 Willow Street ~<r Precinct 7 Reading Library,'Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue Precinct 8 Wood End School, 86 Sunset Rock Lane The date of posting being not less than fourteen! (14) days prior to April 6, 2010, the date set for the Local Election in this Warrant. I also caused an attested copy of this. Warrant to be published in the Reading Alan W. Ulrich, Constable Laura Gemme, Town Clerk It _t3 21 TOWN WARRANT (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 the Local Elections and Town affairs, to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said Town, namely: Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7and 8 RMHS Hawkes Field House, Oakland Road TUESDAY, the SISTH DAY OF APRIL, A.D., 2010 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on thefo lowing Articles, viz: ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers;, A Moderator for one year; Two members of the Board of Selectmen`for three years; One member of the Board of Assessors for three years; Two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years; Two members of the Municipal Light Board for three years; Two members of the School Committee for three years; and Town Meeting Members shall be elected to j.epresent each of the following precincts: Precinct .1 Eight members for three years; Precincta2 Eight, members for three years; Precinct 3 Eight"members for three years, Precinct 4 Eight members for three years; Precinct 5 Eight members for"three years; Precinct 6 Eight members fbr three years; Precinct 7 Eight, members for three years; and Precinct 8 Eight,mernbers for three years. and to meet at the Reading Memorial'High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on MONDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY OF APRIL A.D., 2010 at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Official, Board or Special Committee. Board of Selectmen 2 22 ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by. borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2010 - FY 2019 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend one 'or more of the votes taken under Article 14 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting, of April 27,:2009, as amended under Article _ of the November, 2009 Subsequent Town`'*Meeting '~and to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available- funds, or otherwise, as the result of any such amended votes for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town= will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal Year 2010 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 7 To see if the Town will -cote to-authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such tor, s..and conditions as they may determine, various items of Town tangible property, or take 8 other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE,:$ To :s'ee if the Town will, vote to authorize revolving funds for certain Town Departments under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 53E 1/2 for the fiscal year beginning July 1; 2010 with.the receipts, as specified, credited to each fund, the purposes, as''list`ed, for which` each fund may be spent, the maximum amount that may be spent from each .fund for th0'fiscal year, and the disposition of the balance of each fund at fiscal year end. Revolving Account Spending Authority Revenue Source Allowed Expenses Expenditure Limits Year End Balance Consulting and engineering Fees As provided services for the for in Reading review of designs 000 $25 Conservation General Bylaws and engineering , Available Commission Section 5.7, work for the for Consulting Conservation Wetlands protection of expenditure ' Fees Commission Protection wetlands. next year 3 23 Legal, oversight and inspection, plan review, initial property appraisals and appeals, Community Building Plumbing, Services general Wiring, Gas and management, $200,000 other permits for landfill monitoring the Walkers Brook costs, curb Crossing, Oaktree; sidewalks and Addison pedestrian safety Wesley/Pearson, improvements, Available Inspection and Johnson records archiving ` ` for Revolving Town Woods and other project expenditure Fund ' Manager' ana er ' developments related costs. next ear - Vaccines, materials for screening clinics and clinical supply costs, medical $25,000 equipment and supplies, Available Public Health Clinic fees and immunizations, for Clinics and Board of third party . educational expenditure Services Health reimbursements materials,,. next ear Acquire Librarj Available Library Library Charges for lost or materials to $15 000 for Materials Director and damaged Library replace lost or , expenditure Replacement Trustees materials dama ed items next year Utilities and all Available Mattera other maintenance 000 $10 for Cabin Recreation and operating , expenditure Operating: Administrator Rental Fees expenses next ear or take`any;,other action with'respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to approve the FY 2011 - FY 2020 Capital Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 10 To see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing, whether in anticipation of, reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6, Massachusetts General Laws, or pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen f 4 24 ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of G.L. c. 64L, § 2(a) to impose a local sales tax upon the sale of restaurant meals originating within the Town by a vendor at the rate of .75 percent of the gross receipts of the vendor from the sale of restaurant meals to take effect January 1, 2010, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to determine how much money the Town will appropriate by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, for the operation of the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 2011 beginning July 1, 2010, or take any other action with respect thereto. Finance Committee ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to increase the senior tax exemptions as follows: To increase the property tax exemption allowed to certain senior citizens and surviving spouses and minors under Mass. General Laws Chapter 59; Section 5, Clause 17D by any percentage up to the annual cost of living' adjustment (COLA) as determined by the Commissioner of Revenue; and To increase the income and asset limits certain senior citizens may have to qualify for an exemption under Mass. General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5, °Clause,.41 C by any percentage up to the annual cost of living adjustment (COLA) as determined,'by the Commissioner of Revenue, or take any other action with' respect thereto. Board of Assessors ARTICLE 14 contracts greater than,, 3 years ARTICLE 15 gift - Patronsfor. Older Adults ARTICLE 16 gift - Schettini Scholarship ARTICLE 17 gift - Downtown Steefing Committee ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of from the sale of real estate fund for the purpose of designing a building or buildings to replace the present service building in the Laurel Hill Cemetery including but not limited to design specifications, test borings, surveying and any other items incidental thereto, said funds to be expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager, and that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Cemetery Trustees ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will vote to transfer the sum of from the sale of real estate fund for the purpose of designing a building or buildings to Renovate and/or expand the Reading Public Library, including but not limited to design specifications, test borings, surveying and any other items incidental thereto, said funds to be 5 q- I~ 25 expended by and under the direction of the Town Manager, and that the Town Treasurer be and hereby is authorized and instructed to transfer said sum to carry out the purpose of this vote, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Library Trustees ARTICLE 20 revising the Gateway Smart Growth Stabilization Fund and appropriating money to same Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 22 acceptance of Chapter 148 Section 201 - sprinklering ;of 4+ family dwellings Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.5.2, Junk, of the Town of Reading General Bylaws by inserting a new section as follows: ru. 4.5.2.4 In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this Bylaw may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with Section 5.11 of this Bylaw, So that Section 4.5.2 of the General Bylaws will read as follows in its entirety: 4.5.2 Junk 4.5.2.1 No person shall use any building, enclosure or other structure for the storage, sale or keeping of rags, waste paper stock or other inflammable material without a license therefore from the Board of Selectmen. such terms and 4.5.2.2 The Board of Selectmen may license suitable'`persons, upon conditions as the Board shall determine, to be dealers; in and keepers of shops for the purchase, sale or barter of junk, old metals andi second-hand articles, and no person shall be such a dealer or keeper without such a license 4.5.2.3 The Board of Selectmen may also license'suitable persons as junk collectors, to collect by purchase or otherwise, junk, o.ld metals and second-hand articles from place to place within lhe TDO, and no person shall engage in such business without such a license. 4.5.2.4. addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this Bylaw may be enforcedby non-criminal disposition in accordance with Section 5.11 of this Bylaw or to take b6' her action, rel 'ted thereto Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 24 granting." an easement to 767 Main Street ARTICLE 25 zoning Earth removal ARTICLE 26 zoning - Section 6.3 nonconforming situations ARTICLE 27 zoning - signs ARTICLE 28 To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election or for failure to attend 6 4 26 one half or more of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto: Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Precinct 4 Precinct 5 Precinct 6 Precinct 7 Precinct 8 Board of Selectmen 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 April 6, 2010, the date set for the Election in said Warrant, and to publish this' Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or providing in a manner such as electronic; submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested copy of said Warrant to each ,;Town Meeting Member. 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 aid meeting. Given under our hands this 3rd day of March, '20f'0.,.-.,,. Ben Tafoya, Chairman James E. Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille W. Anthony, Secretary Richard W. Schubert Stephen A. Goldy SELECTMEN OF READING Alan W. Ulrich, Constable r 7 27 Page 1 of 2 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Brad Latham [BradLatham@lath8mesq.com] Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 10:24 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Patrons for Older Adults, Inc. Attachments: Corporate Resolutions.pdf Peter: To answer your question, the best expression of the wishes of the Patrons is contained in the Vote (distribution) on the attached corporate resolution. The Patrons' officers have stated that they have confidence that the Town will use the income prudently. The use of the income from the $25,000 scholarship fund is self-evident. The Patrons anticipate that the income from the larger fund will be expended as determined by the Council on Aging in concert with the Elder/Human Services Office to assist elders in socializing (avoiding isolation), which may include providing transportation to gatherings or events or the hosting of events, which might include educational or cultural activities. The intention is to express the Patron's objectives generally in order to avoid unduly limiting the future application of the funds. If further details are required, please advise. We are handling'this matter on behalf of the Patrons on a pro bono basis. This includes dealings with the Town, the Attorney General and the Supreme Judicial Court. However, I am most available to attend the Town Meeting if you believe my presence would be beneficial in addressing questions. Brad 0. Bradley Latham Latham Law Offices LLC 643 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 Telephone.: (781) 944-0505 Facsimile: (781)944-7079 We would be happy to make the presentation. Is there a document that details the wishes of the donors? Peter 1. Hechenbleikner Town Manager .I own of Reading ?i'1 I-ovvi'll Street MV k01867 1; JVI-'Y't y`i.i!(iOf'11il.41rg e>'a( ina.irl.;3 U's Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma- _,~l 04 2/5/2010 28 Page 2 of 2 survey_.yirtualtownhall.. net/surygy_/.sidl603ffdZ@4547.175.3/ From: Brad Latham [mailto:,BradLatham@lathamesq.com] Sent: Friday, February 05, 2010 6:51 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: Ellen Callahan Doucette Subject: Patrons for Older Adults; Gift to Town Peter: Do you need anything else from Patrons for Older Adults for the BOS to place the Article on the warrant and to seek Town Meeting acceptance? We request that you or a Selectman make the presentation to Town Meeting. Due to age and infirmity, the members of the organization are unable to attend Town Meeting. Thank you Brad 0. Bradley Latham Latham Law Offices LLC 643 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 Telephone: (781) 944-0505 Facsimile: (781)944-7079 s frc, r nra! . !nricniinp any attar..hmc nts, is intended only Tor thc3 c:ontidential use of the designated recipient. it may contain confidential or proprietary 3aftor!;ey-cHont pr!vile9t.; ar other i.rinfidontiaf Protections. If you are not the designated recipient, pleas:. notify the, ;-r,,;t! ;,i:;.ielc l:; this trxase;.3;;r:.. N. tiuar this e m<i!i nr)r ,:artf altachment to it shalt (a) satisfy the recfuirements for a writing, or (b) give - u!uia c:untrar.t. rrr tra tnrvi our ,!tent, or td1 constitute an eloctrork, Sig[lphire, under any lew. now or hereafter in effect, unless this ,,,mail .,!,do., 01,11 if do oS , '!,t(.I e,' ; ,)r! [;14;.,1 ~yl;t?l 4'I tp;,rfi~ r'r!ihiili 31~C !5 will', rr3,:~.;!rr)n?r3r'~f}, lmil isf;,7 li, tf'?? iGt ~Yl' I!''.fCtCrl? /ill al oily t) ;j EE?> .rU 1 :i)nt2'it,):17 il', ar 1. . riirgt t!r!!,,,1(!r. , , . r :i!f, :i! i , -lU 1 n ! ud(!, ~x s eii n ui : t lu' t t rf , e „r n!3 :T fr, ,n,n r.t tint) r c )!ri m, n, , 1 , n ;~i1 1!t r .-irt, 3r Y Iun :,,x ,!un ul nr,3ttc;r .uirjr ..>.>e3d `tr,!keir . 2/5/2010 29 Patrons for Older Adults, Inc. Dissolution 'tiles At a !ti(rvrrnhrr 1, 2009. mectrng of the lvlernbers of Patrerns For ( )Ider Adults, Inc ('-corporation"), duly called an(.[ at which a gtiol'urll was pl-CSCtII, it VrLS unfminlotixly voted h the (tenders, such rote being immediately lol lowed by a eonlirmin., tote of the Board of Diroctor;, as lilliows: (`()TED,, (dissolution). I'llat, it having become impossible and/or imptactical for Patrons for Older Adults, inc. to continue to operate dun: to a lack of individual;; able to perform necessary volunteer services for the corporation's purposes, the corporatiou shall dissolve and the President,'rreasu.rer and/or Secretary, acting alone. shall each take whatever action and obtain whatever consents are required to effectuate such dissolution; and the corporation, acting 17} that through its officers, may ungage such counsel and take any and all other lawful action as such officer deerns necessary orappropriate to accomplish such. dissolution VCS'] D (distributinu): That as part of the dissolution of the corporation, upon receipt of requisite. governmental approvals and orders, after the paymenI of the Imal debts. expenses acrd ol'tigations of the corporation, the net assets of the corpormion he given and transferred to the Town of'Reading, Massachusetts, a municipal corporation, to establish iwo permanent trust. funds in the possession anti. under the control ofthc Tovai, the income from which to be expended fair the lollo"011", purposes: ti) 501olgsilit1 1: f went>• Five thousand Dollars (`725,000) of rho net corporate assets shall fund a permanent trust fund to he known as ' srroris /nr 01a'(:r Adidi,c.SrJrrrlrrrsl:i/~' with the income therefrom to bc, used as an annual scholarship award for a student: who is a residcm ot'kenditg, Massachusetts. who lt, plannilig to enter a prol~ssion that helps senior ciiizeris (such as, but not limited to, medicine, social work, eto,). (i i) }tlppgrt. ('anti' All of the balance of the net corporate assets shall fund a pcrrilanent trust firnd to he. known (r,t~ "J'rrlrvrrs fvr Uhler F?rlrrlrs Srurhtr+ t la'rtnd" wth llc ulr•rutle therefrom to be used no lass frequently than annually to sponsor programs which support the social needs of"Rcadine's senior' citizens (such s. but not limited ttl.. panics, group events, transportation to such events. etc.) And the ullicers of the corporation may takr any ac(ion in furtherance oi'the iowgoin r Votes and take and and all other la Ill action a:' such ofliem., deeth nccchsar-' or approprlaLe to accomplish the foregoing. I ndcrsigricd icoifp that this antermnains in full force and effect oil Januar> 41'. 20 IQ w~f.. riioise Shannon. ]'resident Odetle Spinnoy. 'I' usurer J l B irhara Ritchie. 1 retary ,J j/1-Y 30 ARTICLE 2Q~ To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.5.2, Junk, of the Town of Reading General Bylaws by inserting a new section as follows: 4.5.2.4 In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this Bylaw may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with Section 5.11 of this Bylaw, So that Section 4.5.2 of the General Bylaws'will read as follows in its entirety: 4.5.2 Junk 4.5.2.1 No person shall use any building, enclosure or other structure for the storage, sale or keeping of rags, waste paper stock or other inflammable material without a license therefore from the Board of Selectmen. 