HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-03-19 Annual Town Meeting MinutesCOMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I,
notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading,
qualified to vote in elections and town affairs, to meet at the
place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of
this 'warrant in the following public places within the Town of
Reading:
Precinct 1. Brown Bag, 1349 Main Street
Old Hose House, 1249 Main Street
St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street
Precinct 2. Cumberland Farms, 305 Salem Street
Graphics Shop, 34 Salem Street
JoAnn's Variety, 143 Salem Street
Precinct 3. Friendly Variety Store, 245 Washington Street
Reading Liquors,.345 Main Street
Wayside Bazaar, 107 Main Street
Precinct 4. Hanson's Service.Station, 4 West Street
Dragon Corner Store, 206 West Street
Spence Farm Market Gardens, 40 West Street
Precinct 5. Reading Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue
B & M Railroad Station, High Street
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6. Fire Station, 267 Woburn Street
Housing for the Elderly, 1 Frank D. Tanner
Drive
Alice M. Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7. Meadowbrook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street
P & S Convenient Store, 287 Lowell Street
Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road
Precinct 8. Arthur W. Coolidge, Jr. High School, 89 Birch
Meadow Drive
Birch Meadow School, Arthur B. Lord Drive
Marshall's, 1342 Main Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days
prior to March 19, 1990 the date set for the meeting in this War-
rant.
I also caused an attested copy of this warrant to be pub-
lished iii the. Reading Chronicle in the issue of 1
A °T RUE COPY. ATTEST.
///ryryry Constable of Re ding
e CWN CLERK
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WARRANT - Annual Town Meeting
April 9, 1990
Article Title
Sponsor
Page
1
Elections
Bd
of
'Selectmen
1
2
Reports
Bd
of
Selectmen
2
3
Instructions
Bd
of
Selectmen
3
4
Authorization to Borrow
Bd
of
Selectmen
3
5
Authorization to Pay Unpaid Bills
Bd
of
Selectmen
3
6
Adopt Capital Improvement Prog.
Bd
of
Selectmen
3
7
Amend Capital Improvement Prog.
Bd
of
Selectmen
3
8
Accept Sect. 41, Ch. 653
Bd
of
Assessors
3.
9
Accept Sect. 40, Ch. 653
Bd
of
Assessors
3
10
Budget for FY91
Bd
of
Selectmen
4
11
Amend Admministrative Code
Bd
of
Selectmen
4
12
Street Lighting
Municipal Light Bd
4
13
Bond Rescission
Bd
of
Selectmen
4
14
Disposal of Property;
Bd
of
Selectmen
4
15
Replace RMHS Boiler;
School Committee
4
16
Replace Killam Roof
School Committee
5
17
Refurbish Outdoor Track
School Committee
5
18
Asbestos Priority II Funding
School Committee
5
19
Resurface Grant Memorial Pool
Bd
of
Selectmen
5
20
Accept Chapter 494
Bd
of
Assessors
5
21
Amend Bylaws, Sec. 5.2
Bd
of
Selectmen
6
22
Amend Bylaws, Sec. 4.4.1 - 8
Bd
of
Selectmen
6
23
Amend Bylaws, Sec. 4.9
Bd
of
Selectmen*
7
24
Home Rule Petition-Sale of R.E.
Bd
of
Selectmen*
7
25
Amend Zoning Map
By
Petition
7
26
Acquire Easement-908 Main
Bd
of
Selectmen
7
27
Amend Bylaws- add 4.9.2
Bd
of
Selectmen
8
28
Home Rule Petition - Dog Licenses
Bd
of
Selectmen
8
29
Removal of Town Mtg. Members
Bd
of
Selectmen
8
30
Acceptance of Gift
Bd
of
•Selectmen
9
31
Accounting Policy for Fees
CPDC
9
*Pursuant to Instructional Motion
4
ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
March 19, 1990
Pursuant to the Warrant and the Constable's Return thereon, a
General Election was held at the time and places specified in the War-
rant, and was called to order by the Wardens in the precincts as fol-
lows:.
Precinct
1.
J. Warren Killam School
Barbara Takach
Precinct
2.
J. Warren Killam School.
Eleanor M. Brown
Precinct
3.
Joshua Eaton School
Carol Beckwith
Precinct
4.
Joshua Eaton School
Maria E. Silvaggi
Precinct
5.
Alice M. Barrows School
Mary Andreola
Precinct
6.
Alice M. Barrows School
Louis R. Gardner
Precinct
7.
Birch Meadow School
Henry Murphy
Precinct
8.
Birch Meadow School
Kenneth C. Latham
who then partially read the Warrant, when on motion of Nate Whi,.te,
Precinct 1; John W. Batley, Precinct 2; Marilyn Simmons, Precinct: 3;
George Richards, Precinct 4; Larry Durkin, Precinct 5; Jane A. Ames,
Precinct 6; Ruth Converse, Precinct 7; and Anthony Catanzano, Precinct
8, it was voted to dispense with the further reading of the Warrant,
except the Constable's Return, which was then read by the respective
Wardens.
The ballot boxes were examined by the Wardens and each found to
be empty and all registered 000.
ti--- The polls were then declared open at 7:00 A.M. and were closed at
8:00 P.M. with the following results: 7,822 ballots cast.
Pr 1 Pr 2 Pr 3 Pr 4 Pr 5 Pr 6 _Pr 7 Pr 8 Total
MODERATOR for one year - Vote for One
Paul C. Dustin 765 580 504 859 578 766 777 744 5573*
Blanks 319 226 252 330 225 296 320 281 2249
TOTAL 1084 806 756 1189 803 1062 1097 1025 7822
BOARD OF SELECTMEN for Three Years - Vote for Two
George V. Hines 331 259 264 427 341 427 419 349 2817*
Sally M. Hoyt 413 293 289 454 329 470 413 412 3073*
Stuart S. LeClaire 269 250 211 247 198 262 381 301 2119
William E. Locke 215 194 221 398 176 209 219 232 1864
Curt E. Nitzsche 483 305 196 357 220 354 335 344 2594
Walter Spaulding,
Jr. 1 1
Blanks 457 311 331 495 341 402 427 412 3176
Total 2168 1612 1512 2378 1606 2124 2194 2050 15644
1
Town Election March 19, 1990
BOARD OF ASSESSORS for Three Years - Vote for One
Robert I. Nordstrand 777 582 509 852 568 779 797 765 5629*
Blanks 307 224 247 337 235 283 300 260 2193
Total 1084 806 756 1189 803 1062 1097 1025 7822
BOARD OF ASSESSORS for One Year - Vote for One
David R. Nugent 785 584 494 841 558 761 794 762 5579*
Blanks 299 222 262 348 245 301 303 263 2243
Total 1084 806 756 1189 803 1062 1097 1025 7822
* Elected
MUNICIPAL LIGHT BOARD for Three Years - Vote for One
Pr 1 Pr 2 Pr 3 Pr 4 Pr 5 Pr 6 Pr 7 Pr 8 Total
James L. O'Leary 770 584 513 840 567 775 788 761 5598)*
Blanks 314 222 243 349 236 287 309 264 2224
Total 1084 806 756 1189 803 1062 1097 1025 7822
BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES for Three Years - Vote for Two
Robert J. Fields
757
566
504
836
575
788
775
750
5551*
Elia Dangelmaier
Marnik
744
564
533
888
566
755
780
740
5570*
Blanks
667
482
475
654
465
581
639
560
4523
Total
2168
1612
1512
2378
1606
2124
2194
2050
15644
SCHOOL COMMITTEE for Three Years - Vote for Two
Barbara
B. Philbrick 725
538
494
806
536
730
739
708
5276*
James F.
Nally, Jr. 738
567
512
799
544
751
753
728
5392*
Blanks
705
507
506
773
526
643
702
614
4976
Total
2168
1612
1512
2378
1606
2124
2194
2050
15644
PRECINCT 1
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Three Years - Vote for Not More Than Eight
Frank Baggs
587*
James R.
Boucher
617*
John L.
Fallon, Jr.
602*
Curt E.
Nitzsche
680*
Sally C.
Nitzsche
668*
Maurice
C. Proctor, Jr.
579*
Thomas J. Ryan
581*
Doris M.
Fantasia
715*
Blanks
3643
Total
8672
2
Town Election
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Two Years - Vote for One
I Robert J. Walcott 718*
Blanks 366
Total 1084
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for One Year - Vote for Two
Matthew Cummings
Kenneth A. King
Joan D'Entremont
Philip Howells
Susan D'Entremont
Thomas S. Natale, Jr.
Blanks
1' Total
713*
8*
6
2
1
1
1437
2168
PRECINCT 2
March 19, 1990
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Three Years - Vote for Not More Than Eight
Virginia M. Adams
488*
Anthony L. Rickley
475*
Gail F. Wood
502*
- John D. Wood
469*
Brian A. O'Shaughnessy
522*
Robert Salter
3*
Ginny Lane
2*
Deborah Berndtson
1
Bruce A. Reilly
1
Blanks
3985
Total
6448
* Elected
PRECINCT 3
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Three Years - Vote for Not More Than Eight
William Bartosch, Jr.
342*
Agnes H. Donovan
303*
Gerald A. Fiore
301*
Jane M. Fiore
314*
Donald Neary
277
Benjamin E. Nichols
355*
Carol S. Lyons
300*
Paul D. Crotty
244
Carolyn H. Korth
239
Gerald L. MacDonald
329*
Salvatore L. Mele
197
3
Town Election
PRECINCT 3 (CONTID.)
Dana C. Pedersen
Blanks
Total
286*
2561
6048
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Two Years - Vote for Two
William Marshall 454*
Carolyn H. Korth 3*
Blanks 1055
Total 1512
TOWN MEETING MEMBER for One Year - Vote for One
Geor4e A. McCormack 459*
Blanks 297
Total 756
* Elected
PRECINCT 4
March 19, 1990
TOWN MEETING MEMBER FOR THREE YEARS - Vote for Not More Than Eight
Russell
T. Graham
723*
Eugene R. Nigro
763*
Nils L.
Nordberg
717*
Philip B. Pacino
619*
John W.
Price
637*
Mary S.
Ziegler
716*
William
E. Locke
733*
Timothy
R. Twomey
650*
Blanks
3954
Total
9512
TOWN MEETING MEMBER FOR ONE YEAR - Vote for One
Philip B. Boisvert 493*
James A. Burditt 376
E. W. Loschi 1
Blanks 319
Total 1189
* Elected
4
Town Election
March 19, 1990
PRECINCT 5
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
FOR THREE YEARS - Vote for Not More Than Eight
Carol S. Beckwith
499*
Robert L. Fuller
395*
Eleanor K. Higgott
346*
Barbara B. Philbrick
402*
George R. Rainville
339*
George J. Shannon
394*
Stephen G. Tucker
379*
William J. Dunn
328
Paul W. Laspina
299
Richard Radville
337*
Blanks
2706
Total-
6424
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for One Year - Vote for Two
Edward F.
Robert P.
Blanks
Total
Driscoll, III
Griffin
505*
519*
582
1606
PRECINCT 6
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Three Years - Vote for not more than Eight
Rodney J. Chandler
606*
James J. Fandel
624*
Irving L. Stackpole
645*
Robert Tulikangas
554*
Sally M. Hoyt
711*
Robert P. Zitzow
620*
Jack G. Cairl
20*
William A. Champa
45*
Robert Smith
2
Anna Champa
1
Blanks
4668
Total
8496
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Two Years - Vote for One
W. Bruce MacDonald 25*
Steven L. Cool 2
James J. Sullivan, Jr. 1
Blanks 1034
Total 1062
5
Town Election
TOWN METING MEMBERS for one Year - Vote for One
Diana M. Kaine
Blanks
Total
716*
346
1062
March 19, 1990
PRECINCT 7
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS
John E. Carpenter
Maureen Cullen
Lawrence A. Durkin
Daniel A. Ensminger
Martin J. Foodman
George V. Hines
Stuart S. LeClaire
C. Dewey Smith
Mark H. Johnson
David M. Swyter
Blanks
Total
for Three Years - Vote For Not More Than Eight
525*
556*
463
537*
430
568*
525*
507*
506**
464***
3695
8776
TOWN MEETING MEMEBRS for-TWO Years - Vote for One
Mark H. Johnson 8**
William A. Morse 1*
Blanks 1088
Total 1097
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for One Year - Vote for Three
Michael E. Blade
622*
Michael A. Hanson
619*
David M. Swyter
1***
Blanks
2049
Total
3291
* Elected
Elected for Three Year Term
Elected for Three Year Term
PRECINCT 8
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for Three Years - Vote For Not More Than Eight
Kendra J. G. Cooper 515*
Pasquale M. Iapicca 413
Elizabeth W. Klepeis 562*
6
Town Election
Robert I. Nordstrand
John H. Russell
John M. Silvaggi
Maria E. Silvaggi
James E. Biller
Harvey J. Dahl
Walter J. Spaulding, Jr.
Stephen W. Thomases
Blanks
Total
PRECINCT 8 (CONTID.)
544*
471*
449*
465*
388
358
511*
425*
3099
8200
March 19, 1990
TOWN MEETING MEMBERS for One Year - Vote for one
Francis P. Gorgone 667*
Blanks 358
1 Total 1025
QUESTION NO. 1
"Shall the Town of Reading be allowed to assess an additional One Million
Five Hundred and Fifty-Three Thousand ($1,553,000.00) Dollars in real es-
tate and personal property taxes for the purposes of general expenses for
school and municipal government for the fiscal year beginning July 1,
1990?"
Pr 1 Pr 2 Pr 3 Pr 4 Pr 5 Pr 6 Pr 7 Pr 8 Totals
YES 380 255 228 550 333 423 459 397 3025
NO 691 544 511 617 450 621 630 619 4683
BLANKS 13 7 17 22 20 18 8 9 114
Total 1084 806 756 1189 803 1062 1097 1025 7822
QUESTION NO. 2
Pursuant to the vote of Town Meeting Members on November 30, 1989 under Ar-
ticle 36 of the Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting, shall the Reading Home
Rule Charter be amended in the second paragraph of Section 3-6 by deleting
the words "appraiser" and inserting the words "property appraisers," so as
to read:
"The Board of Assessors may appoint property appraisers and shall have all
the powers and duties given to Boards of Assessors by the law of the Com-
monwealth not inconsistent with this Charter.
YES
574
401
368
688
400
624
591
553
4199
NO
361
308
268
315
266
264
339
328
2449
Blanks
149
97
120
186
137
174
167
144
1174
Total
1084
806
756
1189
803
1062
1097
1025
7822
The
polls were
closed
at 8:
00 P.M. with the
following
result:
Whole number
of votes
cast were
7,822.
7
Town Election March 19, 1990
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1990
The votes were publicly announced in open meeting,
locked in ballot cases and placed by the Town Clerk in the vault for safe
keeping.
Voted to adjourn 11:30 P.M. March 19, 1990.
A true copy. Attest:
Catherine A. Quimb
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
FIRST BUSINESS SESSION
April 9, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:40 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Town Meeting Member, Les York, followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Town Meeting Member's
Pledge.
The Warrant was partially read by Town Clerk, Catherine A. Quimby,
when on motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to dispense with
further reading of the warrant except for the Officer's Return, which
was read by the Town Clerk.
The Moderator asked for a sense of the meeting with regard to con-
tinued sessions this week and next week due to Holy Thursday and
School Vacation Week. He determined that it was the sense of the mem-
bers to next meet on Thursday, April 19, 1990.
ARTICLE 2 George Shannon presented the Reading Public Schools
"Exemplary Teachers Award." The 1990 recipients were Kathryn Mon-
tejunas, Reading Memorial High School and Sally Mucica, Birch Meadow
Elementary School. Individuals selected for the "Exemplary Teachers
Recognition Award", represent the highest ideals of professional serv-
ice and dedication to the youth of Reading. The recipients of the
award share the qualities of: excellence in teaching, commitment to
students, both within and beyond the classroom; and specific ac-
complishments and leadership activities which have contributed to the
improvement of classroom instruction.
8
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1990
ARTICLE 2 The following "State of the Town" Report by Russell T.
Graham, was accepted as a Report of Progress:
Mr. Moderator:
It is my privilege, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, to present in
this the 246th Town Meeting of Reading - The Annual State of the Town.
It has been, to say the least, an extremely interesting and busy year.
One of my secret wishes in life would be to take this podium without
the necessity of speaking of fiscal crisis.
It is, no doubt, a sign of advancing age, for my secret wishes used to
be far more exciting.
I know that I am very weary of speaking on the issue and I am,con-
vinced that many of you are even wearier of hearing it.
But, Mr. Moderator, there is no escaping it, there is no hiding from
it, we cannot, despite our wishes, avoid it.
The overshadowing, all encompassing, continual, consistent problem
facing this municipality and every other municipality in the Common-
wealth is our ability or inability to sustain government services at a
level which meets the most basic needs of the Community.
- Thus, any report on the State of the Town must of necessity begin with
reference to that economic reality.
Beginning last July, the fiscal chaos which now seems synonymous with
the name Massachusetts began to intrude itself into the local affairs
of Reading.
In July of 1989, the State announced that Fiscal Year 1990 Aid to
Reading would be reduced by $1,027,000.00.
