HomeMy WebLinkAbout1997-04-14 Annual Town Meeting Warrant Reportr
Town of
Reacting
Massachusetts
Re urt:on `the Warrant
Annual Town Meeting
April 14, 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
REPORT ON THE WARRANT
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
APRIL 14, 1997
Article
Title
Sponsor
Pale
1
Elections
2
2
Reports
Board of Selectmen
3
3
Instructions
Board of Selectmen
3
4
Amend C.I.P.
Board of Selectmen
4
5
Approve Payment of Prior Years Bills
Board of Selectmen
4
6
Adopt FY 1998-2007 C.I.P.
Board of Selectmen
5
7
Authorize Disposition of Surplus Property
Board of Selectmen
5
8
Modify FY 1997 Budget
Board of Selectmen
6
9
Approve Change in the Administrative
Board of Selectmen
9
Code
10
Authorize the Sale of the Landfill
Board of Selectmen
I 1
11
Authorize Debt to Complete Improvements
School Committee
12
to Joshua Eaton School
12
Authorize Debt to Complete Improvements
School Committee
13
to Birch Meadow School
13
Authorize Debt to Improve the RMHS
School Committee
14
14
Authorize Acquisition of Map 65 Lot 8 at
Board of Selectmen
16
16 Parker St. owned by David and
Constance Russell for use as Police Station
15
Appropriate Funds for Design of a Police
Board of Selectmen
17
Station
16
Transfer of plat 123, lots 16, 32, 34, 48, 49,
By Petition
18
62 and 139 for use as a Police Station
17
Authorize Acquisition of 13 Union Street
By Petition
18
18
Appropriate Funds for Architect
By Petition
19
19
Appoint a Building Committee
By Petition
20
20
Reappoint Members of Police Station
By Petition
20
Building Committee
21
Appropriate Grant Funding for Chapter 90
Board of Selectmen
20
22
Approve FY 1998 Budget
Finance Committee
21
23
Acceptance of Streets: Anson Lane,
Board of Selectmen
21
Ashley Place, Autumn Lane, Azalea Circle
Family Circle
24
Acceptance of Land for Town Forest -
Board of Selectmen
22
Lynn Village Way
25
Accept Donation of Easement Adjacent
Board of Selectmen
23
to Joshua Eaton School - Rogan
26
Accept Donation of Easement- Property
Board of Selectmen
24
at end of Indian Tree Lane
27
Vacate cul-de-sac - Lucy Drive
Board of Selectmen
24
28
Abandon Easement - Strawberry Hill Lane
Board of Selectmen
25
Development
29
Renumbering of Section 5.13 of General
Board of Selectmen
26
Bylaws
30
Approve Handicapped Parking Bylaw
Board of Selectmen
26
31
Home Rule Petition re: Beer/Wine Licenses
Board of Selectmen
28
for Small Restaurants
32
Amend Zoning By-Law - Signs "Open"
CPDC
29
Banners
33
Amend Zoning By-Law - Window Signs
CPDC
30
34
Amend Zoning By-Law - Signs - Wall
CPDC
32
Signs for Multi-Tennanted Buildings
35
Amend Zoning By-Law - PRD Process
CPDC
34
36
Bylaw re: Nudity in Licensed Establish-
Board of Selectmen
38
ments
37
Vacating of Town Meeting Seats
Board of Selectmen
38
Maps
41-57
Fiscal Year 1998 Budget
Yellow Pages
58
FY 1998-FY2007 Capital Improvements
Blue Pages
235
Program
Police Station Siting
Green Pages
253
THE CONDUCT OF TOWN MEETING
Reading's Town Meeting is conducted in accordance with the rules set down in Article 2 of
the Charter and the General Bylaws. Although Robert's Rules of Order is the basic
source, a Town Meeting member need only be familiar with what is contained in the
Charter. These notes are intended to outline the major points all Town Meeting members
should know, and which by knowing, will make Town Meeting more understandable.
ORGANIZATION
• Members who wish to speak shall rise,
state their name and precinct, in order to
• Town Meeting consists of 192 elected
members, of which 97 constitute a quorum.
There are two required sessions: the
Annual Meeting in spring which is primarily
for fiscal matters and acceptance of the
annual budget, and the Subsequent
Meeting in November. Special Town
Meetings may be called at any time that
the need arises.
• There are three main committees which
review certain articles and advise Town
Meeting of their recommendations:
Finance, for all expenditures of funds, Bylaw
for all bylaw changes and the Community
Planning and Development Commission for
all zoning changes. Their reports are given
prior to discussing the motion.
GENERAL RULES OF PROCEDURE
• The meeting is conducted through the
warrant articles which are presented
(moved) as motions. Only one motion may
be on the floor at a time; however, the
motion may be amended. Often two or
more articles which address the same
subject may be discussed together;
however, only one is formally on the floor,
and each when moved is acted upon
individually. Note that the vote on one may
influence the others.
be recognized.
• A member may speak for ten minutes, but
permission must be asked to exceed this
limit.
• (7) members can question a vote and call
for a standing count and (20) can ask for a
roll call vote; however, a roll call vote is
seldom used because of the time it takes.
PRINCIPAL MOTIONS ENCOUNTERED AT
TOWN MEETING
The following motions are the principal ones
used in most cases by Town Meeting to
conduct its business. Experience shows that
the members should be familiar with these.
• Adjourn: Ends the sessions, can be
moved at any time.
• Recess: Stops business for a short time,
generally to resolve a procedural question
or to obtain information.
• Lay on the Table: Stops debate with the
intention generally of bringing the subject
up again later. May also be used to defer
action on an article for which procedurally
a negative vote is. undesirable. Note that
tabled motions die with adjournment.
Move the Previous Question: Upon
acceptance by a two-thirds vote, stops
all debate and brings the subject to a vote.
This is generally the main motion, or the
most recent amendment, unless qualified
by the mover. The reason for this as
provided in Roberts Rules of Order is to
allow for other amendments should they
wish to be presented.
• Amend: Offers changes to the main
motion. Must be in accordance with the
motion and may not substantially alter the
intent of the motion. In accordance with
Roberts Rules of Order only one primary
and one secondary motion will be allowed
on the floor at one time, unless specifically
accepted by the Moderator.
• Indefinitely Postpone: Disposes of the
article without a yes or no vote.
• Take from the Table: Brings back a
motion which was previously laid on the
table.
will be viewed by the Moderator as
reconsideration and will not be accepted. If
the subsequent motion contains distinctly new
material which is within the scope of the
warrant article, then it will be accepted. An
example. of this latter situation is successive
line items of an omnibus budget moved as a
block.
SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING
CONSIDERATIONS
• The maker of any proposed multiple
motion shall make their intent known, and
the content of the motion to be offered
shall be conveyed to the Moderator - prior
to the initial calling of the Warrant article.
• Once an affirmative vote has been taken
on the motion then on the floor - no further
subsequent alternative motions will be
accepted. (Obviously does not apply to
the budget for example.)
• Main Motion: The means by which a •
subject is brought before the meeting.
THE FOLLOWING MOTIONS MAY BE USED
BY A MEMBER FOR THE PURPOSE NOTED
• Question of Privilege: Sometimes used
to offer a resolution. Should not be used
to "steal" the floor.
• Point of Order: To raise a question
concerning the conduct of the meeting.
• Point of Information: To ask for
information relevant to the business at
hand.
MULTIPLE MOTIONS
SUBSEQUENT (MULTIPLE) MOTIONS
If the subsequent motion to be offered, as
distinct from an amendment made during
debate, includes material which has
previously been put to a vote and defeated, it
Also - There can only be one motion on
the floor at any one time.
You have the ability to offer amendments
to the motion that is on the floor.
You also have the ability to move for
Reconsideration.
TOWN OF READING BYLAWS
ARTICLE 2: TOWN MEETINGS
2.1 General
Section 2.1.1
The Annual Town Meeting shall be held on
the third Tuesday preceding the second
Monday in April of each year for the election
of Town officers and for other such matters as
required by law to be determined by ballot.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in any year in
which presidential electors are to be elected,
the Board of Selectmen may schedule the
commencement of the Annual Town Meeting
for the same date designated as the date to
hold the Presidential Primary.
ii
t.
Section 2.1.2
The polls for the Annual TownMeeting shall
( be opened at 7:00 a.m. and shall remain
open until 8:00 p.m.
Section 2.1.3
All business of the AnnualTown 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 second 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 further adjourn-
ment thereof.
Section 2.1.4
A Special Town Meeting called the Sub-
sequent Town Meeting shall be held on
the second Monday in November, except
if this day shall fall on a legal holiday,
in which case the meeting shall be held on
the following day. The Subsequent Town
Meeting shall consider and act on all
business as may properly come before it,
except the adoption of the annual oper-
ating budget.
Section 2.1.5
Adjourned sessions of every Annual Town
Meeting after the first such adjourned session
provided for in Section 2.1.3 of this Article
and all sessions of every Subsequent Town
Meeting, shall tie held on the following
Thursday at 7:30 p.m. and then on the
following Monday at 7:30 p.m. and on
consecutive Mondays and Thursdays un-
less a resolution to adjourn to another time
is adopted by a majority vote of the Town
Meeting Members present and voting.
Section 2.1.6
The Board of Selectmen shall give notice
of the Annual Subsequent or any Special
Town Meeting at least fourteen(14) days prior
to the time of holding said Meeting by
causing an attested copy of the Warrant
calling the same to be posted in one (1) or
more public places in each precinct of the
Town and either causing such attested copy
to be published in a local newspaper or
mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to
each Town Meeting Member.
Section 2.1.7
All articles for the Annual Town Meeting shall
be submitted to the Board of Selectmen not
later than 8:00 p.m. on the fifth Tuesday.
preceding the date of election of Town
officers unless this day is a holiday in which
case the following day shall be substituted.
All articles for the. Subsequent Town Meeting
shall be submitted to the Board of Selectmen
not later than 8:00 p.m. on the fifth Tuesday
preceding the Subsequent Town Meeting in
which action is to be taken, unless this day is
a holiday in which case the following day shall
be substituted.
Section 2.1.8
The Board of Selectmen, after drawing a
Warrant for a Town Meeting, shall imme-
diately deliver a copy of such Warrant
to each member of the Finance Committee,
the Community Planning and Development
Commission, the Bylaw Committee and the
Moderator.
2.2 Conduct of Town Meetings
Section 2.2.1
In the conduct of all Town Meetings, the
following rules shall be observed:
Rule 1 : A majority of the Town Meeting
Members shall constitute a quorum for
doing business.
Rule 2: All articles on the Warrant shall be
taken up in the order of their arrangement in
the Warrant, unless otherwise decided by a
majority vote of the Members present and
voting.
III
Rule 3: Prior to debate on each article in
a Warrant involving the expenditure of
money, the Finance Committee shall advise
the Town Meeting as to its recommendations
and the reasons therefor.
Rule 4: Prior to debate on each article in
Warrant involving changes in the Bylaws,
the Bylaw Committee shall advise the Town
Meeting as to its recommendations and the
reasons therefor.
Rule 5: Every person shall stand when
speaking, shall respectfully address the
Moderator, shall not speak until recognized
by the Moderator, shall state his name and
precinct, shall confine himself to the ques-
tion under debate and shall avoid all
personalities.
Rule 6: No person shall be privileged to
speak or make a motion until after he has
been recognized by the Moderator.
Rule: No Town Meeting Member or other
person shall speak on any question more
than ten (10) minutes without first obtain-
ing the permission of the meeting.
Rule 8: Any inhabitant of the Town may
speak at a Town Meeting having first
identified himself to the Moderator as
an inhabitant of the Town. No inhabitant
shall speak on any question more than five
(5) minutes without first obtaining the per-
mission of the Meeting. Inhabitants shall
be given the privilege of speaking at Town
Meetings only after all Town Meeting
Members who desire to speak upon the
question under consideration have first
been given an opportunity to do so.
Rule 9: Members of official bodies, who
are not Town Meeting Members, shall have
the same right to speak, but not to vote,
as Town Meeting Members on ail matters
relating to their official bodies.
Rule 10: No speaker at a Town Meeting
shall be interrupted except by a Member
making a point of order or privileged
motion or by the Moderator.
Rule 11: Any person having a monetary or
equitable interest in any matter under
discussion at a Town Meeting and any person
employed by another having such an interest,
shall disclose the fact of his interest or his
employer's interest before speaking
thereon.
Rule 12: The Moderator shall decide all
questions of order subject to appeal to the
meeting, the question on which appeal shall
be taken before any other.
Rule 13: When a question is put, the vote on
all matters shall be taken by a show of hands,
and the Moderator shall declare the vote as it
appears to him. If the Moderator is unable to
decide the vote by the show of hands or if his
decision is immediately questioned by seven
(7) or more members, he shall determine the
question by ordering a standing vote and he
shall appoint tellers to make and return the
count directly to him. On request of not less
than twenty (20) members, a vote shall be
taken by roll call.
Rule 14: All original main motions having to
do with the expenditure of money shall be
presented in writing and all other motions
shall be in writing if so directed by the
Moderator.
Rule 15: No motion shall be received and put
until it is seconded. No motion made and
seconded shall be withdrawn if any Member
objects. No amendment not relevant to the
subject of the original motion shall be enter-
tained.
Rule 16: When a question is under debate,
no motion shall be in order except (1) to
adjoum, (2) to lay on the table or pass over,
(3) to postpone for a certain time, (4) to
tv
commit, (5) to amend, (6) to postpone
indefinitely or (7) to fix a time for termin-
ating debate and putting the question,
and the aforesaid several motions shall
have precedence in the order in which
they stand arranged in this Rule.
Rule 17: Motions to adjourn (except
when balloting for offices and when
votes are being taken) shall always be
first in order. Motions to adjourn, to
move the question, to lay on the table
and to take from the table shall be
decided without debate.
Rule 18: The previous question shall
be put in the following form or in some
other form having the same meaning:
"Shall the main question now be put?,"
and until this question is decided all
debate on the main question shall be
suspended. If the previous question be
adopted the sense of the meeting
shall immediately be taken upon any
pending amendments in the order
inverse to that in which they were
moved except that the largest sum or
the longest time shall be put first, and
finally upon the main question.
Rule 19: The duties of the Moderator
and the conduct and method of pro-
ceeding at all Town Meetings, not
prescribed by law or by the Rules set
forth in this Article, shall be determined by
the rules of practice set forth in Robert's
Rules of Order Revised, so far as they may
be adapted to Town Meetings.
Section 2.2.2
It shall be the duty of every official body, by
a member thereof, to be in attendance at all
Town Meetings for the information thereof
while any subject matter is under
consideration affecting such official body.
Section 2.2.3
All committees authorized by Town Meeting
shall be appointed by the Moderator
unless otherwise ordered by a vote of the
Members present and voting. All committees
shall report as directed by the Town Meeting.
If no report is made within a year after the
appointment, the committee shall be
discharged unless, in the meantime, the Town
Meeting grants an extension of time. When
the final report of a committee is placed in the
hands of the Moderator it shall be deemed to
be received, and a vote to accept the same
shall discharge the committee, but shall not
be equivalent to a vote to adopt it.
Section 2.2.4 Motion to Reconsider
2.2.4.1 A motion to reconsider any
vote must be made before the final adjourn-
ment of the meeting at which the vote was
passed but such motion to reconsider shall
not be made at an adjourned meeting unless
the mover has given notice of his intention to
make such a motion, either at the session of
the meeting at which the vote was passed or
by written notice to the Town Clerk within
twenty-four (24) hours after the adjournment
of such session. When such motion is made
at the session of the meeting at which the
vote was passed, said motion.shall be
accepted by the Moderator but considera-
tion thereof shall be postponed to become the
first item to be considered at the next session
unless all remaining articles have been dis-
posed of, in which case reconsideration shall
be considered before final adjournment.
There can be no reconsideration of a vote
once reconsidered or after a vote not to
reconsider. Reconsideration may be ordered
by a vote of two-third (2/3) of the votes
present. Arguments for or against
reconsideration may include discussion of the
motion being reconsidered providing such
discussion consists only of relevant facts or
arguments not previously presented by
any speaker.
2.2.4.2 The foregoing provisions
relating to motions to reconsider shall not
apply to any. such motion made by the
Board of Selectmen and authorized by
v
the Moderator as necessary for the recon-
sideration of actions previously taken by
Town Meeting by reason of state or federal
action or inaction or other circumstances
not within the control of the Town or Town
Meeting. In the event such a motion to
reconsider is made and authorized, said
motion may be made at any time before the
final adjournment of the meeting at which
the vote was passed, said motion may be
made even if the vote was already
reconsidered or was the subject of a vote
not to reconsider and reconsideration may
be ordered by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of
the votes present.
2.2.4.3 Notice of every vote to be
reconsidered at an adjourned Town Meet=
ing shall be posted by the Town Clerk.in
one (1) or more public places in each
precinct of the Town as soon as possible
after adjournment, and he shall, if prac-
ticable, at least one day before the time
of the next following session of said
adjourned meeting, publish such notice
in some newspaper published in the
Town. Said notice shall include the vote to
be reconsidered and the place and time
of the next following session of said
adjourned meeting. The foregoing notice
provisions shall not apply when a motion
to reconsider any Town Meeting action
is made publicly at Town Meeting before
the adjournment of any session of any
adjourned Town Meeting.
Section 2.2.5
The Selectmen shall, at each Annual
Town Meeting, give to the Members
information of the State of the Town.
Section 2.2.6
The Town Meeting Members and Town
Meeting Members-Elect from each precinct
shall hold an annual precinct meeting after
the Annual Town Election but before the
convening of the business sessions of the
Annual Town Meeting. The purpose of the
meeting shall be the election of a chairman
and a clerk and to conduct whatever business
may be appropriate. Chairmen shall serve no
more than six consecutive years in that
position. Additional precinct meetings may be
called by the chairman or by a petition of six
(6) Town Meeting Members of the precinct.
Section 2.2.7 Removal of Town Meeting
Members
2.2.7.1 The Town Clerk shall mail,
within thirty (30) days after the adjournment
sine die of a Town Meeting, to every Town
Meeting Member who has attended less than
one half of the Town Meeting sessions since
the most recent Annual Town Election, a
record of his attendance and a copy of
Section 2-6 of the Charter.
2.2.7.2 Town Meeting Members of
each precinct shall consider at a.precinct
meeting to be conducted in accordance with
Section 2.2.6 of these Bylaws and Section 2-6
of the Charter, preceding the consideration of
the article placed upon the Annual Town
Meeting Warrant in accordance with Section
2-6 of the Charter, the names of Town
Meeting Members in that precinct appearing
on said Warrant article and adopt recom-
mendations to Town Meeting as to what
action should be taken regarding each such
Member. The chairman of each precinct or his
designee shall make such recommendations
along with supporting evidence and rationale
to Town Meeting.
2.2.7.3 The names of the Members
subject to removal in accordance with Section
2-6 of the Charter shall be grouped by
precinct in the Warrant article required by said
Section.
Section 2.2.8 Meetings During Town
Meeting
No appointed or elected board, commission,
committee or other entity of town govern-
ment shall schedule or conduct any hearing,
meeting or other function during any hours in
which an Annual, Subsequent or Special
vi
Town Meeting is in session or is scheduled to
be in session. Any such board, commission
or committee which schedules or holds a
meeting or hearing on the same calendar day
but at a time prior to a session of Town
Meeting shall adjourn or recess not less than
five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled session
of Town Meeting. Any board, commission or
committee may, at the opening of any session
of Town Meeting, present to that Town
Meeting an instructional motion requesting an
exemption from this Bylaw and asking that
Town Meeting permit it to meet at a date and
hour at which a future session of Town
Meeting is scheduled, and may present
reasons for Town Meeting to give such
permission. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
any board, commission or committee which
meets the requirements of Section 238 of
Chapter 39 of the General Laws concerning
emergency meetings may, upon meeting such
requirements, conduct such a meeting or
hearing at a time scheduled for a Town
Meeting.
Vii
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I, on February 26, 1997 notified and warned the inhabitants
of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on town affairs, to meet at the place and at the time
specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting Warrant in the following public places
within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1 J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Registry of Motor Vehicles, 275 Salem Street
Precinct 3 Reading Police Station, 67 Pleasant Street
Precinct 4 Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5 Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
Precinct 6 Alice M. Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct'7 Reading Library, Local History Room, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 8 Arthur W. Coolidge, Middle School, 89 Birch Meadow Drive
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to March 25, 1997, the date set
for the Local Election in this Warrant.
I also caused an attested copy of this warrant to be published in the Reading Chronicle in
the issue of February 27, 1997
j n
tV Y7, L;
Michae i- anvrin, Constable
A true copy. Attest:
-Cheryl ohnson, Town Clerk
41
1
TOWN WARRANT-
(Seal)
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify
and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in elections and Town affairs,
to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said Town, namely:.
Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
Hawkes Field House, 62 Oakland Road
TUESDAY, the TWENTY-FIFTH DAY OF MARCH A.D., 1997
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers:
a Moderator for one year;
one member of the Board of Selectmen for three years;
one member of the Board of Assessors for three years;
two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years;
( one member of the Board of Library Trustees for two years;
two members of the Municipal Light Board for three years;
two members of the School Committee for three years;
and sixty-eight Town Meeting Members shall be elected to represent
each of the following precincts:
Precinct 1 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 2 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 3 Eight members for three years; one member for two years
to fill vacancy;
Precinct 4 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 5 Eight members for three years; one member for two years
to fill vacancy;
Precinct 6 Eight members for three years; one member for one year
to fill vacancy;
Precinct 7 Eight members for three years; one member for one year
to fill vacancy;
Precinct 8 Eight members for three years.
and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading, on
( ) MONDAY, the FOURTEENTH DAY OF APRIL A.D., 1997
2
at seven-thirty o'clock in the evening, at which time and place the following Articles are to be
acted upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the
provisions of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 2 To hear and act on the reports of the Board of Selectmen, Town
Accountant, Treasurer-Collector, Board of Assessors, Director of Public Works, Town Clerk,
Tree Warden, Board of Health, School Committee, Contributory Retirement Board, Library
Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Cemetery Trustees, Community Planning
& Development Commission, Town Manager and any other Board or Special Committee.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
Reports that are expected to be given at the Annual Town Meeting include:
• The "State of the Town" by the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen;
• Issuance of the Arnold and Dorothy Berger Exemplary Teacher Awards by the
Chairman of the School Committee;
• The state of the Town's finances by the Chairman of the Finance Committee;
• A progress report on the school building projects;
• A report on the Reading Business Park (former landfill) by the Board of Selectmen;
• A report of the Reading Municipal Light Department by its Chairman.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 3 To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Special Committees and
determine what instructions shall be given Town Officers and Special Committees, and to see
what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and
appropriate for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Special Committees to carry out the
instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
Instructions may be given by Town Meeting members at any time during Town Meeting,
but by tradition instructions are held until the last business of Town Meeting. There are no
known instructional motions at this time. The Moderator has asked that all proposed instructional
motions be prepared in writing so that the Town Clerk may have a clear copy of the proposed
instruction.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
i
3
ARTICLE 4 To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 1997 FY 2006 Capital
( Improvement Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading.Home Rule Charter and as
previously amended, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
Amendments will be needed in order to fund the following:
• Additional Data Processing Equipment in order to accomplish elements of the Town's
technology plan;
• Expenditure of $25,000 donated by OSCO for road improvements at the intersection of
Ash/Main/Bolton Streets;
t Movement of two portable buildings from the Killam School to the Barrows School to deal
with enrollment issues for the Fall of 1997;
• Additional funding for the Joshua Eaton School construction project in order that this work
can be done beginning this Spring and, still remain eligible for State SBAB reimbursement.
While the. Capital Improvements Program does not authorize the expenditure of any funds,
Section 4.1.3 of the Town Bylaws prohibits the expenditure. of any funds for capital purposes
unless the project is included in the Capital Improvements Program for the year when funding is
proposed.
Finance Committee Report:
( The Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend the approval of this Article as presented.
This vote is needed in order to approve Article 11 for the remaining renovations at the Joshua
Eaton School, and in order to approve three items under Article 8: technology improvements -at
Town Hall and the Library; moving two portable classrooms from the Killiam School to the
Barrows School; and road work around the new OSCO for which the Town has received payment
from OSCO.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 5 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the payment during Fiscal Year
1997 of bills remaining unpaid for previous fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered
to the Town, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
There are no prior years bills that are due and, therefore, this Article may be indefinitely
postponed.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
4
ARTICLE 6 To see if the Town will vote to adopt the FY 1998 - FY 2007 Capital
Improvement Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or take
any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
A copy of the draft Capital Improvements Program is attached to this material as the blue
pages. This plan is for actions to be taken effective July 1, 1997 for Fiscal Year 1998 and beyond.
The material attached in the blue pages of this document outlines the details and financing plan
related to the Capital Improvements Program.
While the Capital Improvements Program does not authorize the expenditure of any funds,
Section 4.1.3 of the Town Bylaws prohibits the expenditure of any funds for capital purposes,
unless the project is included in the Capital Improvements Program for the year when funding is
proposed.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend the approval of the Capital
Improvements Plan as presented. The Committee's votes on the capital projects anticipated in FY
1
1998 are as shown in our recommendation of Article '22 (Line Items K1-K40) and our
recommendations of Articles 11, 12 and 13. The financing plan associated with the Capital
Improvements Plan utilizes approximately $2,000,000 in Sale of Real Estate Funds by FY 2002
and incorporates a gradual increase in the percentage of revenues dedicated to capital and debt
service during the next 10 years increasing from 6.5% in FY 1998 to 7.4% in FY 2007. The
financing plan does include expected deficits in FY 2002 - FY 2004; however, the deficits are
relatively small and manageable and are followed by projected surpluses in the remaining years of
the Plan.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 7 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to sell, or
exchange, or dispose of, upon such terms and conditions as they may determine, various items of.
Town tangible property, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
There are a number of items of surplus equipment to be disposed of under this Article,
many of them as trade-ins of vehicles that the Town is replacing. These include the following:
1982 Catch Basin Cleaner Truck
1984 Dump Truck
1987 Pick-up Truck
2 Snow Plows
3 Police Cruisers
10 Printers
3 Upright Pianos
2 Steel Playground Slides
Hot Top Spreader
1969 Sidewalk Roller
1983 Pick-up Truck
1984 Ford Crown Victoria (fire)
30 Computer Monitors
Mita Photocopier
2 Sets of Wall Lockers
50 Student Desks
5
2 Steel Playground Slides
100 Student Chairs
5 Push Type Mowers
2 Cafeteria Tables
Small Office Desk
Toshiba Copier
Wooden Cabinets
3 Lathes
Grinder
Bending Brake
Bench Grinder
1985 Ford Sedan
50 Student Desks
10 Lab Stools
Floor Scrubber
4 Five Drawer File Cabinets
2 Floor Buffers
5 Typewriters
Angle Gear Cutter
Milling Machine,
Work Benches
Bar Folder
1990 Dodge Wan - Senior van
The Town will first offer many of these materials to other Departments of the Town, and
then to private non-profit groups within the Town, prior to disposing of them through trade-in or
auction.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee recommends the subject matter of this Article by a vote of 7-0-0.
The disposition of surplus materials is important to appropriate inventory control, and the Town
has worked to get the best value for surplus materials, while balancing the needs of other
departments and the community.
( Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 8 To see if the Town will vote to amend one or more of the votes taken
under Article 17 of the Warrant of the Annual Town Meeting of April 8, 1996, as amended under
Article 5 of the Warrant of the Special Town Meeting of September 9, 1996 as amended under
Article 6 of the Warrant of Special Town Meeting of November 12, 1996, relating to the Fiscal
Year 1997 Municipal Budget, and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing or transfer
from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate as the result of any such amended votes for
the operation of the Town and its government, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
BackL-round:
The following chart outlines the transfers needed to balance the FY 1997 budget;
FY 97 BUDGET MODIFICATIONS - 1997 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
BUDGET
DESCRIPTION
CHANGE
NEW
FINCOM
#
in adopted
BUDGET
recommen-
budget
AMOUNT
dation
B 1
Conservation Personal Services
-$300
$38,871
7-0-0
B9
Community Development Non Personal
$450
$2,150
7-0-0
Expenses
6
B9
Economic Development Work for Landfill
Sale
$20,000
$22,150
7-0-0
C10
Personnel - Non-Personal Expenses
$4,000
$39,731
7-0-0
D5
Labor Counsel
$15,000
$35,000
7-0-0
D6
Law - Non-Personal Expenses
$6,160
$11,160
7-0-0
D 13
General Services Non-Personal Expenses
$3,800
$96,160
7-0-0
El
Health - Personal Services
$8,800
$38,294
7-0-0
E2
Health - Non-personal Expenses
$4,280
$39,921
7-0-0
E7
Veterans Non-Personal Expenses
$100
$600
7-0-0
E10
Human Services - Personal Services
-$38,000
$58,583
7-0-0
G5
Fire Department - Retroactive Salaries
-
Action
Pending
H11
Public Works Personal Services
-$8,800
$1,156,962
7-0-0
H12
Public Works Non-Personal Expenses
$37,400
$601,576
7-0-0
H14
Rubbish Collection and Disposal
$41,500
$1,001,005
7-0-0
J1
Building Maintenance Study
$25,000
7-0-0
J1
School - Special Needs
$90,000
7-0-0
K2
Capital - Data Processing
(Technology)
$52,400
$78,100
7-0-0
K45
Capital - Move Portable Buildings to
Barrows School
$40,000
$115,000
7-0-0
K46
Capital - Roadway Construction - OSCO
- Source of funds is from the donation by
OSCO
$25,000
$25,000
7-0-0
L3
Unemployment
$5,000
$35,000
7-0-0
L4
Group Health and Life Insurance
-$17,500
7-0-0
Net Change - General Fund
$339,290
M1
Water - Personal Services
$23,200
$586,122
7-0-0
M2
Water - Non-Personal Expenses
-$23,200
$928,215
7-0-0
N1
Sewer-Personal Services
$1,000
$164,661
7-0-0
N2
Sewer - Non-Personal Expenses
-$1,000
$2,531,595
7-0-0
N4
Sewer Capital
-$200,400
$162,000
7-0-0
Net Change - Water and Sewer
Enterprise Funds
-$200,400
NET BUDGET MODIFICATIONS
$138,890
The following is a summary of the major changes to the FY 1997 budget:
( B9 - The Board of Selectmen has established as a priority providing the necessary funding
to carry the landfill marketing and sale to a successful decision by the end of 1997. In order to
accomplish this goal, funds are needed in both the FY 1997 and the FY 1998 budget to prepare
the necessary marketing materials including a "due diligence" report on the information gathered
to date, appraisals, conceptual site development plans, and various state mandated environmental
reports. By being proactive in preparing these materials and presenting them to the state, the
Town will accomplish the pre-permitting of the site under MEPA (a potentially significant hurdle
in the sale of the site), have a complete set of site reports "on the shelf' for developers to peruse
during the RFP process, and impute additional sale value to the site.
Placeholder amounts of $20,000 have been established in both the FY 1997 and FY 1998
budgets for these pre-marketing activities. the actual amount of funds to be requested is still
under discussion by the Board of Selectmen. Based on the latest available information presented
to the Board, the total funding sought will need to be raised significantly above the $40, 000
level. The Board of Selectmen will provide revised information to Town Meeting Members. and
FINCOMas soon as it is available..
D5 - Labor Counsel expenses have been high this year because of the Firefighter's Union
arbitration and because of several other arbitration cases.
D6 - This account is increased to reflect the ongoing costs of legal expenses, and to fund
"Special Counsel" for the defense of a Town Employee (a member of one of the Boards,
Committees. and Commissions) in defending against a conflict of interest claim which has been
subsequently dismissed. This defense was provided pursuant to the Policy recently approved.by
the Board of Selectmen.
El, E2 and E10 - These are adjustments due to the vacancy in the Human Services
Director's position, and a decision not to replace the position as it was previously filled.
G5 - The Firefighter's contract for FY 1996 and FY 1997 is not yet settled but should be
settled by the time Town Meeting takes action on this Article. The cost is for FY 1996 (the funds
budgeted that year were returned to Free Cash at the end of the year) and for the current year.
HI I, H12 and H14 - The corrections in Public Works reflect available funds in the
salaries area, the need for funding in expenses for items including building maintenance and
vehicle maintenance, and the need for additional funding in rubbish collection and disposal
because the contract for services was not finalized until 1/2 way through the fiscal year.
J1 - Two amendments are needed in the school budget - one for a comprehensive study
and plan for staffing and services in the consolidated Town and School Building Maintenance
function agreed to by the Town and the School Department and supported by the Board of
Selectmen, FINCOM and School Committee. The second is the need for additional funding in the
Special Needs area of the School budget. The shortfall in Special Needs was actually greater but
a major portion was able to be offset by available funds elsewhere in the School budget.
K2 - This is an increase that was requested in the Fall but was deferred until Spring. This
funding is needed to complete this phase of the Town's technology plan, and the numbers were
not known until after the consultant completed his work in the early Fall.
K45 - This funding will pay to move two portable buildings from Killam School to
Barrows School to handle increases in enrollment and reduce class sizes.
8
It is proposed as part of the FY 1997 budget so. that the School Department may make plans to
start work immediately after the close of school in June.
K46 - This is a new line to appropriate funds provided by OSCO as part of the site plan
approval in order that the Town may carry out necessary improvements at the intersection of Ash
and Main street at Bolton Street.
M1 and M2 - These changes are needed to offset some overruns in the salary accounts
due to less snow fall than estimated and overtime in the Water Treatment Plant.
N1, N2 and N4 - The salary account needs a small additional amount of funding because
of heavy overtime during the October storms. The capital was overfunded because the two
capital projects funded in the Subsequent Town Meeting were funded both through the Article
and through the budget. This action reverses that over-budgeting error.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend the approval of Article 8 in the amount
of $113,890. The Finance Committee strongly supports the process of selling the former landfill
site and is recommending $20,000 be allocated to this process in FY 1997 under this Article; and
$20,000 be allocated in the next fiscal year under Article 22. The Finance Committee also
supports the concept of consolidated buildings and grounds maintenance as put forth by the Town
Manager and Superintendent of Schools, and recommends the approval of a building maintenance
study to determine proper staffing levels. As noted under Article 4, the Finance Committee
supports the capital projects for data processing, portables and roadway construction. The
remaining items under Article 8 are primarily adjustments to existing line items and reflect
changes which were previously not anticipated.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 9 To see if the Town will vote to approve an amendment to the
Administrative Code pursuant to Section 6-1 of the Reading Home Rule Charter, or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
Attached as part of the exhibits to the Town Warrant is a copy of the current "Plan of
Organization - Executive Branch" as amended in the Spring of 1992. Following that is the
proposed "Town of Reading Organization Chart - Plan of Organization - Executive Branch,
Spring 1997"
The Reading Home Rule Charter provides that the Town Manager may present a plan of
organization to the Board of Selectmen and, if approved, may present such plan to Town
Meeting. Town Meeting has the authority to approve or reject the plan.
In the Summer of 1996, the position of Director of Human Services became vacant, and as
part of the process of considering filling that position, The Town Manager held extensive
interviews of staff, members of the Boards, Committees and Commissions and outside clients and
vendors.
9
At the same time, the Town became focused on three major initiatives that the community wants
( or needs to accomplish. These initiatives include the closure, marketing and sale of the former
landfill site on Walkers Brook Drive, the revitalization of Reading's Downtown and the
implementation of the Open Space and Recreation Plan.
This review has resulted in the Town Manager recommending to the Board of Selectmen
the reorganization which is included in the exhibit. The substance of the reorganization is the
consolidation of the Department of Human Services and the Department of Community
Development into a single Department. Follow-up has taken place with the staffs of both
Departments as well as the Boards, Committees and Commissions of both Departments.
The intent, following consolidation, is to hire a Director of the Department who will have
two primary functions:
Management of the Department, including all of the administrative work that entails.
Under the current structure, the Department Heads of these two Departments are also
technical experts who provide a major level of technical support in one of the Divisions of
the Department. In interviews with staff and others, this has not always been the most
effective situation with the administrative tasks invariably giving way to the day to day
technical work. Additionally, there is no guarantee that an employee who is expert in the
technical aspects of the position has the capabilities, interest, knowledge or experience to be
an effective Department Head.
• Management of special long term projects, such as the three enumerated in this
background. While the Town has much of the technical expertise to handle these projects,
and has hired consultants to fill in gaps in that knowledge, the current levels of staff do not
have the time to properly manage these projects and to conduct the work of the Department
Head and to provide the technical support functions of their various positions. All of these
long term projects are of vital interest to the long-term well being of the community, and
will result, if handled properly, in the ability of the Town to accomplish major goals which
will yield benefits measured in the millions of dollars.
While not all of the Divisions of the new Department have a close connection in terms of
their work, many of them do. For example, the Conservation Division and the Recreation
Division have a growing interest in working together in the implementation of the Open Space
and Recreation Plan. The Health Division and the Inspections Divisions have an on-going
working relationship in issues such as enforcement of environmental codes and housing codes.
While there are a lot of details to be worked out to implement the organizational plan
proposed, these are all administrative details which will be worked out by the appropriate staffs.
The result of the changes are expected to improve the ability of the Town to deal with special
long term issues, and to provide a more efficient and effective organizational structure.
Finance Committee Report; Action pending.
Bylaw Committee Report• Action pending.
10
ARTICLE 10 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen of the
Town of Reading to convey all or any part of the following described property, with the buildings
thereon, commonly known as the Town of Reading landfill and to determine the minimum amount
to be paid for such conveyance; to authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey all or any part of
said property for such amount or a larger amount, and upon such other terms and conditions as
the Board of Selectmen shall consider proper and to deliver a deed or deeds therefor to said
purchaser or purchasers; and to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax
levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise, and appropriate to the Board of Selectmen to
carry out the purposes of this vote; or take any other action with respect thereto;
The land shown on Town of Reading Board of Assessors' January 1, 1985, Plat 57, as
Lots 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 and the land shown on Town of Reading Board of Assessors'
January 1, 1989, Plat 68 as Lots 7 and 8, being bounded and described as follows:
Beginning at a point on the Easterly side of John Street, said. point located 323.92 feet
Northwesterly of the Reading-Wakefield town line;
Thence Northwesterly a distance of 864 + feet to a point;
Thence in a Northwesterly direction by a curved line to the right, having a radius of
1,000 feet, a distance of 270 + feet to a point, said point being a point of tangency;
Thence Northeasterly a distance of 88.14 feet to a point;
Thence Northeasterly a distance of 263.67 feet to a point;
Thence Easterly a distance of 628.05 feet to a point;
Thence Northerly a distance of 458.6 feet to a point;
Thence Northeasterly a distance of 280.00 feet to a point;
Thence Southeasterly a distance of 384.0 feet to a point;
Thence Northeasterly a distance of 80.0 feet to a point;
Thence Southeasterly a distance of 670.8 + feet to a point;
Thence Southwesterly a distance of 789.0 + feet to a point;
Thence Northwesterly a distance of 60.00 feet to a point;
Thence Southwesterly a distance of 211.53 feet to a point;
Thence Southwesterly a distance of 182.93 feet to a point;
Thence Northwesterly a distance of 175.84 feet to a point;
Thence Southwesterly a distance of 274.26 feet to the point of beginning.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
The major surplus real estate asset owned by the Town is the former landfill. The site was
previously subject to the sale to Homart for the development of a hotel and office research park.
The sale fell through because of the economic climate, and the Board of Selectmen is working to
close the landfill and to prepare the site for sale. In order to be able to react to the real estate
market, the Board is requesting that Town Meeting approve this Article now, consistent with
other actions taken by Town Meeting to maximize the community benefit of this surplus property.
The Board of Selectmen has established as a priority providing the necessary funding to
carry the landfill marketing and sale to a successful decision by the end of 1997.
C
11
In order to accomplish this goal, funds are needed in both the FY 1997 and the FY 1998
budget to prepare the necessary marketing materials including a "due diligence" report on the
information gathered to date, appraisals, conceptual site development plans, and various state
mandated environmental reports. By being proactive in preparing these materials and presenting
them to the state, the Town will accomplish the pre-permitting of the site under MEPA (a
potentially significant hurdle in the sale of the site), have a complete set of site reports "on the
shelf' for developers to peruse during the RFP process, and impute additional sale value to the
site.
Placeholder amounts of $20,000 have been established in both the FY 1997 and FY 1998
budgets for these pre-marketing activities. The actual amount of funds to be requested is still
under discussion by the Board of Selectmen. Based on the latest available information presented
to the Board, the total funding sought will need to be raised significantly above, the $40, 000
level. The Board of Selectmen will provide revised information to Town Meeting Members and
FINCOM as soon as it is available..
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee voted 6-1 to recommend the approval of Article 10 as presented.
Proceeds from the sale or lease of the former landfill site and taxes generated by the property can
have an immediate positive impact on the Town's finances.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 11 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of constructing additions, remodeling,
reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the Joshua Eaton School on Summer Avenue,
including the costs of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and architectural fees,
inspection fees, relocation costs, contingencies and related expenses incidental thereto and
necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the
School Committee; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the School Committee to file
applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said school
renovations and additions and related matters, and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the
School Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
School Committee
Background:
Joshua Eaton School was renovated and expanded under authorization given by Town
Meeting and work completed last year. However, there is need for additional work in order to
make that project complete, and the sum of $350,000 is being requested to complete the project.
The project is eligible for State SBAB reimbursement on the same basis as the original project,
and the reimbursement schedule has been built into the capital financing plan. The work
contemplated includes the following:
12
Painting
$ 30,228
Install area network
$ 60,000
Replace flooring
$ 90,000
Refinish flooring
$ 6,000
Replace roof
$ 20,000
Install video network
$ 12,500
Upgrade lighting
90,864
Subtotal
$ 310,276
Contingency
$ 39,724
Total
$ 350,000
The source of funding is through the sale of bonds, the same funding mechanism that was
used for the original project.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend the approval of Article 11 in an amount
not to exceed $350,000. The Finance Committee, through its Capital Improvements Advisory
Subcommittee, has observed the building deficiencies, as noted, and strongly supports completing
the remaining renovations and technology initiatives.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 12 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of constructing additions, remodeling,
reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the Birch Meadow School on Arthur B. Lord
Drive, including the costs of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and architectural
fees, inspection fees, relocation costs, contingencies and related expenses incidental thereto and
necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the direction of the
School Committee; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the School Committee to file
applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost of said school
renovations and additions and related matters, and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the
School Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to carry out the
purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
School Committee
Background:
Birch Meadow School was renovated and expanded under authorization given by Town
Meeting and work completed two years ago. However, there is need for additional work in order
to make that project complete, and the sum of $600,000 is being requested to complete the
project. The project is eligible for State SBAB reimbursement in the future on the same basis as
the original project, but the timing of this reimbursement is uncertain and has not been
incorporated into the Capital Improvements Program financing plan.. The work contemplated
includes the following:
Painting $ 32,228
Install area network $ 54,000
Replace flooring $ 96,684
Replace roof $ 161,140
13
Replace HVAC Units $ 120,000
Install video network $ 12,000
Upgrade lighting 64456
Subtotal $ 540,508
Contingency $ 59,492
Total $ 600,000
The source of funding is through the sale of bonds, the same funding mechanism that was
used for the original project.
Finance Committee Report:
Action pending. A final vote on this Article was not taken at the Finance Committee's
March 19, 1997 meeting. The Committee supports the project iri concept, but has asked the
School Department to review its cost allocations to see if the original windows in the old part of
the school could be replaced as part of this project.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 13 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise, for the purpose of constructing additions, remodeling,
reconstructing and making extraordinary repairs to the Reading Memorial High School on
Oakland Road, including the costs of original furnishings and equipment, engineering and
architectural fees, inspection fees, relocation costs, contingencies and related expenses incidental
thereto and necessary in connection therewith, said sum to be expended by and under the
direction of the School Committee; and to see if the Town will vote to authorize the School
Committee to file applications for a grant or grants to be used to defray all or any part of the cost
of said school renovations and additions and related matters, and to see if the Town will vote to
authorize the School Committee to enter into all contracts and agreements as may be necessary to
carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
School Committee
Background:
The architectural study of RMHS that was authorized by Town Meeting concluded that
the High School's physical plant is in need of much repair, if not replacement. Given the need to
maintain the facility until some time in the future, the School Committee proposes spending $1.85
million until the community can decide on a more long term solution to the problem. One very
important facility issue at the High School that must be addressed immediately concerns science
laboratory space. To continue the High School's accreditation without blemish, the New England
Association of Schools and Colleges is requiring three (3) classrooms in the science wing to be
upgraded to allow for appropriate science instruction with laboratory space. This will require
approximately $200,000 of the $1.85 million to be used for that purpose. The other work we
propose to do is included in the following list with preliminary estimates.
