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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1991-04-08 Annual Town Meeting MinutesADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING FIRST BUSINESS SESSION April 8, 1991 - Reading Memorial High School The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at 7:45 P.M. there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by the Reverend Dr. David Reid, First Bap- tist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and the Town Meeting Member's Pledge. The Warrant was partially read by Town Clerk, Catherine A. Quimby, when on motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to dispense with fur- ther reading of the warrant except for the Officer's Return, which was read by the Town Clerk. ARTICLE 2 The following "State of the Town" Report by Eugene R. Nigro, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, was accepted as a Report of Progress: Mr. Moderator: As we begin our 247th Town Meeting I am privileged to review with you, on behalf of the Board of Selectmen, the highlights of 1990 and our view of the State of the Town and the challenges before us. The slide in the national economy and the State's fiscal crisis has had its impact on operating town government. Revenue from new con- struction and excise taxes is down reflecting the economic downturn. Revenue from traffic fines is down because of lay-offs in the Police Department. The stalled real estate market has caused a delay in the sale of town properties. In addition, Reading voters have said no twice during the past year to overriding Proposition 2-1/2. The mes- sage is clear..... bad economic times are with us all and we must learn to live with less. Since the passage of Proposition 2-1/2, we have downsized the municipal side of Town Government from 254 to 210 employees, a drop of 17%. Last Fall, the selectmen had an all day planning meeting inviting all town departments including the schools in an effort to establish goals and objectives for the town and to review the capital planning process. Those meetings will continue. A series of meetings between the Town Manager and School Superintendent was held that was to later result in an agreement that would con- solidate building maintenance, school business functions such as payroll, accounts payable and benefits management with the Town's. This effort at strategic planning will continue to take' place to produce cost savings wherever they can be achieved, long-term as 7 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 well as short term. Evidence of long-term planning that charts the fu- ture of Reading can be found by reading the Draft Master Plan as- sembled by the Master Plan Advisory Committee. This group, after many hours of work, has identified the Town's problems, assets, and action steps that can be taken to preserve and enhance Reading's identity and character. Special thanks goes to Jonathan Edwards and Mark Favaloro. I urge you to read it and respond to it. In spite of our financial problems, we have been creative in meeting the challenge of continuing to provide basic municipal services by in- tegrating and consolidating departments, computerization, and am- bivalently instituting user fees, while recognizing that user fees are not tax-deductible nor always equitable. Having said that, it is in- teresting to note that a user fee approach has made the Town's Recrea- tion Program essentially self-supporting. By centralizing Police and Fire dispatching, we have been able to make better use of our professional police officers and firefighters. We will also be in a better organizational position to adopt the enhanced 911 system in responding to all emergency calls with the address of caller shown on centralized computer terminals. We have signed mutual aid agreements with neighboring towns to strengthen our public safety coverage resulting from reduced manning levels. Most of our municipal space problems have been solved. The renovated town hall buildings and new connector were dedicated in February, 1990. The cost of renovations was a fraction of what the Municipal Space Committee received from its architects by using the talents and skills of Town DPW employees under the stewardship of DPW Director, Tony Fletcher, for some of the work. For his dedication and hard work, the Town owes him praise and gratitude. The new fire headquarters building was completed again with Tony's help and dedicated in Oc- tober. Establishing a permanent home for our Senior citizens has been more elusive, however. A grant application to convert the. former Central Fire Station to a senior center was not approved. We are op- timistic and will try again. Meanwhile, the request for proposals for the sale of the Pearl Street School, a sale endorsed by Town Meeting, has provision for linkage for a Senior Center. Competent management of our Town owned buildings require that capital improvements not be deferred too long. It ends up costing us more. Yet we have been prudent with our long-term borrowing. We enjoy an A-1 bond rating from Moody's Bond Rating Service. When compared to the average long-term debt per capita for all cities and towns in Mas- sachusetts, Reading' s per capita debt is 25% less than average. Recently our bonds were sold at a respective 5.72% interest rate. We are fortunate to have a strong Finance Department under the.capable leadership of Beth Klepeis, our Treasurer/ Collector. Shifting to the Depot, the MBTA, as the year ended, had substantially completed its $1.6 million improvements at no cost to the Town. Successful nego- tiations between the Town and MBTA assured continued preferred parking for Reading residents. 8 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 One remaining capital project that is quietly beginning to surface is the need for a new cemetery. We have only a few years before existing lots are taken. Siting and preparing a cemetery for use takes years. We have to begin planning now. During 1990, we were proactive in protecting our water supply. The Board endorsed a study of land uses in the Aquifer Protection District which will be done by the Conservation Commission, and appointed mem- bers to a Regional Water Supply Protection Committee formed by the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission. With a negotiated settlement with the General Electric Company, one million dollars will be avail- able to fund improvements to our water treatment plant. These improve- ments are expected to be completed during 1991 and will ensure good water quality for years to come. The water quality remains good, is tested daily, and the sodium level which has long plagued Reading water has been reduced to a more acceptable level. Resident response to the leaf composting and curbside recycling has been gratifying with approximately 85o.participation and approximately 14-22o reduction in weight. Mike Shannon, a high school student, chose as his Eagle Scout project a plastic recycling program that had good participation. It's a tribute to Mike to find such a valuable way to give something back to his community. Our tipping fees of $22-$23 per ton at Resco are reasonable when compared to other communities paying $60-$80 per ton. Our contract expires on June 30, 1994. However, Resco has been mandated by the State to install scrubbers at the plant to reduce air pollution. Reading has joined with the other communities served by Resco to contest the "pass through" costs in court. Paying for these extraordinary additional costs through a trash fee has been discussed by the Board and is on the agenda for town meeting input tonight. Regionalization of some services offers a real opportunity in bringing greater savings through cost sharing. We are already sharing our Veteran'-; Agent with another community and exploring the possibility of regionalizing other services like zoning enforcement. Reading hosted a North Suburban Area Planning Council meeting at which transportation improvements - specifically, the Industriplex Connector and the Route 129/1-93 Interchange was discussed. We are enlisting the support of our legislative representatives in relieving the traffic congestion around and through Reading. Our cut through traffic has concerned all residents. Actions that are within the power of the Selectmen, (stop signs, lights, one-way streets) have been taken. Long-term solutions need to be pursued through inter-town and regional cooperation. A successful settlement was reached between the Reading Municipal Light Department and the Town of Lynnfield, North Reading and Wil- mington which the Department serves. The establishment of an Advisory Committee with representation from the communities served will help ensure their input in the operations of that department. 9 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 L I Working with the Historical Commission, the Board adopted a formal policy to be followed when changes to the Town Common are proposed. An economically healthy community is one which supports its business community. During 1990, the Town and the Reading Chamber of Commerce continued to work harmoniously together identifying concerns and work- ing towards solutions. The Board extended its congratulations to the business community for its participation in the "Adopt an Island" program enhancing the appearances of the traffic islands in town. The real assets of Reading can be found in its people. Reading is a caring community. The yellow ribbons on houses, trees, cars and lapels are a testament to the support of this community for those men and women serving in the Persian Gulf. Contributions to the Town Common Fund, to the purchase of the Senior Citizen Van, to the 80-10-10 Project, Athletic and Band Programs are the better known examples. The Garden Club donating its time to improve the appearance of the Library grounds, the volunteers that made Imagination Station a reality, the 50 "Meals on Wheels" volunteers, the fund raisers for our local YMCA, the charitable work of the officers of the Police'' and Fire Depart- ments, the VFW, American Legion, Knights of Columbus and other civic and fraternal organizations may be less known. And there are many others we never hear about. But each in his own way giving something back to his or her community. The true unsung heroes are the several hundred volunteers serving the Town on its various boards, committees and commissions. I estimate that these volunteers donate 50,000 hours a year in serving Town Government and that doesn't include the con- tribution by Town Meeting members. What a tribute to the community we have grown to love and call our home. Giving something back! May we all come away from this Town Meeting with that glorious feeling of having made a contribution, of giving something back to the com- munity we hold dear. ARTICLE 2 Stanley Nissen, School Committee Chairman, presented the Reading Public Schools "Exemplary Teachers Award." The 1991 recipients were Dorothy A. Wood, Reading Memorial High School, and Jeffrey L. Cryan, Parker Middle School. Individuals selected for the "Exemplary Teachers Recognition Award", represent the highest ideals of professional service and dedication to the youth of Reading. The recipients of