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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1990-11-13 Subsequent Town Meeting MinutesSUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING (Seal) COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS November 13, 1990 Middlesex, ss. To either of the constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62.0akland Road in said Reading, on Tuesday, November 13, 1990, at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following ar- ticles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of As- sessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Boards or Special Committees. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 2 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the instruc- tions given to them, or take any other action with, respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to amend the Capital Improvement Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.1 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding after the words "water pollution" the words "prevention, fisheries", so that said Section 5.7.1. shall read as follows: "The purpose of this bylaw is to protect the floodplains and wetlands of the Town by controlling ac- tivities deemed to have a significant effect upon wet- 1 land values, including but not limited to the following: public or private water supply, groundwater, flood control, erosion control, storm damage preven- tion, water pollution prevention, fisheries and wildlife." or take any other action with respect there- to. Conservation commission ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.2 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding after the first sentence thereof the sentence "There shall be no charge imposed for such a request.", or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation Commission ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.3 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding a comma after the word "swamp" and by deleting the words "or lands bordering any" in the first sentence thereof, and by adding the words "or hand delivered" after the words "certified mail" in the second sentence thereof, so that said Section 5.7.3 shall read as follows: "No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, fresh water wetland, flat, marsh, meadow, bog, swamp, creek, river, stream, pond or lake or any land under said waters or any land subject to flooding, other than in the course of maintaining, repairing or replacing, but not substantially changing or enlarging an existing and lawfully located structure or facility used in the service of the public and used to provide electric, gas, water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, public roadway, telephone, telegraph and other telecom- munication services, without filing written notice of his intention to so remove, fill, dredge or alter and without receiving and complying with an Order of Condi- tions and providing all appeal periods have elapsed. Such notice shall be 'sent by certified mail or hand delivered to the Reading Conservation Commission, in- cluding such plans as may be necessary to describe such proposed activity and its effect on the environment." or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation Commission ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.4 of the General Bylaws of the Town by inserting after the words "as fulfilling the" the word "applicable", by changing the comma to a period after the words "this bylaw", by deleting the balance of that former sentence, by inserting after the words "this bylaw." the sentence "The Conservation Commission may adopt and impose project review charges in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant hereto.", by deleting subsections 5.7.4.1 through subsection 5.7.4.8 and by renumbering existing subsection 5.7.4.9 as subsection 5.7.4.1, by renumbering subsection 5.7.4.10 as subsection 5.7.4.2 and by adding at the end of said new sub- 2 section 5.7.4:2 the words "under Section 5.7.4.11, so that Section 5.7.4 shall read as follows: 115.7.4 The same Notice of Intent, plans and specifications required to be filed by an ap- plicant under Section 40 of Chapter 131 of the General Laws will be accepted as.fulfill- ing the applicable requirements of this bylaw. The Conservation Commission may adopt and impose project review charges in accord- ance with regulations adopted pursuant hereto. 5.7.4.1 The maximum fee on any one filing will be $3,000.00. 5.7.4.2 Town Projects are exempt from review fees un- der Section 5.7.4." or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation commission ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.5 of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting that section in its entirety and substituting therefor the following, or take any other action with respect thereto: "All hearings and public meetings held under Section 40 of Chapter 131 of the General Laws, when it applies, and under this bylaw shall be held simultaneously, - whenever possible. Definitions, time frames and proce- dures, not inconsistent with this bylaw or the regula- tions adopted pursuant hereto set forth in said Section 40 of Chapter 131 and in the regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, as the same may from time to time be amended, are hereby made a part of this bylaw. However, notwithstanding any definitions set forth in said Section 40, Chapter 131 and in the regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, the following definitions are hereby also made a part of this bylaw and shall control whenever there is a conflict between the different definitions: Activity: shall also include the installation, of any utility conduit system, including but not limited to drainage, sewage and water systems; and changing of the chemical, ther- mal or biological characteristics of land or water. Alter: shall mean to impact by any activity, any area subject to protection under this bylaw. 3 Bordering Vegetated Wetland: shall include creek, river, intermittent, thereof. Buffer any wetland 'that touches any stream, whether permanent or ditch, pond or lake, or bank Zone: shall also include land extending one hundred (100) fee horizontally outward from the boundary of any area subject to protection under this Bylaw except land subject to flooding. Ditch: shall mean any man-made trench or furrow that has not altered any creek, river, stream, pond or lake, or bank thereof, or wetland. Flood- plain: shall be synonymous with Bordering Land Sub- ject to Flooding. Ground- water: shall be synonymous with Groundwater Supply. Stream: shall mean a body of flowing water, whether permanent or intermittent, moving along a hydraulic gradient. Rare Species: shall also include those plant species listed as rare, threatened or endangered by the Mas- sachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage Program. Wetlands: shall mean lands where the water table is at or near the surface, or the land is covered by shallow water. This shall include swamps, wet meadows, bogs and marshes, creeks, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Wetlands have one or more of the following three attributes: 1. at least periodically the land supports predominantly hydrophytic vegetation; 2. the substrate is predominately undrained hydric soil; 3. the substrate is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year. Conservation Commission 4 ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.7 of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting the word "prior" in the phrase "in response to a request for a prior determination or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation Commission ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.8 of the General Bylaws of the Town by inserting after the phrase deny permission for any" the words "activity that is likely to", by deleting the words "removal, dredging, filling or altering of" and substituting therefor the words "remove, dredge, fill or alter", by adding after the words "flood control," the words "erosion control," and by adding after the word "pollution" the words or the protection of fisheries or wildlife" so that the first sentence of said Section 5.7.8 shall read as follows: "The Conservation Commission is empowered to deny per- mission for any activity that is likely to remove, dredge, fill or alter subject lands within the Town if, in its judgment, such denial is necessary for the protection of public or private water supply, ground water,- flood control, erosion control, storm damage prevention or the prevention of pollution, or the protection of fisheries or wildlife." or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation commission ARTICLE 11 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.11 of the Bylaws of the Town by deleting the second sentence thereof and by substituting therefor the sentence "Emergency projects shall mean any projects certified to be an emergency by the Conservation commission." or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation Commission ARTICLE 12 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7.15 of the General Bylaws of the Town by renumbering that section as Section 5.7.17, or take any other action with respect thereto. Conservation Commission ARTICLE 13 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.7 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding as new Section 5.7.15 the following, or take any other action with respect thereto: "The Conservation commission may require that the ap- plicant bear the. full cost of any outside consulting deemed necessary by the Conservation Commission to in- sure adequate review of any application or filing made 5 pursuant to this bylaw and the regulations adopted pur- suant thereto." Conservation Commission ARTICLE 14 To see if Section 5.7 of the General Bylaws Section 5.7.16 thereto as follows, respect thereto: the Town will vote to amend of the Town by adding a new or take anv other action with 115.7.16 In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this bylaw and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto may be enforced by noncriminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of Sec- tion 5.11 of these bylaws and Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, and for the purposes of such non- criminal disposition the term "enforcing person" shall mean any member of the Conservation Commission, the Conservation Administrator or his or her designee." Conservation commission ARTICLE 15 To see if the Town will vot-e to amend Section 4.3.3.1. of the Reading Zoning By-Laws as follows: By adding in the first paragraph of said Section the words or occupancy allowed," between the words "...shall be issued" and the words "for the construction..."; and by deleting the words "valued at $30,000 or more"; so that said paragraph will read: "No building or other permit, license, or approval shall be issued, or occupancy allowed, for the construction, expansion, or alteration of the following uses, or relocation of the following buildings or structures, or for the change in use of land and buildings to the following; until a site plan for the lot on which such use is, or is proposed to be, located, has been sub- mitted and approved as provided herein: (a) Any public or quasi-public, business, service, automotive, industrial, or recreational use. (b) Any apartment, boarding house, roadside stand, or other per- mitted use substantially similar to the uses specified in sub- paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof." By adding the following subsections immediately after said paragraph: 114.3.3.1.1. Waiver: The Community Planning and Development Com- mission shall waive with or without conditions the requirement for Site Plan Review for the following reasons: (a) The construction, expansion, or alteration only involves the interior renovation of an existing space and the proposed changes will not result in an adverse impact in the areas described in Section 4.3.3.5., or (b) The proposed change in use is within the same use category and will not result in an adverse impact in the areas. described in Section 4.3.3.5., or (c) The property has undergone Site Plan Review and approval within the past five (5) years and the proposed changes will 6 not result in an adverse impact in the areas described in Section 4.3.3.5. If the Community Planning and Development Commission does not act within thirty (30) days of receiving a waiver request, the waiver shall be deemed granted. 