4.5.2.2 The Board of Selectmen may license suitable persons, upon such tennis and conditions as the Board shall determine, to be dealers in and keepers of shops for the purchase, sale or barter of junk, old metals and second-hand articles, and no person shall be such a dealer or keeper without such a license. 4.5.2.3 The Board of Selectmen may also license suitable persons as junk collectors, to collect by purchase or otherwise, junk, old metals and second-hand articles from place to place within the Town, and no person shall engage in such business without such a license. 4.5.2.4 In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this Bylaw may be enforced by non-criminal disposition in accordance with Section 5.11 of this Bylaw or to take any other action related thereto Board of Selectmen q ~'i 31 t N C C 4 4 f6 C C O 4 y C 'm •N N m a N LY R 6i C N C C f0 C C C 'o +-'y pl 67' 'II "6r -p O C ^'i O Qf Q' E E ` 7! p N OY OG"7 CD t>9 f0 G Q N Q) c m c 4 w as E E a> ci aa v vi E N m rn c` c s t s ~C0 0 m ~S $ c~i[I7L7C?-°_ Q70. :5 N ` = y N0- d w < . < j ~ = r~ to J r Ea IL y 55 - m --"leap " o ~l o SID -0 tp 04 v : s, '4p r sm C L,Jp t.: C11 r' oN u? ; chi 1 'S'dcn pg y,..?fg-i,~ t+~ \4y, A a ' y 4y 5 Al by f } p ~d~ t - i< 1 s s 'y i""• 'S yy Iw1) - X153 - Ri iN _ y oot~ - - _ CL ~i b0' 89 rn;~ -6-r (D L~ . M G r__ a.1 co m m LEGAL NOTICE ; OFR~go'L r ~ c m . o a. ~~o s~9'IXCOR4~¢P TOWN.OF READING `To the. Inhabitants of the ,Town of Reading: Please take notice that the . Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold the follow= ing public hearings on Tuesday,:' February 9, 2.010'. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell - Street, Reading, Massachusetts: Customer Service Policy 8:00 p.m. _ Amendments to Gifts Policy 8:15 p.m: School Zones - Birch Meadow 8:20 p.m. ' Copies of the proposed, doc- uments regarding these topics are. available in the Town Manager's Office; 16 'Lowell Street; Reading, MA from 8:30 a.m.. 5:00 p.m., M-F and are attached to the hearing.notice on the webs'ite at www.readingma.gov, All interested parties are invited to attend, may submit their comments in writing, 'or by email prior to 4:00 p.m. on February 9, 2010 to townman= . ager@ci.reading.ma.us. By order of Peter I. Hechenbleikner • Town Manager 2/2 3 3 DRAFT POLICY ON CUSTOMER SERVICE Town of Reading The Town of Reading is committed to operating in an excellent customer service orientated manner throughout its entire operation. Excellent customer service is our goal. Excellent customer service means consistently and continually exceeding customer expectations, and results in an organization meeting the needs of its customers in a consistent and professional manner. The Town's Mission Statement reads: "The Town of Reading strives for excellence in all its services - from education to government - and seeks to enhance the social, intellectual, and leisure life of the community." In furtherance of this Mission, the Town has adopted the following statement of values to provide guidance for employees and officials in how we go about doing the work of local government: Values The municipal government of the Town of Reading will be guided by-the following values: Intel4rity and Transparency ® Reading municipal government and its employees and officials will be guided by the highest standards of ethics and integrity. ® Municipal business will be conducted in an open manner with opportunities for public discussion and input into.decisions. ® The community will be kept informed with open communication. ® All official business will be conducted in a civil, professional, and mutually respectful manner. Excellence Excellence will be the standard for all municipal services, with continuous review and evaluation of best practices, incorporating new methods and technologies, striving for efficiency and cost effectiveness. ® Reading municipal government will make decisions based on careful planning consistent with town-wide goals. Diversity ® Municipal government will encourage diversity.and respect for differences in the conduct of its business and in recruiting and hiring personnel and in providing enrichment opportunities for the community. Community The following are values that the community holds in high regards: o Social, Environmental, and Financial Sustainability • Tolerance, Civility and Cultural Diversity ® Volunteerism and Civic Engagement ® Historic Preservation and Open Space 34 a Recreational, Cultural, and Educational Opportunities While it is impossible for this Policy to describe every customer service situation that may arise, the standards explained in this Policy are guidelines that should govern our customer service at all times. The following are standards for excellent customer service: ➢ Treat customers with dignity, respect and courtesy at all times Actively listen to customers needs ➢ Communicate in clear language that is understandable to customers and staff Provide alternative means of communication with the Town including email, phone, fax, web site,. and in person Respond to customer requests quickly and completely y Help customers to achieve their goals within the applicable laws and guidelines Apply sound judgment in support of the needs of customers Y Help customers negotiate the Town processes for positive results Y Offer alternative approaches and options to help customers achieve their goals Simplify processes, forms, and procedures so that they are easy to use and to understand Provide a way for customers to provide feedback ➢ Assess customer feedback and incorporate changes to improve service If an employee is confronted with situations not covered by this Policy, or has questions regarding the matters that are addressed in the Policy, the employee is urged to consult with their Supervisor or the Town Manager. Ultimately, employees need to use good. judgment and common sense in providing service to customers in a manner that the employee would like to be treated if they were the customer. 1. Responsibility for Implementing this Customer Service Policy Employee Responsibility All employees of the Town of Reading are to be made aware of the importance of customer service within the Town's operation. Employees should be clearly aware that customer service abilities in all levels of their work will impact performance reviews and promotional opportunities. The Town of Reading will recognize excellence in customer service through the Employee Recognition Program. Supervisors and Management Responsibility Leadership by example is. a key component to excellence in customer service. Town management must continually promote in their actions,, words. and writing the paramount importance of customer service standards. Performance reviews of management personnel will be impacted by the ability of a manager to provide high levels of customer service, and the ability to train and supervise employees to do the same. Supervisors will ensure that customer service questions are included in all interviews of potential new employees, and will cover this policy and any additional customer service expectations in new employee orientations 1~ a , 35 Town Responsibility All new employees will be provided with a 'customer service training class that includes an active listening component within one year of employment. All employees will be provided with an additional customer service or communications training as resources allow. This will be a part of the employee's individual development plan as part of their annual employee review. 2. Internal Service Departments Several Town Departments are in existence to serve other Town Departments directly and not the general public.. The Town's customer service standards are fully applicable to our internal service departments. The ability of the Town to meet its own needs in a professional, efficient and customer service orientated manner is a key ingredient to offering such a service to the public. 3. Measurement The Town of Reading is committed to continual improvement of its operations based on the philosophy of excellence in customer service. Proper measurement of customer service initiatives is vital to this goal. Customer Service Feedback Each department must have a Customer Service Feedback log which should be an electronic document the results of which can be accessed by the Department Head and the Town Manager. Whether a complaint or compliment is formal or informal, written or verbal, it must be entered into the,log. The substance of the log is up to individual departments, but must include at minimum the name of the customer if available, the time and date of the feedback, the nature of the feedback, the employee handling the situation, and the disposition of the situation. Feedback will be shared with the employee(s) involved and will be included in summary as part of the annual performance review. Customer Service Survey Every department will have available at each customer service point a return mailer card approved by the Town Manager which allows input on customer service performance. These cards shall be prominently displayed with easy customer access. Employees shall offer the card to each customer where there is a significant level of customer service (i.e. not just a request for directions, or matters of that sort) or at the end of service when the issue has been resolved. Iii addition, the email address of the customer service survey (in a format determined by the Town Manager) will be included at the bottom of every employee email response. This same information is available on the town web site. All cards will be returned to the Town Manager's office. Adopted /10 36 Customer Service Standards of Performance The Town recognizes that for a successful interaction with a customer, not only must the end result be satisfactory; but the entire experience must be reflective of a quality organization. There are many aspects of our operations that must clearly be based on the expectation of excellent customer service. Processes There are many processes within Town Government that require that formal procedures be followed. Departments must continually strive to make these processes as simple as possible to understand, access, and complete. Simplification of forns, easy to understand directions and short time lines are key examples of efforts that should be put forth to. assure customer service oriented processes are in place. Marketing and Communication The Town provides information and services to residents on an ongoing basis. Communication with the public orally or in writing, must be clear, concise, grammatically correct, consistent, and easy to access. Departments should strive to utilize all communication possibilities as efficiently as possible to assure that the residents remain informed and aware on a regular basis. Printed Material All printed material issued by the Town of Reading should be professional in appearance. In person contact ® Walk-in customers must be given the same. prompt, courteous, and informed service as all other methods of customer access ® Depending on need, key areas should be staffed during lunches and breaks ® Employees must keep their electronic calendars up-to-date. ® Employees must provide receptionists and supervisors "read" access to their electronic calendars. Phone Contact All phone inquiries will be responded to by the appropriate person in an expedient, manner. The following are standards for dealing with phone and written inquiries or requests for service ® Automated phone answering systems are a valuable tool but employees are encouraged to make every effort to answer their phones. Answering systems must be customer friendly, not obtrusive or difficult to use. Any department that has such a device must assure that it can be easily bypassed to achieve direct contact with the office during business hours. ® Employees must update voice mail messages to reflect availability, ensuring that messages state when employee is out of the office, and in those instances must refer the caller to another staff person, and include a phone number, for further assistance ® Phone calls placed to a specific person are to be taken whenever possible. 37 • Initial phone messages should be returned within a 24 hour period. Employees at all levels should adhere to this timeline. If an employee is not available, the caller should be given that information and informed when the person will be available.- Alternative help be offered in the interim. • When transferring a customer to another staff member, employee stays on the line and identifies him/herself before hanging up. (No "blind" or "dropped" transfers.) Written Inquiries All email or written inquiries will be responded to by the appropriate person in an expedient mamler. The following are standards for dealing with written inquiries or requests for service • Employees shall acknowledge and respond to customer e-mail inquiries within one working day. • Employees must use the e-mail vacation notification feature to notify customers if they are out of the office and cannot reply, or provide alternative means, i.e. an e-mail back up. • All staff should be listed on external Web site as contacts with direct e-mail links, and must have a back-up employee checking their e-mail for customer inquiries when they will be out of the office for more than two days. The employee or e-mail back up will be responsible for making sure an external customer's question is answered or issue is resolved. • When the recipient of an e-mail is not the subject matter expert, the recipient will-acknowledge receipt by responding to the e-mail and letting the customer know who they are forwarding the e-mail to for response. The recipient will then forward the e-mail to the subject matter expert requesting to be copied on the response • All e-mail responses will use a signature block that includes employee's name, title, address, and phone number, and the web access for the Town's customer service survey • Mail correspondence must be acknowledged within 2 days of receipt, either with a complete written response, or by phone call, email, or postcard stating the correspondence has been received and who is preparing an answer. A comprehensive response must be sent within two weeks of receipt.. Response by email if an email address is available is an acceptable form of written response. Periodic updates will be provided to the customer if a response takes longer than two weeks. • All correspondence (including email) must meet writing and style standards • Correspondence should acknowledge the customer's concerns and respond directly to the issue. • All correspondence should be clear, concise and jargon-free. However, when targeting one specific professional audience, writing can be tailored appropriately for that audience • Correspondence must be free of grammatical and spelling errors. • If a statute or rule is cited, it is explained clearly. 38 L~J ~ I Information and Referral Many times, residents will inquire at Town Offices for issues that are not Within the Town's domain. Every effort should be made to refer them to the governmental agency or community service agency that is best able to handle their concern. All referrals should include a phone number and location of the suggested agency if at all possible. Internal referrals should be handled in a similar manner. If a customer in person or on the phone is being referred to a different department, the customer should be given the location and direct dial number (if appropriate) for future reference and then transferred to the party who can assist them. Customers should not be made to call back at that time. If a referral is made to another Town Department, there must be certainty that the referral is correct. If there is some doubt as to the proper referral, the referring department should ascertain the appropriate contact before connecting or directing the customer. If this information is not obtainable, the customer's contact information should obtained, and the employee who takes the initial phone call or other customer contact then has the responsibility to determine the correct referral. The employee then has the responsibility to contact the customer with that information, or have the correct contact person, contact the customer directly.. Adopted by the Town Manager /Y0 39 if 7. 1 February 4, 2010 2010 FEB -S AM 11: 22 ✓Mr..Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Ms. Jean Delios, Town Planner Town Hall 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Peter and Jean: Making Reading Better participants thank you both for the time and consideration you have offered the group in your effort to address and improve customer service practices and policies in Town. As you know, Making Reading Better feels strongly that excellent customer service is not only critical to the economic prosperity in Town, it is essential to the quality of life experienced by all residents and businesses who call Reading home. The plans you shared with us on January 5th represent an excellent starting point for setting a new, higher standard for customer care in Reading. We commend you and the Board of Selectmen for undertaking this important work. The values you have set forth in the draft Policy on Customer Service are excellent. Integrity and transparency in both communication and action will strengthen the foundation of trust required for positive interactions between Town, residents and businesses, particularly in complex matters where service excellence can run into the challenges of state and local bylaws. The creation of clear guidelines and standards of performance that outline responsibilities for Town employees at all levels will make excellent customer service a practical component of every Town employee, volunteer committee member or contractor's job on a daily basis. We would strongly recommend that the Policy on Customer Service and the Customer Service Standards of Performance that have been presented to Making Reading Better be adopted by the Town immediately. At the same time, we would urge you and the Board of Selectman to continue to refine these new policies and establish clear guidelines with mechanisms to create accountability and track the successes and failures. Without clear accountability and regular, independent, measurement of performance against these new standards, even the best plans can quickly become little more than good intentions. J9 11 40 MRB Customer Service Pg. 2 We would like to draw your attention to the idea of implementing a customer care "hotline" that has paid dividends in corporate, health care and government environments including municipalities like Somerville, MA. In Somerville, for example, the city has implemented a "One Call to City Hall," program which enables customers to dial "311" from their phones to reach a central coordinator who can assist the customer with almost any question or need on the spot. According to the Somerville website: "Constituent Services is staffed by professional and courteous customer service representatives, who take calls and log service requests into a state-of-the-art computer system that routes' the requests to the appropriate department for resolution. The system also allows the representatives and the relevant department personnel to monitor the progress of each request. In addition to helping the city deliver more timely service to residents, the tracking system allows the city to identify trends in service requests, assess how quickly they are being addressed, and decide how to best allocate resources within departments and across the city government." This may be the type of program you are already considering as you look at permit management software and the permits coordinator position. We would ask that you consider expanding the role beyond permit management to include all aspects of interfacing with town government departments, programs and policies. Again, we sincerely thank you for taking on the challenge to make Reading better through improved customer service. We applaud the.specific work you are doing and recognize that organizational and behavioral change is not easy to implement. We stand by to help in whatever way we can as members of this great community. On behalf of the residents and businesses participating in Making Reading Better, Respectfully yours, Da Ensminger CJ~ r ` Q Davi ancuso 4 d IT" 41 LEGAL NOTICE ; ~O~N oFRFgO'L y { - 639pfxcoae°~P TOWN.OF READING To the. Inhabitants of the 'Town of Reading: Please take notice that the. . Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold the follow- ing public hearings on Tuesday, ' February 9, 2010 in . th•e Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell - Street, Reading, Massachusetts: Customer Service Policy 8:00 P.M. ' Amendments to Gifts Policy 8:15 p.tn: School Zones - Birch Meadow 8:20 p.'. ' Copies of the proposed, .doc- iuments regarding these topics are, available in the Town Manager's Office; 16' Lowell Street; Reading, MA from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., M-F and are attached to the hearing notice on the website at www.readingma.gov, All interested parties are invited to attend, may submit,. ' their comments in writing, or'by email prior to 4:00 p.m. on. February 9, 2010 to townman-. • ager@ci.reading.ma.us. By order of, Peter I. Hechenbleiknbt Town Manager 2/2 -e 42 Section 12 -Acceptance of Gifts to Departments In numerous instances, the various departments or agencies of the Town receive offers of gifts or donations for various purposes. It is the policy of the Board of Selectmen to encourage such donations and gifts, with the clear understanding that there is no offer on the part of the Town or its Departments or Agencies to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provisions of services, enforcement of laws or regulations, or any other consideration by the Town. The Town Manager is hereby authorized to accept any such gifts or donations on the part of the Town, to see to their disposition in accordance with donors wishes and applicable law, and to notify the Board of Selectmen at their next meeting of any such gifts or donations. Adopted 11-4-86, Revised 12-13-94 Section 13 - Solicitation/Acceptance of Donations The Board of Selectmen values and appreciates the efforts of individuals, community groups, and businesses in the community to raise private funds for the betterment of the Town. These donations often take the form of donations of trees and benches, construction of capital projects, and donation of funding for programs. It is important for the Town and donors to have an understanding of the nature, location, design, and details of any such equipment, capital project or program on Town property or at Town facilities or utilizing Town resources prior to entering into fundraising efforts, so that the Town can meet its share of any commitments related to capital projects or programs, so that donations of trees and benches and other equipment are of a design and quality and in locations consistent with Town needs, and so that any such projects or programs are compatible with the plans and programs of the Town. Therefore, the Town must be consulted pr for to any fundraising efforts, In accepting gifts and donations the Board of Selectmen should consider how the maintenance of the and operation of the equipment, capital project or program will be funded. Agreements as to gifts and donations, including maintenance, should be documented in writing. In order to facilitate this process, the Town is working to develop master plans for its various facilities and sites. The, following procedures shall be used under the circumstances outlined: Town sites with Master Plans: ■ The donor shall consult with Town staff through the Town Manager, and if the proposed donation is consistent with the master plan, approval may be granted by the Town Manager to proceed with fund raising. ■ If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fund raising efforts, the fundraising efforts may be approved if the proposed project is included in the Town's Capital Improvement Pfej-ec4 Program (CIP), with an understanding that Town funds will not be available until those capital funds are available through the budget. Lf t 43 The Town Manager shall notify the Board of Selectmen of any such approved projects. Town Sites without Master Plans: ® The donor shall consult with the agency having jurisdiction over the property in question - Board of Selectmen as Park Commissioners; Conservation Commission for Conservation lands; Town Forest Committee; etc. for projects in those locations. ■ The agency having jurisdiction, may grant approval to proceed with the.project. ■ If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fund raising efforts, the fundraising efforts of the donor may be approved only if the proposed project is included in the Town's Capital Improvement Wejed Program(CIP) or funds are otherwise available, with an understanding that Town funds will not be available until those capital funds are available through the budget. Equipment Plantings and programs: ■ Donors shall consult with Town staff and/or Board, Committee, or Commission as appropriate, having jurisdiction in the area where the equipment or planting is proposed to be located, or the staff of the department or division within which the program is proposed to be run. ® If the equipment, planting, or proposed program is consistent with the standards, design, mission and direction of the agency having jurisdiction, approval, may be granted to proceed with fundraising. ® If a commitment of Town funds is required to match or supplement fund raising .efforts, the fundraising efforts may be approved if the needed funding is otherwise available from the agency of jurisdiction. Replacement, maintenance and repair: In circumstances where donations are made to replace, maintain or repair portions of Town sites and facilities, including replacement of elements of parks, recreation areas, buildings, and similar equipment, (example - replacement of pitchers mounds and home plates, replacement of basketball hoops) the Department Head within whose jurisdiction the site or facility falls may accept such donations where: ® The value of the donation is $5000 or less The item being replaced, maintained, or repaired is consistent with any master plan for the property in question. Where the above criteria are met but the value of the replacement, maintenance, or repair, is between $5000 and $10,000, the Town Manager may approve the donation upon the recommendation of the Department Head. The Town will develop a standardized mechanism to recognize donors of equipment, capital projects, and programs that is consistent and which will be easy to maintain and update. The method of recognition shall be subject to review and approval of the Board of Selectmen. 44 y ~3 Additionally, the Town must be assured that any donations that are solicited or received on behalf of improving Town facilities or operating Town programs are either solicited by properly established non-profit corporations, through for profit corporations, or by individuals making donations directly to the Town. This is important for purposes of ensuring that donor's expectations are completely met with regard to possible tax deductibility of donations, and that a fundraising group is indeed malting all donations properly and directly to the Town for the purpose intended. In order to achieve other department missions and provide essential services, the Board of Selectmen recognizes the need for staff to develop fiscal and other resources to supplement municipal funding. The policy of the Board of Selectmen regarding fundraising activities bbystaff is the following: 1. Such activities will not decrease staff effectiveness nor will they constitute an inordinate amount of work time. 2. In accordance with the Conflict of Interest Law (Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 268A), Town employees will not realize personal financial benefit from fundraising activities. 3. Employees involved'in fundraising are expected'to use good judgment at all times, and to be sensitive to issues such as. the business climate and the ability to give. 4. In accordance with the Town's established policy on Acceptance of Gifts, it is understood that there is no offer on the part of the Town or its employees, Departments, or Agencies to reciprocate in any manner with regard to provision of services, enforcement of laws or regulations or any other considerations by the Town. 5. To ensure consistency in communication about fundraising efforts, Boards, Committees, Commissions and Department Heads shall inform the Town Manager of new fundraising efforts or campaigns prior to such activities. 6. Notice of regular or ongoing fundraising activities should be given to the Town Manager through the regular channels of communication. - 7. The Town Manager may establish guidelines which specifically describe different types of fundraising and appropriate actions. Adopted 3-8-94, Revised 12-13-94; Revised 9-22-09 +2/4' 45 LEGAL NOTICE ; OFI?pgOly a ~~r aw ~a we . ,639d INco TOWN. OF READING : 'To the. Inhabitants of the Town of Reading:' Please take. notice that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold the follow- ing public hearings'on Tuesday, February 9, 2,010 in J he'. Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts: Customer Service Policy' 8:06 p.m. Amendments to Gifts Policy 8:1 b p.m: chool Zones - Birch Meadow 8:20 p.m. Copies of the proposed..doc- Uments regarding these topics are. available in the Town Manager's Office; 16 * Lowell Street; Reading, MA from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., M-F and are attached to the hearing notice on the website . at www,readingma.gov. All interested parties are invited to attend, may submit.. their comments in writing, 'or by email prior to 4:00 p.m. on February 9, 2010 to townman- ' ager@ci.reading.ma.us. By order of Peter 1. Hecheribleikner _ Town Manager 2/2 46 ZI, / I 0 0 . • • • 6 ® 0 Menw To: Peter Hechenbleikner From. George J, Zambouras, Town Engineer CC: PTTTF Date: February 4, 2010 Re: Birch Meadow Drive and Arthur B. Lord Drive School Zone revisions Attached please find proposed changes,to the signage and the existing school zone limits on both Birch Meadow Drive and Arthur B. Lord Drive. Due to the fact that the existing flashing school zone signage only regulates vehicle speed to 20 miles per hour during school hours, the new proposed school zone signs will regulate vehicle speed to 20 miles per hour, twenty-four hours per day, whenever children are present. In addition, school zone limits were extended to comply with current Massachusetts state law. Under the state law, school zones are permitted to begin and end a maximum distance of 300 feet in advance of a point from where the school building is closest to the abutting roadway. 47 r AF o, t 7 I l I: O' v , /Wn O V 1 I f, O W 1 i rt O~ 1 Z Q _ UJ j S~ s; p \ r O CL ti5 f ' ZZ0 \ tk 0~ t~ co O x N a g / W O Z \ f W O = \ , a 5s W y a c? N N o w . Ch. ~}aJ % aF- ~JrfJr Wz 1 O U) FW- a W O U) W N F a - CL -j O a \ 00 0- 3: a O \ \ \ ar „i . ~C 0 UJ W..aui per, m;W wa AZI U' W Z y'r V < N C9 W 3: O OR / ' uJ p • W=f- fjQ 48 cz^ Board of Selectmen Meeting January 9, 2010 The meeting convened at 9:00 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikrier, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Library Director Ruth Urell, Police Chief James' Cormier, Community Services Director Jean Delios, Police Business Administrator Andrew Scribner Maclean, DPW Director Jeff Zager, DPW Business Manager Jane Kinsella. Discussion/Action Items FY2011 Budget Overview - The Town Manager reviewed the January 8; 2010 memo on the FY 2011 Budget regarding Guiding Principles, Assumptions and Fees/Revenues. Selectman Camille Anthony asked to add under Assumptions "Sustainability on the use of Cash Reserves." The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the financial forecast as of December 3, 2008, and details of the overall budget. The Town staff then went through the detailed budgets as follows: Town Manager's Budget The Town Manager reviewed issues regarding the Town Manager's salary, professional development and Property and Casualty Insurance, as well as legal expenses. Community Services - Department Head Jean Delios reviewed the Community Services' Budget. She noted that two positions are currently funded through the Revolving Fund, and the balance in the Revolving Fund will be used up at the end of the current fiscal year. The budget she has submitted also reflects not filling the Coordinator of Volunteers' position. She further reviewed details of the increases in the Inspection salaries and the Health expense budget. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if the recommended budget and reductions in staff are based on how they are funded or on the importance of the position. Jean Delios indicated that it was based on the source of funding. Chairman Tafoya asked if reorganization is a possibility. Selectman Camille Anthony asked whether, if we had the permitting software would that offset reductions in staff. Police Department/Dispatch - Chief Jim Cormier reviewed the proposed budget. He has "right sized" some of the salaries and expenses but done so within the 0% increase. 49 Board of Selectmen Meeting - JanuM 9, 2010 - Page 2 Selectman Richard Schubert asked if there are budget expense areas that are not adequately funded. Chief Cormier noted that the largest expenses are in vehicles and although it will be tight, they should be adequately funded. Cormier also noted that the elimination of the Community Policing Grant places stress on many areas of the budget. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the Public Safety Departments have what they need to operate safely, and Chief Cormier indicated that they do. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked what the budget reflects with regard to the Quinn Bill, and Chief Cormier indicated that it reflects fully funding the state share of the Quinn Bill. The Town Manager noted that if the Board wanted further discussion on this matter, it should be done in Executive Session. With regard to Dispatch, Chief Cormier noted that the budget uses $40,000 in the 911 grant. He also noted that the changes in the Dispatch staffing made a couple of years ago works, very well. He indicated that the Town is involved in a study of regional dispatching with Melrose, Wakefield and Stoneham. Accounting - Town Accountant Gail LaPointe noted that her budget is 99% staff. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that the Audit Committee met last week, and the Auditors have indicated that Reading's records are in excellent shape. Gail LaPointe reviewed efficiencies in operations as a result of the MUNIs program, and outlined some of the things that the Accounting Division is able to do now with efficiencies that have been realized. She noted that MUNIs does a major upgrade every two years to make sure that the system.is always up to date. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there may be people in the community who could help train staff on the use of the report writing system. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if the detail on invoices results in more costs efficiencies. Finance - The Assistant Town Manager / Finance Director reviewed the entire financial budget: Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that for website update, there may be an educational institution that could assist on this as a project - perhaps the Vocational School or the Middlesex County Community College. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if we were providing adequate resources in technology. Selectman Camille Anthony asked how we stood with regard to health insurance (this will be reviewed in greater detail next week under the benefits section). 50 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 9, 2010 - Page 3 Selectman Camille Anthony also asked that next week under DPW that we talk about the level of expenditure of snow and ice, and also the upcoming trash and recycling contract. On motion by Schubert seconded by A.nthdny, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting of January 9, 2010 at 11:15 a.m. by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary S113 51 Board of Selectmen Meeting January 12, 2010 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, RMLD General Manager Vinnie Cameron, Town Counsel Ellen Doucette, Recreation Administrator John Feudo, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Phil Pacino, Debbie Shontz Stackpole, Dave Vancuso, Steve DiNisco, Dean Barney, Bernie Winne. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Stephen Goldy announced that he will be running for re-election. He also reminded residents that the Senate race Election is on Tuesday of next week. Selectman Camille Anthony noted that. she attended a meeting of the Audit Committee, and the auditors gave us a very good report. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Board received an email from Bob Frey regarding the Interchange. He will give a 5-10 minute report at the next Selectmen's meeting. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that the Board had received a flyer from Creative Arts regarding a "Musical Performathon" fundraiser on Saturday from noon to 6:00 p.m. He indicated that there could be a conflict of interest with having an architect on the Municipal Building Committee, and he would like to designate that Committee as Special Employees. The Town Manager indicated that he will put this on the next agenda and the Board can discuss it then. Chairman Tafoya also noted that he attended a Board of Health Meeting, and they will be working on the "Healthy Reading Program" in the Spring. Public Comment - Dave Vancuso from Make Reading Better invited the Board and public to a seminar regarding Lyme Disease Awareness and Prevention that will be held either the last week in April or the first week in May. Debbie Shontz Stackpole was present to express her displeasure with the Town's response to the issues regarding her property at 186 Summer Avenue. 52 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 12, 2010 - Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: ® Street Sign Lottery. ® Change in ownership of Addison-Wesley/Pearson property - (Gateway 40R) ® Snow and lee account balance o The EDC is holding two Forums on sign regulations tomorrow, January 13th. One is at 7:30 a.m., and the other is at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. It is the same presentation at both - so choose the one that is most convenient for you. ® Local Elections 2010 o Nomination papers available o Nomination papers filed by February 16th - 5:00 p.m. o Withdraw nomination papers by March 2nd o Register to vote by March 17th o Election April 6th o Annual Town Meeting starts April 26th ® Town Census - 3rd week in January - PLEASE USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LICENSE YOUR DOG in the least cost timeliest manner available. ® Flu Clinic - An H1N1 flu clinic is scheduled for January 16th at the Coolidge Middle School 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.. This is open to the general public including students in Grades 6-12 who would like the vaccine but had not turned in their permission slip for the "in school" clinics that were held in December. ® Curbside pick-up of Christmas trees is the week of January 11, 2010. ® The Town of Reading will once again sponsor its Annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration on Monday, January 18th at the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center. Breakfast will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the program will commence at 10:00 a.m. ® The Town Manager noted that he met with a representative from the U.S. Census today. Assistant Town Manager's Report - Bob LeLacheur noted that there will be no Finance Committee meetings in January, and the next Financial Forum will be on February 10th at 7:30 p.m. at the Senior Center. Discussion/Action Items Extension of 20 Year Agreement - RMLD - The Town Manager noted that the Town needs to give 10 year's notice if they are going to leave the Light Department. Phil Pacino noted that he is the senior member of the Reading Municipal Light Board and was the negotiator in the original agreement. He also noted that the 20 year agreement works fine.. Reading Municipal Light Department General Manager Vinnie Cameron noted that once all of the Towns and the Light Board have voted, he will send around one signature sheet. S~v 53 Board of Selectmen Meeting - JanuarL 12 2010 - Pale 3 Selectman Richard Schubert asked if anyone has ever left other municipal light departments who serve multiple towns. Mr. Cameron noted that Stow wanted to break away from Hudson but the lawsuit went on for 15 years, and they ended up signing the same type of agreement. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to approve the extension of the 20 Year Agreement with the Reading Municipal Light Department and the communities of L afield, North Reading and Wilmington for 10 more years that will continue the agreement through July 9, 2030 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Hearing - Starbucks Early Opening 5.00 a .m. -.288 Main Street -The Secretary read the hearing notice. . The Town Manager noted that this location is on Main Street, and Percy Avenue is the private way behind the location. Pages 6 and 7 of tonight's handout have the Board of Health dumpster complaints which have been an ongoing issue since 2004. There is also a letter noting that the signs are not in accordance with the sign bylaw. Starbucks Regional Manager Steve DiNisco was present. He noted that they are. requesting an early opening to service the customers and to indirectly increase revenues. He also noted that they will find another waste contractor if they have any more problems. He indicated that they just found out about the signage, and he has notified the leasing department and it will be resolved. He noted that the dumpster is emptied five days, Monday through Friday, and he will also include Saturday pick up. They are going to monitor the purveyor. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if it was the same contractor as the one on Walkers Brook Drive and it was noted that it was not. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that there are various name changes in management and asked how the Town is updated. Mr. DiNisco indicated that it was through the Health Division. Dean Barney, Quality Assurance Specialist for Starbucks, indicated that he has worked with the Health Administrator Larry Ramdin in Newton and- Reading. b The Town Manager noted that he included proposed conditions in the motion to modify the operation of the dumpster and to meet the requirements of the sign bylaw. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he has a problem with the sign condition and wants to keep it separate. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that there have been no dumpster enforcements for one year so he's not concerned about the dumpster issues. Mr. DiNisco noted that he did not know what is behind the signs. He also noted that the dumpster is an operating issue and the sign must be conformed with by July 1, 2010. _~_13 54 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 12, 2010 - Page 4 Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the two conditions could be dropped from the motion. A motion by Gold_y seconded by Anthony to close the hearing for the at 5.00 a.m. vote of 4-0-0. at a A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve an application by Starbucks Coffee Company at 288 Main Street to open at 5.00 a.m., Monday throulzh Friday, effective January 13, 2010, and excluding-State desi%uated holidays. This approval will expire December 31, 2010. The Board of Selectmen finds that in accordance with Section 5 .10.4 of the General Bylaws: • It is in the interest of the public health, safety and welfare or that public necessity or convenience will be served by permitting such operation; and • There is no detrimental effect of such operation on the Town or the immediately abutting neighbors. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Update on Town Forest Master Plan - The Town Manager noted that a Master Plan is needed for the Town Forest. Former Town Planner Carol Kowalski met with the Town Forest Committee in May and they are looking for resources. The State Forester came out on Saturday and visited the Town Forest. The Town is filing an application to apply for . funds in the amount of $4,000 to have a Forester come out and make recommendations on land use management. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if $4,000 will get us an analysis and recommendation, and the Town Manager indicated that it will on forestry. Selectman Schubert also asked if there will be funds for purchasing trees, and the Town Manager noted that if the Town takes down trees, then we will get money for them to buy more trees. Discuss Junk Regulations - Town Counsel Ellen Doucette was present. The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen felt uncomfortable with a bylaw and thought a Selectmen's policy would be better. On the issue 'of precious metals, he. has received three calls from people wanting to open shop or have gold parties. Town Counsel noted that a bylaw would add a non-criminal disposition fine. She also noted that second hand clothing could be burdensome to wait 14 days. The bylaw would require sellers to hold onto gold and silver'for 14 days - it would require scales to be tested and identification would have to be requested. The Town Manager noted that the Town has a bylaw with no meat behind it. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked why we should license, and Town Counsel indicated that State law states that the towns should have oversight because merchandise could be stolen. 55 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 12, 2010 - Page 5 Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if the primary business is selling jewelry, would they need to be licensed, and Town Counsel indicated that they would for second hand articles. Selectman Stephen Goldy asked what the recourse is for someone who feels that they got ripped off, and Town Counsel noted that it is a civil or criminal violation. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there are already State regulations in place, and feels that this would involve a significant amount of work for staff during the budget crunch. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that people dispose of property when they pass, and this would help to offer a safeguard. He is in favor of a policy. Selectman Richard Schubert'noted that the Town can't control the types of businesses but can offer safeguards. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that there are lots of jewelry parties and Tupperware parties that the Town does not regulate. He feels that it is up to the people to know who they are inviting into their homes, and he is not in favor of regulating this. The Town Manager noted that if the Town does not want to regulate, then the bylaw should be rescinded. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that a policy is much better than a bylaw. Town Counsel noted that a policy on its own is not enforceable. If the Selectmen make conditions on a license, then it is enforceable. Town Counsel recommended adopting the non-criminal disposition in the bylaw. The Town Manager noted that he will develop a policy for review at a workshop meeting. Discuss Earth Removal Bylaw Status - The Town Manager noted that this draft bylaw needs to be simplified but it is unlikely that it will be ready for the Annual Town Meeting. Town Counsel noted that it is easier to put everything in the draft bylaw, and then remove items rather than trying to keep adding items to it. Town Counsel noted that the Town Planner is working to put this on the Annual Town Meeting, and the Town Manager indicated that he will direct staff to continue working on this but not for the Annual Town Meeting. Review Amendments to Gifts and Donations Policy - Recreation Administrator John Feudo and Recreation Committee Chairman Bernie Winne were present. The Town Manager noted that the. Selectmen adopted a policy, and the Recreation Committee is asking that they tweak it to make it more manageable. John Feudo noted that there is some red tape that could be obstacles. Bernie Winne noted that the faster they can get a request turned around, the better. 56 Board of Selectmen Meeting'- January 12 2010 - Page 6 The consensus of the Selectmen was that they are willing to adjust the policy to make sure it works. The Town Manager will put this on a fature.agenda for a public hearing. Information on Damage to the Wood End Playground - The Town Manager noted that the Wood End Playground is a boundless playground. A volunteer was helping out on clean up day and ran a bobcat over the poured in place rubber surface and ruined it. The cost of repair/replacing is $16,000 and insurance will not cover. The Town Manager noted that the group who did the fundraising has some money but not enough. Selectman Richard Schubert asked'if there was a way to patch it, and the Town Manager noted that John Feudo will check this out. Proposed School Zone Signing- Birch Meadow Area - The Town Manager noted that the Parking, Traffic and Transportation Task Force looked at how to expand the school zone in the Birch Meadow Area. He also noted that, the school zone can be expanded westward on Birch Meadow Drive, up to Forest Street on Arthur B. Lord Drive, and also on Birch Meadow Drive to the middle of the track. The Town Manager suggests eliminating the flashing lights and post the school zone when children are present. If the Town keeps the flashing signs, it is only a school zone when the lights are flashing. The Town Manager noted that the State regulates where the school zones are, but the Selectmen might want to hold a hearing anyway. Chairman Ben Tafoya asked if the regulations have chan ged, and the Town Manager indicated that they have. Chairman Tafoya directed the Town Manager to meet with the principals and then put this on the agenda for a public hearing. Approval of Minutes. _A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to approve the Minutes of January 5, 2010 was approved by avote of 3-0-1, with Goldy abstaining: _A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to adjourn the meeting of January 12, 2010 at 9:25 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary s46 57 Board of Selectmen Meeting January 16, 2010 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 8:30 a.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, and the following list of interested parties: Board of Assessors - Bob Nordstrand, Ralph Colorusso and Fred McGrane; Department Heads - DPW Director Jeff Zager, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Library Director Ruth Urell, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe; Police Chief Jim Cormier, Town Engineer George Zambouras, DPW Business Administrator Jane Kinsella, Town. Meeting Member Bill Brown, Board of Library Trustees Members Victoria Yablonsky, Karyn Storti, Dick Curtis, David Hutchinson and Jeffrey Doucette. Discussion/Action Items FY 2011 Budget Board of Assessors' Budget - The Board of Assessors presented a request for additional funding to the Board of Selectmen. This is a- revaluation year, and they need professional assistance with personal property - they don't have an in-house capability. With regard to real property, pending cases include Addison-Wesley/Pearson filed for 2010. If it goes to the Appellate Tax Board, it could be expensive. They'll eventually have to deal with phone and wireless values - the Department of Revenue has relinquished.the valuation as of 2009. ' This could be regionalized. Selectman Richard Schubert asked what other states are doing with phone and wireless companies regarding poles and wires. It may be a different process in other states. Phone companies are going to fight values. Additional funding requests. are for public input hearings as a result of the revaluation. Chairman Ben Tafoya rioted that the request is for $78,000 more than the previous budget. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the request speculates depending on who is hired for the Appraiser's position. Reserve Fund is available for defense of values. The Town Manager asked about moving the cycle off for one year, and the sense that the Board of Assessors has received from the State is that the State would not be willing to do this. The Assistant Town Manager noted that the Town has approved funding for additional new software. That would be done next year - not during the revaluation year. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if we can use Reserve Funds to start the revaluation work this year. The Town Manager noted that the telephone and wireless company work could be regionalized. Selectman. Anthony suggested bringing this up at the MMA. 58 5c" 1 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 16, 2010 - Page 2 On motion by McGrane seconded by Colorusso, the Board of Assessors adjourned at 9:00 a.m. by a vote of 3-0-0. .Fire Department Budget - The Board then reviewed the Fire Department Budget. Fire Chief Greg Burns noted that he would have to make reductions of one Fire Fighter to get to a 0% budget which equals $40,000. The Fire Fighters get a 1% increase on June 30, 2010 for.their existing contract. The Fire Budget is 97% salary and 3% expenses. To come in with a 0% budget increase, the Chief will have to reassign the Fire Prevention Officer to cover a long-term illness. That.increases overtime, and the result will be delayed plan review, and reduced code enforcement. The Chief is the only person in the office Monday through Friday. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about the salary level, and the Chief explained that the Fire Fighters took a 1% increase in January, and a 1% in June for calendar Fiscal Year 2010. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about whether or not inspections can be regionalized. The Chief noted that there is plenty of work to keep busy on a regular basis. Reading prides itself on the quality of code enforcement. The Fire Prevention Officer also counts as part of the shifts strength. Annual inspections are done by the groups. The Fire Prevention Officer's main work is on new construction and renovations as well as reviewing Certificates of Occupancy for liquor establishments. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he understands that there are two issues - one is the budget for a Fire Fighter and one is a long-term absence. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that regarding regionalization, the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen need to try to get the right communities together. The Chief can identify what the best communities would be to get together to consider regionalized services. Selectman Camille Anthony asked if the ambulance service is running okay and whether the Fire Department has what it needs to operate in a safe manner. The Chief noted that through December, the ambulance collected $683,000. There was discussion about billing the Hospital Trust, and the Town Manager noted that this is not an allowable use of the trust. Department of Public Works Budget - DPW Director Jeff Zager noted that 35% of the budget is salaries and 67% is expenses. The budget submitted is level funded. Unions represent 79% of the workforce. In equipment maintenance, the Department has identified a five year average. Equipment replacement is a big help especially Fire Department equipment in managing this budget. One option available is to shift money to the Enterprise Funds in the Engineering area related to storm water management. Selectman Camille Anthony asked about regionalization, and Jeff Zager indicated that he has met with other communities. Regionalization of vehicle maintenance is not done in Massachusetts, and he will continue to look at this option. 'The Department has also created a third lift in a small bay which helps with vehicle maintenance. 59 Board of Selectmen Meeting January 16 2010,-Page- Jeff Zager noted that there is a new line in solid waste which is the Town's portion for the landfill monitoring cost. Selectman Richard Schubert asked if we could go back to Dickinson, and the Town Manager indicated that he did not think that would be successful. Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that future testing will depend on results of the current testing. In Recreation, additional overtime has been provided which will be funded by the revolving fund. In the past, this has been done through comp time. Other adjustments are due to contractual requirements. In rubbish and recycling, 2011 is the last year of the current contract. They are looking at regional alternatives for disposal and collection. Library Budget - Library Director Ruth Urell presented the Library budget. She noted that the Town would. not be implementing the pay and classification structure in 2011. The Technology Librarian position will be filled. They will continue to not have hours on Thursday morning. The budget will not meet the requirements of funding to fully qualify for State Aid. Selectman Camille Anthony asked to see the NOBLE Budget. Grants, gifts and donations constitute a percent of the annual revenue. Salaries constitute 70% of the budget. Board of Library Trustees Member Dave Hutchinson indicated that the staff is the part of the Library, and the Library Board would like to see the pay and classification program funded. Selectman Anthony also asked what the capital in the amount of $12,000 spent last year was, and Ruth Urell indicated that it was for the book drops. Enterprise Budget - Selectman Camille Anthony suggested that the dollar value of the reserves should be corrected. Staff noted that the MWRA shows a 0% increase which has been the direction to staff regarding the MWRA Budget. Selectman Anthony asked about the overall condition of the water system, and George Zambouras indicated that it is very good. Selectman Anthony also asked about the status of Memorial Park improvements, and George Zambouras noted that they were opening bids on February 12, 2010. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that 'we need to look at the budget in light of the broader economic times. This should help us prioritize. The Library has demanded for circulation and workshops related to the economy. In the assessment area, there are likely to be more abatements. In the Police Department, they are likely to be busier. The Finance Department is likely to be more involved in consulting regarding the ability to pay. The Board of Selectmen was asked to fill out forms that will be sent to them electronically related to their priorities for the FY 2011 Budget. 5e3' 60 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 16, 2010 - Page 4 Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that it would be helpful to see calls for service for Police, Fire and the Library. The Town Manager noted that this is ongoing information that is available in the Monthly Reports, and the Board indicated that they had not seen the Monthly Reports in the Weekly Notes. Henceforth, the Monthly Reports will be sent directly to the Board of Selectmen. On motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the meeting of January 16, 2010 at 11:16 a.m. by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary r- 61 Board of Selectmen Meeting . January 20, 2010 The meeting convened in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Selectman Chairman Ben Tafoya, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Stephen Goldy (arrived at 8:00 p.m.), Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Board of Assessor Members Ralph Colorusso and Bob Nordstrand, Thomas Ryan, Fred McGrane, Pat Sullivan, Rob Dolan, Dick Kobayashi, Victor Santaniello, Patrick DiDello Russo and Steve Maio. Discussion/Action Regionalizing Tax Assessment Services - Selectman Chairman Ben Tafoya and Selectman Camille Anthony participated in the meeting. Selectman Stephen Goldy joined the meeting and created a quorum at approximately 8:00 p.m. Members of the Board of Selectmen, members .of the Reading Board of Assessors and representatives from Melrose and Wakefield participated in discussion about regionalizing tax assessment services among the three communities. On motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy, the Board of Selectmen adjourned the meeting of January 20, 2010 at 8:55 p.m. on a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary S k 62 Board of Selectmen Meeting January 26, 2010 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Richard Schubert, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Counsel Gary Brackett, Library Director Ruth Urell, and the following list of interested parties: Bill Brown On) motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to litigation and strategy with respect to labor negotiations to come back into Open Session at approximately 8.15 p.m. The motion was approved on a roll call vote with all four members voting in the affirmative. The Board of Selectmen'reconvened in Open Session at approximately 8:15 p.m. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Richard Schubert noted that last Friday he had attended a community celebration of Pat Schettini's life and it was a very moving experience. Chairman Ben Tafoya wanted to pass along comments that Selectman Stephen Goldy had received. Peter Sanborn Place wanted to pass along'a compliment regarding the Town Planner, Conservation Administrator and Building Inspector regarding the proposed expansion of Peter Sanborn Place. Chairman Tafoya also thanked the Town Clerk and all of.her staff for running a fine election. There were concerns about lines of traffic, and staff will work on that for the next election. Public Comment - Bill Brown noted that the Oakland Road property is 150,000 square feet plus roads, and the Town ought to consider designating this as a' Planned Unit Development such as exists on the Bear Hill property giving flexibility to future development. _Town Manager's Report The Town Manager. gave the following report: • Street Sign Lottery - February 15, 2010 • Snow and Ice account balance Local Elections 2010 o Nomination papers available 63 Board of Selectmen Meeting - January 26, 2010 - Page 2 o Nomination papers filed by February 16th - 5:00 p.m. o Withdraw nomination papers by March 2nd o Register to vote by March 17th o Election April 6th o Annual Town Meeting starts April 26th • Town Census - 3rd week in January - PLEASE USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LICENSE YOUR DOG in the least cost timeliest manner available • MLK Celebration • Letter - Stackpole • Gas Explosion - Pleasant and Manning Streets • MMA Annual Meeting and Conference o Opening Session - Richard Florida on the creative Economy o Funding Strategies in Challenging times o New Issues in Municipal Finance and Administration o Open Town Meeting to a Mayor - And everything in between - Panelist o The Future Directions of Health Care o A "new" Civil Service o Letting the Sunshine In - The new Open Meeting Law o Passing the Baton - Municipal Succession Planning o Social Media for Communities - a Passing Fad? o Trade Show o Massachusetts Municipal Management Association - Annual Meeting o MMA Annual Business Meeting - Presenter o MIIA Luncheon and Annual Meeting Discussion/Action Items Designate Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee Members as Special Employees -The Town Manager noted that the Board of Selectmen had suggested doing this so the Board could attract residents of the community with expertise in the area of architecture and engineering to this committee. On motion by Anthony seconded by Bonazoli, the Board of Selectmen voted to classify the members of the Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee as Special Municipal Employees for the duration of the existence of the committee pursuant to G L c .268A, Sec 1(n) The motion was approved by a vote of Appointment of Selectman Member of Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee - On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen placed the following name into nomination for one position (Selectman) on the ad hoc Budget Follow-Up - The Assistant Town Manager reviewed with the Board of Selectmen the forms that the Board is being requested to fill out individually which indicates their preference for certain decisions regarding the FY 2011 Budget. He will email these forms to the Board of Selectmen, and ask them to return them directly to him. 64 Board of Selectmen Meeting - Januar~26 2010 - Page 3 Final Review of Goals - The Board of Selectmen reviewed the draft goals that had been submitted by the Town Manager. The Board felt comfortable that the goals were ambitious but a representation of directions that the Town needed to take. The question was raised about Goal #42 - Complete the General.Bylaw Review. The Town Manager noted that this is required by the Town Charter, and it will not involve Town Counsel's time, at least not initially. This and the review of Traffic Rules and Regulations may not be completed by the end of the year. The Board asked that the Goals and Status Report be put on the website. Also, a review of progress on the goals could be included in the Monthly Report, and progress on the goals will be reviewed quarterly with the Board of Selectmen. Chairman Ben Tafoya noted that he, Town Planner Jean Delios, and the Town Manager had met with Oaktree Development. In order for this process to move forward, some additional funding for the affordable housing is needed.. Oaktree can internally subsidize 15% of the units as affordable but the OR process requires 20% affordable housing. The Town Manager had recommended use of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund in the approximate amount of $400,000 to close this gap. The Board was generally supportive. Liaison to the Housing Authority Richard Schubert, the Town Manager, and the , Board of Selectmen Chairman Ben Tafoya will meet with the Reading Housing Authority to discuss this matter. Vice Chairman James Bonazoli asked how monies are restored to the Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and there is not a particular mechanism to replenish these funds on an ongoing basis but there may be opportunities to do so periodically. Selectman Richard Schubert asked about an item of correspondence - a right of entry by Mass Highway to 0 Walnut Street. This was addressed to the Town. Selectman Schubert wanted to make sure that requests for access for surveying purposes was similarly requested from all private property owners. On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to adiourn the meetinIZ of January 26, 2010 at 9.22 p.m. bya vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary SQ3 65 dcr Massachusetts January 25, 2010 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Attention Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner, /C N O Q 00 %pi Thank you for your application to enroll in the Massachusetts Forest Stewardship Program on January 19, 2010. At the present time, we have more applicants than we can financially accommodate in Fiscal Year 2010 (ending June 30, 2010), therefore, we cannot accept you .into the Program at this present time: Your, name has been placed on the waiting list, and we will contact you as soon as monies become available. If you have any questions, feel free to call for further assistance at 413-442-8928 x135. Thank you for your interest in Forest Stewardship Program funded through The Working Forest Initiative Program. Sincerely, Vicha C_ el Downey Forest Stewardship Program Service Forester COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS - EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL AFFAIRS Department of Conservation and Recreation r Deval L. Patrick Ian A. Bowles, Secretary, Executive 740 South Street, PO Box 1433 t-ay a ` x Governor Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs Pittsfield MA, 01202 1433 413-442-8928 413-442-5860 Fax ti41k6.~',5 IV s,. Timothy P. Murray Richard K. Sullivan, Jr., Commissioner www,mass.gov/dcr Lt. Govemor Department of Conservation & Recreation 68 ~ (C ~5 ZQtO FEB 1 Fm 12. 0 5 e Mary L. Frere venzoo? Franchise Management NY/New England Verizon FiOS 125 High Street, Oliver Tower, 2d Floor Boston, MA 02110 617-743-4119 mary.l.frere@verizon.com January 28, 2010 Reading Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Subject: Annual Complaint Filing Dear Town Manager, Pursuant to M.G.L. c. 166A, § 10, Verizon New England, Inc. ("Verizon New England") is required to file with the Department-of Telecommunications and Cable and Issuing Authorities an annual report on complaints received regarding our FiOS TV service. The report reflects. complaints received by Verizon during the previous year ending December 31. The Department of Telecommunications and Cable has adopted Form 500 as the prescribed form for complying with this annual reporting requirement. Please find attached Verizon New England's 2009 Form 500 for the Town of Reading. Should you or your staff have any questions, please contact me at 617-743-4119. Verizon New England appreciates the opportunity to conduct business in your community, and we look forward to a long and rewarding relationship. Sincerely, ~o Mary L. Frere Franchise Management NY/New England Verizon FiOS cc: Reading Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee 69 Form 500 Complaint Data - Paper Filing City/Town: Reading Cable-Company: Verizon New England, Inc. Address 185 Franklin St., Boston, MA 02110 Filing Year: 2009 Contact: Jill Reddish Number of Subscribers: 3,614 Phone: 617-342-0558- E-Mail: jill.m.reddish@verizon.com Avgerage Resolution Time: <1> Less than 1 Day, <2> 1-3 bays, <3> 4-7 Days, <4> 8-14 Days, <5> 15-30 Days, <6> >30 Days Manner of Resolution: A. Resolved to the satisfaction of both parties., B. Resolved, customer dissatisfied., C. Not Resolved. Avg. Total Resolution Complaints Time (see ((code above) Advertising/Marketing ^J A intment/Service call o rT~ O Billing Customer Service Defective Notice E ui ment Installation Rece tion C_777 Service Interruption Unable to Contact Failure to Res and to Original Complaint Other: t-J Manner of Resolution (see code key above for the manner represented by the letters below) The number below each letter indicates the number of complaints resolved in that manner. A. B. C. Form 500 Service Interruption Data - Paper Filing City/Town, Reading Cable Company: Venzon New England, Inc. Address: 185 Franklin St., Boston, MA 02110 Contact: Jill Reddish Filing Year. 2009 Phone: 617-342-0558 3614 J w Date ServiceJnterrv"tian Began!