14
Science Labs
$200,000
Concrete Column Repair
$100,000
A.D.A. Issues •
$ 50,000
New Energy Lighting Ballasts
$250,000
HVAC Upgrade
$600,000
Plumbing Deferred Maintenance &
$200,000
Electrical Deferred Maintenance
Local Area Network
$150,000
Intercom
$ 50,000
Roof Replacement
$100,000
Window Replacement (600 x 150)
$ 90,000
Exterior Door Replacement (30)
$ 247000
Locker Painting
$ 15,000
Replace Gym Bleachers (600)
$ 48,000
Resurface Girl's Gym Floor
$ 10,000
Replace Field House Floor
$250,000
New Exits needed to address commons/link
problem$ 50,000
Elevator Repairs
$ 6,000
Exterior Brick Repointing.
$ 50,000
Floor Tile Replacement
$250,000
$2,493,000
The School Department is hopeful that final estimates for the work will be well under
those listed above. If costs will exceed the $1.85 million requested from Town Meeting, minor
work in the areas of painting, floor replacement, exterior brickwork and tile replacement will not
proceed. This project may at some time in the distant future be eligible for partial or full
reimbursement through the Massachusetts Department of Education's School Building Assistance
Bureau but at this time, we do not anticipate reimbursement nor has an asssumption about
reimbursement been incorporated into the Capital Improvements Program financing.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee voted 7-0 to recommend the approval of Article 13 in an amount
not to exceed $1,850,000. A number of the projects contemplated by the School Department
address health and safety issues, accreditation requirements and technology initiatives. In addition,
several projects address improving the school's energy management which will produce operating
savings and better working conditions. The Committee has emphasized that the safety and energy
management items should be done as soon as possible in order to maximize operating efficiencies.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
15
ARTICLE 14 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
acquire all or any part of the following described parcel of land in fee. or rights of easement therein
by. eminent domain under the provisions 'of Chapter 79 of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or to acquire said parcel of land or any part thereof in fee or
rights of easement therein by gift, purchase, or otherwise, for general municipal purposes
including the construction of a police station and uses accessory thereto and public parking; and
to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available
funds, or otherwise, and appropriate to the Board of Selectmen to pay for appraisals of said parcel
and to pay for the acquisition of said parcel of land or rights of easement therein, or to be used for
payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition and to authorize the
Board of Selectmen to enter into agreements with private parties or State and Federal agencies
for financial and other assistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other acts and .
things necessary and proper for carrying out the purposes of this vote, or take any other action
with respect thereto:
The land commonly known as 16 Parker Street shown on. Board of Assessors' Revised
Jan. 1, 1977 Map 65 as Lot 08 consisting of 7,145 square feet of land, more or less, and being the
land described at the Middlesex South District Registry of Deeds in Book 13836, Page 604,
currently believed to be owned by the David J. and Constance M. Russell.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
This Article would allow the Town to acquire the property at the rear of the existing
Police Station in order to allow the expansion and renovation of the existing Police Station. The
property owner is a willing seller and the agreed upon price is $175,000. The existing dwelling
would be demolished in order to make way for the Police Station expansion and parking. The
material in the green pages at the back of this Town Meeting report details the proposed project
and its background. The sum of $175,000 is proposed to be taken from Free Cash for this
project.
Finance Committee Resort:
Action pending. Articles 14, 16 and 17 each request authorization to acquire, transfer or
negotiate for land to build :a new Police Station. Article,14: the Town has reached agreement
with the property owners of 16 Parker Street to acquire that property for the purpose of building
an addition on the existing Police Station and the Town is seeking $175,000 for such purposes.
Article 16: as an alternative, certain citizens, by petition, are requesting that Town Meeting
transfer a parcel of land on Oakland Road from the School Department to the Town for the
purpose of constructing a new Police Station. Article 17: as a second alternative, certain citizens,
by petition, are requesting that Town Meeting authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate with
the owners of a property located at 13 Union Street to. acquire that property and to construct a
new Police Station there.
Based on information that the Finance Committee received at its meeting on March 19,
1997, the economic difference between acquiring the property on Parker Street and acquiring the
property on Union Street are not significant given the total cost of the project and the expected
life of a new Police Station.
16
Broader issues, such as the likelihood of reaching final agreement with the Union Street property
owner, neighborhood concerns, and the possible difficulty of renovating the existing Police
Station, may be more significant than the economic difference. With regard to the Oakland Road
site, we understand that the School Committee is not prepared to transfer that property until it
determines what actions it will take to renovate or to build a new high school.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 15 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or transfer from
available funds, or otherwise for the purpose of designing a new Police Station, or designing the
addition and/or alterations of the existing Police Station, including the cost of architectural fees,
engineering fees, and contingencies and related expenses incidental thereto and necessary in
connection therewith, said sum to be expended under the direction of the Board of Selectmen, and
to see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to file applications for a grant or
grants to be used to defray all or any part of said design costs and related matters, and to see if
the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into all contracts and agreements
as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
In order to prepare plans that are detailed enough for Town Meeting to approve the
construction of the Police Station, a great deal of additional work needs to be done including
architectural design, preliminary engineering, etc. The cost of this phase of the architectural work \
is estimated at $50,000 to be funded from free Cash.
The design of this project will be done with the Police Station Building Committee, and a
strong commitment has been made by the Board of Selectmen to work with the residents of the
neighborhood to ensure that the final design fits within the neighborhood and minimizes any
impact on surrounding properties.
It is anticipated that with approval of Article 14 and approval of this Article, an architect
will be hired immediately, and that a Special Town Meeting may be called for September, 1997 in
order for Town Meeting to approve the project in its entirety.
The $50,000 to fund this Article will come from Free Cash.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee voted 6-1 to recommend the approval of Article 15 in the amount
of $50,000. The Finance Committee has not yet voted on whether this work should be funded
from Free Cash or through debt authorization.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
17
ARTICLE 16 Move that the following described property be transferred from the care,
custody and control of the School Committee and/or the Board of Selectmen to the Board of
Selectmen for use as a Police Station and parking, land shown on Assessors Plat 123, Lots 1.6 to
32, 34, 48, 49, 62, 139 and those portions of Cold Spring Road, Tower Road, Chestnut Street
and Grandview Road that fall within the bounds of said lots.
By petition
Background:
The proposed site is shown on the map attached to this report as an exhibit. The
petitioners have not provided additional background at the time of this report going to press.
Finance Committee Report:
Action pending. Articles 14, 16 and 17 each request authorization to acquire, transfer or
negotiate for land to build a new Police Station. Article 14: the Town has reached agreement
with the property owners of 16 Parker Street to acquire that property for the purpose of building
an addition on the existing Police Station and the Town is seeking $175,000 for such purposes.
Article 16: as an alternative, certain citizens, by petition, are requesting that Town Meeting
transfer a parcel of land on Oakland Road from the School Department to the Town for the
purpose of constructing a new Police Station. Article 17: as a second alternative, certain citizens,
by petition, are requesting that Town Meeting authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate with
the owners of a property located at 13 Union Street to acquire that property and to' construct a
new Police Station there.
Based on information that the Finance Committee received at its meeting on March 19,
1997, the economic difference between acquiring the property on Parker Street and acquiring the
' property on Union Street are not significant given the total cost of the project and the expected
life of a new Police Station. Broader issues, such as the likelihood of reaching final agreement
with the Union Street property owner, neighborhood concerns, and the possible difficulty of
renovating the existing Police Station, may be more significant than the economic difference.
With regard to the Oakland Road site, we understand that the School Committee is not prepared
to transfer that property until it determines what actions it will take to renovate or to build a new
high school.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 17 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
negotiate in good faith the purchase of real property located at 13 Union Street consisting of Lot
8, Plat No. 76 as shown on the Reading Board of Assessor's Map and owned by the Middlesex
County Board of Realtors and/or otherwise authorize the acquisition of that real property through
the exchange of Town owned real estate and buildings at 67 Pleasant Street, the location of the
current Town Police Station, for the purpose of constructing a new Police Station for the Town
to be built on Union Street at Lot 8 and abutting Town owned real property shown as Lot 10 on
Plat 76 of the Reading Board of Assessor's Map Plat 76.
By petition
18
Background:
The proposed site is shown on the map attached to this report as an exhibit. The
petitioners have not provided additional background at the time of this report going to press.
Finance Committee Report:
Action pending. Articles 14, 16 and 17 each request authorization to acquire, transfer or
negotiate for land to build a new Police Station.
Article 14: the Town has reached agreement with the property owners of 16 Parker Street to
acquire that property for the purpose of building an addition on the existing Police Station and the
Town is seeking $175,000 for such purposes. Article 16: as an alternative, certain citizens, by
petition, are requesting that Town Meeting transfer a parcel of land on Oakland Road from the
School Department to the Town for the purpose of constructing a new Police Station. Article
17: as a second alternative, certain citizens, by petition, are requesting that Town Meeting
authorize the Board of Selectmen to negotiate with the owners of a property located at 13 Union
Street to acquire that property and to construct a new Police Station there.
Based on information that the Finance Committee received at its meeting on March 19,
1997, the economic difference between acquiring the property on Parker Street and acquiring the
property on Union Street are not significant given the total cost of the project and the expected
life of a new Police Station. Broader issues, such as the likelihood of reaching final agreement
with the Union Street property owner, neighborhood concerns, and the possible difficulty of
renovating the existing Police Station, may be more significant than the economic difference.
With regard to the Oakland Road site, we understand that the School Committee is not prepared
to transfer that property until it determines what actions it will take to renovate or to build a new
high school.
Bylaw Committee Resort: No report.
ARTICLE 18 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the appropriation of funds to
retain an Architect for the purpose of designing and preparing such other drawings and
specifications necessary for the construction of a new Police Station for the Town of Reading on
a site to be selected at this Town Meeting.
'
Background: By petition
The petitioner understands that this Article is redundant and that Article 15 will
accomplish the same thing regardless of the site chosen for the Police Station. It is anticipated
that this Article will, therefore, be indefinitely postponed.
Finance Committee Report: No report.,
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
19
ARTICLE 19 To see if the Town will appoint a Building Committee to advise and
consult with Town Meeting and the Board of Selectmen in a design and construction of a new
Police Station until such time as the new station is occupied.
By petition
Background:
The petitioners have not provided additional background at the time of this report going
to press.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 20 To see if the Town will appoint as members to the Police Station Building
Committee those individuals who have served the Town in that capacity on the Ad Hoc Police
Station Building Committee appointed by the Board of Selectmen iri 1995.
By petition
Background:
The petitioners have not provided additional background at the time of this report going
to press.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 21 To see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, whether in anticipation
of reimbursement from the State under Chapter 44, Section 6, Massachusetts General Laws, or
pursuant to any other enabling authority or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or
otherwise, for highway projects in accordance with Chapter 90, Massachusetts General Laws, or
take any other action with respect thereto. Board of Selectmen
Background:
This Article authorizes the Town to borrow funds for Chapter 90 roadway projects to be
constructed in accordance with the Capital Improvements Program. No actual borrowing will take
place since the projects will be done once the State authorizes the funding. However, this Article
allows the Town to proceed with design and hearings on the various projects.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee has recommended this Article in the amount of approximately
$437,500 by a vote of 7-0-0. This Article is needed in order to continue the necessary road
construction program in a manner and time schedule that is appropriate and in accordance with
the Capital Improvements Program.
1 Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
20
ARTICLE 22 To determine how much money the Town will raise by borrowing, or from
the tax levy, or transfer from available funds,. or otherwise, and appropriate for the operation of
the Town and its government for Fiscal Year 1998 beginning July 1, 1997, or take any other
action with respect thereto. Finance Committee
Background:
See the budget attached as the yellow pages of this document..
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee vote for each line item of the budget is shown on the attached
Budget Summary. The Finance Committee's unanimous vote on all but one line item (G-1 Public
Safety - Police - Personal Services) reflects a continuation of the budget process that we adopted
last year. Initially, all sections of the budget were reviewed in detail by the Committee's
department liaisons and then by the entire Finance Committee. As part of the collaborative
budget process, the Finance Committee's response to the initial budget requests was shared with
the Board of Selectmen, School Committee, Town Manager and Superintendent of Schools.
After the initial budget was revised, the Finance Committee took a vote on each line item. The tie
vote on line G-1, as noted above, reflects the Committee's concerns regarding the proposal to add
an additional Police Officer into the budget, whose hiring would be dependent upon a staffing
study that demonstrates the need for an additional officer, prior to having sufficient evidence for
the need.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 23 To see if the Town of Reading will vote to accept the report of the Board
of Selectmen upon the laying out as public ways of the following described private ways 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 fi"led 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 lands in fee or rights of easement therein by eminent domain,
under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws, as amended, or acquire said lands in fee
or rights of easement therein by purchase, gift or otherwise and to assess betterments therefor and
to see if the Town will vote to accept the public ways laid out by the Board of Selectmen, and to
see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available
funds, or otherwise, and appropriate for the acquisition of said lands or easements therein or for
payment of any eminent domain damages and for the construction of said ways, or take any other
action with respect thereto:
Proposed Public Ways: Anson Lane Azalea Circle
Ashley Place Family Circle
Autumn Lane
Board of Selectmen C
21
Backuound•
These are new streets that are ready to be accepted as public streets. Construction has
been completed and all but tree planting bonds have been released. The cost of this Article is
negligible - $1 per lot on the street - and will be included in the motions on the Article. The
action of the Board of Selectmen in recommending the acceptance of these streets as a public way
follows public hearings of the affected property owners.
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee has recommended the subject matter of this Article by a vote of
-7-0-0. The cost is negligible and will cost the Town less than $100 in total.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report
ARTICLE 24 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
acquire all or any part of the following described parcel of land in fee or rights of easement therein
by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or to acquire said parcel of land or any part thereof in fee or
rights of easement therein by gift, purchase, or otherwise, for additions to the Town Forest; and
to see what sum the Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available
funds, or otherwise, and appropriate to the Board of Selectmen to pay for appraisals of said
parcels and to pay for the acquisition of said parcels of land or rights of easement therein, or to be
used for payment of land damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisitions, and to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into agreements with private parties or state and federal
agencies for financial and other assistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other
acts and things necessary and proper for carrying out the provision of this vote, or take any other
action with respect thereto:
The land located off Lynn Village Way shown as Lot A on a plan of land entitled: "Index
Plan Fienemann Circle Reading, Mass." dated June 20, 1994 with Revisions dated July 21, 1994
consisting of 100,731 square feet (2.31 acres) according to said plan, currently believed to be
owned by Presidential Development Corp.
The Board of Selectmen
Backzround•
This Article will allow the Town to accept the donation of this parcel of land and to add it
to the adjacent Town Forest parcel. There are taxes owed in the sum of $83.24 which would be
funded under this Article.
This parcel of land was created when the Community Planning and Development
Commission approved the subdivision of the adjacent land. The abutting properties are all in the
Town's ownership, constituting part of the Town Forest. The discussion at the time of
development of the property was that it would be deeded to the Town as an addition to the Town
Forest.
The members of the Town Forest Committee unanimously voted to recommend that the
Town accept this land as a donation.
22
Finance Committee Report:
The Finance Committee has recommended the subject matter of this Article by a vote of
7-0-0. The total cost is less than $100, and it transfers a valuable asset to the Town as part of the
adjacent Town Forest. Action under this Article represents the creative use of alternative option
of acquisition of land without direct expense to the Town, and helps to supplement the Town
funded land acquisition program as included in the Capital Improvements Plan.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 25 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
acquire all or any part of the following described parcel of land in fee or rights of easement therein
by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws' of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or to acquire said parcel of land or any part thereof in fee or
rights of easement therein by gift, purchase, or otherwise, for purposes of creating an access and
passageway from Indian Tree Lane to the Joshua Eaton School fields; and to see what sum the
Town will raise by borrowing, or -from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise,
and appropriate to the Board of Selectmen to pay for appraisals of said parcel and to pay for the
acquisition of said parcel of land or rights'of easement therein, or to be used for payment of land
damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition and to authorize the Board of Selectmen
to enter into agreements with private parties or state and federal agencies for financial and other
assistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other acts and things necessary and
proper for carrying out the purposes of this vote, or take any other action with respect thereto:
The land located off of Oak Street and shown as Lot 105 on Board of Assessors' Revised
Jan. 1, 1978 Plat 24 currently believed to be owned by Shannon Rogan, Trustee of the Logan
Realty Trust
Board of Selectmen
Background:
The maps attached to this document indicate the area to be accepted under this Article and
under Article 25. The acceptance is for rights of easement for pedestrian use. Practically, the
areas in question have been used for pedestrian access primarily for students from the residential
area to the southwest to access the Joshua Eaton School. The historical use has not been
sanctioned by the property owners and, in: fact, the Town has tried to block that use by the
installation and maintenance of a fence along the Joshua Eaton property line. As a result of
litigation, the property owner has offered to donate the easement as long as the Town fenced the
easement. In addition, the Town is required to consider enlarging the fence and backstop at the
adjacent baseball field on the Joshua Eaton property to try to reduce the number of foul balls that
go onto the abutting property.
While the Article is written to use eminent domain to secure the title, this is a friendly
taking.
23
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Rylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 26 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
acquire all or any part of the following described parcel of land in fee or rights of easement therein
by eminent domain under the provisions of Chapter 79 of the General Laws of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or to acquire said parcel of land or any part thereof in fee or
rights of easement therein by gift, purchase, or otherwise, for purposes of creating an access and
passageway from Indian Tree Lane to the Joshua Eaton School fields; and to see what sum the
Town will raise by borrowing, or from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, or otherwise,
and appropriate to the Board of Selectmen to pay for appraisals of said parcel and to pay for the
acquisition of said parcel of land or rights of easement therein, or to be used for payment of land
damages or other costs and expenses of such acquisition and to authorize the Board of Selectmen
to enter into agreements with private parties or state and federal agencies for financial and other
assistance in connection with such acquisition, and to do all other acts and things necessary and
proper for carrying out the purposes of this vote, or take any other action with respect thereto:
The land located off of Indian Tree Lane and shown as Lot 94 on Board of Assessors'
Revised Jan. 1, 1978 Plat 24 currently believed to be owned by Allison W. and Janet B. Phinney,
of 44 Indian Tree Lane.
Board of Selectmen
Backeround•
Please see the discussion under Article 25. In order to complete this pedestrian easement,
access across the edge of the property at 44 Indian Tree Lane is also required. Town Counsel has
approached the property owner and, in a spirit of community support, the property owner is
willing to donate the easement. The Town will be responsible for fencing the easement once the
transaction is completed.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 27 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board-of Selectmen of the
Town of Reading to convey and/or abandon certain rights in fee and/or easements in Reading,
Middlesex County, MA in the portion of the cul-de-sac in the public way known as Lucy Drive
which portion to be abandoned is shown on a highlighted portion of the plan entitled "Cedarwood
at Reading, Final Plan of Lucy Drive, Reading, Mass." originally dated June 6, 1966; and to
determine the minimum amount to be paid for such conveyance- and/or abandonment; and to
authorize the Board of Selectmen to convey or abandon all or any part of said rights in fee and/or
24
easements for such amount or a larger amount, and upon such other terms and conditions as the
Board of Selectmen shall consider proper and to deliver a deed or deeds therefor if necessary; or
take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
By Request
BackQround•
The property owner at 32 Lucy Drive has requested that the Town abandon the cul-de-sac
in front of their house because it serves no purpose and the street comes close to their house. In
current subdivision, the cul-de-sac would have been a temporary one which would have been
abandoned and restored to the property owner when the street was extended - such was not the
practice when Lucy Drive was extended.
The Department of Public Works favors the elimination of the cul-de-sac because they are
difficult to plow and require unnecessary maintenance.
The tentative agreement with the property owner is to have the Town cut and remove the
pavement in the cul-de-sac and to provide topsoil for the homeowner to spread and plant. The
homeowner will be responsible for re-paving their driveway, for reconstructing the sidewalk to
Town standards along the new edge of the street, grading the topsoil and planting the lawn and
the tree lawn. An easement will be retained across tFe area that is now Town right of way, in the
event that any utility work is required.
As a result, the homeowner will have a larger front lawn, and the Town will have less
pavement to take care of. The Town would consider a similar arrangement from other property
owners upon request; and subject to the Town crews workload in removing pavement in such
areas.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: No report.
ARTICLE 28 To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen of the
Town of Reading to convey and/or abandon certain rights and easements in Reading, Middlesex
County, MA located on land situated off of Walnut Street which easements are shown on a plan
entitled: Easement Through Private Property For Drainage, Water And Sewerage Purposes
Walnut Street Scale: 1 in. = 40 ft. Nov., 1967 registered with the Middlesex South Registry
District of the Land Court as document No. 450960; and to determine the minimum amount to be
paid for such conveyance and/or abandonment; and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to
convey or abandon all or any part of said rights and easements for such amount or a larger
amount, and upon such other terms and conditions as the Board of Selectmen shall consider
proper and to deliver a deed or deeds therefor if necessary; or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
By Request
25
Background:
This easement was needed to provide sewer to the home on what is now lot 8 of the
Strawberry Hill Lane development prior to when the subdivision was developed. Since the
subdivision was developed, however, the easement is no longer needed because the lot is served
with a sewer line from Strawberry Hill Lane. This easement may now be abandoned without
detriment to the property owner or to the Town.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report:. No report.
ARTICLE 29 To see if the Town will vote to amend the motion made under Article 15 of
the Warrant for the Subsequent Town Meeting of November 12, 1996 which added a second
Section 5.13 to the General Bylaws of the Town relating to Emergency Vehicle Access and Fire
Lanes and to amend such second Section 5.13 of the General Bylaws of the Town by renumbering
such second Section 5.13 as Section 5.14 by renumbering all subsections thereof as the
corresponding subsections of Section-5.14 and by substituting the phrase "Section 5.14" for the
phrase "Section 5.13" each time the phrase "Section 5.13" appears in said motion and General
Bylaw, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Background:
( When Article 15 was adopted this last Fall, the numbering of the Sections in the Article
was inadvertently assigned to a previously approved section of the Bylaw. Although the Attorney
General's office sometimes allows administrative changes in Town Bylaws to correct such errors,
they would not do so in this case.
This Article merely amends the numbering on the Article which implements the fire lanes
in Reading.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 30 To see if the Town will vote to amend the General Bylaws of the Town by
adding the following new Section 5.15 relating to Designated Parking Spaces and Curb Ramps for
Disabled Veterans or Handicapped Persons, or take any other action with respect thereto:
"5.15 Designated Parking Spaces and Curb Ramps for Disabled Veterans or
Handicapped Persons
5.15.1 Any person or body having lawful control, of a public or private way or of
improved or enclosed property used as off-street parking areas for businesses,
shopping malls, theaters, auditoriums, sporting or recreational facilities, cultural
centers, residential dwellings, or for any other place where the public has a right of
26
access as invitees or licensees shall reserve the number of parking spaces required
by Section 5.15.2 in said off-street parking areas for any vehicle owned and
operated by a disabled veteran or handicapped person whose vehicle bears the \
distinguishing license plate authorized by Section 2 of Chapter 90 of the General
Laws or for any vehicle transporting a handicapped person and displaying the
special identification plate authorized by Section 2 of Chapter 90 of the General
Laws or for any vehicle bearing the official identification of a handicapped person
issued by any other state or any Canadian Province.
5.15.2 If the number of parking spaces in any area designated in Section 5.15.1 is more
than fifteen (15) but not more than twenty-five (25), one (1) parking space shall be
provided; more than twenty-five (25) but not more than forty (40), five percent
(5%) of such spaces but not less than two (2) shall be provided; more than forty
(40) but not more than one hundred (100), four percent (4%) of such spaces but
not less than three (3) shall be provided; more than one hundred (100) but not
more than two hundred (200), three percent (3%) of such spaces but not less than
four (4) shall be provided; more than two hundred (200) but not more than five
hundred (500), two percent (2%) of such spaces but not less than six (6) shall be
provided; more than five hundred (500) but not more than one thousand (1,000),
one and one-half percent (1 1/2%) of such spaces but not less than ten (10) shall
be provided; more than one thousand (1,000) but not more than two thousand
(2,000), one percent (1%) of such spaces but not less than fifteen (15) shall be
provided; more than two thousand (2,000) but less than five thousand (5,000),
three-fourths of one percent (3/4%) of such spaces but not less than twenty (20)
shall be provided; and more than five thousand (5,000), one-half of one percent
(1/2%) of such spaces but not less than thirty (30) shall be provided.
5.15.3 Parking spaces designated as reserved under the provisions of Section 5.15.1 shall
be:
1. Identified by the use of above grade signs with white lettering against a
blue background and shall bear the words "Handicapped Parking: Special
Plate Required. Unauthorized Vehicles May Be Removed At Owner's
Expense";
2. Located as near as possible to a building entrance or walkway and adjacent
to curb ramps or other unobstructed methods permitting sidewalk access to
a handicapped person; and
3. Twelve feet (12) wide or consist of two (2) eight-foot (8) wide areas with
four (4) feet of cross hatch between them.
5.15.4 The Board of Selectmen shall place and maintain signs relating to reserved spaces
for use by disabled veterans and handicapped persons where applicable to public
buildings, public ways and public parking areas. The owner(s) of record of all
other properties or private ways shall place and maintain signs so identifying the
reserved parking spaces in accordance with Section 5.15.3.
5.15.5 No person shall park, or leave unattended, a motor vehicle that does not bear the
distinguishing disabled veterans or handicapped license plates or other
identifications referenced in Section 5.15.1 in a space designated for use by
disabled veterans or handicapped persons, or otherwise obstruct or block curb
27
a_.
ramps designated for use by handicapped persons as a means of egress to a street
or public way.
5.15.6 Any motor vehicle found violating the provisions of this Section 5.15 may be
issued a parking violation by the Reading Police Department and/or towed under
the direction of the Reading Police Department, and all towing and storage charges
shall be as authorized by Section 120D of Chapter 266 of the General Laws. In
addition, any person found violating the provisions of this Section 5.15 shall be
punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five ($25.00) dollars for the first offense
and not less than fifty ($50.00) dollars for the second and any subsequent
offense, and each day that such violation continues shall constitute a separate
offense. The provisions of this Section 5.15 may be enforced by non-criminal
disposition in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.11 hereof and Section
21 D of Chapter 40 of the General Laws."
Board of Selectmen
BackQround•
This Article establishes handicapped parking regulations for public and private property in
Reading, and gives the Reading Police Department the authority to enforce the. requirements.
There is no discretion as to the number of spaces required - this is mandated by State Law.
The intent of this Article is to provide for enforcement on private property similar to the
Bylaw on fire lanes.
This Article was generated by a resident who wanted the Town to have the same powers
of enforcement to what was being proposed at the time for fire lanes. The Board of Selectmen
( agreed and had a public hearing on the matter in January, 1997. No objections were raised at the
hearing.
Once adopted as a Bylaw, the Board of Selectmen will set the fines in accordance with but
no less that the_ levels determined in the Bylaw (and established by State law as minimums.) The
current fine for violation of the Bylaw is $100.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 31 To see if the Town will vote to file a petition and/or approve the filing of a
petition to the General Court for a special act providing that the licenses may be granted in the
Town of Reading for the sale of wine and malt beverages by restaurants and function rooms
having a seating capacity of less than one hundred persons, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
28
Background:
During the discussion on whether or not to allow "brown bagging" in restaurants of less
than 100 seats, the Board of Selectmen heard ' comments that allowing beer and wine in smaller
restaurants may be a good idea and one that would help to enhance Reading's Downtown. Upon
review with Counsel, the Board has determined that a Home Rule law petitioned by the Town and
approved by the State legislature may be the appropriate mechanism to be allowed to issue limited
beer and wine licenses to food establishments who do not otherwise meet the requirements for a
full liquor license.
The motion under this Article would propose the specifics of such a license which, if
approved, would be issued by the Board of Selectmen acting as the Licensing Authority under the
Reading Home Rule Charter.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 32 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.2. of the Reading Zoning
By-Laws as follows:
1. Amend Paragraph 6.2.2.4.d. by inserting the phrase "as an "OPEN" flag as specified in
Paragraph 6.2.3.2.1. below, or" after the phrase "(except" so that said Paragraph shall now read:
"Banners (except as an "OPEN" flag as specified in ParaLyranh 6 23 2 i hAnw nr n C
temporary sign as specified in Paragraph 6.2.3.21 below), pennants, off-premises signs,
portable signs, roof signs extending above the parapet or ridge line of a structure, or
strings of lights not permanently mounted to a rigid -background, of any type, except as
provided in Subsection 6.2.2.5.e."
2. Amend Section 6.2.3.2. "Signs in Business and Industrial Zoning Districts" by adding a new
Paragraph 6.2.3.2. 1 which shall read as follows:
IT Any establishment in a Business-A, Business-C, or Industrial Zoning District may
display not more than one flag, not to exceed 4 feet by 6 feet in dimensions, which
may state only the word "OPEN" in letters not to exceed 8 inches in height,
together with decorative graphics. Any establishment in a Business-B Zoning
District may display not more than one such flag in accordance with size,
locational, and color and other graphic standards established by the Sign Review
Board."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
r:
29
Backeround:
In response to growing concern that some provisions of the Sign By-Laws needed to be
changed in order better to meet legitimate business needs, and to simplify and clarify some aspects
of the By-Laws and thereby also to expedite enforcement, an ad-hoc Sign Revision Committee
was formed and held a series of meetings this past Winter. This ad-hoc Committee consisted of
two representatives each of the Community Planning and Development Commission, the Sign
Review Board, the Downtown Steering Committee and the Reading Chamber of Commerce,
along with the Town Planner, the Building Inspector and the Zoning Enforcement Officer. The
Committee reached consensus about the issues of Open Flags, Window Signs and Wall Signs for
multiple-tenant commercial buildings. This Article and the following two Articles reflect that
consensus.
When these Sign By-laws were adopted by Town Meeting in the Fall of 1993, banners and
pennants were prohibited entirely. There has been a desire expressed by several businesses that
flags which state "OPEN" would be desirable both for decoration and to indicate clearly to
potential customers that the business is open.
This first Article would allow any business in all business zoning districts except
Business-B (Downtown) to fly one such flag subject to the dimensional and letter-size limitations
set forth. Given that the Downtown contains a higher density of business establishments and that
this area is already subject to the design purview of the Sign Review Board and is undergoing
considerable public and private efforts toward revitalization, the ad-hoc Committee
representatives thought it prudent to make some provision in this area for these flags but
according to standards which the Sign Review Board would develop for the entire Downtown
area with respect to such flags.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
CPDC Report: The CPDC held a public hearing on this Article on March 24, 1997, and
recommends the subject matter of the Article by a vote of 4-0-0.
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 33 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.2. of the Reading Zoning
By-Laws as follows:
Delete Paragraph 6.2.3.2.d. in its entirety and substitute therefor the following new paragraph:
"d. Window Signs: No sign may be attached to the outside surface of any window or
door. Temporary or permanent signs may without permit be attached to the inside
of the glass surface of a window (a single structurally supported sheet of glass or a
sash) or door, or placed within the premises closer than five feet from any window
or door and situated or designed so that the sign's graphic content is visible from
the outside through any window or door, provided that any such sign shall:
30
(1) Be located only in either the uppermost or the lowermost thirty percent of
the glass sheet or sash;
(2) Contain no letters larger than six inches in height;
(3) Not be restricted with respect to graphic or message content, whether of a
permanent or temporary nature, nor be restricted with respect to materials,
provided that professional appearance and good order shall be maintained
at all times;
(4) Have a sign area not to exceed six square feet if the sign is not illuminated;
(5) In addition to the above, any illuminated sign (including any internally
illuminated sign and including any made of neon tubes) shall be placed only
in a window, and not in a door, and shall also:
(a) Have a sign area not to exceed four square feet;
(b) Be placed no closer than ten feet from any other internally illuminated
window sign on the premises;
(c) Be placed only in a window which contains no other signs of any type;
and
(d) Be illuminated only during hours of operation of the business or
establishment.
Notwithstanding the above, window signs shall also be allowed in conformity with
the provisions of Paragraph 6.2.3.2.1. below."
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
BackQround•
This Article also reflects the consensus achieved by the ad-hoc Sign Revision Committee
and represents a significant set of changes from the current window sign provisions which now
read:
"d. Temporary and permanent signs are allowed to be attached to the inside or outside of the
glass surface of a window, subject to the following:
(l) The aggregate total sign area of all permanent and temporary signs attached to a
window shall not exceed one-half of the transparent area of the window;
(2) Permanent signs shall be of a durable material, such as wood, metal, plastic, neon
tubes, decals, or paint, and shall be displayed only on the interior side of the
surface of a window and door, provided that no lettering contained in such sign
shall exceed six inches in height and that only the name of the establishment and
the type of goods or services it offers shall be displayed or may state "OPEN"; no
such sign shall be internally illuminated except for those of neon tubes and these
shall not be illuminated except during hours of operation of the business; no such
sign shall require a permit;
31
(3) Temporary signs of one square foot or less may be displayed without permit on the
interior surface of a window with no restriction on material, duration, or number;
the aggregate sign area of all such signs is included in the limitation specified in
Paragraph 6.2.3.2.d(l) above."
This Article would not allow window signs, without needing a permit, to be placed on the
outside surface of any window or glass door. It would govern all signs in windows and doors and
any placed inside a store up to five feet from a window or glass door. While increasing the
allowable size of any individual non-illuminated window sign from one square foot to six square
feet, this article would reduce the proportion of any window that would be allowed to contain
signs from fifty percent to thirty percent. This thirty percent would have to be either at the top or
at the bottom of a window in order to allow visibility through the window into the store for
security reasons. Additionally, this Article would eliminate all current distinctions as to message
content, such as between brand names and generic types of merchandise and between signs of a
temporary or permanent nature.
Illuminated window signs, including internally illuminated signs and neon signs, would be
allowed without regard to message. content. Size and separation restrictions would be
established: four square feet maximum sign area, and a minimum separation between such signs of
ten feet to control the allowable number and visual impact of these kinds of window signs. Any
window which contains an illuminated sign would not be allowed to contain any other window
sign of any type, and no illuminated sign could be lit when the business is closed.
Finally, larger window signs (up to sixteen square feet in sign area) would continue to be
allowed for special promotional events, such as grand openings or sales, subject to time limits and
permitting requirements as already contained in paragraph 6.2.3.2.1. of the current by-laws.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
CPDC Report: The CPDC held a public hearing on this Article on March 24, 1997, and
recommends the subject matter of the Article by a vote of 4-0-0.
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 34 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 6.2. of the Reading Zoning
By-Laws as follows:
1. Add the following new paragraph 6.2.3.2. m., which shall read as follows:
"m. For commercial buildings containing more than one business requiring wall
signage, any wall sign provided for any such business must be in conformity with
the requirements of this Section 6.2. and in accordance with the following
stipulations concerning an overall signage plan for such building. The signage plan
shall show not more than one wall sign per business within the building; however,
at the owner's election not every business within the building need be provided
with a wall sign within the proposed assemblage. No wall sign shall be issued a
32
sign permit for any building for which a signage plan has been submitted or
approved that is not included in or is not in conformity with the applicable signage
plan. The signage plan need not show the specific message content for any
individual sign contained therein, so as to provide for change in business
occupancy which may from time to time occur within the building:
(1) In the Business-A, Business-C, and Industrial Zoning Districts, the building
owner may provide to the Building Inspector, or in the case of Site Plan Review
may submit for approval to the Community Planning and Development
Commission, a signage plan for the building showing the allocation within the
maximum sign area as allowed according to Table 6.2.3. hereof among wall signs
for businesses within the building. This signage plan shall show the size,
placement, materials, framing, graphic and design standards for each such sign and
the assemblage thereof proposed within said allowable maximum sign area,
together with proposed lighting and methods of attachment of all such signs.
Upon application therefor by the building owner or the respective business owner,
the Building Inspector shall issue a sign permit for any individual sign to be placed
within the assemblage upon determination as to the conformity of such individual
sign to the signage plan; or
(2) In the Business-B Zoning District, the building owner may, according to
the provisions of Section 6.2.4. below, submit to the Sign Review Board for
issuance of a Certificate of Appropriateness, a signage plan for the building
showing the allocation within the maximum sign area as allowed according to
Table 6.2.3. hereof among wall signs for businesses within the building.
This signage plan shall show those characteristics as specified in Section 6.2.4. for
each such sign and the assemblage thereof proposed within said allowable
maximum sign area. The Building Inspector shall issue a sign permit for any
individual sign within the assemblage upon determination of the conformity of such
individual sign to the approved signage plan."
2. Amend Paragraph 6.2.3.2. Lb. by adding the phrase "except in cases where the provisions of
Paragraph 6.2.3.2.m. are utilized," between the phrase "One wall or projecting sign per business
occupying the ground floor and front wall of the building," and the phrase "provided that a lot
may contain only wall or only projecting signs, and" so that said Paragraph shall read:
"b.. One wall or projecting sign per business occupying the ground floor and front wall
of the building, except in cases where the provisions of Paragraph 6.2.3.2.m. are
utilized, provided that a lot may contain only wall or, only projecting signs, and"
3. Amend Paragraph 6.2.3.2.2.a. by adding the phrase "except in cases where the provisions of
Paragraph 6.2.3.2.m. are utilized," between the phrases "building," and "and," so that said
Paragraph shall read:
33
"a. One wall or projecting sign per business occupying the ground floor and front wall
of the building, except in cases where the provisions of Paragraph 6.2.3.2.m. are
utilized, and"
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
Background:
The current Sign By-laws do not allow wall signs on multiple-tenant commercial buildings
for any business which is located upstairs or in the rear area of a building. This has caused some
problems for businesses in these types of locations. This Article, which also reflects the consensus
of the ad-hoc Sign Revision Committee, would create an option for property owners of buildings
containing businesses in this situation. While the allowable wall sign area on the entire building
would not be increased and the criteria for location and placement.of wall signs on the building
facades would not be changed, this Article would allow the owner of a multiple tenant
commercial building to allocate the allowable sign area amongst any number of the businesses in
the building, however the owner chooses.
Under this Article, the owner would develop an overall signage plan for the building,
showing the allocation of signs, together with the size, placement, and design standards which
would be followed by each sign to be placed on the facade. In the Downtown area, this signage
plan would need to be approved by the Sign Review Board in the form of a Certificate of
Appropriateness granted by the Board. In the other business districts, the owner would file the
signage plan with the Building Inspector, or submit the signage plan to CPDC in cases where Site
Plan Review is required. Because this option specifically relates to placement, size, and design
attributes of the signs, and not to message content, this option would facilitate the leasing and
occupancy of building space. This is because a business operator in the property would not have
to present an individual sign design for separate approval so long as the sign conforms to the
signage plan for the building. This option would also promote more harmonious sign groupings
on each building by allowing the property owner to have more direct control of signage on his or
her building.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
CPDC Report: The CPDC held a public hearing on this Article on March 24, 1997, and
recommends the subject matter of the Article by a vote of 4-0-0.
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 35 To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 4.10. of the Reading
Zoning By-Laws as follows:
1. Delete from Section 4.10.4.3. "Intensity of Development" the following paragraph:
34
"Maximum number of dwelling units per net parcel area of land contained within the parcel shall
be as follows:
(1) PRD-G: Maximum basic development density for a PRD-G development shall be
based on the underlying zoning district in which the development is located as follows:
-S-15: 2.50 units per acre,
-S-20: 1.25 units per acre,
-S-40: 1.00 units per acre;
(2) PRD-M: 10 dwelling units per gross acre, with the additional limitation that no
PRD development may contain more than 100 residential units."
and substitute therefor the following wording:
"Maximum number of dwelling units contained within the parcel shall be determined as follows:
(1) PRD-G: Maximum basic development density for a PRD-G development shall be
based on the underlying zoning district in which the development is located, as
follows:
(a) The Developer shall first submit to the Reading Conservation Commission
a Request for Determination of Applicability, if required by law, relative to
the parcel contemplated to be developed in accordance with this Section
4.10. in accordance with Chapter 131, Section 40 of the Massachusetts
General Laws and Section 5.7. of the Reading General Bylaws, and
obtain from said Conservation Commission an approved delineation of the
bounds of any wetlands resource area on the parcel and/or within the
jurisdiction of the Conservation Commission up to 200 feet from any
portion of the parcel;
(b) The Developer shall then submit to the CPDC a schematic Subdivision Plan
which meets the requirements as specified for a Preliminary Subdivision
Plan in the Rules and Regulations Governing the Subdivision of Land in
Reading; this plan shall accurately depict the bounds of wetland resource
areas as approved as stipulated above; upon written request of the
Developer, the CPDC may waive those portions of the Preliminary
Subdivision Plan content requirements relative to detailed utility
engineering which in the estimation of the CPDC are not necessary for the
full determination as to the extent of the parcel's buildability in conformity
with said Rules and Regulations and the Reading Zoning By-Laws. The
number of building lots shown on such schematic Subdivision Plan proven
by the Developer, and accepted by vote of the CPDC at a Public Hearing
to consider such schematic Subdivision Plan, to conform with the
requirements of Section 5.0. of the Reading Zoning By-Laws applicable to
l
35
the underlying zoning district in which the parcel is located, shall constitute
the maximum basic development density, in terms of number of dwelling
units, which shall be allowed for any PRD-G development on the parcel;
(c) Accompanying the submission to the CPDC of such schematic Subdivision
Plan, the Developer shall also submit a request to CPDC to review at said
Public Hearing a schematic PRD Plan which shall conform to the
requirements relative to a contents of a Preliminary PRD Plan as set forth
in Section 4.10.3.3.3. This plan shall accurately depict the bounds of
wetland resource areas as approved as set forth above, together with the
proposed number of dwelling units shown on such schematic PRD Plan to
be equal to or fewer than the maximum basic development density as
determined in subparagraph (b) above, plus any additional dwelling units
proposed in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.10.4.3.1. relative
to the provision of affordable or moderately-priced housing;
(d) Following the close of the Public Hearing at which both the schematic
Subdivision Plan and the schematic PRD Plan are reviewed, the CPDC
shall consider whether or not it will request that an Article be placed on the
Warrant for a Town. Meeting to place a PRD-G Zoning Overlay District on
the parcel as specified in Section 4.10.2.;
(e) Following favorable action by Town Meeting with respect to such Article,
the Developer may proceed with a Preliminary PRD Plan and a Final PRD
Plan as set forth in this Section 4.10.
(2) PRD-M: 10 dwelling units per gross acre, with the additional limitation that no
PRD development may contain more than 100 residential units."
2. Delete paragraph 4.10.2.1.h. "Net Parcel Area", and re-letter succeeding paragraphs as
appropriate.
or take any other action with respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
Background:
In response to concerns *expressed by Town Meeting Members and by abutters to various
sites which have been considered for Planned Residential Developments (PRD-G), CPDC is
submitting this Article to redefine the criteria and mechanisms by which proposed PRD-G's and
the placement of PRD-G Zoning Overlay Districts should be considered.
This Article is intended to deal more clearly with the following major concerns:
• How can the Town, CPDC, and abutters be assured that the PRD-G concept is not being
abused as a devise to enable the development of land. which may not otherwise be
36
developable as a subdivision because of wetlands, topography, drainage, parcel
configuration, utility availability or other characteristics particular to a site?
• How can we be sure that, without exception, the basic development density of a proposed
PRD-G is the same as is allowed by the existing underlying residential zoning for a site?
This Article proposes to eliminate the current basic density computation set forth in the
Zoning By-Laws, which is based on a net parcel area calculation and a mathematical
formula relative to the underlying zoning district. Instead, this Article would require a full
analysis of the property to determine its buildability and the exact density (number of
dwelling units) at which it can by right be developed.
Under this proposed zoning amendment, CPDC could not consider requesting the
placement on a Town Meeting Warrant of an Article for a Zoning Map amendment for a
PRD-G Zoning Overlay District, until the developer satisfactorily takes the following
steps:
1. Obtains a full wetlands delineation approved by the Conservation Commission; this is
consistent with a zoning amendment enacted by Town Meeting in November of 1994
requiring that any legal building lot must contain at least 12,000 square feet of land
outside of a delineated wetland resource area.
2. Submits to CPDC a schematic Subdivision Plan, which would be the equivalent of a
Preliminary Subdivision Plan, which accurately depicts all relevant site characteristics
including the delineated wetlands resource areas, and which proves how many building
lots could be legally and practicably created on the site.
3. Submits to CPDC a schematic PRD Plan, which would be the equivalent of a Preliminary
PRD-G Plan, which accurately depicts all relevant site characteristics including the
delineated wetlands resource areas, which shows a basic development density not to
exceed the number of lots shown on the subdivision plan, and which reveals how many
additional dwelling units, if any, the developer proposes as affordable units in accordance
with the PRD-G By-Law up to the allowed maximum of 120% of this basic density.
CPDC would then be required to hold a Public Hearing, of which the general public and
abutters as defined by State Law are notified, and at which these schematic subdivision
and PRD plans can be analyzed and compared. Only after this Public Hearing may CPDC
entertain a request for a PRD-G Zoning Overlay District Article to go on a Town Meeting
Warrant.
This Article would not change the current density allowance for a PRD-M (Planned
Residential Development--Municipal), that is, a PRD developed on municipally owned
land sold to a developer such as Bear Hill. While the enactment of this Article may
discourage some developers from utilizing the PRD process, the CPDC believes that the
enactment will give both the Town and abutters greater confidence in the PRD-G
deliberations.
Finance Committee Report• No report.