4.3.3.1.2. Exemptions: Site Plan Review shall not be required for the following: (a) The construction is solely for the maintenance or repair of the existing structure. (b) The construction, expansion, or alteration of a building or structure does not exceed 300 (three hundred) gross square feet, or such alteration involves only interior renovation of less than 1000 (one thousand) gross square feet. (c) The construction, expansion, or alteration only involves the modification of internal electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems." or take any other action with respect thereto. Community Planning and Development Commission ARTICLE 16 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 2.2.13. of the Reading Zoning By-Laws by adding the words not burdened by access easement," between the words "...of a street line" and the words "across which access...", so that said Section will read: 112.2.13. FRONTAGE: the continuous length of a street line, not burdened by access easement, across which access is legally and physically available for pedestrians and vehicles. The end of a street without a cul-de-sac shall not be considered frontage." or take any other action with respect thereto. Community Planning and Development Commission ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 5.4 "Excavations and Wells" of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting the words "and Wells" in the title and by delet- ing Section 5.4.2 thereof in its entirety, or take any other ac- tion with respect thereto. Board of Health ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of General Laws Chapter 32B, S9E relating to sub- sidiary or additional rates for certain insurance payments and matters relating thereto for retired employees, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 19 To see what sum the Town will raise from the tax levy or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of purchasing unwanted grave spaces, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Cemetery Trustees 7 ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to General Laws Chapter 30B, Section 15(g) to authorize the Town Manager from time to time and without further Town Meeting action to dispose of an item or collection of items of tangible personal property not exceeding a market value of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000), no longer useful to the Town but having resale or sal- vage value, at less than the fair market value to a charitable organization which has received a tax exemption from the United States by reason of its charitable nature, notwithstanding the provisions of section 4.6 of the Bylaws of the Town to the con- trary, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 21 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws by adding a new section to Article 3 to read as follows: 3.8 Land Advisory Committee 3.8.1 There shall be a Land Advisory Committee consisting of five (5) voters of the Town, appointed by the Moderator for three (3) year staggered terms, so arranged that two terms shall expire in one year, two terms shall expire the following year and one term shall expire in the next following year, such terms to ex- pire on the first day of July. 3.8.2 The Land Advisory Committee shall report to Town Meet- ing on all proposed uses, purchases, takings, sales, conveyances, and alterations of Town-owned or proposed Town-owned land, all proposed takings and releases of Town-owned easements and on all proposed street acceptances, whenever any of the foregoing require Town Meeting approval or petition to the General Court. The Land Advisory Committee may also report on any article in a Warrant that in its judgment significantly affects the use of Town-owned land. Land Advisory Committee Reports to the Town shall be in the form of recommendations and contain written rationale and be included in the Finance Committee Report as specified in Section 3.4.2 of these Bylaws. The Land Advisory Committee shall have access to all information, data, proposals, requests for proposals, agreements, and minutes of any official body, whether held in Open or Executive Session, related to War- rant articles on which the Land Advisory Committee intends to report. When such information is from Executive Session, each Land Advisor.,y Committee member shall be held to the same con- fidentiality requirements as those placed on the members of the official body which is the source of the information. 3.8.3 If any member of the Land Advisory Committee shall be absent for three (3) or more successive meetings, the other mem- bers of said committee may, by affirmative vote of its majority, request the Moderator to remove such absenting member and shall notify him by mail of such removal, or take any other action with respect thereto. Bylaw Committee 8 ARTICLE 22 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 2.1.8 of the General Bylaws by inserting after the words "Bylaw Committee" the words, "the Land Advisory Committee" so that Sec- tion 2.1.8 shall read: 2.1.8 The Board of Selectmen, after drawing a Warrant for a Town Meeting, shall immediately deliver a copy of such Warrant to each member of the Finance Committee, the Community Planning and Development Commission, the Bylaw Committee, the Land Advisory Committee, and the Moderator, or take any other action with respect thereto. Bylaw Committee ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the appropriation and expenditure from time to time and without fur- ther Town Meeting action of monies distributed or to be dis- tributed to the Town pursuant to General Laws Chapter 90, Section 34(2)(a) for maintaining, repairing, improving and constructing Town ways and for any other purposes for which said funds may be expended under said Chapter 90, and to authorize the Town to file all applications for said funds and to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 24 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire a temporary construction and per- manent drainage easement on, over and/or under all or any part of the land currently believed to be owned by Jane Newton Woodman and Louis A. Adreani located at 518 Summer Avenue and shown on the Town of Reading Board of Assessors' Rev. January 1, 1989, Plat 20 Lot 21 in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or to acquire said interests in said land or any part thereof by gift, purchase, or otherwise, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing,.or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and ap- propriate to the Board of Selectmen to pay for appraisals of said property and to pay for the acquisition of said land or rights of easement therein, or to be used for payment of .,land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisitions, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into agreements with private parties or state and federal agencies for financial and other as- sistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other acts and things necessary and proper for carrying out the provi- sions of this vote, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 25 To see what sum the Town will raise by bor- rowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of making renova- tions and additions to the former fire station on Pleasant and Parker Streets so as to convert it into a Senior Citizens Center, including the cost of original furnishings and equipment, en- gineering and architectural fees, inspection fees, relocation 9 costs, contingencies and related facilities incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to file applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the costs of said renovations and additions and re- lated matters, and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Manager to enter into all contracts as be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article; provided, however, that any ap- propriation authorized by this Article shall be contingent on the Town receiving a grant for all or part of such renovations and additions, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 26 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing and appropriate for the purpose of renovations and ad- ditions to the Birch Meadow School on Arthur B. Lord Drive and/or the Joshua Eaton School on Summer Avenue, including the costs of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and architectural fees, inspection fees, relocation costs, contingencies and re- lated facilities incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of School Committee, and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the School Committee to file applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said school renovations and additions and related matters, and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the School Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article; provided, however, that any borrowing authorized by this Article and appropriation pursuant thereto shall be contingent upon the passage of a debt exclusion referen- dum question under General Laws Chapter 59, S21C, or take. any other action with respect thereto. School Committee ARTICLE 27 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of holding a special election for a referendum question under General Laws Chapter 59, S21C relating to the subject matter of Article 26 of this warrant, or take any other action with respect thereto. School Committee 10 And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting.an at- tested copy thereof in at least three (3) public places in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 13, 1990, the date set for the meeting in said warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or by mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meet- ing Member at least fourteen (14).days prior to the time of hold- ing said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time ap- pointed for said meeting. Given under our hands tAi.s) 2 1 T ^/7 Daniel A. of September, 1990. (Leiraham, Chairman Ensmin er Vi Chairman g , V. Hines, Secretary d' Eugene R. Nigro SELECTMEN OF READING A TRUE COPY. ATTEST: TG 6 C L E F 11 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: „ By virtue of this Warrant, I, on the Town of Reading, notified and warned the inhabitants` of , 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 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street Precinct 2. Cumberland Farms, 305 Salem Street Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street JoAnn's Variety, 143 Salem Street Precinct 3. Friendly Variety Store, 245 Washington! Street Reading Police Station, 67 Pleasant Street Wayside Bazaar, 107 Main Street Precinct 4. Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Dragon Corner Store, 206 West Street Spence Farm Market Gardens, 40 West Street Precinct 5. Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Ave. 