This, following Town Meeting's long deliberation over an already tight
budget, passed at the Annual Town Meeting.
In response to this the Boards and Departments proceeded to work
together to absorb those cuts, and a revised FY90 Budget was presented
and approved at a Special Town Meeting held in September 1989.
As a result of that process, just.last September - six positions in
the Department of Public Works were eliminated. An Engineering posi-
tion was done away with. Two Police Officers were laid off and the
Depot Parking Enforcement Officer was laid off. Portions of needed
overtime in the Fire Department were reduced.
I' Maintenance of the Pearl Street School was cut back and all of State
travel was curtailed.
9
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
April 9, 1990
25% of the Veterans Agents time was eliminated, Health Inspections
were reduced, library hours of operation were reduced, the hiring of a
Recreation Supervisor was postponed, and the hazardous waste collec-
tion was eliminated.
In addition to those cutbacks, fees were increased in almost all areas
of the town and schools, and new fees implemented. All of that, ap-
plicable to FY90, about to close.
Having responded to that crisis, Town Government moved on to a look at
FY91, the Budget which you will bring into being during this Town
Meeting. That look, neither refreshed us nor brought us hope.
Assuming the most conservative of increases in controllable expenses,
the increase in pay, fringes, and in those mandated costs from the
State far outweighed by Proposition 2 1/2.
A special budget committee was formed consisting of the Chairman`:of
the Board of Selectmen, the Chairman of the School Committee, the
Chairman _of the Finance Committee, the Town Manager, the Superinten-
dent of Schools, the Director of Finance and the Town Accountant. The
consensus reached by this group was that significant cuts would have
to be made and that such cuts would unquestionably affect the quality
of life in Reading.
So significant would these changes be, that the Board of Selectmen,
with the full support of the School Committee determined that it was
appropriate to present the facts to the people of Reading in order
that they could be directly involved in the decision and hopefully be
made aware of the consequences of that decision.
An override question of $1,553,000.00, an amount already reflecting a
significant reduction in expenses was approved for the ballot,.and on
March 19th, the voters of Reading made clear their decision.
At this Town Meeting, we will begin to put into effect the very un-
pleasant consequences of that decision.
The fiscal crisis on the State and on the local level is a major topic
across the Commonwealth, and at time seems to completely absorb the
time and talents of all those involved in local government, almost to
the point of crippling its' ability to carry on.
None the less, we must, and we do, and to the credit of Reading, we
have carried on reasonably well.
In fact we have, as a Town made some major positive strides in some
long standing problems facing us.
Major space issues, discussed and debated in this forum for more years
than we care to remember have been, or are, in the process of being .
resolved.
10
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1990
The renovation of the Town Hall and former Library Building have been
completed. They are connected as one, are handicapped accessible and
are finally, made both habitable and efficient.
The new Central Fire Station is well underway, finally replacing the
1883 Central Station which was deemed to be both dangerous and ineffi-
cient.
These projects both able to be realized as a result of Sale of Real
Estate Funds and implemented with the sure knowledge that proper care
and attention to physical assets is a sign of good and prudent finan-
cial.wisdom, and that neglect of and ignoring of physical assets is
the height of poor financial management.
The tremendous and dedicated work evidenced by our town employees, and
particularly by our Director of Public Works, Tony Fletcher, are
evidenced in the finished product of the building and are worthy of
special thanks from all of us.
The Board of Selectmen, acting in its, capacity as the personnel board
approved a set of Personnel Policies for Town employees for the 1990's
which hopefully will bring a sense of consistency and fairness to
employee relations.
The Solid Waste Committee continued its' ongoing efforts with
newspaper recycling and leaf composting programs and has researched
- and studied the possibility of curbside recycling in Reading in a
search for cost effectiveness and in awareness of the social and en-
vironmental benefits of recycling.
Traffic, and the use of Reading as a cut through from 93 and 128 con-
tinue to absorb the time and efforts of staff and volunteers, Reading
is working with the Town of Wilmington and the City of Woburn to
pursue traffic improvements, especially the Industriplex Connector and
its' need in offsetting the Inwood Office Park Development.
Reading has approved and joined the North Suburban Planning Sub Region
of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council and works closely, with them
through our representative to them, George Hines.
Continued cutbacks, however, will make our involvement and search for
solutions more and more difficult.
On the Sale of Real Estate front, the market for office and con-
dominium development has gone from bad to worse and keeps on going.
The Homart project is still alive, still desired, but delayed and
frustrated by the economic realties. The Bear Hill project is at a
standstill and under discussion.and the Pearl Street School is out for
request for proposals.
11
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
April 9, 1990
The outlook for real estate is at such a point as to require serious
analysis by us and the potential of further damage to our fiscal pic-
ture by that real estate depression does not bode well, and could not
come at a worse time.
A full report on the status of our Real Estate negotiations will be
given to you by Dan Ensminger prior to the presentation of the Budget.
The Town continues to work with the MBTA and to maintain some control
of the depot through the Depot Task Force.
The plan for the celebration of the 350th Anniversary moves forward
under the direction of the Steering Committee.
The continuous problem of addressing the needs of affordable housing
in Reading goes on through the Fair Housing Committee and the Reading
Housing Partnership.
The threat to our water supply, and the constant vigilance needed to
prevent further contamination of our wells from development in North
Reading continue to be of the highest priority.
The Town as it always has been, continues to be served by an outstand-
ing group of volunteer citizens with dedication and competence.
Two of its' most valuable assets, Jack Russell and Mollie Ziegler
chose not to seek re-election as Selectmen, and their intelligence,
hard work and sincere interest are already missed, but they remain
Town Meeting Members and will continue to serve Reading in other
roles. The Board welcomes Sally Hoyt and George Hines as they assume
new roles at an extremely crucial period of the Town. Overall, it is
not the most pleasant of times to be serving in town government, but
because of this, it is the time when all of your dedicated service is
most needed.
A leading major newspaper recently asked - "whatever happened to the
common good?" I fear that is a poignant question which we all have a
great need to address.
The question as to what happened to the common good of Reading is not
to us in this hall - a theoretical one. For we, ladies and
gentlemen, are charged with the awesome responsibility of providing
for the common good of our community.
Education of our children is not expendable, public safety is not a
luxury.
And the providing of the basics of human decency through human service
is not someone else's job. To provide for the common good is the very
essence of Town Meeting.
We begin in this Town Meeting to do so under very difficult and ex-
tremely restrictive conditions.
12
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
But begin we must!
April 9, 1990
In Reading we have varied perspectives with which to approach that
duty.
We have very recently been struck with a series of tragic events.
The death of 10 year old Lacey Packer, in an alcohol related traffic
accident.
The bizarre and frightening murder of Carol Stuart and her son Chris-
topher and most recently the sudden death of Molly Kennedy - all
directly touched the Town of Reading and all serving to remind us that
compared to the suffering associated with these events, much of what
we pompously proclaim as so overwhelmingly important is in fact insig-
nificant and should further remind us how very lucky we are to be
given each day to share with those we love in a community surrounded
by those who care. i
We must remind ourselves, from a historical perspective that this town
has lived though and survived a revolution which gave birth to a new
nation, a civil war which tore that nation apart, two world wars and a
devastating depression. Surely, it can weather the present storms.
We have just gone through an election process which brought sig-
nificant questions to the fore. It was a long and sharp debate. Dif-
ferences of opinion were varied and strongly held.
The potential for polarization of the community is now very high. The
old, on fixed incomes, fearful of increased costs could easily find
themselves in acrimonious discord with growing families hungry to give
a good education to their children.
Those whose needs are easily fulfilled by their private means could
find themselves at great odds with those who have needs only able to
be served by their community.
Those who are here to provide those services could easily set them-
selves in a frame of mind antagonistic towards those who oppose fur-
ther funding of those services.
The potential for discord, the potential for a divided community, the
potential for a neighbor against neighbor, lied before us. It is at
such a time, that the character of a community truly manifests itself.
I for one, refuse to believe that the character of this community will
be found wanting.
Now, is the time for all of us, no matter which side of the question
we took sides with, to recommit ourselves to this, our community. To
determine, by our conduct, and by our actions that we will disavow
easy criticism and harsh bitterness and instead join together to serve
a common good far more important that our individual opinions or our
pampered egos.
13
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
April 9, 1990
Now is the time for all of us in Town Meeting and Town Government to
take that which we have been given and do the very best we can with it
for our purpose is to preserve the good within our Town Government.
If we can not come together in these times of economic turmoil-- if we
can not remain neighbors and friends under the stress of fiscal uncer-
tainty, then we will have lost far more than that which can be bought
with money.
The people gathered in this hall set the tone for Reading.
The affairs of local government lie in our hands.
As we debate and decide those affairs, let us do so in a manner that
will bring pride to those we have the honor to represent.
That pride, is now almost 350 years old, and the legacy of maintaining
it through difficult times has been passed to us. By our action inn
the Town Meeting, let us maintain that pride and treat that legacy .in
a manner which would have pleased all those who preceded us, and serve
as a model to those who will follow after us.
Let us here recognize that, despite our fiscal woes, we still have
something very special we have a community of Reading, and that all
of us must join together in a determination to preserve it.
It will not be an easy job and we have before us the task of making
very difficult decisions. Decisions which will hurt - hurt people and
hurt the community. But it is our job, and we can not shirk that
responsibility.
It is our challenge, Mr Moderator. Together, let us begin this eve-
ning to meet the challenge.
Thank you, Mr. Moderator.
ARTICLE 3 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the
Bylaw Committee look into and report back to Town Meeting the
feasibility of revising Article 2.1.1 and 2.1.3 of the General Bylaws
of the Town of Reading relative to the dates when Town Meeting shall
be held so that such dates would, as far as possible, avoid a conflict
with significant religious holidays and with the presently approved
annual Reading spring school recess.
Mr. William Brown, Precinct 8, further requested that the Bylaw Com-
mittee consider changes that would allow the local election to be held
after Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 4 On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis it was voted to
authorize the Town Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board
of Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the
revenue of the financial year beginning July 1, 1990, in accordance
14
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1990
with the provision of the General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4 and to
r issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year and to renew
any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year,
in accordance with the General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17.
ARTICLE 5 On motion of Russell T. Graham it was voted that the
subject matter of Article 5 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 6 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger it was voted to table
Article 6 until after Budget.
ARTICLE 7 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to
table Article 7 until after Budget.
ARTICLE 8 On motion of Robert I. Nordstrand it was voted to ac-
cept the provisions of Section 41 of Chapter 653 of the Acts of 1989
regarding quarterly tax bills.
ARTICLE 9 On motion of Robert I. Nordstrand it was voted to ac-
cept the provisions of Section 40 of Chapter 653 of the Acts of 1989
regarding assessment date changes for new growth.
ARTICLE 11 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger it was voted that the
subject matter of Article 11 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 12 On motion of James L. O'Leary, it was voted that the
subject matter of Article 12 be referred to the Municipal Light
Board, and the said Board be, and hereby is, authorized to install
such additional street lights as in its judgment are required, and to
make such changes in the size, type, and location of existing street
lights as it may deem advisable, the expense of the same to be paid
from the income of the plant.
ARTICLE 13 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town
vote to rescind the remaining bond authorization in the amount of Two
Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($2,800.00) for the purpose of replac-
ing High School transformers, as authorized by the vote taken April
21, 1988 under Article 10 of the 1988 Annual Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 14 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to table Ar-
ticle 14 until after consideration of Article 6.
15
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 9, 1990
April 19, 1990
ARTICLE 15 On motion of Frederick VanMagness, it was voted to
table Article 15 until after consideration of Article 6.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this Annual Town
Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 19,
1990 in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 P.M.
138 Town Meeting Members were present.
A true copy. Attest :
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
SECOND BUSINESS SESSION
April 19, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Lillian Gregory, Congregational
Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to take
Article 2 from the table.
Mr. Ensminger presented the following report:
The following is a report of progress from the Board of Selectmen on
the three major sale-of-real-estate projects currently underway: sale
of the landfill to Homart, sale of the Bear Hill land, and sale of the
Pearl Street School. We will give a historical perspective on each
area, and as complete a picture of the current situation as we can.
Status of the Sale of the Landfill to Homart:
In June 1986, Town Meeting authorized the sale of the 34.5 acre former
landfill to Homart Development Company, a subsidiary of Sears Roebuck
and Company, for a minimum price of $6.25 million. This decision fol-
lowed many months of debate over the future of the landfill, and
affirmed Town Meeting's view of the landfill as a crucial financial
resource for Reading's future. Homart was selected from a field of
bidders on the basis of their previous development experience
16
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
(especially their track record in constructing commercial development
over landfills and former hazardous waste sites), their penchant for
quality, first-class construction, and their deep financial pockets. A
Purchase and Sale Agreement was signed by the Board of Selectmen and
Homart in September 1987, which would allow up to 750,000 square feet
of commercial office buildings and a 250-room hotel.
A key issue in the negotiations leading up to this P&S Agreement was
the amount of time required for the State Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP nee DEQE) to grant Homart a landfill closure permit,
and whether that permit would require complete capping of the landfill
at the onset of site preparation versus a "staged" closure which would
occur in phases as the site was built out. The State, incidentally, is
requiring the closure of nearly every landfill in the State by the
mid-1990's. Because of the uncertainty in the time frame required for
obtaining this closure permit from DEP, a nominal closing date of
March 31, 1988 was agreed to in the P&S Agreement, with possible ex-
tensions to September 30, 1990 in three-month increments at ~Homart's
discretion.
Much progress has been made since the signing of the P&S Agreement.
The CPDC had already begun working on a Planned Unit Development (PUD)
rezoning plan for the landfill and adjacent Industrially-zoned
properties in mid-1987. This work was completed and successfully
passed at the Fall 1987 Town Meeting, thanks to the diligent efforts
of the CPDC, a consultant, and the newly hired Town Planner, Jonathan
Edwards. Hearings under the PUD By-Law were held in the spring and
summer of 1988 and a Special Permit was granted with extensive condi-
tions designed to protect the interests of the Town and the nearby
neighborhoods.
In 1989 several events conspired to delay the closing. Embassy Suites,
the designated hotel developer, pulled out of the deal. Embassy Suites
was at that time undergoing a major corporate restructuring owing to a
corporate take-over, which resulted in the company retiring from all
activity in the New England states. In addition, Homart's site
preparation costs came in much higher than originally expected, the
DEP's closure permit had not yet been granted, and the general real-
estate market began to soften. Homart requested further extensions
from the Town but made it clear that its interest was still strong. It
began to look for a financial partner and diligently continued the
search for pre-lease tenants and another hotel partner.
In March 1990, Homart again met with the Board of Selectmen to request
up to a one-year extension in the "drop-dead" closing date, from Sep-
tember 30, 1990 to September 30, 1991. They indicated that they wished
to begin an aggressive marketing campaign, but felt they needed the
extra time to allow for the market to reverse itself. They stressed
that they might not need the full year, and expressed willingness in
return to make an additional down-payment on a non-refundable basis.
This would be in addition to the $100,000 in earnest money already
paid to the Town in 1986, and the pile of gravel they left on the
landfill (which the Town would own if Homart defaulted). The Selectmen
17
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
are considering granting such an extension but are seeking to maximize
the additional down-payment amount. In addition, both the Board of
Selectmen and Homart are aware that the original PUD Special Permits
will expire on November 2, 1990 and that the Conservation Orders of
Condition will also expire shortly thereafter. They will work closely
with the CPDC and the Town Planner to grant a renewal of the required
PUD Special Permits, and with the Conservation Commission and the Con-
servation Administrator to obtain appropriate replacement Orders of
Condition. The Board feels that Homart is continuing to work in good
faith with the Town at a time when most developers with "shallower
pockets" are sitting on the sidelines. In the words of Jack Russell,
this continues to be a classic "stay tuned" situation.
Status of the Sale of the Bear Hill Land:
In April 1986 Town Meeting authorized the Board of Selectmen to sell
the former Bear Hill Nike Site. The site consists of about 10 acres of
vacant land atop a hill adjacent to the Summit Towers Condominiums.
Disposition of this parcel was put on hold until 1988, due to the need
to expedite the Homart sale. In the spring of 1988 the Board of
Selectmen authorized the CPDC and the Town Planner to recommend a plan
for developing Bear Hill, consistent with Town Meeting's goal of maxi-
mizing land-sale and tax revenues, while addressing neighborhood con-
cerns.
CPDC held a number of hearings on this issue throughout 1988, which
attracted large crowds from the Bear Hill area. As a result of these
hearings, CPDC recommended to the Fall 1988 Town Meeting a Planned
Residential Development (PRD) overlay zoning by-law for Bear Hill.
This overlay zoning would allow construction of from 100 to 160 hous-
ing units, with provisions for open space and mitigation of off-site
traffic and run-off impacts at the developer's expense. Drafted
primarily by the Town Planner, this PRD By-Law was adopted by Town
Meeting in November 1988, and the PRD overlay zoning district was
adopted by the Spring 1989 Town Meeting following the choice of the
Bear Hill Realty Trust as the designated developer.
Bear Hill Realty Trust (BHRT) proposed to build 112 units of two- and
three-bedroom condominiums, and offered the Town $3.2-million to pur-
chase the property. Ten percent of the housing units in this complex
would be dedicated to affordable housing. The selling price of the
remaining units would be in the $110,000 to $125,000 range.
