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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-08-10 Board of Selectmen PacketLEGAL NOTICE t TOWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the Board of Selectmen of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts on the following Parking Regulations Hopkins Street: No parking on.the north side of Hopkins Street from Main Street to east of Cedar Street;, no parking south side of Hopkins Street between the driveways of 113 nd 119 Hopkins Street Employee/Merchant Parking - four spaces in the "upper" parking lot 30, Minute Parking - four spaces in the Lowell Street parking lot in front of CVS. A copy of the proposed.doc- ument regarding these topics are available in the Town Manager's office, 16 Lowell .Street, Reading, MA, M-W- Tours from 7:30 am-5:3.0 pm, Tues 7:30 am-7:00 pm, and is attached to the hearing notice on the website at www.readingma.gov All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing, or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6:00 pm on August .10, 2010 to to t o w n m a n a g er@ci.reading.ma.us. By order. of Peter I. Hechenbleikner Togrn Manager 8/3 i 11.61 0 uZ~i P~NV~ S~ . z: ELM oR l i i Easy P&L05 Labals Use Avery® Template 51600 Bend along line to RY@ 5.1600 11 Feed Paper expose Pais-Up EtigeTM I& FANNOUSH PATRICIA A DONAHUE MICHAEL E SAM'S BISTRO LOCONTE GERALDINE M DONAH_UE 1-07-11~I~t=STREET FARE FANNOUSH - 119 HOPKINS STREET READING, MA 01867 113 HOPKINS ST READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 FOLEY ANNMARIE. C BARANOFSKY MICHAEL J OKEEFE JOHN S SHAWN J FOLEY REGINA BARANOFSKY GAIL L OKEEFE 123 HOPKINS ST 127 HOPKINS ST 133 HOPKINS ST READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 MOBERGER OLGA ANN O'SHEA DONALD J RIQUIER THOMAS T ETAL CHRISTINE E BALDWIN SANDRA L O'SHEA C/O LEE A MCNELLY 149 HOPKINS ST .151 HOPKINS ST LIBERTY SQUARE READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 DANVERS, MA 01923 BENTILLA RUSSELL M ERICSON DEAN CHRISTENSEN ELAINE M ALISA FRANZOSA 1 LEANING ELM DRIVE 2 LEANING ELM DR 155 HOPKINS ST REALTY TRUST READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 1 LEANING ELM DR READING, MA 01867 DIPINTO SALVATORE J SR HOWE ELIN M ANASTASI PETER A DIPINTO FAMILY NOMINEE 4 LEANING ELM DR JANE C ANASTASI 3 LEANING ELM DR READING, MA 01867 5 LEANING ELM DR READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 ARINELLA ROBERT A DIODATI JAMES M MILLS WILLIAM J III JOANNE D ARNELLA NICOLENE A DIODATI SUSAN G STEVENS 6 LEANING ELM DR 7 LEANING ELM DR 8 LEANING ELM DR READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 BRESCIA JAMES A CITRANO PATRICIA M FLAHERTY BARBARA L CONSTANCE LAMB BRESCIA C/O JOSEPH N PERRITANO FLAHERTY REALTY TRUST 9 LEANING ELM DR 9 GRAYSON RD 11 LEANING ELM DR READING, MA 01867 WINCHESTER, MA 01890 READING, MA 01867 MELCHIONDA JANE C MELO JOSEPH M MCGLINCHEY PAUL M 12 LEANING ELM DR MARIA F MELO NINA L SALETAN READING, MA 01867. 25 MILEPOST ROAD 29 MILEPOST RD READING, MA 01867' READING, MA 01867 CALARESO JOSEPH III CALARESO JOSEPH JR HARROW MAIN STREET WENDY J CALARESO MARY CALARESO REALTY LLC 122 MAIN ST 28C CARNATION CIRCLE 136 MAIN ST READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 KANE PATRICIA ROGERS 'JAMES F BEEBE KENNETH P DAVID GALVIN ELINORE M ROGERS CYNTHIA M BEEBE 52 LEXINGTON ROAD 16 FAIRMOUNT RD 10 FAIRMOUNT RD EONCORD, MA 01742 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 tiqua esfa~i#esa peter . i AL 5 ; i Repliez a la hachure afin de , Wwwave corm Itilisez le aabarit AVERY(D 54sn' ! , Sens de Easy FleelO GA6ees i Bend along tine to Use AveryO Template 51600 feed Paper ® expose Pop-Up EdgeTM A RY0 51600 1 DODGE RICHARD H ETAL TRS RIZZO MICHAEL J GEARY SHARYL C/O PERKINS BUILDING LLC C/O JOHN B.SHINN 124 HOPKINS ST =2 SPEN~CER`ST 1I8-IOPK I READING, MA. 01867 - STONEHAM, MA 02180 READING, MA 01867 MURLEY ROBERT W JR. RITCHIE LINDA S TWISS ARTHUR L RICHARD G MURLEY EDWARD P BILLINGS RUTH E TWISS 9 CURVE ST 5 FAIRMOUNT RD 15 FAIRMOUNT RD WAKEFIELD, MA 01880 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 HUBBARD JAMES W ALLEN BRENDEN GUAZZALOCA JOSEPH P JANE A HUBBARD JEANNE C ALLEN GUAZZALOCA JANET E 19 FAIRMOUNT RD 7 FAIRMOUNT RD 2 CEDAR ST READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 WANG SAMUEL SWEENEY CHRISTOPHER D CHASSE LEONARD P CHRISTINA WANG RUTH W SWEENEY JILL CHA.SSE 16 BEAR HILL RD 14 BEAR HILL RD 10 BEAR HILL RD READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 SEN NILABJA DEVENNE EDARD J WATSON ROBERT LANCE JAYASRI SEN LINDA J DEVENNE LINDA MARIE WATSON 2 MANNING STREET 8 CEDAR STREET 16 CEDAR STREET BURLINGTON, MA 01803 4 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 MACDONALD GERALD L TOWN OF READING MANNA MICHAEL J BARBARA E MACDONALD 16 LOWELL STREET ANNE F MANNA 9 BEAR HILL RD - READING, MA 01867 156 HOPKINS ST READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 FUSCO MURIEL R 117 MAIN STREET LLC DODGE RICHARD H ETAL TRS 9 CEDAR ST C/O MEINEKE CAR CARE C/O PERKINS BUILDING LLC READING, MA 01867 117 MAIN ST 12 SPENCER ST READING, MA 01867 STONEHAM, MA 02180 AMES CHARLES H KOCH MARILYN E SIDIROPOULOS HARALAMPOS A & M TRUST 91 HOPKINS ST 1180 MAIN ST 87 HOPKINS ST READING, MA 01867 TEWKSBURY, MA 01876 READING, MA 01867. SIDEROPOULOS HARALAMPOS ROBERTS JASON S TR ROBERTS JASON S TR 365 MAIN ST JR REALTY TRUST' NR REALTY TRUST TEWKSBURY, MA 01876 3 WEDGEWOOD DR 3 WEDGEWOOD DR ANDOVER, MA 01810 ANDOVER, MA 01810 TAMBONE ANTHONY A ( ` SOUTH REALTY TRUST Ot/ r 6 KIIVIBALL IN STE 300 l/_ LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 tlquettes faeiles a peler ; Replie6 At la hachure afro de ; www ave coat ltilisez le caabarlt AVERY0 51GDO ! _..sens de_ - ro.ata to h ,wt I I-TN [/''y '[{r ~ E EPA mF~~,AryW1xT 17 r F•r` _ c lt~ ,e OFFICE OF 'I` IREF 16 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Janes W. Cormier Emergency Only: 911 All Other Cafls: 781-944-1212 Fax: 781.