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 Schob,l,,X39 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 November 13, 1990 the date set for the meeting in this Warrant. . 1 also'caused an attested copy of this warrant to be lpub- lished„in the' Reading Chronicle in the issue of Oc:'r4~~~- i Ito ti Constab o e i.ng Tam? CLERK SPECIAL TOWN MEETING (Seal) COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS November 13, 1990 Middlesex, ss. To either of the constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings: In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts you are hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs, to meet at the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium, 62 Oakland Road in said Reading, on Tuesday, November 13, 1990, at seven forty- five o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the follow- ing articles are to be acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter. ARTICLE 1 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Asses- sors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk, Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning & Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Boards or Special Committees. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 2 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Of- ficers and Special Committees to carry out the instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 3 To see if the Town will vote to Improvement Program as provided for in Section Home Rule Charter and as previously amended, action with respect thereto. amend the Capital 7-7 of the Reading or take any other Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire a temporary construction and per- manent drainage easement on., over and/or under all or any part of the land currently believed to be owned by Jane Newton Woodman and Louis A. Adreani located at 518 Summer Avenue and shown on the Town of Reading Board of Assessors' Rev. January 1, 1989, Plat 20 Lot 21 in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws of 1 the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or to acquire said interests in said land or any part.thereof by gift, purchase, or otherwise, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and ap- propriate to the Board of Selectmen to pay for appraisals of said property and to pay for the acquisition of said land or rights of easement therein, or to be used for payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisitions, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into agreements with private parties or state and federal agencies for financial and other as- sistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other acts and things necessary and proper for carrying out the provi- sions of this vote, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken under Article 10 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 9, 1990 relating to the Fiscal Year 1991 Municipal Budget, and to see what sum the Town will raise by bor- rowing, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise and ap- propriate as the result of any such amended votes for the opera- tion of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen ARTICLE 6 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy or transfer from available funds or other- wise, and appropriate for the purpose of constructing a sanitary sewer system and sewer facilities in Small Lane; such sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, or take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen r 2 and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an at- tested copy thereof in at least three (3) public places in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to November 13, 1990, the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper published in the Town, or by mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meet- ing Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the time of hold- ing said meeting. Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town Clerk at or before the time ap- pointed for said meeting. Given under our hands this 2~rd day of-Qctober, 1990. 'Ru se a-1-1 • aaham, Chairman Daniel A. Ensminger, Vice C irman Geom. Hines, Secretary Sal y M. oyt p E gene R. Nigro 40~4(~? SELECTMEN OF READING A true copy. Attest: atherine A. Quimby Town Clerk 3 COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading: By virtue of this Warrant, I, on ~ 9 't 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 Town Meeting warrant in the following public places within the Town of Reading: Precinct 1. Carolans' Variety, 1349 Main Street J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill Street Precinct 2. Cumberland Farms, 305 Salem Street Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street JoAnn's Variety, 143 Salem Street Precinct 3. Friendly Variety Store, 245 Washington Street Reading Police Station, 67 Pleasant Street Wayside Bazaar, 107 Main Street Precinct 4. Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue Dragon Corner Store, 206 West Street Spence Farm Market Gardens, 40 West Street Precinct 5. Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Ave. 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 t Precinct 8. Arthur W. Coolidge, Jr. High School, 8,9 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 November 13, 1990 the date set for the meeting in this Warrant I,also caused an attested lished in the Readi.ncf-, Chronicle MCLERK copy of this warrant to be pub- in the issue of October 29, 19 . Constab f Rea ing SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 1990 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin, at 7:35 P.M., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Reverend Lillian Gregory, fol- lowed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Catherine A. Quimby, when on motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the warrant, except the Officer's Return which was then read by the Town Clerk. The Moderator welcomed Town Meeting Members who were elected this evening by their respective precinct members: Steven R. Hutchinson - Precinct 3 Salvatore L. Mele - Precinct T Kathleen S. Vaccaro - Precinct 5) Ann Ward - Precinct 5 James E. Biller - Precinct 8 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this Sub- sequent Town Meeting stand adjourned until completion of the business of the Special Town Meeting. Meeting adjourned 7:39 P.M. 114 Town Meeting members present. A true copy. Attest: atherine A. Quimby Town Clerk SPECIAL TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 1990 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin, at 7:40 P.M., there being a quorum present. The warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Catherine A. Quimby, when on motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to dispense with further reading of the warrant, except the Officer's Return which was then read by the Town Clerk. 1 special Town meeting - 11/13/90 ARTICLE 1 on motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to take Article 1 from the table. Mr. Graham presented the following report: Mr. Moderator: It is an appropriate time to update the status of Real Estate sales as they relate to the Town of Reading. Any discussion of commercial real estate in New England today brings new meaning to the term "Doom and Gloom." As a result for the. serious decline in that market, Reading has had to revisit and negotiate its pending agreements. Bear Hill It became, according to their principals, economically unfeasible for Bear Hill Realty Trust to proceed with its development unless the Town of Reading was willing to give major price concessions to them.. The Board of Selectmen felt strongly that Reading ought not to give any concessions on this prime piece of real estate, but ought to bank it and wait until the real estate market turns around. Despite a number of meetings in which alternatives were explored, negotiations with Bear Hill Realty Trust came to a sfiandstilf and they were unable to proceed in conformance with their' agreement with the Town of Reading. It is the belief of the Town that since they were unable to proceed, that the $50,000.00 unrefundable deposit belongs to the Town of Reading. Not surprisingly, Bear Hill Realty Trust has not agreed with that belief, but as of this date has taken no legal action to recover. Thus the Bear Hill property goes back on the shelf to be held in reserve for what we all hope will be a brighter day. Homart Homart has requested, and the Board of Selectmen have agreed to an extension of one year. In return Homart has agreed to: 2 Special Town Meeting - 11%13/90 1. Aggressively market the development and furnish the Board with quarterly written reports on those marketing ac- tivities. 2. Pay to the Town of Reading $20,000.00 to be used to continue our traffic study. 3. Homart will agree that the old oil contaminated dirt from the former DPW site may be moved to the landfill site so long as approval is given by the DEP and so long as such ac- tion does not impede the approval process of the landfill as it relates to development by Homart. 4.. Homart must expeditiously apply for extensions of all local and state approvals granted. Pearl Street School An appraisal has been made but not yet submitted to the Town on the Pearl Street School. Once that appraisal is submitted, a "request for proposal" will be issued and depending on the out- come, the Board will decide the course of action advisable taking into account the economic environment and the real estate market. This downturn in that market calls for patience and prudence. Our need for money, while very real, must not panic us into ac- cepting any deal at any price. This economic situation, like all others preceding it, shall also pass, and we must stay the course committed to realizing the best long term financial benefit to Reading. We shall, of course, continue to keep you informed. We wish the news were better, and our progress further along, but it hasn't been easy, and short term doesn't look like it's going to get easier. ARTICLE 1 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Article 1 on the table. ARTICLE 2 There was no business under Article 2. ARTICLE 3 On motion by George V. Hines, it was voted to amend the Capital Improvement Program for FY1991 through FY95 as represented in the Town Manager's Revised Capital Improvement Program dated 10-19-90," consisting of three (3) pages. 3 Special Town Meeting - 11/13/90 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUS ETTS 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 13.4A 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 : Squarel -0- 1500G -0- -0- -0- PW-B-2 Reconstruct Lib Park Lo t -0- 42S -0- -0- -0- PW-B-6 + Elder Serv.-Center 757G -0- -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- - .j PW-E-1 Replace Backhoe/loader -0- 45S -0- -0- -0- PW-E-4 Replace Dump Trucks -0- 55S 55S 55S 55S PW-E-S Replace Pickup Truck -0- 12S -0- -0- -0- PW-E-7 Replcmt. Other Equip. -0- 30S 1005 100S 100S PW-E-8 Replace Sweeper 75S -0- -0- -0- -0- Revised 10-19-90 4 Special Town Meeting - 11/13/90 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Fiscal Years 1991 through 1995 (cost in 0001s) Cost by year and source of fundinct 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 3.5A -0- 300D -0- 300D PW-R-4 St. Acceptances -0- 15B 15B 15B 15B PW-R-S Walkers Brook Drive -0- 440G -0- -0- -0- Improvements 145B PW-R-6 + Chapt. 90 Imprvmts. 