CPDC Report: The CPDC held a public hearing on this Article on March 24, 1997, and
recommends the subject matter of the Article by a vote of 4-0-0.
C
37
Bylaw Committee Report: Action pending.
ARTICLE 36 To see if the Town will vote to accept the provisions of Massachusetts
General Laws Chapter 138, Section 12B which prohibits nudity or partial nudity in certain
premises licensed by the Town to sell alcoholic beverages, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Board of Selectmen
Backaround•
. Given the recent Town Meeting approval of Adult Entertainment Bylaws, Town Counsel
felt that acceptance of Chapter 138 would provide additional tools to the Board of Selectmen as
Licensing Authority to deal with potential issues of nudity in a facility licensed by the Town to sell
alcoholic beverages.
Finance Committee Resort: No report.
Bylaw Committee Resort: Action pending.
ARTICLE 37 To see if the Town will vote pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home
Rule Charter to declare the seats of any or all of the following Town Meeting Members to be
vacant and to remove any or all of 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 the Town Meeting sessions during the
previous year, or take any other action with respect thereto:
Precinct 1 Robert W. Belbin
Doris M. Fantasia
James K. Taylor
Precinct '2 Philip D. LeBlanc
Precinct 3
Nona J. Childress
Stephen M. Korth
Precinct 4
Stephen M. Conner
Precinct 5
Paul J. Antonelli, Sr.
David M. Meuse
Precinct 6
John G. Edson
Precinct 8
Stephen J. Ippolito
Carl J. Nelson
Board of Selectmen
38
Background:
The Reading Home Rule Charter requires Town Meeting to consider whether or not to
declare vacant the seats of Town Meeting Members who did not attend at least half of the
sessions of Town Meeting for the previous year. Precincts will report to Town Meeting on their
recommendations as to any of the seats listed above in their precinct.
Finance Committee Report: No report.
B11aw Committee Report: No report.
39
And you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1)
public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to March 25,
1997, the date set for the meeting in said Warrant, and to publish this Warrant in a newspaper
published in the Town, or by mailing an attested copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting
Member at least fourteen (14) days prior to the time of holding said meeting.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town
Clerk at or before the time•appointed for. said meeting.
Given under our hands this 18th day of February, 1997.
George V. Hines, Chairman
Camille W. Anthony, Vice Chairman
W. B ce MacDonald, Secretary
Sally M. Ho
L
Daniel A. Ensminger
SELECTMEN OF READING
Michael J. Janvrin, Constable
40
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March 24, 1996
Town of Reading Finance Committee
Fiscal Year 1998 Budget Message
Dear Town Meeting Members:
INTRODUCTION
The attached budget for Fiscal Year 1998 that the Finance Committee is recommending to you is the result
of cooperation by many people to identify and resolve budgetary issues facing the Town of Reading. The
Board of Selectmen, School Committee, and Finance Committee, with administrative and financial
personnel of both municipal government and the school department, have met regularly during the past six
months to review long-term projections of revenues and expenses, review and agree upon revenue estimates
for the upcoming fiscal year, and to make a broad review of the entire Town's budget requests. The result
of this process is that the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and Finance Committee have each
independently voted to support the allocation of funds between municipal government and the school
department as presented in the attached budget. In addition, the Finance Committee has reviewed and voted
on each line item of the budget.
OVERVIEW
Fiscal Year 1998 revenues are conservatively projected to increase by $1.8 million (4.5%) to $40.8 million
excluding the projected use of free cash and sale of real estate funds. The major increases in revenues
come from property taxes ($920,000) and state aid ($760,000). This increase in revenues will be absorbed
by general inflation (3%) for salaries and expenditures totalling $850,000, new municipal services
(particularly in the areas of public safety and road work) totalling $210,000, new school services
(particularly building maintenance, time and. learning requirements at the high school, textbooks, and
reduced class sizes) totalling $700,000, and increased specidal education costs (above the base 3%
increase) of $460,000, or an aggregate total increase of $2,220,000.
The Finance Committee is recommending that the Town use $420,000 from Free Cash to balance the
current operating budget. In addition, the Finance Committee is recommending that the Town use $140,000
from Free Cash to reduce the Town's unfunded pension liability, and $600,000 from Sale of Real Estate
Funds to finance the Capital Improvement Plan. Despite using $560,000 from Free Cash, as described
above, cash reserves are projected to be approximately $2.2 million, or 5.25% of revenues, which is slightly
above the Finance Committee's recommended goal of 5%.
The operating budget maintains the Town's commitment to capital projects by allocating 6.5% of revenues
(in addition to the $600,000 from the Sale of Real Estate Funds) for debt service and capital. In addition,
the Capital Improvement Plan that the Finance Committee is recommending for approval under Article 6
assumes an increasing commitment from the operating budget (moving from 6.5% in FY `98 to 7.4% in FY
'07) to meet the Town's expected capital needs over that time period.
ANALYSIS
The Town continues to benefit from a strong economy and increased commitment by the Commonwealth to
local communities. As a result, each of us has seen an improvement in the amount and/or quality of services
that we receive: greater resources for public safety, significant road improvement projects, more library
services, computers in the schools, smaller class sizes, and new or renovated buildings. At the same time'
we have maintained a conservative approach to this expansion of services by steadily increasing the amount
of cash reserves to approximately 5% of operating revenues.
58
The Finance Committee has an established policy regarding the use of cash reserves to balance the annual
budget which is to limit their use to 1% of operating revenues (excluding one time uses). At a time when
municipal and school needs exceed the Town's resources, it is important to understand why the Finance
Committee is not recommending the greater use of cash reserves. In the section above, you can see that not
only is the Town's annual recurring revenues insufficient to meet annual operating expenses, but also that
we are dependent upon the Commonwealth and an improving economy to fund our basic requirements as
well as any new or expanded programs (because general inflationary increases and increased special
education expenses exceed expected additional prope* tax receipts by $500,000). The Finance
Committee's policy on limiting the use of cash reserves attempts to avoid unexpected future staff reductions
or reductions for capital and other commitments that could be caused by running out of reserves or a sudden
decline in State aid. The Finance Committee's policy attempts to provide the Town with adequate time to
adjust its budget or seek additional revenues.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The Finance Committee acknowledges the cooperation and efforts of Peter Hechenbleikner, Dr. Harry
Harutunian, Dennis Richards, Elizabeth Klepeis, Richard Foley, the Board of Selectmen, the School
Committee and all other Town boards and employees who contributed to the development of this budget.
Respectively submitted,
Town of Reading Finance Committee
Stephen J. Blewitt
Thomas J. Green
Carol S. Grimm
James A. Keigley
Gerald L.MacDonald
Catherine Martin
Richard McDonald
Rocco V. Nenarelia
Nathan C. White
59
0 F
Town of Reading
r 16 Lowell Street
Ewa Reading, MA 01867-2685
9. /NCO R?OAP
TOWN MANAGER
FAX: (617) 942-9070 (617) 942-9043
FISCAL YEAR 1998 BUDGET MESSAGE
The yellow pages that follow this message constitute the FY98 budget for the Town of Reading.
The budget, plus the Capital Improvement Program, and the various articles on this Town
Meeting Warrant constitute the financial plan for the Town of Reading for the year beginning July
1, 1997.
This budget and the process used to arrive at the budget reflect the second year of the
collaborative budgeting process, whereby the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee and the
Finance Committee act as partners in developing and recommending the financial plan for the
community. This process has been very successful in meeting the challenges of 1998 in a cost
efficient, prudent and equitable manner. Although the proposed budget reflects an increase of
7.14% for general government, exclusive of the water and sewer enterprise systems, this figure is
more than $600,000 less than requests made by the various departments in order to provide
services to the community. The budget does reflect the continued commitment on the part of the
Town government to provide ongoing services to the community in the manner which residents
and tax payers have come to expect.
The focus of this budget, as was the case for the past several fiscal years, is a continued focus on:
• Meeting educational needs of the community especially as the school age population of the
community continues to grow, and as the Town deals with the letter and spirit of the
Education Reform Act. The proposed budget devotes 66.57% of the discretionary budget
(Town plus School) to the Reading School Department. This is an increase from 63% two
years ago and 65% last year. The increase of $1,761,712 is almost 63% of the increase in
the general budget. When the increase in debt service related to the Parker Middle School
and elementary school projects is added in, the School Department is responsible for
approximately 80% of the increase in the budget. Even with these levels of increase, the
School Department has had to reduce many of its programmatic requests for fiscal year
1998.
• The commitment to public safety continues in the FY98 budget, in an effort to continue to
keep Reading a safe place to live, work and go to school. The public safety budget increase
of 6.74% is the largest net increase of any of the department budgets other than the
education budget.
60
• As has been the case for the past four years, the Town continues to provide significant
support for the physical plant of the community through the Capital Improvements
Program, and the capital and debt service sections of the budget. The total amount of
increase in this area is 14.31%, all of the increase accounted for by an increase in the debt
service related to school construction projects.
REVENUES
The Town has continued its five year revenue projection program, and the attached chart indicates
those revenues. The projections are important so that the Town can understand the short and
long term impacts of budget decisions made during the current fiscal year. Revenues continue to
be estimated conservatively so as to avoid using revenues prematurely.
The Town's revenues continue to be strong. At the beginning -of FY97, the Town had
approximately $2.1 million in free cash and a reserve fund of $150,000. This is consistent with
the Finance Committee's policy on cash reserves. These reserves are necessary to provide the
Town with a cushion to handle the unforeseen - items like snow and ice and other unanticipated
expenses. As part of the FY98 budget, the Town will be using $560,000 of free cash. It is
estimated that free cash levels will be regenerated as part of the close out of the FY97 budget.
The estimated revenues from property taxes is based on the use of the full 2.50% increase in the
levy limit as permitted by Prop 2 1/2, and by new growth in the community of approximately
$200,000.
Local revenues are increased by more than $300,000 based on historical trends.
Intergovernmental revenue or state aid is based on the Governor's budget recommendation. The
Town has used this figure for the past several years and it has been realistic, if somewhat on the
conservative side.
Operating transfers and available funds are revenues that are known as of this date. Earnings
distribution from the Reading Municipal Light Department is'based on a CPI Index. Cemetery
perpetual care funds are increased to support the debt payment on the Wood End Cemetery which
is under development.
For the first time in several years, the Town has available to it "sale of real estate funds" from the
sale of the Bear Hill property and the Pearl Street School. As part of the Capital Improvement
Program, the use of these funds are very carefully programmed to offset fluctuations in the
Capital Program and debt service over the next several years. A chart in the Capital
Improvements section of this Warrant Report details the use of the sale of real estate funds. By
law, sale of real estate funds can be used only for capital expenditures, debt service and funding
the unfunded pension liability. Water and sewer reserves may be used to help offset the water and
sewer rates in those budgets.
61
The proposed expense budget represents a balanced approach to funding needed services. At the
same time, there is a continued focus on Town priorities. The FY98 budget continues to support
the staff who provide services to the community. The base level of salary increases is 2.5%. In
some cases these increases are increased by annual step increases. In several cases, a Pay and
Classification Study by the Town has resulted in a modification of the salary level for the position.
Accounting Department (Al- through A2) - This budget reflects a decrease of 3.47%, based on
a change in staff position within the department.
Community Development Department (B1 through B9) - This budget is increased 4.28%.
Major changes include an increase in the Inspection Services salary account as part of the second
year of adjusting the Plumbing, Gas and Wiring Inspectors salaries to come up to the appropriate
level.
Additionally, the budget provides for a summer intern to work in the Community Development
Department on downtown improvements. Finally, the Town has budgeted $20,000 in the General
Department non-personal expenses for additional economic development consulting work. This
number may need to be modified between now and Town Meeting.
Finance Department (Cl through C12) - The major change here is that the cost of the phone
system has been added into the Technology Division budget, having been moved from line D13
General Services budget. It is appropriate that the Technology Division handle the phone system
as part of their expenses.
There is a slight increase in the Personnel non-personal services budget. The percentage of
increase in both of these reflects a readjustment of the amount of these budgets that is charged to
the water,. sewer and electric enterprise accounts.
General Services Department (D1 through D13) - The budgets here reflect the movement of
the Senior Tax Work Program from the Selectmen's budget to the Elder Services budget.
Line D3 shows an increase in , the Town Manager's non-personal expenses for conducting a
Staffing and Deployment Study for the Police Department.
Line D5 for Labor Counsel reflects the fact that all labor contracts expire at the end of FY98, and
that, therefore, negotiations will be undertaken during FY98.
The Elections budgets are decreased because of fewer elections in FY98.
The General Department non-personal expense budget reflects a decrease because of the
movement of the telephone budget to the Technology Division.
62
Human Services Department - The Health Division budget has changed significantly. With the
resignation of the Health and Human Services Director in August, the Department has been
restructured so that there is a full-time dedicated Health Services Administrator heading up the
Health Division. Additionally, the Town is no longer purchasing Health Inspection Services from
Stoneham and inspections has become a salary line item.
In the Elder Services Division, the Senior Tax Work Program has been transferred into that
Division. Additionally, the Elder Service Administrator will take on the Human Services function
previously held by the Department Head and the salary is reclassified accordingly.
In the Veterans Division, the reduction in Veterans assistance is reflective of current levels of
expenditure. There will be no reduction in service.
In the Recreation Division, the Administrator's salary has been reclassified. Additionally,
non-personal expenses have been increased to reflect the full cost of providing lighting for the
lighted facilities at the Birch Meadow complex.
In the General Department, the personal services budget has been reduced by elimination of the
Department Head's position. This is reflective of the proposed reorganization which will
consolidate the Community Development and Human Services Department into a single
department.
Library - The Library Department reflects a reclassification of the Director's position. It also
reflects an increase in the hours of operations so that Saturday hours are provided in the Summer;
and the budget provides for an increase in staff time to help deal with interlibrary loans of which
the Town is a major beneficiary.
Public Safety Department - Changes in the Public Safety Department include implementation of
the new command structure for the Police- Department which includes the four Lieutenants and six
Sergeants. It includes hiring an additional Police Officer on November 1, pending the outcome of
the Staffing and Deployment Study to be conducted in the first part of the fiscal year.
In the Fire and Emergency Management Department, the personal services budget includes the
addition of a Deputy Fire Chief position which will provide improved administrative support
within the Department. It is shown within this budget as a Deputy Chiefs. position although a
final determination has not been made as to the rank of the individual chosen to fill the position. .
Public Works Department (111 through H19) - In the Engineering Division a co-op student
has been included in the staffing in order to provide for the support necessary to continue their
operations, especially given the amount of capital improvements.
In the Highway Division, personal services has been increased to provide for additional seasonal
help primarily for paving projects. The expense part of the Highway budget has been increased to
provide for additional materials for pavement repair, additional line painting, and to provide for
the repair and maintenance of the school pavement areas.
63
Parks and Forestry has been increased in the personal services budget to provide for seasonal help
to maintain the turf areas on all school properties. The non-personal expense budget has been
increased to provide for the expenses related to the management of these turf areas.
Building Maintenance has been separately identified and reviewed, and has been moved to the
School Department so that they can manage the building maintenance operations for all Town and
School buildings. This is pursuant to an agreement between the Town and the School
Department.
Rubbish Collection and Disposal has been reduced from previous levels because of a competitive
bid situation for those services.
School Department (Jl through J3) - The Superintendent of Schools is providing a separate
budget message. The School Department budget is up 9.03%, and the Northeast Regional
Vocational School District assessment is up 4.66%.
Debt Service and Capital (Kl through K39) - The Capital Improvements Program details the
projects as proposed in this area. It should be noted that $606,727 from the sale of real estate
fund, and $11,000 from the Cemetery sale of lots fund is being used to offset portions of the debt
service.
Employee Benefits (L1 through L7) - The levels as shown reflect excellent cost containment
of employee benefits on the part of the Town. The increase in contributory retirement is off set
for this year in part by the use of free cash. The group health and life insurance budget reflects
the cost of those benefits for new employees in the Town and School Department.
State and County Assessments - These assessments are estimated to increase 2.50%, and are
not subject to vote by Town Meeting.
Water Division (Ml through M4) - The personal services budget is increased by the addition
of one person in the Water Treatment Plant to help manage and maintain that facility. The
non-personal expenses are -up $120,000. The biggest part of this is the cost of treatment of the
effluent from the Water Treatment Plant, a project that was required by the Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection in order to prevent further degradation of the wetland
areas around the Water Treatment Plant.
Sewer Division (Nl through N4) - The only increase in the Sewer Division budget is the
MWRA increase. While a final MWRA budget number has not yet been voted, this should be
done within the next several weeks, and hopefully will be completed before Town Meeting.
Peter I. Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
64
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66
TOWN
OF READIN
G, MASSACHUSETTS - FISCAL YEAR 1998 BU
DGET
Town Maragr
FINCOM
Budget A
chill
Budget
Proposed
Racamrrded
Recannwrded
Rrrrrkt wd
% dtrrge
(Revised) Espendihres
(Revised)
Budget
Budget
Budget
FINCOM
Source or
97 revised to
Ns.
FY -1996 FY
-1996
FY -1897
FY -1998
FY -1998
FY- IM
XOIe
Etffii0II
99 recAmmanided
S
S
S
S
S
i
I
A.
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT
Al
Personal Services
82,005
80,348
88,211
85,120
85,120
85,120
7.0-0
-3.50%
A2
Non-Personal Evemes
300
233
300
320
320
320
7-"
6.67%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
82,305
80,581
88,511
85,440
85,440
85,440
.3,47%
B
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT
CONSERVATION DIVISION
B1
PerswASwAm
37,214
36,540
39,171
40,176
40,176
40,176
7-H
WeOwerrd
2.57%
B2
No rPersmnl E)pwm
4,250
4,223
250
250
250
250
7.0-0
tva
0.00%
ZONING BOARD
B3
Personal Services
1,050
931
1,200
1,250
1,250
1,250
7-0-0
4.17%
64
Non-Persaml E)Wm
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
B5
No rPersmai Enwnes
750
750
750
750
750
750
74)-0
0.00%
INSPECTION DIVISION
B6
Personal Services
62,232
62,000
78,601
85,466
84,416
84,416
7.0-0
7.40%
87
Non-Personal E)pwm
2,300
2,137
2,290
3,340
2,290
2,290
7.0.0
0.00%
GENERALDEPARTMENT
88
Personal Services
74,419
72,998
87,213
90,083
90,083
90,063
7-H
3.29%
B9
N«rPersami Enerses
1,860
1,608
21,700
1,850
21,850
21,850
7-H
0.69%
TOTAL
Personal Services
174,915
172,469
206,185
216,975
215,925
215,925
4.72%
NorrPersonal E*w=
9,160
8,918
24,990
61190
25,140
25,140
0.60%
-
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
184,075
181,387
231,175
223,165
241,065
241,065
~
4.28%
C
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
FINANCE COMMITTEE
Cl
PW"W Services
1,000
769
1,000
1,230
1,230
1,230
7-0-0
23.00%
C2
NwPe onWE>grwrses'
32,190
32,190
32,190
32,190
32,190
32,190
740
0.00%
C3
Reserve Ford
542
140,247
150,000
150,000
150,000
740
6.95%
ASSESSMENT DIVISION
C4
Personal Services
73,504
73,215
75,331
77,277
77,277
77,277
7-H
2.58%
C5
NorrPersmal E)pmm
8,475
5,462
3,800
8,605
7,815
7,815
740
105.66%
C6
Appraisal Services
3,000
82
5,100
-100.00%
TECHNOLOGY
C7
Personal Services
64,919
71,509
71,509
71,509
740-0
10.15%
C8
NorWersmal Enwrses
52,863
52,702
56,021
101,997
93,997
93,997
7.0-0
61.79%
PERSONNEL
C9
Personal Services
29,487
34,332
34,332
34,332
7-0-0
16.43%
C10
NorrPw3orgd E*wnes
33,850
33,789
35,731
39,844
39,844
39,844
7-H
11.51%
GENERALDEPARTMENT
C11
Persorml services
270,115
268,478
220,671
222,271
221,171
221,171
7-H
0.23%
C12
NmPersonW E*mm
53,314
43,200
50,310
49,792
49,181
49,181
7-"
-2.24%
TOTAL
Persarrai Services
344,619
342,462
391,408
406,619
405,519
405,519
3.61%
Nm•Prsonai E*wues
184,234
167.425
323.399
382,428
373.027
373,027
15.35%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
528,853
509,887
714,807
789,047
778,546
778,546
8.92%
67
03/16/97 08:27 AM 1
TOWN
OF READING
. MASSACHUSETTS - FISCAL YEAR 1998 BUDGET
Tosco Manager
FINCOM
Budget A
ckmi
Budget
Proposed
Reewn wudad
Racamrwudad.
Remarks and % ctuange
(Revised) Enuwdkm
(Revised)
Budget
Budget
Budget
FINCOM
Source of 97 revised to
Na
FY -1996 fl
L-1806
FY - 1997
FY --11998
FY --1890
FY- 1$94
Ys~
Furdo9 96 rocogynericlod
i
S
S
S
S
S
D
GENERAL SERVICES DEPART
MENT
SELECTMEN
D1
NatPersorml EVwm
2,510
2,506
11,750
1,900
1,900
1,900
7-H
-83.83%
TOWN MANAGER
D2
Personal Services
78,444
78,444
81,974
119,123
85,663
85,683
7-0.0
4.50% .
D3
NonParsorW Espenim
7,085
7,018
5,750
15,130
15,130
15,130
7.0.0
163.13%
LAW DIVISION
D4
Town Counsel
101,900
101,900
104,500
107,100
107,100
107,100
7-0-0
2.49%
D5
LaborComW
15,000
14,751
20,000
30,000
30,000
30,000
7-0-0
50.00%
D6
Of w Expenses
12,750
12,750
5,000
7,500
6,000
6,000
7-0-0
20.00%
TOWN CLERK
D7
Personal Services
41;148
41,128
40,238
41,277
41,277
41,277
7-0-0
2.58%
D8
NarPersorW Expwws'
1,450
1,089
1,460
6,450
1,450
1,450
7-0-0
0.00%
ELECTIONSIREGISTRATION
D9
Personal Services
9,150
8,768
19,440
13,800
12,200
12,200
7.0.0
-37.24%
D10
NorrPersanal Expwrses
11,622
11,622
13,960
14,900
13,550
13,550
740
-2.94%
D11.
CASUALTY INSURANCE
91,475
88,660
98,327
101,328
96,328
96,328
7-0-0
-2.03%
GENERALDEPARTMENT,
D12
Personal Services
105,972
105,032
104,172
110,438
110,438
110,438
7-0-0
6.02%
D13
Non-Persanal Expenses
104,200
104,200
92,360
48,500
48,500
48,500
7-0-0
47.49%
TOTAL
Personal Services
234,714
233,372
245,824
284,638
249,578
249,578
1.53%
NorWsrsonal Exper>ses
347,992
344.496
353,097
332,808
319.958
319,958
-9.39%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
582,706
577,868
598,921
617,446
569,536
569,536
4.91%
( HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTM
ENT
HEALTH DIVJWTS. 8 MEAS.
E7
Pwsorai Services
28,637
24,121
31,281
35,182
71,590
71,590
74-0
128.86%
E2
NorrPwsonal Expenses
42,730
41,800
60,517
44,993
44,986
45,287
740
-25.66%
ELDER SERVICES DIVISION
E3
Personal Services
89,660
89,355
97,806
128,891
112,410
112,410
7-0-0
14.93%
E4
Non-Persona! Experaes
5,944
5,639
6,193
20,556
19,456
19,456
74-0
214.16%
VETERANS DIVISION
ES
Pwsoral Services
9,916
9,913
10,368
10,946
10,634
10,634
7-0-0
2.57%
E6
NorrPwmial E*mres
500
493
500
516
545
545
7.0-0
9.00%
El
VeWa>SAssistance
11,800
9,779
10,000
10,310
7,000
7,000
7-0-0
.-30.00%
RECREATION DIVISION
E8
Personal Services
30,557
30,432
31,312
39,197
39,197
39,197
7-0-0
25.18%
E9
NarPwsonal Experts
1,300
1,279
1,850
2,800
2,800
2,800
7-0-0
51.35% .
GE ERAL DEPARTMENT
E10
Pwsanl SeMces
95,050
94,487
96,583
99,116
48,965
48,965
7-0-0
-49.30%
E11
NarPersonal Eupwrses
1,500
1,499
1,900
1,960
2,000
2,000
7.0-0
5.26%
TOTAL
Personal Services
253,820
248,308
267,350
313,232
282,796
282,796
5.78%
NarPwsa EVo ses
63,774
60.389
80,960
81.135
76,787
77.088
-5.15%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
317,594
308,697
348,310
394,367
359,583
359,884
3.24%
F
LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
LIBRARY
F1
Personal Services
460,728
459,983
482,181
508,767
505,998
515,285
7.40
4.94%
F2
NomPersonal Enwaes
100,296
100,294
125,332
140,140
133,492
133,492
7.0-0
6.51%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
561,024
560,277
607,513
648,907
639,490
648,777
5.26%
68
03126197 06:27 AM 2
TOWN OF READING, MiASSACHUSMS - FISCAL YEAR 1998
BUDGET
,
Tam Manager
FINCOM
Budpt
AcYmi
Budpt
Proposed
Rocamwxled
Recamwried
Remarks and
% dmnpe
(Revised) Eg-dkrea
(Revised)
Budpt
Budpet
Budpt
FINCOM
. Source of
97 revised to
hie.
FY" 1998 F
Y -1996
FY -1997
FY-111198
FY -1998
FY -1998
yak
Funding
98 fammorxiod
a s
a
s
s
s
G
PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT
POLICE
G1
Personal Services
2,246,191
2,189,621
2,295,074
2,515,643
2,431,676
2,432,276
3.3.1
5.95%
G2
NarPersorml Expenses
189,755
189,754
206,780
231,787
220,150
220,150
7.0-0
6.47%
ANIMAL CONTROL
G3
Pamorml Services.
13,645
13,639
13,371
13,760
13,760
13,760
7-N
2.91%
G4
Non-Parsaml Expenses
4,100
2,900
4,880
5,115
5,040
5,040
7-N
3.28%
FIRE/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
G5
Persormi Services
2,044,354
1,983,266
2,054,004
2,234,414
2,221,317
2,221,317
7.0-0
8.15%
G6
Na Reid Evmw
81,525
80,135
91,128
94,317
92,135
92,135
7.0-0
1.11%
GENERAL
G7
Persarmi Services
221,709
221,709
221,773
239,864
233,719
233,719
740
5.39%
G8
No rPersormt Expenses
19,050
18,861
22,273
22,848
22,290
22,290
7.0-0
0.08%
TOTAL
Persormi Services
4,525,899
4,408,235
4,564,222
5,003,681
4,900,472
4,901,072
6.90%
Non-Pens ialbpenses
294,430
291,650
325,061
354,067
339,615
339,615
4.48%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
4,820,329
4,699,885
4,909,283
5,357,748
5,240,087
5,240,687
6.74%
H
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
ADMINISTRATION
H1
Personal Services
81,037
81,036
80,640
80,387
80,387
80,387
-0.31%
H2
NmPw"W Expenses
2,600
1,507
2,800
2,800
2,800
2,800
0.00%
ENGINEERING
H3
Personal Services
146,682
146,393
167,206
192,975
187,175
187,175
11.94%
H4
NarPersonai Experaes
5,500
5,219
3,357
3,845
3,845
3,845
14.54% r"
HIGHWAY & EQUIP. MAINT..
H5
Personal Services
514,368
495,418
540,679
553,670
554,901
554,901
2.63%
H6
NmPawml Expemes
266,793
255,168
244,720
336,423
305,902
305,902
25.00%
PARKSIFORESTRY
H7
Persarai Services
253,608
244,717
294,241
325,722
320,680
320,680
8.99%
H8
NmPersaal E>penses
32,170
27,125
46,115
90,223
55,888
55,898
21.19%
BUILDING MAINTENANCE
H9
PwvW Services
Moved 10 sdaoi - kw J2
ERR
H10
NmPersaml Expemes
Moved to sdW - Nra J2
ERR
SUBTOTAL FOR DEPARTMENT
Htt
PwmulServices
995,695
967,564
1,082,766
1,152,754
1,143,143
1,143,143
7-"
5.58%
H12
Non-Personal Expertm
307,263
289,019
296,992
433,291
368,435
368,435
7-N
24.06%
STREET LIGHTING
H13
NorrPersoml Expanses
192,331
192,331
200,100
208,366
2D3,366
203,366
7.0-0
1.63%
RUBBISH COLLJOISPOSAL
H14
NarPasaml Expenses
1,059,040
1,059,040
959,505
891,178
854,625
&54,625
7-U
-10.93%
H15
SNOW & ICE CONTROL
615,941
556,489
182,058
187,467
187,467
187,467
7.0-0
2.97%
CEMETERY DIVISION
Sw,eas Ban
H16
Personal Services
187,394
182,480
195,859
201,350
201,350
201,350
7-N
Can 8e0uat
2.80%
H17
NarPersardExperaes
29,525
29,525
31,635
32,175
30,985
30,985
7-m
420,W0hm
•2.05%
Can sew oflaw
- .
H18
EASEMENT
1,000
1,000
0
0
0
0
H19
PUBLIC WAY
1
1
0
0
0
0
TOTAL FOR DEPARTMENT
Persaw Services
1,183,089
1,150,044
1,278,625
1,354,104
1,344,493
1,344,493
5.15%
NorrPw-wd Expenses
2,205,101
2,127,405
1,670,290
1,752,477
1,644,878
1,644,878
-1.52%
DEPARTMENT TOTAL
3,388,190
3,277,449
2,948,915
3,106,581
2,989,371
2,989,371
1.37%
69
03I26197 08:27 AM 3
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS - FISCAL YEAR 1998 BUDGET
Town Manager
FINCOM
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Recorrmerlded
Recormisrded
Remaks and % dlerlpe
(Revised)
Emwd lures
(Revised)
Budget
Budget
Budget
FINCOM
Sane of 97 revised bo
d4
FY -1996
FY -1996
DL-1897
FY -1998
FY -1998
p( -1998
yA1g
Ong 21 tmgmffmxkd
A
.
.
.
i
TOWN TOTALS
Personal Services
7,259,789
7,095,221
7,544,006
8,173,136
7,989,901
7,999,788
5.91%
No rPersonal Expenses
3,205,287
3,100,810
2,903,429
3,049,565
2,913,217
2,913,518
0,34%
TOWN TOTAL
10,465,076
10,198,031
10,447,435
11,222,701
10,903,118
10,913,306
4.36%
i
SCHOOL
J1
School Department
18,292,723
18,215,141
19,509,313
21,271,025
21,271,025
21,271,025
7.0.0
9.03%
J2
Town Building Maniona ce
Personal Services
86,303
85,727
82,996
109,536
82,412
82,412
7.0-0
-0.70%
Non-Personal Expenses
285,522
277,046
267,184
279,467
279,467
279,467
7.0.0
4.60%
J3
Northeast Regional Vocational
SchoolDistrict Assessrnent
86,722
86,722
92,976
95,300
97,313
94,352
7-0-0
4.66%
SCHOOL TOTAL.
18,751,270
18,664,636
19,952,469
21,755,328
21,730,217
21,727,256
8.91%
K DEBT SERVICE & CAPITA
Kt
DEBT SERVICE
1,622,723
1,621,636
1,934,363
2,433,639
2,433,639
2,433,639
7-0-0
-M.727rran 25.81%
We or RW
CAPITAL PROJECTS
sow $11,000
Kt
CD-C-1 Purchase Open Space Lands
45,000
0
0
'0
7.40
hm new d 0aa
K2
CD-P-02 Downtown Pads. kip.
10,000
10,000
10,000
7-0-0
ba
K3
FN-2 Data Processing
27,500
27,500
25,700
28,000
28,000
28,000
7-00
K4
HS-E-01 Replace Eld. Serv. Van
48,000
48,000
48,000
7-0-0
5
L&1 Purchase Library Compliers
37,000
37,000
16,400
25,500
25,500
25,500
7-0.0
i
L&3 Purchase Library Furnishings
5,000
21,200
21,200
21,200
7-0.0.
n7
PS•F-1- Replace Fee v*We
26,000
26,000
26,000
740
K8
PS-F-6 Replace Fire Dep9 Pick-up T&
21,000
0
0
0
7-0.0
K9
PSF-8 Pudless Ambience
92,000
91,978
0
0
0
0
7-0-0
K10
PS-F-11 Replace Fro re=m tool
25,000
25,000
25,000
7-0-0
K11
PS-F-12 Replace Fire Dept Racks
87,000
0
0
0
7-0-0
K12
PS-F-15 Replace FRe brash. app
64,000
64,000
64,000
7-0-0
K13
PSF-18 Replace Fire Dept Gear
401000
39,717
0
0
0
0
7-0-0
K14
PS-P-1 Purchase Police Braftlyzer
25,900
0
0
0
740
K15
PS-P-2 Purchase Police Ratios
5,000
19,800
19,600
19,800
7-0-0
K16
PS-P-3 Purchase Police Carputers
6,300
35,000
35,000
35,000
TM
K17
PW43.02 Rem. Llb. Park. bt
55,000
65,000
55,000
7-0-0
K18
PWB-11 Town Bid. Improvernerds
20,000
20,000
22,000
87,500
87,500
87,500
7.40
K19
PW&12 Vah. Extauat Sys. - Fire Sta
35,300
35,246
.0
0
0
7.0-0
K20
PAS-13 Air Sys., T. Hall & Fire Sta. •
20,000
20,000
212,700
122,000
122,000
122,000
7-0-0
K21
PWF-1 Shade Tres Nursery
0
0
5,100
0
0
0
7-0-0
K22
PWE-4,7,10,16Roy Egiiprnent
161,000
160,999
245,700
309,000
309,000
309,000
7-0-0
K23
PWE-25 Fk)dbWAccount
10,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
7-0-0
K24
PW4.-01 Landfill dosure
13,000
13,000
13,000
7-0-0
K25
PWP3 FWNC=Mwfgmd Rehab.
15,300
15,300
0
12,000
12,000
12,000
7-0-0
K26
PWR-3 Drainagekrprarenants
38,000
38,000
10,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
7-0.0
K27
PWR-6SidewalklairbConst.
26,800
26,800
25,000
50,000
50,000
50,000
7-0-0
K28
PWR-7 Cub Construction
25,000
25,000
25,000
0
0
0
7.40
K29
PWR-09 Aerial Topo maps
60,000
50,000
60,000
7-0.0
K30
PWR-13 Tralic Signal krp.
44,600
29,400
29,400
29,400
7.40
K31
SDB-4 Sch. Alarms & Fire Prot.
8,925
8,925
12,000
0
0
0
7-0-0
K32
SD&5 Sch. Cad. Tile Reel.
24,000
24,000
22,900
0
0
0
7.0.0
K33
SDB-9 Sch.Oil Tar* RernmJRelro.
40,000
0
0
0
7-0-0
K34
SD&11 Renovate RMHS
40,000
40,000
40,000
0
0
0
7-0-0
K35
SD-B•12 Coolidge School Ranov.
23,100
0
0
0
7-0-0
K36
SDB-13 SdvOd Energy Cor pulers
40,000
40,000
40,000
0
0
0
7.0.0
K37
SD•$-13 FnrtaWe Clatxoorn
75,000
0
0
0
7-0-0
K38
SDE-1 School kkmallon TWvx*o
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
100,000
7.0-0
K39
SDE-3 School Vehicle ReptacerWA
22,352
22,352
15,000
0
0
0
7-0-0
CAPITAL. PROJECTS TOTAL.
773,177
772,817
1,205,300
1,155,400
1,155,400
1,155,400
-4.14%
r
DEBT SERV. & CAP. TOTAL.
2,395,900
2,394,453
3,139,663
3,569,039
3,589,039
3,589,039
14.31%
70
03126197 08:27 AM 4
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS - FISCAL YEAR 1998 BUDGET
Town Manager
FINCOM
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Recanmeeded
Recommended
Remarks and
(Revised)
Evendkaes
(Revised)
Budget
Budget
Budget
FINCOM
Source of
!{4.
FY -1996
FY - JIM
FY -1997
FY - tea
FY -199a
FY -1998
y2.
Emft
L
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
EMS
Lt
CwftutoryRekwwd
1,824,396
1,824,396
1,913,300
1,953,570
1,953,570
1,953,570
7.041
4140,000 em
L2
NwrCaft.Relirom t
88,822
88,822
88,823
83,550
83,550
83,550
7-H
tseeedr
L3
UnwViWrwdBermBts
2D,000
15,759
40,000
20,000
20,000
20,000
7.0-0
L4
CxaipKsWh4.ite
2,358,110
2,319,451
2,405,214
2,487,020
2,530,958
2,530,958
7-"
4420,000fnm
L5
Medicare / Social Sectsity
254,329
227,053
266,035
291,585
291,585
291,585
7-"
the emh
L6
Workers Camperneion
300,E
217,913
237,316
169,050
169,050
169,050
7.0-0
L7
Police / Fire YWrrtaiialion
26,000
25.963
20,000
25.000
20.000
20.000
7.0.0
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS TOTAL
4,871,657
4,719,357
4,970,688
5,029,775
5,068,713
5,068,713
STATE & COUNTY
ASSESSMENTS
670,034
685,005
672,526
669,339
689,339
689,339
NON-ENTER. TOTALS
37,153,937
36,659,482
39,182,781
42,286,183
41,980,426
41.987,653
M
WATER FUND
Mt
Personal Services
550,129
539,639
562,922
617,878
616,767
616,767
7-U
Non-Personal E>41wm:
Pef-Annel Benefits
177,896
151,916
156,175
158,002
156,493
156,493
Doter
730,016
713,089
795,240
926,028
915,691
915,691
M2
Total Nan-Personsi Expenses
907,912
80,005
951.415
1,064,030
1,072,184
1,072,184
7.0-0
SUBTOTAL-OPERATIONS
1,458,041
1,404,644
1,514,337
1,701,908
1,688,951
1,688,951
M3
Debt Service
55,971
55,971
47,690
40,553
40,553
40,553
7.0-0
M4
CapitalOullay
676,000
676,000
822,600
677,500
677,500
677,500
7.0-0
SUBTOTAL-CAP. d DEBT
731,971
731,971
870,490
718,053
718,053
718,053
TOTAL-WATER
2,190,012
2,136,615
2,384,827
2,419,961
2,407,004
2,407,004
N
SEWER FUND
N1
Personal Services
155,755
152,099
163,661
157,357
157,567
157,567
7.0-0
Non-Personal EVwm:
Personnel Benefits
25,508
23,856
41,291
34,339
30,518
30,518
Outer
2,484,067
2,478,289
2,670,622
2,865,864
.2.977,963
2,977,963
N2
Total Non-Personal Sperms
2,509,575
2,502,145
2,711,913
2,900,203
3,008,481
3,008,481
7-U
SUBTOTAL-OPERATIONS
2,665,330
2,654,244
2,875,574
3,057,560
3,166,048
3,166,048
N3
Debt Service
33,279
33,279
86,837
82,593
82,593
82,593
7-0.0
N4
Capital Oullay
58.480
58.460
562.905
393.893
393,893
393.893
7.0-0
SUBTOTAL-CAP. d DEBT
91,759
91,759
649,742
476,486
476,486
476,486
TOTAL-SEWER
2,757,089
2,746,003
3,525,316
3,534,046
3,642,534
3,642,534
RECAP TOTALS
42,101,038
41,547100
45,092,924
48,240,190
48,029,984
48,037,191
% etwrlge
97 revised to
98 16001OWNIed
2.10%
-5.94%
-50.00%
5.23%
9.60%
-28.77%
0.00%
1.97%
2.50%
7.14%
9.57%
0.20%
15.15%
12.69%
11.53%
-14.97%
-17.66%
-17.51%
0.93%
.3.72%
-26.09%
11.51%
10.94%
10.10%
-4.89%
-30.02%
26.67%
3.33%
6.51%
71
0326197 08:27 AM 5
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
TOWNACCOUNTANT
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Accounting Department is to:
• Maintain financial records that facilitate the preparation of financial reports and schedules that
provide meaningful, accurate information for comparability and for management's decision making
process.
• Ensure that financial transactions are in compliance with legal requirements and are properly
recorded on a timely basis.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
During Fiscal 1997, the Accounting Department performed its statutory functions and was
successfully audited by Peat Marwick for Fiscal 1996. In addition, the following was accomplished:
• Completed Fiscal Year 1996 audited financial statements in November, 1996.
• Achieved free cash certification by Department of Revenue $2,099,794 in August, 1996.
• Filed the following routine financial reports in a timely manner:
1. Tax Recap for setting of Fiscal 1997 tax rate
2. Schedule A
3. Annual School report to Department of Education
4. Annual report to PERA for Reading Contributory Retirement System
• Assisted Superintendent of Schools in analyzing and controlling Fiscal Year 1997 school budget.
• Assisted Superintendent of Schools in developing Fiscal 1998 budget and other business functions.
• Served as staff for development of new town wide budget procedures by Budget Council.
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
• Work with Budget Council, Town Manager, School Superintendent, and Finance Director to
improve financial relationships and procedures.
• Carry out normal department activity as described above.
• Address any financial issues stemming from local, state, or federal action.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
Revenue
none
none
none
none
none
Staffing
3.2
2.7
2.7
2.7
2.4
72
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summay (Form A)
Department Accounting
Division: Accounting #025
Summary: Al &A2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
-199$
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
94,097
92,423
100,283
96,772
96,772
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
300
232
300
320
320
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
300
232
300
320
320
Totals
94,397
92,655
100,583
97,092
97,092
Financing Plan:
General Fund
82,305
80,581
88,511
85,440
85,440
Water Fund
3,023
3,023
3,018
2,913
2,913
Sewer Fund
3,023
3,023
3,018
2,913
2,913
Electric Fund
6,046
6,028
6,036
5,826
5,826
Totals
94,397
92,655
100,583
97,092
97,092
73
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form B)
Department Accounting
Division: Accounting #025
Summary: Al
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Town Accountant
1.0
59,169
58,884
1.0
60,587
1.0
62,151
1.0
62,151
Admin. Assistant
1.0
19,788
16,618
1.0
25,059
1.0
25,705
1.0
25,705
Account Clerk
0.7
14,010
15,792
0.7
14,637
0.4
8,916
0.4
8,916
Fiscal 1995 Retro
1,130
1,129
l
S
S
s
s
$
Totals
2.7
94,097
92,423
2.7
100,283
.2.4
96,772
2.4
96,772
74
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
CONSERVATION DIVISION .
MISSION STATEMENT:
• To support in accordance with State Law and Reading General By-Laws, the Conservation
Commission in promoting and developing the Town's natural resources, including wetlands,
floodplains, water quality, aquifers, watershed resources, and open space.
• To enforce against violations of Conservation laws and regulations.
• To see to the identification and acquisition of lands beneficial to the Town to be kept as open space
and in accordance with the Reading Open Space and Recreation Plan, and to manage such lands.
• To increase public awareness of the importance of protecting and enhancing the extent and quality
of the Town's natural resources; and to advertise, prepare, print, and distribute materials for this
purpose.
COMMENTARY--FY 1997:
During 1996 the Conservation Commission will have received 73 applications for Administrative
Approvals, Requests for Determination and Notices of Intent for development proposals, conducted over
375 inspections to enforce compliance, and reviewed over 300 building permit applications. As the volume
of building and land development activity has increased with the improved economy, the Division's case
load has drastically increased. The Division is staffed by a full-time professional Conservation
Administrator and a part-time Recording Secretary, and receives support from the Department's General
Division. Major special projects this year have included the start of computerizing the Division's database,
beginning the implementation of the updated Reading Open Space and Recreation Plan, including the
application for State grant funding to assist with the purchase of open space land'on Pasture Road, the first
such acquisition since the 1970's. The Commission has been assisting in the environmental analysis of the
Reading Business Park on the former landfill site. The Division has also been working with the Department
of Public Works on improvements to the Water Treatment Plant, plans for Wood End Cemetery, repairs
and improvements to Conservation Lands, and various drainage improvement projects. As an agency of
the Town, the Conservation Commission is the largest single landowner in the Town of Reading.
COMMENTARY--FY 1998:
It is expected that land development activity levels in FY1998 will be at or above levels of
FYI 997. It is hoped that a land acquisition program will resume in accordance with the Open Space Plan,
and that staff will be provided so that a more comprehensive program of Open Space Plan implementation
and of Conservation Lands maintenance and improvements will be developed. In addition, there will be
many worthwhile opportunities in Conservation for volunteers under the Senior Citizens tax work-off
program. Conservation, Planning, and Engineering will be working closely together to begin to develop
bikeways and greenways throughout the Town. It is expected that the Conservation application fee
schedule will be revised to more accurately reflect processing costs.
REVENUE AN
D STAFFING
FY94 FY95 FY96
FY97
FY98
VENUE
$7,200 $5,700 $13,000
$7,500
$12,000
STAFFING
1 1.1 1.1
1.1
1.1
75
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department
Comm. Dev.