Negotiations continued throughout the summer of 1989 among BHRT, the
Town Manager, the Town Planner, and the Reading Housing Authority.
During this time the condominium market worsened considerably. As a
result of market and banking conditions, BHRT approached the Board of
Selectmen in February 1990 and proposed an alternative financing
arrangement where the Town would take back a mortgage on the land.
This was rejected by the Selectmen as unacceptable. BHRT then met
with the former Board of Selectmen on March 13, 1990. BHRT indicated
that they have Housing Opportunity Projects (HOP) projects in '
Chelmsford and Acton. These projects were financed a year ago at 100
18
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
percent financing. While the market is good for lower priced housing,
the banks now are unwilling to grant loans for condominiums. BHRT had
talked with over 15 banks. They estimated that the condominium
financing market would not turn around for another 18 to 24 months.
Because of changed market conditions, BHRT felt that there had been a
12 to 25% reduction in the value of the land since the appraisals were
done in January 1989. This would mean a $2.4 to $2.8 million value of
the land rather than the $3.2-million originally offered in March
1989.
The Town has several options: 1) Go back out to bid; 2) Give BHRT a
one-year option on the property; 3) Reduce the purchase price to ap-
proximately the $15,000 per unit range such as for BHRT's Acton
project; 4) Do nothing and wait for the market to improve. The Board
of Selectmen is awaiting further staff review and additional detail
from Bear Hill Realty Trust.
Stai~us of the Sale of the Pearl Street School:
In April 1989 Town Meeting transferred the care, custody, and control
of the 50-year-old Pearl Street School and its surrounding property to
the Board of Selectmen. This decision came after many years of discus-
sion concerning the fate of the school. The Town had discussed options
that included retention within the School System, use as a Town Hall,
_ and use as elderly housing. The School Committee concluded that the
school would be too costly to reopen (both in a capital and an operat-
ing sense), and so gave its blessing to the transfer. However, the
Town Meeting elected to withhold authorization for the sale of the
school until the Fall of 1989, at which time a suitable zoning by-law
would be presented by the CPDC. This by-law was developed by the Town
Planner and the CPDC during the summer of 1989, again with con-
siderable input from the public.
Town Meeting did adopt this by-law in November 1989 as an amendment to
the existing Municipal Building Reuse Zoning By-Law, which had been
developed earlier specifically for,the Community Center. This by-law
allows a developer to choose one of three use categories for Pearl
Street School: residential condominiums, professional office use
similar to the type currently occupying a part of the building, or a
life-care facility.
At the request of the Town Manager, the Town Planner has developed an
action plan for the sale of the school. This plan calls for the fol-
lowing steps: the seeking of two independent property appraisals;
development of a Request for Proposals (RFP); review of the RFP by the
Selectmen; issuance of the RFP with appropriate notice in the media;
initial review of proposals by an evaluation team consisting of mem-
bers of appropriate Boards and Commissions, neighborhood representa-
tives, and Town officials; and final selection of the designated
developer by the Selectmen. We anticipate that these steps can be
completed by the Fall of 1990, and that the permitting process can be
completed in about six additional months. The Selectmen have agreed to
renew the leases of all present Pearl Street tenants through June 30,
19
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
1991 in anticipation of this schedule. The Selectmen reserve the right
to reject any or all bids if they deem it to be in the best interest
of the Town to do so. Despite the slowdown in the real estate market,
it may still make sense to proceed with this sale before the Town is
forced to pay large sums of money to renovate the building's roof and
windows. We will keep you informed of our progress.
On motion of Mr. Ensminger it was voted to accept this report as a
Report of Progress.
Mr. George Shannon presented the following report:
REPORT TO TOWN MEETING ABOUT ELEMENTARY SPACE NEEDS
The Reading Town Meeting, at the end of the the fall Town Meeting in
November 1989 instructed the Reading School Committee to re-examine
options for classroom space in light of the Town Meeting vote which
did ncl,t support additions and renovations to two elementary schools.
The motion was offered by Mr. Carpenter of Precinct 7.
The Reading School Committee, as part of the process for deciding
"next steps," discussed the space problems and the pupil enrollment
complications of not having a long term space plan endorsed by Town
Meeting action. The School Committee asked the Elementary School
Building Advisory Committee appointed by the Town Meeting Moderator to
meet in an open public session on Saturday, January 20, 1990. In
preparation the Superintendent was asked to review with the ad-
ministrative council once again the alternatives included in the
School Building Advisory report of October 1988. The School Committee
also asked the Superintendent to re-evaluate the enrollment projec-
tions from the October 1988.study which included long range population
and school enrollment studies carried out by Dr. Dan Ensminger.
At the January 20th forum, the School Building Committee shared their
conclusions from a January 11th session that "there simply was no
money to continue looking into renovation projects at Joshua Eaton and
Birch Meadow" and that further plans be postponed until the State's
financial situation has improved. Even though Reading's reimbursement
rate of 66% from the School Building Assistance Bureau was possibly to
be reduced by June 30, 1990, the risky state financial picture
provided little assurance for financial support in the near future.
The members of the School Committee concurred with this assessment of
the situation and agreed that a plan to bring a new article for school
building renovations and additions to the annual Town Meeting would
not be productive.
The School Committee restated the importance of and value of the Long
Range Plan presented to Town Meeting in November, and promised to seek
Town Meeting's approval in the near future. Acknowledging that the
preferred solution could not be achieved right at the moment, the
School Committee's discussions centered on short term ways to address
the elementary school population increase,
20
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
The resources that were discussed included one open room at Killam,
four rooms above the Superintendent's office at Reading Memorial High
School, purchase or lease of portables, the rental of space from St.
Agnes Church, and redistricting of school boundaries.
School Committee members preferred the idea of kindergarten overflow
classes above the Superintendent's office rather than Grade 5. They
also addressed the advantages of leasing or purchasing portables.
When examining options, Assistant Superintendent Lynn M. Bak shared
the Elementary Principals' recommendation that the kindergarten at
Birch Meadow Elementary School be bused to an open classroom at Killam
Elementary School for the Fall of 1990.
Discussion covered the costs of portables, the choice of purchasing or
leasing portables, the complications of busing students, the potential
gains if any for redrawing of school district lines.
The School Committee, by consensus, agreed to send excess kindergarten
students to Killam for the 1990-91 school year, leaving room at Birch
Meadow for the additional grade one class. Providing classrooms for
the additional students expected for 1991-92 would be the subject of
discussion in the fall of 1990.
The School Committee asked the School Building Committee to resume
their study school space needs as soon as the picture of School
Building Assistance Bureau funding from the state is, clarified by
legislative action to fund future building projects.
The School Committee closed the meeting by reiterating its commitment
to the implementation of the plan to add classrooms and do renovations
at Birch Meadow and Eaton Elementary Schools.
Reading School Committee
Stanley M. Nissen, Chairman
Carol Lyons, Vice-Chair
James Nally
Barbara Philbrick
George Shannon
Mary Williams
On motion of Mr. Shannon, the report was accepted as a Report of
Progress.
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Ar-
ticle 2 on the table.
ARTICLE 6 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take
Article 6 from the table.
21
CAPITAL PLAN VOTED APRIL 19, 1990 - ARTICLE b
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Fiscal Years 1991 through 1995
(cost in 000's)
Cost by year and source of fundinct
92 FY93 FY94 FY95
Project
# Project Description FY91
FY
PW-P-1
Renovation of Pool
20A
100D
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-P-2
Park Development
-0-
50D
50D
50D
-0=
PW-R-1
Street Overlay
-0-
75A
75A
75A
75A
PW-R-2
St.Reconstruction
-0-
500D
-0-
500D
-0-
PW-R-3
Drainage Improvements
-0-
-0-
300D
-0-
300D
PW-R-4
St. Acceptances
-0-
15B
15B
15B
15B
PW-R-5
Walkers Brook Drive
-0-
440G
-0-
-0-
-0-
Improvements
145B
PW-R-6
Chapt. 90 Imprvmts.
-0-
60G
60G
6OG
60G
7
PW-R
Curb/Sidewalk Const
-0-
25D
75D
100D
100D
~
PW-R-8
East Side Neigh. Imp.
100G
PW-R-9
Depot Parking
-0-
40D
4-OD
-0-
-0-
PW-S-1
Inflow/Infiltration
63.7G
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
21.3E
PW-S-2
Main Reconstruction
-0-
45OG
-0-
-0-
-0-
50E
PW-W-2
Water Treat/Storage
157E
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-W-3
Vehicle
45E
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-W-4
New Well Development
-0-
100E
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-1
Computer/Wd Proc Equip
35A
35A
35A
35A
40A
SD-2
+ Roof Replacement.
262D
46A
160D
-0-
-0-
SD-3
Space Remodelling-Elem
1000D
1000D
-0-
-0-
50A
SD-4
Chp 504-Lifts-Toilet Rem
-0-
15A
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-6
Energy Related Proj
15A
15A
15A
15A
15A
SD-7
Vehicle Replacement
12A
12A
15A
15A
15A
SD-8
Floor Tile Replacement
15A
15A
15A
15A
15A
SD-9
Install Suspnded Ceiling
-0-
-0-
-0-
25A
-0-
SD-10
Window Replacement
-0-
175D
30A
-0-
-0-
SD-11
Refurbish Kitchen
-0-
-0-
50A
-0-
-0-
SD-12
Rplce Clsrm/Cafe Furn.
15A
18A
18A
18A
20A
SD-13
Gate/Zone Vlve Replcmt
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
SD-15
Oil Tank Replacement
-0-
10A
10A
10A
5A
SD-16
+ Asbestos_Abatement
(57*)
145D
88D
88D
88D
SD-18
+ Track Renovation
30A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-19
+ Boiler Replacement-H.S.
65A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-20
Space Remodel-Secondary
25A
25A
25A
-0-
-0-
LD-1
+ Purchase/Remodel Space
3500D
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
Revised 4-11-90
21 - A
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRA
M
Fiscal Years 1991
through
1995
-
(cost in 0001s)
Cost
by year
and
source of
funding
Project #
Project Description
FY91
FY92
FY93
FY94
FY95
FIN-2
Replace Data Proc Equip
13.45A
15A
15A
15A
15A
PS-F-4
Ladder Truck
-0-
370D
-0-
-0-
-0-
PS-F-5
Replace Bucket Truck
-0-
-0-
37S
-0-
-0-
PS-F-6
Replace Pickup Truck
-0-
-0-
15S
-0-
-0-
PS-F-7
Replace Pumper
-0-
-0-
-0-
160D
-0-
PS-F-8
Replace Ambulance
-0-
75S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PS-P-4
Signals - Square
-0-
150OG
-0-
-0-
-0- .
PW-B-2
Reconstruct Lib Park Lot
-0-
42S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-B-6
Elder Serv.-Center
-0-
450D i
-0-
-0-
-Gj-
PW-C-3
Cemetery Development
-0-
75C
75C
-0-
-0-
PW-C-6
Replace Backhoe
-0-
-0-
20C
-0-
-0-
PW-C-7
Replace Mower
-0-
6C
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-E-1
Replace Backhoe/loader
-0-
45S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-E-4
Replace Dump Trucks
55S
55S
55S
55S
55S
PW-E-5
Replace Pickup Truck
-0-
12S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-E-7
Replcmt. Other Equip.
-0=
30S
100S
100S
100S
PW-E-8
Replace Sweeper
75S
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
.
Revised 4-11-90
21 - B
SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BY YEAR BY SOURCE OF FUNDS
(Cost in 0001s)
A
B
C
D
E
G
S
FY91 FY.92
255.00 291.00
160.00
81.00
4762.00
2855.00
223.30
150.00
163.70
2450.00
130.00'
259.00
5534.00
6246.00
*57 from proceeds of previously sold Bond issues
FY93
313.00
15.00
95.00
713.00
60.00
60.00
2017.00
155.00
1403.00
1361.00
FY94
233.00
15.00
898.00
FY95
Total
260.00
1,352
15.00
205
176
488.00
9,716
373.3
60.00
2,793.7
155.,00
906
978.07 0
15,522
SOURCE OF FUNDING - A Annual Appropriation
B Betterment
C Sale of Cemetery Lots
D Debt to be authorized
E Enterprise Appropriation
G* Grant or outside funding
S Sale of Real Estate
Note: Projects in bold reflect new projects for FY91.
+ Articles on 1990 Annual Town Meeting Warrant or Special Warrant
Revised 4-11-90
21 - C
0 0 0 0
1 O f
O$
ti 1
h N N~
i
i tp
m V N If1 N 1 m 1 o i1
1
O N ON "I
.D 1
m N .-1 r 01 I r 1 s1' U
N 1
m
~
N
N
V i
ti I~.t ON
I N 11
F
1
N 1
.-1
1 1
1 . 11
i f ~"1 1t
w 1
1
~
p
°
0
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1
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L
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
ARTICLE 6 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to adopt
the Capital Improvement Program, dated, Revised April 11, 1990 and set
forth in the April 11, 1990 Supplemental Budget Information Memorandum
from Peter I. Hechenbleikner, as provided for in Section 7-7 of the
Reading Home Rule Charter.
See Attached Plan
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take
Article 2 from the table.
Mr. Willard J. Burditt, Finance Committee Chairman, presented the fol-
lowing report:
April 19, 1990
Finance Committee Report
Mr. Moderator, Town Meeting Members, Citizens of Reading,
A Budget Committee made up of the Town Manager, the Superintendent of
Schools, the Chairmen of the Selectmen, School Committee, and the
Finance Committee along with valuable assistance from the Town Finance
Director and accountant have been working together since late last
summer to collectively evaluate all revenue projections and allocate
the resources. After considering items that we have little
flexibility with, items such as debt service, pensions, group in-
surance, and currently the trash disposal and special needs increases,
this working group agreed with an allocation of all remaining funds.
In reconsidering the FY90 Budget it was agreed that it was late in the
school year for that department to make the major cuts and a reduction
of 40% for the schools and 60% for the municipal side was presented to
Town Meeting.
The FY91 Budget allocation was made on a 60% school and 40% municipal
distribution. This is the same distribution that has historically been
voted by the Annual Town Meeting.
Revenues are not enough to fund the present staff and layoffs are re-
quired. We would have needed an override of over $3 million to main-
tain the same staffing levels.
This was not unexpected. At the Special Town Meeting in September 1989
I presented an FY91 projected shortfall of $2.2 million. Add to that
the $800k trash disposal increase and we have the $3 million deficit.
-In the past few years since Prop 2-1/2 we have survived because of:
increased state aid
a stabilization fund
Federal revenue sharing
closing of schools
enterprise fund for water and sewer
i
22
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
We now have:
decreased state aid
no stabilization fund
no federal revenue sharing.
All of the schools that we can close are closed and there is now a
need for additional classroom space. I don't know of any additional
enterprise fund that we could create with the possible exception of
one for trash.
We are using:
most of the available free cash
all of the real estate funds that we can
all available abatement surplus.
Tonight we will begin deliberation of the FY91 Budget. It does not in-
clude all'IIof the services that we have voted for in past years because
the fundirlig is not available. The citizens of this Town voted not to
override Proposition 2-1/2.
FinCom has reviewed the presentation of a budget prepared by the
professional staff of this Town and has made it's recommendations.
The financial picture is continually changing. On Tuesday night the
Finance Committee was informed that the Assessors will increase the
amount of abatement surplus available for use by $42,000. The Com-
mittee voted to reduce the amount of free cash that we will recommend
- to be used for this fiscal year by this $42,000. The thinking being
that we are rapidly running out of resources that can be used for fu-
ture years.
Also on Tuesday night the Selectmen voted to reduce the trash expense
portion of the budget by $125,000. This is because the bids for the
hauling costs have been received and were overestimated when the
budget was prepared. This $125,000 is the minimum amount of the reduc-
tion and includes the cost of recycling. At the Finance Committee
meeting on Tuesday night some questions about the amount of trash that
will be recycled and the amount that will have to be brought to RESCO
were discussed and it was decided that the Finance Committee will wait
until the Selectmen vote on this item next Tuesday before they will
amend their position on this item in the budget.
Another change occurred last week that will probably have an impact on
the budget. We were informed that Blue Cross will not continue the
current indemnity plan. Since this is the base amount that all other
medical plans are measured against a new plan, if one can be found,
could change the amount for medical insurance in the recommended
budget.
Changes will occur from now until the end of the next fiscal year so
we must move on and vote on the budget with the most current informa-
tion available. If this changes significantly then we will need
another special town meeting.
23
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
Before voting, however, I think I would be remiss if I did not say
something about the following fiscal year.
Without any changes in the state law regarding Proposition 2-1/2 we
will find ourselves in a situation similar to this year. We can only
raise 2-1/2o more in property taxes than we raised this year plus any
new construction. Land sales do not appear to be in a position to give
us any new taxable income and housing starts don't appear to be sig-
nificantly increasing. I doubt that the state will give the cities and
towns a large increase in state aid. They are not yet willing to face
the current state chaos. Free cash is very low already and the asses-
sors have given us an additional amount for this year in abatement
surplus.
As for expenses, most union contracts will complete in FY91 and we
will be negotiating new contracts with unknown increases at this time.