the award share the qualities of: excellence in teach- ing, commitment to students, both within and beyond the classroom; and specific accomplishments and leadership activities which have con- tributed to the improvement of classroom instruction. (see attached Award pamphlet) I ARTICLE 2 The following report on Sale of Real Estate Status by Selectman Russell T. Graham was accepted as a Report of Progress: 10 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 Mr. Moderator: A brief update on our Sale of Real Estate status prior to the deliberations of Town Meeting. It would be extremely pleasing if we were on target with our Real Es- tate Sales, for many of the problems we will deal with in Town Meeting relative to revenues would have been answered if we had not come head on to clash with the drastic depression in the commercial real estate market. Homart, as reported to you in the Fall, has requested and received an extension on their purchase of the landfill site and continues to market and pursue tenants for the site. Building a commercial space on Route 128 has, however, come to almost a complete standstill and those buildings completed, remain substantially empty. These are facts which do not bode well for either Homart or the Town of Reading. As of today, despite their efforts, Homart has not reported that they are able to name a suitable occupant for the proposed office park. The Pearl Street School has gone out for Request for Proposals and these proposals are due back by May 1, 1991. Three developers have so far picked up RFP's and the date of June 11, 1991 has been set as when the Board of Selectmen will accept a proposal or reject all proposals received. Again the current real estate market seems to have dampened interest in the. Pearl Street site and may diminish somewhat our anticipated sales price or in fact make sale at this time not the proper or fis- cally right thing to do. The original developers of Bear Hill have withdrawn as previously reported and have since Fall Town Meeting attempted to recover the $50,000.00 deposit made to Reading at the time of the original agree- ment. It is the opinion of Town Counsel that they will be unsuccessful in that attempt. As to further action on Bear Hill it is deemed prudent to proceed cautiously with the optimistic hope that the market will turn around and make the sale of Bear Hill a more profitable venture further on. The old fire station remains, in the eyes of the Board of Selectmen, the potential permanent answer to the housing needs for our Senior Center and we intend to again this year seek a grant to make that hap- pen. We will urge your support to that end under discussion of a mo- tion to come before you in this Town Meeting. 11 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 The sum and substance of this report is not of a positive nature. No report relative to Real Estate in Massachusetts could truthfully be so at this time. This problem and its ramifications on Reading could not have come at a worse time. Many of our revenue projections were dependent on the successful cul- mination of these sales and further on the consistent tax revenue and fees associated with their development. Like so many others this very real recession is having a direct impact on our ability to operate. In the long range they remain viable avenues for meeting some of our revenue needs, but in the short range, they are not available as hoped for leaving the necessity to either find other options of raising in- come or cutting the services they would have supported. That unhappy fact makes the life of Town Meeting significantly more difficult and these options will, I suspect, be the subject of some debate under another article. The Board of Selectmen remains committed to not reacting to cyclical effects on the Market and is determined that sale of real estate will be handled guided with the absolute intent of realizing the highest long-term benefit to the citizens of Reading. Thank you, Mr. Moderator. ARTICLE 3 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town endorse a proposal by the Board of Selectmen to institute a flat per-household Trash Fee on 11 2, and 3-family residences beginning July 1, 1991 in a total amount not to exceed $486,210.00, representing the cost of the "pass-through" costs for the RESCO facility in Saugus for FY92, said Trash Fee to expire on June 30, 1992; unless reviewed and reauthorized by the Board 'of Selectmen after re-endorsement by Town Meeting prior to its expiration, and that the Board of Selectmen shall establish policies: 1) for granting complete or partial waivers of the Trash Fee, for the elderly, veteran, blind, infirm, or poverty-stricken, and 2) for permitting property owners to discontinue trash service upon proof to the Board of Selectmen that the household has contracted for another method of disposing of household rubbish. The vote on the above motion, at the request of John W. Price, I Precinct 4, was recorded by roll call as follows: 12 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 PRECINCT 1 BAGGS FRANK H JR YES KING MARILYN R NO BARRY JAMES E YES LIVINGSTONE EARLE C NO BOUCHER JAMES R NO MACARI THOMAS CHUHA STEPHEN C JR YES NELSON CARL J YES CONVERSE HERBERT W YES NITZSCHE CURT E NO CUMMINGS MATTHEW YES NITZSCHE SALLY C NO DOUCETTE BARBARA I NO OFENSTEIN SHARON K FALLON JOHN L JR NO PROCTOR MAURICE C JR NO FANTASIA DORIS M NO QUIMBY CATHERINE A YES FOTINO RICHARD P SR YES RYAN THOMAS J NO HANSON RICHARD W NO TAYLOR JAMES K NO KING KENNETH A NO WALCOTT ROBERT J YES PRECINCT 2 ADAMS VIRGINIA M YES MELESCIUC JOANNE C YES BURKE FRANCIS P YES OSHAUGHNESSY BRIAN A CARROLL DOLORES S NO PARSONS JOHN E III NO COWART EDWIN EARLE 'III YES PRATT MARGARET V NO DAVIS WAYNE S NO REDFERN ELLEN NO FALLER GAIL A * REILLY BRUCE A YES FOULDS ALAN E NO RICKLEY ANTHONY L GENTILE ANN E NO SALTER ROBERT S YES HILLIARD MAUREEN S YES SMALL WENDY J YES LANE GINNY YES WATSON LARRY B LEBLANC PHILIP D YES WOOD GAIL F YES MARTIN FREDERICK F JR YES WOOD JOHN D YES PRECINCT 3 BARTOSCH WILLIAM J JR. YES LYONS CAROL S YES CARLSON VICTOR R YES MACDONALD GERALD L NO DANTONA.ROBERTA C YES MARSHALL WILLIAM J YES DEMPSTER RICHARD S NO MCCORMACK GEORGE A YES DONOVAN AGNES H NO MELE SALVATORE L NO DONOVAN JOHN L NO MILANO JOHN L SR YES FIORE GERALD A * NELSON ANN T. YES FIORE JANE M * NICHOLS BENJAMIN E NO GUENTHER MICHAEL M NO OSTON STEVEN G YES HUTCHESON STEVEN R NO PEDERSEN DANA C YES KORTH CAROLYN H NO WATSON LANCE NO KURKJIAN DIANE R YES WIEWORKA ARDITH A NO 13 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 PRECINCT 4 BURDITT WILLARD J YES QUIMBY ELSBETH L YES EDWARDS JONATHAN YES ROGERS RICHARD C NO GRAHAM NANCY M YES THEOPHANIS GEORGE A NO GRAHAM RUSSELL T YES TRAINOR STEPHANIE J HARRISON RANDOLPH R JR NO TWOMEY TIMOTHY R YES KALMAKIS SUSAN B YES VINCENT MARY R NO LOCKE WILLIAM E YES WESTRA ROSALYN W YES LOSCHI EDWIN J JR NO WRIGHT MARY ANN YES NIGRO EUGENE R YES YORK IRENE M NO NORDBERG NILS L * YORK LESLIE H NO PACINO PHILIP B * ZIEGLER MARY S YES PRICE JOHN W NO ZIEMLAK NANCY J YES PRECINCT 5 BECKWITH CAROL S YES MEEHAN FREDERIC S YES CASELLE PAUL F * OLEARY JAMES L YES CEFALO RICHARD R * PHILBRICK BARBARA B YES ( DRISCOLL EDWARD F III NO POTHIER ROBERT G YES FERRARI ROBERT J YES RADVILLE RICHARD A YES FULLER ROBERT L YES RAINVILLE GEORGE R HAYES LAURENCE F JR NO SHANNON GEORGE J YES HIGGOTT ELEANOR K NO SIMONE MARIA A YES HIGGOTT HENRY A NO TUCKER M.JANE NO JONES JANICE M YES TUCKER STEPHEN G NO JONES THOMAS A YES VACCARO KATHLEEN S YES MABIUS LAWRENCE E YES WARD ANN CAULFIELD YES PRECINCT 6 CARRL JACK G * LIPPITT JOHN A YES CHAMPA WILLIAM A NO LYNCH ROBERT R YES CHANDLER RODNEY J YES MACDONALD W.BRUCE YES COCO JOAN M * MITCHEL BARRY J COCO RICHARD H * MITCHEL JUDITH A DADDARIO RONALD M YES SHEMKUS JOHN J NO FANDEL JAMES J YES SHIELDS PETER A YES FULGONI KEVIN M NO SURETTE RICHARD A NO HALEY LESLIE J YES THOMPSON GEORGE T YES HOYT SALLY M YES TULIKANGAS ROBERT J YES KAINE DIANA M NO WATT WILLIAM H NO KEANE PATRICIA L YES ZITZOW ROBERT P NO 14 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 PRECINCT 7 ANGLEHART DONALD L YES LECLAIRE STUART S BOSHAR THOMAS W YES MACDONNELL JOHN F CARPENTER JOHN E YES MACKIE ROBERT YES CULLEN MAUREEN YES MORSE WILLIAM A YES ENSMINGER DANIEL A YES POWELL CATHERINE M YES FERGUSON PAUL W YES SANSTAD ROGER YES HALL JAMES L YES SLEZAK MICHAEL F YES HINES GEORGE V NO SMITH C.DEWEY YES HUGHES WILLIAM J JR * STOHLMAN THOMAS J YES JOHNSON MARK H YES SWYTER DAVID M YES KEIGLEY JAMES A NO TAMBURRINO THOMAS J YES KOZLOWSKI NORMAN F YES WALSH FRANCIS T YES PRECINCT 8 ALLEN DONALD C NO NORDSTRAND ROBERT I YES BILLER JAMES E YES OCONNELL RONALD V YES BROWN WILLIAM C NO PERRY GEORGE B II NO DAHL HARVEY J YES POOLE SHERYL L YES FERRIS DAVID M NO RUSSELL JOHN H YES FOWLER WILLIAM M JR YES RUSSELL MARGARET W YES GALVIN GREGORY C NO SILVAGGI JOHN M YES GORGONE FRANCIS P NO SILVAGGI MARIA E YES HOWARD RICHARD D YES SPAULDING WALTER J JR NO HULSE GLORIA R NO THOMASES STEPHEN W YES KLEPEIS ELIZABETH W YES VANMAGNESS FREDERICK YES MORAN TERESA M YES WHITE NATHAN C YES YES - 108 NO - 62 * No Vote Recorded During discussion, on request of Frederick VanMagness, State Represen- tative Robert Krekorian addressed the members, speaking on the State's financial crisis and its impact on cities and towns. ARTICLE 4 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the sub- ject matter of Article 4 be tabled. ARTICLE 5 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Town adopt the Capital Improvement Program, dated, Revised March 20, 1991 and set forth in the "Report on the Warrant, Annual Town Meeting, April 8, 1991," as provided for in Section 777 of the Reading Home Rule Charter. (SEE ATTACHED 2 PAGES) 15 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Fiscal Years 1992 through 1996 (cost in 0001s) Cost by year and source of funding Project # Project Description FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 FY96 FIN-2 Replace Data Proc. Equip -0- 15A 15A 15A 15A PS-F-4 Replace Ladder Truck 395D -0- -0- -0- -0- PS-F-5 Replace Bucket Truck -0- 40S -0- -0- -0- PS-F-6 Replace Pickup Truck -0- 15S -07 -0- -0- PS-F-7 Replace Pumper -0- -0- -0- 160D -0- PS-F-8 Replace Ambulance 85D -0- -0- -0- -0- PS-F-9 Replace Breath. Appar. -0- 18S 12S -0- -0- PS-P-4 Signals/Reconst.-Square -0- 675G -0- -0- -0- PW-B-2 Reconstruct Lib Park Lot -0- -0- 42A -0- -0- PW-B-6 Elder Serv.Center 757G -0- -0- -0- -0- PW-B-7 Convert fuel-Lib. 14A -0- -0- -0- -0- PW-B-8 Paint/Maj. Maint. -0- 14A 14A 14A 14A PW-C-3 New Cemetery Develop. -0- 75C 75C -0- -0- PW-C-6 Replace Backhoe -0- 20C -0- -0- -0- PW-C-7 Replace Mower 9C -0- -0- -0- -0- PW-C-8 St. Repave - Laurel Hill 6C 8C 10C 10C -0- PW-C-9 Repair Tomb - Laurel Hill 3C -0- -0- -0- -0- PW-E-1 Replace Backhoe/loader -0- 45S -0- -0- -0- PW-E-4 Replace Dump Trucks 55S 55S 55S 55S 55S PW-E-5 Replace Pickup Truck 14S 28S 28S 28S -0- PW-E-7 Replace Other Equip. -0- 30S 100S 1005 100S PW-P-1 Renovation of Pool -0- -0- -0- 100D -0- PW-P-2 Park Development -0- -0- -0- 150D -0- PW-R-1 Street Overlay -0- -0- 75A 75A 75A PW-R-2 St.Reconstruction -0- 500D -0- 500D -0- PW-R-3 Drainage Improvements -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- PW-R-4 St. Acceptances 1A 14B 15B 15B 15B PW-R-5 Walkers Brook Drive Imp. -0- -0- 440G -0- -0- 145B PW-R-6 Chapt. 