-944-2893 Chief of Po&e E-Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us July 22, 2010 Town Manger Peter Hechenbleikner Town of Reading 16 Lowell St. Reading, MA 01867 Peter, I understand the Board of Selectmen will be discussing the parking situation on Hopkins St. at their July 27, 2010 meeting. I would like to submit the following recommendations for their consideration. As you are aware temporary parking restrictions were put into place by me on July 14, 2010 in accordance with the Town of Reading Traffic Rules and Regulations Section 2.6. I authorized the temporary restriction due to the increased parking on both sides of the roadway thus creating a potential emergency situation where emergency vehicles may not be able to access the roadway as needed. The restrictions put into place were No Parking on the North side of the Hopkins St. from Main St. to Gazebo Circle.'' On July 22, 2010 I amended the temporary regulation so that the No Parking would be in effect on the North Side of Hopkins St. from Main St. to Cedar St.. This change was done in response to ongoing monitoring of the area that showed the on street parking on the South side was not extending past the curve in the roadway on Hopkins St. near Cedar, therefore the regulation was not needed further up the roadway. The reasons that I chose to restrict the North side of the roadway are three fold: 1. Public Safety: the majority of the parkers are accessing the new restaurant, Sam's Bistro, either as patrons or employees. It makes sense to have them park on the same side of the street as where their intended destination. is and not have them crossing the street especially at night when the roadway is dark. 7 2. Available Parking: the south side of the street offers more parking opportunities. If there is a need for the parking, we should choose the side that makes the most parking spots possible available. 3. Exiting the restaurant: on Hopkins St. there is an exit from the restaurant parking lot. By restricting parking across the street from the exit, it affords vehicles easier access to Hopkins St.. I am especially thinking about Fire apparatus here, in speaking with Chief Burns the Fire Department would most probably enter the restaurant lot and exit this way. If there are vehicles across the street they would have difficulty exiting. I would recommend to the Board that they consider making the temporary restrictions I put in place on July 22, 2010 permanent. That would' be No Parking on Hopkins St. on the North side of the roadway from Main St. to Cedar St.. If you or the Board have any further questions or comments feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Chief James W. Cormier Chief of Police Town of Reading, MA 8 AOL ~ TOWN OF READING Noted: The Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, for the Town of Reading, are hereby amended by adding to Appendix A-1 _ (No Parking Any Time, List) the following: "5.3 Prohibited on Certain Streets. Upon the streets or highways or parts thereof as listed in Appendix A-1, parking is hereby prohibited. Street Location Regulation Hopkins Street From Main Street 5.3, Parking along Hopkins Street Prohibited on Certain ending at #2 Cedar Streets Street on the northerly side Hopkins Street Between the 5.3, Parking driveways for 113 Prohibited on Certain and 119 Hopkins Streets Street on the southerl side DATE OF PASSAGE SELECTMEN'S SIGNATURES TOWN CLERK OF READING TOWN CORPORATE SEAL a, 7 - ®Parlging-Anyr T Hopkins Street Northerly Side, No Parking Zone 10 Southerly Side, No Parking Zone PROPOSED PARKING AMENDMENT - HOPKINS STREET - 9 - r y , r~ TARPIN TER_ ~Q p n ~ i N ? 99 ' j r _ S t S' 22 A 4 4~.p ry h Y.~ a r t LEAN W G-- < 1 -1 n Legend Map by: Town of Reading Map Locus Building, Mobile; Roads Map date: 8/3/10 Roads, driveways, parking, sidewalks, pavement Driveway & Parking , ;Bridge markings, and buildings from aerial photos taken Paved - Paved spring 2008. Parking, pavement markings, and _ building footprint for 107 Main Street based on Unpaved Unpaved proposed plan -not field verified. Data are for planning purposes only. N Sidewalk Area of Proposed Parking Amendment 0 50 100 200 - Ft 11 LEGAL NOTICE ti TOWN OF READING To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that.the Board of Selectnibh of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts on the following Parking Regulations: Hopkins Street: No parking on the north side of Hopkins Street from Main Street to east of Cedar Street; no parking south side of Hopkins Street between the driveways of 113 and 119 Hopkins Street Lr /Merchant Parking` es in the "upper" e Parking - four he Lowell Street front of CVS A copy of the proposed doc- ument regarding these topics are available in the Town Manager's Office, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA, M-W- Thurs from 7:30 am-5:30 pm, Tues 7:30 am-7:00 pm, and is attached to the hearing notice on the website at www.readingma.gov All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing, or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6:00 pm on August 10, 2010 to to t o .w n m a n a g er@ci.reading.ma.us. By order. of Peter 1. Hechenbleikner 1TQwn Manager 813 ~~o y~ ST 'PccFT ~9G • RFFr C, y m ~o ..max AVENUE yo r 0 IZ m 4 rKle ST ~ FFr 4O SrR FFT ' BEM aKREET SP`. 