The nonpersonal expenses such as medical expenses have continually
broken the bank and without knowing what we will be doing without Blu'
Cross this probably will not get any better. We do not have much money
projected in this years budget for maintaining our roads and there
will not be much for next year but we cannot continue this for very
long.
So the prospects for next year do not appear any better than this
year.
Now it is time to move on and to vote for a budget that will spend
most of the money that is available to us.
On motion of Mr. Burditt, it was voted to accept the report as a
Report of Progress.
Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager presented the following report:.
Mr. Moderator and Members of Town Meeting:
It is my sad duty this evening to deliver a budget message that will
make Mr. Graham's gloom and doom messages of the past look like
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. The tragedy that has so long been pre-
dicted is here. We are about to begin the painful process of cutbacks
and retrenchment that will result in significant reductions in person-
nel and programs, and if continued will result in the deterioration of
the capital plant of this community.
The only bright point in all this is the interest that the residents
of this community have taken in the budget and finances of the Town
the tremendous voter turnout in March and attendance at debates,
forums, and even FinCom meetings. It shows that, with all the problems
we face, a significant number of people are interested and concerned
about the financial future of this Town, and in that there may be hope
for our future.
24
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
April 19, 1990
This budget process was to have begun July 1, 1989, based on a promise
I made to Town Meeting, FinCom, and the Board of Selectmen last year.
It started in October, because we weren't through with the revised
FY90 Budget until then.
This budget is based on guidelines accepted by the Finance Committee,
Board of Selectmen, and School Committee. As circumstances changed the
guidelines changed, but always with the consensus of these groups.
In developing the budget we were guided by several principles:
preservation of public safety
preservation of quality schools
meeting statutory requirements
preserving the strong fiscal management of the Town
prioritizing service to residents at risk
maintaining the physical plant of the community
serving the greatest number of people
maintaining a balance of services
keeping the cooperation among departments.
Through this process there have been a number of bombshells tossed at
us: An increase of $820,000 in trash fees; a reduction in general of
the "cost of service" fees reflecting the general economic condition;
and most recently a decision by Blue Cross Blue Shield to drop the
Town as an insured effective 7-1-90. We have tried to deal with all of
these events in an even-handed, open, fiscally conservative manner.
Obviously, not all agree that we have accomplished this. The result is
a budget that has had the following effect:
Accounting
- 4.9%
Community Development
- 62%
Finance
- 0.1%
General Services
- 1.8%
Human Services
- 10.4%
Library
- 9.9%
Public Safety
- 1.4%
Public Works
+ 9.1%
(
- 14% exc. trash)
School
- 4.1%
Debt Service
+ 5 %
Employee Benefits
+ 11%
Water
+ 2.5%
Sewer
- 1.60
Total
+ 0.2%
Of this total almost $1.5 million is accounted for by extraordinary
costs special needs, trash and employee benefits. How do we manage
in these difficult times? We
1. Mitigate impacts during the fiscal year as cir-
cumstances determine i.e. attrition
25
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
2. Gain whatever further economies or efficiencies are
possible
3. Postpone those things that we can postpone
4. Eliminate those programs that we now provide that are
not a high priority or cost effective
5. Further consolidate where consolidation makes sense
6. Develop alternate funding sources for programs
7. Get the private section to provide some of our services
- i.e., adopt a traffic island; plow/shovel sidewalks
8. Continue to work to get State government off our backs
I want to speilid a moment talking.about revenues, and then as each,seg-
ment of the budget is reviewed prior to debate, I will offer a~ ex-
planation of the expenditures.
As you know, Town Meeting does not adopt a revenue side of the budget,
except as specific action on specific items require certain items of
revenue to be expended i.e. Sale of Real Estate, Cemetery Fund,
Abatement. Surplus, and Free Cash. But before developing the budget we
must, of necessity determine the resources available, and this is
reflected in Exhibit S-1 as amended and displayed before you. These
are our best estimates of revenues and the changes in any one may af-
fect the total.
Just a final note as we go through the budget expenditures. Some of
the numbers don't look consistent. Please pay careful attention to the
explanations.
We can and must get through this process together. A thorough
deliberation is important, but it is also important to complete this
work as quickly as possible so that actions needed by July 1 can be
taken in a timely manner.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to accept Mr.
Hechenbleikner's report as a Report of Progress.
Thomas J. Stohlman presented the following report:
REPORT TO TOWN MEETING
My name is Tom Stohlman and I am a town meeting member from Precinct
7. Since last January, I have attended most of the Finance Committee
meetings regarding the budget, and would like to give a short report
on the budget from that point of view.
26
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 19, 1990
Let me make it plain at the start that I disagree strongly with a
small percentage of the large budget now before you. However, I
believe disagreement and how it is handled is a measure of the health
of our small town democracy. I disagree with the Town Manager's
priorities, but he has supplied me with every speck of information
which I have asked for.
I have been disappointed with the mixed results I have received with
my concerns before the Finance Committee. But I am pleased and grate-
ful for their capacity to listen and their commitment to hard work.
They have given every citizen before them a fair chance to be heard
and tried to answer every question put to them. By those measures we
have a town which is in good health.
The budget is the single most important policymaking tool in our town.
The override fight is over. Our fellow citizens have told us quite
clearly how much money we have to spend and they have placed their
trust in us to spend it wisely. The Town Manager has suggested the way
we should spend it, and the Finance Committee has acted on those sug-
gestions.
We, Town Meeting Members, have the sole responsibility for voting on
the budget and setting the priorities for our town and its leaders for
the following year. The Moderator has chosen a process that will allow
us to look at each line item in a spotlight and also consider it at
the end in the broad daylight of the whole budget.
I agree with 99% of the budget before you. I believe the remaining 1%
should be reordered. That miniscule amount will-have a much greater
impact on Reading than its size indicates.
I would suggest that hiring more staff to protect our streets and
homes is more important than buying the latest dump truck, that the
enormous fees that the building inspectors collect will pay for the
existing inspectors, that a small amount from an overfunded reserve
fund will pay for more library books and staff, a full time conserva-
tion administrator, and additional help for the elderly. And I will
suggest that consistent with the spirit of our charter, the planning
staff should not reside in the DPW, but be returned to the planning
department.
Right now we have 192 different visions of our town's needs. At the
end of this article one vision will remain. Whether it is close to
mine or not, healthy debate and disagreement will guarantee it is the
best vision of all.
On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, the above report was accepted as a
Report of Progress.
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Ar-
ticle 2 on the table.
27
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
April 19, 1990
April 23, 1990
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was moved that the
Town approve and appropriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented
for line items 1 and 2. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 1 and 2
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, April 23, 1990, at the
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
132 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
herine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
THIRD BUSINESS SESSION
April 23, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:50 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Town Meeting Member, Leslie York, fol-
lowed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Speaking for the Reading School Committee, Stan Nissen made the fol-
lowing remarks regarding School Principals Day:
This year the State of Massachusetts has declared a Massachusetts
School Principals Recognition Day. The Town of Reading is fortunate
to have seven school principals that merit that recognition.
Our school system is founded on the principle of decentralization.
The school principal is given a great deal of autonomy in managing his
school. This has only worked because we have an excellent group of
administrators, each well respected within their school 'communities,
each deserving of high praise.
The principal is the person parents go to when they have a problem.
The principal is the person the teachers go to when they have a
problem. The principal is the person the Superintendent goes to when
28
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
April 23, 1990
rr he has a problem. And the principal is the person who is considered
I responsible for the successes and failures at his school. Nice job,
right?
Two of our principals have already received significant recognition.
Jack Delaney has just been elected "president-elect" of the National
Association of Secondary School Principals an 80,000 member profes-
sional organization of high school and middle school principals. Al
Lahood is completing a one-year term as President of the Massachusetts
Middle Level School Principal's Association and has just been named as
Principal of the Year by that organization.
So, let's take a moment now to recognize these individuals who have
been instrumental in the continuing success of the Reading Schools.
Birch Meadow Principal Richard Davidson
Barrows Principal Charlie Papandreou
Eaton Principal Don Farnham
Killam Principal Paul Guerrette
Coolidge Principal Al Lahood
Parker Principal Jack Delaney
Reading Memorial High School Principal Mark Piechota
On behalf of the School Committee and the Town of Reading, thanks.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, as amended by Thomas
J. Stohlman, the following line items were moved and amended:
Moved that the Town approve and appropriate the Proposed FY 1991
Budget Totals for Personal Service and Non-Personal Expense in the
Community Development Department, which unnumbered line items repre-
sent the aggregate totals of line items 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12 and line
items 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 13, respectively. Funds are to be provided
as follows:
Lines 3, 5, 7, 10, and 12 as totaled in the unnumbered line for Per-
sonal Services
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Lines 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, and 13 as totaled in the unnumbered line for
Non-Personal Expense
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
The Finance Committee Minority Report on the FY91 Budget was presented
by Vice Chairman Elizabeth Greene:
A minority of the members of the Finance Committee disagreed with the
reduced funding for the Community Development Department because of
the threat that reduced coordinated planning, conservation and as-
sociated activities will cost the Town.
29
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 23, 1990
The Department is specifically charged with the task of overseeing and
coordinating Town planning functions which it currently does and has
done successfully in the past. In these current times with the pos-
sibility of development both large and small, the loss of this
coordinated function will result in fragmented efforts, managed as
well as can be expected by either reduced members of the Town staff,
required to be done by independent consultants who may not see as
their charge to look at projects and issues as a whole, and may ul-
timately result in unanticipated costs in fixing problems later on.
The minority was persuaded that the Community Planning and Development
commission proposed fee estimates were reasonable and would support
the maintenance of this Department intact with at least part time
planning and conservation functions.
On amendment by Mr. Stohlman, Line 3 was increased by $13,107 to
$27,307; Line 5 was increased by $40,904 to $40,904; Line 10 was in-
creased by $15,896 to $53,586; and Line 9 was increased bJT $500 to
$1,000. J
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, as amended by Donald
C. Allen, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the
Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 14 through 28.
Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 14 - 28
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
On amendment by Donald C. Allen, Line 16 was decreased by the amount
of $20,000 to $180,000.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned to meet after the Special Town Meeting to be held at 7:30
p.m. on April 26, 1990 in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting was adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
159 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
N
LkA/ ✓L-
atherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
30
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 30, 1990
rr ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
I
FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION
April 30, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:40 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Alan Bond, First Congregational
Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, as amended by Gail
Wood, Precinct 2, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate
the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 29 through 44.
Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 29 - 44
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
On amendment by Gail Wood, Line 38 was increased by $730 to $1,980.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, as amended by Thomas
J. Stohlman, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the
Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 45 through 57.
Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 45 - 57
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
On amendment by Thomas J. Stohlman, Line 47 was increased by $3,066 to
$71,670.
ARTICLE 10 On motion by Willard J. Burditt, as amended by Thomas
J. Stohlman, it was moved that the Town approve and appropriate the
Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 58 through 59.
Funds are to..be provided as follows:
Lines 58 - 59
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
On amendment by Thomas J. Stohlman, Line 58 was increased by $15,394
to $360,658; and Line 59 was increased by $1,000 to $88,600.
ARTICLE 10 On motion by Willard J. Burditt, it was moved that the
Town approve and appropriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented
for line items 60 through 71. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 60 - 71
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
35
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting April 30, 1990
May 3, 1990
With three amendments under discussion, on motion of Russell T.
Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand adjourned to meet on
Thursday, May 3, 1990 at 7:30 p.m. in the Reading Memorial High School
Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
155 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
~therine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
FIFTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 3, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Robert Sweet, Jr. of the Old
South United Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to
the Flag. The Moderator acknowledged students present from the Stu-
dent Council and Peer Leadership, many of whom recently participated
in Student Government Day on April 25th.
Russell T. Graham, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, presented the
following:
Mr. Moderator:
The New England Town Meeting is a unique institution understood only
by those of us who by birth and/or desire live our lives in this small
section of the world with the unquestioned confidence that those who
live elsewhere do so only because they have no choice or are somehow
misguided.
The New England Town Meeting is to us, surely the only true manifesta-
tion of freedom in action. A sacred forum in which the basics of
liberty are reduced to the lowest common denominator of deciding the
salary of the dog officer, and at the same time, raised to the highest r
decision as to at what price and how we shall educate our children.`
36
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1990
Central to this unique and sacred institution is the legend of those
personalities unforgettable and distinct, who by their character and
their input, create and foster a spirit which makes each Town's annual
meetings different and recognizable one from the other.
Tonight, Mr. Moderator, we recognize one of our very own special per-
sonalities whose contribution to this body borders on the legendary.
After four decades of serving in Town Meeting, Carl Amon has made the
decision to not continue as a member.
And as he takes his leave, Mr. Moderator it behooves us to reflect on
his service and on his personality and hopefully to somehow capture a
little bit of both to serve us as a model.
For Carl Amon was to use the vernacular - a tough cookie.
He expected from all of us who served in town government and in Town
Meeting a high standard of performance and action, and if he failed to
see that standard realized he was quickly on his feet (usually without
microphone) to point out the failure and to pin-point the expecta-
tions. And most of us, at one point or another dreaded the anticipa-
tion of being on the receiving end of that articulate, sharp and well
defined tongue.
But because of it, and because of that expected standard - all of us
strived just a little harder to meet and even hopefully surpass that
standard - and thus Town Meeting and Reading were better served.
If, for instance, you suffered the misfortune of being elected Chair-
man of the Finance Committee, you knew that on the first night of your
tenure, Mr. Amon would have a rather difficult question for you - a
test if you will to see if you met his high standards - you knew the
test was going to be there. What most of us never knew -and still
don't know - is whether we passed or not.
Carl Amon does not suffer fools lightly and certainly had no fear of
taking them on whenever he detects them lurking in our midst. Let a
Town Meeting Member repeat himself over and over, or let him misstate
a fact and all eyes would quickly revert to Mr. Amons position in the
hall usually to already see him rising from his seat to point out the
repetition or eloquently but sharply correct the misstated fact. You
know - I miss him already.
But despite that toughness, despite demand for high standards, Carl
Amon brought to the hall an even more precious gift --a gift necessary
to successful Town Meeting sessions - the gift of humor - never in our
sessions did he lose that well honed sense of humor.
In the midst of heated debate - when tensions might be unusually high
- one could count once again on Mr. Amon's rising and with a well
placed punch line throw Town Meeting into gales of laughter - reliev-
ing the tension and returning the debate to a far higher plain - a
37
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1990
special gift - a reminder of the first rule of town government - never
lose your sense of humor!
Mr. Amon came to the hall - covered with all the prerequisites needed
for respect - He is a senior partner of one of Boston's largest and
most prestigious law firms. He has served on the Board of Directors of
Corporations and local charitable institutions. He has chaired the
Board of Trustees of academically superior schools. He is a warm
father and was, and remains, although a widower, a devoted husband to
the woman he deeply loved.
But in this hall, he came simply as a citizen prepared to serve his
fellow citizens to work in harmony with others with but one goal - to
make Reading a better place to live. If it took toughness to reach
that goal - then toughness he used. If it took humor to reach that
goal - then humor he used, but whatever it took, that remained always
his goal, and leaving aside all that he is to; the outside world, he
earned here in this assemblage, our special respect, our special ad-
miration and our special affection!
In testimony to that, Mr. Moderator, I ask for the unanimous support
of Town Meeting for the following resolution:
Resolution Honoring
Carl H. Amon, Jr.
Whereas Carl H. Amon Jr. has served the Town of Reading in j
varying capacities for a period of forty years; and
Whereas Mr. Amon served on the Reading Finance Committee and as
its Chairman; and
Whereas Mr. Amon served as Town Counsel for the Town of Read-
ing; and
Whereas Mr. Amon served on various committees of Town govern-
ment including the Space Study Committee and the Law
Committee; and
Whereas Mr. Amon has offered dedicated and faithful service as
both an elected and appointed member and as Chairman of
the Board of Cemetery Trustees and continues to serve
as an officer of the Cemetery Trustees of the Town of
Reading; and
Whereas Mr. Amon was elected to Town Meeting in March, 1951 and
has served in this body for a period of 40 years ending
on March 19, 1990; and
Whereas Mr. Amon has earned the respect of the citizens for his
substantial contributions to Town government in Read-
ing;
38
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 3, 1990
Now, therefore, be it resolved that this Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
of the Town of Reading held on May 3, 1990, does extend to Carl H.
Amon, Jr. its sincere expression of appreciation and gratitude for
outstanding service to the Town; and
Be it further resolved that this Resolution be made part of the
records of this Adjourned Annual Town Meeting and that a copy cer-
tified by the Town Clerk be delivered to Mr. Amon.
ti
Catherine A. Quimb
Town Clerk
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this tribute to Mr.
Amon. become part of the minutes of this Town Meeting.
Finance Committee Chairman Willard J. Burditt presented the attached
information on Free Cash and Town Meeting Actions to date.
see Burditt Attachments
ARTICLE 10 The Moderator advised Town Meeting that the motion of
Willard J. Burditt and three amendments for Lines 60-71 were on the
floor and open for discussion.
Dr. Howard Hutchins spoke on behalf of the Animal Control Officer's
position.
On amendment by Edward F. Driscoll, III, Precinct 5, Line Item 60 was
increased by the amount of $9,195 for Depot parking enforcement.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 1990, at the Reading
Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:05 p.m.