90 Imprvmts. 474G 118G 118G 118G 118G PW-R-7 Curb/Sidewalk Const. -0- 25D -0- 100D -0- PW-R-8 East Side Neigh. Imp. -0- -0- 10OG -0- -0- PW-R-9 Depot Parking Imp. -0- 40D -0- -0- -0- PW-R-10 Wash./Main St. Imp. -0- 10OG -0- -0- -0- PW-R-11 Compost Cent. Devel. -0- 60D -0- -0- -0- Revised 03-20-91 15a TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Fiscal Years 1992 through 1996 (cost in 0001s) Cost by year and source of funding Project # PW-S-1 PW-S-2 PW-S-3 PW-W-4 SD-1 SD-2 SD-3 SD-4 SD-6 SD-7 SD-8 SD-9 SD-10 SD-11 SD-12 SD-13 SD-15 SD-16 SD-18 SD-19 SD-20 SD-21 A B C D E G S Project Description FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 FY96 Inflow/Infiltration -0- 75G -0-_ -0- -0- 25E Main Recon.-Walk. Brk. -0- -0- 45OG -0- -0- 50E Replace Pickup Truck 14E -0- -0- -0- -0- New Well Development -0- 100E -0- -0- -0- Computer/Wd. Proc. Equip -0- 35A 35A 35A 40A Roof Replace.,RMHS/PMS -0- 206D -0- -0- .-0- Space Remodelling-Elem. -0- 250D -0- 250D -0- Chp 504-Lifts-Toilet Rem -0- 15A -0- -0- -0- Energy Related Proj. -0- 15A 15A 15A 15A Vehicle Replacement -0-. 12A 15A 15A 15A Floor Tile Replacement -0- 15A 15A 15A 15A Install Suspnded Ceiling -0- 22A -0- 25A -0= Window Replacement,PMS -0- 175D 30A -0- -0- Refurbish Kitchen, PMS -0- -0- 50E -0- -0- Rplce Clsrm/Cafe Furn. -0- 18A 18A 20A 20A Gate/Zone Vlve Replcmt. -0- 10A 10A 10A 10A Fuel Convert./Tank Remove -0- 100D -0- 100D -0- Asbestos Abatement -0- -0 -0- -0- -0- Track Renovation, RMHS -0- 30D -0- -0- -0- Boiler Replace.,RMHS -0- 65D -0- -0- -0- Space Remodel-Secondary -0- 25A 25A -0- -0- Renovate Elevators, RMHS -0- 35D -0- 15D -0- SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM B Y YEAR BY SOURCE OF FUNDS (Cos t in 000's) FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 FY96 Total 15 196 309 239 219 978 0 14 160 15 15 204 18 103 85 10 0 216 480 1486 0 1375 0 3341 14 125 100 0 0 239 1231 968 1108 118 118 3543 69 231 195 183 155 833 1827 3123 1957 1940 507 9354 SOURCE OF FUNDING A Annual Appropriation B Betterment C Sale of Cemetery Lots D Debt to be authorized + Articles on 1991 Annual Town Meeting Warrant or Special Warrant Revised 03-20-91 E Enterprise Appropriation G Grant or outside funding S Sale of Real Estate 15b ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 ARTICLE 6 On motion of Elizabeth W. Klepeis, it was voted that the Town authorize the Town Treasurer-Collector, with the approval of the Board of Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipa- tion of the revenue of the financial year beginning July 1, 1991, in accordance with the provision of the General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 4 and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year,.in accordance with the General Laws, Chapter 44, Section 17. ARTICLE 7 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the sub- ject matter of Article 7 be indefinitely postponed. ARTICLE 8 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, the follow- ing items of Town tangible property: 1991 Ford Crown Victoria Police'Vehicle 1991 Ford Crown Victoria Police Vehicle 1987 John Deere Cemetery Riding Lawn Mower 1966 Ingersoll Rand Portable Compressor (#2) (Water Division) 1983 Chevrolet One-Ton Pick Up Truck (#8) (Sewer Division) ARTICLE 9 The Moderator advised Town Meeting that discussion on this budget article would take place at the session of April 16, 1991. ARTICLE 10 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town rescind the remaining bond authorization (s) in the amount of One Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($195,000.00) for the purpose of constructing a new Central Fire Station, as authorized by the vote taken November 14, 1988 under Article 4 of the 1988 Subse- quent Towh Meeting; in the amount of Two Hundred Ten Thousand Dollars ($210,000.00) for the purpose of constructing Drainage Improvements, as authorized by the vote taken May 8, 1989 under Article 26 of the 1989 Annual Town Meeting; and in the amount of One Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($150,000.00) for constructing Roadway Improvements, as authorized by the vote taken May 8, 1989 under Article 26 of the .1989 Annual Town Meeting. 16 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/8/91 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - 4/11/91 ARTICLE 11 George V. Hines presented the motion under Article 11 and an hour-long discussion followed. On motion of William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted that this An- nual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet following the adjournment of the Special Town Meeting which begins at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 11, 1991 in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting was adjourned at 10:50 P.M. 178 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: - ~ ~K L Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk SPECIAL TOWN MEETING April 11, 1991 - Reading Memorial High School The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at 7:40 P.M. there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Rev. E. Lewis MacLean, Church of the Nazarene, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The warrant was partially read by the Town Clerk, Catherine A. Quimby, when on motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to dispense with fur- ther reading of the warrant, except for the officer's return, which was then read by the Town Clerk. ARTICLE 1 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that the subject matter of Article 1 be tabled. ARTICLE 2 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that the subject matter of Article 2 be tabled. ARTICLE 3 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Town amend the Capital Improvement Program for FY1991 through FY95 as represented in the Town Manager's "Revised Capital Improvement Program dated 3-19-91," consisting of three (3) pages which are included in 17 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - 4/11/91 the "Report on the Warrant, Special Town Meeting, April 11, 1991" as pages 7, 8, and 9. (see attached three (3) pages) ARTICLE 4 On motion of Willard J. Burdi.tt, 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 Ar- ticle 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: REVISED FROM APPROP. $ Line 77 DPW Administration $ 11,000 134,478 Line 87 Rubbish Coll/Disp. $ 117,000 807,592 Line 89 Parks-Pers.Serv. $ 12,700 106,651 Line 95 Equip.Maint.Pers.Serv $ 21,700 67,381 Line 101 Snow/Ice Control $ 21,045 128,955 Line- 102 Cemetery Pers.Serv. $ 2,500 168,722 Line 117 Unemployment $ 110,000 95,252 $ 295,945 TO Line 73 B1d.Maint.NonPers.Exp. $ 23,200 276,385 Line 91 Parks/Prop. Capital $ 2,075 22,075 Line 109 Schools-Boiler Repair $ 21,000 14,726,320 Line 109 Schools-Fuel $ 30,000 14,756,320 Line 109 Schools-Spec.Needs $ 38,300 14,794,620 Line 116 Non-Contrib.Retirement $ 10,550 93,406 Line 120 Workers Compensation $ 87,890* 290,820 Line 124 Water Capital (Well) $ 100,000** 302,000 No Line # Teachers Early Retire. Incentive Program $ 100,000 100,000 $ 413,015 * $9370 water surplus; $7700 sewer surplus $100,000 water surplus ARTICLE 5 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town rescind the bond authorization in the amount of Five Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($550,000.00) authorized by motion made under Article 5 of the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 14, 1988 relating to improvements to the Town's water system; and fur- ther voted that the Town appropriate from the General Electric Settle- ment Funds the sum of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000.00) for the pur- pose of making improvements to said water system. 18 TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Fiscal Years 199,1 through 1995 (cost in 0001s) Cost by year and source of funding Project # Project Description FY91 FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 FIN-2 Replace Data Proc Equip 13.4A 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 - Square -0- 150OG -0- -0- -0- PW-B-2 Reconstruct Lib Park Lot -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- PW-E-1 Replace Backhoe/loader -0- 45S -0- -0- -0- PW-E-4 Replace Dump Trucks -0- 55S 55S 55S 55S PW-E-5 Replace Pickup Truck .-0- 12S -0- -0- -0- PW-E-7 Replcmt. Other Equip. -0- 30S 100S 100S 100S PW-E-8 Replace Sweeper 75S -0- -0- -0- -0- Revised 3-19-91 . 18a TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM Fiscal Years 1991 through 1995 (cost in 000's Cost by year and source of fundin Project # Project Description FY91 FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 PW-P-1 + Renovation of Pool 25A 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-5 Walkers Brook Drive -0- 440G -0- -0- -0- Improvements 145B PW-R-6 Chapt. 90 Imprvmts. 118G 118G 118G 118G 118G. PW-R-7 Curb/Sidewalk Const -0- 25D 75D 100D 100D PW-R-8 East Side Neigh. Imp. -0- 10OG PW-R-9 Depot Parking -0- 40D 40D -0- -0- PW-R-12 + Pub. Wrks Site Cleanup 300D -0- -0- -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 1 )W S-3 Betterments 40B -0- -0- -0- -0- l PW-W-2 + Water Treat/Storage 607E -0- -0- -D- -0- PW-W-3 Vehicle 45E -0- -0- -0- -0- PW-W-4 + New Well Development 60E 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- Space Remodel-Secondary 25A 25A 25A -0- -0- 13D-21 Portable Bldg. - Eaton 62A -0- -0- -0- -0- 1jD-1 Purchase/Remodel Space 3500D -0- -0- -0- -0- Revised 3-19-91 18b SUMMARY OF CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM BY YEAR BY SOURCE OF FUNDS (Cost in 0001s) FY91 FY92 FY93 FY94 FY95 Total A 251.90 291.00 313.00 233.00 260.00 1348.90 B 40.00 160.00 15.00 15.00 15.00 245.00 C 81.00 95.00 176.00 D 8670.00 1405.00 713.00 898.00 488.00 12174.00 E 733.30 150.00 883.30 G 938.70 2608.00 118.00 118.00 118.00 3900.70 S 75.00 259.00 207.00 155.00 155.00 851.00 10708.90 4954.00 1461.00 1419.00 1036.00 19578.90 SOURCE OF FUNDING - A Annual Appropriation B Betterment C Sale of Cemetery Lots D Debt to be authorized E Enterprise Appropriation G Grant or outside funding S Sale of Real Estate + Articles on 1991 Special Town Meeting Warrant Revised 3-19-91 18c SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - 4/11/91 Daniel A. Ensminger, an employee of TASC left the hall prior to dis- cussion on Article 6. ARTICLE 6 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Town appropriate from the funds remaining from the bond authorization for the High School transformers in the amount of Fifty-Two Thousand One Hundred Twelve Dollars ($52,112.00) as authorized by motion made under Article 10 of the Warrant for the 1988 Annual Town Meeting of April 21, 1988, and raise by borrowing as provided under Chapter 44, Sections 7 and 8 of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, the amount of Two Hundred Forty-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty- Eight Dollars ($247,888.00) and appropriate the same for the purposes of cleanup and pollution prevention activities taken pursuant to General Laws Chapter 21E, or any other enabling authority, whether performed by the Town of Reading or by some other party pursuant to a settlement agreement with the Trustees of TASC Realty Trust relating to the property formerly owned by the Town of Reading off of Walkers Brook Drive and known as the former Department of Public Works facility; provided, however, that no indebtedness shall be incurred hereunder until plans relating to the project shall have been sub- mitted to the Department of Environmental Protection and the approval of said Department has been granted therefor; and it was voted that the Town hereby approves the compromise or settlement with the Trustees of TASC Realty Trust relating to the cleanup and pollution prevention activities taken on said site whereby the Town would pay up to the sum of $300,000.00 for said activities. 