4wu 5 co 2s ~y d`~T UNION STREET Yom a P~ m ~IPA F~ T HAVEN STREET JTM OWN • STREET WASHINGTON STREET w w ITJ w z' WASHINGTON STREET F w w H z t Easy pee10 Labels i A Rend along line to I A, RY® 51600 Use Avery@ Template 51600 Feed Paper ® expose Pop-Up Edge TM CROSBY JOHN K ETAL TRS MAIN STREET READING LLC ANTON ARTHUR C &B -G-R0SBYY-REA-L--T-Y=T-P_ ISZ--P-0130 6 SOCRATES C ANTON 175 HAVEN ST READING, MA 01867 500 CLARK: RD READING, MA 01867 TEWKSBURY, MA 01876 O'CONNOR THOMAS C BARBARA A O'CONNOR 163 VAN NORDEN RD READING, MA 01867 HARRIS G. REALTY TRUST C/O DANVERS SAVINGS BANK ONE CONANT ST DANVERS, MA 01923 MCGRIFF READING LLC C/O WALGREEN CO MS#1435 104 WILMOT RD DEERFIELD, IL 60015 BOSTON READING LLC 715 BOYLSTON ST BOSTON, MA 02116 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF READING 25 WOBURN ST READING, MA 01867. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INC 15 SANBORN ST READING, MA 01867 READING CO-OPERATIVE 180 HAVEN ST READING, MA 01867 CHESTERTOWN LLC 643 MAIN ST READING, MA 01867 HAVEN PROPERTIES LLC 215 LEXINGTON ST WOBURN, MA 01801 MU MAY THOMAS CHOU 632 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 CIANO JOHN P ARACELI CIANO 246 HAVEN ST READING, MA 01867 kflqu s fadles & peter Utilisez le aabarit AVERY 5160 CORNERSTONE SQUARE LLC 348 PARK ST #301 NORTH READING, MA 01864 DOUGLAS FUNERAL SERVICE, 25 SANBORN ST READING, MA 01867 PIERRO JERRY GERALDINE N MURRAY ETAL 9 ELVIR.A. RD NORTH READING, MA 01864 LIAKOS TRIANTAFYLLIA 10 RAWSON RD ARLINGTON, MA 02174 ROY ROBERT A GINA BACIGALUPO ROY 19 WOBURN ST READING, MA 01867 VACCARO PHILIP N C/O MAIN HAVEN LLC 12 LATHAM IN READING, MA 01867 NEW ENGLAND PROPERTIES 739 CREEKS EDGE CHARLESTON, SC 29412 VENETIAN MOON 680 MALI STREET READING, MA 01867 Sens de Repl~ez a la hachure afin de charaemen# reveler le rebord Pop-UpTM j 22 WOBURN ST LLC ATTN: PAGLIUCA SAUGUS, MA 01906 SANBORN ST PROPERTIES LLC 11 BITTERSWEET LN SOUTH HAMILTON, MA 01.982 KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS INC 11 SANBORN ST READING, MA 01867 READING HOUSING AUTH. 22 FRANK D TANNER DRIVE READING, MA 01867 625 MAIN ST ASSOCIATES LLC C/O CAPITAL PROPERTIES 115 BROADWAY 3RD FL NEW YORK, NY 10006 COHEN RICHARD D C/O CAPITAL PROPERTIES 115 BROADWAY 3RD FL NEW YORK, NY 10006-1604 MORLEY JOSEPH S HOLLY A MORLEY 264 HAVEN ST READING, MA 01867 CHINATOWN CAFE 672 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 QV vuww.avery corn 1-800-GO-AVERY Edgy Peel[6 Labels i A Send along tine to A RY0 s m@ U Avery Template s160~ Feet Paper . expose Pop-Up EdgeTM MIDDLESEX AN IAL HOSPITAL: TOWN PIZZA DELI GOODHEARTS, INC 688 MAIN STREET 6487= NLIN STREET - 64A~IAIN S=T=-IT - READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 WINE SHOP OF READING 676 MAIN STREET READING, MA YOGA EAST 12 WOBURN STREET READING, MA 01867 MR GLENN'S BARBERSHOP 622R MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 RISTORANTE PAVAROTTI 601 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 WALGREENS 5 HARNDEN STREET READING, MA 01867 MAGIC DRY CLEANERS 587 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 PURPLE DOOR PAINT STORE 47 HARNDEN STREET READING, MA 01867 MASSBANK FOR SAVINGS C/O 159 HAVEN STREET LLC 21 ANGLEWOOD LN NORTH READING, MA 01864 FIRST BAPTIST CH OF READING 45 WOBURN ST READING, MA 01867 NEW ENGLAND CLOCKFOLK 610 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 RUFF N READY GROOMING 664 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 TWIN SEAFOOD OF READING 589 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 DANVERSBANK 37 HA78NDEN STREET READING, MA 01867 AROMA CAFE 607 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 READING TROPHY & SHIRT 660 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 US OF AMERICA POST OFFICE 136 HAVEN ST. READING, MA 01867 CMARC SANBORN STREET INC 17 EVERBERG ROAD WOBURN, MA 01801 CHRISTOPHER'S 580 MAIN STREET READING, MA. 01867 BE GIFTED 662R MAIN STREET REAING, MA 01867 PIZZA WORLD 583 MAIN STREET READING, MA.01867 T & T NAIL, DESIGN 603 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS 605 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 SIMM'S JEWELERS 648 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 THOMSON WILLIAM P JR C/O READING LLC 12 MYSTIC ST EVERETT, MA 02149 FAMILY DENTAL 636 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 J & B CROSBY ACCOUNTING 175 HAVEN STREET READING, MA 01867 GUSTAFSON INSURANCE 194 HAVEN STREET READING, MA 01867 vvww averycorn tlgRB. ~~GI~Bg ~~j~p Rep fez a la hachure afin de 'I Sens de reveler le rebord Pop Up71" 1-800-GO-AVERY I 1+11;ca' 1a n=h=wt+ ®VFRV @ Rms& _L_-____+ Easy PeW®.Labels s Bend along line to AERY® 5.160 T"^ Use AveryO Template 51600 ~ Feed Paper ~ expose Pop-Up Edge OLDE BEDDING BUTCHER THE HITCHING POST KLTMON = SHO-PP-- - M 30rM STXE - - $0=11 IId S TREEI' 169 HAVEN STREET READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 READING, MA 01867 . EM*BELLE*ISH SALON 580 MAIN STREET READING, MA 01867 ktique tes fadles A peter i ltilica7 la eaharit AVERY0 51iin@ 0~/~ Sens de Repliez a la hachure afin de www.avery.com 1-800-GO-AVERY le rebord Pop-UpT"' 1-800-GO-AVERY , , , TOWN OF READING Voted: The Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, for the Town of Reading, are hereby amended by adding to Appendix A-4a the following: "5.4.2a Two Hour Parking or All day with Employee Permit: No person shall park a vehicle between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Monday through Friday) on any of the streets or parts of streets listed in Appendix. A-4." Street ]Location Regulation Woburn Street The four parking 5.4.2a, Two Hour . spots along the Parking or All day fenced edge of the with Employee Permit southwestern border of 19. Sanborn Street, located within the public parking lot behind 22 Woburn Street. DATE OF PASSAGE TOWN CLERK OF READING TOWN CORPORATE SEAL SELECTMEN'S SIGNATURES 4 ef 17 l erchant of=s-Be -o r -Street 18 PROPOSED PARKING AMENDMENTS - L:OiELL. 