146 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
t
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
39
CHAIRMAN BURDITT REPORT TO TOWN MEETING - May 3, 1990
CERTIFIED FREE CASH
($000)
7/1/87 (FY88)
7/1/88 (FY89)
TOWN MEETING:
NOWDEC
APRIL
TOTAL FOR FY 1989
TOWN MEETING:
MAY
TOTAL FOR FY 1990
FREE CASH APPROPRIATED IN FY89
REVENUE IN EXCESS OF BUDGET
EXPENDITURE UNDER BUDGET
NET FOR FY89
7/1/89 (FY90)
TOWN MEETING:
SEPT (STATE AID REDUCTION)
NOV (CLEANUP AT TASC SITE)
APRIL (FY90)
TOTAL FOR FY90
PROJECTION FOR FY91 BUDGET
TO DATE IN FY90
REMAINING FREE CASH
$1,822
($1,097)
19
($1,516)
820
824
($2,336)
$560
341
U1.435)
$1,105
($95)
($25)
172
j
($292) _
701
993
39 - A
TOWN MEETING AMMENDMENTS OR ACTIONS AS OF 4130190
LINE
ITEM
3 CONSERVATIQN PERSONAL
5 PLANNING PERSONAL
9 HISTORICAL NON-PERSONAL
10 INSPECTION PERSONAL
16 RESERVE FUND
38 TOWN CLERK NON-PERSONAL
41 CASUALTY INSURANCE
47 ELDER SERVICES PERSONAL
58 LIBRARY PERSONAL
59 LIBRARY NON-PERSONAL
TOTAL TO DATE
$13,107
$40,904
$500
$15,896
($20,000)
$730
($12,400)
$3,066
$15,394
$1.000
$58,197
39 - B
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39 - D
Adjourned Special Town Meeting May 3, 1990
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 7, 1990
ADJOURNED SPECIAL TOWN MEETING
SECOND BUSINESS SESSION
May 3, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
10:05 P.M. there being a quorum present.
ARTICLE 6 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take
Article 6 from the table.
ARTICLE 6 On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it was voted that the
Town appropriate from Certified Free Cash the sum of One Thousand Six
Hundred Ten ($1,610.00) Dollars to Line 60, of.:the Fiscal Year 1990
Municipal Budget (Police Personal Services), for! the purpose of fund-
ing a Parking Enforcement Officer for the Depot area of Reading.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to adjourn the Special
Town Meeting sine die.
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
146 Town Meeting Members Present
A True Copy. Attest:
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
SIXTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 7, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Town Meeting Member Leslie York, followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 98
through 100. Funds are to be provided as follows:
40
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
May 7, 1990
May 10, 1990
Lines 98 - 99
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 100
Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $130,000, with the
remainder from property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local
receipts.
After a lengthy debate which included twelve amendments to various
lines 72 through 97 within the Department of Public Works Budget, the
main motion, which would have approved only the totals as represented
by Lines 98 through 100, was defeated by a large margin.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
tand
adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May the
Reae.,Ang Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:25 p.m.
139 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
atherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
SEVENTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 10, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:50 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Town Meeting Member Leslie York, followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Town Manager, Peter I. Hechenbleikner presented three options for
Town Meeting to consider as motions under Article 10 for the Public
Works Budget.
41
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 10, 1990
MOTION UNDER ARTICLE 10 - OPTION 1
1990 Annual Town Meeting
Move that the Town approve and appropriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget
as presented for line items 98 through 100, consisting of the totals
as indicated in lines 72 through 97. Funds are to be provided as fol-
lows:
Lines 98 - 99
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 100
Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $130,000, with the
remainder from property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local
receipts.
MOTION UNDER ARTICLE 10 - OPTION 2
1990 Annual Town Meeting
Move that the Town approve and appropriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget
as presented for line items 75, 76, 86, 87, and 98,99, and 100, with
line 98 representing the total of lines 72, 77, 79, 89, 92, and 95;
line 99 representing the total of lines 73, 78, 80, 90, 93, 94, and
96; and line 100 representing the total of lines 74, 91, and 97.
Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 75, 76, 86, 87, 98, and 99
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 100
Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $130,000, with the
remainder from property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local
receipts.
MOTION UNDER ARTICLE 10 - OPTION 3
1990 Annual Town Meeting
Move that the Town approve and appropriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget
as presented for line items 72 through 97. Funds are to be provided
as follows:
Lines 72 - 96
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 97
Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $130,000.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of John W. Price, Option 3 was voted on a
roll call vote with each member indicating the number of the option
for which he/she was voting.
42
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
PRECINCT 1
May 10, 1990
BAGGS FRANK H JR
3
KONISKY RAYMOND A
3
BOUCHER JAMES R
1
LIVINGSTONE EARLE C
2
CHUHA STEPHEN C JR
3
MACARI THOMAS
-
CONVERSE HERBERT W
3
NITZSCHE CURT E
3
CUMMINGS MATTHEW
3
NITZSCHE SALLY C
-
DOUCETTE BARBARA I
2
OFENSTEIN SHARON K
-
FALLON JOHN L JR
1
OFENSTEIN W.THOMAS
-
FANTASIA DORIS M
-
PROCTOR MAURICE C JR
3
FOTINO RICHARD P SR
3
QUIMBY CATHERINE A
HANSON RICHARD W
-
RYAN THOMAS J
3
JAREMA JOHN A
2
SULLIVAN JOHN P JR
3
KING KENNETH A
-
WALCOTT ROBERT J
-
PRECINCT 2
ADAMS VIRGINIA M
3
MARTIN FREDERICK F JR
2
BURKE FRANCIS P
1
OSHAUGHNESSY BRIAN A
-
CARROLL DOLORES S
3
PARSONS JOHN E III
-
DAVIS WAYNE S
-
REDFERN ELLEN
1
EBERT LEONARD J
-
REILLY BRUCE A
1
FALLER GAIL A
-
RICH MAUREEN
-
FOULDS ALAN E
-
RICKLEY ANTHONY L
1
GENTILE ANN E
-
SALTER ROBERT S
3
GIORDANI JOHN J
3
WATSON LARRY B
3
LANE GINNY
3
WOOD GAIL F
2
LEBLANC PHILIP D
3
WOOD JOHN D
2
PRECINCT 3
BARTOSCH WILLIAM J JR
3
KORTH CAROLYN H
3
BEECH KENNETH J
-
LYONS CAROL S
3
BOGHOSIAN DAVID A
-
MACDONALD GERALD L
3
CARLSON VICTOR R
3
MAILLETT ROBERTA P
-
DANTONA ROBERTA C
2
MARSHALL WILLIAM J
3
DEMPSTER RICHARD S
3
MAYBERRY RICHARD W
3
DIPIETRO STEPHEN M
2
MCCORMACK GEORGE A
1
DONOVAN AGNES H
3
MILANO JOHN L SR
3
EVANS COURTNEY A
-
NICHOLS BENJAMIN E
-
FIORE GERALD A
-
PEDERSEN DANA C
3
FIORE JANE M
1
WATSON LANCE
3
GUENTHER MICHAEL M
-
WIEWORKA ARDITH A
2
PRECINCT 4
BOISVERT PHILIP B
3
HARTZLER GLEN M
-
BURDITT WILLARD J
1
LOCKE WILLIAM E
-
EDWARDS JONATHAN
3
LOSCHI EDWIN J JR
3
GRAHAM NANCY M
1
MURPHY EDWARD F JR
-
GRAHAM RUSSELL T
1
NIGRO EUGENE R
1
HARRISON RANDOLPH R JR
1
NORDBERG NILS L
-
43
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
PRECINCT 4 (continued)
May lo, 199o
PACING PHILIP B - TWOMEY TIMOTHY R 2
PRICE JOHN W 3 VINCENT MARY R 1
ROGERS RICHARD C 1 WESTRA ROSALYN W 3
SMETHURST EDWARD G 2 YORK IRENE M 3
THEOPHANIS GEORGE A - YORK LESLIE H 3
TRAINOR STEPHANIE J - ZIEGLER MARY S 2
PRECINCT 5
BECKWITH CAROL S
CASELLE PAUL F
CEFALO RICHARD R
CLF;,ARY PAUL F
DRiSCOLL EDWARD F III
FERRARI ROBERT J
FULLER ROBERT L
GRIFFIN ROBERT P JR
HAYES LAURENCE F JR
HIGGOTT ELEANOR K
HIGGOTT HENRY A
MABIUS LAWRENCE E
3
MACLEOD WAYNE A
2
MCKINLEY RHETA C
-
MCWILLIAMS GEORGE M
-
OLEARY JAMES L
3
PAILBRICK BARBARA B
3
POTHIER ROBERT G
1
RADVILLE RICHARD A
1
RANVVILLE GEORGE R
2
SHANNON GEORGE J
3
SIMONE MARIA A
3
TUCKER M.JANE
-
TUCKER STEPHEN G
PRECINCT 6
AREGLADO RICHARD G
-
HOYT SALLY M
BARCROFT RALPH W
3
KAINE DIANA M
BORDEAU CYRIL F
-
LIPPITT JOHN A
CARRL JACK G
3
LYNCH ROBERT R
CHAMPA WILLIAM A
2
MACDONALD W.BRUCE
CHANDLER RODNEY J
2
MITCHEL BARRY J
COCO JOAN M
3
MITCHEL JUDITH A
COCO RICHARD H
-
ROSE BEATRICE H
FANDEL JAMES J
1
SHIELDS PETER A
FAVALORO MARK J
-
STACKPOLE IRVING L
FULGONI KEVIN M
3
TULIKANGAS ROBERT J
HALEY LESLIE J
2
ZITZOW ROBERT P
PRECINCT 7
3
2
3
2
3
3
3
2
1
3
3
1
1
1
3
3
BESEN PETER D
3
HINES GEORGE V
1
BLADE MICHAEL E
-
HUGHES WILLIAM J JR
1
CARPENTER JOHN E
3
JOHNSON MARK H
1
CULLEN MAUREEN
1
LEACH KENNETH W
-
DURKIN LAWRENCE A
3
LECLAIRE STUART S
1
ENSMINGER DANIEL A
-
MACDONNELL JOHN F
3
FERGUSON PAUL W
1
MANVILLE JOANNE E
2
HANSON MICHAEL A
-
MARGOSSIAN WILLARD Z
1
44
Adjourned Annual Town
Meeting
May
10, 1990
PRECINCT 7 (continued)
MORSE WILLIAM A
3
STOHLMAN THOMAS J
1
1
ODONOGHUE CAROL A
3
SWYTER DAVID M
TAMBURRINO THOMAS J
1
SLEZAK MICHAEL F
2
-
TAYLOR JAMES K
-
SMITH C.DEWEY
PRECINCT 8
ALLEN DONALD C
BROWN ROBERT A
BROWN WILLIAM C
COOPER KENDRA JG
GALVIN GREGORY C
GORGONE FRANCIS P
HOWARD RICHARD D
HULSE GLORIA R
IAPICCA PASQUALE M
KLEPEIS ELIZABETH W
NORDSTRAND ROBERT I
OCONNELL RONALD V
*abstention
no response
*
PERRY GEORGE B II
3
1
POOLE SHERYL L
1
3
RIVERS JOHN R
3
-
RUSSELL JOHN H
-
1
RUSSELL MARGARET W
-
3
SABO SARA C
1
1
SILVAGGI JOHN M
-
2
SILVAGGI MARIA E
1
-
SPAULDING WALTER J JR
3
1
THOMASES STEPHEN W
2
1
VANMAGNESS FREDERICK
2
3
WHITE NATHAN C
1
132 members voted
2 members abstained
Russell T. Graham, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, presented the
following report on the RESCO Situation:
Mr. Moderator:
Town and city governments in Massachusetts these days live with the
constant knowledge that if the left one don't get ya, then the right
one will.
Something as elementary as the disposal of trash has become more com-
plicated and tremendously more expensive with each passing year.
One of the most pressing questions facing us as a nation is what are
we to do with our ever-increasing refuse, and how much will it cost us
to do it.
The Board of Selectmen, aware of this problem, created an Ad Hoc Solid
Waste Policy Advisory Committee two years ago to study the issue and
to recommend to the Board of Selectmen appropriate courses of action
to deal with the problem.
45
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
may 10, 1990
I have the pleasure of serving that Committee as its Chairman, and it
is indeed a pleasure for the members of that Committee have proven
to be extraordinary extraordinary in their knowledge of the
problem, extraordinary in their enthusiasm, extraordinary in their
capacity for work, and extraordinary in their commitment to seek out
solutions.
In a very short period, the Committee, with the full support and out-
standing cooperation of the Department of Public Works instituted the
leaf composting program and the newspaper recycling drive both sig-
nificantly reducing the amount of waste in our monthly stream. The
response by the citizens of Reading to both of these programs is very
gratifying.
The Committee, from its inception, embraced the concept of recycling
as a socially and environmentally positive measure which, in the long
run, will have sound economic benefits as well, The problem at that
time was that it would indeed be long run, for the contracted tipping
fees from RESCO of $22 per ton was low enough to not provide jus-
tification for any decreased costs associated with the recycling
program. Our trash was being collected efficiently and at a rela-
tively low price.
Not to worry the State with its uncanny ability to do so sniffed
out this efficiency and low cost and quickly set about its assigned
task of reversing both.
As a result of legislation passed to retrofit and install scrubbers at
our tipping plant, the plant would have to be closed for a significant
amount of time, and the tipping fee per ton would be increased to
$79.50 a 261% increase in cost.
The towns and cities affected by this act have banded together to
bring legal action to reverse or modify this situation, but the out-
come is not known or even able to be guessed at.
While such action dealt a serious blow to our already precarious fis-
cal situation, it also re-emphasized to the Solid Waste Committee that
the economic basics of supply and demand still reign supreme, and that
if not now, then certainly very soon thereafter, the reality of in-
creased costs for trash collection would come home to roost in Read-
ing, and that recycling had to be addressed as the environmentally,
socially, and economically prudent path for the Town to follow.
As a result, the Committee recommended to the Board of Selectmen that
trash collection bids about to be submitted include the capacity for
mandatory curbside recycling.
The low bidder was our present trash collector, and the Solid Waste
Committee further recommended that the low bid be accepted and that
the Board of Selectmen proceed with a mandatory curbside recycling
program for Reading.
46
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 10, 1990
On Tuesday evening, the Board of Selectmen unanimously accepted that
recommendation.
As a result of that action, sometime in September, Reading will begin
to collect separately for recycling glass, aluminum, tin, and
newspapers, and hopes to replace the present monthly voluntary collec-
tion with collection for recycling of white paper, computer paper, and
plastics.
Each family in Reading will receive a gift of a bin for recycling in
which they will place together their glass, their aluminum, and their
tin, and their newspapers in a brown bag or tied with string, for a
collection at curbside by our contracted trash collector.
The Solid Waste Committee and staff will begin immediately to imple-
ment a comprehensive Town-wide education campaign aimed at persuading
the' citizens of Reading to take part in, and welcome recycling to
Reading.
The Solid Waste Committee and staff and the Board of Selectmen have
anticipated in their planning that the waste stream will in the first
year via recycling be reduced by 100.
The effect of this action on the Budget will be discussed under line
88 of the Budget. That budget amount will be reduced by at least
$100,000, but that reduced amount is not, let us stress, as low as it
would be if we were not to recycle.
If our reduction is 10%, then we would be paying a premium to recycle.
The aid would be to have higher than 10% reduction, and it is the firm
belief of the Solid Waste Committee that an increased participation is
very possible given the enthusiastic acceptance by the citizens of
Reading to our initial attempts to recycle.
In the near term, it is further our belief that increased costs of
trash collection coupled with wider acceptance of recycling will con-
tinue to make recycling the only economically viable way to approach
the solid waste problem.
We need also to further stress that all of our figures anticipate the
full $79.50 per ton tipping fee presently in the RESCO proposal.
Should our legal challenge to that contract be upheld, and the tipping
fee be reduced significantly, then the cost of recycling might, in
comparison, be too much of a premium, and at least from a financial
standpoint, have to be revisited.
But we are equally convinced that given the law of supply and demand,
given the mandated elimination of landfills, and given the increase in
trash in our society, the cost of trash collection will go only in one
direction upwards, and the sooner we face up to reducing that waste
stream, while at the same time benefiting society and the environment,
47
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
may 10, 1990
the better off we will all be. There is, said the philosopher, noth-
ing so strong as an idea whose time has come. The idea of recycling's
time has come. We urge Town Meeting to support that idea, and in
fact, we urge you as leaders of the community, to join the Solid Waste
committee in its campaign to educate our fellow citizens to the
benefits of recycling.
It is a rare opportunity to join in an effort which will benefit
mankind, benefit the environment we live in and benefit the world we
pass on to our children, and eventually benefit our pocketbooks as
well.
Thank you, Mr. Moderator.
Town Manager, Peter I. Hechenbleikner, made the following comments
concerning the solid waste disposal contract:
The Town of Reading, along with 18 other communities, was presented in
January, 1990 by RESCO, with three options based on State-ordered
modifications to the solid waste plant in Saugus:
1. Cancel the existing contract effective 7-1-90.
2. Keep the existing contract through 6-30-95 and pay
$101.00 per ton.