115 voted in the affirmative 17 voted in the negative 1 abstention (Daniel Ensminger) 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 7 On motion of James E. Biller, it was voted that the Town amend Section 5.7 of the General Bylaws of the Town by adding the following as Section 5.7.15: "The Conservation Commission is authorized to require an applicant to pay a fee for the reasonable costs and expenses borne by the Conserva- tion commission for specific expert engineering and other consultant services deemed necessary by the Conservation Commission to come to a final decision on an application for Determination of Applicability, Notice of Intent or other application or filing made pursuant to this bylaw. This fee is called the consultant fee and shall be in the maxi- mum amount of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00). The specific consult- ant services may include, but are not limited to, resource area and wetlands survey and delineation, analysis of resource area and wet- lands values, including wildlife habitat evaluations, hydrogeologic and drainage analysis, and environmental or land use law. The Conser- vation Commission may require the payment of the consultant fee at any point in its deliberations prior to a final decision. The applicant 19 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING - 4/11/91 shall pay the consultant fee to the Town to be put into a consultant services account of the Conservation commission which may be drawn upon by the Conservation Commission for specific consultant services approved by the Conservation Commission at one of its public meetings. Any unused portion of the consultant fee shall be returned to the ap- plicant unless the conservation commission decides at a public meeting that other action is necessary. Any applicant aggrieved by the imposi- tion of, or size of, the consultant fee, or any act related thereto, may appeal according to the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws. The minimum qualifications of any consultant selected by the Conserva- tion Commission shall consist either of an educational degree in or related to the field at issue or three or more.years of practice in the field at issue or a related field." ARTICLE 6 On motion of Maria A. Simone, Precinct 5, reconsidera- tion of the subject matter of Article 6 was moved. At 9:30 p.m., following lengthy discussion, John W. Price, Precinct 4, requested a five-minute recess. Following the recess, the Moderator turned the gavel over to the Town Clerk who then recognized the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at the podium. Mr. Dustin, who had served on the Board of Selectmen during the TASC sale, reviewed and addressed some of the previous questions that had been asked. Town Counsel, H Theodore Cohen, who had contacted his of- fice during the recess and reviewed the deed, reported that no restrictions as to the time frame of building were recorded on the deed with TASC. The Moderator then resumed the gavel and called for the vote on the reconsideration of Article 6. ARTICLE 6 On motion of Maria A. Simone, Precinct 5, it was moved to reconsider the subject matter of Article 6. This motion was voted in the negative. 7 voted in the affirmative 117 voted in the negative 2 abstentions 2/3 vote required on motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that this Special Town Meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P.M. 126 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: J Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk 20 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/11/91 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING SECOND BUSINESS SESSION April 11,.1991 - Reading Memorial High School The Moderator, Paul C. Dustin, reconvened the adjourned session at 9:45 p.m., following the conclusion of the Special Town Meeting. The Moderator indicated that Article 11 was currently under discussion. The Moderator also advised the body that Francis P. Gorgone, Precinct 8, had filed his intent to reconsider Article 3 - Instructional Motion on Trash Fee, with the Town Clerk on Friday, April 9, 1991. ARTICLE 11 On motion of George V. Hines, it was moved that the Town vote to amend the Reading Zoning Bylaws by deleting Section 7.2.1. thereof in its entirety, and substituting therefore the follow- ing: 117.2.1. The Town Manager shall appoint a Zoning Enforcement Officer, for a minimum term of one (1) year, who shall be charged, designated, and authorized with the enforcement of these Zoning Bylaws. The Town Manager may also appoint one (1) or more alternate Zoning Enforcement Officers to assist the Zoning Enforcement Officer or act in his or her stead." and by substituting the words "Zoning Enforcement Officer" for the words "Building Inspector" in Sections 3.2., 4.8.2.1., 7.2.2. and 7.2.3. of the Zoning Bylaws; by substituting the words "Zoning En- forcement Officer's" for the words "Building Inspector's" in Section 4.4A.3. and 4.9.3.18. of the Zoning Bylaws; by deleting the words "and Massachusetts State Building Code" from Section 4.9.3.18. thereof; and by adding the words "or Zoning Enforcement Officer as appropriate" im- mediately after the word "Buildings" in Section 7.1.1. and immediately after the words "Building Inspector" in Sections 4.6.3., 4.7.5. and 7.1.1.1. of the Zoning Bylaws. This motion was voted in the negative. 72 voted in the affirmative 46 voted in the negative 1 abstention 2/3 vote required On motion of Stephen W. Thomases, Precinct 8, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Tuesday, April 16, 1991 in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting was adjourned at 10:55 P.M. 159 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Quimby` Town Clerk 21 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/16/91 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING THIRD BUSINESS SESSION April 16, 1991 - Reading Memorial High School The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at 7:40 P.M. there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Town Meeting Member Leslie H. York, fol- lowed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Eugene R. Nigro presented the following proclamation to Richard, S. Dempster: Proclamation Honoring Richard S. Dempster Whereas Richard S. Dempster has served on the Reading Housing Authority since 1974; and Whereas During his.tenure on the Authority the number of housing units has grown from the initial 80 units of elderly by 8 units of 689 Special Needs, 10 units of Family Housing, and 114 State and Federal Rental Certificate Units; and.under his leadership, the Town has developed regulations requiring that any increased zoning density or sale of Town-owned land has linkage units associated with it; and Whereas Richard S. Dempster has received a state-wide honor from the Secretary of the EOCD for his dedication and outstanding ef- forts in creation and development of low and moderate income units within the community; and Whereas Richard S. Dempster was one of the initiators and an initial member of the Reading Housing Partnership which creates public/private partnerships for low and moderate income housing development; and 22 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/16/91 Whereas Richard S. Dempster has served the Town of Reading for many years by devoting his efforts_to creating a viable community for all. Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed by this Town Meeting-of Reading, Mas- sachusetts on April 16, 1991, on behalf of all of its citizens, that we do hereby express to Richard S. Dempster, on the occasion of his retirement from the Reading Housing Authority and the Reading Partner- ship Committee, our gratitude for his dedication to his community, and our best wishes for a future filled with happiness and personal ful- fillment. Ca Brine Quimby, ow Clerk Paul C. Dustin, Town Moderator Willard J. Burditt, Chairman of the Finance Committee presented the following report: Mr. Moderator, Town Meeting Members, Fellow Citizens of Reading: It is another year for my budget message, but I have the same sorry story to tell. As in the recent past we have again forecast all of our revenues available before we projected what we could spend. This time however we found that we could not even level fund the municipal and school budgets after considering fixed items such as debt service and pen- sions. As recently as FY86 we had Federal revenue sharing funds and a stabi- lization fund to use. No longer. For FY90 we did something that all finance committees vowed never to do and that was to use the Sale of Real Estate Funds for operating expenses. For FY92 we are using all that is left. We heard Selectman Graham's Real Estate Message and I am not encouraged that we will have any for FY93. Certified Free Cash is the balance of money that the Town has available at the end of the fiscal year. For FY92 we have some because the courts told the State that it had to pay the cities and towns the State aid that was 23 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/16/91 withheld. This Town had made the cuts already so this was available to us as free cash. At the end of the current fiscal year there could be some snow and ice money available and maybe some reserve fund left but it is too early to tell. I don't think that there will be much else left over. What about State aid? About one month ago we received, from the Department of Revenue, a projection of the amount, for Reading, that will most likely result from the Governors Budget. Aid is down almost $800,000 from FY91 to be partially offset by Highway Funds (none last year) and increased lottery receipts (27% increase). The net reduction is about $281,000. As I have previously reported, they also notified us that we should include $131,000 for retired teachers pensions as a new assessment. We have not. I am concerned that if legislation for this is not passed then they will reduce our aid by this amount and we do not have it covered. When we received the news that we would not have level funded State aid other revenue projections were reviewed and with later data it was determined that we had been overly optimistic in our FY92 assumptions. This was the time to review the trash fee. One of the reasons that we had the deficit of revenues to expenses was the mandated disposal in- crease. As for the expenses, the Finance Committee did not find much to reduce because items that we would normally reduce had already been reduced. We recommended a delay in procuring some capital items for Public Works. I say a delay because these trucks will need to be replaced some day. We are recommending level funded street lighting. These are a couple of the areas that we reduced. All major union contracts expire on June 30 of this year. There is no increase in the personal lines of this budget for a salary increase for them. There is no increase for the nonunion personnel either. You will notice some lines, such as Accounting, that appear to in- crease from FY91. You do not see the offset for all of these. That is because some of them, such as the Business Manager, were reduced from the school budget. The Town Manager and the Superintendent of Schools worked together to find areas that could be efficiently combined. This is not a good message to present but it is the only one that I can, given the limited funds that we have. If any member wishes to make an amendment to add money to a line then we will need to know what line to amend to reduce because this is a balanced budget with all of the revenues that we can project. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 1 and 24 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/16/91 2. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 1 and 2 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 3 through 13. Funds are to be provided as follows: Line 3 $3,000 from Wetland Fees, with the remainder from Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. Line 4 - 13 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 14 through 28. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 14 - 28 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 29 through 44. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 29 - 44 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the. Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 45 through 57. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 45 - 57 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 58 and 59. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 58 - 59 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. On amendment by Stephen W. Thomases, Precinct 8, it was voted to add $8,246 to line item 58 for an amended total of $380,277, with the in- tent being to prevent further cuts in library hours. 25 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/16/91 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/18/91 ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 60 through 71. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 60 - 71 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. On amendment by Edwin J. Loschi, Jr., it was voted to reduce line item 71 by $1,400 (the monies designated for uniforms for central dis- patchers) for an amended total of $13,941. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the,Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 72 through 97. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 72 - 97 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. Immediately, upon motion of Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 7, it was voted that this Annual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 18, 1991 in the Reading Memorial High School f -I Auditorium. Meeting was adjourned at 10:50 P.M. 156 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING FOURTH BUSINESS SESSION April 18, 1991 - Reading Memorial High School The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at 7:40 P.M. there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Reverend Arthur C. Flynn, St. Agnes Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. . 26 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/18/91 The Moderator advised the body that the following motion was on the floor for. discussion: ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 72 through 97. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 72 - 97 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 101 through 104. Funds are to be provided as follows: Line 102 $77,000 Bequest Income and $14,270 Sale of Lots Line 103 $30,000 Sale of Lots Line 104 $9,000 Sale of Lots with the remainder of Lines 101 - 104 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line item 109. Funds are to be provided as follows: Line 109 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. Following one and one-half hours of presentation and discussion on the School Budget, Line 109, two amendments were defeated. On motion of William C. Brown, Precinct 8, it was voted that this An- nual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Monday, April 22, 1991 in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting was adjourned at 11:10 P.M. 156 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk 27 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/22/91 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING FIFTH BUSINESS SESSION April 22, 1991 - Reading Memorial High School The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at 7:45 P.M..there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Jonathan Edwards, Town Meeting Member from Precinct 4, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line item 110. Funds are to be provided as follows: Line 110 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted that the Town appropriate for the Proposed FY1992 Budget, Line 114; $1,637,825-Debt Service; funds are to be provided as follows: $82,000 from Special Real Estate and $484,000 from Sale of Real Estate with the remainder from Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. 117 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 115 through 120. Funds are to be provided as follows: Line 115 $65,000 from Abatement Surplus Line 118 $767,000 from Free Cash with the remainder of Lines 115 - 120 from Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. 28 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/22/91 ARTICLE '9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 121 through 124. Funds are to be provided as follows: Lines 121 - 124 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. ARTICLE 9 Willard J. Burditt moved that the Town approve and ap- propriate the Proposed FY1992 Budget as presented for line items 125 through 129. Funds are to be provided as follows: Line 127 $200,000 from Sewer Surplus with the remainder of Lines 125 - 129 Property taxes, State aid, and non-property tax local receipts. All line items having been moved, amended and discussed, Mr. Burditt moved that the Town appropriate for the Proposed FY1992 Budget, ex- clusive of Line 114, which requires a 2/3 vote and will be voted separately, the sum of $33,686,471, representing the total of all pre- viously made motions under Article 9 of the 1991 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as amended; funds are to be provided as set forth in said pre- viously made motions. Before calling for a vote, the.Moderator declared abrief recess at 8:40 p.m. to allow the Finance Committee Chairman time to determine any amendments which might be required to present a balanced budget under Article 9. At 8:50 p.m., the Moderator reconvened the meeting. On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted to amend Line 16 by decreasing the amount by $7,000 for a new total of $156,000. Following the amendment, Mr. Burditt then presented the following revised motion under Article 9: ARTICLE 9 On motion of Willard J. Burditt, it was voted that the Town appropriate for the Proposed FY1992 Budget, exclusive of Line 114, which requires a 2/3 vote and was voted separately, the sum of $33,679,471, representing the total of all previously made motions un- der Article 9 of the 1991 Annual Town Meeting Warrant as amended; funds are to be provided as set forth in said previously made motions. 29 TOWN OF, READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED ACCOUNTING DEPT. 1 Personal Serv. 94,924 2 Non-Personal Exp. 225 TOTAL 95,149 COMMUNITY DEVL. DEPT. CONSERVATION DIV 3 Personal Serv. 27,814 $3000 Wet. Fees 4 Non-Personal Exp. 300 PLANNING DIV 5 Personal Serv. 0 6 Non-Personal Exp. 0 ZONING BOARD 7 Personal Serv. 1,100 8 Non-Personal Exp. 0 HISTORICAL COMM. 9 Non-Personal Exp. 600 INSPECTION DIV. 10 Personal Serv. 51,916 11 Non-Personal Exp. 1,800 GENERAL DEPT 12 Personal Serv. 56,593 13 Non-Personal Exp inc 1,900 OST not to exceed* TOTAL Personal Serv. 137,423 Non-Personal Exp. 4,600 Total 142,023 FINANCE DEPT. FIN COM 14 Personal Serv. 1,600 15 Non-Personat Exp. 35,968 16 Reserve Fund 156,000 ASSESSMENT DIV Personal Serv. 17 Elect. Off. 11,775 18 Elec. off, Reval 19 Other 65,159 All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some line item #Is are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29a TOWN OF READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED FINANCE CONTINUED ASSESSMENT DIV continued 20 Non-Personal Exp. 3,100 21 Capital 0 22 Interest-Tax Appeal 0 DATA PROCESSING 25 Non-Personal Exp inc 53,500 OST not to exceed* 26 Capital 0 GENERAL DEPARTMENT 27 Personal Serv. 241,319 28 Non-Personal Exp. 63,080 Total Personal Serv. 319,853 Non-Personal Exp. 311,648 Capital 0 TOTAL 631,501 GENERAL SERVICES DEPT. SELECTMEN 29 Non-Personal Exp. 3,850 TOWN MANAGER 30 Personal Serv. 64,730 31 Non-Personal Exp. 4,000 LAW DIV. Non-Personal Exp. 32 Town Counsel 95,000 33 Labor Counsel 15,000 34 Other 3,500 PERSONNEL DIV. 35 Personal Serv. 36 Non-Personal Exp. 38,845 TOWN CLERK DIV 37 Personal Serv. 31,270 38 Non-Personal Exp., 1,675 inc.OSTnot exc $425 ELECTIONS/REG 39 Personal Serv. 14,550 40 Non-Personat Exp. 15,900 All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some line item #'s are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29b TOWN OF READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED GENERAL SERVICES CONTINUED 41 CASUALTY INS 256,500 42 INDEMN POL/FIRE 20,000 GENERAL DEPARTMENT 43 Personal Serv. 112,551 44 Non-Personal Exp. inc 85,145 OST not to exceed* Total Personal Serv 223,101 Non-Personal Exp 539,415 TOTAL . 762,516 HUMAN SERVICES DEPT. HEALTH DIV./WTS. & MEAS. 45 Personal Serv. 30,669 46 Non-Personal Exp inc 36,660 OST not to exceed* ELDER SERVICES DIV 47 Personal Serv. l 70,498 48 Non Personal Exp. 7,211 VETERANS SERV DIV 49 Personal Serv. 7,571 Non-Personal Exp. 50 Aid 20,000 51 Other 400 RECREATION 52 Personal Serv. 17,885 53 Non-Personal Exp. 850 WEIGHTS & MEASURES 54 Personal Serv. IN HEALTH 55 Non-Personal Exp. IN HEALTH GENERAL DEPT 56 Personal Serv. 86,027 57 Non-Personal Exp. 1,811 TOTAL Personal Serv. 212,650 Non-Personal Exp. 66,932 TOTAL 279,582 All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some tine item #'s are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29c TOWN OF READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED LIBRARY DEPT. 58 Personal Serv. 380,277 59 Non-Personal Exp inc 85,600 DST not to exceed* TOTAL 465,877 PUBLIC SAFETY DEPT. POLICE 60 Personal Serv. 1,785,834 61 Non-Personal Exp inc 156,311 DST not to exceed* 62 Capital 0 ANI MAL CONTROL 63 Personal Serv. 9,500 64 Non-Personal Exp. 4,875 FIRE/EMERG. MGMT. 65 Personal Serv. 1,724,163 66 Non-Personal Exp inc 72,644 OST not to exceed* EMERGENCY MGMT 68 Personal Serv. IN FIRE 69 Non-Personal Exp. IN FIRE GENERAL DEPARTMENT 70 Personal Serv. 147,682 71 Non-Personal Exp. 13,941 TOTAL Personal Serv. 3,667,179 Non-Personal Exp. 247,771 Capital 0 TOTAL 3,914,950 PUBLIC WORKS DEPT. BLDG MAINT 72 Personal Serv. 110,611 73 Non-Personal Exp. 258,974 74 Capital (General) 14,000 ENGINEERING 75 Personal Serv. 129,748 76 Non-Personal Exp. 5,500 All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some line item #'s are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29d TOWN OF READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED PUBLIC WORKS CONTINUED ADMINISTRATION 77 Personal Serv. 91,506 78 Non-PersonaL Exp. 3,000 HIGHWAY MAINT 79 Personal Serv. 399,073 80 Non-Personal Exp inc 117,086 OST not to exceed* HIGHWAY MAINT Capital 81 Library Prkng Lot 0 82 Street Recon 0 83 Street Accept. 