1/~ttJRtVI"RE1" 77 72 TO N f !x HALL r,I t lti J A ~ t ~k CID E i r 'HAR I , i PLE y~ q I 28 I 4 Qj 1, r o C: ~ I NJEN ST 24q 41- X49 253 Legend Buildings Fence E`` Town Railroad l ] School Driveway & Parking r Other < Paved Town Owned Land :Unpaved ® Area of Proposed Parking Amendments Sidewalk Roads j Bridge 1 Paved unpaved Map by: Town of Reading Map date: 813/10 Roads, driveways, parking, sidewalk: pavement markings, and buildings from aerial photos taken spring 2008. Data are for planning purposes only. Locus Map J t N 0~ 19 0 50 100 150 Ft TOWN OF READING Voted: The Traffic Rules and Regulations adopted by the Board of Selectmen on March 28, 1995, for the Town of Reading, are hereby amended by adding a new Section to Article 5, which governs Stopping, Standing and Parking. The new section, Section 4.9, creates a new thirty-minute parking restriction as follows: , "4.9 The four most southeasterly parking spots within the faux cobblestone parking lot on Lowell Street adjacent to 650 Main Street shall be restricted as follows: 30 Minute Parking from. 9:00 AM until 9:00 PM, Monday through Saturday. Each spot subject to said restriction shall have its own permanent sign and post installed on the curb at the head of each said spot." Street Location Regulation Lowell Street As described above. 30-Minutes, 9AM to 9PM, Mon through Sat. DATE OF PASSAGE SELECTMEN'S SIGNATURES TOWN CLERK OF READING TOWN CORPORATE SEAL 40.1- tl - 20 30 Iffinute, 9AM to Mon thru Sat 21 22 Page 1 of 1 Hechenblefter, Peter From: Simms Jewelers Inc [simms1jewelers@verizon.net] Sent: Thursday, August 05, 2010 10:52 AM To: Town Manager Subject: Parking Hi Peter, In regards to the proposed parking changes to be discussed on August 10th, I am in full favor. This should have been instituted a year ago. Please pass this on the board. Sincerely, Peter Simms Peter Simms G.G. 648 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 www.simmsjewelers.net 01- 8/5/2010 23 Reading Fall Street Faire "Patriots Tailgate" Event Proposal and Operating Procedures In light of the tremendous success of the inaugural Reading Fall Street Faire last year, the committee is proposing to keep the faire fresh with new ideas. Therefore, in place of last year's Oktoberfest, we are interested in hosting a Patriot's Tailgate Event. Components Location - The BOS passing of the Outdoor Dining Policy has enabled us to request the use of a portion of the municipal parking lot behind Main Street (aka the CVS Parking lot). This is also where the Antique Car Show will be held and we believe the two events will create great synergy. There would be snow fencing/barriers surrounding the entire perimeter of the tailgate event space leaving one entrance/exit for patrons and a police detail. There would be 10 x 10 tents to cover the vendors/participants in case of inclement weather. We are also in the process of speaking with Doyan's to sponsor/provide the large screen televisions to show the game, but still need to confirm a cable feed. The Patriots are playing the Cincinnati Bengals at 1:00 p.m. (Go Patriots!!!). ® Music- we have secured the Wood End Elementary School "Parents Band" to perform and there will be tables and chairs for patron seating. ® insurance- the event will have a separate rider for liquor liability and, be covered under the policy the committee is taking out for the Faire. Alcohol- The RFSF Event Co-Chairs had a meeting with the Town Manager, Chief of Police, and Director of Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse to get feedback on last year Oktoberfest; due to it being the first event allowing alcohol outside in Reading. The feedback from all parties was overwhelmingly positive and everyone agreed the event was executed responsibly. We discussed the two major challenges from last year, which were pricing and not allowing families into the event. As we all realize, ours is a community with many young families and they wanted to be part of the event. Therefore, it was suggested and supported by the group, to allow children under the age of eleven into the area accompanied by their parents. ® Tickets will be $10.00 which will entitle you to (3) 8oz. servings (equivalent to 2 beers.) This is a decrease in our initial pricing last year of $20.00 and the total ounces of beer allowed remain the same. ® There will be (2) different types of beer served from a completely self-contained truck supplied by the distributor. • Patrons will be required to present a valid ID at the entrance and it will be swiped utilizing equipment provided by J.B.S Professional Consulting. A bracelet with (3) tickets attached will be placed on their wrist and children will be stamped. Patrons will be able to leave and re-enter but will only be able to purchase a total of 3 tickets. There will be two people at the entrance at all times - 1 checking ID's and 1 taking money 24 ~)~I Anyone serving alcohol will be Tips, Barcode, or SafeServe. certified. The RCASA Director has generously offered to