3. Renegotiate a new fifteen-year contract and pay $79.50
per ton.
This was discussed by the Board of Selectmen in January, and the deci-
sion was made to develop the FY91 Municipal Budget based on the $79.50
per ton figure. The Town has also explored other alternatives, and has
bid solid waste collection.
The 19 communities have been meeting since January, and have voted to
hire the firm of Palmer and Dodge, along with Camp Dresser & McKee and
Public Finance Management to advise the towns on the solid waste
issues.
Based on a review of the contracts, the plans for the plant, and the
analysis by our consultants, the vast majority of the nineteen com-
munities, including Reading, feel that it is appropriate for us to
stay with the existing contract for FY91, and during FY91, try to ne-
gotiate as a group a new, long-term fifteen year contract. This
results in a cost, not of $101.00 as proposed by RESCO, but a con-
siderably smaller amount.
The impact of this decision on the FY91 Budget before Town Meeting is
reflected on the attached viewgraphs. As a result, there is a sig-
nificant reduction in the solid waste budget needed for FY91, a change
from $1.5 million to $925,000.
48
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 10, 1990
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted to ay
the subject matter of Article 10 on the table until the Town Meeting
session on May 17, 1990.
ARTICLE 16 On motion of George J. Shannon, it was voted that the
Town raise by borrowing and appropriate for the purpose of replacing
the roof at the J. Warren Killam Elementary School, Reading, Mas-
sachusetts, the sum of Two Hundred Sixty-Two Thousand ($262,000.00)
Dollars; such appropriation to include all engineering fees, and
preparation costs required to complete the purpose of this Article,
all monies to be expended under the direction of the Reading School
Committee.
120 voted in the affirmative
4 voted in the negative
2/3 vote required
ARTICLE 17 George J. Shannon moved that thelTown raise by borrow-
ing and appropriate for the purpose of refurbishing the outdoor run-
ning track at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, Reading,
Massachusetts, the sum of Thirty Thousand ($30,000.00); such ap-
propriation to include all engineering fees and preparation costs re-
quired to complete the purpose of this Article, all monies to be ex-
pended under the direction of the Reading School Committee. This mo-
tion was voted in the negative.
33 voted in the affirmative
91 voted in the negative
2/3 vote required
ARTICLE 18- George J. Shannon moved that the Town transfer the
remaining balance from the Transformer Replacement - Reading Memorial
High School Project, approved on April 21, 1988, under Article 10, the
amount of Forty-Eight Thousand ($48,000.00) Dollars; and transfer the
remaining balance from the Field House Roof Project, approved April
11, 1988 under Article 12, the amount of Nine Thousand ($9,000.00)
Dollars; and raise by borrowing the amount of Thirty-Eight Thousand
($38,000.00) Dollars; and appropriate the total of Ninety-Five
Thousand ($95,000.00) Dollars for the purpose of continuing the com-
pliance with the requirements of the Asbestos Hazard Emergency
Response Act; such appropriation to include all engineering and in-
dustrial hygiene fees and all costs for making extraordinary repairs
to remove asbestos from the Reading Public Schools described as
Priority II in the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act Management
Plan for the Reading Public Schools, all monies to be expended under
the direction of the Reading School Committee.
On amendment by Willard J. Burditt, the amount of
Thirty-Eight Thousand ($38,000.00) Dollars to be raised by borrowing
was deleted, making the new total to be appropriated Fifty-Seven
Thousand ($57,000.00) Dollars.
49
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 10, 1990
Following further discussion, on motion of John E.
Carpenter, it was voted to table the subject matter of Article 18 to
allow Health Director Ruth Cogan time to prepare a report and recom-
mendations on the subject.
ARTICLE 19. On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the
subject matter of Article 19 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 20 Robert I. Nordstrand moved that the Town vote to accept
the provisions of Chapter 494 of the Acts of 1989 regarding property
tax exemption for residential improvements to provide elderly housing.
This motion was voted in the negative.
ART-CLE 21 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that the
subject matter of Article 21ibe indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 22 On motion of George V. Hines, as amended by Dolores S.
Carroll, Bylaw Committee, it was voted that the General Bylaws of the
Town of Reading be amended by deleting Sections 4.4.5, 4.4.6, and
4.4.7 of Section 4.4; Subsection 4.4.8 to be renumbered 4.4.5; and the
heading 114.4 Contracts" to be retitled 114.4 Conflict of Interest."
ARTICLE 23 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to table
the subject matter of Article 23.
ARTICLE 24 On motion of John W. Price, it was voted that the Town
file a petition and/or approve the filing of a petition to the General
Court for a special act providing essentially as follows:
"Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 63 of Chapter
44 of the General Laws or any other General or Special law to the con-
trary, the Town of Reading is authorized by a majority vote at a Town
Meeting to transfer the then existing balance in the sale of real es-
tate account established pursuant to Section 63 of Chapter 44 of the
General Laws into the special fund established pursuant to Section 1
of Chapter 523 of the Acts of 1989."
93 voted in the affirmative
23 voted in the negative
4 abstained
on motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 14, 1990, at the Read-
ing Memorial High School Auditorium.
5
50
~I
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
147 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
May 10, 1990
May 14, 1990
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
EIGHTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 14, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Dr. David W. Reid of the First
Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
ARTICLE 25 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to table
the subject matter of Article 25 because the applicant had requested
his application be withdrawn.
ARTICLE 26 On motion by Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the sub-
ject matter of Article 26 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 27 On motion by Eugene R. Nigro, as amended by Frederick
VanMagness, Precinct 8, it was voted that the Town amend the
recodified Bylaws of the Town (or corresponding provisions of the ear-
lier By-Laws) by adding the following to Section 4.9 "User Fees":
114.9.3. Pursuant to Section 53C of Chapter 44 of the General Laws, a
fee of ten percent (10%) of the cost of the services authorized by
said section for work performed by one of the Town's employees on an
off-duty work detail or for special detail work shall, except in the
case of a city, Town, district or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,
be added to the cost of said services and paid by the persons request-
ing such private detail."
ARTICLE 28 On motion by Daniel A. Ensminger, it was unanimously
voted that the Town file a petition and/or approve the filing of a
petition to the General Court for a special act providing essentially
as follows:
51
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 14, 1990
"Section 1. Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 136A of Chapter
140 of the General Laws, or any other General or Special law to the
contrary, the phrase "License period" as used in Sections 137 to 175,
inclusive, of Chapter 140 of the General Laws or in Chapter 57 of the
Acts of 1985 or in any bylaw of the Town of Reading relating to the
licensing of dogs in the Town of Reading shall be defined as "the time
between February first and the following January thirty-first, both
dates inclusive."
98 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
ARTICLE 29 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the
Town, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule', Charter,
declare the seats of the following Town Meeting Members to be, vacant
and remove the following persons from their position as Town, Meetinq'
Member for failure to attend one-half or more.. of Town Meeting ses=
sions, during the previous year.
I
Precinct 2 Leonard J. Ebert
Precinct 3 Roberta P. Maillet
Precinct 5 Wayne A. MacLeod
on a point of personal privilege, Gail F. Wood, Town Meeting Member
from Precinct 2, gave a "commercial" for the benefit of the cable
television viewers, seeking volunteers for Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 30 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town
accept a gift of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) to be used for es-
tablishing a trust fund to be administered by the Commissioners of
Trust Funds, the interest from such trust fund to be used pursuant to
guidelines established by the Director of Elder Services, as approved
by the Commissioners of Trust Funds, for outreach work with senior
citizens of the Town of Reading.
ARTICLE 31 On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it was voted that the
subject matter of Article 31 be indefinitely postponed.
ARTICLE 23 On motion of Robert R. Lynch, Precinct 6, it was voted
to take Article 23 from the table.
ARTICLE 23 Robert R. Lynch moved that the Town vote to amend the
General Bylaws of the Town by adding the following to Section 4.9
"User Fees":
114.9.1.1 Except to the extent authorized by Federal or State law, any
other provision of these bylaws or the Reading Home Rule Charter, no
user fee newly adopted or amended pursuant to Section 4.9.1 of these
bylaws, or any fine newly adopted or amended by any official body
shall become effective until after the same has been approved by a
majority vote at a Town Meeting."
Following discussion, several amendments from the floor were defeated.
i
52
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 14, 1990
May 17, 1990
ARTICLE 23 On motion of John H. Russell, Precinct 8, it was voted
to table the subject matter of Article 23.
ARTICLE 7 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to take
Article 7 from the table.
ARTICLE 7 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to amend
the Capital Improvement Program by the addition of $16,000 to PW-B-7,
Library Improvements; $62,000 to SD-21, Portable Building - Eaton; and
$5,000 to FIN-3, Data Processing Equipment - Assessors; with the
source of funding for all projects to be annual appropriation (A).
(see attached Capital Improvement Program)
ARTICLE 7 On motion of :Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to table
the subject matter of Article 7.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 17, 1990, at the
Reading Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
124 Town Meeting Members Present.
- A True Copy. Attest:
----"'Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
NINTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 17, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Harold Garbarino of the Church of
the Good Shepherd, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Town Counsel, H Theodore Cohen, outlined the Moderator's authority in
response to a request from a Town Meeting member. Town Counsel
referenced several court cases and the General Bylaws of Reading.
53
AMENDED CAPITAL PLAN VOTED MAY 17, 1990 - ARTICLE 7
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Fiscal Years 1991
through
1995
(cost in 000's)
Cost
by year and
source
of funding
Project #
Project Description
FY91
FY92
FY93
FY94
FY95
FIN-2
Replace Data Proc Equip
13.45A
15A
15A
15A
15A
FIN-3
D.P. Equip - Assessors
5A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
PS-F-4
Ladder Truck
-0-
370D
-0-
-0-
-0-
PS-F-5
Replace Bucket Truck
-0-
-0-
37S
-0-
-0-
PS-F-6
Replace Pickup Truck
-0-
-0-
15S
-0-
-0-
PS-F-7
Replace Pumper
-0-
-0-
-0-
160D
-0-
PS-F-8
Replace Ambulance
-0-
75S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PS-P-4
Signals - Square
-0-
1500G
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-B-2
Reconstruct Lib Park Lot
-0-
42S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-B-6
Elder Serv.-Center
-0-
450D
-0-
-0-
-0.-
PW-B-7
Library Improvements
16A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-C-3
Cemetery Development
-0-
75C
75C
-0-
-0-
PW-C-6
Replace Backhoe
-0-
-0-
20C
-0-
-0-
PW-C-7
Replace Mower
-0-
6C
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-E-1
Replace Backhoe/loader
-0-
45S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-E-4
Replace Dump Trucks
55S
55S
55S
55S
55S
PW-E-S
Replace Pickup Truck
-0-
12S
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-E-7
Replcmt. Other Equip.
-0-
30S
100S
1005
100S
PW-E-8
Replace Sweeper
75S
-0-
-0-
-0--
-0-
Revised 5-14-90
53 - A
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Fiscal Years 1991 through 1995
(cost in 000's
Cost
by Year
and source of
funding
Project
# Project Description FY91
FY92
FY93
FY94
FY95
PW-P-1
Renovation of Pool
20A
100D
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-P-2
Park Development
-0-
50D
50D
50D
-0-
PW-R-1
Street Overlay
-0-
75A
75A
75A
75A
PW-R-2
St.Reconstruction
-0-
500D
-0-
500D
-0-
PW-R-3
Drainage Improvements
-0-
-0-
300D
-0-
300D
PW-R-4
St. Acceptances
-0-
15B
15B
15B
15B
PW-R-5
Walkers Brook Drive
-0-
440G
--0-
-0-
-0-
Improvements
145B
PW-R-6
Chapt. 90 Imprvmts.
-0-
60G
60G
60G
60G
PW-R-7
Curb/Sidewalk Const
-0-
25D
75D
100D
100D I
PW-R-8
East Side Neigh. Imp.
100G
PW-R-9
Depot Parking
-0-
40D
40D
-0-
-0-
PW-S-1
Inflow/Infiltration
63.7G
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
21.3E
PW-S-2
Main Reconstruction
-0-
450G
-0-
-0-
-0-
50E
PW-W-2
Water Treat/Storage
157E
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-W-3
Vehicle
45E
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
PW-W-4
New Well Development
-0-
100E
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-1
Computer/Wd Proc Equip
35A
35A
35A
35A
40A
SD-2
+ Roof Replacement
262D
46A
160D
-0-
-0-
SD-3
Space Remodelling-Elem 1000D
1000D
-0-
-0-
50A
SD-4
Chp 504-Lifts-Toilet Rem
-0-
15A
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-6
Energy Related Proj
15A
15A
15A
15A
15A
SD-7
Vehicle Replacement
12A
12A
15A
15A
15A
SD-8
Floor Tile Replacement
15A
15A
15A
15A
15A
SD-9
Install Suspnded ceiling
-0-
-0-
-0-
25A
-0-
SD-10
Window Replacement
-0-
175D
30A
-0-
-0-
SD-11
Refurbish Kitchen
-0-
-0-
50A
-0-
-0-
SD-12
Rplce Clsrm/Cafe Furn.
15A
18A
18A
18A
20A
SD-13
Gate/Zone Vlve Replcmt
10A
10A
10A
10A
10A
SD-15
Oil Tank Replacement
-0-
10A
10A
10A
5A
SD-16
+ Asbestos Abatement
(57*)
145D
88D
88D
88D
SD-18
+ Track Renovation
30A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-19
+ Boiler Replacement-H.S.
65A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
SD-20
Space Remodel-Secondary
25A
25A
25A
-0-
-0-
SD-21
Portable Bldg. - Eaton
62A
-0-
-0-
-0-
-0-
LD-1 + Purchase/Remodel Space 3500D -0- -0- -0- -0-
Revised 5-14-90 53.- B
SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BY YEAR. BY SOURCE OF FUNDS
(Cost in 0001s)
FY91
FY92
FY93
FY94
A
338.45
291.00
313.00
233.00
B
160.00
15.00
15.00
C
81.00
95.00
D
4762.00
2855.00
713.00
898.00
E
223.30
150.00
G
163.70
245,0.00
60.00
60.00
S
130.00
259.00
207.00
155.00
5617.45
6246.00
1403.00
1361.00
FY95
Total
260.00
1,435.45
15.00
205
176
488.00
9,716
373.3
60.00
2,793.7
155.00
906
978.00 15,605.45
*57 from proceeds of previously sold Bond issues
SOURCE OF FUNDING - A Annual Appropriation
B Betterment
C Sale of Cemetery Lots
D Debt to be authorized
E Enterprise Appropriation
G Grant or outside funding
S Sale of Real Estate
+ Articles on 1990 Annual Town Meeting Warrant or Special Warrant
Revised 5-14-90 53 - C
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 17, 1990
Sharon Ofenstein, Chairman of the Historical Commission, requested
permission of Town Meeting, pursuant to Section 2.2.8 of the General
- Bylaws, for the Historical Commission to hold the annual Preservation
Week Presentation on Thursday, May 24, 1990. Permission was granted
by Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted to take
Article 10 from the Table. Mr. Burditt presented the information at-
tached on Town Meeting Actions as of 5/10/90, the current situation,
and unknown revenues and expenses.
see attached report
Town Manager Peter I. Hechenbleikner presented the attached informa-
tion on Solid Waste Collection and Disposal and RESCO estimated costs.
see RESCO attachments
Russell T. Graham made the following remarks regarding the Department
of Public Works:
Mr. Moderator:
The other evening, I briefly touched on my concerns relative to the
ongoing lack of attention and respect to the nitty-gritty non-
glamorous job of the Department of Public Works. I have heard nothing
since to relieve that concern.
I heard the other evening that the Library was the most used service
in Reading. I respectfully wish to differ with that misstatement. I
stand second to none in my admiration for the Library and its staff,
but I can give you a list of dozens of people in Reading who have
never set foot in that Library. I can list those who have never,
thankfully, needed the Police Department or the Fire Department.
There are even those who directly do not use our Schools, and sig-
nificant numbers of our citizens do not even know that we have a Town
Planner.
But, I assure you that every single person in Reading consciously, or
not, uses and benefits from the Department of Public Works. That
service is, without question, the most used service in Reading. It
doesn't send or have money to spend on catchy newsletters to inform
you of its activities. It doesn't have a logo or pictures of Pal-
ladian windows on its correspondence. But when the Palladian window
breaks, guess who will get the call to fix it.