0 84 Drainage 0 85 WaLk/Curb Program 0 86 STREET LIGHT 168,164 87 RUBBISH COLL/DISP 1,358,304 88 Hazardous Waste 0 PARKS & FORESTRY 89 Personal Serv. 223,450 90 Non-Personal Exp. 24,245 91 Capital 0 FORESTRY 92 Personal Serv. IN PARKS 93 Non-Personal Exp. IN PARKS 94 Town Forest Comm. IN PARKS EQUIP MAINT 95 Personal Serv. 76,772 96 Non-Personal Exp. 101,643 97 Capital 0 TOTAL Personal Serv. 1,031,160 Non-Personal Exp inc 2,036,916 DST not to exceed* Capital 14,000 Subtotal 3,082,076 101 SNOW & ICE CONTROL 150,000 CEMETERY DEPT. $77,000 Beq. & 102 Personal Serv. 164,259 $14,270 Lots 103 Non-Personal Exp. 31,250 $30,000 Lots 104 Capital Developmnt 9,000 $9,000 Lots All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some line item #'s are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29e TOWN OF READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED PUBLIC WORKS CONTINUED TOTAL Personal Serv. 1,195,419 Non-Personal Exp. 2,218,166 Capital 23,000 TOTAL 3,436,585 SCHOOL DEPT. Personal Serv. Non-Personal Exp. Athletics Special Educ. Other 109 TOTAL 14,586,828 NORTHEAST REGIONAL Vocational School Dist 110 Assessment 145,999 TOTAL 14,732,827 DEBT SERVICE Retirement of Debt Int.-Long Term Debt Short Term Int. Exp 114 TOTAL 1,637,825 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS 115 Contrib Ret. 1,686,000 116 Non Contrib Ret. 118,300 117 Unemplymnt Benefits 126,000 118 Group Health/Life 1,975,721 119 Medicare/Social Sec. 129,900 120 Workers Comp 350,000 TOTAL 4,385,921 STATE/COUNTY ASSESS. 661,445 RECAP TOTALS 31,146,201 $82,000 spec. Real Est.& $484,000 R.E. $65,000 Abate. Surplus $767,000 free $ All funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some line item #'s are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29f TOWN OF READING No. FY192 OPERATING BUDGET AS AMENDED WATER 121 Personal Serv Non-Personal Exp. Personnel Benefits other inc DST not to exceed* 122 Total Non-Pers Exp. 123 Debt Service 124 Capital TOTAL SEWER 125 Personal Serv. Non-Personal Expense Personnel Benefits Other inc DST not to exceed* 126 Total Non-Pers Exp. 127 MWRA 128 Debt Service 129 Capital TOTAL RECAP TOTALS 447,826 136,538 794,155 930,693 240,315 95;100 1,713,934 144,114 27,445 246,927 274,372 1,981,547 43,128 14,000 2,457,161 35,317,296 $200,000surplus ALL funds from Property Taxes, State Aid, and Non-Property Tax Local Receipts unless otherwise noted Some line item #'s are missing because they are omitted from this year's budget. 4-22-91 Final 29g ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/22/91 ARTICLE 12 On motion of George V. Hines, it was voted that the Town amend the General Bylaws of the Town by deleting Section 4.6.1 thereof relating to the disposal of surplus property and sub- stituting therefor the followings 114.6.1 Whenever an item or collection of items of tangible personal property with an estimated net value of less than Five Hundred Dollars ($500.00) within the control of an official body, but excluding the Municipal Light Board, shall be determined by that official body to be surplus, obsolete, salvage or beyond repair, it may be disposed of by sale, trade or otherwise, by the Town Manager with the approval of the Finance Committee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an item or collec- tion of items of tangible personal property with an estimated net value of less than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000.00) no longer useful to the Town but having resale or salvage value may be disposed of by the Town Manager with the approval of the Finance Committee and without any further approval by Town Meeting at less than fair market value to a charitable organization which has received a tax exemption from the United States by reason of its charitable nature. " ARTICLE 13 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that the Town accept the provisions of Chapter 291 of the Acts of 1990. ARTICLE 14 On motion of James L. O'Leary, it was voted that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen and/or the Municipal Light Board to terminate, convey or abandon certain existing rights of vehicular and pedestrian access, shown as a portion of 1120' RIGHT OF WAY" and "OLD RIGHT OF WAY TO BE ABANDONED," all as depicted on the Plan entitled "Plan of Land in Reading, Massachusetts owned by Gerald F. Lux and Roger M. Ormes, Jr. scale one inch equals 40 feet, July 10, 1986" across certain property, known as 236-242 Ash Street and shown on Town of Reading Board of Assessors' Map Rev. Jan. 1, 1987, Plat 44 as lot 18, for the benefit of properties currently believed to be owned by Thomas Leonard, Trustee of ET Realty Trust, u/d/t dated July 29, 1986 recorded at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 17248, page 105, Ernest G. Babcock, Clifton P. Englund, Herbert C. Miesfeldt and Janice Pendergast, respectively, all as shown on the below described plan (hereinafter the "Adjacent Properties") and depicted as lots 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13 on said Town of Reading Board of Assessors' Map, upon and following the acquisition by the Town, acting by and through the Municipal Light Board as aforesaid, of said 236-242 Ash Street; subject to the granting by the Town and/or the municipal Light Board of an easement of twenty-five feet in width, for vehicular and pedestrian access purposes leading to Ash Street, all as shown on the below described plan as Easement B, in certain existing property owned by the Town of Reading and controlled by the Reading Municipal Light Department, shown on Town of Reading Board of Assessors' Map Rev. Jan. 1, 1987, Plat 44 as lots 3, 4 and 5, for the benefit of the Adjacent Properties, subject to such terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the Municipal Light Board, and that the minimum amount 30 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/22/91 of One Dollar ($1.00) be paid to the Town for such termination, con- veyance or abandonment and to authorize the Town and/or the Municipal Light Board to do all other acts and things necessary and proper for financial and other assistance and all other things necessary and proper for carrying out the purposes of this vote. Easement B and the Adjacent Properties are depicted on a plan en- titled: "Easement Plan of Land in Reading, Massachusetts, prepared for Reading Municipal Light Department, scale 30 feet to an inch - January 2, 1991," prepared by Robert E. Anderson. 131 voted in the affirmative 1 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 15 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Town appropriate from available funds (pursuant to Chapter 15 of the Acts of 1988) the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred Twenty-Two Dollars ($236,722.00) for highway projects in ac- cordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws. ARTICLE 16 George V. Hines moved that the Town vote to amend the General Bylaws of the Town to change the dates for Annual Town Meeting by deleting the phrase "third Monday preceding the second Mon- day" in Section 2.1.1 thereof and substituting therefor the phrase "fifth Tuesday preceding the fourth Monday" and by deleting the word "second" in Section 2.1.3 and substituting therefor the word "fourth" so that said Articles 2.1.1 and 2.1.3 shall read as follows: 112.1.1 The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on the fifth Tuesday preceding the fourth Monday in April of each year for the election of Town Officers and for such other matters as required by law to be determined by ballot. 2.1.3 All business of the Annual Town Meeting, except the election of such Town officers and the determination of such matters as required by law to be elected or determined by ballot, shall be considered at an adjournment of such meeting to be held at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday in April, except if this day shall fall on a legal holiday, in which case the meeting shall be held on the following day or at a fur- ther adjournment thereof." This motion was voted in the negative. 31 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/22/91 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 ARTICLE 17 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 Three Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($395,000.00) and ap- propriate the same for the purpose of acquiring a Fire Department lad- der truck, including all costs of preparing and originally equipping such fire truck; said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize the Board. of Selectmen to enter into all contracts as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this vote. 104 voted in the affirmative 22 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required on motion of Michael F. Slezak, Precinct 7, it was voted that this An- nual Town Meeting stand adjourned to meet at 7:30 P.M. on Thursday, April 25, 1991 in the Reading Memorial High School Auditorium. Meeting was adjourned at 10:30'P.M. 160 Town Meeting Members were present. A true copy. Attest: Catherine A. Quimby Town Clerk ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING SIXTH BUSINESS SESSION April 25, 1991 - Reading Memorial High School The meeting was called to order by the Moderator, Paul C. Dustin at 7:40 P.M., there being a quorum present. The Invocation was given by Reverend James A. Cann, Old South United Methodist Church, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance to.the Flag. The Moderator welcomed two members elected by their precincts this evening: Edward F. Murphy, Jr. - Precinct 4; and Stephen P. Quigley - Precinct 6. 32 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 ARTICLE 18 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 Eighty-Five Thousand Dollars ($85,000.00) and appropriate the same for the purpose of acquiring a Fire Department ambulance, including all costs of preparing and originally equipping such ambulance; said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into all contracts as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this vote. 99 voted in the affirmative 3 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 19 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Town amend the General Bylaws of the Town by adding a Section 5.1.6 thereto as follows relating to water supply protection: 115.1.6 Water Supply Protection. 