train volunteer staff. Tips ursed== certified staff will remove a ticket fromthe bfacelet With -_-eac -sample~fc sb Food- We are very excited to have Reading's own Fire Department, "The Red Hot Chili Peppers", selling their famous chili during the event. The tent will be located within the tailgate area. Safety- the police detail will be from 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. ® Trash-There will be recycling and trash barrels within the event. The DPW will do hourly. pick-ups. 25 Anthony Cavallo President, C.A.C. Foods Inc. 680 Main Street Reading, MA 01867 July 30, 2010 Board of Selectmen; Reading Fall Street Faire Committee Reading Fall Street Faire Proposal -Outdoor Dining Tent Dear Board of Selectmen; Reading Fall Street Faire Committee: Venetian. Moon is excited to be part of the 2010 Reading Fail Street Faire. We are dedicated to make this year's faire a spectacular one. We are proposing to have a stunning 20' x 40' outdoor dining tent to be erected on the newly finished parking area in front of Venetian moon and we are also requesting a one day special liquor license to serve beer and wine. This tent will be the first of its kind, eating great Italian food, sipping good wine, watching hundreds of people walking by; and all being outside in Reading Square! This will help make this year's Street Fare one to remember. SCOPE OF EVENT 1. Alcohol Service A. Beer and wine will be only be served. B. Product will be delivered by one of C.A.C Foods' beer and.wine vendors on September the 12th. The product will be ordered under the temporary one day license and licensee. C. All product will be stored under the designated tent area and will not be stored on the Venetian Moon premises. D. All remaining product will be returned and picked up by the designated beer and wine wholesaler. E. All alcoholic beverages will be ordered via a computer terminal located in the tent. Servers will pick up the beverage at a designated service bar. Patrons will not be allowed to order beer and/or wine at the service bar area. F. All servers will be current employees of Venetian Moon and are current on their ServSafe training. G. All servers and staff are meticulously trained to spot and control any alcohol related issues. This is part of their daily operating procedures at Venetian Moon. H. All beverages will be contained to the tent area. 2. Logistics A. Tent will be 20'x 40'. B. Amount of tables and chairs will be determined. Approximately 60-80 seats will be available for dining. C. Tent will be secured by water barrels provided by a rental company. No intrusions to concrete. D. A three foot barricade will enclose the tent area. There will be one entrance/exit point. This entrance/exit point will be manned by a host and manager at all times. E. Patrons will approach the host station and will be seated by the host only. Patrons will not be allowed to rome freely in and out of the dining tent. In the event of full occupancy, patrons will leave their cell phone number and will receive a call from the host to inform them that their table is ready. This allows the patrons to experience the faire while waiting for their table. q f; . 26 Board of Selectmen; Reading Fall Street Faire Committee [Pick the Date] Page 2 F. The dining tent will be staffed as follows: 5 servers, 2 hosts, 1 manager, 2 service bartenders, 3 bussers, 1 food runner. G. Venetian Moon will be open for business. The amount of seats outside will be subtracted from the inside seating capacity. Example: Venetian Moon will close off 80 seats inside if placing 80 seats outside. H. Restrooms will be available to both patrons and to the public. 1. Dining tent will be handicap accessible. 1. Plants and greenery will be rented to be placed in dining tent. 3. Food Service A. Venetian Moon will be serving its' full dinner menu for entire length of the Street Faire. B. All outside food orders will be delivered via food runners on covered trays. Food will immediately by delivered to patrons table. From plating a meal to delivery to table, approximate time will be 1 minute . C. All food temperatures, procedures; and policies will comply with the board of health requirements. D, Tablecloths will be used on the tables. E. Venetian Moon's china, silverware, etc. will be used for the dining tent. F. Hand washing station will be provided for tent staff. 4. Security A. One Reading Police detail will be hired by C.A.C. Foods from 11am - 6pm. B. ALL tent staff will not be allowed to exit tent area. All food from kitchen will be delivered outside by support staff. This will insure safety and control of the tent area. C. One Venetian Moon employee and one police detail will be stationed on the sidewalk directing foot traffic to guarantee the safety of pedestrians and food runners. This will assure that sidewalk access will not be disrupted. 5. Trash - All trash will be handled and disposed by Venetian Moon in its' private dumpster. 6. Electricity- Will be needed to support 2 refrigeration units and 2 computer terminals. 7. Insurance.