The other evening we discussed dead animal pickup, and our good friend
the Reading moose came up. An interesting story about that moose, but
after he died,.guess who carted him away, and guess where they took
54
CHAIRMAN BURDITT REPORT - May 17, 1990
TOWN MEETING AMMENDMENTS OR ACTIONS AS OF 5/10/90
LINE
ITEM
3
CONSERVATION PERSONAL
$13,107
5
PLANNING PERSONAL
$40,904
9
HISTORICAL NON-PERSONAL
$500
10
INSPECTION PERSONAL
$15,896
16
RESERVE FUND
($20,000)
38
TOWN CLERK NON-PERSONAL
$730
41
CASUALTY INSURANCE
($12,400)
47
ELDER SERVICES PERSONAL
$3,066
58
LIBRARY PERSONAL
$15,394
59
LIBRARY NON-PERSONAL
$1,000
60
POLICE PERSONAL
$9,195
TOTAL TO DATE $67,392
OTHER IMPACTS TO ABOVE:
117 UNEMPLOYMENT ($34,468)
118 HEALTH INSURANCE $14,000
NET IMPACT $46,924
54 - A
CURRENT SITUATION
TO FINCOM
FROM FINCOM
WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
IN BALANCED BUDGET
$1,592,855
$1,592,855
CURRENT WASTE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
$924,592
924 592
NET REDUCTION
$668,263
$668,263
REDUCTION IN VOKE SCHOOL AS:'3ESSMENT
$7,146
$7,146
REDUCTION IN EXCISE TAX REVENUE
$200,000
20~ 0,000
SUBTOTAL
$461,117
$461,117
ADJUSTMENTS TO DATE
$46,924
$46.924_ «
BALANCE AVAILABLE
$414,193
$414,193
POSSIBLE USES:
86 STREET LIGHTING
88 HAZARDOUS WASTE
109 EATON SCHOOL PORTABLE BUILDING
SUBTOTAL
OTHER POSSIBLE NEEDS:
$8,850 $0
$20,000 $0
$62,000 6$ 2.000
$323,343 $352,193
65 FIRE PERSONAL
$64,204
$0
117 UNEMPLOYMENT
($16,320)
$0
118 HEALTH INSURANCE
$5,600
$0_
BALANCE TO FREE CASH
$269,859
$352,193
" AMOUNT VOTED TO AMMEND BUT NOT VOTED BY FINCOM
54-B
REVENUE AND EXPENSE SUMMARY
($000)
W 2 1/2 W21/2
FY91 FY91 FY92 FY91 FY92
BUDGET TO FINCOM PROJECTED FROM FINCOM PROJECTED
REVENUE:
PROPERIYTAXES
$18,809
$18,809
$19,279
$18,809
$19,279
FREE CASH
$701
$434
$370
$352
$452
SALE OF REAL ESTATE
$1,300
$1,300
$485
$1,300
$485
OTHER
1$ 0.790
$10,590
$10,855
$10,590
$10,855
TOTAL REVENUES
$31,600
$31,133
$30,989
$31,051
$31,071
-D(PENSES:
WASTE COLECTION AND DISPOSAL
$1,593
$925
$1,631
$925
$1,631
OTHER
$29,390
$29,574
$30,313
$29,492
$30,229
STATE & COUNTY ASSESMENTS
$634
$634
650
$6634
$650
TOTAL EXPENSES
3~ 1,617
$31,133
$32,594
$31.051
$32,510
REVENUE VS EXPENSE
($17)
$0
($1,605)
$0
($1,439)
54-C
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54 - E
RESCO ESTIMATED COSTS
FY-91
22.22
x.6,500 =
$144,430
22.22
(1.08) = 24 x 6,500 =
156,000
Pass thru =
62,862
Litigation =
38,646
$401,938
FY-92
24.00
x 6,500 =
$156,000
24.00
x 1.08 x 6,500 =
168,480
Pass thru =
716,458
Litigation =
38,646
$1,079,584
FY-93
25.92
x 6,500 =
$168,480
25.92
x 1.0.8 x 6,500 =
181,958
Pass thru =
716;458:
$1,066,896
FY-94
27.99
x 6,500 =
$181,958
27.99.
x 1.08 x 6,500 =
196,490
Pass thru =
716,458
$1,094,906
FY-95
30.23
x 6,500 =
$196,490
Pass thru =
537,343 (Six months)
$733,833.
54-F
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL
FY91 (13,000 Tons)
CURBSIDE
DROP-OFF
RECYCLING OPTION RECYCLING OPTION
Collection
$362,923
$362,923
Recycling
168,774
0
Recycling Credit
-4,000
0
RESCO-Tipping Fee
300,430
300,430
(22.22/24.00)
Less 10% Recycling
-30,043
0
Pass Through Costs
62,862.
1
62,862
Leaf Composting Labor
15,000
15,000
Drop-off Recycling
0
15,120
Public Education
10,000
5,000
Professional Services
38,646.
38,646
$ 924,592
$799,981.
($124,611
Difference)
54-G
SOLID
WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL
FY92 (13,000 Tons)
CURBSIDE
DROP-OFF
RECYCLING OPTION
RECYCLING OPTION
Collection
$381,070
$381,070
Recycling
219.738
0
Recycling Credit
-5,000
0
RESCO- Tipping Fee
324,480
324,480
(24.00/25.92)
Less 20% Recycling
-64,896
0
Pass Through Costs
716,,.458
716,458
Leaf Composting Labor
15,750
15,750
Drop-off Recycling
0
15,205
Public Education
5,000
5,000
Professional Services
38,646.
.38,646
$ 1,631,246
$ 1,496,609
($134,637
Difference)
54-H
SOLID WASTE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL
Collection
Recycling
Recycling Credit
RESCO Tipping Fee
FY93 (13,000 Tons)
CURBSIDE DROP-OFF
RECYCLING OPTION RECYCLING OPTION
$400,124 $400,124
230,518 0
-5,000 0
350,415 350,414
Less 25% Recycling
Pass Through Costs.
Leaf Compost Labor
Drop-Off Recycling
Public Education
Professional Services
(25.92/27.99)
-87,604
716,458
16,538
0
5,000
0
0
716,458
16,538
15,294
2,500
0
$1,.626,449 $1,501,328
($125,121 Difference)
54 - I
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 17, 1990
him to the Department of Public Works. His presence and his acci-
dent made the front page the clean up and the mess left after did
not. But I hope everybody realizes there was a mess and there was a
clean up.
It is perhaps a specific story, but indicative of the larger story of
the Department of Works and its role in our Town. We see the pictures
of our ball fields green and well kept and enjoy our kids playing on
them not many think of who cuts all that grass and who, keeps it
green.
We will go home this evening and turn on the water and expect it to
flow without a thought as to all that must happen to make it flow
and what further must happen so that what does flow is clean and not
cancerous. We will probably have occasion to even flush our toilet
and when we do the pipes outside our house had better be where they
are supposed to be and the grade of our streets had better be right
--for if that flush doesn't work guess what happens to that which
was to be flushed it returns from whence it came not a pleasant
thought.
Most of us drove here this evening. Some perhaps walked and never
even thought of what needs to be done to maintain those roads we came
on and I suggest that you begin to give serious thought to it be-
cause for some number of years we have not had the money to do what we
ought to be doing to maintain them and we will pay the price for
sooner or later you will demand that they be maintained.
When new homes are built in Reading, when car washes go up, when new
development takes place, all the planning and good intentions in the
world will go for naught if the land is not properly surveyed, if the
water and sewer pipes end up in the wrong place, if the curve of the
road leading to them improperly banks. And all your intentions and
all your directions from Boards and commissions will be thrown out of
court if the proper certified technical professional backup is not
there.to support the Town's position. If any of you think developers
will run rampant over us without a planner, it will be as nothing com-
pared to what they will get away with without professional certified
engineers and registered land surveyors backing up our orders and con-
ditions.
We are charged to see to it that the operations of the Town keep run-
ning. We are the trustees who maintain the assets held by the Town
for the rest of the citizens. These operations, and that maintenance
are carried out by the Department of Public Works.
Behind the public hearings that make the headlines stands the work and
effort of the Department of Public Works unseen, and apparently unap-
preciated.
Behind the successful and very economical renovation of the Town Hall
voted by this Town Meeting stands the work and effort of the Depart-
ment of Public Works.
55
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
May 17, 1990
Behind the successful and economical new central fire station voted by
Town Meeting stands the work and effort of the Department of Public
Works.
Behind the leaf composting and recycling of newspaper stands the work
and effort of the Department of Public Works.
Behind the flags flying which proclaim us "Tree City USA" stand the
work and effort of the Department of Public Works.
Behind the green, well maintained fields on which our children play
stands the work and effort of the Department of Public Works.
Behind the water we drink and the toilets we flush stand the work and
efforts of the Department of Public Works.
Behind the conditions and p?_ans of every development, of every site
plan ij-eview of.the Town of Reading, stands the work and effort of the
Department of Public Works.
Behind the streets we are to drive on in ice and snow stand the work
and efforts of the Department of Public Works.
Behind the stacks in the library on clean floors in a well-maintained
building stands the work and effort of the Department of Public Works.
And despite the inference and innuendo to the contrary, that work and
that effort is carried out by competent, dedicated, hard-working
people and it shows, and we ought to be very proud of the results.
Mr. Moderator, a friend of mine who is rather high up as an operations
manager for a transportation system often uses the analogy of a cruise
ship built for travel. The swimming pools and the suites, the gourmet
restaurants and casinos are all tip top, featured in the advertise-
ments, and eagerly sought out by the travelers. No one ever wants to
see the engine room or meet the mechanics who service and run the guts
of the ship. But if that engine room isn't there or those mechanics
don't show up, that travel ship ain't traveling nowhere. And you end
up with glitz and gild unable to perform the function for which you
exist.
In this last fall's Town Meeting, and for the last four year, we have
consistently aimed at the Department of Public Works for more and more
cuts. We have reached the point where to continue to do -so could
bring us to the point where we, as a Town, are unable to perform the
functions for which we exist.
I urge Town Meeting to listen to its Town Manager, to its Director of
Public Works, and to its Finance Committee and vote into being the
Budget presented to you as the means they need in order to perform the
functions basic to the Town.
56
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 17, 1990
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 72
through 97. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 72 - 96
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 97
Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $130,000.
Following lengthy debate and twelve proposed amendments, the following
amendments were voted:
Line 75 - Engineering Personal services
on amendment by John R. Rivers, Precinct 8, line item 75 was decreased
by $26,034 to $175,958.
Line 97 - Equipment Maintenance (Capital)
On amendment by Thomas J. Stohlman, Precinct 6, line item 97 was
decreased by $55,000 to $75,000;.funding from the Sale of Real Estate
Funds was decreased by $55,000 to $75,000.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line item 101.
Funds are to be provided as follows:
Line 101 - Snow & Ice Control
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
On motion of Robert P. Griffin, Jr., Precinct 5, it was voted that
this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, May 21,
1990, at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
142 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
57
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 21, 1990
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
TENTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 21, 1990 - Reading Memorial High School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Reverend Ronald L. St. Pierre of St. Agnes
Catholic Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Robert Spadafora, Senior Class President, spoke on behalf of students
recently organized to work with the School Committee and Town Meeting
towards saving the standards presently in place for education in Read-
ing. He presented officials with a new button "Save Our Future - In-
vest in Children Vote Children in 190."
Joanne Kessler, a Reading resident, addressed the body seeking support
for funds to re-instate bussing for 5/6 year olds at least.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 102
- 104. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Line 102
Sale of Cemetery Lots in the amount of $10,000; Bequest Income in the
amount of $77,082, with the remainder from property taxes, State aid,
and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 103
Sale of Lots in the amount of $30,000, with the remainder from
property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget for line item 109 in the amount
of $14,465,000, which amount includes the addition of $62,000 for
portable buildings at Joshua Eaton. Funds are to be provided as fol-
lows:
Line 109
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Stanley Nissen, School Committee Chairman, gave the following report:
When I was asked to become Chairman of the School Committee last sum-
+z r would a have the a„b al,:
little ~.AA t ave stinction of
presiding over the dismantling of one of the finest school systems in
the United States.
Nevertheless, the people of the Town of Reading have spoken''and as
their elected representatives, we have defined a budget which meets
the restrictions that have been imposed.
58
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 21, 1990
This budget was not arrived at lightly. It was created by the central
office administration and school principals with the cooperation of
every member of the school system. It was massaged by the administra-
tion and School Committee. It was discussed at a series of regular
open meetings, then presented to an advertised public hearing, which
was well attended this year. It went through a series of ups and
downs in availability of funds. Finally, it was reviewed and approved
by the Finance Committee.
We will spend every dollar that is available to us. Some of you may
disagree with a specific detail or the priorities for restoration of
programs and teachers that has been provided to you for information.
Nevertheless, the School Committee has to make the ultimate decision
on priorities within our allocated budget dollars and we have done so.
We will not tell you that this budget maintains the quality of the
educational program in Reading. It doesn't. We will not tell you
that this budget is bare bonus. This budget is missing some bones.
I feel like I should apologize for presenting this to you, but we have
no choice.
You all have the details before you. Are there any questions?
After a lengthy discussion which included five separate amendments,
the following was voted:
Line 109 - School Budget
on amendment by Thomas J. Stohlman, Precinct 6, line 109 was increased
by $200,000 to $14,665,000.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget for line item 110 (Northeast
Regional Vocational School) in the amount of $149,999. Funds are to
be provided as follows:
Line 110
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line item 114.
Funds are to be provided as follows:
Line 114
Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $1,070,000 with the
remainder from property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local
receipts.
On amendment by Thomas J. Stohlman, Precinct 6, it was voted to in-
crease the amount to be funded from the Sale of Real Estate Funds by
the amount of $55,000 to $1,125,000.
59
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 21, 1990
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 115
- 120. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Line 115
New Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $100,000 with the
remainder from property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local
receipts.
2/3 vote required
Lines 116 and 117
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 118
Certified Free Cash in the amount of $497,000, with the remainder from
property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 119
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 120
Abatement Surplus in the amount of $192,000, with the remainder from
property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 121
- 124. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 121 - 123
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 124
Water Surplus in the amount of $37,000, with the remainder from
property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 122 - Water (Non-Personal Expense)
On amendment by Frederick VanMagness, Precinct 8, it was voted to
decrease line item 122 by $2,542 to $829,931.
ARTICLE 10 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap-
propriate the Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line items 125
- 129. Funds are to be provided as follows:
Lines 125 - 126
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 127
Sewer Surplus in the amount of $190,000, with the remainder from
property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
Line 128
Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts.
60
I
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
May 21, 1990
May 24, 1990
Line 126 - Sewer (Non Personal Expense)
On amendment by Frederick VanMagness, Precinct 8, it was voted to
decrease line item 126 by $1,493 to $241,841.
On motion of Robert P. Griffin, Jr., Precinct 5, it was voted that
this meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May
24, 1990, at the W.S. Parker Middle School Auditorium.
Meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
145 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
ELEVENTH BUSINESS SESSION
May 24, 1990 - W.S. Parker Middle School
The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at
7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present.
The Invocation was given by Town Meeting Member Leslie York, followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
The Moderator reviewed the status of Article 10 presently on the floor
and explained the voting procedure. The following amendments were
moved and voted as noted:
Line 65 - Fire (Personal Services)
Eugene R. Nigro moved that line item 65 be increased by $64,204 to
$1,763,906 to cover two firemen presently lost in the FY91 Budget. He
explained that the Selectmen recognized the proposed reduction in man-
power would be in violation of Article 19 of the Firefighters Associa-
tion contractual agreement.
Line 117 - Unemployment Benefits
Eugene R. Nigro moved that line item 117 be decreased by $16,320 to
$277,252.
61
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting
Line 118 - Group Health/Life
May 24, 1990
Eugene R. Nigro moved that line item 118 be increased by $5,600 to
$2,110,638.
At the request of the Moderator, Town Counsel, H Theodore Cohen, left
the meeting to review specific court cases referenced by several Town
Meeting members on the above amendments.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted to lay
the subject matter of Article 10 on the table.
The Moderator proceeded to recall the articles presently on the table.
ARTICLE 25 Not taken from the table.
,ARTICLE 23 On motion of Robert R. Lynch, Precinct 6, it was voted
Ito take Article 23 from the table.
Mr. Lynch then spoke on his motion, advising Town Meetin",tb!at the in-
tent was to legislate a trash fee through Town Meeting. `Town Counsel,
H Theodore Cohen informed Town Meeting that the State Statute
authorizing the Selectmen to establish trash fees would supersede.
ARTICLE 23 Robert R. Lynch moved that the Town vote to amend the
recodified Bylaws of the Town (or the corresponding provisions of the
earlier By-Laws) by adding the following to Section 4.9 "User Fees":
114.9.1.1 Except to the extent authorized by Federal or State law, any
other provision of these Bylaws or the Reading Home Rule Charter, no
user fee newly adopted or amended pursuant to Section 4.9.1 of these
Bylaws, or any fine newly adopted or amended by any official body
shall become effective until after the same has been approved by a
majority vote at a Town Meeting." This motion was voted in the nega-
tive.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take Article 10 from
the table.
Town Counsel indicated that he reviewed the 1982 cases of Labor Rela-
tions Commission vs. Board of Selectmen, Dracut and Boston Teachers
Union vs. Boston School Committee. Town Counsel stated that in his
opinion, the Town was obligated to uphold the contract presently in
force.
A vote was then taken on the above amendments to lines 65, 117, and
118 previously moved by Eugene R. Nigro. All three amendments were
voted in the affirmative.
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted that the
Town appropriate for the Proposed FY 1991 Budget, exclusive of Line
115, which requires a 2/3 vote and will be voted separately, the sum
of $32,678,248, representing the total of all previously made motions
62
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 24, 1990
under Article 10 of the 1990 Annual Town Meeting Warrant, as amended;
funds are to be provided as set forth in said previously made motions.
(see attached budget in its entirety)
ARTICLE 10 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted unani-
mously that the Town appropriate the sum of $1,702,217 for the
Proposed FY 1991 Budget as presented for line item 115. Funds are to
be provided as follows:
Line 115 - Contributory Retirement
New Sale of Real Estate Funds in the amount of $100,000 with the
remainder from property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local
receipts.