5.1.6.1. The purpose of this bylaw is to protect, preserve and maintain the public health, safety and welfare whenever there is in force a state of water supply emergency. •5.1.6.2. Whenever a state of water supply emergency has been declared by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection pursuant to Chapter 21G or Chapter 111 of the General Laws, or any other enabling authority, or by the Governor, no user of water sup- plied by the Town shall violate any provision, condition,. requirement or restriction included in a plan approved by the Department of En- vironmental Protection which plan has as its purpose the abatement of a water supply emergency, provided that notice of any such provision, condition, requirement or restriction has previously been given to such users by publication in a newspaper of general circulation within the Town or by such other notice as is reasonably calculated to reach and inform all such users. 5.1.6.3. Any user of water supplied by the Town who violates this bylaw shall be liable to the Town in the amount of Fifty Dollars ($50.00) for the first violation and One Hundred Dollars ($100.00) for each subsequent violation, which fine shall inure to the Town for such uses as the Board of Selectmen may direct. In addition to any other means of enforcement, the provisions of this bylaw 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 Board of Selectmen, the Town Manager, any police officer of the Town, the Director of Public Works, or his designee, and the Health Director, or his designee. Further, any enforcing person, or his designee or agent, may enter onto any property and in.any buildings thereon for the purpose 33 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 of inspecting or investigating any violation of this bylaw or enforc- ing the same, except no dwelling unit shall be entered without the consent of the resident." ARTICLE 20 William C. Brown, Precinct 8, moved that the Town vote to transfer the care, custody, management and control of the fol- lowing described land, or portions thereof, which is commonly known as the site of the former central fire station on Pleasant Street, to the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading for any municipal purpose including the possible auction, sale or lease thereof: A portion of the land shown on Town of Reading Board of Assessors' Revised January 1, 1977 Plat 65 as Lot 7. This motion was voted in the negative. 77 voted in the affirmative 60 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 21 No motion was presented for this Article. ARTICLE 22 William C. Brown, Precinct 8, moved that the Town vote to amend Section 2.2.1 of the General Bylaws of the Town by ad- ding the following sentences to the present Rule 1 which states: "A majority of the Town Meeting Members shall constitute a quorum for doing business.": "Said quorum shall be present no later than fifteen (15) minutes after the posted time to begin, and a quorum count shall be made by the Moderator approximately every hour. Failing a quorum, Town Meeting shall stand adjourned." This motion was voted in the negative. ARTICLE 2 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. The following report of the Master Plan Advisory Committee, presented by William Goodrich, was accepted as a Report of Progress: REPORT OF PROGRESS MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE APRIL 25, 1991 This report is intended to give the Town Meeting a comprehensive up- date and forward plan for the completion of the final Master Plan. 34 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 In 1989, goals and objectives were recommended to the CPDC by the MPAC and adopted in February of that year. The message that emerged from the goals and objectives process was as follows: Reading is a predominantly single-family residential community by design, which design must be preserved and strengthened. Coupled with this goal was the recognition of the need for a healthy vibrant, but controlled com- mercial segment of the Town. From mid-1989 to mid-1990, the MPAC compiled an inventory of existing land use, and performed an analysis of demographic and economic characteristics. In the fall of 1990, the town wide Traffic Study was initiated utilizing McDonough & Scully as consultants. In conjunction with the Traffic Study, the MPAC labored from late Fall 1990 to present and compiled our draft Action Strategies, copies of which were mailed to each Town Meeting Member in the Spring 1991 Town Meeting Packet. The action strategies focused on the following areas: I. Character and Identitv: Particular emphasis was placed in this Section on improving the visual esthetics of the Town and defining the image that Reading should project and emphasize. II. Economic Development/Tax Base: The committee focused in part on the improvement of South Main Street, and the development of a "Main Street" program, patterned after successful programs throughout the country. The Main Street Program would involve a Board of Directors, comprised of representatives from the public and private sectors to implement positive change into the downtown area. III. Housing: One of the tangible benefits of the Master Plan will be the improvement and modernization of the Zoning By-laws. The action strategies under this section focus on the standardization of lot con- figuration for new subdivisions, and examine cluster development and planned residential developments as a vehicle to protect open space. IV. Open Space, Natural Resources and Recreation: The land use in- ventory and statistical research confirmed what we all know: open space is dwindling in Reading. Action strategies include strengthen- ing Zoning By-law protections for undeveloped forests and environmen- tally sensitive areas, and scenic roads, and the imposition of impact fees as law permits. V. Transportation and Infrastructure: This category will be greatly impacted by.the completion of the town wide Traffic Study, which is presently ongoing. Traffic circulation is a key issue to the Town and will be addressed by the Master Plan when interpreting the Traffic Study. The MPAC is now prepared to refine these action strategies and com- plete the assemblage of the Final Master Plan. This final phase is without question our most critical. Through the implementation of the action strategies, we will attempt to resolve the question of how to 35 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 maintain and improve Reading's single-family residential community character while encouraging appropriate commercial strength and tax base. The assistance the committee has received to date has been widespread and greatly appreciated. The CPDC, members of Historical Commission, the League of Women Voters, the Chamber of Commerce, East Side Neigh- borhood Association and Westside Task Force have all contributed time and energy in providing different views. Special recognition however, must be given to our Town Planner, Jonathan Edwards, who has provided direction, technical assistance and countless hours towards the cause. Questionnaires relative to the draft master plan were included in each Town Meeting Member packet. Your comments through the Questionnaires would be appreciated, and I would ask all those inclined to fill out the questionnaires and return them to the Town Planner. Finally, the MPAC is planning to meet on May 2, 16, and 30 and June 13th. On June 27th, in the high school lecture hall, a public workshop is scheduled for review of the Traffic Study together with a public hearing for the Master Plan. Any resident wishing to provide input at such meetings would be most welcome. MARK J. FAVALORO, Chairman MASTER PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE Sally M. Hoyt presented the following report for the Board of Selectmen on the subject of the Street Acceptance Articles: All eleven of the streets proposed for acceptance have recently been built by developers and have been recommended by staff to be turned over to the Town for acceptance. CPDC has also recommended that these streets be accepted as public streets. None of the streets needs any., further improvement - this is a paper transaction. There were some problems on Greycoach Road. The residents wanted a decorative type of street light that had apparently been promised by the developer. The RMLD was not able to provide the.fixture without additional cash, and therefore the conventional type of street lights have been installed. In addition there was a drainage problem with an abutter, but this problem has been resolved. There is no additional cost to the Town of accepting these streets. The Town is already paying for street lighting, and already plows the snow. The cost included in each article provides for $1 per lot as the con- sideration to be paid for the eminent domain taking which is required in order to have clear title. The funds will come from the FY92 En- gineering-expense budget where they have been provided. 36 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 l The Department of Public Works held hearings on these Street Accept- ances on February 19, 1991, and the responses are outlined on page 36 of the warrant report. The recommendation of the Department of Public Works' was 'considered by the Board of Selectmen at a duly noticed public hearing on March. 12, 1991, at which 1 abutter was present. The Board of Selectmen unanimously recommends all of these articles. ARTICLE 2 On motion-of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to lay Article 2 on the table. ARTICLE 23 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Ap- pleton Lane, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Appleton Lane, and that the sum of Five Dollars ($5.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the acquisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be spent by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 24 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Avalon Road, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Avalon Road, and that the sum of Eighteen Dollars ($18.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for the acquisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum 37 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91" to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 25 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Car- riage Lane, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Carriage Lane, and that the sum of Five Dol- lars ($5.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for acquisi- tion of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 26 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Chestnut Road, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Chestnut Road, and that the sum of Two Dol- lars ($2.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for.acquisi- tion of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and-for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required 38 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 ARTICLE 27 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Colonial Drive, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Colonial Drive, and that the sum of Eleven Dollars ($11.