- Mera d Resulunon Timei'see'-Code Ke above -?EStiirieted#ot SUtiscritiei3'AFteeted 11132009 1 3116 11132009 - 1 884 1/142009 1 3119 11152009 i 3122 11192009 1 3124 1202009 - 1 1184 1202009 1 3126 1212009 1 3130 1272009 1 3144 11312009 1 3157 2112009 1 3157 2182009 1 3168 21112009 1 3171 2/112009 1 1042 2/242009 1 i6 2242009 i 2868 3132009 1 1220 3/62009 3182009 - 1 i 3236 3W2 3192009 1 3241 32329D9 1 3283 3232009 1 - 3283 4112009 1 2093 4112009 1 2095 4182009 1 2110 4114/2009 1 3369 4212009 1 2126 4262009 1 3396 5142009 - 1 3413 5!52009 1 2143 5172009 1 3421 5182009 1 3427 5/132009 1 3435 5202009 1 12 5232009 1 - 2179 6/52009 i 3461 6162009 1 .3468 61172009 1 3485 6232009 1 2220 - 6232009 1 3491 6242009 1 3495 7112009 1 2227 722009 1 3504 7182009 1 13 7/142009 1 2244 71142009 1 2246 71162009 - 1 3511 71172009 1 3511 7222009 1 3511 7242009 1 2247 7242009 2 3502 7272009 - 1 3515 7282009 1 3517 81192009 1 3530 8202009 1 2270 6222009 1 2274 9/122009 1 3551 9/122009 1 3551 - 91132009 - 1 3551 9202009 i 2301 9242009 1 3562 10/32009 1 2305 10132009 1 2305 101302009 1 ~84 17192009 1 3569 111182009 1 3569 11/192009 1 3569 121152009 1 3597 (comcast January. 28, 2010 Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Re: New Triple Play Bundles Dear Chairman and Members of the Board: r3 C= 0 m m 0 N N In keeping with our ongoing efforts to provide regular updates regarding our service, I would like to inform you about our new bundled service offerings designed to provide more programming options and advanced digital services. On January 7, 2010, Comcast began to offer the XF Triple Play in your community. The XF Triple Play is a new service bundle that includes a digital set-top box, Comcast Digital Voice and Comcast High-Speed Internet Service in addition to the customer's choice of five digital cable television packages, enabling customers to best match a bundle with their specific needs. The five tiers of the XF Triple Play are Starter XF, Preferred XF, HD Preferred XF, HD Preferred Plus XF and HD Premier XF. Customers subscribing to bundles with HD service will not pay extra for HD-capable equipment. In addition, none of the XF Triple Play bundles require customers to sign a contract locking them in fora specific time period. This means customers can make changes to their service at anytime without being charged a termination fee. The Starter XF Triple Play bundle includes the following services: Digital Starter video service (80+ digital channels) with one digital set-top box and remote control, On Demand, Interactive Program Guide, High-Speed Internet Performance Service and Comcast Digital Voice® with the unlimited calling plan that includes unlimited local and long-distance calls to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and certain other U.S. territories. The standard price for this bundle is $129.99 per month. The SurePrice for this bundle is $114.99 per month and is available to customers who had XF Triple Play twelve month promotional packages. The Preferred XF Triple Play bundle includes the following services: Digital Starter and Digital Preferred video services (150+ digital channels) with one digital set-top box and remote control, On Demand, Interactive Program Guide, High-Speed Internet Performance Service, Comcast Digital Voice® with the Unlimited calling plan that includes unlimited local and long-distance calls to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and certain other U.S. territories. The standard price for this bundle is $139.99 per month. 'The SurePrice for this bundle is $124.99 per month and is available to customers who had XF Triple Play twelve month promotional packages. 72 b Town of Reading January 28, 2010 Page 2 The HD Preferred XF Triple Play bundle includes the following services: Digital Starter and Digital Preferred video services with High-Definition, one HD digital set-top box and remote control, Starzo, On Demand, Interactive Program Guide, High-Speed Internet Performance Service and Comcast Digital Voice® with the Unlimited calling plan that includes unlimited local and long-distance calls to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and certain other U.S. territories. The standard price for this bundle is $149.99 per month. The SurePrice for this bundle is $134.99 per month and is available to customers who had XF Triple Play twelve month promotional packages. The HD Preferred Plus XF Triple Play bundle includes the following services: Digital Starter and Digital Preferred video services with High-Definition, one HD digital set-top box and remote control, HB0°, Starzn, On Demand, Interactive Program Guide, High-Speed Internet Blast!o Service and Comcast Digital Voice® with the Unlimited calling plan that includes unlimited local and long-distance calls to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and certain other U.S. territories. The standard price for this bundle is $169.99 per month. The SurePrice for this bundle is $154.99 per month and is available to customers who had XF Triple Play twelve month promotional packages. The HD Premier XF Triple Play bundle includes the following services: Digital Starter, Digital Preferred and Digital Premier video services with High-Definition, one HD DVVR digital set-top box and remote control, HBO°, Showtime R , Starz n , Cinemax R and the Sports Entertainment Package, On Demand, Interactive Program Guide, High-Speed Internet Blast!@ Service and Comcast Digital Voice® with the Unlimited calling plan that includes unlimited local, and long- distance calls to the US, Canada, Puerto Rico and certain other U.S. territories. The standard price for this bundle is $199.99 per month. The SurePrice for this bundle is $174.99 per month and is available to customers who had XF Triple Play twelve month promotional packages. As a result of these new bundle offerings, effective March 15, 2010, the following bundles will no longer be. available for new subscription: Value Plus, Value Plus LD, HD Starter, HD Plus, and HD Premier. All customers have been receiving notice of these changes to our bundle offerings with their January billing statement. Should residents contact you with questions regarding these changes, please do not hesitate to direct them to our toll free customer service number: 1-800-COMCAST. Our Customer Account Executives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions they may have regarding Comcast products, services and prices. If you have any questions about this or any other issue, please feel free to contact me directly at 978-927-5700, ext. 4409. Sincerely, Jane M. Lyman Senior Manager of Government & Community Relations 73 L ~ C UCO mcast C ~ ) - I & January 28, 2010 Via Certified Mail - Return Receipt Requested Board of Selectmen Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Dear Chairman and Members of the Board: N C? -n e-n cv N rs Pursuant to G.L. Ch. 166A, Section 10, Comcast is pleased to provide a copy of its Form 500 for 2009. The Form 500 contains information on customer issues in your community and how Comcast responded, including the time taken to resolve these complaints. For the Form 500, the Massachusetts Departinent of Telecommunications and Cable defines a complaint as: Any written or verbal contact with a cable operator in connection with subscription in which a person expresses dissatisfaction with an act, omission, product or service that is (1) within the operator's control, and (2) requires a corrective measure on the part of the operator. Comcast also has forwarded a copy of the enclosed Form 500 to the Department of Telecommunications and Cable. If I can be of further assistance on any matter related to the Form 500, please contact me at 978-927-5700, ext. 4409. Sincerely, Jane M. Lyman Senior Manager of Government & Community Relations cc: Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications & Cable - z I 74 Form 500 -Complaint Data 28-Jan-10 Code Key: Avg. Resolution Time Code Key: Manner of Resolution <1> Less than 1 Day <2> 1-3 Days <3> 4-7 Days <4> 8-14 A. Resolved to the satisfaction of both parties. Days <5> 15-30 Days <6> >30 Days B. Resolved, customer dissatisfied. C. Not Resolved. Town F- READING Manner of Resolution (see code key above for the manner represented Avg by the letters below) The number below each letter indicates the number of complaints Year 2009 Total Resolution resolved in that manner. Complaints Time (see Subscribers 4935 code above) A. B. C. Advertising/Marketing 0 Appointment Service Call 5 _ Billing 17 Customer Service 3 Equipment 23 Installation 46 Other Programming 1 Other Damage 0 Reception 0 Si*vice Interruption 72 <1> 0 <2> 5 <2> 17 <2> 3 <2> 23 <2> 46 <5> 1 <1> 0 <1> 0 <2> 72 168 Form 500 Service Interruption Data 28-Jan-10 Code Key: Duration of Service Interruption 'F1> Less than 1 Day <2> 1-3 Days <3> 4-7 Days <4> 8-14 Days <5> 15-30 Days <6> >30 Days Town Reading Year 2009 Subscribers 4935 Date of Service Interruption Duration of Service Interruption (see Code Key above) Reading ,'--_..."-__01/15/2009 <1> Reading 02/0912009 <1> v 07 Reading 03/21/2009 <1> Reading 06/08/2009 <1? Reading 0710412009 <1> Reading - - ~F- 08/1012009. <1> Reading 08/29/2009 <1> Reading " 11/08/2009 <1> Reading 11108/2009 <1> Reading 11/21/2009 <1> Reading 12/0512009 <1> Reading 12117/2009 <1> Reading 12105/2009 <1> Reading 10/2012009 <1> 206 L (c & S MASSACHUSETTS BASED MEMBER DRIVEN _ ~ _ h c~3~~ M1 t One Winthrop Square, Boston, MA 02110 617-426-7272 or 800-882-1498 Facsimile 617-426-9546 a www.emiia.org C' f ~ ) 1~ C 0A." February 1, 2010, Re: MIA Dividend, 2010 Dear MIIA Member: tV O_ O rn i w At our annual meeting on January 23, 2010, MIIA announced that the Board of Director?' of the MIIA Property and Casualty Group, Inc. had declared $500,000 in Dividends. Enclosed is a facsimile check showing the dividend amount awarded to you. You may use this as a premium credit or, if you prefer, you may request a check for this amount. In either case, please make your request in writing. Contact Greg McGrath at gmcgrath@mma.org (1-800-374-4405 ext. 256). If you wish to publicize the dividend award, I have enclosed a sample press release for your use. It was also announced at the annual meeting that MIIA is continuing distribution of $10,000,000 in Participation Credits over three years. Fiscal year 2011 will be the third year of this distribution. This amount more than doubles Participation Credits granted. prior to FY2009. `In addition, MIIA granted a one-time $2,000,000 Participation Credit retroactive to FY2009. This additional amount was distributed. in July 2009. Thus, the three-year Participation Credit total will be $12,000,000. - The Participation Credit recognizes the continuing commitment of many of our members over several years, and recognizes the administrative savings to the program from these loyal members. These credits will be applied to your Property & Liability and Workers' Compensation premiums on policies effective July 1, 2010. Only members who remain in the program for fiscal year 2011 are eligible to receive Participation Credits. The credits will be shown in your invoice. Thank you for your loyalty and for your part in maintaining the excellent loss control and safety records which allows MIIA to provide these savings to our members. Sincer y, u John Kelly Operations Manager An InterlocaI Service of the M77Sachusetts Municipal Association PRESS RELEASE MIIA Announces $500,000 Dividend Continues Distribution of $10 Million Participation Credit MIIA Property and Casualty Group declared $500,000 in Dividends and continued distribution of $10,000,000 in Participation Credits announced in 2008. The participation credit is being.distributed over three years, fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011. Therefore, the credit for FY2011 will be more than $33M. Combined with the $500,000 dividend, the total distribution for FY2011 will be over $3.8M. In addition to the 3-year $10,000,000 participation credit, MIIA also has distributed an additional one-time $2,000,000 participation credit that applied retroactively to fiscal year 2009. Thus, participation credits that will be provided in FY2009, FY 2010 and FY2011 now total $12,000,000. These participation credits and dividends benefit participants in MIIA's workers' compensation and property & liability programs. The [NAME OF MEMBER] is a member of the [MIIA workers' compensation program and/or the MIIA property and liability program] and, has received a dividend in the amount of [AMOUNT OF DIVIDEND]. Total dividends and participation credits returned to MIIA members now exceed $37 million! The dividend distribution of $500,000 confirms MIIA's underlying philosophy that municipalities and other public entities, through a cooperative effort, can reduce and control workers' compensation insurance costs. MIIA is distributing this dividend to eligible members immediately. MIIA introduced the Participation Credit several years ago to recognize the continued commitment of many of our members and to recognize the administrative savings to the program from these loyal members. The Participation Credit will be applied to reduce insurance premiums on policies effective July T, 2010 (FY2011) for members who remain in the programs for that fiscal year. These credits and dividends, combined with discounted rates, offer members substantial savings. In addition, MIIA continues to expand its MIIA Rewards program, a program that enabled MIIA members to earn more than $2M in additional credits against FY2010 insurance costs. Members earn these credits by performing certain loss control activities and attending training seminars offered by MIIA. gQ'~/ 78 The dividend and participation credit announcement was made during the MIIA's annual business meeting on January 23rd, 2010. More than 350 public officials attended the annual business meeting and luncheon, which is held during the Massachusetts Municipal Association's annual meeting. MIIA (which stands for the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association) is the private, non-profit insurance arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Municipal insurance is MIIA's only business. MIIA insures over 390 cities, towns, and other public entities in Massachusetts. c~ ¢3 79 f 80 Ll G 6- -3 naianalgri February 2, 2010 Important Notice Re: National Grid Gas Main Replacement Work Addressee Address Reading, MA Dear Reading Resident: National Grid, per agreement with town officials in Reading, will commence gas main replacement work on Manning, Pleasant and Eaton streets and Smith Avenue on Monday, February 8, 2010. The main replacement work and subsequent service tie-over's are expected to take six weeks to complete. The work will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., provided weather cooperates. This project is part of National Grid's commitment to provide infrastructure and reliability improvements and to repair system integrity on that section of gas main. Work will require replacing nearly 2,200 feet of natural gas main. National Grid will replace existing cast- iron gas main with a new, 6-inch plastic main. A National Grid contractor crew will perform the work and police details will be on site to facilitate the flow of traffic. Wherever construction takes place on a given day, a paving crew will follow to avoid any plates in the street. We apologize for any annoyance this project may cause as we strive to provide reliable, clean natural gas service. Upon completion of the main replacement, National Grid workers will need to access gas customers homes to facilitate the relight of appliances and equipment. Those existing.gas customers whose meters are inside their homes will be contacted because the meter will need to be moved outside. All gas. customers can expect a brief interruption in their service when it is connected to the new main. Gas Main Replacement Parameters: Manning Street - Salem Street to Pleasant Street Pleasant Street - Manning Street to Gardner Road Eaton Street - Pleasant Street to Smith Avenue Smith Avenue - Entire length ➢ Prior to construction, National Grid will canvass the area with project details ➢ National Grid's qualified contractor will be performing the work ➢ Police details will be on-site to facilitate traffic flow ➢ There will be a permanent restoration of the pavement after a settling period If you have any questions about the project, please call Peter Nagle, Coordinator, Community Relations, at 781907-2211. Sincerely, National Grid 81 8~ Ll G6 aS Town of 'Reading 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867-2601 January 29, 2010 Reading Business Owners Re: Town of Reading Sign Regulations Dear Business Proprietor: The purpose of this letter is to notify you of an important deadline of July 1, 2010 by which businesses need to comply with all aspects of the sign portions of the Town of Reading's Zoning By-Laws. This reminder is intended to inform