118G 118G 1186 118G 1186 PW-R-7 Curb/Sidewalk Const -0- 25D 75D 100D 100D PW-R-8 East Side Neigh. Imp. -0- 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-S-3 + Betterments 40B -0- -0- -0- -0- 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 4608D -0- -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 -0- 145D 88D 88D 88D SD-18 Track Renovation -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- SD-19 Boiler Replacement-H.S. -0- -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 10-19-90 5 Special Town Meeting - 11/13/90 SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BY YEAR BY SOURCE OF FUNDS (Cost in 0001s) FY91 FY92 FY93 FY94 A 246.9 291.00 313.00 233.00 B 40 160.00 15.00 15.00 C 81.00 95.00 D 8370.00 1405.00 713.00 898.00 E 223.30 150.00 G 938.70 2608.00 118.00 118.00 S 75.00 259.00 207.00 155.00 9893.9 4954.00 1461.00 1419.00 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 FY95 Total 260.00 1343.9 15.00 245 176 488.00 11874 373.3 118.00 3900.7 155.00 851 1036.00 18763.9 + Articles on 1990 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant or Special Warrant Revised 10-19-90 6 Special Town Meeting - 11/13/90 ARTICLE 4 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to acquire a temporary construction and permanent drainage easement on, over and/or under all or any part of the land currently believed to be owned by Jane Newton Woodman and Louis A. Adreani located at 518 Summer Avenue and shown on the Town of Reading Board of Asses- sors' Rev. January 1, 1989, Plat 20 Lot 21 in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain under the provisions of Chap- ter 79 of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or by gift, purchase, or otherwise, and that the Town transfer from available funds, and appropriate to the Board of Selectmen the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) to pay for the acquisition of said land or rights of easement therein, or to be used for payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisitions, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into agreements with private parties or state and federal agencies for financial and other assistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other acts and things necessary and proper for carrying out the provisions of this vote. 118 voted in the affirmative 7 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 5 Willard J. Burditt presented the attached Finance Committee Report to Town Meeting. (See Attached Report) ARTICLE 5 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Town amend the appropriations made for the following line items of the Fiscal Year 1991 Municipal Budget by amending votes taken under Article 10 of the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting of April 9, 1990 as follows, unless otherwise indicated the source of the appropriation remains the same: To: Line Item Prev. Amt. ± New Amt. FinCom Vote 12 C. Devl. Pers Serv 9,220 11,524 20,744 7-0-0 19 Assessment Pers Serv 63,315 1,844 65,159 4-2-0 39 Elect/Reg - Pers Serv 19,090 1,250 20,340 7-0-0 56 Human Serv. Pers Serv 84,804 902 85,706 7-0-0 58 Library Pers Serv 360,658 26,600 387,258 5-1-0 60 Police Pers Serv 1,788,808 32,000 1,820,808 7-0-0 7 special Town meeting - 11/13/90 61 Police Non-Pers Serv 143,800 2,600 70 Pub. Safety Pers Serv 129,550 6,000 77 Pub Wks Adm. Pers Serv 135,395 10,083 80 Hwy Mnt Non-Pers Exp 122,195 3,500 102 Cemetery Pers Serv 166,522 6,500 103 Cem. Non-Pers Exp, 30,575 1,000 109 Schools 113 Short Term 116 Non-Contrib TOTAL From: 14,665,000 40,320 Debt 251,272 131,228 Retire. 64,156 18,700 294,051 146,400 6-0-1 135,550 7-0-0 145,478 7-0-0 125,695 7-0-0 173,022 6-0-0 from Sale of Cem. 31,575 6-0-0 from Sale of Cem. 14,705,320 7-0-0 382,500 7-0-0 82,856 7-0-0 Lots Lots Line Item Prev. Amt. 1-1 New Amt. FinCom Vote 35 Personnel Pers Serv 7,250 ' 7,250 0 7-0-0 43 Gen. Serv. Pers Serv 117,491 10,000 107,491 7-0-0 52 Rec. Pers Serv 53,233 10,250 42,983 7-0-0 53 Rec. Non-Pers Serv 36,740 1,000 35,740 7-0-0 79 Hwy. Maint. Pers Serv 419,258 21,606 397,652 7-0-0 95 Equip. Mnt. Pers Serv 111,352 22,271 89,081 7-0-0 102 Cem. Pers Serv 173,022 1,800 171,222 7-0-0 110 Voc. School Assess. 149,999 4,000 145,999 7-0-0 112 Interest Lng Trm Debt 432,542 152,625 279,917 7-0-0 117 Unemp. Ben. 277,252 72,000 205,252 7-0-0 TOTAL 302,802 Increase in Use of Certified Free Cash: (Does Not Change Appropriation) Line Item 118 - change the source of the $2,110,638 appropriation to Certified Free Cash in the amount of $836,000, with the remainder from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts. ARTICLE 6 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town appropriate from Sewer Surplus the sum of Thirty-Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Dollars ($38,800.00) for the purpose of constructing a sanitary sewer system and sewer facilities in Small Lane; said sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen; and that the Board of Selectmen take all actions necessary pursuant to General Laws Chapter 83, General Laws Chapter 80 or any other enabling statute or authority to assess the cost of constructing said sanitary 8 Special Town Meeting - 11/13/90 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/13/90 sewer system and sewer facilities and establish betterments therefor upon the property owners of the land abutting Small Lane to be serviced by said sewer system and sewer facilities. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this Spe- cial Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting adjourned 9:45 P.M. 148 Town Meeting members present. A.true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk ADJOURNED SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 13, 1990 The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin, at 9:46 P.M., there being a quorum present. ARTICLE 1 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Article 1 on the table. ARTICLE 2 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 3 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table. ARTICLE 4 Camille Anthony, Chairman of the Conservation Commission presented the following report: 9 Adjourned Subsequent Town meeting - 11/13/90 The Reading Conservation Commission is charged under the Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 131, Section 40, and Reading General Bylaws, Section 5.7, to protect the wetlands and floodplains of the Town. On November 29, 1979, when Town Meeting adopted the local wetland bylaw, the bylaw referenced the 1978 State wetland regulations in deriving its authority. Since 1978, the State wet- land regulations have had two major revisions. As a result, the Conservation Commission over the past twelve years has been in- corporating the new State provisions into its review of projects. Consequently, projects being reviewed under both the local bylaw and the State law have had to conform to standards which have been derived from the 1978, 1983 and 1987 State regulations. As one many surmise, this was a difficult task and one which caused confusion for the applicant. In order to correct this situation, Town Meeting 'on November 28, 1988, appropriated $3,000 in order to seek the professional services of environmental attorney, Elaine VreelanC_'. The Commis- sion worked diligently with Attorney Vreeland to i)icorporate the 1978, 1983 and 1987 State regulations where appliczib:le,into the bylaw. The result of our work is the submission of Articles 4 through 14 on this Town Meeting Warrant which will amend Section 5.7. Adoption by Town Meeting of these articles will result in the following: 1) The Reading wetland bylaws (Section 5.7) will be referenced to the current state regulations. 2) Any differences in authority which exist between the 1978 and current State regulations will be stated in the bylaw. 3) The bylaw will retain its authority granted under the 1978 regulations. 4) Finally, the applicants who file for a project under the local bylaw will avoid the confusion which occurred in the past. ARTICLE 4 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.1 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding after the words "water pollution" the words "prevention, fisheries", so that said Section 5.7.1. shall read as follows: "The purpose of this bylaw is to protect the floodplains and wet- lands of the Town by controlling activities deemed to have a sig- nificant effect upon wetland values, including but not limited to the following: public or private water supply, groundwater, flood control, erosion control, storm damage prevention, water pollu- tion prevention, fisheries and wildlife." 10 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/13/90 ARTICLE 5 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.2 of the General Bylaws of the Town.by adding after the first sentence thereof the sentence "There shall be no charge imposed for such a request." . ARTICLE 6 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr, it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.3 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding a comma after the word "swamp" and by deleting the words "or lands bordering any" in the first sentence thereof, and by adding the words "or hand delivered" after the words "certified mail" in the second sentence thereof, so that said Section 5.7.3 shall read as follows: "No person shall remove, fill, dredge or alter any bank, fresh water wetland, flat, marsh, meadow, bog, swamp, creek, river, stream, pond or lake or any land under said waters or any land subject to flooding, other than in the course of maintaining, repairing or replacing, but not substantially changing or enlarg- ing an existing and lawfully located structure or facility used in the service of the public and used to provide electric, gas, water, sanitary sewer, storm drainage, public roadway, telephone, telegraph and other telecommunication services, without filing written notice of his intention to so remove, fill, dredge or al- ter and without receiving and complying with an order of Condi- tions and providing all appeal periods have elapsed. Such notice shall be sent by certified mail or hand delivered to the Reading Conservation Commission, including such plans as may be necessary to describe such proposed activity and its effect on the environment." ARTICLE 7 On motion by Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.4 of the General Bylaws of the Town by inserting' after the words "as fulfilling the" the word "applicable", by changing the comma to a period after the words "this bylaw", by deleting the balance of that former sen- tence, by inserting after the words "this bylaw." the sentence "The Conservation Commission may adopt and impose project review charges in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant hereto.", by deleting subsections 5.7.4.1 through subsection 5.7.4.8 and by renumbering existing subsection 5.7.4.9 as subsection 5.7.4.1, by renumbering subsection 5.7.4.10 as subsection 5.7.4.2 and by ad- ding at the end of said new subsection 5.7.4.2 the words "under Section 5.7.4.11, so that Section 5.7.4 shall read as follows: 115.7.4 The same Notice of Intent, plans and specifications re- quired to be filed by an applicant under Section 40 of Chapter 131 of the General Laws will be accepted as fulfilling the ap- plicable requirements of this bylaw. The Conservation Commission may adopt and impose project review charges in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant hereto. 5.7.4.1 The maximum fee on any one filing will be $3,000.00. 