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for ac- quisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 28 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Enos Circle, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land.in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee., or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Enos Circle, and that the sum of Fourteen Dollars ($14.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for ac- quisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 29 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Granger Avenue, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment 39 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Granger Avenue, and that the sum of Four Dollars ($4.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for ac- quisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 30 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Grey Coach Road, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk, in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Grey Coach Road, and that the sum of Seven- teen Dollars ($17.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for acquisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 1,35 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 31 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Jef- ferson Circle, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in 40 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or - otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Jefferson Circle, and that the sum of Four Dollars ($4.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for ac- quisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 32 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town.of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Johnston Circle, under the provision of law authorizing the assess- ment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory require- ments, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, un- der the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by the Board of Selectmen as Johnston Circle, and that the sum of Four Dollars ($4.00) be raised from the tax levy and ap- propriated for acquisition of said land or easement therein or pay- ment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 33 On motion of Sally M. Hoyt, it was voted that the Town of Reading accept the report of the Board of Selectmen upon the laying out as a public way of the following private way known as Rocky Road, under the provision of law authorizing the assessment of betterments, such highways being laid out in accordance with plans duly approved by the Board of Selectmen and filed in the office of the Town Clerk in accordance with the statutory requirements, and that the Town authorize the Board of Selectmen to take such land in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain, under the provi- sions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said land in fee or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and that the Town vote to accept the public way laid out by 41 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91" the Board of Selectmen as Rocky Road, and that the sum of Five Dollars ($5.00) be raised from the tax levy and appropriated for acquisition of said land or easement therein or payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said way, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the Board of Selectmen. 135 voted in the affirmative 0 voted in the negative 2/3 vote required ARTICLE 34 Eugene R. Nigro moved that the Town vote pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter to declare the seats of the following Town Meeting Members to be vacant and to remove the following described persons from their position as Town Meeting Member for failure to take the oath of office within thirty days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one-half or more of Town Meeting sessions, during the previous year. Precinct 2 Wayne S. Davis Precinct 3 Michael Guenther Precinct 5 Richard R. Cefalo on amendment by Gail Wood, Precinct 2 Chairman, it was voted to remove the name of Wayne S. Davis from the motion, thereby retaining him as a Town Meeting Member. Ms. Wood further suggested that the Bylaw Com- mittee make a review of the language that implements Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter with regard to the conflict created when a member scheduled for removal is re-elected. On amendment by Victor- Carlson, Precinct 3 Chairman, it was voted to remove the name of Michael Guenther from the motion, thereby retaining him as a Town Meeting Member. Henry Higgott, Precinct 5 Chairman, reported that the members of his precinct had voted to declare the seat of Richard R. Cefalo vacant. ARTICLE 34 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, as amended by Gail Wood, Precinct 2 and Victor Carlson, Precinct 3, it was voted that, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, the Town declares the seat of the following Town Meeting Member to be vacant and hereby removes the following described person from his position as a Town Meeting Member for failure to attend one-half or more of Town meeting sessions during the previous year: Precinct 5 Richard R. Cefalo ARTICLE 4 No motion was made to take Article 4 from the table. 42 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 ARTICLE 3 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to take Article 3 from the table. ARTICLE 3 On motion of Gloria R. Hulse, it was voted that the ByLaw Committee be instructed to amend the Charter and/or Bylaws of the Town of Reading to discontinue the mailing of the warrants to Town Meeting members and all other officials of the town. In its stead, a post card be sent to notify them that the warrants are ready and can be picked up at the Police Station or other convenient loca- tion. The ByLaw Committee is further instructed to bring the necessary articles for such changes to this body for consideration at the Subse- quent Fall Town Meeting. ARTICLE 3 Gloria R. Hulse moved that the ByLaw Committee.be instructed to amend the charter and/or the Bylaws of the Town of Read- ing to allow the annual town election to be changed to a biennial election and to amend the terms of office, wherever necessary, to ac- commodate this change. The ByLaw Committee is further, instructed to bring the necessary articles for such changes to this body for con- sideration at the Subsequent Fall Town Meeting. This motion was voted in the negative. ARTICLE 3 On motion of Daniel A. Ensminger, it was voted that the Board of Selectmen is hereby instructed to support North Reading's Home Rule Petition to secure the extension of the MWRA sewer service area into the Concord Street industrial area of North Reading so as to provide the maximum possible protection of the Town of Read- ing wellfields in the area of the Ipswich River from further groundwater contamination. ARTICLE 3 William C. Brown moved that a committee of Five (5) citizens to be appointed by the Moderator and a liaison appointed by the Finance Committee be and hereby are instructed to investigate the benefit to the Town of Reading of ownership or sale, in whole or in part, the Reading Light Department. Said committee shall report its findings and recommendations on or before the annual Town Meeting of 1992 and may insert an article or articles to carry out the intent of this motion. This motion was voted in the negative. ARTICLE 3 on motion of Robert R. Lynch, it was voted to in- struct the Bylaw Committee to bring to Fall Town Meeting a Bylaw change which would allow the Town Zoning Enforcement Officer the tick- eting power for zoning enforcement. 43 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TOWN MEETING - 4/25/91 ARTICLE 3 On motion of Russell T. Graham, it was voted that the Reading Town Meeting, by virtue of this Instruction, deliver to the State Representative and State Senators rep-resenting the Town of Reading a clear message of concern that the fiscal chaos at the state level accompanied by the restrictions of the law currently referred to as Prop 2 1/2 are crippling the ability of this and other communities to provide the services needed including the very basic social needs to educate our children and provide for the public safety. And be it further communicated that it is the expectation of the active members of Town Meeting that our elected representatives hold the preservation of local services to be the highest priority to which they should ad- dress their efforts. ARTICLE 3 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to lay Article 3 on the table. ARTICLE 2 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to take Article 2 from the table. Mr. Nigro reported on the status of Instruction Motions from the Spe- cial Town Meeting in 1990. The following report prepared by Edward W. Marchand, Chief of Police, was accepted: On the motion of the Special Town Meeting under Article II requesting what consideration the three outdoor firing ranges have given to the neighbors regarding gun shot noise, the three outdoor ranges include: Camp Curtis National Guard, Reading Rifle and Revolver Club, and the Reading Police Dept. Range. The criteria for each range includes: #1. Camp Curtis National Guard - The normal firing time is from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm. Night firing is conducted only on Friday and Saturday evenings, no later than 9:00 pm. This range is used by all armed forces, federal police agencies, state agencies, and to some degree, local police departments. #2. Reading Rifle and Revolver Club - The. regulations of this club state that no firing shall begin before 9:00 am and the skeet and trap ranges are lighted. This club does a limited amount of night shooting on this course, and is considered a 7 day a week opera- tion. #3. Reading Police Department Range - The range hours of operation are from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm., Monday through Saturday, with no Sunday firing, unless under unusual circumstances. Night firing is allowed, but no later than 9:00 pm. The only weapons that are fired in the evening are the handguns carried by the.officers, and the shotguns, which are assigned to the cruisers. 44 ADJOURNED ANNUAL TORN MEETING - 4/25/91-- The following report of the School Building Committee, presented by Roberta C. D'Antona, was accepted as a.Report of Progress: In response to a motion presented to Town Meeting in the spring of 1989, the School Buildingr Committee was formed. As Town Meeting is aware, numerous reports have been filed with this body since that time. Although the proposal developed by the Committee was approved by the School Committee, the Finance Committee, the Board of Selectmen, and the Town Meeting, it was ultimately rejected by the voters in a spe- cial election on January 8th, 1991. Although this Committee recognizes the obvious need for the recom- mended project, the January vote precludes any further activity on our part. ARTICLE 2 On motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted to lay the subject matter of Article 2 on the table. on motion of Eugene R. Nigro, it was voted that this Town meeting stand adjourned sine die. Meeting was adjourned at 9:29 P.M. 155 Town Meeting-Members were present. A true copy. Attest: G' Catherine A. Quimby - Town Clerk 45