Division:
Conservation 06
Summary
B1 &B2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
37,214
36,540
39,171
40,176
40,176
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
250
223
250
250
250
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
250
223
250
250
250
Totals
37,464
36,763
39,421
40,426
40,426
Financing Plan:
General Fund 35,964 35,263 37,921 39,486 39,486
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Wetlands Fees 1,500 1,500 1,500 940 940
Totals 37,464 36,763 39,421 40,426 40,426
76
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budges
Personal Services (Form 01
Department Comm. Dev.
Division: Conservation 061
Summary: B1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
# FY -1996
FY -1996
# FY -1997
# FY -1998
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Conservation Admin.
1.0 36,014
35,832
1.0 37,571
1.0 38,576
1.0 38,576
Recording Secretary
0.1 1,200
708
0.1 1,600
0.1 1,600
0.1 1,600
Totals
S s s s $
1.1 37,214 36,540 1.1 39,171 1.1 40,176 1.1 40,176
C
77
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARI2MlENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MISSION STATEMENT:
• To provide relief by variance from specific provisions of the Zoning By-Laws when warranted due
to unusual circumstances of particular properties because of hardships as defined by law.
• To hear and decide on appeals from decisions of the Building Inspector and the Zoning
Enforcement Officer.
• To review and decide on special permit applications defined in the Zoning By-Laws or in State
Law as under the Board's jurisdiction.
• To advise the Community Planning and Development Commission about problems or issues
arising from the operation of the Zoning By-Laws.
COMMENTARY--FY 1997:
During 1996 the Zoning Board of Appeals will have received and conducted public hearings on 24
applications for variances, special permits, and appeals. The Board is receiving a larger number of cases
reflecting the burgeoning growth of home additions and the improvement in the business climate. The
Board's only budget is for a part-time recording secretary. Professional and clerical support is provided
respectively through the Inspections and General Divisions of the Community Development Department.
CONCII IENTARY--FY 1998:
It is expected that the Board's case load will remain at FYI 997 levels reflecting the improvement in
the economy and related increases in building activity. It has become evident that with the increasing
tendency toward development of environmentally marginal land in Reading, demands on this Board have
been growing.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
VENUE
$1,500
$6,000
$3,000
$3,000
$3000
STAFFING
0.1
0.1
0.1
.0.1
0.1
78
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summ Form A)
Department
Comm. Dev.
Division:
Zoning Bd 066
SUmmarv:
B3 & B4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
- 996
- 997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
1,050
931
1,200
1,250
1,250
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
1,050
931
1,200
1,250
1,250
Financing Plan:
General Fund 1,050 931 1,200 1,250 1,250
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 1,050 931 1,200 1,250 1,250
79
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HISTORICAL COMMISSION
MISSION STATEMENT:
• To provide advice to citizens, property owners, local organizations, Town Boards and
Commissions and Town officials concerning historical matters, information, public lands and
facilities, building and scenic features preservation, and historically related implications of public
programs.
• To maintain close relationships with state and federal historic and preservation agencies beneficial
to Town programs.
• To undertake research into the history of Reading.
• To implement the Demolition Delay By-Law.
• To collect and preserve historical documents, archives, and artifacts, and to publish materials
about local history.
• To promote public awareness of and interest in Reading's history.
COMMENTARY--FY1997:
The Commission relies on a request basis for staff support from the Department of Community
Development, but most of its activities are conducted exclusively by volunteers. The Commission's budget
is used for the purchase of supplies, and this budget has been at reduced .levels since FY 1991. The
Commission's major activities have included the updating and computerization of its Historical and
Architectural Inventory and the development of a Town Repository of historical documents. Additional
archival materials have also been received and have been placed and organized in a room at Town Hall. As
part of the Town's 350th Anniversary Celebration, the Commission has received a large number of
historical documents and photographs. The Commission has been devoting most, of its meager budgetary
resources to the purchase of materials to ensure the proper and long-term preservation and storage of these
documents and photographs. The Demolition Delay By-Law has taken effect and will require the
Commission's attention, as will the Downtown economic and streetscape improvement activities.
C0MMENTARY--FY1998:
The major budget-related need of the Historical Commission for FY 1998 is the purchase of
additional materials for the preservation of the documents and photographs received from its 350th
Anniversary celebration solicitations and donations. This is the major, and most urgent, portion of its
on-going program to inventory, reorganize, computerize, and properly store these irreplaceable materials.
Additionally, the Demolition Review By-Law will result in an increased role for the Commission.
REVENUE AND STAFFING:
The Commission generally receives no revenues, and has no paid staff. Staff support is provided through
the General Division of the Community Development on a request basis.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
VENUE
$0
$0
$0
$0
$0
STAFFING
0
0
0
0
0
80
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department Comm. Dev.
Division: Hist Comm. 681
Summary: B5
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
-1996
FY -1997
1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
750
750
750
750
750
Other Charges
(Form C) .
.Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
750
750
750
750
750
Totals
750
750
750
750
750
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
750
81
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
INSPECTIONS DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT:
• To ensure that the public safety and health with regard to building construction; electrical,
plumbing, and gas installations.
• To enforce the Reading Zoning By-Laws and to advise on needed amendments.
• To provide advice to other Town departments and the public regarding construction and
mechanical codes and standards, zoning requirements, handicap accessibility, and plan reviews for
new construction and alterations.
• To provide professional support to the Zoning Board of Appeals and to the Sign Review Board.
COMMENTARY--FY1997:
During 1996, the Inspections Division will have issued over 1900 plumbing, wiring, gas, and
building permits, conducted 2900 inspections, and undertaken approximately 500 enforcement actions.
Major inspections projects have involved the. Pearl Street School renovation, the condominiums at Bear
Hill, and the construction of Parker Middle School. Levels of activity are significantly higher than those of
last year, reflecting the growth of the area's economic conditions. More emphasis has been placed on
zoning and code enforcement, particularly with the advent of a part-time Zoning Enforcement Officer. The
long-term project to reorganize and integrate Division files has been basically completed, with folders set
up for. each property containing building records; those records of plumbing, gas, and wiring inspections
are being added. The new Department Administrative Assistant has been able to help greatly with
processing the voluminous paperwork flowing through this Division. Increased attention will be devoted to
publicizing and clarifying the requirements of the Zoning By-Laws and Building and Mechanical Codes.
COMMENTARY--FY1998:
It is expected that overall activity levels in FY 1998 will be of roughly the same magnitude as
during FY 1997. Increased enforcement efforts, particularly in zoning, will be continued. The files
reorganization will be continued as time permits, and we would like to be able to reorganize the building
plan files. The Zoning Enforcement Officer is to be taking on increasing responsibilities with respect to the
Sign Review Board. Additional funding is provided to have a back up system of inspections in the absence
of the Building, or Plumbing and Gas Inspectors.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
VENUE
$149,700
$146,900
$150,000
$225,000
$200,000
STAFFING
2
2
2
2.4
2.4
82
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department
Comm. Dev.
Division:
Inspections 141
Summary:
B6 & B7
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
SurnrriaLX
FY -1996
EY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
- 998
Personal Services
(Form B)
62,232
62,000
78,601
85,466
84,416
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
2,300
2,137
2,290
2,290
2,290
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
2,300
2,137
2,290
2,290
2,290
Totals
64,532
64,137
80,891
87,756
86,706
Financing Plan:
General Fund 64,532 64,137 80,891 87,756. 86,706
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 64,532 64,137 80,891 87,756 86,706
83
Town of Reading FY -1998 B
udget
Department
Comm. Dev.
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
Inspections 141
Summary:
B6
Annual -
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
B"Witures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Clessificabon
#
FY -1996
X996
#1:
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
#
FY -.1998
s
s
s
s
s
Building Inspector
1.0
42,008
41,844
1.0
43,055
1.0
44,166
1.0
44,166
Wire Inspector
0.5
10,112
10,078
0.5
12,110
0.5
14,237
0.5
14,237
Plumbing/Gas Inspector
0.5
10,112
10,078
0.5
12,110
0.5
14,237
0.5
14,237
Zoning Enforcernt Officer
0.4
11,326
0.4
11,776
0.4
11,776
Back up inspections
1,050
s
s
s
s
$
Totals
2.0
62
,232
62,000
2.4
78,601
2.4
85,466
2.4
84,416
84
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE C
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
GENERAL DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT:
• To ensure that the public interest is identified, monitored, pursued, and enforced in regard to the
use and development of land and public infrastructure.
• To implement the Town of Reading Master Plan, and keep it up to date.
• To undertake and promote economic development of the Town.
• To support the Community Planning and Development Commission, the Conservation
Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals, the Sign Review Board, and the Historical
Commission.
• To provide support to special Task Forces, study committees, and other departments concerning
land-use, transportation, and development issues or projects.
• To represent the interests of the Town with regard to regional organizations and concerns and with.
regard to neighboring municipalities.
• To identify the future needs of the community and to formulate and implement plans and actions to
provide for those needs, particularly with regard to land, streets, transportation, infrastructure,
tax-base and employment-base enhancement, and economic development..
COMMENTARY--FY1997:
The Community Planning and Development Commission, assisted by the Town Planner, who is also the
Department head,. will have reviewed and acted on a variety of subdivision, site plan, and special permit
applications concerning land development, including the administration, inspection, and monitoring of
developments which are underway. The permitting of the developments on the former Town-owned Bear
Hill, Pearl Street School, and former RMLD property at 25 Haven Street and of major new developments
such as the Osco Drugs and the Reading Cooperative Bank expansion have demanded the Commission's
attention. In addition, the preparation of the former Landfill for obtaining state environmental permits and
for sale for redevelopment as the Reading Business Park is in progress. Adult Use Zoning By-Law
amendments, were enacted and will be enforced. In support of the efforts of the Downtown Steering
Committee, the Town has obtained a $230,000 Downtown Streetscape Design Grant, is pursuing a
$500,000 business and parking improvement grant, and has assisted in the design of Rotary Square and the
parking lot at the Depot. The Open Space and Recreation Plan is beginning to be implemented; with
application made for grant funds to purchase a significant open space property on Pasture Road. The final
phase of the Town-Wide Traffic Study is completed. Donation of land for the Pitman Bikeway has been
secured. Department file reorganization has been proceeding, with the basic work completed; improvements
have been made to the computerized permitting system.
COMMENTARY--FY1998:
Above activities are expected to continue. Preparation of the former Landfill for sale and redevelopment,
and Downtown improvement efforts, particularly Streetscape and economic development, will proceed. It
is hoped that the parking and business improvement loan program can be put into effect. Implementation
of the Open Space Plan will be underway. Amendments to the Zoning By-Laws will be reviewed and the
new subdivision regulations will be administered. The use of a design intern will be continued in 1998, and
expenses related to the Landfill closure/sale will be funded.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
VENUE
$16,800
$36,300
$25,000
$30,000
$30,000
STAFFING
2.0
2.2
2.2
2.5
2.5
C
85
FY 1998 BUDGET-NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
GENERAL DIVISION
Line B8 Design Intern (Summer)
Increase in Personal Services Expenses .$3,000
Although this is a New Program request, its purpose is to continue a successful program which
took place during the summer of 1996. This was funded both by transfer of funds approved by the Finance
Committee and by a program grant from Harvard University. During this summer the Architectural Design
Intern, who was a student at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, worked in conjunction with:
• The Downtown Steering Committee, supporting its efforts to revitalize Downtown Reading, by
investigating, designing, and illustrating practicable case-studies by which Downtown business
building facades could be renovated in keeping with, and so as to contribute to, the character of the
area, and
• The Sign Review Board to develop sign design standards, illustrating, by criteria and by examples,
types of sign designs which would improve the appearance of the Downtown and and be.appropriate
to the character of the area.
This request would enable this effort by an architectural design intern to take place again in the
summer of 1997, when it could complement the grant-funded Downtown Streetscape Design Program. It is
proposed that the same Harvard summer internship program would be utilized, by which the University
funds 40% of the intern costs, the other 60% being funded by way of this New Program request. The
specific issues contemplated for this Intern to undertake would include:
• Compiling and generalizing this summer's facade design case-studies into a more comprehensive set
of facade improvement guidelines applicable to all Downtown buildings;
• Analyzing the design issues and formulating design concepts for the improvement of areas which
form the approaches into Downtown, such as South Main Street, North Main Street, Salem Street,
Lowell Street, Walkers Brook Drive/Washington Street, and Woburn Street-- these areas frame and
provide a visual and functional setting for the Downtown;
86
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department
Comm. Dev.
Division:
General 062
Summary:
B8 & B9
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
- 1998
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
74,419
72,998
87,213
90,083
90,083
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
760
523
600
600
600
Supplies
(Form C)
1,100
1,284
1,100
1,250
1,250
Other Charges
(Form C)
20,000
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
11860
1,807
1,700
1,850
21,850
Totals
76,279
74,805
88,913
91,933
111,933
Financing Plan:
General Fund 76,279 74,805 86,913 91,933 111,933
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 76,279 74,805 88,913 91,933 111,933
87
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form B)
Department Comm. Dev.
Division: General 062
Summary: B8
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
6
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
- 99
#
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Department Head
1.0
47,705
47,514
1.0
48,888
1.0
50,151
1.0
50,151
Administrative Assistant
1.0
25,056
1.0
25,705
1.0
25,705
Principal Clerk
1.2
24,270
23,665
0.5
11,129
0.5
10,632
0.5
10,632
Clerical Overtime
i
944
319
640
595
595
Design intern (summer)
1,507
1,509
-
1,507
3,000
-
3,019
s
s
s
-
s
-
s
Totals
2.2
74,419
72,998
2.5
87,213
2.5
90,083
2.5
90,083
88
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form B)
Department Finance
Division: Finance Committee #021
Summary: C1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services (Revised) Expenditures
(Revisail)
Budget
Recommended
Classification # FY -1996 FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
It FY -1998
S S
S
S
s
Recording Secretary 1,000 769
1,200
1,230
1,230
Totals
$
S S S S
1,000 769 1,200 1,230 1,230
89
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summery (Form A)
Department Finance
Division: Finance Committee #021
Summmy;. C1, C2 & C3
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summarac
Fly -1996
- 1996
FY -1997
EY -1998
- 1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
1,000
769
1,200
1,230
1,230
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
37,000
37,000
37,000
37,000
37,000
Supplies -
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
150,000
149,458
150,000
150,000
150,000
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
187,000
186,458
187,000
187,000
187,000
Totals
188,000
187,227
188,200
188,230
188,230
Financing Plan:
General Fund
183,190
182,417
183,390
183,420
183,420
Water Fund
1,850
1,850
1,850
1,850
1,850
Sewer Fund
1,850
1,850
1,850
.1,850
1,850
Electric Fund
1,110
1,110
1,110
1,110
1,110
Totals
188,000
187,227
188,200
188,230
188,230
90
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
FINANCIAL DEPARTMENT
ASSESSMENT DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT:
Assessment of property is the first step in the process of tax revenue collection for the town of Reading.
• provide for fair and equitable assessment of all taxable property
• annually monitor sales/activities to keep assessments at market value
• annually obtain state approval of the tax rate
• act on abatement applications filed for real estate, personal property and automobile excise bills
• prepare for and defend on the Town's behalf appeals filed at the Appellate Tax Board
• oversee the commitment of real estate, personal property and automobile excise bills
• administer property tax exemptions
COMMENTARY - FYI 997:
During Fiscal Year 1997, the Assessment Division successfully completed the following:
• started the recollection of the commercial properties
• served on Board of Directors of The Community Software Consortium
• started the data base of personal property accounts in the C.A.M.A. system
• continued property recollection to insure accurate information
COMMENTARY - FY1998:
During Fiscal Year 1998, the Assessment Division recognizes these specific goals:
• complete recollection of commercial/industrial properties
• a data base of personal property will be completed,
• computerized property record cards will be generated
• continue to provide support to The Software Consortium
• continue expanding the use and application of the P.C.'s in the assessment division
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 93
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
REVENUE
$773.50
$860.00
$860.00
$860.00
$420.00
STAFFING
2
2
2
2
2
91
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department Finance
'sio • Assessment 031
Summary: C4,C5 & C6
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
-1996
-1 96
- 99
FY -1998
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
73,504
73,215
75,331
77,277
77,277
Nonpersonal Expenses:.
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
8,900
6,642
4,015
4,015
4,015
Supplies
(Form C)
1,125
1,568
1,635
2,425
1,635
Other Charges
(Form C)
1,450
1,084
1,965
2,165
2,165
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
11,475
9,294
7,615
8,605
7,815
Totals
84,979
82,509
82,946
85,882
85,092
Financing Plan:
General Fund
84,979
82,509
82,946
85,882
85,092
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals
84,979
82,509
82,946
85,882
85,092
92
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget
Department
Finance
Personal Services (Form Bl
Division:
Assessment -031
Summary.
C4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
3
S
s
3
Appraiser 16-1
1.0
44,944
44,774
1.0
46,068
1.0
47,258
1.0
47,258
Asst. Appraiser 9-3
1.0
28,560
28,441
1.0
29,263
1.0
30,019
1.0
30,019
s
s
s
s
s
Totals
2.0
73,504
73,215
2.0
75.331
2.0
77.277
2.0
77,277
93
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
TECHNOLOGY
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Technology function is to coordinate people and communication systems to
meet the objectives of the Town of Reading in an efficient manner. As such the Technology Department is
responsible for:
• providing computer and telephone support for all of the Town Departments, as well as software
support for the business functions of the School department,
• purchasing hardware, software, forms and computer related supplies,
• providing computer training for all Town departments,
• developing the long range goal of a town wide communications system that would expedite the flow of
information between all departments.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
In FY 1997 a number of significant technological advances were made. During FY 1997 with the
help of the new technician we were able to achieve the following goals :
• implementation of a PC network in the town hall , town hall annex and the library;
• automation and tracking of the telephone billing system;
• formal development of a Reading Internet web page and the systems needed to update it;
• in house maintenance of the library web page (eliminating the need for a consultant at $300/month);
• standardization of equipment, replacing the last of the original (1983) Digital terminals;
( • training users how to use the new communication systems;
• development of a town/school technology group to help each other achieve goals and establish
compatibility standards;
• development of new processes for producing bills and forms that will take advantage of laser technology
(e.g. bar-coding addresses);
• development of a technology and department head user group
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
During FY 1998 the goals will include:
• installation of a fiber optic wide area network (WAN) linking the municipal buildings to the schools
and the RMLD;
• develop distributed processing and information sharing systems that will allow us to further utilize the
WAN;
• explore Internet opportunities and accessibility over the WAN;
• additional training in software applications as we move toward a town wide office automation standard;
• continued support of a department users group to teach and encourage staff with applications for their
departments
REVENUE AND STAFFING
*estimated
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
REVENUE
$760 _
$675
$995
$800*
$800*
STAFFING
1
1
1
. 2
2
94
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department
FINANCE
Division:
TECHNOLOGY
Summary:
C 7 & C 8
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summay
Y -1996
FY - 996
FY - 197
FY -1998
FY • 1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
48,663
48,465
85,390
87,206
87,206
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
66,377
69,781
77,200
81,225
73,225
Supplies
(Form C)
44,978
44,978
24,875
25,625
25,625
Other Charges.
(Form C)
10,350
11,574
13,550
17,950
17,950
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
121,705
126,333
115,625
124,800
116,800
Totals
170,368
174,798
201,015
212,006
204,006
Financing Plan:
General Fund
154,526
158,956
164,940
173,506
165,506
Water Fund
6,388
6,388
14,200
15,400
15,400
Sewer Fund
6,388
6,388
14,200
15,400
15,400
Electric Fund
3,066
3,066
7,675
7,700
7,700
Totals
170,368
174,798
201,015
212,006
204,006
95
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
FINANCE
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
TECHNOLOGY
Summary:
C7
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenrihxres
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification #
FY -1996
FY -19966
#
FY -1997
#
- 998
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Technology Coordinator 1.0
48,663
48,465
1.0
49,866
1.0
51,154
1.0
51,154
Computer Technician
1.0
35,624
1.0
36,052
1.0
36,052
-
$
s
-
s
-
s
$
Totals 1.0
48,663
48,465
2.0
85,390
2.0
87,206
2.0
87,206
1999 wage increase factor
2.50%
96
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
FINANCE DEPARTMENT \
PERSONNEL DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Personnel Division is to provide a Town-wide focus on the area of Town
government that constitutes the largest budget category, and the basic resource through which the Town
produces it's "product" - service to the Community. The functions include the following:
• Coordinate and arrange for Safety Committee activities;
• Administer and further develop the Professional Development program for the Town;
• Manage and administer the employee benefits program;
• Manage the Town and School employee attendance program;
• Edit the monthly employee newsletter;
• Assist in developing information as part of the collective bargaining process;
• Maintain the personnel policies of the Town, and arrange for their periodic review and update;
• Perform periodic pay and classification updates;
• Maintain the various union contracts;
• Maintain the personnel files of the Town;
• Maintain the Affirmative Action program of the Town;
• Administer the Town's Worker's Compensation program and Public Safety Indemnification program;
• Administer the Town's Unemployment compensation program.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
During FY 1997 the following goals were accomplished:
• establishment of position and office for Personnel Administrator
• review and updating of the Personnel Policies;
• continued review of Town-wide personnel evaluation program,
• complete review and update of the pay and classification plan for all non-union Town employees;
• formulation of Safety Committee
• administration of EAP, including training in sexual harassment
• adoption of drug and alcohol screening and sexual harassment policies
• streamlining protocols for new employee screening exams by New England Health Center
• issuing of monthly employee newsletter
• developing a protocol for police and fire indemnification, following workers' comp guidelines
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
In FY 1998 the following areas will be addressed:
• continue to perform tasks cited for 1997 and review of same to improve delivery thereof
• development of spread sheets for use in conjunction with collaborative bargaining with unions
• in-house professional development efforts will be expanded, working in conjunction with employee
committee
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
REVENUE
0
0
0
0
0
STAFFING
1
1
97
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budgqt
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department Finance
ivision: Personnel #042
umm_y; C9 & 10
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
- 996
-1996
, 11997
X998
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
37,487
38,576
38,576
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
33,850
33,789
35,731
42,500
42,500
Supplies
(Form C)
2,000
2,000
Other Charges
(Form C)
100
100
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
33,850
33,789
35,731
44,600
44,600
Totals
I
33,850
33,789
73,218
.83,176
83,176
Financing Plan:
General Fund
33,850 33,789 65,218
74,176
74,176
Water Fund
2,000
2,250
2,250
Sewer Fund
2,000
2,250
2,250
Electric Fund
4,000
4,500
4,500
Totals
33,850 33,789 73,218
83,176
83,176
98
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budge
Department
Finance
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
Personnel #042
Summary.
C9
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services (Revised)
Expen Kwm (Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification # FY -1996
FY - 996 # FY -1997
0 FY - 99
# FY -1998
s
s s
s
a
Personnel Administrator
1.0 37,487
1.0 38,576
1.0 38,576
a
s a
s
s
Totals
1.0 37,487
1.0 38,576
1.0 38,576
99
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
FINANCE DEPARTMENT
GENERAL DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Finance Department's responsibilities may be summarized as follows:
• Cash Management: to optimize the investment of funds, while protecting their safety and disbursing
them to meet obligations in a timely fashion
• Borrowing: to plan for and execute the sale of the Town's debt
• Collection of Taxes and Receivables: to collect taxes, fees, and other receivables, and to pursue
aggressively the delinquent taxpayers
Record Keeping: to keep accurate records; and to provide reports as required
C0MII iNTARY FY 1997:
During Fiscal 1997, the Finance Department performed its statutory functions and was successfully
audited by Peat Marwick for Fiscal 1996. In addition, the following statistics for FY 1996 were compiled:
• The Town's credit rating was upgraded to AA by Moody's and Standard & Poor's in anticipation of
a July, 1996 bond sale for Light Department construction, Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton
schools, and school roof and boiler projects. The average interest rate for the bonds was 5.26
• The Finance Department integrated two new divisions, Personnel, and Technology in FY 1997. The
positions of personnel administrator, and technician were added to the department.
• Real estate tax collections of back taxes continued with significant reduction in number and dollar
amount of tax titles; Tax liens redeemed amounted to $134,539 and interest charges collected on
them were $44,973 for FY96. FY97 continues the collection efforts.
• An investment policy and fiscal year investment report to the town manager and Finance Committee
were developed and presented. Earnings on the investments of the general fund by the Treasurer
rose to $775,866 for FY96. They are projected to be approximately $1,000,000 in FY97.
• Service was rendered to the School Department in the area of personnel: the Finance Director served
on a search committee for principal of Joshua Eaton, and chaired a search committee for personnel
administrator of the School Department; she also served as staff resource in development of the
School 10 year Capital Plan
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
+ Work toward development and implementation of Users Group for Technology.
i Work with Budget Council, Town Manager, School Superintendent, and Town Accountant to
improve financial relationships and procedures.
• Continue to work with Town Manager and School Superintendent to develop financing plans to
accommodate the capital needs of the Town.
• The Financial Analyst position is reclassified to the position of Assistant Treasurer Collector
reflecting changes in duties.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
REVENUES (Lien Certificates)
43,479
20,450
25,000
29,974
28,000
STAFFING
10.5
11
11
9.3
9.6
100
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
'Budget Summary (Form A)
Department Finance
Division: General #035
Summarx C-11 &C12
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
-1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
278,842
274,950
270,045
283,552
283,552
• Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
42,190
33,355
35,000
33,000
33,000
Supplies
(Form C)
2,000
3,263
2,500
3,200
3,000
Other Charges
(Form C)
29,400
27,098
29,900
27,800
27,700
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
73,590
63,716
67,400
64,000
63,700
Totals
352,432
338,666
337,445
347,552
347,252
Financing Plan:
General Fund
272,320
259,276
263,445
270,652
270,352
Water Fund
25,056
25,056
23,000
24,450
24,450
Sewer Fund
25,056
25,056
23,000
24,450
24,450
Electric Fund
30,000
29,278
28,000
28,000
28,000
Totals
352,432
338,666
337,445
347,552
347,252
101
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget Department Finance
Personal Services (Form B) Division: General #035
Summary: C11
ersonal Services
Classification
Finance Director
Financial Analyst .
Administrative Assts
Clerks
#
1.0
1.0
3.0
5.0
Budget
(Revised)
FY -1996
59,607
32,690
80,600
105,945
Actual
Expenditures
-1996
59,372
32,562
80,534
102,482
#
1.0
1.0
3.0
4.3
Annual
Adopted
Budget
(Revised)
FY -1997
61,088
33,503
81,487
93,967
#
1.0
3.0
4.6
Town
Proposed Manager
Budget Recommended
FY -1998 # FY -1998
62,665 1.0 62,665
See Asst TreasuredCollector
83,567 3.0 83,567
101,956 4.6 101,956
Asst Treas/Coll.
1.0
35,363
1.0
35,363
$
$
$
$
$
Totals
10.0
278,842
274,950
9.3
270,045
9.6
283,552
9.6
283,552
102
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
t,
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Board of Selectmen is to act as the Chief Executive Officer of the Town of
Reading pursuant to the Town's Home Rule Charter. As such, the Board of Selectmen acts as a Board of
Directors of the Town, providing general direction to the community, and exercising their statutory
responsibilities in a number of areas.
COMMENTARY FY 1997
The following are the highlights of issues that the Board of Selectmen was involved in, in addition
to their routine responsibilities:
• The Bear Hill property was sold, and development is underway; the development of the recreation
component of the project is approved;
• The Pearl Street School building was sold, and development of the assisted housing was completed;
• Working with the RMLD Board and staff, the property at 25 Haven Street was finally sold;
• The Board has worked with the Downtown. Steering Committee, a volunteer partnership of business,
residential, and government leaders working to improve the downtown area of Reading;
• A number of street construction projects have been undertaken, including South Street, upper Pearl
Street, Mineral Street area sidewalks, Mineral Street bridge, and Salem and Lowell Street
reconstruction.
• The Board has worked extensively in the evolution of the Budget Council process with the
FINCOM, School Committee, and staff to develop improved Capital Planning and Budgeting;
FY 1998 COMMENTARY
FY 1998 promises to be a busy year. Major focuses will be:
• Have the Reading Business Park under contract for sale by the end of calendar year 1997;
• Have the Police Station siting issues resolved;
• Continue to work with the Downtown Steering Committee and others to improve the downtown area
of Reading;
• Continue the evaluation of Public Safety staffing, including the Assistant Fire Chief position, sworn
police officer levels, and control of overtime;
• Continue the School/Municipal cooperative efforts in the areas of finance, building maintenance,
library services, and technology;
• Continue refining ongoing programs and develop new initiatives in a cost effective fiscally
conservative manner with an effort to minimize impacts on the tax rate;
• Implement the proposals in the North Suburban Water Supply Protection program;
• Finalize decisions on PAYT and condo/multi family rubbish and recycling collection;
• Improve park and grounds maintenance, and continue park capital improvements;
• Examine staffing and compensation for recreation staff.
• The pilot Senior Tax Work Program has been transferred to Elder/Human Services.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 93
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
REVENUE
25,000
26,065
27,000
28,000
29,000
STAFFING
0
0
0
0
0
103
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summam I (Form A)
Budget
Summ
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund .
Electric Fund
Annual
Adopted
Budget Actual Budget
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
-1996 FY -1996 FY -1997
Department GENERAL SERVICES
Division: Selectmen #011
Summary: D1
Town
Proposed Manager
Budget Recommended
- 998 FY -1998
1,000
1,150
1,000
1,000
1,000
150
120
150
150
150
600
1,235
10,600
750
750
1,750
2,505
11,750
1,900
1,900
1,750
2,505
11,750
11900
1,900
1,750
$ $
2,505 11,750
1,900 1,900
Totals 1,750 2,505 11,750 11900 1,900
104
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SER VICES
TOWNMANAGER
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Town Manager's office is to serve as the Chief Administrative Officer of the
Town of Reading. As such the office is responsible for:
• the administration of all Town operations,
• negotiation of all contracts,
• administration of the personnel functions,
• purchase of goods and services,
administration of the budget and capital program, and
• development and implementation of the long range vision of the community.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
During FY 1997, the Town Manager's office was successful in completing a number of its goals,
including:
• Achieved the sale and development of Bear Hill and the Pearl Street School.
• Complete the review of the personnel policies and pay levels; implement the personnel evaluation
program;
• Improve the staff development in all areas, including the restoration of some out-of-state travel;
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
During FY 1998, goals will include:
• Position the Town to be able to close the landfill and offer it for sale;
• Add a grants specialist to be used by all departments in securing additional outside funding;
• Have the Police Station project into construction by the beginning of the fiscal year:
• Increase the dollar amount of grants coming to all departments of the Town to supplement vital
services funded through the local revenues available;
• Complete the biannual review of the personnel policies and pay levels;
• Evaluate and implement the personnel evaluation program;
• Complete the planning efforts of the Downtown Revitalization efforts, and begin the implementation
of this program;
• Continue and expand on the Retreat process for town "Leadership", and for team building of the
Board of Selectmen and senior level staff,
• Complete the financing package for major capital projects.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
REVENUE
$0
$931
$1000
$1000
$1000
STAFFING
1
1
1
1
2
i~
105
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Annual
Budget
S_gMMW
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Department GENERAL SERVICES
Division: TOWN MANAGER #012
Summary: D2 & D3
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
FY -1996
FY -1996
-1997
FY - 11998
FY -1998
78,444
78,444
81,974
84,023
85,663
4,085
4,018
2,750
2,750
12,750
3,000 3,000 3,000 12,380 3,000
7,085 7,018 5,750 15,130 15,750
85,529 85,462 87,724 99,153 101,413
85,529 85,462 87,724 99,153 101,413
Totals 85,529 85,462 87,724 99,153 101,413
106
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
Personal Services (Form 8)
Division:
Town Manager
Summary:
D2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification #
FY -1996
FY -1996
# IFY -1997
# FY -1998
#
_ -1998
TOWN MANAGER 1.0
78,444
78,444
1.0 81,974
1.0 84,023
1.0
85,663
Totals 1.0
78,444
78,444
1.0 81,974
1.0 84,023
1.0
85,663
C
107
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SER VICES
LAW DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT
The Law Division of the Department of General Services has as its mission the provision of legal
services to all Departments of the Town, including the School Department, and except for the following
areas where specialized legal services are provided separately:
Reading Municipal Light Department Tax Liens
School Department Special Needs Bond Counsel
In. providing these services, counsel is employed in two areas: Town Counsel which provides
general legal advice and services; and Labor Counsel which provides specialized counsel on labor
negotiations and labor relations issues. Labor Counsel for the Town is included in the legal budget, and
Labor Counsel for the School Department is provided separately in the School Budget.
COMMENTARY FY 1997
Major general legal accomplishments in the Community in FY 1996 include the following:
• Bear Hill and Pearl Street School sales were concluded; and the Sale of 25 Haven Street sale was
completed;
• On-going work on the collection of funds owed by Cumberland Gulf as a result of the gasoline spill;
• The consent order for the closure of the Landfill site was complete;
• Several zoning and conservation cases;
• Work on Cable TV franchise negotiation (which included the use of special counsel), and on a new
solid waste disposal contract for DPW;
• Worked on warrants for Town Meetings, and attended all sessions;
In the area of labor law, the following are the highlights:
• Assistance in collective bargaining issues, and resolution and settlement of several arbitration cases;
• Arbitration on the Firefighters contract is ongoing.
COMMENTARY FY 1998
At the end of FY97, the Town is evaluating Town Counsel services and going through a bid
process to ensure that we are getting the best quality service at the lowest possible cost. The legal services
provided to the Town are primarily reactive in nature. However it is anticipated that counsel will be
involved in the following areas:
• Landfill closure and sale;
• Resolving remaining issues regarding off-site improvements at Bear Hill;
• Working on Downtown revitalization issues;
• Dealing with any remaining labor negotiations issues, and any grievances and arbitration;
• Beginning the process of negotiating successor labor contracts for all unions.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 93
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
REVENUE
0
0.
0
0
0
STAFFING
0
0
0
0
0
108
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summa (Form A)
Department GENERAL SERVICES
Division: Law (041)
Summary: D4 05 06
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
121,900
116,651
124,500
137,100
137,100
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
5,000
12,750
5,000
7,200
6;000
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
126,900
129,401
129,500
144,300
143,100
Totals
126,900
129,401
129,500
144,300
143,100
Financing Plan:
General Fund 126,900 129,401 129,500 144,300 143,100
Water Fund
Sewer Fund .
Electric Fund
Totals 126,900 129,401 129,500 144,300 143,100
109
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
TOWN CLERK
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Town Clerk's office is to serve the community as it's Chief election Official,
Recording Officer, Registrar of Vital Statistics, Public Records and Licensing Officer and to provide the
public with general information. As such the office is responsible for:
• Enlisting, training, assigning poll workers and conducting all elections: Town, State & Federal;
• preparation and printing of ballots for elections and distributing election material for polls;
• upkeep of voting machines, set-up of voting location (booths, etc.);
• recording and reporting election results to the Secretary of the Commonwealth;
• certifying nomination papers and petitions, supervising voter registration and absentee balloting;
conducting annual town census and data entry; preparation of street list and jury list;
• recording campaign finance; signing all notes for borrowing;
• recording and maintaining minutes and posting meetings of all governmental bodies;
• recording applications for site plans, subdivisions; financing statements (UCC's); posting job
announcements, recording and reporting non-criminal fines issued by various departments;
• serving as Notary Public; serving as the central information point for local residents and citizens at large
• submitting bylaws and zoning ordinances to Attorney General for approval;
• providing copies of Vital Statistics of local residents; birth, marriage, death; and
• issuing state licenses and permits; including marriage, hunting, fishing and trapping, raffles and bazaars,
business certificates, fuel storage, pole locations and dog licenses.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
During FY 1997, the Town Clerk's office was successful in completing a number of its goals including:
• appointment of an existing staff member as Assistant Town Clerk (Aileen A. Shaw);
• transition as editor of Reading Notes;
• complete dependency on the State's Motor Voter database for elections and census for three (3) elections
(State Primary, State Election and Local Election) and two (2) recounts (State Primary and State Election);.
• completing ADA self assessment;
• developing a town-wide "conflict resolution" program available to Town residents to settle a variety of
disputes;
• developing and implementing daily receipts system;
• cross training of staff to handle others duties when absent from work.
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
The Town Clerk's goals for FY98 are:
• transfer the census preparation and mailing to contractual services;
• preparation/printing of community profile booklet to be sold at the Town Clerk's office;
• maintenance agreement for voting machines;
• customer service training; and
• taking over town meeting costs associated with audio visual set-up and custodian;
• evaluation of the frequency of the census;
• work towards implementation of the state wide automated vital statistics program.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
REVENUE
42,318
51,940
40,302
45,000
50,000
STAFFING
1
1
1
1
1
110
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department GENERAL SERVICES
Division: TOWN CLERK (051)
Summary: D7 & D8
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY - 1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
39,248
41,128
40,238
41,277
41,277
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
650
347
650
600 ,
600
Supplies
(Form C)
600
666
600
600
600
Other Charges
(Form C)
200
75
200
250
250
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
1,450
1,088
1,450
1,450
1,450
Totals
40,698
42,216
41,688
42,727
42,727
Financing Plan:
General Fund 40,698 42,216 41,688 42,727 42,727
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 40,698 42,216 41,688 42,727 42,727
ill
Town of Reading FY -1998 Bud
get
Department
GENERAL SERVICES
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
TOWN CLERK (051)
Summary:
D7
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification #
FY -1996
FY -1996
# FY -1997
- 998
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
TOWN CLERK 1
39,248
41,128
1 40,238 1
41,277 1
41,277
I
a
a
a
s.
$
Totals
39,248
41,128
40,238
41,277
41,277
112
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
EL E C T IO NS✓R E G I S TR f 1 T IO N
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Chief Election Official is responsible for:
• Enlisting, training, assigning poll workers and conducting all elections: Town, State & Federal;
+ . preparation and printing of ballots for elections;
• distributing election material for polls;
• resolve election/voter problems;
• upkeep of voting machines;
+ set-up of voting location (booths, etc.);
+ maintain poll accessibility;
+ preparation of tally sheets;
• -recording and reporting election results to the Secretary of the Commonwealth;
+ certifying nomination papers and petitions,
• supervising voter registration and absentee balloting; and
• reviewing and recording campaign finance statements.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
During FY 1997, the Chief Election Official was successful in completing a number of its goals
including:
• complete dependency on the State's Motor Voter database for elections for three (3) elections (State
Primary, State Election and Local Election) and two (2) recounts (State Primary and State Election);
• cross training of staff to become familiar with the State's Motor Voter database; and
• make campaign finance seminar available to interested candidates
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
The Town Clerk's goals. for FY98 are:
• maintenance agreement for voting machines
113
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
GENERAL SERVICES
Budget Summary (Form A)
Division:
ELECTIONS/REGISTRATION (#052)
Summaw
D9 010
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
-1996
FY -1997
1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
19,440
10,976
19,440
13,800
12,200
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase ofServices
(Form C)
9,610
8,707
10,260
11,900
10,550
Supplies
(Form C)
300
797
400
500
500
Other Charges
(Form C) -
3,300
2,965
2,500
2,500
2,500
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
13,210
12,469
13,160
14,900
13,550
Totals
32,650
23,445
32,600
28,700
25,750
Financing Plan:
General Fund 32,650 23,445 32,600 28,700 25,750
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 32,650 23,445 32,600 .28,700 25,750
114
Town of Readno FY -1998 Bud
ge(
Department:
GENERAL SERVICES
Personal Services (Form BI
Division:
ELECTIONS/REGISTRATION (/052)
Summary:
D9 & D10
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification #
FY -1996
FY -1996 #
FY -1997
FY -1998 #
FY -1998
REGISTRARS 4
1,500
1,229 4
1,500 4
1,500 4
1,300
CENSUS 2
1,900
454 2
1,900 2
800 2
600
ELECTIONS
15,000
8,553
15,000
6,500
6,300
TOWN MEETING 4
1,040
740 4
1,040 8
5,000 8
4,000
$
$
$
$
$
Totals
19,440
10,976
19,440
13,800
12,200
115
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
. - DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
PROPERTYAND CASUALTY INSURANCE
MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of the Town's property and Casualty insurance program is to provide a reasonable
level of insurance coverage relative to the potential liabilities that the Town may have, in order to reduce
and stabilize the Town's financial liability for losses for which the Town may become liable.
COMMENTARY FY 1997
1996 saw a major change in the Town's Property and casualty insurance program. A very
competitive market in the formal bidding process yielded a clear choice to be made. The previous carrier,
who was also a bidder, was the low bidder by a very slight amount. MHA, a wholly owned insurance
subsidiary of the Massachusetts Municipal Association also bid. A poor record of customer service and a
failure to cover some essential areas of liability, led the Town Manager to award the coverage to MIIA.
The cost savings was approximately $40,000 from the previous years coverage, and all areas of liability
except for pollution (which no company covers) are well addressed. The change in coverage was made
July 1, 1995, and the customer service has been much improved.
There was a fair amount of activity related to the October 1996 flooding, primarily related to sewer
back-ups.
COMNfENTARY FY 1998
There is no intention to bid insurance again in FY 1998. The Town's history has been to bid
insurance every 3 years, as long as renewal quotes were appropriate. It is expected that relatively the same
rates will be in effect in FY 1998, and that the levels of coverage and the customer service will continue as
in FY 1997.
We will consider re-bidding the insurance for the FY 1999 year.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 93
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
REVENUE
0
0
0
0
0
STAFFING
0
0
0
0
0
116
Town of Reading FY -1998 Bud
get
Department
GENERAL SERVICES
Budget Summary (Form A)
Division:
PROP/CAS. INSURANCE #850
umMML
D11
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summa
FY -1996
-1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
119,000
100,383
106,746
110,000
105,000
Supplies
(Form C) .
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
119,000
100,383
106,746
110,000
105,000
Totals
119,000
100,383
106,746
110,000
105,000
Financing Plan:
General Fund 119,000 100,383 98,327 101,328 96,328
Water Fund 6,989 7,206 7,206
Sewer Fund 1,430 1,466 1,466
Electric Fund
Totals 119,000 100,383 106,746 110,000 105,000
117
C
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
GENERAL DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT
The General part of the Department of General Sdrvices has as its purpose the support of the entire
Department of General Services, and the general support of major portions of the Town service for
elements such as office equipment maintenance, telephones, postage, and copiers.
COMINIENTARY FY 1997
The Department has been especially busy in FY 1997, breaking in a new Town Clerk, running 3
major elections, and holding Town Meetings including at least one special Town Meeting dealing with the
Adult Entertainment Bylaws. There were 2 election recounts, which proved the accuracy of the Town's
voting system. The Motor Voter registration program was used for the first time in a presidential election
The management of the telephone system was transferred to the technology division of the Finance
Department.
COMMENTARY FY 1998
FY 1998 will see several changes. The budget reflects the movement of the telephone line items to
the Technology Division. 1998 is the first year where, according to state law, the annual census will be
optional. It is anticipated that Reading will transition to an every other year annual. census, doing the
census in the even numbered years so that the data is as up to date as possible for the state elections.
During the off years, staff resources and funds will be used to implement the data entering for the state
vital statistics record system.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
REVENUE
0
0
0
0
0
STAFFING
4.9
4.7
4.9
4.9
4.9
118
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Annual
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Department GENERAL SERVICES
Division: GENERAL SERVICES #015
Summary: D12 & D13
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
-1996
-1996
Y -1x997
- 1998
-1998
99,476
103,042
104,172
110,438
110,438
70,200
124,780
67,800
21,300
21,300
18,500
21,469
23,060
25,600
25,600
1,500
1,210
1,500
1,600
1,600
90,200
147,459
92,360
48,500
48,500
189,676
250,501
196,532
158,938
158,938
189,676 250,501 196,532 158,938 158,938
Totals 189,676 250,501 196,532 158,938 158,938
119
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
GENERAL SERVICES
Personal Services (Formes
Division:
GENERAL SERVICES #015
Summary:
D12
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
-1996
#
FY -1997 ,
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
S
s
s
s
ADM. ASSIST.
1.0
25,442
27,174
1.0
26,071
1.0
OFFICE MANAGER
1.0
30,503
1.0
30,503
ADM. SECT
1.2
26,064
28,604
1.2
26,531
1.2
27,211
1.2
27,211
PRINC. CLERKS
2.2
43,528
45,777
2.2
45,245
2.2
46,409
2.2
.46,409
TEMPORARY POSITION
0.3
3,442
1,455
0.3
5,225
0.5
5,200
0.5
5,200
OVERTIME/OUT OF CLASS
1,000
32
500
500
500
ASST. TOWN CLERK
600
615
615
s
$
s
s
s
Totals
4.7
99,476
103,042
4.7
104,172
5.9
110,438
4.9
110,438
120
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT/HEALTH
Mission Statement
The mission of the Board of Health is to protect the health and well being of the citizens of
Reading as well as protect the Town's environment from pollution and damage. As new health
issues arise, the Board develops new programs and services to respond to the citizen's need (e.g.
radon, asbestos, AIDS., Hep. B immunization for 6th grade students) The health function is
required by state law.