11 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/13/90 11/15/90 5.7.4.2 Town Projects are exempt from review fees under Section 5.7.4." ARTICLE 8 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted to lay the subject matter of Article S on the table. ARTICLE 9 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.7 of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting the word "prior" in the phrase "in response to a request for a prior determination On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this Sub- sequent Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at Reading Memoril High School on November 15, 1990. Meeting adjourned 11:00 P.M. 110 Town Meeting members present. A true copy,'.,Attest: l ,`1 C therine A. Qui Town Clerk ADJOURNED SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 15, 1990 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. The Moderator welcomed new Town Meeting Members who were elected this evening from Precinct 2: James Nally Margaret Pratt Russell T. Graham, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, presented the following remarks: 12 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 Mr. Moderator: Tonight the Board of Selectmen would like to take a moment and share with Town Meeting a tribute presented on behalf of the Town of Reading to Henry Vik on the occasion of his "sort of" retirement. Henry was given a retirement party on the 18th of October after 28 years of service to Reading. He didn't realize at the time that we were only kidding. Since then, at the request of the Cemetery Board of Trustees and the Town Manager, Henry was been asked to "temporarily" stay on as Director of Cemeteries. No one has, so far, defined exactly what "temporarily" may mean. This perhaps would not quite mean as much were it not for the fact that Henry has already gone a few months beyond normal retirement age. Henry in fact is now 81 years old. Mr. Moderator, I think most of us in this hall know and respect the high caliber and professional competence of the employees of the Town of Reading. The results daily reflect them- selves in our schools, our grounds, our safety and yes, even our cemeteries! This is not a matter of conicidence for Henry Vik ex- emplifies all that is good about our employees. In his capacity as Director of Cemeteries and as Custodian of Soldiers and Sailors Graves, he has given the highest degree of devotion and ability and a trip to any of our cemeteries attests to that fact. Personally, Henry is one of the most decent, caring, thoughtful human beings that one could hope to meet. When the word "gentleman" was coined, it was by someone who had just met Henry Vik. On the occasion of his retirement, it was deeply touching to see the love and respect with which Henry is held by his fellow workers and friends touching, but not at all surprising. . When and if, Henry really leaves our employment, he will be sorely missed. Mr. Moderator, I would like to read into the record the fol- lowing resolution presented to Henry at his make believe retire- ment party. J. Henry Vik WHEREAS Henry Vik has been a moving force in the planning, expansion and development of the cemeteries of Reading; and WHEREAS He has consistently carried out his duties with outstanding competence and dedication; and WHEREAS He has in both his personal and professional life conducted himself with a demeanor and gentleness of manner which has endeared him to all with whom he has contact, and therefore earned him their deep respect, warm admiration, and sincere love; 13 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Selectmen of Read- ing, Massachusetts, on behalf of its people, to express to J. Henry Vik, on the occasion of his retirement, their gratitude for his past exemplary service and their wishes for a future filled with happiness and personal fulfillment coupled with the hope that his life will be enriched by others in the same noble manner in which he has so enriched all of ours. THE BOARDOF SELECTMEN Russell T. Graham, Chairman Daniel A. Ensminger, Vice Chairman George V. Hines, Secretary Sally M. Hoyt Eugene R. Nigro ARTICLE 10 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.8 of the General Bylaws of the Town by inserting after the phrase "deny permission for any" the words "activity that is likely to", by deleting the words "removal, dredging, filling or altering of" and substituting therefor the words "remove, dredge, fill or alter", by adding after the words "flood control," the words "erosion control," and by adding after the word "pollution" the words or the protec- tion of fisheries or wildlife" so that the first sentence of said section 5.7.8 shall read as follows: "The Conservation Commission is empowered to deny permission for any activity that is likely to remove, dredge, fill or alter sub- ject lands within the Town if, in its judgment, such denial is necessary for the protection of public or private water supply, ground water, flood control, erosion control, storm damage prevention or the prevention of pollution, or the protection of fisheries or wildlife." ARTICLE 8 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted to take Article 8 from the table. ARTICLE 8 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.5 of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting that section in its entirety and substitut- ing therefor the following: "All hearings and public meetings held under Section 40 of Chap- ter 131 of,the general Laws, when it applies, and under this bylaw shall be held simultaneously, whenever possible. Defini- tions, time frames and procedures, not inconsistent with this bylaw or the regulations adopted pursuant hereto set forth in said Section 40 of Chapter 131 and in the regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, as the same may from time to time be amended, are hereby made a part of. this 14 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 bylaw. However, notwithstanding any definitions set forth in said Section 40, Chapter 131 and in the regulations promulgated by the Department of Environmental Protection, the following definitions are hereby also made a part of this bylaw and shall control whenever there is a conflict between the different definitions: Activity: shall also include the installation of any utility con- duit system, including but not limited to drainage, sewage and water systems; and changing of the chemical, thermal or biologi- cal characteristics of land or water. Alter: shall mean to impact by any activity, any area subject to protection under this bylaw. Bordering Vegetated Wetland: shall include any wetland that touches any.creek, river, stream, whether permanent or intermit- tent, ditch, pond or lake, or bank thereof. i Buffer Zone: shall also include land extending one hundred (100)1 feet horizontally outward from the boundary of any area subject to protection under this Bylaw except land subject to flooding. Ditch: shall mean any man-made trench or furrow that has not al- tered any creek, river, stream, pond or lake, or bank thereof, or wetland. Floodplain: shall be synonymous with Bordering Land Subject to Flooding. Groundwater: shall be synonymous with Groundwater Supply. Stream: shall mean a body of flowing water, whether permanent or intermittent, moving along a hydraulic gradient. Rare Species: shall also include those plant species listed as rare, threatened or endangered by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Natural Heritage Program. Wetlands: shall mean lands where the water table is at or near the surface, or the land is covered by shallow water. This shall include swamps, wet meadows, bogs and marshes, creeks, rivers, streams, ponds and lakes. Wetlands have one or more of the fol- lowing three attributes: 1. at least periodically the land supports predominantly hydrophytic vegetation; 2. the substrate is predominately undrained hydric soil; 3. the substrate is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year. 15 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 ARTICLE 11 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.11 of the Bylaws of the Town by deleting the second sentence thereof and by substituting therefor the sentence "Emergency projects shall mean any projects certified to be an emergency by the Conservation Commission." ARTICLE 13 On motion- of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding as new Section 5.7.15 the following: "The Conservation Commission may require that the applicant bear the full cost of any outside consulting deemed necessary by the Conservation Commission to ensure adequate review of any applica- tion or filing made pursuant to this bylaw and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto." ARTICLE 14 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding a new Section 5.7.16 thereto as follows: 115.7.16 In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this bylaw and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto may be enforced by noncriminal disposition in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11 of these bylaws and Section 21D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws, and for the purposes of such noncriminal disposition the term "enforcing person" shall mean any member of the Conservation Commission, the Conservation Administrator or his or her designee." ARTICLE 12 On motion of Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7.15 of the General Bylaws of the Town by renumbering that section as Section 5.7.17. ARTICLE 15 Thomas J. Stohlman presented the following report from the Community Planning and Development Commission: Pursuant to Chapter 40A of the Massachusetts General Laws, Legal Notice of a Public Hearing on Articles 15 and 16 was placed in the Reading edition of The Daily Times Chronicle on October 5, 1990, and October 12, 1990. This hearing was held at the Selectmen's Meeting Room, Town Hall, at 7:45 PM on Monday, Oc- tober 22, 1990. This is a report of the hearing proceedings and recommendations by CPDC to Town Meeting. SUMMARY Article 15: Site Plan Review Applicability Recommended 4-0-0 (Member Barnes absent) 16 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 Article 16: Definition of Frontage Recommended 4-0-0 (Member Barnes absent) DISCUSSION Article 15: Site'Plan Review Applicability Recommended 4-0-0 (Member Barnes absent) A Subcommittee of the CPDC and Chamber of Commerce Member Repre- sentatives have jointly worked on improving the "trigger mechanism" for Site Plan review. The proposed bylaw amendment would provide three basic components: Trigger Mechanism, Waiver Reasons, and Exemption Criteria. Members of the Chamber of Commerce in attendance stated their desire for the exemption criteria for expansions be increased from 300 square feet to 500 square feet and interior renovations be increased from 1000 square feet to 2000 square feet. This was discussed by several Comm_~_ssion Members. Members stated the reasons for 300 S.F. and 1000 S.F. were based on current parking requirements for retail and office space as one space for 300 S.F. of retail-or office space and given a renovation cost al- lowance of $30 per square foot the current limit of $30,000 would be comparable to 1000 Square feet. Members also advised that larger interior renovation projects would still qualify for a waiver if there was not adverse impact according to Section 4.3.3.5. The Chamber of Commerce representatives felt that the proposed amendment was an improvement from the existing, but did not go far enough. The Board felt that the waiver mechanism would facilitate the Chamber's concerns for unnecessary Site Plan Reviews on interior renovations with no adverse impact on the Town. Article 16: Definition of frontage Recommended 4-0-0 (Member Barnes absent) There was no public input during this hearing relative to this Article. Members discussed the need to continue our review of other Town's Zoning bylaws relative to subdivision control on lot width, access width, and irregularly shaped lots. Members dis- cussed the need to limit access easements from infringing on re- quired minimum frontages. The revised definition as recommended would not affect individual property owners in their right to grant access easements across their own frontage. It does provide better protection for property owners and for the Town. ARTICLE 15 