- An insurance rider will be issued to the one day license and licensee. This will be issued under C.A.C, Foods int.'s current insurance policies. We appreciate this opportunity to be part of the 2010 Reading Street Faire. Sincerely, Anthony Cavallo President, C.A.C. Foods inc. 27 WAYFINDDING in Reading I: 28 m m m m m m m m m m m y Qe m m m m m m 0 m m m m m e 4 1 m m m m m m m m INTRODUCTION & PURPOSE Reading offers residents a comfortable New England community desirable to families who will invest in their homes and potentially spend a lifetime, raising their families and taking part in civic activities and community events. There is little need to go beyond the borders of this town for most essential services and shopping opportunities. Reading offers excellent access by being convenient to all major highways and public transportation. However, unless you know Reading, finding some of these offer- ings is challenging. The Town of Reading identified a need to evaluate their signage needs while considering what elements of the Town character could be incorporated and provide an identity or brand for this comfortable sub- urb of Boston. In addressing this need the design team made several visits to the community and met in December of 2009 and February and June of 2010 with the Economic Development Committee com- prised of key partners in the community who play an active role in it's growth, management and future successes. During these visits, the team identified key access points, destinations and obtained a vision of how its residents and business partners perceive its identity. The town leaders are trying to establish the community's identity, develop a current theme, and acknowledge their historical significance in the region, working towards a brand that fits their vision of the community. A comprehensive and systematic wayfinding and.directional signage system is a critical piece of work associated with identifying the Town's strengths and the amenities that attract residents, businesses, and visitors. From a clear identification of the main access routes and a systematic identification of the key destinations within the Town, a theme and brand will emerge. Reading is rich on history and is proac-. tive in taking the necessary steps to enhance their richest resources. Recent projects show great care in defining the community as a warm and inviting New England haven while also assuring the offerings of a community so conveniently located to the City of Boston. The town offers major retail offerings and an attractive downtown that maintains a good level of retail offerings, a post office, financial institu- tions, institutional and municipal offices, and a commuter rail station. A sign system in a Town often faces the same challenges as a City. A good design will aid the Town in highlighting its unique features, setting it apart from similar destinations. Signs help identify potentially hidden or under recognized assets, adding value to these assets while giving them personality. The signs should fit the environment and compliment the streetscape enhancements resulting from Master Planning, Market Assessments, Economic Development Strategies, and ongoing observations of revi- talization needs. A look at the existing environment leads to a proposal to find your way into, around and about, and out of the Town of Reading. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 7/ 29 EXISTING SIGNS A study of existing signage shows that over time the Town has developed very tasteful,. practical, and durable signage. However, the current signage offers limited guidance to visitors or those less familiar with the Town. The design team feels that existing signage can be incorporated and expanded upon rather than starting over. In undertaking this study, the team identified major routes and sought assistance in identifying key destinations and sign issues, whether it be certain areas. of the City that are a specific destina- tion with certain offerings or directional assistance to routes, commuter rail, or public facilities. All this needs to be better detailed in how it is identified on a signage system. Reading is identified in public transit literature as Reading Center or Reading Square. It was l confirmed that the preferred and most commonly known term is "Center". The Center offers good shopping opportunities and a town feel'while Reading also offers major big box stores that people from beyond would seek out. The Reading Commuter Train Depot is conveniently located off the town center within walking distance. However, this is another key element of con- venience that is not well identified and difficult to find if not familiar with the area. Town leaders seek to create an ease of not only finding your way to the community and its assets but in finding your way back to the highway or state route system. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts ~3 . 30 Q Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts, r. 31 PHASING Economic conditions cause all communities to approach their expenditures and investments carefully. As a sign system will have varying costs associated with it's implementation, the design team rec- ognizes the need to provide a means to phase the installation of any new sign system. The Economic Development Committee assisted in identifying the more key issues at hand and the more immediate needs versus a longer-term vision. It makes sense to approach the implementation through phasing the signs recommended in this report. The design team identified the phasing for this sign program that will address the immediate needs first while allowing for a later implementation of still important but less critical destinations. The initial phase identified would include: Downtown Reading or Reading Center that includes the Smart growth area; Directions to Birch Meadow Institutional & Recreational area; South Main Street shopping strip and; Walker's Brook Crossing adjacent to 195/Rt. 128 , The second phase of signage should include relevant destinations throughout the entire Town. The second phase should use elements of the initial phasing to keep signage consistent and recognizable. These destinations would include: Open Space and conservation features; Neighborhoods; Historical Districts or features and; Any other destination for events or activities now present or developed in the future. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts [t &J,- 32 ` W z RLP 'I ~ Itl9P~~+ - • G tip?; CWT I 9 m Ho - .,xy'~~' r' • • + ~ om. m Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts G~ 33 RECOMMENDATIONS The current proposal seeks to address the initial phase for both vehicular and pedestrian signage in a permanent environment broken down as follows: Vehicular District Directional Signage Signs to "Reading Center" on Route 28 and Route 129 inbound Outbound Directional Signage Birch Meadow recreational area (on Common) South Main Shopping Strip (on Park @ Washington & Main) Walker's Brook Crossing regional retail stores (Washington Street) Parking Lot Directional Signage Visible "P" signs to the three public parking lots Public Buildings Town Hall Library Senior Center Police Station Others Pedestrian Major Reading Wayfinding map & attractions @ RR waiting area in lighted shelter Shoppers map & directories in off the shelf exterior cabinets @ 3 Town Parking lots Mini maps with stores @ comer shopping nodes Major Event 8i Promotions Kiosk on open space in front of CVS, Preferably electronic and /or touch activated Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts ~t C~i ~ 34 Vehicular It may seem unnecessary to say, but directional signage to the Town's Center is crucial. As the motorist exits the highway, the need for direction is immediate. The Town Center is a focal point and properly located directional signs are the start of a visitor's experience as they traverse the community they have just entered. They also provide comfort to the driver in knowing their path is defined and there is assistance in finding the way. It is also a quality of life issue for residents. Residents can have comfort in knowing their visitors have a guide system. This experience will be the determining factor in many return visits. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 35 Directional signs to outlying districts: • i Birch=Meadow-Driver5outh=MalnStreeti=Waikers=Brook-D-I-- on Common park @ Washington & Maln, & Washington Street Also an important element of any signage program is directing the motorist on their outbound trip. It is im- portant to assure the routes are well marked and the departure, is as pleasant as the arrival. Reading also has the challenge of directing the motorist and shopper to other outlying retail destinations. The Town is most fortunate to host an area of larger retail destinations at Walker's Brook Crossing. The Economic Develop- ; ment Committee and the design team agree that it is important to inform the driver that these options exist and provide guidance in accessing them from the Town Center through directional signage. The signage may even provoke a shopping trip for residents who have completed their visit to the Center. Parking seems plentiful in Reading Center, which is supported in a Parking Study completed in the spring of 2008. However it is not well identified or necessarily easy for visitors to find. Reading is fortunate in this regard as most communities struggle with parking needs in their Town and City Centers. More recent improvements enhancing access to lots located at the rear of the commercial shopping and dining districts have added to both visibility and access for pedestrians once they have left their vehicles. The study team took notes that it•is important that all these access points were well maintained during the winter months and would encourage the town to establish a maintenance program through their DPW or recruit business owners who might assist with this effort to assure there is safe passage and they remain a benefit to the Center. This could be a shared responsibility and handled in a manner so as to minimize the responsibility to one business by sharing the load. Wayfznding in Reading Massachusetts 36 i' It is highly recommended to use long identi= fled national or international standards like (i the parking' P". Many of these symbols are available to designers on the web through RIGA in usable formats. In Readings's case we veered slightly from the standards and offered some options by adding color and shape hoping to really draw the driver onto the lot and thereby resist the temptation to circle the block for more in demand, shorter term on-street spaces that should accommo- date high volume turn over. We also took the• liberty of identifying the length of parking by introducing the hours 'T' in conjunction with i I the standard'}?". This option can be easily changed if the town;might experiment with dhangmg tie' limits' tq~better accommodate I. J var~bus paikmggnee~s 'TheftQWn Cain choose the d~tlori that best fits theu;,id**1!of'hp v the i tL ; , 5{ town tis~best~represen ed7 •.jir V Jl~{ ti.l. xat , 11 s1il tl 1, 4} l,I rl . Ihr'r y+, r r ra , IS ,a ' a..G7 l T1 °l 7 t. 1 r ,1 f ~ r' ,.7 x r~ 1 • a ~ , ' ' ' ,.J i 1 , ~br t, t t' r 1r 1. v i t 1 . L t L, l ~5 L i , 1 .4 0 I r~ t, j 7F5 r y { 1: S r. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 37 q. (~J INS11TU'PIONAL DIRECTIONAL SIGNS 7F }-iceIt 'F ~t4: Y2'° :!("i1:•-ti..uti:-'4.cf6'•'1~..i:•.1`-9i7~_°!T;.~...'