Commentary - FY 1997
Tobacco continues to be a prime effort, involving 3 staff members under the contract with the
DPH. Retail stores compliance to youth access regulation has improved through regular
compliance checks: Community education on a cessation groups continue to be offered with
successful results. The Board of Health also updated its tobacco regulations, including having
smokefree restaurants, a controversial measure reinforced by a Town Meeting vote. .
Cooperative efforts continue with Stoneham with the food inspector services, and household
hazardous waste collections. We continue to be one a nineteen member regional mosquito
control program.
We continue to work extensively with the community on substance abuse issues including work
with the high school and middle school Peer Leaders, Athletes for a Healthy Lifestyle, teacher
training, parent and student workshops, Project Alliance and Adopt a Student Athlete, a program
offering support to young students through high school athletes..
Commentary - FY 1998
Many of next year's activities will be dependent upon grants and contracts appropriated by the
Legislature. We plan to continue our efforts with other departments, especially Police and
School, with ongoing issues such as substance abuse, including tobacco, as well as emerging
issues such as domestic violence.
thru 11/1 nroi.
Revenue History
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
Programs, Licenses
17,244
17,363
16,366
16,366
16,366
Weights & Measures
2,375
2,590
2,263
1,705
1,705
Safe & Drug Free Schl Grant
15,938
16,703
17,818
17,788
0
Tobacco Control Contract
26,320
50,633
57,631*
51,867.93
51,867.93
Title V Betterment Grant (not subject to appropriation)
20,000
200,000
* Reading $29,878, Stoneham $27,753
Staffing History
Staff, pd by town
0.9
0.9
0.9
1
1
Staff, pd by Tobacco Contract
0.4
0.6
0.6
0.6
Staff, pd by Drg Free School Grant
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
0.2
Staff, pd by Stoneham joint services
0.3
0.3
121
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budged Department Human Services
Budget Summary (Form A) Division: Health #511
Summary: E1 &E2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summm C
- 996
- 996
FY -1997
FY- 1998
- 998
Personal Services
(Form B)
68,711
76,774
70,595
75,532
100,934
Nonpersonal Expenses: .
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
39,105
38,441
67,853
40,626
40,626
Supplies
(Form C)
4,425
4,417
4,957
26,974
27,535
Other Charges
(Form C)
1,550
1,597
1,902
2,508
2,508
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
45,080
44,454
74,712
70,108
70,669
Totals
113,791
121,229
145,307
145,640
171,603
(i
Financing Plan:
General Fund 55,453 62,891 88,908 87,520 116,877
Tobacco Contract 53,919 53,919 51,868 53,476 50,082
Drug Free School Grant 4,419 4,419 4,531 4,644 4,644
Electric Fund
Totals 113,791 121,229 145,307 145,640 171,603
122
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budg
et
Department
Human Service
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
Health #511
Summary:
E1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification #
-1996
FY -1996
#
FY -199
#
FY -1998
#
-1998
Health Service Admin. 1.0
10,255
14,684
1.0
10,510
0.4
10,780
1.0
36,477
Drug Free School
4,419
4,419
4,531
0.1
4,644
4,644
Tobacco Control
18,375
18,375
18,026
0.5
18,585
Inspector 0.3
12,446
14,816
0.3
10,896
0.3
13,662
0.4
16,840
Public Health Nurse 0.2
6,250
7,515
0.2
6,436
0.2
6,347
0.4
13,881
Tobacco Control 0.5
15,580
15,580
0.5
16,606
0.5
17,121
1.0
24,700
Adolescent Hlth Nurse
459
242
480'
492
492
Flu Nurses
927
1,143
1,172
1,201
1,200
Hep B. Clinic Nurses
300
Weights & Measures 0.2
0.2
1,638
0.2
2,700
0.2
2,700
C
Health ServdcesAdministrator- iormerlyPrev. Ed.
Coots.
-
Nurses to be hired for immunizing Grade 1 for Hep B.
Weights & Measures now pt with Town
Health Insp. his. 19 per week
Totals 2.2
68,711
76,774
2.2
70,595
2.2
75,532
3.0
100,934/1,
123
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT/ ELDER /HUMAN SERVICES
Mission Statement
The mission of the Division of Elder Services is to ascertain the needs and implement services and
programs for Reading residents over age 60 and assist all residents of the community in accessing
social and human services programs of the Town, State, Federal government, and private
agencies.
Commentary- FY 1997
Meals on Wheels participation is at an all time high because twelve clinical meals are available for
people with specific dietary needs. Continuing support groups include Arthritis Support Group,
P.A.C.E. (People with Arthritis Can Exercise), Low Vision, Alzheimer's Disease Caregivers, AA,
Triad, and veterans' "Scuttlebutt". The Shopping Assistance Program continues to address the.
nutritional needs of homebound citizens. The Social Worker implemented a regional Geriatric
Direct Services Provider Network. Cooperation with public safety departments has enhanced 'the
level of care and attention to elder needs. Coordinator of Volunteers implemented a regional
Coordinator of Volunteers Working Group. The third annual "Day of Caring" volunteers enter
into a community wide effort to help our older population with chores. School intergenerational
events include class room interaction, assistance with RES programs, high school internship,
social events, and volunteer efforts on behalf of the older population. Elder Services coordinated
the distribution of the Adopt-a-Family and senior citizen holiday programs. Community
businesses, organizations and individuals donated seasonal gifts in addition to Thanksgiving and
Christmas food baskets and gifts for our neighbors. The Elder Services Revolving Fund addresses
senior citizens' emergencies. The Hospital Trust Fund medical transportation program is
coordinated by this Division. The Executive Office of Elder Affairs' Formula Grant covers the
Shopping Assistance Coordinator's salary and part of the Coordinator of Volunteers' salary. The
Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Program was implemented. Elder Services will participate in a
needs assestment being conducted by Mystic Valley Elder Services. The fee for the Elder
Services's van was eliminated. Riders may make voluntary contributions.
Commentary - FY 1998
This division will assume the general Human Services functions in addtion to supporting Elder
Services. Additional staff in social work and volunteer coordinating is needed. Support groups,
forums and assistance will be presented in response to the needs of elders and their families.
Revenue History
FY94 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98
Program fees 2212 1912 637 450 450
Staffing History
Staff, pd by Town 3.5 3.5 3.5 3.6 3.6
Staff, pd by grants .4 .7 .7 .7 .7
Staff, pd by donations 3 0 0 0 0
124
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES
ELDER SERVICES
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING EXPENSE:
Line E4 Coordinator of Volunteers
Expand Hours of Current Position
The Town of Reading will gain from the coordination of volunteers who donate their time
and talent for the benefit of the community. Departments and schools will enhance their work and
effort by drawing their volunteers from a central clearing house. This will be accomplished by:
+ meeting with departments and schools to determine the need
• meeting with civic and youth organizations to review their community service projects
+ screening requests, and recruiting and matching volunteer with those requests
• providing uniform and efficient volunteer forms
• applying consistently the volunteer policies
+ reducing confusion thus enabling people to place a limited number of calls (one!) in
order to volunteer
• increasing the pool of volunteers will allow for cross referencing of talents
l
ALTERNATIVE TO PROPOSED NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM:
Additional hours will allow for enhanced intergenerational volunteer programming and
efficient assignment of the community's volunteer power, and that cannot be easily accomplished
within the scope of the Coordinator of Volunteers current 19 hours per week.
125
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
'Budget Summary (Form A)
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Fond C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
1
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Grant
Donations
Department
Human Services
Division:
Elder Services
Summary;
E3 & E4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
$
$
$
$
$
101,633
89,660
101,322
109,877
148,665
124,758
4,443
4,424
5,443
8,556
7,556
901
901
100
1,000
750
5,944 6,032 6,193 20,806 19,456
95,604 107,353 116,070 169,471= 144,214
82,379 93,820 102,724 157,123 131,866
12,896 12,896 12,895 12,348 12,348
Totals 95,604 107,353 116,070 169,471 144,214
126
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget
Deportment
Human Services
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
Elder Services
Summary:
E3
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
B"Wibxes
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
EY -1997
#
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Elder/Hum. Serv. Adm.
1.0
31,418
31,298
1.0
33,567
1.0
41,121
1.0
41,121
Van Driver
1.0
17,229
17,336
1.0
18,197
1.0
19,927
1.0
18,305
Sub. Van Driver
vac
1,230
626
var.
1,505
var.
1,574
var.
1,574
Social Worker
1.0
26,152
26,055
1.0
26,813
1.0
27,400
1.0
27,400
Meals'on Wheels Coord.
0.4
8,099
8,008
0.5
11,320
0.5
12,070
0.5
12,070
Coord. Volunteer-Town
0.5
5,532
5,531
0.5
6,362
0.2
6,968
0.2
6,940
-Grant
6,783
6,913
0.3
6,968
0.3
6,940
Shop.Asst Coord: Town
0.3
0.3
140
0.3
-Grant
5,184
5,060
5,408
5,408
retro salary for van driver
502
Add. Social Worker
0.5
13,615
Add. Vol. Coord.
0.5
13,615
0.2
5,000
-
s
s
s
s.
s
Totals
4.2
89,660
101,322
4.3
109,877
5.0
148,665
4.5
124,758
127
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
HUMAN SERVICES/VETERANS SERVICES
Mission Statement
The mission of Veterans Services is to provide assistance to veterans and their dependents. This
is accomplished through the dissemination of information, coordination of services and payment
of benefit monies. This function is required by state law.
Commentary FY 1997
During FY. 1997 Veterans Services has been striving to continue to minimize costs to the Town
while ensuring that all veterans and their dependents receive all benefits to which they are entitled.
The Agent attempts to keep abreast of the constant changes in benefits, rules and regulations to
best serve the public. Home visits are made to those who are unable to come to the office.
Coordination is made with other agencies to locate all possible sources of aid and services for
clients.
Commentary FY 1998
Same as above
Revenue History proj.
FY94 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98
State reimbursement 19,677 14,570 8,774 13,500 75% of expenditures
(on Cherry Sheet for previous year)
Staffing History
Agent .4 .4 .4 .4 _ .4
128
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Budget
Summary[
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Budget
(Revised)
-1996
9,916
Department
Human Services
Division:
Veterans #555
Summary:
E5, E6, E7
Annual
Adopted
Townf
Actual
Budget
Proposed Manager
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget Recommended
-1 96
FY -1997
FY -1998 -1998
9,913
10,368
10,846. 10,634
19,000 10,899 10,500 10,826 7,545
19,000 10,899 .10,500 10,826 7,545
28,916 20,812 20,868 21,672 18,179
28,916 20,812 20,868 21,672 18,179
Totals 28,916 20,812 20,868 21,672 18,179
129
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form B)
Department Human Services
Division: Veterans Services #555
Summary.. E5
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services (Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification # FY -1996
FY -1996
# -199
FY -1998
# FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Veterans Agent 0.4 9,916
9,913
0.4 10,368
0.4 10,846
0.4 10,634
Totals
s $ s s $
0.4 9,916 9,913 0.4 10,368 0.4 10,846 0.4 10,634
130
Town of Reading FY • 1998 Budget
NonpersonalExpenses(Form W
artment
Human Services
Division:
Veterans #555
Summa 1y:
E6 & E7
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget Actual Budget
Proposed Manager
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
Budget Recommended
Classification FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997
FY-1998 FY -1998
Purchase of Services:
Totals
Supplies:
Totals .
Other Charges:
Transportation 500 493 500 516 545
Aid 18,500 10,406 10,000 10,310 7,000
Totals 19,000 10,899 10,500 10,826 7,545
131
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
HUMAN SERVICES/RECREATION
Mission Statement
The mission of the Recreation Division is to provide a broad spectrum of athletic and leisure time
activities for all segments of the population.
Commentary FY 1997
This was our third full year with a full-time Administrator. This year we continued to expand our
program offerings to the public. New. programs included a Volleyball Camp, Indoor Tennis
Lessons, Winter and Summer Track and Field Meets, a Fun Run Road Race, Karate, Adult Trips,
Swim Meets, Friday Night Activities, Teen Trips, and increased programs for Children with
Special Needs.
Traditional programs have also been modified to better serve the needs of Reading residents.
Additional staffing has been added to the Summer Camp program, Swim program, and Ski
program to allow both programs to operate more efficiently.
Activities geared toward the elementary aged student and middle school student is a continued
focus. Recreation will continue to examine and revise existing policies. Recreation is also
continuing to support the Department of Publics Works in upgrading existing recreational
facilities for all Reading residents.
Commentary FY 1998
We will continue to evaluate programming to respond to the feedback of the public and staff.
Additional programming will be implemented to work to achieve the goal of adding broader
dimensions to Recreation offerings.
The Administrator's position is reclassified to reflect current responsibilities.
132
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
DVartmen. HUMAN SERVICES
Dvis
vi ion: RECREATION
Summer: E8 & E9
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
.Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY - 998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
30,557
30,432
31,312
39,197
39,197
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
200
246
850
1,800
1,800
Supplies
(Form C)
300
287
300
300
300
Other Charges
(Form C)
800
747
700
700
700
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
1,300
1,280
1,850
2,800
2,800
Totals
31,857
31,712
33,162
41,997
41,997
Financing Plan:
General Fund 1,850 2,800 2,800
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Reimbursed by Rev. Fund 31,857 31,712 31,312 39,197 39,197
Totals 31,857 31,712 33,162 41,997 41,997
133
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
HUMAN SERVICES
Personal Services [Form B)
Division:
RECREATION
Summary:
E8
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification #
FY -1996
FY -1996
# FY -1997
# FY -1998
# FY -1998
S
S
S
S
S
ADMINISTRATOR 1.0
30,557
30,432
1.0 31,312
1.0 39,197
1.0 39,197
s s s a $
Totals. 1.0 30,557 30,432 1.0 31,312 1.0 39,197 1.0 39,197
134
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
HUMAN SERVICES/GENERAL
Mission Statement
The mission of the Humans Services Department is twofold:
• to provide an efficient management structure for services;
• to provide and/or coordinate services to people under sixty and to families in need.
Commentary FY97
All human services programming is implemented through donations. No Town funds are used
with the exception of the Director's salary. Community wide donation programs continue. This
year the Thanksgiving food baskets, Christmas/Chanukah food baskets and gifts were donated by
families, community groups and businesses.
This office continues to receive Fuel Assistance applications and assists those clients when they
have problems.
Commentary FY98
A priority for this department is to increase efficiency through computerization such as licenses.
Staff will be trained in the use of any changes in the town's computer systems. We will continue to
respond to the emerging needs of the community.
The Director's position is eliminated, pending a merger with another Department and having a
single Department Head. The Health Services Administrator and the Elder/Human Services
Administrator will pick up the non-administrative duties of the Director's position.
Proj.
Revenue History FY94 FY95 FY96 FY97 FY98
Staffing History
Department Head 1 1 1 1 1
Support Staff 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 2.1
135
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (.Form A)
Department
Human Services
Division:
General #521
Summary:
E1O & E11
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
95,068
94,486
96,717
48,965
48,965
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
1,500
1,400
1,900
1,960
2,000
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
1,500
1,400
1,900
1,960
2,000
Totals
96,568
95,886
98,617
50,925
50,965
Financing Plan:
General Fund 96,568 95,886 98,617 50,925 50,965
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 96,568 95,886 98,617 50,925 50,965
136
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget
Department
Human Services
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
General #521
Summary:
E10
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
IFY -1 96
- 996
#
FY - 997
#
IFY -1998
#
- 1998
Dept. Head
1.0
47,705
47,514
1.0
48,889
1.0
Admin. Assistant
1.0
23,318
23,868
1.0
25,056
1.0
25,705
1.0
25,705
Principal Clerk(s)
1.1
22,519
21,793
1.1
22,638
1.1
23,260
1.1
23,260
Reto PayFY95
1,508
1,293
OTPayAdm. Asst.
18
18
134
i
Totals
3.1
95,068
94,486
3.1
96,717
3.1
48,965
2.1
48,965
%
137
FY 98 BUDGET NARRATIVE
LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Reading Public Library is to make readily available library materials selected in
response to both the diverse reading and educational needs, of all community members; to offer youth an
active library program designed to stress the value of reading and communicating; to deliver information
which' meets community needs; and to vigorously promote the use of all library services and thereby
increase public awareness of the library in the community.
COM ENTARY FY 1997:
During FY 97 the Library's achievements include:
• Materials budget increase of $12,000 enabled Library to purchase additional print, non-print and
electronic resources to meet the needs of customers
• Additional hours for pages improved ability to get materials back on the shelves faster and available
to users sooner
• Closer collaboration with school libraries, particularly Coolidge Middle School, expands automated
resource sharing to the school libraries
• Management of technology is improved through the hiring of a Technician, shared by the Finance
Department and Library
• Installation of a LAN to improve communication and use of library resources
• Installation of new NOBLE telecommunications system that will provide graphical access to the
Internet at all NOBLE workstations
COMMENTARY FY 1998:
During FY 1998, the library's goals include:
• Better meet the demand for efficient interlibrary loan by increasing clerical staff to handle increasing
volume of requests and transactions
• Meet customer's need for summer weekend hours by opening the Library on Saturdays in July and
August
• Meet the state minimum standard of 15% of budget to. be spent on materials
• Better meet the demand for additional library materials by purchasing additional electronic reference
sources for adults and children, children's software and adding full-text titles to magazine database
• Increase collaboration with school libraries and evaluate current pilot project
• Open the Library on Saturday mornings during the summer.
REVENUE AND STAFFING
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
REVENUE
$2,385
$2,198
$3,065
$6,000 est
$6,000 est
STAFFING
16.3
16.7
16.7
17.6
18.3
138
FY 1998 BUDGET NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
JUSTIFICATION FOR TIE FOLLOWING EXPENSE:
Line F1 Additional weekend hours in the summer $5,198
At a January, 1994 staff meeting, the Library Director, Assistant Director and Division Heads
noted the increasing number of requests from customers for weekend hours in the summer. Since that time,
residents' need and desire for summer weekend hours have become very apparent in a variety of ways.
During our recent centennial celebration, when the Library was often open at unusual times, such
as Friday and Saturday evenings, and Sundays before our traditional October opening, customers came into
the library to use the reference materials, check out books, ask information questions, and generally use all
library services without realizing the Library was not actually open. When staff members present (gently)
informed them that the library was not open for business, their reactions ranged from surprise and
disappointment to indignation and intense irritation. During the summer, many staff members, in a variety
of settings including the Library, Town Hall, the Atlantic parking lot, local restaurants and the sidewalk on
Main Street, have received unsolicited requests, complaints, questions and comments such as "Since when
is the Library closed on the weekends? Its too long to go from Friday afternoon until Monday morning."
When the Library Director and Head of Circulation happened to be working on a couple of '
Saturday mornings in August, they watched a regular procession of potential customers park their cars and
walk up to the front door of the Library, only to read the "Closed" sign. The equally frequent telephone
callers were also frustrated that they were unable to ask reference questions, reserve and renew books,
check out videos, and get documents notarized. Last month, a survey of library users about hours gave
these results: we received 157 responses over a three and one-half week period. 58, or 37%, said hours
were sufficient. The remaining 63% wanted more hours, with 55 or 35% of total respondents requesting
summer weekend hours. Friday evenings were also popular (28 or 18%), as was opening at 9 am instead
of 10 am ( 81%). Other requests included staying open until 10 PM during the week and on Saturday,
opening on Sunday mornings and evenings, and opening at 8 am. We concluded that 1) residents would
use the Library whenever it was open; 2) traditional weekday hours are not sufficient in today's society; and
3) weekend hours are the most requested and needed. We are requesting funds for 3 reference librarians, 2
technicians and 2 pages to open the library on Saturdays from 10 to, 5:30 in July and August.
ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED EXPANDED PROGRAM:
Opening the Library for part of a weekend day would also be helpful to users. The cost breaks
down as follows: $77 per hour to open the library, 7.5 hours for 9 Saturdays = $5,198
139
FY 1998 BUDGET NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
LIBRARY DEPARTMENT
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING EXPENSE:
Line Fl Add Technician Hours for Interlibrary Loan $8,676
One of the most important services the Library offers is interlibrary loan (ILL), the sharing of
resources between libraries based on specific customer requests. It is also a service required by law in
order for public libraries to qualify for state aid (605 CMR 4.01). ILL has been facilitated by the
automation of libraries and resource sharing. It is beneficial to libraries because they do not have to
purchase all of the items desired by customers, and beneficial to customers because they have easy access
to a greater range of materials than would be available in the local library.
Networking, the on-line catalog, the Internet and the information explosion in general have
produced huge increases in the volume of interlibrary loan in all libraries. In -FY 87, the first year ILLs
were counted at the RPL and the first full year of automated resource sharing through NOBLE, the total
for the year was 1,449. In FY 93, the first full year of the on-line catalog which enabled customers to see
for themselves the items available in other NOBLE libraries, the total jumped to 7,951. FY 96 brought
public access to the Internet and library catalogs beyond NOBLE, and skyrocketed interlibrary loans to
11,773. Based on first quarter statistics, we project over 12,000 ILLS in FY97.
Staffing assigned to process ILLs has evolved. Due to automation advances and the ability to
batch requests, we have been able to assign responsibility for ILL to lower-paid staff, reducing the cost per
transaction. Where Reference Librarians once provided the service, now Technical Services clerical staff
oversee the operation and are supplemented by Circulation clerical staff and volunteers. As transactions
have increased, we have streamlined the process, eliminating paper files, using e-mail and fax, and made it
as "self-serve" as possible, to reduce staff time..
In planning for FY 96, Technical Services staffing was reduced by 30% to free up needed public
service hours. It was anticipated that the revised staff assignments would cover the needs of ILL service.
However, since the volume of ILLS has increased by 30% since FY95, creative use of staff did not
compensate for this dramatic increase. Most recently, we have worked to reduce the volume of ILLs by
having Reference Librarians intercept ILL requests that can be filled with alternative in-house sources.
Nevertheless, the insufficiency of clerical time required each week for this service has resulted in slower
service and, unfortunately, some unfilled requests and requests that slipped by us completely.
ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED EXPANDED PROGRAM:
We have already worked to reduce the volume of ILL by trying to meet customers' needs. Without
additional hours, customer service will continue to suffer. We could, in theory, purchase more of the items
requested, but this would result in an inefficient use of funds and reduce the availability of more necessary
and widely-used items. Some services could be cut, but it is hard to cut services when customers are
actually asking for more service. We do not anticipate any decrease" in ILLs, but we hope for a
levelling=off. 18 hours is the optimal number of hours needed at this time based on our calculation of
approximately 5 minutes per transaction (12 per hour, 216 per week, 11,232 per year). Total cost: 18
hours per week at $9.18 ($9.36 after 6 months) for 52 weeks: $8,676
140
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summit (Form A)
Department Library (611)
Division: Library (611)
Summary: F1 and F2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
SummNy
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
460,728
459,983
482,181
520,561
516,885
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
95,308
95,121
114,377
130,692.
124,092
Supplies
(Form C)
4,588
4,955
10,555
9,048
9,000
Other Charges
(Form C)
400
219
400
•400
400
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
100,296
100,295
125,332
140,140
133,492
Totals
561,024
560,278
607,513
660,701
650,377
Financing Plan:
General Fund 561,024 560,278 607,513 660,701 650,377
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 561,024 560,278 607,513 660,701 650,377
C
141
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form B)
Department: Library (611)
Division: Library (611)
Summary: F1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
- 996
-1996
#
FY -1997
-1998
#
FY -1998
3
S
S
S
b
Director
1.0
45,845
45,670
1.0
46,990
1.0
55,188
1.0
55,188
Asistant Director
1.0
38,915
38,786
1.0
39,907
1.0
40,938
1.0
40,938
Technical Secretary
0.7
15,099
15,181
0.7
15,490
0.7
16,926
0.7
16,926
Division Heads
3.0
103,043
117,644
4.0
134,864
4.0
138,347
4.0
138,347
Librarians
3.3
108,638
119,287
4.0
124,579
4.5
142,752
4.5
142,752
Senior Library Associate
1.0
26,681
8,278
Library-Associate
1.5
34,242
25,672
1.1
27,075
0.7
15,881
0.7
15,881
Senior Technician
1.0
22,666
18,667
0.7
13,258
0.7
13,597
0.7
13,597
Technician
1.9
36,595
40,481
2.5
46,447
2.5
47,808
2.5
47,808
Page
2.3
29,004
30,317
2.6
33,571
2.6
35,250
2.6
35,250
Summer/Weekend Hours
0.2
5,198
0.2
5,198
Inter-Library Loan Hours
0.4
8,676
0.2
5,000
s
a
a
a
$
Totals
16.7
460,728
459,983
17.6
482,181
18.3
520,561
18.1
516,885
142
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE - POLICE DEPARTMENT
PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH - ANIMAL CONTROL
MISSION STATEMENT - POLICE DEPARTMENT
The Reading Police Department's mission is to protect and serve the public,
through police action. In currying out this mission, the Police Department provides
services in several broad areas: crime prevention and suppression, crime reduction,
investigation of crimes and apprehension of offenders. Movement and control of
traffic, the maintenance of public order*and public emergency services.
MISSION STATEMENT - PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCH
The Reading Public Safety Dispatch mission is to provide the public with the
quickest possible response to request for Police/Fire and Medical services by the most
efficient and effective manner in which dispatch messages are broadcast to field units.
MISSION STATEMENT- ANIMAL CONTROL
The mission of the Reading Animal Control Officer is to take responsibility for
the enforcement of all laws and by-laws applicable to the position and to assume the
overall responsibility for the animals and their co-existence with the public is a major
part of the mission.
NARRATIVE.
Working within the FY 97 budget we were able to accomplish most of our goals.
The community received the benefits of the very successful D.A.R.E. program. Most of the
funds for this program were obtained through grants. Also through grants we obtained a
Crime Prevention Van. Community Policing, as a method of delivering public safety services
and improving policelcommunity relations, remains as the main focus of the department.
143
The Police Department eagerly looks forward to the financial challenges of FY 1998.
Our financial plans for FY98 are to obtain necessary funding so that we can return to the
once budgeted 44 sworn officers We will be seeking adequate funding to equip every
officer with a portable radio and charger. We will continue to seek funding to update our
Computer system. A major challenge of the FY98 budget will be to maintain a high level of
training necessary to full state mandates and the public safety expectations of our
community.
The FY98 financial plan will direct valuable resources into areas that will best
serve the community's public safety needs.
Call for service
Citation/Fines
Park.tick.fines
Staffing
* Estimated
FY 94
FY 95
FY 96
FY 97
FY 98
11,960
12,677
13,028
14,125*
15,599*
109,962
92,530
110,853
112,300*
115,300*
35,594
20,075
22,537
24,199*
25,100*
37
37
39
40
42
144
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget Summary (Form
ent: PUBLIC SAFETY
Division: POLICE #111
Summate G1 &G2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
- 997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
2,245,600
2,189,347
2,278,074
2,515,643
2,432,276
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Sefirices
(Form C)
35,885
36,128
34,455
42,242
36,825
Supplies
(Form D)
75,220
89,092
88,575
104,295
98,275
Other Charges
(Form E)
78,650
68,922
82,550
85,250
85,050
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
189,755
194,142
205,580
231,787
220,150
Totals
2,435,355
2,383,489
2,483,654
2,747,430
2,652,426
Financing Plan:
General Fund 2,435,355 2,383,489 2,483,654 2,747,430 2,652,426
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 2,435,355 2,383,489 2,483,654 2,747,430 2,652,426
C
145
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
PUBLIC SAFETY
Personal Services (Form B
)
Division:
POLICE #111
Summary:
G1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
- 996
#
FY -1997
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
CHIEF
1.00
86,795
86,668
1.00
89,303
1.00
91,476
1.00
91,477
LIEUTENANTS
3.0
193,909
193,893
3.0
210,171•
4.0
259,928
4.0
272,694
SERGEANTS
6.0
328,011
327,099
6.0
337,287
6.0
356,269
6.0
345,206
DETECTIVES
3.0
131,642
131,765
3.0
138,816
3.0
142,286
3.0
139,144
OFFICERS
26.0
1,113,587
1,051,342
25.5
1,116,340
26.0
1,196,397
26.0
1,194,397
CLERKS
2.0
48,228
48,925
2.0
50,227
2.5
61,801
2.0
51,286
PARKING CLERK
2,142
2,360
2,428
2,456
2,479
SCHOOL TRAFFIC
3.5
55,996
62,757
3.5
67,732
3.9
75,500
3.5
69,000
OVERTIME
162,500
173,434
160,000
164,000
155,000
HOLIDAY
106,000
106,294
106,420
110,080
116,968
TEMPORARY POSITION
10,300
16,411
18,000
18,000'
17,000
LONGEVITY
6,490
5,900
6,350
5,850
5,850
SICK LEAVE BUY BACK
7,499
GRANTS
(25,000)
(25,000)
(50,000)
(50,000)
ADDITIONAL CLERK
0.5
10,000
ADDITIONAL POLICE OFFICERS (INCLUDES
INCENTIVES)
2.0
65;000
1.0
21,775
SCHOOL TRAFFIC
1.0
6,600
Totals
2,245,600
2,189,347
2,278,074
2,515,643
2,432,276
NOTE: SALARY INCLUDES EDUCATIONAL INCENTIVE AND NIGHT SHIFT DIFFERENTIAL
146
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget De arimenti PUBLIC SAFETY
Budget Summate (Form A) Division: ANIMAL CONTROL #182
Summary: G3 & G4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
-1996
FY -1997
-1998
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
13,645
13,639
13,371
13,760
13,760
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
3,500
1,820
4,230
4,290
4,290
Supplies
-
(Form C)
600
1,081
650
825
750
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
4,100
2,901
4,880
5,115
5,040
Totals
17,745
16,540
18,251
18,875
18,800
Financing Plan:
General Fund 17,745 16,540 18,251 18,875 18,800
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 17,745 16,540 18,251 18,875 18,800
C
147
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form Bj
Personal Services
Classification
PERM. POSITION
Totals
Annual
Adopted
Budget Actual Budget
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
# FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997 #
s s s
0.5 13,645 13,639 0.5 13,371 0.5
Department PUBLIC SAFETY
Division: ANIMAL CONTROL #182
Summery: G3
Town
Proposed Manager
Budget Recommended
FY -1998 # FY -1998
s a
13,760 0.5 13,760
a $ $ $ $
0.5 13,645 13,639 0.5 13,371 0.5 13,760 0.5 13,760
148
FY98 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Reading Fire Department/Emergency Management is the protection of
life and property. The major components of this mission include:
The delivery of emergency medical services
Fire prevention
Public education
Environmental protection
Provide and maintain an emergency/fire alarm system
Be prepared to address major natural and manmade disasters and emergencies.
COMMENTARY FY 1997:
During FY97, this Department was committed to training its personnel in emergency
medical services, a smaller amount of fire suppression training than hoped for and very little
training in the Emergency Management area. This area of activity continues to require the
support of an Assistant Chief to monitor for continuity.
The amount of construction taking place has stretched this Departments inspection
abilities beyond acceptable limits. Construction will continue for years to come. We need a
permanent position of Assistant Chief to protect the interests of the Town. Additional
administrative funding has made some of these needed inspection services possible.
COMMENTARY FY98:
During FY98 this Department will, with the help of an Assistant Chief, improve the quality
of training in all areas of responsibility. Code Enforcement and inspection activities will increase
markedly. Emergency Management will begin to receive the attention necessary to perform this
vital function. Both FEMA and MEMA requirements will now be fulfilled in a thoiough manner.
VENUE AND STAFFING
FY94
FY95
FY96
FY97
FY98
FIRE INSPECTION FEES
$10,975
$10,057
$ 9,000
$11,104
$15,702
AMBULANCE FEES
$154,393
$164,767
$157,316
$170,000
$171,116
MER. MANAGEMENT
$0
$0
$5,351
$unk.
$unk.
STAFFING
45
45
45
45
46
149
FY98 BUDGET NEW PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE DEPARTMENT/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING EXPENSE:
G5 Add New Assistant Chief , $55,000 (Net $41,009)
REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT STAFF MEMBER
This request for additional support staff has been made for the last eight or nine years by
both' Chief Redfern and myself. The need has not gone away, in fact, it has become critical. One
of the.major components of this position would be plan review and fire code enforcement. With
the construction projects now taking place in Reading; Parker Middle School, Bear Hill, and
possibly the landfill site, the need for a continuous presence at construction meetings and job site
inspections has increased dramatically. The critical need for this aspect of the position was
demonstrated this year when there was a partial collapse of the Parker Middle School project.
This collapse occurred just slightly over twenty four hours after a fire was fought at this exact
site. With all of the heavy activity required at a fire scene it was a miracle that the collapse didn't
occur during the fire. The work load and demand for time has made it impossible for me to
effectively carry out all of the duties of my office as well as those of a Fire Prevention Office.
New and changing laws relating to Fire Department functions as well as new time
commitments required by the Emergency Management Agencies are not being adequately dealt
with. This office has still found it necessary to prioritize work with the result that a great deal of
work is not getting done or is being performed in a cursory manner. A major concern that still'
exists is the problem of consistency. No one person is available on a daily basis to issue violation
notices or. to seek corrective measures at job sites and then to follow up on these violations to see
that corrections are made in a timely manner. If such a person were available I am sure we would
have known about the unsafe condition of the Parker Middle School during the fire.,
In 1989, then Chief Leonard Redfern stated "it is inconceivable to expect a major Public
Safety Department, with so many areas of responsibility, a staff of fifty personnel, and nearly a
two million dollar budget to continue to be essentially a one man operation. It is very risky".
This view is still right on target, except the staff level is now forty five. The George Paul Fire
Department Survey of 1987 states: "to ask a Chief to perform training, prefire planning, building
plan review, license approvals and other fire prevention activities in addition to his daily
administrative duties may result in either of two consequences, first, the work will not be
performed or it will not be well thought out and executed". This prediction has, unfortunately,
become an accurate assessment of the problem. The preceding paragraph has appeared in my
request for this position each time it has been made. Nothing has lessened the problem, in fact the
problem is continually worsening.
My conclusion still remains that what is needed is an Assistant Chief who will assist in the
total day to day operation, be available to manage the Department in my absence, attend meetings
and act in my behalf, to have primary responsibilities in the areas of Fire Prevention, Code
Enforcement and coordination of education and training programs.
150
FY 98 BUDGET DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
FIRE/EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT t'
ADDITIONAL EXPENSE JUSTIFICATION
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING EXPENSES:
Other Charges- Form E
G6 Carbon Monoxide Gas Detector $1,200
The reason for this request is to enable the department to purchase a gas detector which will
detect not only carbon monoxide, but also natural gas at a cost of $1,200.
151
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summn (Form A)
i
Department Public Safety
Division: Fire/Emerg. Mgt
Summary: G5&G6
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
. Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
2,044,354
1,994,989
2,055;371
2,208,526
2,221,317
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
33,300
37,231
37,710
38,868
37,375
Supplies
(Form D)
39,875
33,154
43,100
45,860
45,160
Other Charges
(Form E)
8,350
7,537
8,350
9,589
9,600
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
81,525
77,922
89,160
94,317
92,135
Totals
2,125,879
2,072,911
2,144,531
2,302,843
2,313,452
Financing Plan:
General Fund 2,125,879 2,072,911 2,144,531 2,302,843 2,313,452
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 2,125,879 2,072,911 2,144,531 2,302,843 2,313,452
152
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budg
et
Department
Public Safety
Personal Services (Form B
Division:
Fire/Emerg. Mgt
Summary:
G5
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY - 1998
#
FY -1998
Department Head
1.0
66,945
66,642
1.0
69,676
1.0
71,689
1.0
71,689
Secretary
1.0
28,683
28,535
1.0
29,399
1.0
30,249
1.0
30,249
Captain
4.0
189,787
189,915
4.0
194,532
4.0
213,985
4.0
213,985
Lieutenant
4.0
174,514
169,817
4.0
178,877
4.0
186,718
4.0
186,718
Firefighter
33.0
1,216,430
1,199,608
33.0
1,253,841
33.0
1,315,555
33.0
1,315,555
Mechanic
1.0
34,939
34,847
1.0
35,813
1.0
36,848
1.0
36,848
Fire Alarm
0.5
13,403
13,964-
0.5
13,738
0.5
14,081
0.5
14,081
Overtime
192,339
182,658
145,898
149,545
162,545
Holiday
103,314
103,816
105,897
108,968
108,968
Sick Leave Buy Back
12,000
5,187
12,000
12,000
12,000
EMS Coordinator
1,000
1,500
1,750
1,750
Overtime for Training
11,000
11,929
11,929
Overtime/Administrative
14,200
14,200
Assistant Chief
1.0
41,009.
55,000
Totals
44.5
2,044,354
1,994,989
44.5
2,055,371
45.5
2,208,526
44.5
2,221,317
153
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
i`
Department PUBLIC SAFETY
Division: DISPATCHERS #123
Summary: G7 & G8
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Sum try
-1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
- 1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
. 221,709
221,708
221,773
239,864
233,719
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
16,200
15,762
18,598
19,068
18,615
Supplies
(Form C)
2,850
3,368
3,675
3,780
3,675
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
19,050
19,130
22,273
22,848
22,290
Totals
240,759
240,838
244,046
262,712
256,009
Financing Plan:
General Fund 240,759 240,838 244,046 262,712 256,009
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 240,759 240,838 244,046 262,712 256,009
154
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
PUBLIC SAFETY
Personal Services (Form B~
Division:
DISPATCHERS #123
Summary:
G7
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification .
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
a
s
DISPATCHER
7.0
173,559
188,307
7.0
174,976
7.0
181,715
7.5
191,777
TEMP. DISPATCHERS
0.5
16,070
8,467
1.5
16,576
2.0
16,900
2.0
4,000
HOLIDAY PAY ,
8,455
982
8,721
13,687
12,942
OVERTIME
21,125
23,140
19,000
25,000
23,000
OVERTIME-TRAINING
2,500
812
2,500
2,562
2,000
s
s
s
s
s
Totals
7.5
221,709
221,708
8.5
221,773
9.0
239,864
9.5
233,719
155
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
ADMINISTRATION DMSION
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Administration Division is to administer and support all other Divisions of the
Department of Public Works in the areas of water and sewer billing, payroll and time keeping, personnel
policy, procurement of supplies and services, accounts payable, budget control, clerical and secretarial sup-
port, and governmental and public interaction.
Commentary -.FY1997
The Division maintains its level of support in procurement, budgets, billing, payroll, accounts pay-
able, and clerical and administration. The staff continuously serves as effective points of contact for citi-
zen's questions and concerns.
Commentary - FY1998
The FY1998 request allows for a 2.5% salary increase factor. The replacement at a lower salary
step of the retiring Administrative Assistant has been included. General support for all the other Divisions
will be maintained, including consideration of an on-going public information effort coupled with continu-
ing emphasis on responsive and timely handling of citizens questions and concerns. In addition, the Divi-
sion will maintain the timeliness of the Department's procurement schedules, including the appropriate use
of procurement arrangements such as multi-year contracts. Administrative support for specific programs
such as the Water Treatment Plant Residuals Handling Program and the Parks Renovation Program will
continue, as well as other municipal utility and service programs. Identification and planning of resource
requirements for programs vital to infrastructure maintenance, coupled with the need to make maximum
use of all available resources, will continue to be a key focus.
Commentary - FY1999
The FYI 999 request allows for no increase other than the 2.5% salary and 3.1% expense general
increase factors.
PERSONNEL:
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997B 1998P 1999An
Administrative 4.4 4.6 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Note: the apparent growth in staff reflects consolidation of personnel into one division - not an increase in
staffing levels.
156
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Eorm A)
ftarkg_ent Public Works
Division: Administration (301)
Summary: H1,H2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
- 997
- 998
-199
s
s
s
s
s
Personal Services
(Form B)
186,326
186,325
189,996
191,390
191,390
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
2,800
1,507
2,800
2,800
2,800
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
2,800
1,507
2,800
2,800
2,800
s
s
s
s
s
Totals
189,126
187,832
192,796
194,190
194,190
Financing Plan:
' s s s s s
General Fund 83,837 82,543 83,440 83,187 83,187
Water Fund 62,130 62,130 67,524 66,763 66,763
Sewer Fund 43,159 43,159 41,832 44,240 44,240
Electric Fund
s s s s s
Totals 189,126 187,832 192,796 194,190 194,190
24-Mar-97
C.
157
Town of Reading FY -1998 BudW
Personal Services (Form BI
Department Public Works
Division: Administration (301)
Summary. H1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
S
S
S
S
S
Salaries:
Director
1.0
67,883
67,977
1.0
69,942
1.0
71,746
1.0
71,746
Super - Bus. Serv.
1.0
41,656
41,496
1.0
42,713
1.0
43,803
1.0
43,803
Admin. - Asst
1.0
27,503
27,438
1.0
28,227
1.0
25,579
1.0
25,579
Clerk
2.0
47,616
47,382
2.0
48,859
2.0
50,112
2.0
50,112
Overtime
Grade Adjustments
98
255
150
150
Revisions
(268)
Rev.2 - FY95 Retro.
1,936
1,935
s s s a s
Totals 5.0 186,326 186,325 5.0 189,996 5.0 191,390 5.0 191,390
24-Mar-97
158
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
ENGINEERING DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT
Engineering is a function necessary to the operation of all other divisions of the Department of Public Works
and to many Divisions of the Town outside the Department. The office is responsible for Preparation of plans, speci-
fications and estimates for Town construction projects, Survey layout, inspection and supervision of Town construc-
tion projects, Preparation of pay estimates, Review of subdivision plans for accuracy and conformance with
subdivision rules and regulations, Inspection of subdivision construction, Administration of the Chapter 90 program,
Maintenance of all records concerning the subdivision of land, roadway construction, and water, sewer and drainage
construction, Revisions to Assessors and zoning maps, Issuance of sewer connection permits, road opening permits,
water service connections, and driveway permits, and Assisting other divisions and Departments as necessary.
COMMENTARY FY1997
FYI 997 proved to be a very busy time for the Engineering Division. The Division has continued to provide
basic customer service and public information, plus a significantly increased array of projects. A new engineer was
added to the Engineering Staff in August 1996 to help in the preparation of design documents for these projects. .
Some of the projects that were completed or set into motion during this time include Reconstruction of South Street,
Reconstruction of upper Pearl Street, Construction of sidewalks and curb at the Barrows School, Joshua Eaton
School, King Street, the Wood End Cemetery and Haverhill Street, Construction inspection and layout of the Wood
End Cemetery, Preparation of design plans, specifications and contract documents for the Depot parking lot improve-
ments, Preparation of Notices of Intent for water main looping projects on Bancroft Ave. & Libby Ave, Preparation
of design plans and specifications for the reconstruction of Route 129, Preparation of design plans for Summer
Avenue/Walnut Street reconstruction projects, Survey and preparation of plans for the proposed West Street Corri-
dor project, Construction of new traffic signals at Summer Avenue/Prescott Street (Spring 1997 start), Survey and
design of the Nike site athletic fields, Initiation of the Downtown Streetscape design plans, and Construction inspec-
tion and plan review for 19 subdivisions.
C0NEKENTARY FY1998
For FY1998, basic customer and public information tasks will continue and specific additional public works
projects will be added. Significant additional project work will include Reconstruction of Route 129 from I-93 to
I-95 with the addition of sidewalks and curb, Completion of the design plans and specifications for the West Street
Corridor project, Design and construction of the North Main Street sidewalks, Reconstruction of Walnut Street,
Reconstruction of Summer Avenue, Continuation of the sidewalk/curb construction program, Continuation of survey
and design for the roadway capital improvement program, Survey and design of the Quannapowitt drainage ditch
erosion control project, Survey and design of the Library parking lot, and Survey and design of the Pitman Bike
Path.
With the addition of the new Computer Aided Design system, there is a need for additional supply funding
for items such as plotter pens, paper and various other hardware. Given the increased volume of in-house design
work, this funding will be necessary to maintain adequate computer supplies. The.level of project activity discussed
above puts demands on existing supply funding for support of contract administration, plan copying, etc.
COMMENTARY FY1999
FY1999 at this point is anticipated to remain at the same levels as FY1998, so tasks identified for FY1998
will continue into FYI 999 with general salary (2.5%) and expense (3.1%) increase factors.
STAFF:
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997B 1998R
Base
4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 5.0
Requested
_ _ 1.0
Total
4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 5.0 6.0
Page 2 of 18
159
FY 1998 NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
ENGINEERING DIVISION
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE FOLLOWING EXPENSE:
Line H3 Add -Co-op Student $22,922
The Engineering Division budget proposal reflects the addition of a new position - that of a Co-operative
Education Student. One of the major impediments that the Engineering Division has in the performance of its duties
is the constant flow of foot traffic into the office and telephone calls from residents, realtors and surveyors/engineers
looking for various types of information. In reviewing time sheets for the past year, it was determined that nearly 6
hours a day is spent helping walk-in or telephone customers. Most of these questions require an engineering back-
ground to answer, however, this takes away valuable time that could be better spent on design projects. The addition
of a Co-operative Education Student would relieve this burden from the engineers while also providing valuable work
experience for the student. In times when the student is not helping customers, other projects could be advanced such
as plotting survey information, preparing sewer cards, etc. Given the large upcoming projects such as the West
Street Corridor project, the Downtown Streetscape project, and the Quannapowitt Drainage project, the addition of a
Co-operative Education Student would be invaluable in achieving the timely completion of these projects.