On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it was voted that the Town amend Section 4.3.3.1. of the Reading Zoning By- Laws as follows: 17 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 By adding in the first paragraph of said Section the words 11, or occupancy allowed," between the words "...shall be issued" and the words "for the construction..."; and by deleting the words "valued at $30,000 or more"; so that said paragraph will read: "No building or other permit, license, or approval shall be issued, or occupancy allowed, for the construction, expansion, or alteration of the following uses, or relocation of the following buildings or structures, or for the change in use of land and buildings, to the following; until a site plan for the lot on which such building or use is, or is proposed to be, located, has been submitted and approved as provided herein: (a) Any public or quasi-public, business, service, automotive, industrial, or recreational use. (b) Any apartment, boarding house, roadside stand, or other per- mitted use substantially similar~to the uses specified in sub- paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof." By adding the following subsections immediately after said paragraph: 114.3.3.1.1. Waiver: The Community Planning and Development Com- mission shall waive with or without conditions the requirement for Site Plan Review for any of the following reasons: (a) The construction, expansion, or alteration only involves the interior renovation of an existing space and the proposed changes will not result in an adverse impact in the areas described in Section 4.3.3.5., or (b) The proposed change in use is within the same use category and will not result in an adverse impact in the areas described in Section 4.3.3.5., or (c) The property has undergone Site Plan Review and approval within the past five (5) years and the proposed changes will not result in an adverse impact in the areas described in Section 4.3.3.5. If the Community Planning and Development Commission does not act within thirty (30) days of receiving a waiver request, the waiver shall be deemed granted. 4.3.3.1.2. Exemptions: Site Plan Review shall not be required for the following: (a) The construction is solely for the maintenance or repair of the existing structure. 18 Adjourned subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 (b) The construction, expansion, or alteration of a building or structure does not exceed 300 (three hundred) gross square feet, or such alteration involves only interior renovation of less than 1000 (one thousand) gross square feet. (c) The construction, expansion, or alteration only involves the modification of internal electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems." 2/3 vote required 88 voted in the affirmative 2 voted in the negative 7 abstained ARTICLE 16 On motion of Thomas J. Stohlman, it was voted that the Town amend Section 2.2.13. of the Reading Zoning By- Laws by adding the words not.burdened by access easement at the time of subdivision," between the words "...of a street line" and the words "across which access...", so that said Section will read: 112.2.13. FRONTAGE: the continuous length of a street line, not burdened by access easement at the time of subdivision., across which access is legally and physically available for pedestrians and vehicles. The end of a street without a cul-de-sac shall not be considered frontage." 2/3 vote required 88 voted in the affirmative 8 voted in the negative ARTICLE 17 On motion of Dr. Paul F. Caselle, it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.4.,"Excavations and Wells" of the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting the words "an aban- doned well or", the word "either" and the words "or shall fill such well to the level of the ground" in the first sentence of section 5.4.2 thereof so that said first sentence shall read: "The owner or owners of land whereon is located a well in use shall provide a covering for such well capable of sustaining weight of three hundred (300) pounds." ARTICLE 18 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of General Laws Chapter 32B, Section 9E relating to subsidiary or additional rates for certain insurance payments and matters relating thereto for retired employees. 19 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 ARTICLE 19 On motion of John M. Silvaggi, it was voted that the Town transfer the amount of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Dollars ($7,500.00) from the Cemetery Sale of Lots Fund and ap- propriate said sum for the purpose of purchasing unwanted grave spaces. ARTICLE 20 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the subject matter of Article 20 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 21 Thomas J. Stohlman presented the, following Report of the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) regarding Town Meeting Warrant Articles 21 & 22: Land Ad- visory Committee: CPDC voted 0-5-0 against the Articles. CPDC agrees with the Finance Committee in its concern that a Land Use Committee will add unnecessarily to the complexity of Town government, and has identified two significant problems: 1. The proposed activities of the Land Use Committee overlap the CPDC responsibilities outlined in the Home Rule Charter, which states that the CPDC "...shall annually report to the Town giving information regarding the physical condition of the Town and any plans or proposals known to it affecting the resources, physical development and needs of the Town." Comparison of these responsibilities with those proposed for the Land Use Committee shows that dual responsibilities will occur in the reporting on the development of parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities, public works or conserva- tion projects, open spaces and zoning by-law amendments. 2. The process is often burdensome now for our citizens. Any given issue may require an interested citizen to attend meetings of the Conservation Committee, CPDC, Board of Health, etc... Adding yet another committee may discourage citizen participation. Adding another meeting to the schedule of volunteer board members such as CPDC is also discouraging. CPDC agrees that information on certain articles could and should be improved; however, in our opinion, this is not the answer. ARTICLE 21 Philip B. Pacino moved that the Town vote to amend the General Bylaws by adding a new section to Article 3 to read as follows: 20 Adjourned subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/go 3.8 Land Advisory Committee 3.8.1 There shall be a Land Advisory Committee consisting of five (5) voters of the Town, appointed by the Moderator for three (3) year staggered terms, so arranged that two terms shall expire in one year two terms shall expire the following year and one term shall expire in the next following year, such terms to ex- pire on the first day of July. 3.8.2 The Land Advisory Committee shall report to Town Meet- ing on all proposed uses, purchases, takings, sales, conveyances, and alterations of Town-owned or proposed Town-owned land, all proposed takings and releases of Town-owned easements and on all proposed street acceptances, whenever any of the foregoing re- quire Town Meeting approval or petition to the General Court. The Land Advisory Committee may also report on any article in a Warrant that in its judgment significantly affects the use of Town-owned land. Land Advisory Committee Reports to the Town shall be in the form of recommendations and contain written ra- tionale and be included in the Finance Committee Report as specified in Section 3.4.2 of these Bylaws. The Land Advisory Committee shall have access to all information, data, proposals, requests for proposals, agreements, and minutes of any official body, whether held in open or Executive Session, related to War- rant articles on which the Land Advisory Committee intends to report. When such information is from Executive session, each Land Advisory Committee member shall be held to the same con- fidentiality requirements as those placed on the members of the official body which is the source of the information. 3.8.3 If any member of the Land Advisory Committee shall be absent for three (3) or more successive meetings, the other mem- bers of said committee may, by affirmative vote of its majority, request the Moderator to remove such absenting member and shall notify him by mail of such removal. This motion was voted in the negative. ARTICLE 22 On motion of Philip B. Pacino, it was voted to indefinitely postpone the subject matter of Article 22. ARTICLE 23 On motion of George V. Hines, it was voted to indefinitely postpone the subject matter of Article 23. 21 Adjourned subsequent Town Meeting - 11/15/90 - 11/26/90 ARTICLE 24 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the subject matter of Article 24 be indefinitely postponed. On motion of George J. Shannon it was voted that this meet- ing stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 p.m. at Reading Memorial High School on November 26, 1990. Meeting adjourned 10:30 P.M. 130 Town Meeting members present. A true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Qui Town Clerk I ;r ADJOURNED SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Reading Memorial High School November 26, 1990 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 Dr. David Reid of the First Baptist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 25 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that the Town raise by borrowing, as provided under Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 8 of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, the sum of Seven Hundred Fifty-Seven Thousand Dollars ($757,000.00), and appropriate said sum for the purpose of making renovations and additions to the former fire station on Pleasant and Parker Streets so as to convert it into a Senior Citizens Center, including the cost of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and architectural fees, inspection fees, contin- gencies and related facilities incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen; however, any borrowing authorized by this Article and appropriation pursuant thereto shall be contingent on the receipt of a grant, or grants, to defray all of the costs of said renovations and additions and re- lated matters; and to authorize the Town Manager to enter into all contracts as may be necessary to carry out the purpose of this Article. 22 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/26/90 ARTICLE 26 Dr. Robert Munnelly presented the attached report on "The State of School Facilities in the Reading Public Schools." (see attached report) Roberta C. D'Antona presented the following report from the School Building Committee: The School Building Committee was commissioned by Town Meeting during the Fall 1988 session and given the task of "carrying out a long range building program" for the Reading Public Schools. Tonight's presentation of the School Building Committee is the culmination of nearly two years of work. It offers the community a building project which is the best solution to the problem of meeting the needs of the elementary school children of our com- munity. While this plan is a vision which addresses the educa- tional needs of the future-make no mistakeiii assumptions that there is anything frivolous or unnecessary which has been in- cluded therein, for this plan is about essentials only It is about the very basic facility and space which is immediately needed and is necessary to bring education in this community into the 21st century. Tonight's presentation will bring to light the issues which are - rapidly reaching a crisis point. The severe lack of space in the face of an escalating elementary school population and the dire need for renovations in the Joshua Eaton and Birch Meadow Schools are threatening the quality of education in our community. Therefore we as a community are faced with a very difficult situation in these serious economic times. It is that very fact that makes this project so appropriate at this time.... because when other alternatives are closely examined it becomes apparent that they are costly, ineffective and inter- rupt the cadence of quality education. Tonight we will demonstrate to you that this project is by far more cost effec- tive than any other alternative such as: opening a fifth elementary school which will increase administrative costs adding more portables at a cost of $60-90,000/unit (and there simply is no reasonable space left for another unit) moving classes to the high school. This is education- ally unsound and would incur additional bussing costs. 