the business 'owners so that we can work together to bring your signs into conformance with the Zoning Bylaw before this becomes an enforcement issue. The Town wants to work collaboratively with businesses to ensure compliance with the Town's sign regulations. Approval of signs by the CPDC takes a little bit of time, so it would be a good idea to start working on this issue now. The Town especially wants business owners to be aware of Section 6.2.2.3 of the Zoning By-Laws (see below) that requires that all permanent nonconfornun si s regardless of the dollar value of the si be removed or brow ht into conformance with the existing sign by-laws by Tniy 1, 2010. Please refer to Reading Zoning By-Laws Section 6.2 "Signage" for guidelines, by-laws and regulations on compliant signage, which is available for review at the Community Services Department, Town Hall and on the Town Planning webpage at: 'www.ci.reading.ma.uslplanning. We look forward to working with you. If you have any questions or for further assistance please contact Mike Schloth at 781-942-6654 or Abby McCabe at 781-942-6648. S kcerely, Peter Hechenbleikner Town Manager 82 national rid TO: Gregory J. Burns FROM: Peter Nagle DATE: January 28, 2010 RE: 8 a.m. Update Chief Burns, Please see below the discussed 8 a.m. update Jan. 28 Review Upon completion of the joint seal on the main on Pleasant Street last night, the one I referenced on our call yesterday, the reads at all three homes that were still impacted (22 Manning, 24 Azalea and 235 Pleasant) all returned to 0 reads. In light of those reads on two occasions, we vacated the area about 9 p.m. last night. Additionally, I made rounds in the area to speak to all impacted abutters and reached all but two residents (the immediate abutter on Manning and a home near the end of the street) and informed them of what was taking place (aerating, monitoring surveys, joint leak repair, estimated time of 1/28 departure and plans going forward to replace main in the area). Chris Powers, 235 Pleasant St., indicated he was going to be sending a letter to both you and Lt. Jackson, a copy of which he provided to me later in the evening. Mr. Powers' concerns are legitimate ones and I've indicated we will do everything in our power to expedite that request, with the realization that a Dig Safe needs to be placed for 72 hours. That will take place today and the town meeting takes place tomorrow, of which he's familiar. Jan. *29 plan Today, National Grid will continue its surveys of Pleasant Street with both walking employees and van "sniffers." The main focus today will be the Pleasant Street extension area beyond Manning Street. Because of continued zero reads on Manning Street, the surveying there will be cut back. Deveraux Construction will be on scene at 22 Manning St. to repair the sewer line that was damaged yesterday. National Grid will have a crew to backfill the hole that was a result of the joint seal repair last evening. In light of getting crews out of the area and to further ventilate, that hole was plated last evening. Today's meeting on-scene mark Scaparotti, Mgr., Jose Gonzalez, Supervisor, will be joining me at 1:30 meeting to discuss any concerns, questions or comments you might have. If this format is not acceptable or you'd like to see changes let me know. As always, you can reach me on my cell at (617) 293-1490 83 Page 1 of 2 Z--/c- d aS Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 11:36 AM To: Reading -Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: F\/V: Gas Explosion 22 Manning Street I/c Board of Selectmen Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www.readingma.org email town manager(a ci reading ma us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http:Hreadingma- survear virtualtownhall net/survey/sid/603ffd2e45471753/ From: Burns, Greg Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 11:31 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: Gas Explosion 22 Manning Street Peter, Last night at just after 6:00 p.m. we responded to a call for an explosion at 22 Manning Street. Lieutenant Jackson was the Officer in Charge of the Group. When we arrived on scene we had a fire in the basement and some small spot fires in the second floor. Structural damage to an exterior wall of the home was visible from the street and an odor of natural gas was detected in the street. The home was occupied by two people at the time of the explosion. Our Paramedics evaluated the occupants on scene and had one elderly patient transported to a local hospital by Wilmington Fire Department since our personnel were tied up at the incident. National Grid was called to evaluate the gas odor in the street After the fire was extinguished we began our investigation. We determined the cause of the explosion was due to a natural gas leak in the street. The gas leak entered the home around the sewer line and through a crack in the basement floor. We brought in the State Fire Marshal's Office to assist us in the investigation (the Fire Marshal's Office can give us access. to professional assistance if it is needed). Steve Coan the State Fire Marshal also came out to the scene. We also notified and requested the Department of Public Utilities to respond to the scene to ensure any natural gas leaks are discovered, properly repaired and documented. The Building Inspector was also notified and he has determined the house is not habitable due to the structural damage. Last night natural gas was also discovered entering two homes across the street and on one house on Azalea Circle. The gas main in Pleasant Street is a 6" low pressure line and this line was found to have a crack about 6" to 8" long. A second gas leak was also discovered last night near the intersection of 1/26/2010 84 Page 2 of 2 Pleasant and Manning. This leak is being repaired today.. I met with representatives of the Department of Public Utilities at 8:00 am this morning and a portion of the broken pipe is being removed and will be sent to a laboratory for examination. I have inquired again with National Grid if there are additional gas leaks in the area beyond what has been identified and I have been told there is not. National Grid has surveyed the area with one of the trucks with sophisticated monitoring meters and has not identified additional leaks. This morning Lieutenant Jackson and I met with the homeowner and gave them materials on how to recover from a fire. Greg v ~r 85 1/26/2010 Page 1 of 2 Ll c (3 o-5 Schena, Paula From:' Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 4:48 PM To: Zambouras, George Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Proposed Federal Stormwater Permit for 84 MA Communities Attachments: MS4_Eastern-MA_FAQ_01-25=10.doc I/c Board of Selectmen Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www.readingma.org email town manacler(cDci reading ma us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma- survey virtualtownhall net/survey/sid/603ffd2e4547175 From: ONeil.Kelsey@epamail.epa.gov [mailto:ONeil.Kelsey@epamail.epa.gov] Sent, Monday, January 25, 2010 4:33 PM To: trorrie@stougthon-ma.gov; bsullivan@town.arlington.ma.us; dfraine@bellingham.ma.org; tyounger@belmont.ma.gov; mayorsoffice@braintreema.gov; rhealy@cambridgema.gov; bfriel@town.canton.ma.us; chelseama.gov@epamail.epa.gov; wkeegan@dedham.ma.gov; mayorcarlo.demaria@cl.everett.ma.us; sherrmann@mail.town.foxborough.ma.us; jnutting@franklin.ma.us; mfarrell@georgetownma.gov; ckirk@ci.gloucester.ma.us; cwheeler@hamiltonma.gov;. paicosk@hingham-ma.com; lebeaup@holliston.kl2.ma.us; ephillips.hopedale@comcast.net; nkhumalo@hopkinton.org; jstigliani@town.hull.ma.us; tm@town.ipswich.ma.us; whadley@lexingtonma.gov,• higginst@lincolntown.org; ccavanagh@ci.lynn.ma.us; william-gustus@town.lynnfield.ma.us; mail@cityofmalden.org; melviliew@manchester.rna.us; mikes@medfield.net;'dproctor@medford.org; apotter@townofinedway.org; balverson@cityofinelrose.org; as@mendonma.net; tadministrator@townofmiddleton.org; Icelozzi@townofmilford.com; kmearn@townofmilton.org; selectmen@natickma.org; admin@townofnewbury.org; swarren@newtonma.gov; hathaway@virtualnorfolk.org; townmanager@townofnorthandover.com; gbalukonis@northreadingma.gov; managers@norwoodma.gov; mayor@peabody-ma.gov; mayorkoch@ci.quincy.ma.us; dmurphy@randolph-ma.gov; Town Manager; debbie@townofrowley.org; kdriscoll@salem.com; rrennard@salem.com; abisignani@saugus-ma.gov; bpuritz@townofsharon.org; mayor@somervillema.gov; mlamboy@somervillema.gov; skoty@somervillema.gov; amaylor@town.swampscott.ma.us; selectmen@topsfield-ma.gov; smaio@wakefield.ma.us; mboynton@walpole- ma.gov; mwalker@walpole=ma.gov; Ihershey@walpole-ma.gov; mayor@city.waltham.ma.us; mdriscoll@watertown-ma.gov; selectmen@wayland.ma.us; hlarsen@wellesleyma.gov; jchelgren@wenhamma.gov; vanderclock.d@westonmass.org; mjaillet@townhall.westwood.ma.us; constituentservices@weymouth.ma.us; town manager@winchester. us; townmanager@town.winthrop.ma.us; jmckenna@town.winthrop.ma.us; sgalvin@cityofwoburn.com; jmcfeeley@wrentham.ma.us Cc: mrademacher@town.arlington.ma.us; gclancy@belmont-ma.gov; chris.busch@cit.vofboston.gov; jsanchez@burlmass.org; jwright@cambridgema.gov; adesantis@chelseama.gov; Marzie.Galazka@ci.everett.ma.us; eschadler@ci.lexington.ma.us;.dburke@cityofmalden.org; pbarry@medford.org; dgaffey@cityofinelrose.org; Zambouras, George; fstringi@revere.org; 1/26/2010 .86 Xj Page 2 of 2 miambert@somervillema.gov; emm4256@verizon.net; mcollins@wakefield.ma.us; smagoon@watertown-ma.gov; jlobao@t6wnofwiimingtonma.com; mkleckner@winchester.us; jcorey@cityofwoburn.com; rgrover@ci.stoneham.ma.us; bfehan@stoughton-ma.gov; jbatchelder@stougthon-ma.gov; PubWorks@town.arlington.ma.us; dsmall@ashiandmass.com; ddimartino@bellinghamma.org; BelmontDPW@belmont-ma.gov; tcassidy@beverlyma.gov; twhalen@braintreema.gov; rkelliher@brooklinema.gov; lisap@cambridgema.gov; Ijutras@town.canton.ma.us; jfoti@chelseama.gov; diane@mail.danvers-ma.org; jflanagan@dedham-ma.gov; engineer@doverma.org; (potter@mail.town.foxborough.ma.us; dpw@franklin.ma.us; gsmith@georgetownma.gov; ckirk@ci.gioucester.ma.us; jtomasz@hamiltonma.gov; sylvester@hingham-ma.us; sharpinr@holliston.kl2.ma.us; twatson.hopedale@comcast.net; ericc@hopkinton.org; rickc@town.ipswich.ma.us; bibboc@lincolntown.org; doneill@lynnwatersewer.org; dpw@town.lynnfieid.ma.us; jrussell@cityofmalden.org; Kenneys@manchester.ma.us; kfeeney@medfield.net; tholder@townofinedway.org; Publicworks@cityofinelrose.org; dpwsuperintendent@townofmiddleton.org; wastewater@woridband.net; jlynch@townofmilton.org; chenard@natickma.org; highway@townofnewbury.org; tdaley@newtonma.gov; hathaway@virtuainorforlk.org; BThibodeau@townofnorthandover.com; rcarnevale@northreadingma.gov; mryan@norwoodma.gov; janis.surviias@peabody-ma.gov; iprendeville@ci.quincy.ma.us; dzecchini@randolph- ma.gov; Zager, Jeff; msettipani@town.rockport.ma.us; water@townofrowley.org; jsilva@salem.com; jattubato@saugus-ma.gov; diane.moores@sherbornma.org.;.ehooper@towno'fsharon.org; cantonelli@somervillema.gov; gkrom@topsfieldpublicworks.org; rstinson@wakefield.ma.us; stambler@waterteon.ma.gov; gmee@watertown.ma.gov; robrien@walpole-ma.gov; spittorino@city.waltham.ma.us; mpakstis@wellsley.ma.gov; emansfield@wenhamma.gov; sewer@townhall.westwood.ma.us; boconnor@weymouth.ma.us; donusseit@townofwilmington.ma.us; egrant@winchester.us; dhickey@town.winthrop.ma.us; ipriest@wrentham.ma:us Subject: Proposed Federal Stormwater Permit for 84 MA Communities Dear Mayor/ Town Manager, Today EPA issued a draft federal stormwater permit for 84 Maassachusetts communities. Attached is a fact sheet summarizing details of the permit and a web link to the permit itself. We contacted your offices earlier today to ensure that we sent this email to the appropriate municipal staff. I encourage you and your staff to reveiw the permit and provide us with your feedback during the comment period. Should you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Douglas S. Gutro Special Assistant to the Regional Administrator (617) 918-1021 (617) 918-0021 (fax) www.epa.gov/ne New Mail Address (effective 12/14/09) U.S. EPA - New England Region Office of Public Affairs (ORA 01-1) 5 Post Office Square - Suite 100 Boston, MA 02109-3912 87 1/26/2010 S I v Frequently Asked Questions Draft Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Permit for North Coastal Massachusetts Communities U. S. Environmental Protection Agency New England Regional Office January 2090 What action is EPA taking? EPA has proposed a new draft permit, known as the "North Coastal Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit," which updates pollution control measures to help control excessive pollution from stormwater runoff. The draft permit would apply to 84 communities in eastern Massachusetts. Where would this draft permit be in effect? The draft permit would apply to 84 communities in eastern Massachusetts, in the watersheds of the Charles River, Neponset River and the Shawsheen River. When finalized, the permit will apply to communities in a geographic area north to Newbury and Gloucester, west to Wilmington and south to Weymouth. A complete list of communities is below. What will the new draft permit require? The draft MS4 permit would require communities to continue to implement stormwater management programs already in place that are designed to reduce pollutants discharged from municipal storm systems to rivers, lakes and bays. The new permit builds upon work the communities started under the previous MS4 permit, issued in. 2003. The proposed permit includes "best management practices" such as removing illegal sewage connections ,to storm systems, street sweeping, public education and steps to expand the infiltration of stormwater rather than diverting stormwater into sewer systems. These measures will help. prevent water pollution caused by stormwater in Massachusetts. Why is stormwater pollution a problem? Stormwater pollution is a leading cause of surface water quality impairments in Massachusetts. Stormwater carries elevated levels of nutrients, pathogenic bacteria and other pollutants. The draft permit is designed specifically to reduce elevated levels of phosphorus in the the Charles River and pathogens in the Charles River, Neponset River and the Shawsheen River. Phosphorus and other nutrients are a major source of water quality degradation and ecological impairment. Why is EPA taking this action now? The federal Clean Water Act requires that EPA reissue these permits every five years to ensure that they continue to protect the country's waters and the environment. The previous permit was issued in 2003. How can I comment on the draft MS4 General Permit? 88 EPA is seeking public review and comment on the draft MS4 permit until March 31, 2010. EPA will also hold a public meeting and hearing on the draft permit on March 18 at 9:00 a.m. in the Thomas P. O' Neil Federal Building,, 10 Causeway Street, Boston Mass. Following consideration of public comments, a final permit should be available later in 2010. Where can I get more information? Further information, including a copy of the draft permit, a summary of its requirements, and information on the public comment period and the public hearing is available at: httD://www.er)a.qov/reqionO1/npdes/stormwater. List of 84 Communities covered under the North Coastal Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) General Permit 1. Arlington 43. Millis 2. Ashland 44. Milton 3. Bellingham 45. Nahant 4. Belmont 46. Natick 5. Beverly 47. Needham 6. Boxford 48. Newbury 7. Braintree 49. Newton 8. Brookline 50. Norfolk. 9. Cambridge 51. North Andover 10. Canton 52. North Reading 11. Chelsea 53. Norwood 12. Danvers 54. Peabody 13. Dedham 55. Quincy 14. Dover 56. Randolph 15. Essex 57. Reading 16. Everett 58. Revere 17. Foxborough 59. Rockport 18. Franklin 60. Rowley 19. Georgetown 61. Salem 20. Gloucester 62. Saugus 21. Hamilton 63. Sharon 22. Hingham 64. Sherborn 23. Holbrook 65. Somerville 24. Holliston 66. Stoneham 25. Hopedale 67. - Stoughton 26. Hopkinton 68. Swampscott 27. Hull 69. Topsfield 28.- Ipswich 70. Wakefield 29. Lexington 71. Walpole 30. Lincoln 72. Waltham 31. Lynn 73. Watertown 32. Lynnfield 74. Wayland 33. Malden 75. Wellesley 34. Manchester by the Sea 76. Wenham 35. Marblehead 77. Weston 36. Medfield 78. Westwood 37. Medford 79. Weymouth 38. Medway 80. Wilmington 39. Melrose 81. . Winchester 40. Mendon 82. Winthrop 41. Middleton 83. Woburn 42: Milford 84. Wrentham 89 Ll 80~ Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 2:47 PM To, Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: This is a real coup for us. I/c Board of Selectmen Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 phone: 781-942-9043 fax 78.1-942-9071 web www readingma.org email town managerCa7ci read ing.