ALTERNATIVES TO PROPOSED NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM
The primary alternative to funding the position of a Co-operative Education Student is funding overtime to
supplement the work that is done during regular hours. Using the above analysis of time spent helping cus-
tomers, the amount of overtime required to make up those hours would be approximately 1,430 hours at a
cost of nearly $36,000. The addition of a Co-op Student would be significantly less expensive while allow-
ing increased productivity from the Division.
Page 3 of 18
160
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Departrnent Public Works
Division: Engineering (302)
Summary: H3,H4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
200,845
200,556
233,397
268,019
262,219
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
50
400
357
345
345
Supplies
(Form C)
5,450
4,819
3,000
3,500
3,500
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
5,500
5,219
3,357
3,845
3,845
Totals
206,345
205,775
236,754
271,864
266,064
Financing Plan:
General Fund 152,182 151,612 170,563 196,820 191,020
Water Fund 36,115 36,115 44,915 50,923 50,924
Sewer Fund 18,048 18,048 21,276 24,121 24,120
Electric Fund
Totals 206,345 205,775 236,754 271,864 266,064
25-Mar-97
161
Town of Readies FY -1998 Budget
Department
Public Works
Personal Services (Form JB
Division:
Engineering (302)
Summary:
H3
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -19996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Salaries:
Town Engineer
1.0
55,221
55,191
1.0
56,631
1.0
58,085
1.0
58,085
Civil Engineer (E4)
1.0
69,283 1
70,302
1.0 1
73,226
1.0
36,394
1.0
36,394
Senior Engineer
1.0
/
1.0 !
1.0
38,649
1.0
38,649
Junior Enginer
1.0
1.0
28,000
1.0
28,731
1.0
28,731
Chief Field Technician
1.0
38,457
39,180
1.0
40,800
1.0
41,823
1.0
41,823
Field Technician
1.0
32,044
32,804
1.0
34,160
1.0
35,016
1.0
35,016
Seasonal Staff
Overtime
2,502
Revisions
5,840
Grade Adjustments
(
576
580
600
600
CO-OP SAA*nt
22,922
22,922
Overtime
5,800
s
s
s
s
s
Totals
6.0
200,845
200,556
6.0
233,397
6.0
268,019
6.0
262,219
24-Mar-97
162
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
HIGHWAYNEHICLE MAINTENANCE DIVISION
Mission Statement:
The mission of the HighwayNehicle Maintenance Division is to maintain the roadways and sidewalks of the town
for safe passage of vehicular and pedestrian traffic, maintain all open and closed waterways within the community, and main-
tain all motorized vehicles and equipment.
COMMENTARY - FY 1997
The Division continues to maintain roadways, sidewalks, parking lots, regulatory traffic signs, street signs and
drainage systems (including open channels, pipe systems, catch basins and drainage structures) on an reduced, almost emer-
gency, basis due to limited funding. In addition, the division has continued to maintain over 70 pieces of motorized vehicles
and other equipment within the Public Works Department and Elder Services Division. Winter weather wear-and-tear, an ag-
ing over-the-road fleet, and prior maintenance cutbacks in the face of higher than budgeted price increases in parts have re-
sulted in continuing higher than budgeted maintenance costs. The roadways and parking lots are swept yearly with one Town
owned sweeper supplemented with one rented unit, and a program of sweeping the square weekly has been resumed. Traffic
control markings, crosswalk and other markings such as parking lines were applied in a portion of the Town by an outside
contractor under the supervision of Engineering and Highway Division personnel. Restoration of seasonal labor has made a
significant difference in maintenance and project completion.
The Division provides appropriate support service to other Public Works Divisions in the form of staff and equip-
ment for operations such as leaf composting, loam shredding, capital projects and cemetery development, along with dispatch
services for all divisions within the Public Works Department.
The Division was prioritized to contribute staff and material resources to Wood End cemetery development, sidewalk
and curbing construction, Barrows School portable classroom installation, paving at the Killiam and High Schools and under-
ground tank removal at the High School.
COMMENTARY -1998:
This budget renuest REFLECTS transfer of funds from School budget for school pavement maintenance This is
part DPW 's response to its goal of DECEMBER 13TH for submitting budget revisions reflecting consolidation and re-
organization of maintenance with the School Department.
The Division will. continue to provide services to maintain the roadway and drainage infrastructure within the lim-
ited resources.available. Operations throughout the Town are continually reviewed, and necessary plans and funding require-
ments developed. For FY 1998, requests for funding increases for additional seasonal staff, added overtime budget, increased
roadway sweeping, expanded traffic marking painting, pavement repair and additional equipment maintenance services and
parts procurement have been identified in a separate submittal. Continued prioritized support of capital and other projects will
be provided, with effort currently foreseen in additional curbing and sidewalk construction, roadway reconstruction and re-
pair, and Wood End Cemetery development. Other projects and requests will be addressed as required. Electricity has been
adjusted to reflect services now actually charged, plus the +3.1% general planning factor increase. Allowance for license fees
required by contract and/or regulation are displayed on a separate line beginning in FYI 998.
COMMENTARY -1999:
No additional or expanded programs, or program deletions, have been anticipated for FY1999. The anticipated
budget therefore includes only established salary and expense planning factors.
PERSONNEL:
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997B
1998R
Superv/dispatch/General
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Equip. Maint.
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
3.0
Catch Basin Main.
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
1.0
General Highway
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
TOTAL17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
17.0
Page 4 of 18
163
FY 1998 BUDGET NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
HIGHWAY DIVISION
Line H5: Add - SEASONAL STAFF: $7,475 (Part of Pavement Repair)
During FY1997, the Division received re-instatement of funding for 2 seasonal employees. This funding remains in
the base request. These employees helped to compensate for reduced permanent staff and greater vacation eligibility for the
remaining staff which has adversely affected the Division's ability to accomplish the work scheduled for the summer's major
construction period. We were able to run (1)+ road and maintenance crew(s) plus handle emergency calls more promptly.
(The types of work involved included DPW construction work such as road and sidewalk repairs, drainage system mainte-
nance, capital project support, etc.) Much of this effort impacts directly on the Town liability and safety concerns as well as
resident complaints. With the addition of two (2) more seasonal employees, we would be able to run (2) crews and begin more
extensive work on drainage system maintenance, ditches and pavement repairs.
Line H6: Increase - LINE PAINTING: $10,000
Existing funding does not allow line painting all crosswalks, traffic markings and parking designations even once
per.year. Based on"current experience, the total to do this is $21,900, which provides coverage of crossings, school crosswalks
and other traffic markings at least once per year. As one result of funding shortfalls over the past several years, all markings
have NOT been renewed even once a year, and the condition of the total population of marking has deteriorated accordingly..
Adverse winter weather in recent years have added to the deterioration. In order to restore a more lasting base for critical traf-
fic lines such as crosswalks, stop bars, center lines and road edge lines, a TWICE A YEAR painting is recommended for at
least 3 years before reverting to an every-other-year twice a year program. The value of the additional twice-a-year painting is
$18,100, for a total of $40,000. (FY1998 base funding equals $15,852.) This request DOES NOT provide for school parking
areas which would require parking lines curb painting crosswalks arrows etc
Line H6: ADD - PAVEMENT REPAIR: $25,000
State funding under Chapter 90 is applied to the repair or reconstruction of main arteries at the rate of approximately
two (2) a year. These funds make up the entire budget available for road repairs, except for materials and contract services
generally limited to winter or other damage repair. The Highway Division now finds that the small "patch" repairs its has
been focusing on are now recurring and growing into larger repairs areas. In some cases, repairs will require a complete over-
lay of the road. Side roads in particular have suffered from this neglect. The requested budget increase will be used for hot top
and other materials needed to perform additional road repairs, to deal with the expanding area of some repair sites and to ac-
complish some overlay work. This request DOES NOT provide for school parking areas which would require repair or
resurfacing.
Page 5 of 18
164
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary ((Form A)
Department Public Works
Division: Highway (303)
Summm: H5, H6
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
-1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
537,040
518,090
569,039
598,765
593,314
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase-of Services
(Form C)
94,733
93,315
78,535
146,679
109,743
Supplies
(Form. D)
172,060
161,852
166,185
206,337
196,159
Other Charges
(Form E)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses.
266,793
255,167
244,720
353,015
305,902
Totals
803,833
773,258
813,759
951,781
899,216
Financing Plan:
General Fund 781,161 750,586 785,399 906,686 860,803
Water Fund 13,291 13,291 17,204 31,409 27,881
Sewer Fund 9,381 9,381 11,156 13,686 10,532
Electric Fund
Totals 803,833 773,258 813,759 951,781 899,216
24-Mar-97
C
165
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department:
Public Works
Personal Services Form B)
Division:
Highway (303)
Summary:
H5
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
Y - 996
#
FY -1997
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
s
s
a
a
~
Salaries:
Supervisor
1.0
46,625
46,446
1.0
47,773
1.0
49,026
1.0
49,026
Foreman
1.0
35,827
36,370
1.0
37,373
1.0
38,022
1.0
38,022
Working Foreman
2.0
62,708
32,901
2.0
63,805
2.0
66,524
2.0
66,524
Chief Equipment Oper.
. 1.0
31,354
32,613.
1.0
32,468
1.0
33,262
1.0
33,262
Hvy. Equip. Oper.
1.0
30,626
31,293
1.0
32,090
1.0
31,884
1.0
31,884
U.-Med. Equip. Oper.
2.0
57,529
55,086
2.0
58,796
2.0
61,011
2.0
61,011
Skilled Laborer
5.0
140,419
101,132
3.0
89,005
3.0
89,888
3.0
89,888
Semi-skilled Laborer
Laborer
38,340
2.0
48,500
2.0
55,374
2.0
55,374
Dispatcher
1.0
20,931
1.0
20,627
1.0
20,525
1.0
20,525
Master Mechanic
1.0
35,827
36,277
1.0
37,373
1.0
38,022
1.0
38,022
Mechanic 1
2.0
62,708
62,918
2.0
64,642
2.0
63,250
10
63,250
Seasonal Laborer
4,862
0.6
7,500
0.6
7,700
0.6
7,700
Overtime
13,966 1
31,537
14,997 1
15,532 1
16,080
On-call Premium (OT)
6,395/
6,395/
6,395/
6,395
Longevity
7,125
5,822
6,175
6,375
6,375
Grade Adjustments
2,493
1,520
2,500
2,500
Revisions
(15,000)
AobfflaW SsasaW
0.5
7,475
0.5
7,475
owfte
6,000
Totals
17.0
537,040
518,090
17.6
569,039
18.1
598,765
18.1
.593,314
24-Mar-97
166
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC. WORKS Y
PARKS AND FORESTRY DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the Parks and Forestry Division is to provide and maintain areas for passive and active rec-
reational use, and to replant and maintain public shade trees. This Division provides maintenance for all the "Com-
mon Areas", including athletic areas and school turf areas, conservation property and skating areas. In addition,
Division personnel provide and maintain a tree nursery and compost area, maintain the Town Forest, and install
lights on the Common.
COMMENTARY - FY1997:
Division permanent staff, including (1) additional permanent laborer and supplemented with seasonal labor-
ers, maintains the physical structures (fences, playground equipment, etc.) within the parks and playgrounds. The Di-
vision strongly recommends that this program continue, and has included funding in the proposed base budget.
Restoration of ball diamonds and athletic areas per Recreation's program increased with the appropriation of capital
funds ($267k) to renovate and improve these areas. Turf areas have deteriorated due to the water restriction that have
been imposed: funding for a restored turf maintenance program has been provided and the program began with the
Fall 1996 treatments. The Division continues to work with the Recreation Committee and Recreation Supervisor to
review and implement both a short- and long- term maintenance program for the recreation facilities. Division staff
maintains larger open spaces for the School Department where it is more practical for us to use our larger and more
productive equipment. The programmed purchase of small tree whips to be planted in our nursery was funded this
year and a continuation is being requested for future years in order to assure the Town of stock for re-plantings. The
collapse of acceptor market for brush and stump grindings and chips continues to cause a major shrinking of our dis-
posal program. Compost Center hours of operation have been expanded using Senior Citizen volunteers under the
Senior Citizen Property Tax Work Program.
Priority constraints on manpower and funding continues to hinder our ability to maintain our public shade
trees in a safe condition.
COMMENTARY - FY1998:
The same activities, responsibilities and concerns appear to face the division in FY 1998. This budget request
REFLECTS maintenance of landscaping and turf areas immediately adjacent to the schools. Landscaping line item is a
transfer from the School Budget, while additional seasonal labor needs are discussed elsewhere. This is part DPW's response
to its goal of DECEMBER 13TH for submitting budget revisions reflecting consolidation and re-organization of maintenance
with the School Department. In re-calculating the seasonal staff level provided, it was discovered that the current wage
structure allowed more staff than previously identified. This re-calculation is the reason for the apparent increase
from 1.3 to 1.5 equivalent seasonal people in the base staffing plan. Added brush grinding funding is being requested
to address a pressing space constraint at the compost center, as is funding to grind stumps and logs at the landfill site
in preparation for closure plus additional overtime to support expanded compost center operation. These requests are
regarded as critical initiatives for the Division. Electricity has been estimated using the +3.1% general planning fac-
tor. Recognition of license re-imbursements (such as pesticides) has been provided to reflect the increasing require-
ments placed on staff through contract and regulation. Electricity includes estimated costs for irrigation controls
installed with park refurbishment capital project.
COMMENTARY - FY1999:
No major changes are anticipated for FY1999: expenses include general salary and expense increases.
PERSONNEL: 1993 .1994 1995 1996 1997B 1998R 1999An
Permanent Staff 8 7 7 7 8 8 8
Seasonal Stag' 0.4 1.3 1.3 1.3 1.3 3.4 3.4 /
Page 6 of 18
167
FY 1998 Budget New or Expanded Program Justification
Department of Public Works
Parks and Forestry Division
Line H7 Additional: Seasonal Labor for School Grounds Maintenance ($20,000)
Provides for (2) long term and (1) short term seasonal employees to condition and maintain school grounds
coming under DPW responsibility as a part of the Facilities Maintenance reorganization. This staff is not a transfer
from the School budget: no staff is being transferred from the Schools. This request is the result of an assessment of
staff needed to perform outside maintenance duties during the peak growing and usage seasons.
Page 7 of 18
168
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget
Department
Public Works
Budget Summary (Form A)
Division:
Parks & Forestry (313)
Summary:
H7, H8
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Sum
1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Personal Services
(Form B)
253,608
244,717
294,241
325,722
320,680
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
15,840
11,300
28,860
72,433
38,098
Supplies
(Form D)
16,330
15,826
17,255
17,790
17,790
Other Charges
(Form E)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
32,170
27,125
46,115
90,223
55,888
s
a
s
s
s
Totals
285,778
271,842
340,356
415,945
376,568
Financing Plan:
a s s s s
General Fund 285,778 271,842 340,356 415,945 376,568
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
$ $ . $ s $
Totals 285,778 271,842 340,356 415,945 376,568
25-Mar-97
169
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
Public Works
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
Parks & Forestry (313)
Summary:
H7
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
EMMibxes
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classfica8on,
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
(
FY -1997
(
FY -1999$
#
EY -1998
S
S
S
S
S
Salaries:
Supervisor
1.0
47,565
47,362
1.0
48,734
1.0
49,987
1.0
49,987
Working Foreman
2.0
62,707
63,688
2.0
65,643
2.0
66,524
2.0
66,524
Tree Climber 1
1.0
30,626
30,820
1.0
32,090
1.0
32,510
1.0
32,510
Tree Climber III
1.0
28,186
23,424
1.0
29,668
1.0
29,963
1.0
29,963
Lt-Med. Equip. Operator
1.0
28,765
29,174
1.0
30,190
1.0
30,506
1.0
30,506
Skilled Laborer
1.0
24,911
1.0
26,998
1.0
27,687
1.0
27,687
Laborer
21,979
1.0
22,000
1.0
23,574
1.0
23,574
Seasonal Laborer
1.3
20,994
11,860
1.3
22,057
1.5
22,608
1.5
22,608
Overtime
4,0151
13,397
4,218 1
4,3231
4,323
Overtime - Compost
8,3881
8,8131
9,0331
9,033
Longevity
2,075
1,959
2,350
2,450
2,450
Grade Adjustments
1,054
1,480
1,517
1,517
Revisions
(4,624)
Compost Center Overtime
1,000
SEASONAL LA80R
1.9
24,042
20,000
&dibanai to ft" q
School Gun* Mntced
S
S
3
$
8
Totals
8.3
253,608
244,717
9.3
294,241
11.4
325,722
9.5
320,680
24-Mar-97
170
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
STREET LIGHTING
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Street Lighting Division is to provide a central account for the Town's cost of
street lighting.
Commentary- FY 1997
The FY 1997 budget planned for a continuation of the reduced level of street lighting for the pur-
pose of reducing expenses but did provide for some nominal (+1.0%) growth in service. As of the June,
1996, billing the actual number of lights equaled 2,178 compared with a budget of 2,197.
Commentary- FY 1998
The requested budget for FY 1998 allows for a 1% increase in number of street lights plus a 3.1%
general increase from the FY 1997 budget (for comparison, the RMLD suggested budget planning factor
for rate increases was 3.0%). Surplus funding at the end of the fiscal year, if any, is programmed for costs
of replacing lamps with greater efficiency, lower cost units.
Commentary - FY 1999
The anticipated request for FY 1999 again allows for a 1% increase in number of street lights plus a
3.1 % increase for rates (general budget guidelines planning factor)
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997E 1998P +1999An
Number of
Street Lights 2,111 2,139 2,143 2,160 2,174 2,197 2,218 2,240
Page 10 of 18
171
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Fomr A)
ftertment Public Works
Division: Street Lighting (325)
umm . H13
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Sum m ary
FY -1996
-1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
-1998
S
S
S
S
S
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
192,331
192,331
200,100
208,366
203,336
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
192,331
192,331
200,100
208,366
203,336
~
s
s
a
s
Totals
192,331
192,331
200,100
208,366
203,336
Financing Plan:
s s a s s
General Fund 192,331 192,331 200,100 208,366 203,336
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
S S S S S
Totals 192,331 192,331 200,100 208,366 203,336
24-Mar-97
172
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
RUBBISH COLLECTION AND RECYCLING .
MISSION STATEMENT
To provide adequate curbside collection to residents for refuse, recyclables and bulk items, and to
provide collection at all school buildings, municipal buildings and park and recreation facilities.
Commentary - FY1997
The Town extended its agreement with Waste Management for the first six months in order to
complete structuring of its new waste collection and disposal and recycling contracts which were bid in
September. The new contracts, effective January 6, 1997, will place disposal with Ogden Martin (15
years), collection with Advanced Disposal (2.5 years) and recycling with Waste Management (2.5 years).-
White goods will be picked up by the recycling contractor, and the cost is included in the new recycling
contract price.
Commentary - FY1998
FYI 998 is the first full year of the new disposal, collection and recycling contracts. The amounts
requested are those provided by the contracts, with disposal estimated at 9,200 tons. The Department in
this request DOES NOT recommend pick-up of rubbish or recycling at condos, however the Town Man-
ager has requested information on the cost of collection and disposal of rubbish from all existing condo
complexes together with inclusion of curbside recycling pickup.
Commentary - FY1999
The amounts anticipated are those provided by the contracts. Disposal continues to be estimated at
9,200 tons.
Page 11 of 18
173
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summa (f=orm A)
Annual
Budget
Summa
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonai Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals
Dppartment Public Works.
Division: Rubbish/Recycling (312)
Summom H14
Adopted Town
Budget Actual Budget Proposed Manager
(Revised) Expendikxes (Revised) Budget Recommended
FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997 - 998 - 998
s s s s s
1,059,040 1,059,040 959,505 891,178 854,625
1,059,040 1,059,040 959,505 891,178 854,625
i s s s s
1,059,040 1,059,040 959,505 891,178 854,625
s s s s s
1,059,040 1,059,040 959,505 891,178 854,625
s s s s s
1,059,040 1,059,040 959,505 891,178 854,625
02:22 PM
174
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budg
e
Department:
Public Works
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form Q
Division:
Rubbish/Recycling (312)
Summary:
H14
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised) '
Budget
Recommended
Classification
FY -1996
EY -1996
FY -1997
- 1998
FY -1998
E
E
E
E
E
Purchase of Services:
Collection
323,640
299,248
343,640
299,000
299,000
Disposal
528,080
423,124
455,000
426,325
426,325
Pass Through Cost
85,000
•184,187
0
0
Professional Services
0
0
0
White Goods
9,600
0
Recycling - Curbside
153,080
152,480
88,000
129,300
129,300
Recycling - Schools
1,200
1,200
1,200
Revisions
(31,960)
Revisions - FY96 in FY97
62,065
PiAt-up Car~nfoss
35,353
E
S
E
S
E
Totals
1,059,040
1,059,040
959,505
891,178
854,625
E
E
E
E
E
supplies:
E
E
E
E
E
Totals
0
0
0
0
0
E
E
E
E
E
Other Charges:
E E E E E
Totals 0 0 0 0 0
25-Mar-97
175
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
SNOW AND ICE CONTROL
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Snow and Ice Control is to provide a central account for the town's cost of
snow and ice removal.
Commentary - FY 1997
The FYI 997 budget established Snow & Ice Removal funding by adding budget planning factors to
the FYI 996 initial budget. These factors were (contractual) 2.5% for labor and 2.5% for supplies and con-
tractor services. This budget continued the practice of initially funding one (1) equivalent full time Town
employee, plus overtime, in this account. The account also funds the cost of contracted equipment and op-
erators, road sand and salt, and some equipment fuel. The Department has added a capability to use liquid
calcium chloride as a de-icing agent in order to reduce the amount of rock salt used since calcium chloride
operates at-lower temperatures and is more environmentally sensitive. Additional funds may be transferred
into the account from reserves if weather conditions dictate, and excess funds may transferred to other ac-
counts if more moderate weather prevails. If there is anything like a repeat of last year's record breaking
conditions, the accounts are obviously significantly under funded.
Commentary - FY1998
The proposed budget for FYI 998 requests an increase of 2.5% for labor and 3.1% for other ex-
penses over FY1997, attaining a basic appropriation level of $187,467. As in prior years, additional funds
may be transferred into the account from reserves if weather conditions dictate, and excess funds may be
available for other accounts if more moderate weather prevails.
Commentary - FY1999
The anticipated budget for FY1999 continues with an increase of 2.5% for labor and 3.1% for
other expenses over FY1998 to reach a level of $193,096.
Page 12 of 18
176
SNOW AND ICE EXPENDITURE HISTORY
Fiscal
Initial
O / (U)
Year
Expenditure
Appropriation
Appropriation
1999A
$193,039
1998P
$187,467
19978
$182,058
1996
$677,475
$177,614
$4991861 (1)
1995
$136,935
$175,000
($38,065)
1994
$428,680
$110,000
$318,680
1993
$344,416
$110,000
$234,416
1992
$91,347
$150,000
($58;653)
1991
$128,915
$150,000
($21, 085)
1990
$235,600
1989
$104,600
1988
$263,900
Avera e Expenditures:
1988-1996 $267,985
1988-1995 $216,799
1991-1996 $301,295
1991-1995 $226,059
(1) Re-imbursement under State or Federal government
emergency or other relief programs HAVE NOT been
included in these costs. These re-imbursements totalled $61,123
from the State and $59,863 from the Federal governments.
S&IHISTF.WK4
12/05/96: 08:29 AM
177
Town of Readigg FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summery (_arm A)
p,n Public Works
Division: Snow & Ice Removal (321)
um ar. HIS
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
-1998
s
S
S
s
s
Perso6al Services
(Form B)
243,708
243,707
39,068
40,045
40,045
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
277,817
220,738
88,665
91,414
91,414
Supplies
(Form C)
94,416
92,044
54,325
56,009
56,008
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
372,233
312,782
142,990
147,423
147,422
s
s
s
s
s
Totals
615,941
556,489
182,058
187,467
187,467
Financing Plan:
s s s s s
General Fund 615,941 556,489 182,058 187,467 187,467
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
s s s s s
Totals 615,941 556,489 182,058 187,467 187,467
24-Mar-97
178
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
CEMETERY DIVISION
Mission Statement
The Cemetery Division's prime mission is to insure the Town of Reading's compliance with Chapter 114 of
the Massachusetts General Laws by Providing burial space for all those persons who die within its borders. the
Cemetery Division strives not only to fulfill it's legal responsibilities but also to preserve the aesthetic quality of the
Town's heritage by keeping these green spaces neat and attractive.
Commentary - FY 1997
During FY 1997, the Wood End Cemetery development has continued with the drainage, roadway and lawns
installed for the first phase. The Division also took delivery of a small dump truck and lawn sweeper under the Capi-
tal Equipment Program.
Commentary - FY 1998
During FY 1998 the development of WOOD END CEMETERY will continue with the lot layout phase. The ceme-
tery will open in the fall. Additional seasonal staff has been included for the opening of Wood End Cemetery: this
need is not a new program as it was identified and committed during the approval-process for the new cemetery pro-
ject. This request DOES NOT include a reduction to reflect placing cemetery spaces on "open space" water billing
similar to other Town parks and fields. The Division has a pickup truck and lawn mower in the Capital Equipment
Program for this year.
Commentary - FY 1999
For FY1999, the Division will complete the filling and capping of the second phase of the Wood End Ceme-
tery in compliance with the Order of Conditions. The Division has scheduled the third phase of road construction at
Laurel Hill, and a dump truck is scheduled in the Capital Plan. Staff wage step increases assume current contract
provisions.
STATISTICS:
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997B
1998P
Selected Revenues:
Fees.
$75,569
$106,093
$107,572
$101,640
$113,000
$113,000
Interest
$77,000
$ 53,000
$ 66,883
$ 82,000
$ 88,108
$ 96,041
Sale of Lots
$40,023
$ 38,000
$ 30,000
$ 20,000
$ 22,000
$ 40,000
Staffing:
Permanent
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
Seasonal
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.3
1.6
Add. Seasonal'
0.3
Page 13 of 18
179
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budge
Budget Summark(Form A)
Department
Public Works
Division:
Cemetery (481)
Summa:.
H16, H17
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
mmerX
Y - 1996
FY - 996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
187,394
182,480
195,859
201,350
201,350
NonpersonalExpenses:
Purchase 6f Services
(Form C)
1,550
1,969
2,050
2,300
2,300
Supplies
(Form D)
27,975
27,556
27,585
29,875
28,685
Other Charges
(Form E)
2,000
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
29,525
29,525
31,635
32,175
30,985
Totals
216,919
212,005
227,494
233,525
232,335
Financing Plan:
General Fund
1,919
8,365
4,386
4,450
4,450
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Fees
113,000
101,640
113,000
113,000
113,000
Bequest Income
82,000
82,000
88,108
96,075
94,885
Sale of Lots
20,000
20,000
22,000
20,000
20,000
Totals
216,919
212,005
227,494
233,525
232,335
24-Mar-97
180
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget
Department:
Public Works
Personal Services (Form B)
Division:
Cemetery (481)
Summary:
H16
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
Y -1997
#
FY -1998
#
FY -1998
S
S
S
S
S
Salaries:
Director
1.0
45,492
45,300
1.0
46,608
1.0
47,807
1.0
47,807
Crewmaster
1.0
32,215
31,826
1.0
33,698
1.0
34,181
1.0
34,181
Hvy. Equip. Operator
1.0
30,336
30,783
1.0
31,090
1.0
31,884
1.0
31,884
Skilled Laborer
27,998
1.0
28,230
1.0
28,230
Semi-skilled Laborer
1.0
25,722
24,908
1.0
Laborer
1.0
23,714
20,399
1.0
25,409
1.0
23,574
1.0
23,574
Seasonal Laborer
1.3
22,973
19,496
1.3
24,136
1.9
28,525
1.9
28,525
Overtime
5,359
8,688
5,630
5,775
5,775
Longevity
650
650
650
925
925
Grade Adustments
933
430
.640.
450
450
Revisions
S
S
S
$
S
Totals
6.3
187,394'
182,480
6.3
195,859
6.9
201,350
6.9
201,350
24-Mar-97
181
READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Harry K. Harutunian, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Post Office Box 180
Reading, Massachusetts 01867-0280
TO: Town Meeting
FROM: Susan Cavicchi
DATE: 24 March 1997
TOPIC: Reading School Committee Approved Budget
Introduction
Reading School Committee
Susan Cavicchi, chair
Thomas J. Stohlman, vice chair
Matthew Cummings
Roberta C. D'Antona
Robert L: Spadafora, Jr.
Timothy R. Twomey
The Reading School Committee acknowledges that this Approved Budget does not
satisfy all the needs enumerated by the community; however, it is based on reasonable needs of
the Reading Public Schools for the 1997-1998 school year. This budget provides for the
maintenance of existing levels of services and some growth in the school system. The Reading
School Committee has been careful to make sure that the Approved Budget reflects:
• School Committee Goals (Fall, 1996)
• negotiated salary increases,
• known increases in utilities and insurance,
• the mandated Educational Reform Act of 1993,
• an inflationary rate increase,
• enrollment increases,
• the increased enrollment of Parker Middle School due to an adjustment in district lines, .
and
• realistic funding for students with Special Needs.
The School Committee's Approved Budget for 1997-1998 totals $21,271,025 which
represents an increase of $1,761,712 or 9% over the FY 1997 budget. The FY 1998 budget
reflects a continued increase in the student population. The School. Department projects that the
Reading Public Schools will see a K-12 enrollment for 1997-1998 of approximately 4,173
students, an increase of 121 students for the fall of 1997. Over the next five years (FY98 -
FY02) we project enrollment will continue to increase, adding an additional 404 students.
182
Reading School Committee's Approved Budget FYI 998
Guidelines
The Reading School Committee used the following guidelines in developing this budget:
• when possible maintain reasonable pupil/teacher ratio in accordance with educational
research, (grades K-2 at or below mid-twenties, grades 3-5 mid-twenties) as it applies to
the Reading Public School System,
• redistrict kindergarten students to fully utilize space in the other schools,
• provide equal educational opportunities for all students K-12,
• maintain the middle school philosophy and structure,
• maintain a reasonable level of support service in all programs
• fund curriculum initiatives to allow textbook adoptions to proceed with predictability
and
• implement the second year of a three year program to address enrollment issues at the
Parker Middle School.
Taken as a whole, the effect of these guidelines is to provide a basic level of service to all
Reading Public School students. There is little room for unanticipated expenses such as those
associated with irregular enrollment increases, special education residential placements, or
overruns in heating and electricity costs.
Highlights
Initially; budget requests received by Superintendent Harutunian from the building
principals and directors represented more than a $3,000,000 increase for the FY98 Budget with
the largest area being personnel. The Reading School Committee Approved Budget represents a
reduction of those requests for new positions to a cost of $634,250. These positions are
necessary to implement the 990 hour Education Reform Law requirement for instruction of high
school students and to handle the increased enrollment at Parker Middle School and the
elementary schools.
The 1997-1998 budget highlights are in the following areas:
Reading Memorial High School
1.0
Special Education Teacher
.4
English Teacher
.8
Mathematics Teacher
1.2
Social Studies Teachers
1.0
Science Teacher
:6
Presentation Skills Teachers
(Most for meeting minimum standards for
990 hour Education Reform Law)
5.0 Full-time.equivalent RMHS teachers total = $165,000
183
Reading School Committee's Approved Budget FYI 998
Parker Middle School
1.0 Mathematics/Science Teacher (All to implement second year of
1.0 Social Studies/English middle school enrollment program)
Language Arts Teacher
.5 Art Teacher
.5 Music Teacher
Coolidge and Parker Middle Schools
1.25 World Language Teacher (To meet State world/language requirement)
4.25 Full-time equivalent Middle School Teachers total = $140,250
Elementary Schools
2.0 Classroom Teachers to reduce class size
2.0 Instructional specialists (Curriculum Frameworks implementation)
2.0 Educational Assistants for operating/maintaining technology equipment
4.0 Educational Assistants to-reduce class size
4.0 Full-time equivalent Teachers and 6.0 Educational Assistants total = $207,000
Special Education
1.0 Speech and Language Teacher
1.0 Language/Learning Disabilities Teacher
2.0 Full-time equivalent Special Education teachers total = $67,000
184
Reading School Committee's Approved Budget FYI 998
Building Maintenance
1.0 Custodians - Assignment will be made following a district wide building
needs assessment
1.0 Carpenter
2.0 Full-time equivalent custodian/maintenance personnel total = $55,000
Stipends
Coordinator of Early Childhood Education = $3,500
It is also important to note that the Approved Budget will cover costs for a variety of
programs.
• $106,000 for new science, mathematics and world language textbooks and instructional
materials. This is the result of the new state mathematics and science curriculum
frameworks which have been approved by the State Board of Education and that we must
implement.
• Implementation of the grade five University of Chicago Math Series which was
introduced in Grade 1-4 over the past few years.
With the addition of new technology in our schools this past year, the need for two
educational assistants who will work in the four elementary schools to maintain and
operate our technology is imperative.
• The addition of two instructional specialists who will help teachers improve curriculum
and instruction at the elementary level is very important for the future of our schools.
Instructional specialists will be used to implement not only the new mathematics and
science curriculum frameworks, but also the language arts, social studies, health and
other curriculum frameworks as well as the new curriculum assessment program which
will be implemented over the next few years.
Maintenance of our buildings has been also given a very high priority so this budget
contains two custodians. Also, we will add a carpenter who will help as we merge the
school and town building departments together.
185
Reading School Committee's Approved Budget FY1998
On the following pages, charts and graphs have been provided to provide the reader with
the following information:
Analysis of School Budget Fiscal Year 1992 - 1998
Analysis of School Budget by Program Fiscal Year 1996 - 1998
• Allocation of Line Item Budget by Program Fiscal Year 1998
Summary
A reduction in this proposed budget will have a serious impact on the Reading School
Department's ability to implement the Education Reform Act of 1993 requirement of 990 hours
of instruction at the high school level as well as to handle the increased enrollment at Parker
Middle School and the elementary schools. It will also have a major impact on some of the
most basic levels of programs and services students receive in our schools. Reductions in the
recommended staff, textbook purchases and equipment purchases would seriously impact the
schools as we know them today. The process of analyzing how the town and the school
department can collaborate to find a means to provide the educational services that this
community requires must continue and all options must be examined.
The Reading School Committee is prepared to discuss with Town Meeting any input they
would like to give us on the budget.
186
Reading Public Schools
Budget Summary
Fiscal Year 1998
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Administration
558,496
558,496
665,293
696,874
Regular Day
11,995,819
11,984,310
12,867,772
13,836,001
Special Needs
3,393,142
3,354,566
3,755,021
4,223,881
Other School Services
457,980
452,132
501,256
581,916
Custodial / Maintenance
1,887,286
1,865,637
1,719,971
1,932,353
Totals
18,292,723
18,215,141
19,509,313
21,271,025
26-Mar-97
187
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget Program: Administration
Budget Summary _(Form A)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Budget
Detail on
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Summary
Form
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Personal Services
B
258,320
258,261
359,976
382,757
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Administration
C
104,184
105,911
59,000
75,100
Professional development
C
89,675
88,171
130,000
127,700
Utilities
C
50,000
49,836
60,000
55,000
Retirement programs
C
56,317
56,317
56,317
56,317
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
300,176
300,235
305,317
314,117
Totals
558.496
558.496
665,293
696.874
25-Mar-97
188
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget Program: Administration
Personal Services (Form B)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Classification
# FY -1996
FY -1996
# FY -1997
# FY =1998
Administration
2.0 153,891
154,890
3.0 210,047
3.0 235,456
Clerical
3.5 98,991
102,221
5.0 145,779
5.0 143,501
Overtime
3,000
3,000
Longevity
1,150
1,150
1,150
800
Unallocated
4,288
Totals 5.5 258.320 258.261 8.0 359.976 8.0 382.757
* salary adjustments subject to negotiation
l
25-Mar-97
189
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget Program: Administration
Nonpe[sonal Expenses(Form C)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Administration
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Maintenance of office equipment
5242-000
5,000
11,326
9,000
12,000
Prof. services (strategic planning)
5300-221
1,000
1,268
1,000
10,000
Advertising
5301-000
13,500
13,675
4,000
4,000
Medical services
5303-000
4,500
4,545
6,000
6,000
Laborcounsel
5304-000
23,000
23,461
15,000
15,000
Computer contract
5323-000
1,000
1,000
Postage
5342-000
2,800
2,103
3,000
3,000
Office supplies
5420-000
12,200
12,228
8,000
10,000
Printing
5434-000
3,000
3,754
4,000
4,500
In state travel
5710-000
1,200
109
1,500
500
Dues and memberships
5730-000
4,460
6,683
6,500
6,600
District awards
5783-000
2,500
Computer equipment
5857-000
33,524
26,759
Totals
104.184
105.911
59.000
75.100
Professional Development
Professional development 5711-000 39,675 49,418 75,000 72,700
Tuition reimbursement 5717-000 50,000 38,753 55,000 55,000
Totals 89,675 88.171 130,000 127,700
Utilities
Telephone 5341-000 50,000 49,836 60,000 5000
Totals 50,000 49,836 60,000 55,000
Retirement Programs
Early retirement assessment 5671-000 56,317 56,317 56,317 56,317
Totals 56,317 56,317 56,317 56,317
25-Mar-97
190
Reading Public School FY -1998 Budget
Program:
Re
ular Da
g
y
Budget Summary (Form A)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Budget
Detail on
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Summary
Form
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Personal Services
B
11,411,391
11,390,473
12,112,795
12,876,541
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Instructional services:
Principal office expenses
C
121,173
91,747
110,647
117,179
Instructional supplies
C
209,174
248,832
229,753
276,799
Understanding disabilities
15,000
15,000
15,000
15,000
Instructional equipment (maintenance)
D
23,696
14,367
23,850
24,855
Textbooks (replacement)
D
57,682
64,741
110,133
66,338
Library materials
E
31,484
29,503
39,645
44,850
Media I educational software
E
17,305
13,196
20,365
27,840
Guidance
E
4,120
3,306
5,517
6,760
Instructional equipment (new)
F
23,499
31,971
27,870
45,289
Instructional equipment (replacement)
F
23,795
25,871
35,890
44,550
Collaboratives
71,307
75,000
Curriculum initiatives
150,000
Other student services:
Student transportation services'
57,500
55,303
65,000
65,000
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
584,428
593,837
754,977
959,460
Totals
11,995,819
11,984,310.
12,867.772
13,836,001
- 25-Mar-97
191
Reading Public School FY
-1998
Budge
Pr ram:
Regular Day
Personal Services (Form B
)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
Principal
11.0
696,234
707,751
11.0
718,640
11.0
752,129
Teachers
240.9
10,036,365
10,004,824
244.1
10,610,555
244.1
10,957,770
Differentials
68,411
61,216
72,506
75,413
Substitute teachers
130,700
138,442
171,700
130,000
Educational assts.
21.8
254,596
254,383
25.4
305,288
21.4
262,920
Clerical
11.0
232,298
231,192
11.0
238,106
11.0
•244,059
Longevity
87,017
87,016
90,000
95,000
Sick leave buyback
4.0
23,770
23,649
4.0
24,000
Revenue offset
(118,000)
(118,000)
(118,000)
(118,000)
Teachers
10.3
338,250
Educational assts.
6.0
75,000
Instructional specialists
i i
2.0
64,000
Totals 288.7 11,411,391 11,390,473 295.5 12,112,795 305.8 12,876,541
salary adjustments subject to negotiation
25-Mar-97
192
Reading Public School FY -1998 Budget Program: Regular Day
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form •1
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Principal Office Expenses
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Maintenance of office equipment
5242-000
20,750
20,492
21,822
25,800
Postage
5342-000
6,310
7,232
7,050
7,389
Office supplies
5420-000
5,975
9,326
6,375
8,190
Computer supplies
5425-000
9,700
7,972
7,450
9,600
Printing
5434-000
3,275
3,916
4,050
4,800
Professional development
5711-000
66,495
34,402
54,500
50,400
Dues and membership
5730-000
3,100
2,621
2,950
3,550
Other expenses
5780-000
498
256
2,200
3,150
Awards
5783-000
1,170
2,271
1,300
1,600
Graduation
5784-000
2,500
2,613
2,500
2,700
Accreditation
5321-000
100
Travel reimbursement
5713-000
646
Telephone
5341-000
1,300
450
Totals
121.173
91.747
110.647
117.179
Instructional Sup lies
General
5511-000
53,143
92,074
66,423
80,400
Art
5511-231
21,450
23,283
25,155
30,200
Business education
5511-249
6,500
6,500
6,500
6,500
Computers
5511-253
5,900
5,000
11,185
19,600
Foreign language
5511-235
1,500
1,231
1,650
3,500
Home economics
5511-251
2,400
1,387 -
3,300
N/A
Language arts
5511-233
9,800
14,400
11,115
13,220
Mathematics
5511-237
27,245
27,542
25,445
30,722
Music
5511-239
5,710
4,617
6,730
7,025
Physical education
5511-257
6,060
6,513
6,500
7,250
Reading
5511-241
23,750
22,609
21,350
25,961
Science
5511-243
18,225
14,963
19,850
21,980
Social studies
5511-245
8,415
6,876
9,400
10,091
Technical education
5511-255
4,500
4,963
3,400
4,100
Project achieve (focus)
5511-259
2,075
413
2,100
2,100
Field trips
5511-261
700
108
650
650
System wide testing
5523-000
10,801
14,853
8,000
12,000.
MCET contract
5328-000
1,000
1,500
1,000
1,500
Bilingual education
5316-000
Totals
209.174
248.832
229.753
276.799
25-Mar-97
193
Reading Public School FY -1998 Budget
Nonoersonal Expenses (Form D)
Program; Regular Day
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Instructional Equipment
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
(Maintenance and Repair)
#
FY -'1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Art
5243-231
550
597
850
950
Audio / visual
5243-263
3,500
1,917
5,600
5,800
Business education
5243-249
2,500
2,500
2,500
2,500
Computers
5243-253
2,000
1,565
5,370
7,400
Foreign language
5243-235
Home economics
5243-251
850
N/A
Language arts
5243-233
450
450
Mathematics
5243-237
Media center
5243-265
500
500
Music
5243-239
3,250
2,942
4,880
4,555
Physical education
5243-257
1,000
364
1,250
1,100
Reading
5243-241
Science
5243-243
850
748
1,100
1,100
Social studies
5243-245
Technical education
5243-255
400
302
500
500
Undistributed (211)
9,646
3,432
23.696
14.367
23,850
24.855
Textbooks (Replacement)
Art
5515-231
Business education
5515-249
720
696
1,000
1,000
Computers .
5515-253
500
Foreign language
5515-235
4,950
4,918
4,400
7,200
Language arts
5515-233
12,530
13,216
17,480
18,000
Mathematics
5515-237
15,442
15,578
38,805
11,883
Music
5515-239
550
873
780
875
Physical education
5515-257
600
166
960
950
Reading
5515-241
10,100
9,634
8,678
8,825
Rebinds
5515-271
3,300
2,463
3,600
4,450
Science
5515-243
3,360
4,861
5,400
4,300
Social studies
5515-245
6,130
12,241
28,240
8,565
Technical education
5515-255
90
90
Project achieve (focus)
5515-259
200
200
Undistributed
5515-000
New allocation
5515-000
Lost books
95
Totals
57,682
64,741
110,133
66,338
25-Mar-97
194
Beading Public School FY -1998 Budget Program: Regular Day
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form E)
Annual School
Adopted Committee
Budget Actual Budget Recommended
Code (Revised) Expenditures (Revised) Budget
Library Materials FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997 FY -1998
Books, magazines and periodicals
•5517-273
26,019
23,697
31,420
36,600
Computer materials
5517-253
2,650
2,625
3,200
3,300
On line service
5517-276
500
541
2,600
2,600
Rebinds
5517-271
100
Supplies
5517-267
2,215
2,640
2,425
2,350
Totals
31,484
29,503
39,645
44,850
Media / Educational Software
Art
5519-231
200
205
300
.750
Business education
5519-249
500
523
500
500
Computers
5519-253
2,800
2,471
2,600
3,200
Foreign language
5519-235
900
675
. 1,100
900
Home economics
5519-251
550
N/A
Language arts
5519-233
400
461
700
3,285
Mathematics
5519-237
1,300
400
800
1,800
Music
5519-239
75
62
515
460
Physical education
5519-257
150
200
525
Reading
5519-241
300
350
550
Science
5519-243
1,200
853
2,300
4,000
Social studies
5519-245
3,800
2,819
4,250
5,750
Supplies
5519.267
5,515
4,727
5,750
5,470
Technical education
5519.255
165
300
500
Project achieve (focus)
5519-259
150
150
$
$
$
$
Totals
17,305
13,196
20,365
27,840
Guidance
Audio visual
5521-263
210
100
300
250
Books
5521-273
1,700
1,726
2,350
2,300
Postage
5521-279
510
510
550
850
Supplies
5521-267
1,700
970
2,317
3,360
$
$
$
$
Totals
4,120
3,306
5,517
6,760
25-Mar-97
195
Reading Public School FY -1 998 Budget Program: Regular Day
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form F)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Instructional Equipment
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
New
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Art
5853-231
1,500
1,479
2,200
2,200
Audio visual
5853-263
4,052
1,454
1,800
7,200
Business education
5853-249
1,365
1,351
1,400
1,400
Computers
5853-253
3,302
14,547
3,720
12,900
Foreign language
5853-235
340
2,705
1,155
Language arts
5853-233
340
1,375
700
Mathematics
5853-237
1,200
961
1,550
3,600
Media center
5853-265
1,900
1,900
3,185
Music
5853-239
2,910
2,855
2,950
4,940
Physical education
5853-257
600
685
1,550
Reading
5853-241
1,900
1,841
200
Science
5853-243
1,750
1,768
1,800
2,850
Social studies
5853-245
840
616
3,000
5,094
Technical education
5853-255
1,500
1,500
1,500
1,500
Photocopy equipment
5853-000
1,699
Totals
23.499
31.971
27,870
45.289
Instructional Equipment
(Replacement)
Art
5858-231
1,914 600
600
Audio visual
5858-263
1,350
3,375
4,250
Business education
5858-249
400
400
Computers
5858-253
Foreign language
5858-235
450
200
200
Home economics
5858-251
400
N/A
Language arts
5858-233
400
Mathematics
5858-237
Media center
5858-265
875
1,300
1,500
Music
5858-239
65
1,650
2,000
Physical education
5858-257
250
1,830
1,700
Reading
5858-241
Science
5858-243
500
800
800
Social studies
5858-245
1,000
2,110
625
Technical education
5858-255
800
Photocopy equipment
5343-000
19,305
23,957 22,425
32,075
Totals
23,795
25.871 35.890
44.550
v 25-Mar-97
196
Reading Public School FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Administration.