23 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/26/90 While the project is basically the same as we presented to Town Meeting before, there have been adjustments most of which are due to the change in the economy. This has affected a decrease in construction costs ...and we have been able to realize a savings which is reflected in the new project total. After close scrutiny of the project, we have also eliminated certain capital expenditures the details of which we will cover later in the presentation. The proposal before you tonight is different than the one previ- ously presented to you in that there 'are restrictions that no construction will begin until: - Approval of Town Meeting Community approves a debt exclusion override Approval of reimbursement from the SBAB It is also important to point out that this project is reimbur- sable at.a 66% rate from the School Building Assistance Board. This means that for every dollar that is spent 66 cents is returned. This includes both construction and interest costs. This is an important consideration when a community such as ours is faced with such an overwhelming need. In preparing this presentation for you tonight we have paid close attention to details in order to give you as much information as possible and yet be sensitive to reasonable time constraints. Therefore, tonight's presentation will include the following: 15 Min. Video Population Trends Other Options Project Details Project Time Line Funding/Financial Joshua Eaton/Birch Meadow Dan Ensminger Dr. Munnelly David Finney Don Farnham Stan Nissen ARTICLE 26 On motion of Carol S. Lyons it was voted that the Town raise by borrowing as provided under Chapter 44, Sec- tions 7 and 8 of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority which may include Chapter 645 of the Acts of 1948 as amended, the sum of Four Million Six Hundred Eight Thousand Dol- lars ($4,608,000.00) and appropriate said sum for the purpose of renovations and additions to the Birch Meadow School on Arthur B. Lord Drive and the Joshua Eaton School on Summer Avenue, includ- ing the costs of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and architectural fees, inspection fees, contingencies and related facilities incidental thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the School Committee. The Town further votes to authorize the School Committee to file applications for grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said school renovations and addi- tions and related matters. The Town further authorizes the 24 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/26/90 School Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article. Provided, however, that any borrowing authorized by this Article and appropriation pursuant thereto shall be contingent upon the passage of a debt exclusion referendum question under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 21C, and further, provided that no sum in excess of the funding needed to prepare plans, specifications, and for preliminary expenses in connection with making applica- tion for School Building Assistance will be expended until such time as the Town has been notified that School Building Assis- tance Funds have been granted for this project. 2/3 vote required 102 voted in the affirmative 44 voted in the negative ARTICLE 27 On, motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town transfer from Certified Free Cash and ap- propriate to the following line items in the FY1991 Municipal Budget the sum of Twelve Thousand Dollars ($12,000.00) for the purpose of holding a special election for a referendum question under General Laws Chapter 59, Section 21C relating to the sub- ject matter of Article 26 of this warrant: Line item 39 Elections and Registration Personal Services Five Thousand One Hundred Dollars ($5,100.00) Line item 40 Elections and Registration Non-Personal Expenses Four Thousand Nine Hundred Dollars ($4,900.00) Line item 60 Police Personal Services Two. Thousand Dollars ($2,000.00) ARTICLE 3 Article 3 was not moved from the table. ARTICLE 2 On motion of William C. Brown, it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. ARTICLE 2 William C. Brown moved that the Board of Selectmen petition the Great and General Court of the Common- wealth to allow cities and towns after public hearings and a majority vote of the governing body of'the cities or towns to in- stall four-way or more stop signs. This motion was voted in the negative. 25 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/26/90 ARTICLE 2 William C. Brown moved that Town Counsel seek an interpretation of Section 11B paragraph (6) of Chapter 30A as written with regards to executive sessions held by the Board of Selectmen for the sale of real estate, and report said inter- pretation to Town Meeting as soon as possible. This motion was voted in the negative. ARTICLE 2 Roberta C. D'Antona moved that the Selectmen be instructed to consider a twenty year bond for the school building project. This motion was voted in the negative. ARTICLE 1 on motion of Philip B. Pacino, it was voted to take Article 1 from the table. Philip B. Pacino present4d the following report: Mr. Moderator, Town Meeting Members The Bylaw Committee in accordance with a Spring Town Meeting Instructional Motion has looked into the feasibility of revising the Town of Reading General Bylaws relative to the dates when Town Meeting should be held so that such dates would avoid con- flict with significant religious holidays and the annual Reading spring school recess. After review and discussion, the Bylaw Committee deems that no revision should be made to the Bylaws at the present time. Within the next five years, the start of Passover will not conflict with the proposed dates of Town Meeting. Holy Thursday will conflict in 1992 only and Patriots' day and school vacation week will conflict all five years. The Bylaw Committee deems that the dates of Town Meeting should be set by the Moderator and the Town Meeting members them- selves. With this in mind the Bylaw Committee did not seek a change in the dates of Town Meeting and returns the issue to Town Meeting members for a clearer determination of the wish of body. Although a Bylaw change is always feasible, the Bylaw Com- mittee recommends that Town Meeting seek no Bylaw change on this issue. The Committee recommends that the Moderator be given discretion, with direction from Town Meeting members, as to the setting of dates for Town Meetings to avoid conflicts. Thank you, Mr. Moderator. 26 Adjourned Subsequent Town Meeting - 11/26/90 ARTICLE 1 Town Manager, Peter I. Hechenbleikner, presented the attached report on the status of instructional mo- tions. (see attached report) ARTICLE 1 Dr. Paul Caselle, Board of Health, presented the attached report on eastern equine encephalitis requested by a Town Meeting instructional motion. On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that this Sub- sequent Meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting adjourned 10:55 P.M. 158 Town Meeting members present. A true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk 27 } • ~ s READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Robert J. Munnelly, Ed.D. Superintendent Post Office Box 180 Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Reading School Committee Stanley Nissen chairman Carol Lyons vice-chairman George Shannon Mary Williams Barbara Philbrick James Nally THE STATE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES IN THE READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS School Facilities are an integral part of quality education for our young people. Over the years, the people of Reading have made a sizeable investment in school buildings; continuing investments are needed for the School Facilities to play their proper role in the education of the youngsters on into the 21st century. _ This brief report of the "State and Condition of School Facilities" will summarize much of the history of the repair and maintenance of the school buildings under the jurisdiction of the Reading School Committee. It will also address the continuing needs which the Reading School Committee has been considering as it carries out its responsibility to bring such needs to the community's attention -for action over the course of the next few years. MAINTAINING AND IMPROVING SCHOOL FACILITIES Over the years, the Reading School Committee and the school administration have planned and carried out a modestly active program of building upkeep so that today in 1990 we can honestly say that the schools, on the whole, are in good repair. There has been no new school building project during the last twenty years: in this time block, major effort was made to replace roofs and to "close in" the •open classrooms and offices constructed in the Reading Memorial High School addition, to make toilet areas in the schools accessible to wheel-chair handicapped, to do energy-saving replacement of lighting fixtures and oil burners at all schools and windows at one school. Floor tile and ceiling tile replacement only happens when the wear and tear of daily use over time makes an area unsafe or unsightly. Threat of PCB contamination was eliminated with the replacement of transformers at Reading Memorial High School. To the community's good fortune, an investment in the outdoor stadium and track some eight years ago gave us a gem of a facility; however, upkeep is expensive and renovations and repairs are needed. MAINTENANCE NEEDS All of the seven school buildings are twenty years and older and as a result need replacement for such items as alarms, intercoms, auditor-ium curtains, and hot top as the original installations wear out. It would be easy to develop a list of major maintenance needs. The original boilers in any of the schools have not been replaced. Asbestos has been removed from student areas, but much remains in the buildings, in-ground oil tanks need to be replaced on a planned program even though none are leaking. We are considering changing over to gas heat to reduce the major expense of encapsulating oil tanks. A major investment has to be made in replacing steam lines and gate valves in the heating systems of schools. Ventilation systems designed for an earlier era could benefit from redesigning and retrofitting. At Reading Memorial High School a thirty-eight year old elevator needs to be replaced, and the 1972 era elevator would benefit from replacing the main cables. PROGRAM CHANGES AFFECTING BUILDINGS During the twenty-year period since our last new school was built the State mandated new programs in kindergarten education (1973) and Special Education (1974 and following) which called for different uses and spaces than the original architects planned into the buildings. Modern library/audio-visual facilities which meet modern education standards are built into just two facilities - Reading Memorial High School and Killam . . . all other