99 voted in the affirmative
0 voted in the negative
2/3 vote required
ARTICLE 18 Not taken from the table
ARTICLE 15 On motion of George J. Shannon, Precinct 5, it was
voted to take Article 15 from the table.
ARTICLE 15 George J. Shannon moved that the Town raise by borrow-
ing and appropriate for the purpose of replacing the #2 boiler in the
old boiler room at Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road,
Reading, Massachusetts, the sum of Sixty-Five Thousand ($65,000.00)
Dollars; such appropriation to include all engineering and preparation
costs and all costs for making extraordinary repairs relating to the
replacement of the boiler as required to complete the purpose of this
Article, all monies to be expended under the direction of the Reading
School Committee. This motion was voted in the negative.
68 voted in the affirmative
38 voted in the negative
2/3 vote required
ARTICLE 14 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to take Ar-
ticle 14 from the table.
ARTICLE 14 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that the
Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose
of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine:
1. A 1974 Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper; and
2. Various guns of the Reading Police Department,
63
, TOWN OF READING OPERATING BUDGET - TY'91
No.
TOWN MEETING
As Amended
ACCOUNTING DEPT.
1 Personal Serv. 76,906
2 Non-Personat Exp. 1,250
TOTAL 78,156
COMMUNITY DEVL. DEPT.
CONSERVATION DIV
3 Personal Serv.
27,307
4 Non-Personat Exp.
500
PLANNING DIV
5 Personal Serv.
40,904
6 Non-Personal Exp.
0
ZONING BOARD
7 Personal Serv.
1,100
8 Non-Personal Exp_
75
HISTORICAL COMM.
9 Non-Personal Exp.
1,000
INSPECTION DIV.
10 Personal Serv.
53,586
11 Hon-Personal Exp.
2,000
GENERAL DEPT
12 Personal Serv.
9,220
13 Non-Personal Exp inc
2,325
OST not to exceed.
TOTAL
Personal Serv. 132,117
Non-Personal Exp. 5,900
Total 138,017
FINANCE DEPT.
FIN COM
14 Personal Serv. 1,760
15 Non-Personal Exp. 39,150
16 Reserve Fund 180,000
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Final
63 - A
TOWN MEETING
No. As Amended
FINANCE CONTINUED
ASSESSMENT DIV
Personal Serv.
775
11
17 Elect. Off.
0
18 Elec. Off. Reval
19 Other
63,315
20 Hon-Personat Exp.
12,300
21 Capital
5,000
22 Interest-Tax Appeal
0
TREAS./COLLECT. DIV
23 Personal Serv.
0
24 Non-Personal Exp.
0
DATA PROCESSING
800
51
25 Non-Personal Exp inc
.
OST not to exceed*
26 Capital
13,400
GENERAL DEPARTMENT
483
220
27 Personal Serv.
.
28 Non-Personal Exp.
61,250
Total
333
297
Personal Serv.
,
500
344
Non-Personal Exp.
,
Capital
18,400
TOTAL
660,233
GENERAL SERVICES DEPT.
SELECTMEN
775
8
29 Non-Personal Exp.
,
TOWN MANAGER
30 Personal Serv.
64.730
31 Non-Personal Exp inc
4,950
DST not to exceed*
LAW DIV.
Non-Personal Exp.
32 Town Counsel
95,000
33 Labor Counsel
15,000
34 Other
3,500
PERSONNEL DIV.
35 Personal Serv.
7,250
36 Non-Personal Exp_
31,000
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax'Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Final
63 - B
TOWN MEETING
No. As-Amended
GENERAL SERVICES CONTINUED
TOWN CLERK DIV
37 Personal Serv.
31,270
38 Non-Personal Exp.
1,980
ELECTIONS/REG
39 Personal Serv.
19,090
40 Non-Personat Exp_
17,000
41 CASUALTY INS
260,000
42 INDEMN POL/FIRE
20,000
GENERAL DEPARTMENT
43 Personal Serv.
117,491
44 Non-Personal Exp. inc
67,523
CST not to exceed*
Total
Personal Serv
239,831
Non-Personal Exp
524,728
TOTAL
764,559
HUMAN SERVICES DEPT.
HEALTH DIVISION
45 Personal Serv.
30,868
46 Non-Personat Exp inc
32,064
OST not to exceed*
ELDER SERVICES DIV
47 Personal Serv.
71,670
48 Non Personal Exp.
8,702
VETERANS SERV DIV
49 Personal Serv.
7.832
Hon-Personal Exp_
50 Aid
16,000
51 Other
400
RECREATION
52 Personal Serv. 53,233
53 Non-Personal Exp. 36,740
WEIGHTS & MEASURES
54 Personal Serv. 2,000
55 Non-Personal Exp. 500
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
63-C
05-24-90 Final
TOWN MEETING
No. As Amended
HUMAN SERVICES CONTINUED
GENERAL DEPT
804
84
56 Personal Serv.
,
57 Non-Personal Exp inc
2,608
OST not to exceed*
TOTAL
407
250
Personal Serv.
,
014
97
Non-Personal Exp.
,
347,421
TOTAL
LIBRARY DEPT.
j 58 Personal Serv.
360,658
59 Non-Personal Exp inc
88,600
OST not to exceed*
449,258
TOTAL
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPT. .
POLICE
60 Personal Serv.
1,788,808
61 Non-Personal Exp inc
143,800
OST not to exceed*
62 Capital
0
ANIMAL CONTROL
63 Personal Serv.
9,500
64 Non-Personat Exp.
5,350
Capital
FIRE
65 Personal Serv.
-
1,7631906
66 Non-Personal Exp inc
82,830
OST not to exceed*
67 Capital (radio/car)
0
EMERGENCY MGMT
480
2
68 Personal Serv.
,
69 Non-Personal Exp.
319
GENERAL DEPARTMENT
70 Personal Serv.
129,550
71 Non-Personal Exp.
25,700
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid,
and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Final 63 - D
TOWN MEETING
No. As Amended
PUBLIC SAFETY CONTINUED
TOTAL
Personal Serv. 3,694,244
Non-Personal Exp. 257,999
Capital
TOTAL 3,952,243
PUBLIC WORKS DEPT.
BLDG MAINT
144,738
72 Personal Serv.
185
253
73 Non-Personal Exp.
,
000
16
74 Capital (General)
,
ENGINEERING
175,958
75 Personal Serv.
734
6
76 Non-Personat Exp.
,
ADMINISTRATION
135,395
77 Personal Serv.
78 Non-Personal Exp.
4,750
HIGHWAY MAINT
258
419
79 Personal Serv.
,
195
122
80 Non-Personal Exp inc
,
OST not to exceed*
HIGHWAY MAINT
Capital
0
81 Library Prkng Lot
82 Street Recon
0
0
83 Street Accept.
84 Drainage
0
85 Walk/Curb Program
0
86 STREET LIGHT
168,164
87 RUBBISH COLL/DISP
924,592
88 Hazardous Waste
PARKS & PROP MAINT
89 Personal Serv.
119,351
90 Non-Personal Exp.
24,401
91 Capital
20,000
FORESTRY
749
103
92 Personal Serv.
,
93 Non-Personal Exp.
14,308
94 Town Forest Comm_
500
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Finat 63 - E
TOWN MEETING
As Amended
No.
PUBLIC WORKS CONTINUED
EQUIP MAINT
95 Personal Serv.
96 Non-Personal Exp.
97 Capital
TOTAL
98 Personal Serv.
99 Non-Personal Exp inc
DST not to exceed*
100 Capital
subtotal
101 SNOW & ICE CONTROL
CEMETERY DEPT.
102 Personal Serv.
103 Non-Personat Exp.
104 Capital Devetopmnt
TOTAL
Personal Serv.
Non-Personat Exp.
Capital
TOTAL
SCHOOL DEPT.
105 Personal Serv.
Non-Personal Exp.
106 Athletics
107 Special Educ.
108 Other
109 TOTAL
NORTHEAST REGIONAL
Vocational School Dist
110 Assessment
TOTAL
111,352
117,563
75,000 ($75,000 from Sale
of Real Estate Funds)
1,209,801
1,636,392
111,000
2,957,193
150,000
/($10,OgO from Sate of Lo°~s)
166,522 \($77,082 from Bequest In(,I:.)
30,575 ($30,000 from Sale of Lots)
1,376,323
1,816,967
111,000
3,304,290
12,337,329
9,408
881,217
1,437,046
14,665,000
149,999
14,814,999
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Finat 63 - F
TOWN MEETING
No. As Amended
DEBT SERVICE
111 Retirement of Debt
920,232
112 Int.-Long Term Debt
432,542
113 Short Term Int. Exp
251.272
046
604
1
($1,125,000 from Sale
114 TOTAL
,
,
of Real Estate Fund)
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
115 Contrib Ret.
1,702,217
($100,000 from new
116 Non Contrib Ret.
64,156
Sate of Real Estate Fund)
117 Unemplymnt Benefits
277,252
638
110
2
($497,000 from Free Cash)
118 Gro-,lp Health/life
,
,
119 Medicare
75,000
120 Workers Comp
220,000
(5192,000 from Abatement
Surplus)
TOTAL
4,449,263
RECAP TOTALS
30,562,485
WATER
121 Personal Serv
488,076
Hon-Personal Exp.
Personnel Benefits
173,005
Other inc CST
656,926
not to exceed*
122 Total Non-Pers Exp.
829,931
123 Debt Service
290.113
124 Capital
202,000
($37,000 from Water
- Surplus)
TOTAL
1,810,120
SEWER
125 Personal Serv.
164.071
All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Final 63 - G
TOWN MEETING
As Amended
No.
SEWER CONTINUED
Non-Personal Expense
58,351
Personnel Benefits
183,490
Other inc CST
not to exceed*
126 Total Non-Pers Exp.
241,841
1,515,835 ($190,000 from Sewer Surplus)
127 MWRA
86,113
128 Debt Service
0
129 Capital
2,007,860
TOTAL
RECAP TOTALS 34,380,465
Alt funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local
Receipts unless otherwise noted
05-24-90 Final
63 - H
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 24, 1990
each with an expected value of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) or
more in accordance with Section 4.6 of the Bylaws.
ARTICLE 7 Not taken from the table
ARTICLE 3 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take
Article 3 from the table.
ARTICLE 3 William C. Brown, Precinct 8, moved that the Finance
Committee and/or the Board of Selectmen inquire of New England Power
Company of Westborough, Massachusetts if said company would be inter-
ested in the purchase in whole or in part of Reading Municipal Light
Department and to report findings at the Subsequent Town Meeting of
November, 1990. This motion was voted in the negative.
ARTICLE 3 On motion of Glen M. Hartzler, Precinct 4, it was voted
that the Town Manager be instructed, when preparing tb,e budgets for
Fiscal Years 1992 and onward, to separate the line item or items re-
lated to trash removal and disposal from the totals of the Public
Works Department and to state them as separate items for independent
consideration by Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 3 On motion of Robert A. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted
that the Selectmen determine and report to the Fall Town Meeting:
Sections of General Laws Chap. 4 which allow revolving funds (similar
to that of Article 4 of the Special Town Meeting) ; and which of these
funds could be established in Reading to alleviate financial crises;
and any areas which are not now covered by the General Laws but which
would be of value to Reading.
ARTICLE 3 Richard H. Coco, Precinct 6, moved that Town Meeting
instruct the Bylaw Committee to review Section 3.4 of the Reading
Bylaws pertaining to the actions of the Finance Committee and specifi-
cally Section 3.4.2 of said Bylaws relating to the votes of the
Finance Committee and the requirement that all votes be "a majority of
said committee," and report back to the Fall Town Meeting in November,
1990 with recommended actions for revision to that Section. This no-
tion was voted in the negative.
ARTICLE 3 Victor R. Carlson, Precinct 3, moved that the Finance
Committee and the Board of Selectmen look into the escalating Medical
Health Coverage costs to the Town of Reading.
1989 = 1,436,000; 1990 = 1,901,181; Proposed 1991 = 2,055,000,
2,068,638 (743,00 free cash included)
This motion was voted in the negative.
ARTICLE 3 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Ar-
ticle 3 on the table.
64
Adjourned Annual Town Meeting May 24, 1990
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take
Article 2 from the table.
Glen M. Hartzler presented the attached Final Report of the Advisory
Committee to Oversee Plans/Construction of Town Hall.
(see attached report)
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to accept
this report as a Final Report and thus discharge the Committee from
any further responsibility.
Robin D'Antona presented the attached School Building Committee Report
to Town Meeting; Update: Spring 1990.
(see attached report)
ARTICLE 2 i On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to accept
the above report as a Report of Progress.
ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Ar-
ticle 2 on the table.
On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this meeting stand
adjourned sine die.
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
122 Town Meeting Members Present.
A True Copy. Attest:
Catherine A. Quimby
Town Clerk
65
Final Report of the Advisory Committee to
Oversee Plans/Construction of Town Hall
The Town Hall Reconstruction Advisory Committee was ap-
pointed by the Moderator to oversee the process of the
Town Hall renovations. The committee was advised of
estimate and bid amounts and monitored details through-
out the project.
Seven meetings were held, starting June 28, 1989 through
Nov. 8, 1989 representing the time period when most of
the construction on the former library, the Town Hall,
and the mew connector took place. With the exception
of two meetings, either the Town Manager, Peter
Hechenbleikner, or Tony Fletcher, Director of Public
Works Department, were in attendance. They provided
expense reports, work schedules and site tours.
Committee members were able to ask questions and make
suggestions at these meetings. The Committee feels the
overall effort put forth by all involved, from planning
to construction, was positive and effecient. We are
pleased with the resulting Town Hall Complex.
Members: Virginia. M. Adams
David Bogoshian
Glen Hartzler
Ellen Redfern
Vary Vincent
l)
65 - A
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT TO TOWN MEETING
Update: Spring 1990
As reported November 1989:
The members of the committee include:
Donald Farnham. Chairperson
Margaret Cowell - School Committee Representative
Robin D'Antona - Town Meeting Member
Robert Grasso
Marthanne Pressy
Roger 0. Sanstad
The committee began meeting on April 25. 1939. We Jnet on a
weekly basis from then until recently when we met more
frequently. All meetings were publicly posted.
The committee considered fourteen proposals from various
architects. From that group six were interviewed. Their
presentations and proposals were evaluated on the basis of
submission requirements. related experience. financial
stability. references and ability to maintain project
timetable. Design Partnership of Cambridge - Architect
David Finney was the first choice of the committee. The
school committee concurred by directing the Asst. Supt. of
Business to contract with the Design Partnership of
Cambridge.
The committee. along with architect David Finnev and project
manager Neil Leavitt developed the educational
specifications for the pro.iect. This involved input from
the building principals. teachers and parents. This
information was essential in order to determine the needs of
65-B
each school population. Particular care was taken to both
the immediate and long range population pro.jectlons.
The educational specifications were presented to the School
Building Assistance Board (SBAB) and they received
preliminary approval.
The Design Partnership of Cambridge presented a variety of
solutions to meet the needs of each school. With input from
princloals. teachers and parents every alternative was
examined. The school building committee took all the
information under consideration and made recommendations to
the architect. who in turn developed a project proposal.
This proposal was lauded by the school committee.
The final project was presented to Fall 1969 Town Meeting.
The project was praised for its merits and for meeting the
needs of the community. However as the record shows. it was
voted down because of concerns over funding.
Update 1990:
The school building committee met in January 19Q,0 to discuss
alternatives with town officials. It was apparent at that
time with the current financial situation both 1ocaliv and
at the state level that it would be prudent to defer action
on the proposal.
According to sources from the School Building Assistance
(,omlilttee there 1S. no 1no.1C:atlon tiic.t t: ece is rtiovet?Ien"' 1. C.
65-C
change the reimbursement formula at this time. That means
that Reading will remain at the rate of 66 2.'3%. Payments
are determined on a 20 year cycle; however after the first
audit C1 - 1 1/2 years? . the payment schedule could be
changed to one a: low -e. psayiTlent_o ovef~ a ten year pe1-jo is
This option was not available at the time of the original
proposal. All this information is quite encouraging.
As you may know the space needs at both Joshua Eaton and
Birch Meadow Schools have gotten worse. The recent decision
by the State Board of Appeals to uphold the cease and desist
order issued by the Town's Building Inspector has resulted
in a situation at Joshua Eaton that can be termed a crisis.
Not being able to use the upstairs room has resulted in very
substandard conditions for the Special Needs Program. as
well as the principal using the front vestibule as an office
Also. the cafeteria/physical education problem has
gotten worse. All lunches continue to be consumed in the
gym; however, all serving of food and storage of equipment.
except the ovens. is stored along the edges of the room.
The ovens are across the hall which makes for a very
difficult situation.
At Birch Meadow the population growth has caused an entire
kindergarten classroom to be moved to the iiillam School next
year. In addition. the same deplorable conditions for
speech. reading etc. etc. still exist.
65 - D
The school building committee has agreed to continue to meet
in order to stay in touch with both the school nuilding
needs and the financial situation. We will continue to keep
Town Meeting updated on these situations.
Respectfully Submitted
Robin D'Antona Town Meeting Member
65-E