Itinerant services
Textbooks and equipment
Consultation and evaluation
Transportation
Tuition
Pro ram: Special Needs
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Detail on
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Form
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
B
1,832,561
1,807,786
1,990,069
2,084,260
C
25,610
24,963
13,475
23,104
C
81,766
99,558
127,070
125,400
D
2,200
2,916
29,000
30,000
D
47,000
42,356
68,000
64,800
D
455,300
434,816
532,233
605,000
D
948,705
942,171
995,174
1,291,317
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses 1,560,581 1,546,780 1,764,952 2,139,621
Totals 3,393,142 3,354,566 3,755,021 4,223,881
25-Mar-97
197
Reading Public School FY -1998 Budget
Personal Services (Form B)
Program: Special Needs
Annual
- School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Classification
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
Director
1.0
37,331
37,323
1.0
65,000
1.0
69,000
Teachers
27.1
1,131,039
1,103,929
33.1
1,222,919
33.1
1,308,313
Differentials
-
Substitute Teachers
11,000
250
15,000
15,000
Nurse
9,000
8,464
18,000
18,000
Educational Assts
38.7
483,000
498,570
40.9
499,115
40.9
556,509
Tutors
6.8
104,452
101,171
6.5
107,064
6.5
73,992
Home / Hospital
9,922
11,262
10,170
10,000
Clerical
2.0
40,781
40,781
2.0
41,801
2.0
42,846
Longevity
6,036
6,036
5,000
5,600
Sick leave buyback
1.0
6,000
Revenue offset (115,000)
Teachers. 3.0 100,000
Totals 75.6 1,832,561 1,807,786 84.5 1,990,069 86.5 2,084,260
salary adjustments subject to negotiation
25-Mar-97
198
Reading Public School FY -1998 Bud
get
Program:
Special Needs
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form C)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Administration
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Maintenance of office equipment
5242-000
1,500
1,500
1,000
1,500
Legal services
5304-000
7,500
6,152
7,000
Medicaid program
5315-000
7,500
10,393
3,500
3,500
Postage
5342-000
950
963
650
950
Office supplies
5420-000
3,500
3,338
3,200
3,504
Printing
5434-000
500
500
500
700
Professional development
5711-000
660
140
1,500
2,500
In state travel
5710=000
600
235
400
200
Travel reimbursement
5713-000
2,200
1,742
2,475
2;700
Dues and membership
5730-000
450
250
550
Other expenses
5780-000
250
Totals 25.610 24.963 13.475 23.104
Itinerant services
Physical theraphy
5355-000
70,000
88,289
40,000
45,000
Occupational theraphy
5357-000
15,000.
15,000
Speech theraphy
5371-000
11,500
11,500
Vision services
5373-000
34,500
35,000
Deaf services
5375-000
1,500
1,500
Collaborative memberships
5380-000
5,600
11,100
Physical theraphy supplies
5427-000
750
744
1,000
1,000
Psychologist supplies
5428-000
1,500
1,223
1,000
1,000
Speech theraphy supplies
5429-000
2,000
1,986
2,000
4,000
Instructional supplies (schools)
5511-000
7,216
7,016
14,670
Audio visual expenses
5519-000
300
300
300
300
Totals 81.766 99.558 127.070 125.400
25-Mar-97
199
Reading Public School FY -1998 B
udget
Program:
Special Needs
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form D)
Annual
School
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Textbooks and Equipment
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Equipment
5858-000
2,200
2,025
29,000
30,000
Chair lifts
5865-000
891
Totals
2,200
2,916
29,000
30,000
Consultation and evaluation
Consultations
5356-000
22,000
18,130
28,000
25,000
Independent evaluations
5358-000
25,000
24,226
40,000
39,800
$
$
$
$
Totals
47A00
42.356
68.000
64,800
Transportation
Transportation - public / private
409,300
389,722
487,233
560,000
Transportation - nursing care
5339-000
46,000
45,094
45,000
45,000
Totals
455,300
434,816
532.233
605.000
Tuition
Tuition - public schools
5352-000
164,947
171,541
203,634
489,569
Tuition - private schools
5353-000
712,159
699,031
751,515
801,748
Collaboratives
5673-000
71,599
71,599
40,025 (1)
Totals
948.705
942.171
995.174
1,291.317
(1) Included in tuition public school.
- 25-Mar-97
200
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Health Services
Athletic Services
Other Student Activities
Program: Other School Services
Annual
Schools
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Detail on
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Form
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
B
348,433
339,484
374,196
394,655
C
5,750
6,380
7,060
61,645
C
99,797
104,616
120,000
125,616
C
4,000
1,652
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses 109,547 112,648 127,060 187,261
Totals 457,980 452,132 501,256 581,916
26-Mar-97
201
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget Program; Other School Services
Personal Services (Form B)
Annual
Schools
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Classification
#
FY -1996
F -19 6
#
FY -1997
#
FY.- 199
8
Health Services:
Physician
9,824
8,659
7,000
7,280 '
Nurses
4.0
104,269
101,821
5.0
124,726
5.0
123,554
Clerical
0.5
7,136
7,447
0.5
7,315
0.5
8,800
Longevity
900
300
Athiectic Services:
Director
0.7
37,735
37,735
0.7
38,679
0.7
39,646
Coaches
175,000
167,370
184,000
191,700
Clerical
0.5
7,136
7,136
0.5
7,315
0.5
8,800
Custodial
2,811
Budget Offset (Revenue)
(25,000)
(25,000)
(20,000)
(20,000)
Other Student Activities:
Extra Curricula 32,333
30,605 25,161 34,575
Totals 5.7 348,433 339,484 6.7 374,196 6.7 394,655
salary adjustments subject to negotiation
26-Mar-97
202
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget
NonoersonalExpenses (Fom CC)
Program: Other School Services
Annual
Schools
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Health Services
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Postage
203-5342-000
500
750
Office Supplies
203-5420-000
200
550
Medical Supplies
203-5451-000
5,250
5,181
3,000
3,750
Professional Development
203-5711-000
500
500
Contractual services
203-5380-000
53,000
Travel reimbursement
203-5713-000
489
500
Dues and Membership
203-5730-000
600
Other Expenses
203-5780-000
35
Vision Testing Equipment
203-5880-000
1,450
1,450
Equipment
203-5853-000
500
710
775
1,145
Totals
5.750
6.380
7.060
61.645
Athletic Services
Maintenance of Equipment
205-5241-000
4,892
5,216
5,500
6,697
Maintenance of Fields
205-5246-000
4,000
4,000
Equipment Rental
205-5271-000
15,320
14,267
15,600
15,650
Transportation
205-5330-000
26,680,
24,755
29,000
31,260
Athletic Officials
205-5361-000
22,198
25,894
28,300
30,260
Crowd Monitors
205-5363-000
3,650
3,703
3,900
3,900
Office supplies
205-5420-000
_
2,400
Medical Supplies
205-5451-000
3,000
2,019
3,000
Dues and Memberships
205-5730-000
1,587
1,437
1,787
1,827
Awards
205-5783-000
1,298
1,881
2,393
2,173
Equipment lsupplies.
205
21,172
25,444
26,520
27,449
Totals
99.797
104.616
120.000
125.616
Other Student Activities
Transportation - Band 4,000 1,652
Totals 4.000 1.652
26-Mar-97
203
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Program: Custodial / Maintenance
Annual
Schools
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Budget
Detail on
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Summarv
Form
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Personal Services
B
885,944
884,818
829,057
934,579
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Heating of Buildings
C
298,900
294,427
251,000
276,000
Utilities.
C
320,550
317,526
320,000
329,000
Maintenance of Buildings
C
298,302
286,634
263,934
337,074
Custodial Services
C
37,440
36,082
55,980
55,700
Acquisition, improvement and
replacement of fixed assets
C
46,150
46,150
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
1,001,342
980,819
890,914
997,774
Totals
1,887,286
1.865.637
1,719,971
1.932.353
i
25-Mar-97
204
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget Pro-gran: Custodial / Maintenance
Personal Services (Form B).
Annual
Schools
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Classification
# FY -1996
FY -1996
#
FY -1997
#
FY -1998
Director
1.0 40,005
41,012
1.0
41,006
1.0
60,000
Custodians
25.8 709,106
711,027
21.7
614,603
21.7
633,041
Custodians (temporary)
14,697
_
15,138
Maintenance/supervisor
4.0
121,534
4.0
125,180 (1)
Clerical
0.6 14,333
14,333
0.6
14,692
0.6
15,059
Overtime
65,300
63,445
54,525
56,161
Longevity
7,700
7,700
7,000
Sick leave buyback
2,500
2,502
Fiscal year 1995 retroactive
67,000,
64,799
,Budget Offset (Revenue)
(20,000)
(20,000)
(32,000)
(32,000)
Custodians
2.0
55,000
$ $ $ $
Totals 27.4 8851944 884,818 27.3 829,057 29.3 934,579
* salary adjustments subject to negotiation
(1) new line includes assistant director, HVAC, mechanic
and electrician.
f~.
25-Mar-97
205
Reading Public Schools FY -1998 Budget
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form
Heating of Bull
di~s
Heating Oil
Natural Gas
Totals
Utilities
Water Supply / Sewer Disposal
Electricity
Totals
Maintenance of Buildings
i
Maintenance of Buildings
Equipment Rentals
Totals
Custodial Services
Custodial Supplies
Clothing Allowance
In State Travel
Travel Reimbursement
Totals
Plant Acquisitions Improvements
Portable Relocation
Totals
Program: Custodial / Maintenance
Annual
Schools
Adopted
Committee
Budget
Actual
Budget
Recommended
Code
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
#
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
5212-000
257,000
256,993
201,000
206,000
5213-000
41,900
37,434
50,000
70,000
298,900
294.427
251.000
276.000
5231-000. 44,850 42,743 45,000 47,000
5211-000 275,700 274,783 275,000 282,000
320.550 317.526 320.000 329.000
5245-000 291,302 280,760 259,059 332,074
5271-000 7,000 5,874 4,875 5,000
298.302 286.634 263.934 337.074
5450-000
32,000
31,762 50,000
50,000
5477-000
4,140
4,320 4,680
4,400
5710-000
800
800
800
5713-000
500
500
500
37.440
36.082 55.980
55.700
5859-000 46,150 46,150
46.150 46.150
25-Mar-97
206
1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
BUILDING MAINTENANCE DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT:
The mission of the Building Maintenance Division is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the em-
ployees and residents of the Town of Reading in all public buildings, and to assure the continuing use of these facili-
ties. The Division is responsible for operating and maintaining these buildings in the most efficient manner possible.
COMMENTARY - FY 1997:
The Division consists of three (3) employees, and is supervised by the Supervisor of the Highway/Vehicle
Maintenance Division within Public Works.
The Town has continued to benefit from the past decade's upgrading and/or constructing of new building fa-
cilities for the municipal functions. We have facilities that are structurally sound, with more economical heating and
cooling systems, and with electrical systems current with modern use and lighting levels as required by function.
With the passage of time, however, facilities age, and standards and code requirements change. One project now in
process is re-vamped air make-up in the Town Hall, Main Street Fire Station and the Library. As a result of the
study performed by our consulting engineering firm, Richard D. Kimball Company, Inc., unsatisfactory air quality in
the Library Children's Room is being addressed as a priority item. Air handling improvements for the Town Hall and
the Main Street fire Station are being postponed. The building maintenance staff, supplemented by contracted custo-
dial services, has provided occupants and visitors to the town Hall, Police Station, two Fire Stations, Library, and
Senior Center with clean and safe facilities. FY1998 is the last year of the current 3-year custodial services contract.
All costs of maintaining the Pearl Street School and other property transferred to other owners and uses have
been removed from this budget. In FY1996, operations cost for the Pearl Street School totaled $1,998, $1,088 of
which was electricity.
COMMENTARY - FY1998:
This budget requests funding at the FY1997 level, plus general and contractual increase factors and specific
program additions. This budget makes NO provision for any cost associated with a consolidated building mainte-
nance department. DPW has a goal of DECEMBER 13TH for submitting budget revisions reflecting consolidation and re-
organization of maintenance with the School Department. In FY 1998, the use of contracted service are planned to be
continued, along with current funding requirements. A program of building service system maintenance and review
(electrical, security, mechanical, etc.) will be continued. Short and long term capital improvement projects will be
evaluated for these facilities, and implemented as funding priorities allows. Additional funding for a fourth custodian,
correction of persistently under funded overtime and upward adjustment of electricity costs have been separately
identified. The additional custodian and overtime are continuing results of increased facility usage tied to Town pro-
grams. Electricity has been estimated, at a +3% RMLD planning factor. Custodial staff does not contractually or oth-
erwise require any specific licenses, so (unlike other Divisions) no separate requirement has been highlighted.
COMMENTARY - FY1999:
This budget requests funding at the FY1998 level, plus general and contractual increase factors. No further spe-
cific program additions have been identified. This budget makes NO provision for any cost associated with a consoli-
dated building maintenance department. The new custodial services contract is assumed to increase at no more than
3.1 % over the prior contract.
STAFF: 1993 1994 1995 1996
Current 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Added
Total 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0
Page 8 of 18
1997B 1998R
1999An
3.0 3.0
3.0
1.0
1.0
3.0 4.0
4.0
207
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Eftartment Public Works
Division: Building Maintenance (080)
Summary: J2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
- 996
-1997
- 998
-1998
s
s
s
s
s
Personal Services
(Form B)
86,303
85,727
82,996
109,536
82,412
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
187,400
184,921
171,184
180,491
180,491
Supplies
(Form D)
98,122
92,124
96,000
98,976
98,976
Other Charges
(Form E)
Total Nonparsonal
Expenses
285,522
277,045
267,184
279,467
279,467
_
s
s
s
s
s
Totals
371,825
362,772
350,180
389,003
361,879
Financing Plan:
s s s s s
General Fund 371,825 362,772 350,180 389,003 361,879
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
$ s $ s $
Totals 371,825 362,772 350,180 389,003 361,879
24-Mar-97
208
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budg
et
Department
Public Works
Personal Services orm
81
Division:
Building Maintenance (080)
Summary.
J2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
-1996
1997
#
FY - 99
#
FY -1998
s
s
s
s
s
Salaries:
Lead Custodian
1.0
25,041
25,422
1.0
26,411
1.0
26,580
1.0
26,580
Custodian
2.0
39,979
41,891
2.0
47,101
2.0
47,147
2.0
47,147
ShitDifferiential
835
785
835
'835
835
Grade Adjustment
778
1,750
800
800
Longevity
1,025
1,025
1,025
1,025
'1,025
Overtime
5,591
15,826
5,874
6,025
6,025
Revisions
13,832
Custodian
1.0
12,124
Overtime
-
-
-
-
5000
$
s
s
s
$
Totals
3.0
86,303
85,727
3.0
82,996
4.0
109,536
3.0
82,412
24-Mar-97
209
1-3
NORTHEAST METROPOLITAN REGIONAL VOCATIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
100 HEMLOCK ROAD - WAKEFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS 01880.3597
(617) 246-0810. FAX (617) 246-4919
SCHOOL COMMITTEE
WILLIAM C. MAHONEY
CHAIRMAN
MELROSE
JAMES G. WALLACE
VICE CHAIRMAN
WINTHROP
MICHAEL T. WALL
SECRETARY
CHELSEA
JOHN B. PACING
TREASURER
READING
MAURA A. LOONEY
ASSISTANT TREASURER
WINCHESTER
VINCENT J. CARISELLA
WAKEFIELD
ANTHONY E. DeTESO
STONEHAM
EARL W. FITZPATRICK
MALDEN
RONALD J. JANNINO
REVERE
PETER A. ROSSETTI, JR.
SAUGUS
THOMAS A. SHAUGHNESSY
WOBURN
PAUL L. SWEENEY
NORTH READING
THOMAS F..MARKHAM, JR.
SUPERINTENDENT-DIRECTOR
ACCREDITED BY
NEW ENGLAND
ASSOCIATION
OF SCHOOLS
AND COLLEGES
FOUNM N 180
Ms. Elizabeth W. Klepeis
Town Treasurer
Town Hall
Reading, MA 01867
March 19, 1997
Re: Tentative FYI 998 Budget/Assessment
Dear Ms. Klepeis:,
Enclosed is a tentative operational and maintenance budget which was
approved by a vote of the Northeast Regional Vocational School Committee
at the Regular Meeting on March 13, 1997. Based on this tentative budget
in the amount of $11,623,678, the assessment of the Town of Reading for
FY98 will be $94,352.
This assessment to each of our member communities is based upon the new
Foundation Budget formula, pursuant to the Ed Reform Act of 1993. Also,
the "preliminary estimates" for each community are based on data received
from the Department of Education. Therefore, if revised estimates are
received from DOE, the final assessment to your community could change.
For your review we have enclosed a summary of the Tentative Budget for
FY98, dated March 13, 1997. This Budget on pages 14 & 15 outlines the
anticipated revenues and resulting assessments for all member communities.
The Public Hearing for this Tentative Budget is scheduled for Thursday,
April 10, 1997 at 7:30 p.m. at the Northeast School, copy of such Notice
enclosed. We would expect the adoption of the final FY98 Budget prior to
April 30, 1997. Following such action, another notification of the final
assessments for each community will be mailed.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting with
Northeast, please feel free to contact our Business Office, at (617) 246-0810
X628.
Very truly yours,
John B. Pacino
Treasurer
c Mr. John B. Pacino
Certified #P 347 210 907
210
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
Annual
Adopted
Budget Actual Budget
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997
Department
Division:
Summm:
Proposed
Budget
FY -1998
Finance
Debt Service # 710
K-1
Town
Manager
Recommended
FY -1998
1,711,973 1,710,886 2,068,890 2,498,305 2,498,305
1,711,973 1,710,886 2,068,890 2,498,305 2,498,305
1,711,973 1,710,886 2,068,890 2,498,305 2,498,305
General Fund
1,622,723
1,621,636
1,928,862
1,815,912
1,815,912
Water Fund
55,971
55,971
47,691
40,553
40,553
Sewer Fund
33,279
33,279
86,837
24,113
24,113
Electric Fund
Cemetery Sale of Lots
5,500
11,000
11,000
Sale of Real Estate
606,727
606,727
Totals
1,711,973
1,710,886
2,068,890
2,498,305
2,498,305
211
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Department
Finance
Nonpersonal Expenses (Form C)
Division:
Debt Service # 710
Summn:
K-1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget Actual Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
Purchase of Services:
Totals
( Supplies:
Totals
- -
Other Charges:
Principal
1,153,000
1,153,000
988,000
1,312,000
1,312,000
Long Term Interest
253,969
253,968
333,008
470,992
470,992
Temporary Interest
190,004
188,918
633,082
615,313
615,313
Retirement of Debt (BAN)
115,000
115,000
114,800
100,000
100,000
i
Totals
1,711,973
1,710,886
21068,890
2,498,305
2,498,305
212
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
CONTRIBUTORY RETIREMENT ASSESSMENT
The appropriation to the Contributory Retirement System provides funding for the employer's share of
its employees' pension benefits and the direct administrative expenses related to the System. The annual
assessment to each cost center is determined by using the percentage allocation developed in the actuarial
valuation.
Pension Assessment
The Retirement System was not properly funded for many years and is significantly underfunded. A
report issued by Wilshire Associates on state retirement systems indicated that the asset to liability funding
ratio for the nation's 81 state pension plans is around 92% in 1996. By comparison the Town's Retirement
System funding level is approximately 62%. .
Therefore, the annual pension assessment includes funding to amortize the unfunded pension liability
accumulated from prior years as well as the amount necessary to cover the pension benefit related to the
current year.
Funding Schedule
The Retirement Board is required to adopt a funding schedule that eliminates the System's unfunded
pension liability by the year 2028. The funding schedule adopted by the Retirement Board amortizes the
unfunded pension liability by increasing the annual payment by 1.5% per year. The current funding
schedule is more aggressive in funding the unfunded pension liability than the minimum statutory
requirement.
By adopting a more aggressive funding schedule, the annual increase on the Town's budget is not as
severe. The Town's ability to fund this program in the future, especially in the out years, is more
manageable.
9111
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form
Budget
SummNY
Personal Services
(Form B)
NonpersonalExpenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Department Employee Benefits
Division: Contributory Refirement#811
SUmmarv:
L1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
FY -1998
27,288
27,288
28,220
28,948
28,948
8,025
8,025
2,300
8,800
8,800
500
500
500
500
500
2,505,607
2,505,607
2,567,636
2,624,846
2,624,846
2,514,132
2,514,132
2,570,436
2,634,146
2,634,146
2,541,420
2,541,420
2,598,656
2,663,094
2,663,094
1,824,396 1,824,396 1,906,300 1,953,570 1,953,570
56,596 56,596 52,718 54,025 54,025
2,783 2,783 5,685 5,826 5,826
657,645 657,645 633,953 649,673 649,673
Totals 2,541,420 2,541,420 2,598,656 2,663,094 2,663,094
214
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summgy (Form A)
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses.
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals
Annual
Adopted
Budget Actual Budget
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
FY -1996 FY -1996 FY -1997
Department Employee Benefits
Division: Noncontributory pensions #813
Summary: L2
Proposed
Budget
FY -1998
117,390 117,390 113,405 108,641
Town
Manager
Recommended
FY -1998
108,641
117,390 117,390 113,405 108,641 108,641
117,390 117,390 113,405 108,641 108,641
88,822 88,822 88,823 83,550 83,550
28,568 28,568 24,582 25,091 25,091
117,390 117,390 113,405 108,641 108,641
215
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Adopted
Town
Budget Actual Budget
Proposed Manager
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
Budget Recommended
- 996 FY -1996 FY -1997
- 998 -1998
Annual
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
i
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Elect is Fund
Totals
Department; Employee Benefits
Division: Unemployment# 815
Summary: L3
20,000 15,759 40,000 20,000 20,000
20,000 15,759 40,000 20,000 20,000
20,000 15,759 40,000 20,000 20,000.
20,000 15,759 40,000 20,000 20,000
20,000 15,759 40,000 20,000 20,000
216
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
GROUP HEALTH INSURANCE
The March 1, 1997 health insurance rate increase has been set at 3.7 % above last year's rates by
MHA. The health insurance budget is based on the enrollment in the program as of October, 1996. We are
assuming an 8 % increase in the rates on March 1, 1998, and that the Town will continue to pay 70 % of
the costs of employee health insurance. This seems reasonable as the national trend for indemnity plan
increases is 9-11 % and for HMO's 5 Our experience remains good, which has helped this year's rates.
Life insurance costs are based on current enrollment and assume that the Town pays 50 % of the basic
life insurance plan or $22.32 per year per employee.
The Employee Assistance Program, begun as a pilot last year is budgeted at $12,000 for Fiscal 1998.
217
Town of Reading FY - 1998 Bud
get
Department
Employee Benefits
Budget Summmy (Form A)
Division:
Group Insurance
Summary:.
L4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summa
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
- 998
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
2,932,122
2,803,208
2,916,628
2,976,670
3,046,332
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
2,932,122
2,803,208
2,916,628
2,976,670
3,046,332
Totals
2,932,122
2,803,208
2,916,628
2,976,670
3,046,332
Financing. Plan:
General Fund 2,431,110
2,322,451
2,405,214
2,487,020
2,530,958
Water Fund 76,450
74,519
80,272
80,218
85,143
Sewer Fund 22,389
22,389
23,509
.16,112
16,112
Electric Fund 402,173
383,849
406,326
393,320
393,320
Totals 2,932,122 2,803,208 2,915,321 2,976,670 3,025,533
218
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Nonpeersonal Exposes (Form C)
e a nt: Employee Benefits
Division: Group Insurance
Summary: L 4
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
FY -1996
FY -1996
- 997
-1 98
-1998
$
$
S
$
$
Purchase of Services:
Health Insurance
2,915,122
2,787,636
2,891,172
2,910,263
2,910,263 *
L'de Insurance
17,000
15,572
17,000
15,780
15,858
Employee Assistance Program
8,456
25,000
12,000
Add. Emp. - Town
25,627
10,627
Add. Emp. - School
97,584
* Assumes 8 % increase in rates March 1, 1998
b
S
S
3
S
Totals
2,932,122
2,803,208
2,916,628
2,976,670
3,046,332
$
3
$
S
S
Supplies:
a
s
a
a
s
Totals
S
S
3
S
5
Other Charges:
Totals
219
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
MEDICARE AND SOCIAL SECURITY
The Town's Medicare and Social Security budget for Fiscal Year 1997 is projected at $262,526, or
close to the budgeted figure of $266,035.
For next year, an increase of 3 % is calculated to cover the costs of pay and step increases and
bonuses. This amounts to $8,000. Thirty new employees at an average salary of $30,000 would require a
cost of approximately $500 (some employees would be at 1.045% and some at 7.650/6), or a total increase
of $15,000 for new employees. Turnover of current employees is estimated to cost $2,550, assuming that 5
employees resign or retire and are replaced by new people. Thus, an increase of $25,550 is projected for
Fiscal Year 1998.
220
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summar(Form A)
Budget
Summmy
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals
Annual
Adopted
Budget Actual Budget
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
FY -1996 EYY --996 - 997
Department: Employee Benefits
Division: Medicare/ Soc.Sec.#815
Summary: L-5
Town
Proposed Manager
Budget Recommended
-1998 -1998
284,294 263,783 303,800 324,040 324,040
284,294 263,783 303,800 324,040 324,040
284,294 263,783 303,800 324,040 324,040
254,329
233,818
266,035
291,585
291,585
3,335
3,335
3,420
3,500
3,500
336
336
345
355
355
26,294
26,294
34,000
28,600
28,600
284,294
263,783
303,800
324,040
324,040
221
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
WORKER'S COMPENSATION
MISSION STATEMENT:
The Mission of the Worker's Compensation Program is to provide a cost effective manner of meeting
the Town's statutory obligation of providing benefits in the case of injury on duty claims for all employees
of the Town except for sworn Police Officers and Firefighters.
COMMENTARY - FY 1997:
During FY 1997, the Town worked with MHA (the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Agency which is
affiliated with the Mass Municipal Association) to implement a premium based, fully insured Workers'
compensation program. Since the town now carries its Group Health, Casualty, and Workers'
Compensation programs all through MIIA, it realizes a 20 % discount in its rates.
The Town held a series of meetings for employees which addressed Safety issues and established a
safety committee. The Town also worked with M11A and their administrator, Aon Risk Management to
settle old workers' compensation cases remaining from the days of a self insured program. Four such cases
were settled in Fiscal 1997. The town was able to reduce the worker's compensation trust fund
accordingly.
COMMENTARY - FY 1998:
The Fiscal 1997 budget of $333,871 will be able to be reduced to $245,000 for Fiscal 1998, due in part
to discounts and in part to MRA efficiencies and low costs for re-insurance. The Town's share of this
budget is $169,050.
222
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summ Form A)
Department Employee Benefits
Division: Workers Comp # 821
Summa: L6
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Summary
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
-1998
FY -1998
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
368,080
285,993
333,871
245,000
245,000
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
368,080
285,993
333,871
245,000
245,000
Totals
368,080
285,993
333,871
245,000
245,000
Financing Plan:
General Fund
300,000
217,913
237,316
169,050
169,050
Water Fund
15,814
15,814
19,765
13,825
13,825
Sewer Fund
11,752
8,225
8,225
Electric Fund
52,266
52,266
65,038
53,900
53,900
Totals
368,080
285,993
333,871
245,000
245,000
223
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Budget Summary (Form A)
Department Employee Benefits
Division: Police/ Fire Indem. # 131
Summary; U
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
mm
FY -1996
FY -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
-1998
$
$
$
$
$
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Purchase of Services
(Form C)
26,000
25,963
20,000
25,000
20,000
Supplies
(Form C)
Other Charges
(Form C)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
26,000
25,963
20,000
25,000
20,000
Totals
26,000
25,963
20,000
25,000
20,000
Financing Plan:
General Fund 26,000 25,963 20,000 25,000 20,000
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Totals 26,000 25,963 20,000 25,000 20,000
224
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
WATER DIVISION
MISSION STATEMENT:
The purpose of the Water Division is (1) to operate and maintain the Town well field and to treat well water to ob-
tain the highest possible quality potable water that meets or exceeds Federal and State regulations, and (2) to oversee and
maintain the system for delivering potable water at good pressure and volume to users.
COMMENTARY - FY 1997•
Monitoring of the condition of the water supply due to the gas spill is continuing, as will efforts to restore more pro-
duction wells to operation. Lead and copper rule monitoring will continue under the reduced sampling protocol. Work will
continue on the Department of Environmental Protection, Residuals Consent Order, with the permanent solution holding tank
having been bid for construction and award analysis in progress. Actual construction is anticipated for this winter, weather
permitting.
The required survey and inspection of water system cross connection prevention devices continues. Internal repairs
and maintenance of the Town's potable water storage elevated tank on Bear Hill are in process. In addition, DPW personnel
continue to operate and renovate the delivery system, to respond to main breaks and other disruptions of the system as, re-
quired and to install and maintain user services. The water main flushing program will continue, on a cycle to flush the entire
system over a two (2) year period.
The twice-yearly hazardous waste collection, conducted on a cost sharing basis with the Town of Stoneham, is
funded this year by the Water Division. This program is funded in alternating years by water and sewer.
COMMENTARY -1998:
Monitoring of the condition of the water supply due to the gas spill will continue, as will efforts to restore more pro-
duction wells to operation. Review of the water restriction for the purpose of possibly reducing them to Stage 1, Voluntary
Conservation, will continue. Search for possible additional drinking water supply sources will be organized, and development C
opportunities, if any, will be studied. The residual holding tank and connection to the sewer for discharge of treatment plant
residuals are scheduled to be completed and placed in operation. Completion of requirements of the Department of Environ-
mental Protection, Residuals Consent Order, will be pursued, with disposal of the current residuals stockpile underway. Lead
and Copper Rule monitoring will continue under the reduced sampling protocol. The budget request reflects the anticipated
upgrade of the Grade 3 Treatment Plant Operator to a Grade 4. A 5th treatment plant operator is requested, as is funding for
sewer charges directly generated by the initiation of residuals discharge into the sewer.
Retirement of the Supervisor has not been anticipated by the Department, but has by the Town Manager. The re-
quired distributi on system cross connection protection device inspection program, funded from current operations, will con-
tinue. The work to maintain, improve and operate the delivery system will continue. The system flushing program will
continue, with one-half the Town being covered each year. Emphasis will continue on regaining ground lost when programs
of routine and preventive maintenance were curtailed. To this end, increases to the base operating budget for overtime and
seasonal staff are being maintained.
The hazardous waste is funded this year in the Sewer Division budget.
COMMENTARY -1999•
No increases other than contractual and general are anticipated. The permanent solution to the treatment plant re-
siduals disposal issue will be in operation for the entire year. Lead and copper monitoring are expected to be reduced to a (3)
year cycle. Monitoring related to the gas spill will continue, with restoration of wells having top priority. Identification and
development of additional drinking water sources will be explored.
STATISTICS:
1993
1994
1995A
1996
1997B
1998R
Net Revenue ($000's):
$1,294
$1,736
$1,896
$1,849
$2,021
$2,073
Permanent Staffing:
15.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
15.0
16.0
Page 14 of 18
225
FY 1997 BUDGET NEW OR EXPANDED PROGRAM JUSTIFICATION
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
WATER DIVISION
Line Ml: Add - TREATMENT PLANT OPERATOR-IN-TRAINING: $30,995
This position is required to fulfill the increased work load in the laboratory as a result of the Department of
Environmental Protection (DEP) requirements and the increase in the Safe Drinking Water Act sampling
laws over the past several years. We also need sufficient staff for the facility, equipment, well and wellfield
maintenance. Chemical and treatment systems have been recently added and normal preventative mainte-
nance requirements are not being met. A Grade 3 license meets the minimum requirements of the DEP
regulations for operators of this facility.
Examples of additional tasks include:
• laboratory Quality Assurance requirements, such as balance equipment calibration
• laboratory Quality Control requirements, such as media sterilization testing
• required additional laboratory equipment operation and maintenance, such as a deionized water
purification unit
• volatile organic sampling, since the mid 1980's
• lead and copper sampling, in the last 3 years
• record keeping, DEP states a minimum of 30% of time required
• facility maintenance, such as painting required not being done .
• equipment preventative maintenance, such as schedules not being met
• wells and wellfield maintenance, not presently being accomplished
• safety requirements, such as confined space entry
The Chief Operator currently is taken away from the existing scheduled 32 hours in the laboratory, which
is not sufficient to perform the required work, to perform regular operation of the treatment plant and
maintenance. The facility, equipment, wells and wellfield maintenance is currently scheduled for 16 hours
per week, although 16 hours is not always dedicated to this as operational needs arise. Sixteen hours per
week is in no way sufficient to perform the required and preventative maintenance to the existing and pro-
posed additional equipment. The additional operator would allow for the flexibility to perform functions
such as operate the facility to relieve the Chief Operator and maintenance operator from operating the fa-
cility, thus doubling the hours available to perform the maintenance required and allow the Chief Operator
to maintain the necessary 40 hours per week in the laboratory.
Page 15 of 18
226
The following chart breaks down the current and proposed hours of coverage. Bold would be the hours
gained.
CURRENT HOURS OF COVERAGE - 16 HOUR DAY
MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
TOTAL
LABORATORY
8
8
8
8
0
0
0
32
OPERATIONS
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
112
MAINTENANCE
0
8
8
0
.0
0
0
16
PROPOSED HOURS OF COVERAGE - 16 HOUR DAY
MON
TUES
WED
THUR
FRI
SAT
SUN
TOTAL
LABORATORY
8
8
8
8
8
0
0
40
OPERATIONS
16
16
16
16
16
16
16
112
MAINTENANCE
8
8+8
8+8
8
0
0
0
48
This is a continuing program.
Line M2: Add - PHO'T'OCOPIER $4,000
This request is due to the existing machine being obsolete: the maintenance contract for repairs was re-
fused to be renewed as repairs have become unmanageable and too costly. The machine is an integral need
of the State reporting requirements of the Water Treatment Plant operation. The plant last year alone pro-
duced approximately 12,000 copies as all monthly and yearly chemical, water quality test results, statistical.(,_
reports etc. require a minimum of two copies to be submitted and must be submitted by a specific deadline.
The time involved for bringing this work to another location, explaining the specific requirements, picking
up the copies, and reviewing them does not make for efficient management of the reporting process. This is
a one-time purchase.
C
Page 16 of 18
227
C9st Allocation -Summary Fiscal Year 1 aaR
Percent Allocated of Total Buie
Budg~# W_ ate Sewer Electric
Accounting:
Personal Services
3.0%a
Finance Committee:
Financial Audit
4.9%
Technology:
Personal Services
7.3%
Non-personal Expenses
7.3%
Capital outlay
12.5%
Personnel:
Personal Services
2.7%
Non-personal Expenses
23%
Finance:
Personal Services
7.0%
Non-personal Expenses
7.0%
Property / Casualty Insurance
6.6%
Public Works Administration:
Personal Services
34.3%
Engineering:
Personal Services
18.6%
Highway and Equipment Maintenance:
Personal Services
3.3%
Non-personal Expenses
3.3%
Debt Service:
Public Works Facility
9.3%0
Employee Benefits:
Contributory Retirement
2.0%
Noncontributory Retirement
Group Health / Life
2.6%
Social Security
1.0%
Worker Compensation
5.6%u
Allocation By
3.0% 6.0% Estimated percent of employee time
4.9% 2.9% Estimated by audit firm
7.3% 3.6% Estimated percent of employee time
7.3% 3.6% Use or actual cost
12.5% Use
2.7% 5.4% Estimated percent of employee time
2.7% 5.4% Estimated percent of employee time
7.0%
8.0% Specific employees with varying percent of time
7.0%
8.0% Number or percent of items processed
1.3%
Liability calculated by insurance carrier
22.7% Estimated percent of employee time
8.8% Estimated percent of employee time
1.4% Expenditures of, prior fiscal year
1.4% Expenditures of prior fiscal year
5.5% Square feet
0.2% 24.3% Actuarial study valuation
21.7%
Pensions paid
0.5% 12.6%
Actual cost
0.1% 8.8%
Actual cost
3.4% 22.0%
Actuarially derived formula based on payroll
228
Town of Reading FY -1998 Budget
Supplies & Services (Form D)
Department: Public Works
Division: Water (61-400&405)
Summary: M2
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Anticipated
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Budget
Classification
FY -1996
Y -1996
FY -1997
FY -1998
Y -1998
Y -1999
$
$
$
$
$
$
WTP: Electricity
160,000
149,971
160,000
160,000
160,000
164,960
Heating Fuel
14,000
12,491
14,000
14,434
14,434
14,881
Telephone
3,400
3,479
4,600
4,600
4,600
4,743
General supplies 1
25,000
146,179
27,500
28,353
28,353
29,231
Treatement Chemicals /
100,000
102,500
105,678
105,678
108,954
Well Field Supplies
1,500
1,740
1,500
1,547
1,547
1,594
Equip. Serv. Contracts 1
10,500
10,500
10,826
10,826
11,161
Emergency Repairs }
26,250
41,500
26,250
27,064
27,064
27,903
Lab Testing /
33,748
33,750
34,796
34,796
35,875
Well Field Maint.
57,000
60,689
57,000
58,767
57,000
60,589
Water Supply Protect
22,163
UniformsBoots
1,200
30
Revisions
10,700
Residuals Sewer Charge
108,000
108,000
117,396
Photocopier
4,000
4,000
DIST: General SuppslServ.
55,000
18,790
56,000
57,736
57,736
59,526
Main/Hydrant Repairs
30,000
40,722
30,000
30,930
30,930
31,889
Serv./Meter Supplies
49,400
45,932
49,510
51,045
50,000
52,627
Cross Conn. Prog.
8,000
8,200
8,454
10,000
8,716
Police Details
2,500
4,283
2,900
2,990
2,900
3,083
Uniforms/Boots 1
2,400
3;473
3,0381
3,038
3,0381
3,038
Licenses /
1
450
4501
450
Revisions
(22,206)
GEN:'Financial Services
36,261
36,317
42,436
46,863
46,863
47,625
DPW Admin. 1
62,130 1
67,524
66,763
66,763
69,032
Engineering }
36,116 }
111,536
44,915
45,467
45,467
52,195
Equipment Maint. 1
13,291 /
17,204
27,881
27,881
29,275
Liability Ins.
19,050
6,656
6,989
7,206
7,206
7,429
Primacy Assmt
6,170
6,170
6,324
5,416
5,416
5,293
Purchase Ser - Wakfld
4,600
4,743
4,743
4,890
Professional Dev.
1,000
968
inc. in An. sere.
inc. in fin. sere.
inc. in An. serv.
inc. in fn. Serv.
Haz. Waste Coll. Prog.
n/a
n/a
18,000
ind W
in Sewer
18,000
Revisions
(12,394)
$
$
$
$
$
$
Totals
730,016
713,090
795,240
917,044
915,691
970,354
31-Jan-97 - 01:18 PM
229
Town of Reading FY -1998
Budget
a tnent
Public Works
Budget Summary
(Form Al
Division:
Water (61-4003405)
_
umm •
M1, M2, M3
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Budget
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
ur rnga
FY -1996
-1996
- 997
-1998
EY -1998
a
s
s
s
s
Personal Services
(Form B)
550,129
539,638
562,922
617,878
616,767
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Employee Benefits
(Form C)
177,893
177,514
156,175
158,002
156,493
Supplies 3 Services
(Form D)
730,016
713,090
795,240
926,028
915,148
Other Charges
(Form E)
55,971
55,971
47,690
40,553
40,553
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
963,880
946,575
999,105
1,124,583
1,112,194
s
$
$
$
$
Totals
1,514,009
1,486,213
1,562,027
1,742,461
1,728,961
Financing Plan:
s s s s s
General Fund
Water Fund 1,414,009 1,386,213 1,109,027 1,742,461 1,728,961
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Water Reserve 100,000 100,000 453,000
s a S S S
Totals 1,514,009 1,486,213 1,562,027 1,742,461 1,728,961
25-Mar-97
230
Town of Reading FY -199
8 Budge
t
Department:
Public Works
Personal Services (Form B
)
Division:
Water (61-400&405)
Summary:
M1
Annual
Adopted
Town
Budget
Actual
Budget
Proposed
Manager
Personal Services
(Revised)
Expenditures
(Revised)
Budget
Recommended
Classification
#
FY -1996
-1996
-1997
FY -19%
FY -1998
WTP Supervisor
1.0
46,625
46,446
1.0
47,774
1.0
49,026
1.0
49,026
Chief Treat. Ph. Oper
1.0
38,190
1.0
39,150
1.0
39,150
Treat. Ph. Oper. IV
1.0
70,960
100,898
2.0
74,876
3.0
115,132
3.0
115,132
Treat. Ph. Oper. III
3.0
66,347
33,629
1.0
34,995
Treat. Ph. Oper. If
Snow & Ice Rem.
(1,527)
(1,154)
(1,154)
Overtire
28,000
42,154
33,700
34,545
34,545
Grade Adjustments
140
145
160
160
Shift Differiential
2,440
2,348
2,545
2,686
2,686
Revisions
11,160
Tmat M Oper:in-Tiaming
1.0
30,995
1.0
30,995
Water Supervisor (12)
0.5
23,313
23,223
0.5
23,887
0.5
24,513
0.5
23,402
Foreman
1.0
35,827
36,313
1.0
37,373
1.0
38,022
1.0
38,022
Working Foreman
2.0
62,706
63,684
2.0
65,642
2.0
66,524
2.0
66,524
Hvy. Equip. Oper.
1.0
30,626
31,026
1.0
32,090
1.0
32,510
1.0
32,510
Lt. -Mod. Equip. Op.
2.0
57,528
41,506
2.0
61,550
2.0
61,011
2.0
61,011
Skilled Laborer
1.0
28,186
28,650
1.0
29,668
1.0
29,963
1.0
-
29,963
Semi-skilled Lab.
1.0
24,912
Laborer
1.0
24,151
61,597
2.0
48,857
2.0
51,720
2.0
51,720
Clerk (12)
0.5
10,327
10,257
0.5
10,434,
0.5
10,702
0.5
10,702
Snow & Ice Rem.
(24,151)
(18,579)
(23,449)
(13,963)
(13,963)
Seasonal Laborer
0.7
10,000
0.7
10,260
0.7
10,250
Overtime
15,336 1
33,316
25,826 1
_
26,576 1
_
26,576
On-call Premium
4,264 /
4,264 /
_
4,264 /
_
4,264
Longevity
3,250
3,525
3,825
4,200
4,200
Grade Adjustments
1,021
730
1,045
1,045
Revisions
28,322
Totals 15.0 550.129 539,638 15.7 562,922 16.7 617.878 16.7 616,767
1999 Wage Increase Factor 2.5094
24-Mar-97
231
FY 1998 BUDGET NARRATIVE
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
SEWER DIVISION
Mission Statement
The Sewer Division maintains and operates the approximately 105 miles of sanitary sewer lines and 9 sewer lift
stations which transport sewage to the MWRA sewer distribution system.
Commentary - FY1997
The Division has concentrated on preventive maintenance to the lift stations and on cleaning and flushing of the
distribution system.