schools have less-than-adequate space devoted to library programs. No art rooms or music rooms exist in the elementary schools. Computer rooms have been created in the three secondary schools by rewiring areas formerly devoted to other uses. Over the years, the School Committee has received 66% support from the School Building Assistance Bureau for major renovations to roofs. It will seek such funding on all major capital renova- tions into the future. TOWARDS A MASTER PLAN FOR PREPARING READING SCHOOLS FOR THE 1990's The School Committee's plan'for major capital refurbishing of the schools to address the needs is best termed "modest." These ideas are or will be included in the School Committees five year capital plan which it as a matter of continuing attention is reviewed yearly. Key benchmarks are: 1990 - 91 Additions and renovations to Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton Schools 4.6 million 1991 - 92 Expand library at Barrows School (postponed from 1989-90) $15,000 1992 - 93 Move portables from Eaton and Barrows Schools to Coolidge Middle School as a solution for office, conference, and special education needs $75,000 1996 or Renovate Parker Middle School - replace roof, 1997 windows, heating units, revise ventilation, new library and cafeteria, create office and conference space, special education rooms, handi- capped accessibility 5+ million The School Committee, with input from two Task Forces, evaluated the value of renovating the forty-two year old Pearl Street facility to meet the increasing enrollment predicted from future enrollment trends. It was determined that the costs of refurbishing the building for use over the next twenty years would entail construction costs in the vicinity of 4 million dollars, and that the Town's resources were better spent on upgrading the inadequate facilities at Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton Schools. Further, the yearly costs of core staffing at Pearl Street (principal, secretary, custodial, library-media specialist, reading specialist) were unnecessary because the core staff at Birch Meadow and Eaton Schools would be sufficient to serve the increased enrollments in the two newly refurbished buildings. If community funds were spent to reopen Pearl Street School, Birch Meadow and Eaton Schools would still need to be renovated to over- come their problems and meet program needs on into the 21st century. RJM/dfw 11/26/90 C) O O C H C7 O N 4~b to 0 1 Un 0 0 z n t+7 z H C z 0 r H H H C F-+;d y::~ E-'M3 0 W M z t.0mwx110 Haa0110m 1,orot- m%D ~cnHO~M 3C'~03. NClCrJzto 0 wm(vOwt•dznm 0 "IJ cn3F~-3 rozmroroz H >Cit=]t170>mn mmwmm>rozn0 3HCrJC mHa>m 2~O NLOHrz r H > Co MM LT > m 0 O > n In ~>H 3 0 < > Cn ::E: a, w cnHC Ctil iM ro ~ ~ n O c M O ~o O > N cn z H N cn m H sr ;o O C ro 1-~ f ~o H ~l H N O z cn n cn C) O > o a I O n m rx Hz l kH C) G) C) x z 0HEnn 10z 0 ' H H O:E z0r rn t z O r O H cnnCH3 Fd>Hx> > C4 nc~zz0 C17~~H7d m0I-a,dH (nzHOH ror00 >roz z 0 w 0 n z O ^ H r Ll > C~ H roz O~ z H O L-1 M Cf) ~ 00 I> til cn H I O mk~ronmaa amL-izmaztd O> m H H' d H O a d<zrizgz OHMM a H a H z~a H W z O;n WZ I Z > m rH cn roH ~z >c~cnrrr0 xro m0mril COcn05d n>rxj^ zcnm H t rH > lom H 3 n O H H H~r~nr H C H m cf) n ~d . cn r r 0 x z 0 0 ~d 0> t- z H m 0 y O C 'T1 n H H 0 z Ul NNro N WH N~ro~ ~N NNroN Nt31C~] U1 %D ~NroN APC1m pcn > H DO Nl0m ~x NlD ~ N Wm :dx 0 l0 ~ ~x 0 OD ' bx o n ~ O II cn O 11',Tl r~ cn ra 0 ~1 r~ cn ra >0 n M t~ U, Cn 4) tij tri z W G7 i~] Na C M N C+7 z G) CrJ W C Cn N C~7 z G7 C~J C U~ N H z H H z ~P C Cn w NrCnO "o 01rH0 O Nr O r~H0 FC ~o O rH ~u z z r z r z 3 rcD r"')n r6D 3 II z z H H ~ H tri 0 m mho HiCICrJ~-' z Z°d H H H I r til H mz mM Ht7 z z z z 0 z 0 ° ° try ~ G cn z H > O z z z H t~ H O Cn Hr~dn roC~cn~r~ 0 x ~'ro~ ~roz ro>z cn> z 1-9 H ro m ro>z ~ 00H H>H>> z z 0 0 c 0z0 0zt: ~ rocnH3z O Oros C>> C>~ z m~ rom r~ zcnz >HH >HH M rHCnz t3a 0 zr r H r H m F-30>M r~z ~m cn0z cn0z c n t M> >z >za+ t:j 7 v dHn %.00 tl7C7 tTJ0 F-i Occn HH HH H zH zH m °0 G) 0 r Lai STATUS REPORT - INSTRUCTIONAL MOTIONS November 26, 1990 Date of Maker of Inst.Mot. Inst.Mot. Subject Matter Status 11/23/87 Barker Hold all Town Meetings done at RMHS 11/23/87 Barker No meetings to conflict done with Town Meeting 11/23/87 Haskell Material to Town Meeting usually 3 days in advance done 12/8/88 Shannon Establish a School Build- done ing Committee 12/8/88 Adams Establish Wading Pool Comm. done - Comm. is dissolved 12/8/88 Nichols History of Bylaw by Fall 189 done 12/8/88 Hines Long term financial plan some progress 12/8/88 Price Status of signal Summer/ design Main complete project will be bid when state $s available 4/13/89 DiPietro Sell Pearl Street School - appraisal $10,000 authorized underway 4/24/89 Price Combine Sale of Real Estate Home Rule Funds Leg. filed 4/24/89 Adams Establish Town Hall Advisory done and Committee project completed 4/24/89 Graham Appropriate $52,000 from project Insurance to repair Library completed 5/15/89 Rivers Work with Wakefield re: Bear ongoing Hill access 5/22/89 Barcroft Detailed information re: complying budget Status Report - page 2 5/22/89 Coco 5/22/89 Howard 5/22/89 i 5/22/89 Shannon Graham 5/22/89 VanMagness 5/22/89 M.Russell 5/22/89 M.Russell 9/21/89 Lynch 9/21/89 Nordberg 11/16/89 Graham 11/30/89 Graham Convert Pearl Street School after to Senior Citizen's Housing study this concept was reject ed because lack of demand within the community & lack of funding School Committee and FinCom nurse reconsider position re: 4th hired school nurse Change in makeup of School completed Building Committee Modify insurance settlement project for Library completed Bylaw re: meeting during Bylaw was Town meetings drafted & adopted Requiring budget summary complying material Modify budget process to Moderator allow flexibility to recon- has fig- sider line items ured an- other way to do the same thing Develop bylaw requiring Bylaw de- Town Meeting approval of veloped & all fines, fees etc. rejected by T. Meet Bylaw Committee receive a work is set of all fees, fines or ongoing charges Appropriating $10,000 for Approved & Pearl St. School study appraisal pending Appropriating $38,000 for Approved & monitoring wells in the wells in- Town Forest stalled f Status Report - page 3 11/30/89 Carpenter 4/9/90 Graham 5/24/90 Hartzler 5/24/90 R.Brown 9/13/90 C.Nitzsche 9/13/90 C.Nitzsche 9/13/90 W.Brown School Committee to come Art. 26 of back with alternate plan of the 1990 meeting school space needs Subsequent T. Meeting will deal with this Bylaw Comm. to review T. under re- Meeting schedule dates to view by avoid holidays Bylaw Com. Future budgets separate will be trash removal from Public complied Works budgets with Review potential additonal none Revolving Funds antici- pated Bd. of Health report on ) see re- E.E.E. port attached Investigate activities at undergoing shooting ranges regarding review noise for neighbors Report on minimum manning will be Police & Fire Depts. reviewed & presented as part of FY92 bud- get OF)? Fgi-own. ®A ea In i " Reading, Massachusetts 01867-2648 •a - ~ o o- co ~s lNCO O CsQO~ (617) 942-0500 BOARD OF HEALTH 16 LOWELL STREET REPORT TO TOWN MEETING Town Meeting has asked the Board of Health to report on this summer's eastern equine encephalitis concern and viable long term solutions to this issue. We will answer this in three parts: 1) a brief description of what eastern equine encephalitis or EEE is 2) what happened last summer 3) recommendations for preventing a Reading citizen from contracting the disease. EEE is a rare but serious disease caused by a virus. The virus grows in birds that live in freshwater swamps, and is spread among the birds by mosquitoes that do not bite people. However, sometimes it gets picked up by other kinds of mosquitoes that do bite people and horses. There is a vaccine for horses but not for people. The disease is not contagious; the only way to contract it is by being bitten by an infected mosquito. The risk of get- ting EEE is highest from July through September. The risk ends at the time of the first killing frost. There is no cure for the disease and up to 7 of every 10 people who get the disease die. Survivors frequently suffer severe neurological problems. The only treatment is supportive care, to lower fevers and ease pres- sure on the brain and spinal cord. The Department of Public Health has nine criteria that they use in determining warning or actions levels. The appearance of the Highland J virus in Reading this summer was unusual in both its geography and timing. Highland J usually precedes EEE virus ac- tivity by several weeks. It was usually early and is not typi- cally isolated this far north. Second was the quantity of EEE isolates. DPH has been monitoring for this virus since 1956. This summer, it appeared three weeks earlier than any time in the past. They also feel that when they reach a threshold of 50 iso- lates, that there will probably be a case of human EEE. This summer, that threshold was reached August 10. Third is the num- ber of horse cases of EEE. This summer there were 23 cases. As most of you are aware, the state's concern this year was not un- founded. There were three cases of human EEE, one of which was fatal. The instructional motion asks for recommendations for "a long term solution" to presumably the public health threat of eastern equine encephalitis. There is no one quick solution. The solution is a comprehensive long term program which includes water manage- ment, larval control and adult mosquito spraying. Mosquitoes are part of our ecosystem and the goal of the mosquito control program is not to eliminate but to control the population in or- der to allow people to enjoy their yards and not fear for their health. To this end the Board of Health recommends the following: 1) Continue our membership in the Project. Mosquitoes do not adhere to by us. Mosquitoes which breed in as mosquitoes which breed in the Wakefield. Therefore, a regional tive. East Middlesex Mosquito Control the geographical boundaries set Wakefield come to Reading, just Haverhill Street wetlands go to approach to control is impera- The Town cannot afford to purchase and maintain its own vehicles and equipment or hire additional staff for mosquito con- trol. The regional program affords Reading full time availability and expertise while paying only part of the costs. 2) Continue the spring helicopter spraying of the bacteria BTi to kill mosquitoes in-the larval stage before they reach the biting adult stage. This large scale spraying is not as effective for the summer breeding moquitoes since most of Reading's wetlands have tree cover and BTi granules would not reach the ground in adequate amounts to be effective. However, larval control can be accomplished in selected areas with a recently purchased truck mounted sprayer. 3) Reinstate the monies for water management. There has been a joint effort for maintaining drainage between the Mosquito Con- trol Project and the town's Department of Public Works. The Town has underfunded DPW drain maintenance for several years. We are, now suffering the consequences. Mosquitoes cannot breed in moving water or dry areas. The Mosquito Control Project's water management program, though limited, keeps some drainage ditches and wetlands clear for water to move through. 4) Continue the chemical spraying on an "as needed" basis for adult mosquito control. There are 4 traps in Reading which are monitored by the Mosquito Control Project. The spraying is done only when the traps show elevated mosquito populations. 5) Continue to enforce the design criteria for stormwater deten- tion areas to reduce new man-made mosquito breeding areas. These criteria have been incorporated into the Subdivision Regulations and are enforced by the CPDC and the Board of Health. Reading Board of Health