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma surveyvirtualtownhall net/survey/sid/603ffd2e45471753/ From: Burns, Greg Sent: Thursday, January z8, 2010 2:42 PM To: george.mccabe@mail.house.gov Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Boisvert, Phil Subject: George, It is great news we have received funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program for $60,750. We will use these funds to purchase two 12 lead defibrillator monitors and seven semi-automatic defibrillators. The purchase of these defibrillators will increase Firefighter and public safety by ensuring there is a defibrillator on every emergency scene the Reading Fire Department responds to and will also provide a 12 lead defibrillator monitor on the scene of every fire in Reading. Additionally, the Reading Fire Department will be able to expand our Advanced Life Support Program by placing a full supply of Advance Life Support equipment on our Ladder Truck, Our Ladder Truck responds out of the Main Street Fire Station and by equipping'this truck with•a 12 lead defibrillator monitor, it will allow us to be able.to place a full range of Advanced Life Support equipment on this truck. This equipment will include medications and allow Firefighters to deliver sophisticated treatment techniques to the patient when our ambulance may be occupied with another medical call. This advancement will represent another improvement the quality of medical care residents of the Town of Reading receive. On behalf of the Town of Reading please pass on my sincere thanks to Congressmen Tierney. I appreciate the steadfast support we consistently receive from Congressmen Tierney. Sincerely, Gregory J. Burns Fire Chief Town of Reading 90 Page 1 of 3 [-.lam /5DS Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 9:02 AM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: Special Election costs I%c Board of Selectmen Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www.readingma.ong email town manager(a)ci, reading. ma us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http:Hreadingma- survey virtualtownhall net/survey/sid/603ffd2e45471753/ From: Gemme, Laura Sent: Thursday, January 28, 2010 8:56 AM To: Oldfield, Cynthia (HOU) Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; LeLacheur, Bob Subject: RE: Special Election costs Thank you The costfor Dec Primary was $12,818.29 The cost for Jan Election was $13,831.77 La ,wcv A (~evwwt l Town Clerk Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6647 (F) 781-942-9070 (E) Igemme@ci.reading.ma.us (W) http://www.ci.reading.ma.us From: Oldfield, Cynthia (HOU) [mailto: Cynthia.Oldfield @state. ma. us] Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 11:58 AM To: Gemme, Laura Subject: RE: Special Election costs If possible we are looking for two figures: (1) the primary election cost for the US Senate seat and (2) the general election cost for the US Senate seat. 1/28/2010 91 Page 2 of 3 Thanks Laura! Cynthia E. Oldfield Office of the House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. 617-722-2100 From: Gemme, Laura [maiIto: Igemme@ci.reading. ma.us] Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 11:51 AM To: Oldfield, Cynthia (HOU) Subject: RE: Special Election costs I am sorry if you already provided this information but I have a question; do you want this in a lump sum number for each election or do you want it broken down by expense? Thank you and have a great day! La.zwa.ft (~e+~ Town Clerk Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 (P) 781-942-6647 (F) 781-942-9070 (E) lgemme@ci.reading. ma. us (W) http.://www.ci.reading.ma.us From: Oldfield, Cynthia (HbU) [mailto:Cynthia.Oldfield@state.ma.us] Sent: Tuesday, January 26, 2010 3:53 PM To: asummers@town.lynnfield.ma.us; Gemme, Laura; townclerk@townofmiddleton.org; townclerk@northreadingma.gov Subject: RE: Special Election costs Hi All, I'm just checking in to see if there has been any further development in the way of the costs for the special elections. Thank you as I know this has been a very busy time. Cynthia E. Oldfield Office of the House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. 617-722-2100 From: Oldfield, Cynthia (HOU) ~ 1/28/2010 92 I - - v K% Page 3 of 3 Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 10:12 AM To: asummers@town.lynnfield.ma.us; townclerk@ci.reading. ma. us; townclerk@townofmiddleton.org; townclerk@northreadingma.gov Subject: Special Election costs Good morning, Rep. Jones is requesting some information about how much the primary and general elections cost your town for the US Senate race. I look forward to hearing back from you. Sincerely, Cynthia Cynthia E. Oldfield Director of Local Affairs Office of the House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones; Jr. State House, Room 124 Boston, MA 02133 T: (617) 722-2100 F: (617) 722-2390 Cynthia oldfield --hou.state.ma.us Please Consider the Environment Before Printing this Email 1/28/2010 93 ~ ~3 Page 1 of 1 .a C- eos Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010--10:25 AM To: Kevin. McDermott@mail.house.gov Cc: Schena, Paula; Delios, Jean Subject: Rep Tierney Appropriations Form 2011 - Streetscape 2 Attachments: Rep Tierney Appropriations Form 2011 - Streetscape 2.doc Kevin Thanks for sending the forms for requested project for the town of Reading. Here is one of the 2 that we will be submitting. The other will be out to you in a couple of days. Please let me know if you need any further information. Pete I/c Board of Selectmen Economic Development Committee 94 2/2/2,010 Congressman John F Tierne3s Fiscal Year 2oxi Appropriations Form Please complete this form and return it to Kevin McDermott and Mike Ferrari via e-mail at Kevin McDermott@mail.house.,vov and Michael Ferrari a,mail.house.gov by 6 pm on Friday, February 19, 2010. Accompanying, this form must be a formal, signed letter (preferably in PDF form) from the submitting institution to Congressman Tierney. Such letter must request support for the project, detail the purpose of the project, and indicate the benefit(s) of the project. i) NAME OF SUBMITTING INSTITUTION: Town of Reading MA 2) PRIMARY PROJECT CONTACT: (please provide name, title, work and cell number, fax, email, and mailing address): Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager W - 781-942-9043 C - 781-883-0016 F - 781-942-9071 townmarnageraci read ing.ma.us 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 3) PROJECT TITLE: Downtown Streetscape Project Phase 2 4) PROJECT LOCATION:. Downtown Reading, specifically: Haven Street, from Main to High Streets ® High Street from Washington Street to Woburn. Street Sanborn Street from Haven Street to Woburn Street Linden Street,from Haven Street to Woburn Street ® Chute Street from Haven Street to Woburn Street ® Washington Street from Main Street to High, Street 5) PROJECT DESCRIPTION (In 1-3 sentences, please explain how the institution hopes to use the requested federal assistance. If the request is for construction, please identify the programmatic activity that will be carried out in the facility. Please specify who will be the recipient of the grant): The Town of Reading completed in 2009 the Streetscape improvements of Main Street from Washington Street to Salem Street, revitalizing the public improvements of this portion of our older downtown. This project would provide a similar level of improvement to the public infrastructure in the core area of this older downtown, linking the MBTA depot are to the commercial and mixed use development of downtown. 95 6) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE REQUESTED (please provide a brief itemized budget for the requested federal assistance) Estimated cost is $2,400,000 7) FEDERAL AGENCY (if unknown, please leave blank): 8) SPECIFIC AGENCY ACCOUNT (if unknown, please leave blank): 9) PROJECT'S ANTICIPATED TOTAL COST: $4,000,000 1o) OTHER FUNDING SOURCES (STATE, LOCAL, OR PRIVATE) ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROJECT OF ACTIVITY, IF ANY: $ 275,000 in Town funds for design work 11) PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL PROJECT'S COST EACH OF THESE FUNDING SOUCES IS CONTRIBUTING, IF APPLICABLE:. 7% 12) AMOUNT RAISED/EXPENDED ON THE PROJECT TO DATE, AND,THE AMOUNT OF WORK COMPLETED ON THE PROJECT: $10,000 for initial concept design. 13) SOURCES OF FEDERAL FUNDING THAT HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THIS SPECIFIC PROJECT BY YEAR: 14) PLEASE ATTACH AN ABSTRACT (maximum one-page) THAT DESCRIBES THE OVERALL GOALS OF THIS PROJECT , G~3 0 96 Downtown Streetscape Project Phase 2 In the fall of 2009 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on behalf of the Town of Reading (and with an investment of $650,000 in Town funds) completed the 18 month construction of the Downtown Streetscape Project Phase 1 on Main Street in Reading. The purpose of the project was to revitalize a major portion of the infrastructure in this older downtown. The project has been extremely successful, and was celebrated at the first annual Fall Street Faire attended by an estimated 5000 people. Within the past 18 months, during what has been the greatest economic downturn since the Great Depression, the Town of Reading has seen 10 businesses open or expand. Phase 2 of the Downtown Streetscape Project builds on the' Main Street project, and carries the improvements to: Haven Street, from Main to High Streets ® High Street from Washington Street to Woburn Street ® Sanborn Street from Haven Street to Woburn. Street ® Linden Street from Haven Street to Woburn Street ® Chute Street from Haven Street to Woburn Street Washington Street from Main Street to High Street thereby completing the infrastructure improvements for the entirety of the commercially developed portions of Reading's downtown. The Town has recently seen the closing of the major commercial anchor in our downtown - the Atlantic Supermarket on lower Haven Street. The property is under contract for redevelopment as a mixed use retail and.residential development consisting of • 28,000 square feet of retail uses, Y underground parking-for 75 vehicles, and ® 50 units of housing, 20% of which will be affordable units. Additional opportunities for redevelopment in downtown exist, including the renovation and re- use of the M.F. Charles building for mixed use retail and residential uses. These redevelopment and re=use projects need the public infrastructure investments as embodied in the Streetscape Improvements Phase 2 in order to reach their full potential. The Town has worked tirelessly to revitalize downtown Reading. In addition to the .infrastructure improvements in Phase 1 of the Downtown Streetscape project, the Town has worked with businesses to locate and expand, has re-zoned major portions of downtown for 40R mixed use zoning, has committed Affordable Housing Trust Fund dollars to the Atlantic Supermarket site redevelopment project, and has committed considerable staff time to accomplishing these tasks We ask for further assistance for the Downtown Streetscape Phase 2 project.. 97 VII-11 ~G (ADS Schena, Paula From: Reading - Selectmen Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:45 PM To: Robert Lautzenheiser; Reading - Selectmen Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: SMART GROWTH Dear Mr. Lautzenheiser: Thank you for-sending an email to the Board of Selectmen. The Board has adopted a policy of not sending substantive responses to emails in order to try to stay in compliance with the Commonwealtl's open meeting law which prohibits policy discussions by the Board outside of an open public meeting. Please understand that the Board va:lues your input on issues and your correspondence will be included in the materials circulated to the Board prior to its next meeting and it is available as part of the public record. The Board members will have a chance to comment during an upcoming public meeting. If you want to have a personal discussion of the issue with a member of the Board, we hold "office" hours in Reading Town Hall before the first' regularly scheduled meeting of each month at 6:30 PM in the first floor conference room. The Board of Selectmen meeting schedule is posted on the web site at www.readingma.gov. Additionally, each of the members of the Board of Selectmen has a listed home phone number: Ben Tafoya 781-944-3178 James Bonazoli 781-944-5116 Camille Anthony 781-944-3506 Rick Schubert 781-942-1617 Steve Goldy 781-779-1773 Thank you again for contacting the Board of Selectmen. Camille Anthony Secretary Reading Board of Selectmen 1/c Board of Selectmen Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street' Reading MA 01867 phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www.readingma.org email townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma-survey.virtualtownhall.net/survey/sid/603ffd2e45471753/ -----Original Message----- From:.Robert Lautzenheiser Sent: Thursday, February 04, To: Reading - Selectmen Subject: SMART GROWTH [mailto:rlautzl@verizon.net] 2010 11:54 AM There may be a question as to how smart is the proposed project at the former Atlantic spot. It seems to me that 4 stories will be unique in Reading and very inappropriate. The large number of additional condos, in a state that does not have any population growth, will.depress property values and reduce assessments and Town tax revenue, which could be a disaster for all. The project should be scaled down. Robert Lautzenheiser 98 Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 2:00 PM To: Kevin. McDermott@mail.house.gov Cc: Schena, Paula, Subject: Rep Tierney Appropriations Form 2011 - Community Center Attachments: Rep Tierney Appropriations'Form 2011 - Community Center.doc Kevin Here is Reading's other request for federal assistance with a project. With either of these projects, please let me know if you need additional information: Pete Hechenbleikner Town Manager I/c BOS 6 ~ ( 2/4/2010 99 Congressman John F Tierne3s Fiscal Year 2011 Appropriations Form Please complete this form and return it to. Kevin McDermott and Mike Ferrari via e-mail at Kevin. McDermott@mail.house.gov and Michael.Ferrari@mail.house.gov by 6pm on Friday, February 19, 2010. Accompanying this form must be a formal, signed letter (preferably in PDF form) from the submitting institution to Congressman Tierney. Such letter must request support for the project, detail the purpose of the project, and indicate the benefit(s) of the project. 0 NAME OF SUBMITTING INSTITUTION: Town of Reading MA 2) PRIMARY PROJECT CONTACT: (please provide name, title, work and cell number, fax, email, and mailing address) Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager W - 781-942-9043 C - 781-883-0016 F - 781-942-9071 townmanagera-ci.reading. ma.us 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 3) PROJECT TITLE: Purchase and Renovation of Community Center 4) PROJECT LOCATION: Corner of Lowell Street and Linden Street, adjacent to Town Hall 5) PROJECT DESCRIPTION (In 1-3 sentences, please explain how the institution hopes to use the requested federal assistance. If the request is for construction, please identify the programmatic activity that will be carried out in the facility. Please specify who will be the recipient of the grant): The former Christian Science Church, an historic building, lies at the intersection of Lowell Street (Route 129) and Linden Street next to Reading's Town Hall. The building has been vacant for approximately 2 years. The Town wishes to purchase the building, and to renovate it for a community center for the community. Renovation will include new energy systems, and interior renovations.to retrofit this building for use as a community center. The Town of Reading would be the recipient of the grant. 6) AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE REQUESTED (please provide a brief itemized budget for the requested federal assistance) Purchase of land and building $1,200,000 Renovations to Building $ 500,000 Estimated total cost $1,700,000 100 7) FEDERAL AGENCY (if unknown, please leave blank): 8) SPECIFIC AGENCY ACCOUNT (if unknown, please leave blank): 9) PROJECT'S ANTICIPATED TOTAL COST: $1,700,000 1o) OTHER FUNDING SOURCES (STATE, LOCAL, OR PRIVATE) ARE CONTRIBUTING TO THIS PROJECT OF ACTIVITY, IF ANY: $ 200,000 in Town funds and in-kind services 11) PERCENTAGE OF THE TOTAL PROJECT'S COST EACH OF THESE FUNDING SOUCES IS CONTRIBUTING, IF APPLICABLE: 12% 12) :AMOUNT RAISED/EXPENDED ON THE PROJECT TO DATE, AND THE AMOUNT OF WORK COMPLETED ON THE PROJECT: Initial review for feasibility. 1$) SOURCES OF FEDERAL FUNDING THAT HAVE BEEN AWARDED TO THIS SPECIFIC PROJECT BY YEAR: 14) PLEASE ATTACH AN ABSTRACT (maximum one-page) THAT DESCRIBES THE OVERALL GOALS OF THIS PROJECT 2 P5 ~ P 101 Purchase and Renovation of Community. Center The Town of Reading held a "World Cafe" event in February 2008, bringing together 250 residents from all walks of life. The purpose of the World Cafe Was to envision what the community wants for the Town. One of the major results to come out of the World Cafe process was the very strong support for a Community Center to serve as a center of activity for residents of all ages in the community. Since the World Cafe the Town.has been exploring opportunities to achieve this vision. As it turns out, a major opportunity exists in the town's own backyard - adjacent to Reading's Town Hall. The former Christian Science Church is a historic building that sits at the intersection of Lowell and Linden Streets, sharing off street parking with the Town Hall. This stone building has recently had the roof replaced utilizing a historic preservation grant. Additional renovations are needed including Energy Systems improvements and making the space usable for a community center. The building could not be better suited or sited for use as a community center - being located in the heart of the community, near the commercial center and transportation hub of the Town. The location and design lends itself to use for day long and evening use for the entire community. Some of the activities envisioned for the Community Center include: • youth recreational activities, • after school homework help, • daytime adult arts programs, • evening adult education programs • Community based evening programs such as AA, Newcomers and Neighbors, Young Women's club, and other evening activities. Staffing is available by moving the Recreation Division staff from the adjacent Town Hall to the Community Center. Additional staffing would utilize internships from nearby colleges and universities. 3 102