Work continues in identifying illegal sump pump connections to, and areas where there is ground water infiltra-
tion of, the sewer system. Camp, Dresser -and McKee continues as the Town's consulting engineers in this area. Dis-
connections, and repairs, to correct these problems are proceeding.
. The Town now anticipates that FY 1997 MWRA charges will be about $179,300 more than the original assump-
tion, however this increase was known in time to reflect it in the rates. A revised budget was approved by the
September Special town Meeting. A line item shift of budget funding from distribution system supplies to pumping
station contractual services has been made to reflect spending pattern shifts. FYI 996 saw heavy repair costs incurred
at the pump stations, and these higher cost are considered to be a permanent feature due to the age and usage of the
equipment.
The Sewer budget includes funding for the Town's hazardous waste collection held in partnership with the Town
of Stoneham. This collection is conducted twice each year, and costs are shared equally. Subsequent collections are
planned for funding in a two year cycle alternating between the Town's sewer and water funds. The cost will continue
to be shared with Stoneham for the foreseeable future. FY1997 is the off year for the sewer fund.
Commentarv - FY1998
Retirement of the Supervisor has not been anticipated by the Department, but has by the Town Manager. The Di-
vision will continue to locate, remove and repair as appropriate inflow and infiltration of groundwater into the sewer
distribution system, and will continue to focus on maintaining a maintenance program of flushing and cleaning ap-
proximately one quarter of the distribution system per year.
. MWRA sewer charges as'proposed use a 6.5% increase over.the revised FY1997 budget. This increase was pro-
vided by the MWRA for budget planning purposes. Otherwise, general and contractual salary and other increase
were used. Additional electricity cost ($1,450) has been added for a pump station in the Longwood Road sewer pro-
ject. The semi-annual hazardous waste collection is funded this year in the Sewer Division budget.
Commentarv - FY1999
The Division will continue to perform its mission. No additional or revised programs are anticipated. General
salary and other expense increase factors have been applied to the FY 1998 request, except that a 8.7% increase pro-
vided by the MWRA has been applied to the sewer charge.
STATISTICS: 1993 1994 1995A 1996 1997B
Net Revenues $2,725 $3,083 $3,421 $2,938 $2,492
($000's)
Staffing 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0
Page 17 of 18
232
Cost Allocation - Summary Fiscal Year_ 1998
PercentAlocaled of. Total Budget
Su-dw Water Savvier Electric
Accounting:
Personal Services 3.0%
Finance Committee:
Financial Audit 4.9%
Technology:
Allocation By.
3.0% 6.0% Estimated percent of employee time
4.9% 2.9% Estimated by audit firm
Personal Services
7.3%
7.3%
Non-personal Expenses
7.3%
7.3%
Capital outlay
12.5%
12.5%
Personnel:
Personal Services
2.7%
2.7%
Non-personal Expenses
2.7%
2.7%
Finance:
Personal Services
7.0%
7.0%
Non-personal Expenses
7.0%
7.0%
Property / Casualty Insurance
6.6%
1.3%
Public Works Administration:
Personal Services
34.3%
22.7%
Engineering:
Personal Services
18.6%
Highway and Equipment Maintenance:
Personal Services
3.3%
Non-personal Expenses
3.3%
Debt Service:
Public Works Facility
9.3%
Employee Benefits:
Contributory Retirement
2.0%
Noncontributory Retirement
Group Health / Life
2.6%
Social Security
1.0%
Worker Compensation
5.6%
8.8%
1.4%
1.4%
5.5%
Estimated percent of employee time
Expenditures of prior fiscal year
Expenditures of prior fiscal year
Square feet
0.2% 24.3% Actuarial study valuation
21.7%
Pensions paid
0.5% 12.6%
Actual cost
0.1% 8.8%
Actual cost
3.4% 22.0%
Actuarially derived formula based on payroll
3.6% Estimated percent of employee time
3.6% Use or actual cost
Use
5.4% Estimated percent of employee time
5.4% Estimated percent of employee time
8.0% Specific employees with varying percent of time
8.0% Number or percent of items processed
Liability calculated by insurance carrier
Estimated percent of employee time
233
Town of Reading FY -1998 BudMet
Budget Summary (Form A)
Budget
Summary
Personal Services
(Form B)
Nonpersonal Expenses:
Employee Benefits
(Form C)
Supplies & Services
(Form D)
Other Charges
(Form E)
Total Nonpersonal
Expenses
Totals
l
Financing Plan:
General Fund
Water Fund
Sewer Fund
Electric Fund
Annual
Adopted
Budget Actual Budget
(Revised) Expenditures (Revised)
EY -1996 EY-1996 FY - 1997
Department Public Works
Division: Sewer (62-430)
Summary: N1, N2, N3
Town
Proposed Manager
Budget Recommended
FY 1998 FY -1998
155,755
152,099
163,661
157,357
156,567
25,508
23,856
41,291
34,339
30,518
2,484,067
2,478,289
2,670,622
2,865,864
2,977,963
33,279
33,279
86,837
82,593
82,593
2,542,854
2,535,424
2,798,750
2,982,796
3,091,074
2,698,609
2,687,523
2,962,411
3,140,153
3,247,641
2,598,609
2,587,523 2,79002 3,140,153 3,247,641
Sewer Reserve 100,000 100,000 171,839
Totals 2,698,609 2,687,523 2,962,411 3,140,153 3,247,641
24-Mar-97
234
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Tow of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, Mtn 01867-2685`
TOWN MANAGER
FAX: (617) 942-9070
(617) 942-9043
FY98 - FY2007 CAPITAL. IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
TOWN OF READING, MASSACHUSETTS
The attached FY98 - FY2007 Capital Improvement Program and Financing Plan is submitted for
review and approval of Town Meeting. This is the fifth year that the Town has produced and
submitted a long-term 10 Year Capital Improvement Program and Financing Plan for the
community. Each year the process and program has improved. This program has been reviewed
by the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, the RMLD Board and the Finance Committee
along with its Capital Improvement Advisory Subcommittee.
The approval by Town Meeting of the Capital Improvement Program does not appropriate, any
funds for the program. However, no capital expenses can be made by the Town without the
project being included in the Capital Improvement Program. Line items included in the Capital
Improvement Program for funding in FY98 which are followed by the letter "A" (for annual
appropriation) are also included in the FY98 budget in the K Section of the budget. This is the
manner of implementation for such projects. Additionally, special Articles for the Town Meeting
Warrant may be used to implement some of the programs, particularly those followed by a "D"
(debt), and some of those followed by a "G" (grant or outside funding).
Basic Guidelines and Assumptions: The Capital Improvement Program has been based on
number of guidelines and assumptions which have been developed over the past several years.
These include the following:
® Traditionally 6.53% of the total operating revenue of the Town, plus amounts being
reimbursed from SBAB for school pending projects and amounts being reimbursed by the
Cemetery Trust Funds for cemetery development projects, is devoted to the upkeep,
renewal and enhancement of the Capital Plan of the community. In this Capital Plan, 6.53%
is devoted to capital in FY98, and an increasing amount per year 'up to 7.4% in the year
2007 is devoted to this purpose. This percentage includes debt service and annual operating
expenses for capital projects (those items listed as "A" in the Capital Improvement Program,
and in the "K" Section of the annual budget). Added to this amount, are the funds from the
sale of real estate fund which are devoted to capital projects or debt service.
® As a general rule, projects costing less than $100,000 will be paid for in cash or short term
notes rather than through bonding.
• Generally, projects will not be bonded for more than 10 years except for major projects
such as the Parker Middle School Project, the Birch Meadow and Joshua Eaton projects
and the Water Treatment Plant project.
• The attached "analysis of sale of real estate fund" table shows how sale of real estate funds
will be used to balance the capital program. Sale of real estate funds can only be spent for
capital improvements, debt service, or funding unfunded pension liability. Previous plans
were made when the Parker Middle School project was undertaken to use the sale of real
estate funds for this purpose.
• The Financing Plan which is included in this document as a guideline, and may be modified
from time to time as circumstances require. For example, if the climate is right to sell debt
earlier or later than anticipated in the plan, this will be done in order to keep the cost of
borrowing as low as possible.
FY97 Capital Projects Status
In the FY97 budget, a number of projects were funded. The total cost was almost $1 million.
The following is the status of these projects:
• CDE-C-1 Purchase open space lands - Pasture Road. The properties have been appraised,
and a state grant has been secured. The closing on this property should take place by the
end of the fiscal year.
• FN-2 Replace data processing equipment - This work has been completed. An additional
amount of $52,400 is being requested to modify the FY97 budget to complete the first
phase of this program.
• LB-1 - Library computers have been purchased and the project is complete.
• LB-3 - Library furnishings will be completed by the end of the year.
• PSF-6 and PSF-12 - The Fire Department pick-up truck has been replaced, and radios are
in-place.
• PS-P-1, PS-P-2, PS-P-3 - All purchases for the Police Department have been completed.
+ PW-B-9 - Police Station addition or remodeling. This item is the subject of Warrant
Articles at this Town Meeting.
• PW-B-11 Building Improvements and PW-B-13 Air System - Library. The building
improvements have been primarily completed.. The air handling system at the Library is out
to bid.
• PW-P-2 New park development - This project is in construction, and should be completed
by Fall of 1997.
241
• PW-P-6 - The construction of the Pitman Bike Path will be programmed at such time that
the state releases the funds. This is anticipated to be in FY99.
• PW-F-1 - Additional stock for the nursery has been purchased.
• PW-E-1 to 24 - All Public Works equipment purchases have been completed.
• PW-R-1 to 14 - Road construction is scheduled for lower Summer Avenue this year. The
Lincoln Street parking lot is currently under construction. The Lowell and Salem Street
reconstruction is scheduled to begin this Spring/Summer. The other road 'construction
projects will be conducted during calendar year 1997. Sidewalk construction in a number
of locations has been undertaken, it will be completed this Spring. The traffic signal optical
sensing system has been installed.
• SD-B-1 to SD-E-3 - Ceiling tile replacement is completed, boiler and burner replacement
will be done this Spring, oil tank removal at Coolidge Middle School and Reading Memorial
High School has been done. The portable classroom work at Barrows has been completed,
and as a modification of the FY97 budget the portable classrooms from Killam will be
moved to Barrows; classroom technology equipment has been purchased throughout the
school system, and a vehicle has been replace.
• PW-S-1 - The inflow and infiltration work is yet to be done. Sewer main reconstruction
projects will be done this Spring. Equipment replacement has been done.
• PW-W-2 - All projects anticipated are under construction or completed, and those that are
under construction will be done by the end of the calendar year.
Summary of Recommendations FY98
Most of the projects are self explanatory in nature. The following is the summary of the projects
by department:
Community Development Department - The "blight" parking plan is programmed for approval in
FY98. This may be done as part of a Special Town Meeting this Spring.,
Finance Department - Replacement of data processing equipment continues to be a priority. One
of the projects that is not included is the extension of a wide area network to all of the school and
town buildings in the center area of town. This includes 13 buildings, and we are currently
evaluating whether this would'be done as a capital expenditure or an operating expense.
Human Services Department - The Elder Services van is proposed to be replaced in FY98. We
are working towards a donation for this project, but in the event that a donation is not possible we
have funded the replacement cost.
Library Department - The Library will continue its computer acquisition and replacement
program, and will also do some major work on refurnishing one area of the Library.
Public Safety Department - Fire - This year we will replace the Fire Chiefs vehicle with a four
wheel drive vehicle. We will also replace the "jaws of life" rescue tool, and replace the breathing
apparatus.
Public Safety - Police - Acquisition of three mobile data terminals for Police vehicles, as well as a
program to add to and replace portable radios and replace the repeater for the radio system will
be done.
Public Works - Buildings - Reconstruction of the Library parking lot, roof repairs in several
buildings including the Library, town facility maintenance, a repair and replacement program for
windows in the older buildings in a manner consistent with their historical nature, and
improvement of the air systems at both the Fire Station and the Town Hall will be conducted this
year.
Public Works - Equipment - The replacement of several pieces of equipment, including a sidewalk
snowplow and catch basin cleaner will be done this year.
Public Works - Landfill - Additional expenses for the closure plan for the landfill will be needed
this year and the major part of the landfill closure plan will be done in FY99.
Public Works - Parks and Forestry - Work on the playgrounds is scheduled for the next several
years. This will include proper placement of cushioned material underneath the play equipment in
accordance with the recommendation of our insurance consultant.
Public Works - Roads - A number of road projects are proposed, all of them using Chapter 90
funds from the State. In addition, we will work on developing a plan consistent with
Conservation and drainage issues for the Saugus River Basin for consideration in the Fall. The
sidewalk and curb construction program will continue. Aerial typographic mapping will be done
in a manner which will allow it to be fully compatible with our technology systems and allow us to
implement a GIS (geographic information system) in the future. The last phase of the traffic
signal optical scanning system will be installed. West Street corridor improvements will be done
through grant funding in late FY98 or in FY99.
School Department - This Spring capital projects for immediate repairs and improvements to the
Reading Memorial High School, and additional improvements to the Birch Meadow School are
proposed. In the Fall, work proposed for the Coolidge Middle School will be brought to Town
Meeting. Classroom technology improvements and replacement will continue.
Public Works - Sewer - The inflow and infiltration program will continue, and sewer construction
on Mill and Short Street will be done in the event that it is not going to be done by a developer in
the area.
243
v
Public Works - Water - A number of improvements in the well and water systems will be done,
including some water main replacement and repair and repainting of the Auburn Street standpipe
(the rocket). Additionally, a water supply protection program will be implemented` this year.
Light Department - A project for improving the distribution system is proposed, and depending on
various studies may be required this year or next.
Financing Plan
The Financing Plan for the Capital Improvement Program is shown. The plan depends on use of
all the sale of real estate funds over the term of the plan, a Prop 2 1/2 Override in 1999 for
funding the difference between reconstructing an outdoor swimming pool, and building an
enclosed swimming pool. The Capital Improvement Program is very tightly financed, and
although there is some flexibility, the flexibility is extremely limited Therefore, this program
requires a great deal of discipline in its implementation.
244
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Cc .C
C 00
O O y.., 0D
=p 'a N V-
'p N r
cc -0
C -0 C C
ca I (a
O
Z
0
0
T
I`
0)
N
f+)
O
247
ARTICLE
6
TOWN OF
READING
MASSACHUSETTS
TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
FISCAL
YEARS 1998 THROUGH
2007
PROJECT
DESCRIPTION
FY98
FY99
FY00
FY01
FY02
FY03
FY04
FY05
FY06
FY07
TOTA~
CD-C-03
OPEN SP, REC ACQU-A
40.0 A
40.0 A
40.0 A
40.0 A
40.0 A
200.0
CD-C-03
OPEN SP, REC ACQU-G
60.0 G
60.0 G
60.0 G
60.0 G
60.0 G
300.0
SUBTOTAL
CONSERVATION
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
100.0
500.0
CD-P-02
E MAIN ST PARKING-A
10.0 A
10.0
CD-P-02
E MAIN ST PARKING-G
300.0 G
300.0
SUBTOTAL
PLANNING
310.0
310.0
FN- -02
REPL DATA PROC EQ-A
28.0 A
50.0 A
64.0 A
50.0 A
50.0 A
50.0'A
50.0 A
`50.0 A
50.0 A
50.0 A
492.0
FN- -02
REPL DATA PROC EQ-S
3.5 E
25.0 E
8.0 E
36.5
FN- -02
REPL DATA PROC EQ-W
3.5 E
25.0 E
8.0 E
-
-
36.5
SUBTOTAL
FINANCE
35.0
100.0
80.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
50.0
-
50.0
565.0
HS-E-01
REPL VAN ELDER SERV
48.0 A
54.7 A
102.7
SUBTOTAL
HUMAN SERV.
48.0
54.7
102.7
LB- -01
LIBRARY COMPUTERS
25.5 A
18.9 A
49.2 A
6.0 A
6.3 A
21.0 A
5.0 A
131.9
LB- -02
LIBRARY CIRCULATION
LB- -03
LIBRARY FURNISHINGS
21.2 A
6.3 A
5.1 A
5.1 A
5.1 A
5.1 A
47.(
SUBTOTAL
LIBRARY
46.7
25.2
54.3
6.0
5.1
63
26.1
10.1
179.8
PS-F-07
REPLACE PUMPER
250.0 D
250.0
PS-F-08
REPLACE AMBULANCE
102.5 A
116.0 A
218.5
PS-F-10
REPLACE CHIEF'S VEH
26.0 A
30.0 A
56.0
PS-F-11
REPLACE RESCUE TOOL
25.0 A
25.0
PS-F-13
REPL BREATHING APPA
64.0 A
64.0
PS-F-15
PURCH SKID PUMP
8.0 A
8.0
PS-F-17
REPLACE FIRE HOSE
9.4 A
9.4
PS-F-18
REHAB ENGINE 3
16.0 A
16.0
SUBTOTAL
FIRE
115.0
16.0
102.5
250.0
17.4
30.0
116.0
646.9
PS-P-02
REPLACE RADIO EQUIP
5.0 A
5.0 A
5.0 A
5.0 A
5.0 A
5.0 A
5.0 A
35.0
PS-P-03
MOBILE DATA TERM
35.0 A
25.0 A
60.0
PS-P-06
PORCH PORT RADIOS
7.3 A
6.1 A
6.1 A
19.5
PS-P-07
PURCH REPEATER
12.5 A
-
12.5
SUBTOTAL
POLICE
54.8
6.1
- -
6.1
5.0'
-
5.0
-
30.0
-
5.0
-
5.0
-
5.0
-
5.0
127.0
PW-8-02
RECON LIB PRKG LOT
55.0 A
55.0
PW-8-04
EQU MAINT EXPANSION
40.0 A
500.0 D
540.0
PW-8-05
FUEL TANK REMOVAL-D
25.0 A
25.0 A
50.0-
`
248
ARTICLE
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007
^T
-
DESCRIPTION
FY98
FY99
FY00
FY01
FY02
FY03
FY04
FY05
FY06
FY07
TOTAL
PW-8-07
MEZZANINE AT DPW GA
10.0 A
10.0
PW-8-08
ROOF REPAIRS
32.5 A
9.6 A
30.0 A
72.1
PW-8-11
TOWN FACILITY MAINT
35.0 A
55.0 A
80.0 A
35.0 A
32.0 A
55.0 A
15.0 A
50.0 A
17.0 A
30.0 A
404.0
PW-B-12
REPAIR/REPL. WINDOW
20.0 A
10.0 A
10.0 A
25.0 A
10.0 A
10.0 A
10.0 A
10.0 A
10.0 A
10.0 A
125.0
PW-8-12
WATERPROOF MASNRY T
65.0 A
65.0
PW-8-13
AIR SYS IMPROVE FIR
39.0 A
39.0
PW-B-13
AIR SYS IMPROVE TOW
83.0 A
-
.
-
83.0
SUBTOTAL
BUILDINGS
264.5
214.6
115.0
560.0
42.0
65.0
-
25.0
90.0
27.0
-
40.0
1443.1
PW-C-07 LAUREL HILL RD REPA 10.0 A
SUBTOTAL CEMETERY 10.0
PW-E-01 REPLACE BACKHOE/LOA 29.0 A 96.6 A 121.0 A 135.0 A 135.0 A 95.0 A
PW-E-04 REPLACE DUMP TRUCKS 38.0 A 41.0 A 134.0 A 68:0 A 68.0 A 70.0 A 70.0 A 70.0 A 70.0 A
PW-E-05 REPLACE PICKUP TRUC 36.0 A 23.6 A 55.0 A 78.2 A
PW-E-07 REPLACE SIDEWALK PL 60.0 A 60.0 A
PW-E-09 VEHICLE HOT TOP SPR 30.0 A
PW-E-10 REPLACE SNOW PLOWS 12.0 A 25.0 A 13.0 A 13.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 32.0 A
PW-E-11 REPLACE MOWER 35.0 A 61.0 A 30.0 A
PW E-12 REPLACE COMPRESSOR 15.0 A 5.0 A 12.0 A.
PW-E-13 REPLACE 85 TRAILER 8.0 A
P"--15 REPLACE CATCH BASIN 85.0 A
)6 REPLACE SANDERS 14.0 A
PW-c-18 REPLACE SNOW BLOWER 218.8 A
PW-E-19 REPLACE BUCKET TRUC 90.0 A
PW-E-20 REPLACE CHIPPER 25.0 A
PW-E-21 REPLACE ROLLER 13.0 A 13.5 A 35.0 A
PW-E-23 REPLACE RACK/SPRAYE 70.0 A
PW-E-24 REPLACE SWEEPER 135.0 A
PW-E-25 FLEXIBLE ACCOUNT 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A 10.0 A
SUBTOTAL - EQUIPMENT 319.01 269.8 268.6 164.5 164.0 386.6 323.0 320.0 293.2 180.0
10.0
10.0
611.6
629.0
192.8
120.0
30.0
140.0
126.0
32.0
8.0
85.0
14.0
218.8
90.0
25.0
61.5
70.0
135.0
100.0
2688.7
PW-F-01
SHADE TREE NURSERY
-
5.1 A 5.3 A 5.6 A 5.6 A 6.2 A
-
=
27.8
SUBTOTAL
FORESTRY
.
-
5.1 5.3 5.6 5.6 6.2
27.8
PW-L-01
LANDFILL CLOSURE
1600.0 D
1600.0
PW-L-01
LANDFILL CLOSURE
13.0 A 4000.0 G
4013.0
PW-L-02
WASTE MATERIAL PROC
-
100.0 A 100.0 A
-
200.0
SUBTOTAL
SOLID WASTE
.
13.0 5700.0 100.0
5813.0
PW-P-03
FIELD/COURT/PLAYGRO
12.0 A 12.0 A 12.0 A 12.0 A 5.0 A 7.0 A 7.0 A 7.0 A 7.0 A
81.0
PW-P-05
INDOOR SWIM FACILIT
500.0 D
500.0
PW-P-05
INDOOR SWIM FACILIT
1500.0 CO
1500.0
PW-^-06
PITMAN BICYCLE PATH
250.0 G
250.0
249
j_
ARTICLE 6
TOWN OF
READING MASSACHUSETTS
it
TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT
PROGRAM
FISCAL
YEARS 1998 THROUGH
2007
PROJECT
DE
SCRIPTION
FY98
FY99 FY00
FY01 FY02
FY03 FY04
FY05 FY06 FY07 TOTAL
PW-P-07
TENNIS CT
STORAGE S
12.0 A
-
12.0
SUBTOTAL
PARKS
12.0
2262.0 24.0
12.0 5.0
-
7.0 7.0
7.0 7.0 2343.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
BANCROFT
20.0 G
40.0 G :
60.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
BRIARWOOD
25.0 G
25.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
FOREST
100.0 G
100.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
FOREST GL
20.0 G
20.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
GARDNER
10.0 G
10.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
GREEN ST
25.0 G
25.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
HARTSHORN
40.0 G
40.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
HAVEN STR
30.0 G
30.0
PN-R-01
RESURFACE
HIGHLAND
24.0 G
24.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
IDE ST
10.0 G
10.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
JOHN ST
30.0 G
30.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
OAKLAND R
15.0 G
15.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
PLEASANT
25.0 G
25.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
RUSTIC LA
35.0 G
35.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
WASHINGTO
20.0 G
20.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
WILLOW ST
48.0 G
48.0
PW-R-01
RESURFACE
WILSON ST
25.0 A
25.0
PW-R-02
RECON ASH
ST
84.0 G
84 0
PW-R-02 RECON BEAR HILL RD
PW-R-02 RECON BERKELEY ST
PW-R-02 RECON CHAPIN AVE
PW-R-02 RECON EATON ST 204.0 G
PW-R-02 RECON GOULD ST
PW-R-02 RECON GREEN (ASH-MN
PW-R-02 RECON HOWARD ST
PW-R-02 RECON KING ST
PW-R-02 RECON PENNSYLVANIA
PW-R-02 RECON SNORT/MILL ST
PW-R-02 RECON SUMMER MN-WES 175.0 G
PW-R-02 RECON UNDESIGNATED
PW-R-03 GEN DRAINAGE IMPROV• 15.0 A
PW-R-03 IMPROVE DRAINAGE AB
PW-R-03 SAUGUS RIVER BASIN 733.0 D
PW-R-04 STREET ACCEPTANCES 1.0 B
PW-R-05 SIDEWALK+CURB CONST 50.0 A
PW-R-09 AERIAL TOPOGRAPHIC 50.0 A
PW-R-12 WEST ST CORRIDOR IM 1410.0 G
PW-R-13 TRAFFIC SIG. OPT. S 29.4 A
155.0 G
145.0 G
96.0 G
67.0 G
20.0 G
190.0 G
225.0 G 100.0 G 280.0 G 225.0 G
15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A
1.U B 1.0 B 1.0 8 1.0 B
60.0 A 70.0 A 80.0 A 80.0 A
PW-R-15 DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMEN 1500.0 G 800.0 G
PW-R-17 RECONSTRUCT WALKERS 1250.0 G
SUBTOTAL ROAD/STREET 2737.4 3276.0 1365.0
SD-8-01 RMHS IMMEDIATE REPA 1850.0 D
SD-8-08 BOILER/BURNER REPLA
SD-9-09 OIL TANK REMOVAL 40.0 A
SD-8-12 RENOVATE COOLIDGE M 3000.0 D
SD-B-14 NEW OR RENOV RMHS
-100.0 G 260.0 G
96.0 G
160.0 G
450.0 G 450.0 G 450.0 G
15.0 A 15.0 A- 15.0 A 15.0 A 15.0 A
1.0 B 168.0 8 1.0 B 1.0 B 1.0 B
80.0 A 80.0 A 90.0 A: 100.0 A 110.0 A
300.0 G 300.0 G 300.0 G
848.0 829.0 837.0 683.0 556.0 566.0 576.0
172.0 D 172.0 D 172.0 D
40.0 A 40.0 A 60.0 A
30000. D
250
145.0
155.0 .
96.(
204.0
67.0
20.0
360.0
96.0
160.0
190.0
1005.0
1350.0
150.0
733.0
177.0
800.0
50.0
1410.0
29.4
3200.0
1250.0
12273.4
1850.0
516.0
180.0
3000.0 _
30000.
ARTICLE 6
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM .
FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007
ECT
DESCRIPTION
FY98
FY99
FY00
FY01
FY02
FY03
FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07
TOTAL
SD-B-15
RENOV KILLAM, BARRO
5200.0 D
5200.0
SD-8-16
UPDATE BIRCH MEADOW
600.0 D
600.0
SUBTOTAL
SCHOOLS BUILD
-
5450.0
40.0
212.0
5200.0
172.0
40.0 .232.0 30000.
41346.0
SD-E-01
CLASSROOM TECHNOLOG
100.0 A
100.0 A
100.0 A
100.0 A
100.0 A
100.0 A
100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A 100.0 A
1000.0
SD-E-03
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
20.0 A
-
20.0 A
20.0 A 20.0 A
80.0
SUBTOTAL
SCHOOLS EQUIP
-
100.0
120.0
100.0
120.0
100.0
100.0
120.0 120.0 100.0 100.0
1080.0
PW-S-01
INFLOW AND INFILTRA
115.0 E
155.4 E
270.4
PW-S-02
SEWER MAIN HIGH ST
47.6 E
47.6
PW-S-02
SEWER MAIN REPL-PLE
31.0 E
31.0
PW-S-02
SEWER MAIN SWEETSER
16.1 E
16.1
PW-S-03
SEWER MAIN - MILL&S
82.5 B
82.5
PW-S-03
SEWER MAIN MILL&SHO
192.8 E
192.8
PW-S-04
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
65.0 E
65.0 E
65.0 E
195.0
PW-S-06
SEWER LIFT STATIONS
30.0 E
30.0 E
30.0 E
90.0
SUBTOTAL
SEWER
-
390.3
171.5
173.6
-
65.0
30.0
65.0 30.0
925.4
PW-W-02
CARBON FOR FILTERS
193.2 E
193.2
'~02
FLUORIDE ANALYZER R
6.0 E
6.0
-02
HIGH SERVICE PUMP
15.1 E
15.1
PW-W-02
LAB AUTOCLAVE REPLA
8.6 E
8.6
PW-W-02
LAB INCUBATOR REPLA
7.0 E
7.0
PW-W-02
LAB SPECTROPHOTOMET
7.0 E
7.0
PW-W-02
WATER TRTMT. PLANT
75.0 E
9240.0 ED
9315.0
PW-W-03
VEHICLE REPLACEMENT
29.0 E
65.0 E
26.0 E
64.0 E
26.0 E
26.0 E
33.3 E 85.0 E 26.6 E
380.9
PW-W-05
REVAY WELL PUMP & E
12.0 E
12.0
PW-W-05
WELL EXPLOR. AND DE
129.0 E
129.0
PW-W-05
WELL POWER SUPPLY R
18.0 E
18.0
PW-W-07
STORAGE TANK REPAIR
300.0 E
435.0 E
8.3 E
8.5 E
8.7 E
9.1 E
9.5 E 9.7 E
788.8
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN - CAUSEW
32.0 E
32.0
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN - KING,P
5.0 E
5.0
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN - MAIN/A
245.0 E
245.0
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN - WAKEFI
40.0 E
40.0 E
80.0
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN - WALKER
164.9 E
164.9
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN - WAVERL
8.4 E
8.4
PW-W-08
WATER MAIN LINING
200.0 E
200.0 E
200.0 E
200.0 E
200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E 200.0 E
1600.0
PW-W-08
WATER SUPPLY PROTEC
153.0 E
95.0 E
124.6 E
249.1 E
81.2 E
119.9 E
822.8
SUBTOTAL
WATER
-
674.0
670.0
742.0
10015.
338.0
355.0
208.6 233.3 . 294.5 308.3
13838.7
LD- -02
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
7000.0 ED
7000.0
SUBTOTAL
LIGHT DEPT
7000.0
7000.0
251
ARTICLE 6
TOWN OF READING MASSACHUSETTS
TEN YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
FISCAL YEARS 1998 THROUGH 2007
PROJECT DESCRIPTION FY98 FY99 FY00 FY01 FY02 FY03 FY04 FY05 FY06 FY07 TO~
YEARLY TOTALS: 17569.7 12970.3 2990.3 12313.6 6989.0 2160.7 1552.6 1810.0 31488.7 1375.6 91220.5
SOURCE OF FUNDING:
A ANNUAL APPROPRIATION 1155.4 967.8 778.7 748.6 492.0 801.7 756.0 828.7 ' `713.2 556.3 7798.4
B BETTERMENT 83.5 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 168.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 259.5
CO CAPITAL/DEBT EXCL. OVRD. 1500.0 1500.0
C SALE OF CEMETERY LOTS
D DEBT TO BE AUTHORIZED 6183.0 2100.0 672.0 5450.0 172.0 172.0 30000.0 44749.0
E ENTERPRISE APPROP. 988.8 891.5 931.6 840.0 338.0 385.0 208.6 298.3 324.5 308.3 5514.6
ED ENTERPRISE DEBT 7060.0 9240.0 16240.0
G GRANT OUTSIDE FUNDING 2159.0 7510.0 1279.0 812.0 812.0 801.0 420.0 510.0 450.0 510.0 15159.0
S SALE OF REAL ESTATE
17569.7 12970.3 2990.3 12313.6 6989.0 2160.7 1552.6 1810.0 31488.7 1375.6 91220.5
r
252
Report of the Board of Selectmen
On
Site Selection Phase
Reading Police Station Expansion Program
Summary
This report with attached schematic diagram constitutes the report of the Board of
Selectmen on the site selection phase of the Reading Police Station Expansion Program. The
Board has chosen the option of expansion of the Police Station on its present site with the
addition of a parcel of privately owned property to the rear. The report covers the need for the
expansion program, the recommendations of the Police Station Building Committee, the reasons
for the Selectmen's choice among these options, and the details of the expansion plan on site. It
will show in summary that the site chosen is the best available option within our budget and in
relation to other related community initiatives, particularly for the renewal of the Downtown as
both a civic and a commercial center of activity for the Town.
History
The present police station was built in 1930 with a total of 5400 square feet on two
floors, and was expanded to roughly 8000 square feet with an addition to the rear in 1979. The
original building housed fourteen officers serving a population of 9000. Today, there are fifty-one
sworn and non-sworn personnel operating in three shifts, and serving a population of 22,500.
Additionally, police functions have grown considerably in scope since the original building was
constructed. Based on the widely accepted need for an expanded building, a capital budget item
of $3.5M was approved as a part of the ten-year capital plan by Town Meeting in 1994 for the
project.
Based on ongoing discussion with the owner, it was assumed from the beginning that
expansion would occur on-site through the purchase of privately owned land that appeared to be
available at that time on the Easterly side of the current site.
Funds were also approved for a preliminary design architect to recommend an expansion
plan based on the program needs of a modern police operation and the specifics of the site. The
Town Manager established a Police Station Designer Selection Committee to solicit, review and
recommend proposals from architects for initial design work.
In early 1995, the Board of Selectmen established the ad-hoc and advisory Police Station
Building Committee to work with the selected design architect in completing a plan for expansion.
Based on the recommendations of the Designer Selection Committee, the Town Manager chose
the Preservation Partnership of Fall River, MA. as the architect, and the Designer Selection
Committee was disbanded. The Police Station Building Committee began its work.
Police Station Building Committee
In January of 1995, the Board of Selectmen established an ad-hoc advisory committee to
be called the Police Station Building Committee. The Committee consisted of nine members with
three from the police department, one from the historical commission, a Town Meeting Member,
253
a neighbor of the present building, a staff member of the Department of Public Works, the Chair
of the Finance Committee and a Town resident. A member of the Board of Selectmen was
assigned as liaison. The Committee met eighteen times between March 1995 and February 1997.
These were all open meetings, advertised and posted as required by the open meeting law. The
Committee also met on two occasions with the Board of Selectmen.
The Committee met with Maximilian Ferro of the Preservation Partnership on.many
occasions through 1995 and 1996. The architect spent a number of hours in the police station
scoping out current available space and operations. With him, the Committee toured Police
Stations in Burlington, Billerica and Bedford to get a sense of how municipal buildings had been
re-used or expanded to accommodate modern police work. The Committee accepted a Program
Statement from the Architect in July of 1995. While that program has been revised in several
small ways, it remains the guiding document for planning the Police Station Expansion Program.
The building program established the basic guidelines needed to go forward with any
building project. The program as proposed is adequate to meet the needs of the current Police
Department plus reasonable expansion from the current 40 sworn officers to a maximum of 50
sworn police officers. It is expected that the.proposed project will meet the needs of the
the Police Department in Reading for the next 50 years.
The Prozram Plan
The Program Plan accepted by the Building Committee and endorsed, with amendments,
by the Selectmen addresses needs in the following areas.
Operations Functions
J
The operations area includes spaces related to the daily functions of the Patrol force and
its interaction with the public. In every sub-category of this set of functions, the program requires
additional space. An example of need includes the small and inadequately monitored and
controlled public reception area. Another is the small and inadequately located area for shift
commanders. A summary of program needs for this area is included below:
Present
Proposed
Lobby and public reception area
168
600
Dispatch Area
225
640
Shift command area
175
640
Executive Lieutenant area
200
260
Other lieutenants
0
400
Report Room
100
300
Roll Call Area
325
450
Day Room
0
450
Total
19193
3,740
254
Administration
The Chief and the Senior Officers are the administrative function of the Police
Department. The Chiefs present office is totally inadequate for executive operations or for
working with the public. There is no place for administrative meetings.
A .J ~t....t..,.. D..~,....nm Damiiramante in Ctrn'ra Faat
Present
Proposed
Chiefs Office
250
400
Secretarial Office
80
200
Senior Officers' Conference Room
0
200
Total
330
800
Office Functions
Every police station also functions as an office building where Detectives and Clerks
process an enormous amount of information, records, paperwork and computer data. The present
Detective's area is especially crowded. The records area is small and not well secured. Interview
space is inadequate. There is no D.A.R.E. office. On the job training is a daily part of a modern
police department. No classroom space exists in the present building.
nor. a 7Drnnrom Panits; roman te in Cnnara FPPt
Present
Proposed
Detective Lieutenant
108
200
Detectives
300
800
Interview room
96
200
Records
325
400
Classroom
0
400
D.A.R.E.Office
0
400
Mail and Copier Room
0
100
Total
829
21500
Cell Block
Present cells are not safe enough to protect the Town from possible litigation. The cell
block is really a small incarceration facility and should be as separate from the rest of the station
as possible. The booking and holding areas and the sallyport are unsafe for both prisoners and
officers.
Ci-I Rlnek Prn¢ram Reauirements in Square Feet
Present
Proposed
Cells
785
1,550
Booking and Holding Area
300
450
Sallyport
450
360
255
Matron's Area
80
160
Evidence Room
88
` 300
Photo Lab
140
200
Total
19843
39020
Locker Rooms
The men's locker room is inadequate and there is no women's locker room as required by
state law. A modest fitness room is required to reach and sustain mandatory fitness requirements
without waste of travel time to other facilities.
Locker Room Program Reauirements in Sauare Feet
Present
Proposed
Men's Lockers
430
600
Women's Lockers
0
200
Fitness Room
0
230
Total
430
19130
Other
The armorer presently has no proper space in which to work. Specialized arms are stored
in a closet area. Bicycle storage is mandatory and currently must be handled off site. The
Americans with Disability Act require an elevator. C
Other Program Requirements in Square Feet
Present
Proposed
Armorer's Area
0
200
Arms Storage
closet
100
Bicycle Storage
off site
400
Garage
500
500
Mechanical
272
272
Electrical and telephone service
0
160
Elevator
0
' 450
Stairs
500
1,150
General Storage
126
500
Communications Equipment
116
200
Janitorial
400
300
Total
Circulation
The new program improves on the percentage of space required for general circulation.
Building Circulation Program Reauirements in Rnnnrp Fppt
Present
Proposed
Circulation
11457
3,200
Grand Total
79996
say
8,000
189622
say
19,000
Parkins
The new program improves on the off street parking needed for the Police Station. The
parking is currently disorganized, and provides for less than 20 spaces. Off street parking is
important for the operation of the Department, and to minimize the impact of the facility on the
neighborhood. While the maximum number of employees on site at any one time is usually less
than 15, (the day shift including clerical, administrative, dispatch, and sworn officers), at shift
change 3 times a day the number of employees is doubled, creating the need for the parking
proposed.
Parking Program Reauirements in Numher of Snacpc
Present
Proposed
On-street (including in front of the Senior Center.
6
8
Off-street
less that 20
31
Total
Program Summary
The program plan as presented here has been accepted by the Board of Selectmen. The
Board believes that the plan 'represents a prudent and thrifty way of meeting present and
anticipated future police department needs. The Board also believes that construction should
begin as soon as possible given the likelihood of rising construction costs to meet these needs
over the next several years; delay will cost the Town more dollars to achieve the same program as
outlined above.
It should be noted that a police station is primarily an administrative, communications,
command, and records keeping center. Detainees are usually held for four to six hours, and
occasionally over the weekend. The Police infrequently respond to a call directly from the
Station. Rather, they are usually dispatched while already out on patrol. The program does not
call for a firing range on site. The police station Program should be viewed as much like the
operations of a professional office building. The program plan assumes possible future growth to
approximately fifty sworn personnel and approximately fifteen non-sworn personnel over the next
thirty to fifty years.
257
j
Given the highly administrative, professional and office-like character of daily police work,
it is anticipated that a police station will have a minimal impact on any neighborhood where it is
built, at least from the program perspective. This is especially the case in an expansion on site ( ?
where many of the variables are already well known to the neighborhood, to the department, and
to the Town. The major need is adequate space to house the functions, adequate parking for the
staff and the public using the building , and good vehicular access to the main thoroughfares in
Town.
Additionally it should be noted that the Police Station Expansion Program is not intended
to expand the function of the Reading Police Department. There is no plan to significantly add to
the size of the Police Department in the near future. Even at maximum anticipated strength, the
average number of additional Police Officers reporting to the station and working during any
single shift will increase by about 3.
Sitinl Issues
The Police Station Expansion project originally assumed the availability of the privately
owned lot next to the Station to the east. This lot has since become unavailable to the Town
unless the Town were to undertake an adversarial or unfriendly eminent domain proceeding, a
process which the Board of Selectmen strongly opposes for this project.
Based on the unavailability of the anticipated site, the Board of Selectmen authorized the
Building Committee to investigate other available sites in Town that might serve as Police
Stations. The criteria for the analysis of other sites included requirements that the site must be:
*Affordable within the constraints of the present budget;
*Must contain a minimum of 30,000 square feet;
*Publicly owned or purchasable in a friendly agreement;
*Be available in the time frame of this budget cycle
*Meet the program needs;
*Have a minimal adverse impact on property taxes;
*Have no environmental or other impediments.
Based on these criteria, the Building Committee initially looked at the following sites:
*The Union Street parking lot with an adjacent parcel(s) of land;
*The present site with expansion to the East;
*The former Cerretani's Supermarket Site (now being developed as an OSCO drug store;
•A portion of the former landfill off of Walker's Brook Drive;
*The former RMLD headquarters at 25 Haven Street (recently sold and now being developed as a Brooks
Pharmacy);
*School Committee controlled land on Oakland Road;
• Vacant land on Salem Street.
Most of these sites were discarded as either too small, too expensive or unavailable within
the time frame needed. The Building Committee initially recommended the Oakland` Road site as
the prime site for an alternate siting of the police station. However, the Selectmen determined
that the Downtown would be the best location for the future Station. As the analysis went on, it
became known that the property owners at the rear of the present police station might be willing
to sell. At the same time, some uncertainty resurfaced regarding the possible availability of the
parcel to the East of the present site.
258
r
The Selectmen asked the Building Committee to reconsider the remaining options with
these changes in mind. This was done and the Building Committee came back with a set of
l recommendations for acceptable sites as follows in priority order:
• Union Street parking lot with adjacent lot(s);
• Present site with lot to the east;
• Oakland Road;
+ Present site with lot to the rear.
Any one of these sites could meet the program needs. Based on independent appraisals,
the Selectmen undertook negotiations with all property owners to determine which of these
options was viable, if any. The exception is the Oakland Road location, since the Selectmen had
determined that a Downtown location was a priority. A final determination was also made during
this phase that the lot to the East was not available.
The Board held a public hearing on the two remaining options on December 11th, at
which time it received a number of inputs both oral and written.
Negotiations were held with the Eastern Middlesex Board of Realtors who are the owners
of the lot adjacent to the Union Street parking lot, and with the Russell family, owners of the lot
to the rear of the present police station: The Russell family and the Town reached agreement on
a sales price. The Eastern Middlesex Board of Realtors did not agree to the Town's offer, and
stated publicly that they were "not interested" in moving. Based on these factors and the criteria
for site selection set out previously, the Board of Selectmen voted to expand the police station on
site with the addition of the parcel to the rear. A schematic diagram of the layout of an expanded
police station that meets the program requirements and provides additional parking spaces is
attached .
Next Steps
If the Warrant Articles for the purchase of the lot to the rear and the hiring of an architect
for the completion of the design phase are approved, the Board anticipates the following steps.
will take place:
*Immediate hiring of an architect to work with the Building Committee, the Town, the neighborhood and the
Police Department to design a project that meets the program needs and the constraints of the site.
*Acquisition of the property to the rear of the present site between April and September, 1997.
*Calling of a Special Town Meeting in September to approve the funding of the project as designed.
*The house on the adjacent lot will be demolished and additional parking will be createdbetween September
and November, 1997.
+Bidding and award of contracts for construction by December 31, 1997.
+Construction beginning in January, 1998 to be completed by July, 1999.
259
SYNOPSIS OF REAL ESTATE ACQUISITION DATA
READING POLICE STATION EXPANSION PROGRAM
3-18-97
Owner/Address
Town
Owner
Property tax
Offered
Appraised
Appraised
assessment
purchase
Value
Value
price
2 appraisals for
some properties
Molyneaux - 75 Pleasant Street
1-$152,900
None
$161,600
$175,000
withdrawn from
market
Property abuts the police station to the east-
2 - $145,000 to
owner was at different times willing to sell, but
159,900
is not now willing.
Russell - 16 Parker Street
1-$152,900
None
$153,300
$175,000
accepted
Property abuts the police station to the rear -
2 - $145,000 to
owner is willing to sell, and they have accepted
$159,900
the price of $175,000
Middlesex Board of Realtors - 13 Union St.
1 - $170,000
1- $250,000,
$148,000
$200,000
(EMAR)
+ Town pay
relocation costs
Police Station - 67 Pleasant Street
1-$210,000
none
N.A-
Trade 13 Union
The Town would bear the additional cost of
Street for 67
removal of the back of the building, and
Pleasant Street,
conversion of the space to parking - $20
000
plus EMAR, pay
,
to the Town
cost for removal
$15,000 to
$25,000-
Counter offer by
EMAR: swap,
Town pay
$30,000, Town
remove cells,
Town deed 5
parking spaces,
Town rezone
property; Town
pay relocation
costs. Based on
counter offer, the
Town withdrew
its initial offer., "
260
SCHEMATIC LAYOUT
Potential Police Station Addition
Pleasant/Parker/Haven Streets
scale: V=50'
261