~l:i •~:rtr.:y:+.,^?,~ (l' Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 38 In prior sign studies, it was frequently heard that residents and visitors alike prefer to see the municipal service amenities identified- Town Hall, Library, Senior Center, Police Station, etc. I Pedestrian t The "Power of Maps", an* exhibit at the Cooper Hewitt Museum displayed the dynamics asso- ciated with the use of maps and the visitor's reaction to colors and graphics that represents the 'whole" in a familiar way. The design team recognized the underutilization of the Commuter Rail Depot as a captive audience at over 800 persons each day. As such the team recommends the installation of a new back-lit advertising shelter that provides maps/directories in an ad- vertising format that will highlight what Reading Center has to offer. Again, this is a huge op- portunity to provoke a visit to the Downtown and is highly underutilized by the retail sector. I Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts V 39 Mayor Hepoing waynnding maptdltectory In advenlslro shelter with back lighTig In a similar offering, the team recommends installation of an off the shelf model, series of exterior *cabinets located at the 3 parking lots to guide the pedestrian to their destination and I promote the watkability of the Downtown. This will alleviate the potential for confusion as noted in the 2000 Parking Study.and prove to be a worthwhile investment. r~ Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 40 Shuppw',rnap(dhuctwyIn uffllhu shel(uxterlur ub(nets in tka lhrae public pdrklny luts it ' As an active town with many family activities for residents to avail themselves of, the community identified a changeable message system as an important element of a sign system. There is currently a changeable sign in place.on the Town Common that serves as a notice board for community events. It is, again a good example of signage aimed at delivering a series of messages in a tasteful and visible manner. It reaches both motorists and pedestrians. In further addressing this need the design team f I recommends a major event and promotion kiosk located on a preferred open space in front of CVS or near the Common. Preferably this sign would be electronic and touch activated. We recommend it be sited in a structure that mimics the bandstand once located on the Common and featured on historic postcards of days past. Although Reading was unable to preserve the bandstand structure, the op- portunity exists to recognize its former existence and provide an eye catching and inviting form for 1 visitors and residents alike. i i I J I~ Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 41 w E%mtipromotions kioskonepcn space In front of CV5, Elec:ronlcRovch svLcn in'bahd stand'shcltcr Again, in line with providing direction to the shoppers, and addressing the Economic Development Commit- . tee's desire to provide information to the shoppers at decision making points, the design team identified nodes within the shopping district where a mini-map with shop names can provide this information. To be effective the maps must be orientated to the directions the users are facing, so the location of mini maps at these nodes should be carefully considered. Consideration should be given to identifying any landmarks that maybe notable allowing the pedestrian to further orient themselves during their walking ekperience. Shopping amps Cs` Wail nodes Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts v 1 42 NIAINLINCOUN MAIN WAS111NOTON MAIN I.INt'nI.N j ! Mini map locations include Main/Wobum, Main/Lincoln, Main/Haven, Main/Washington, Haven/Grove, and Haven/Chute. Committee members noted a desire to see the mini-maps in round form based on their observations in other (I communities. Maps can be in either form, rectangles or round, and communicate the same information. As others view the options for various sign styles, a preferred shape may emerge as the final selection. The need to frequently change the individual shop names can be accommodated by placing cut vinyl names over a digital print of the map. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts ~ (kV 43 I1.\\'I:N v! R. K. \IA1N'IIAVIN a0ti1.1)gI VTIIN' IMPLEMENTATION Of design interest to the study team was the definition of the color commonly used on town signs- "Read- ing Red". This special color reference presents a great opportunity to'capitalize on this special identity by using this color reference. It may add to the opportunity 'to raise funds through describing a special and unique color associated with the Town's image and history by incorporating "Reading Red" into the over- all signage program. We have incorporated red into the majority of sign elements for key destinations that will help distinguish between the types of signs the viewer is asked to comprehend. We recommend that whoever implements the sign program work with a local paint supplier or sign shop to develop or select a red that can be specified for all Reading sign components calling for the red color. The design team understands that Reading does not have it's own sign shop and must contract for all sign work, including street signs and any other signage. Therefore an inexpensive and easily maintained system makes the most sense and will lend itself to either a fund raising effort. or potential grant sources for the initial implementation. All directional and guide signs for motorists should conform to the new Federal regulations requiring high reflectivity on most municipal signage, to be converted over the next several years. This report provides the basic groundwork for a sign system but some decisions lie ahead. It would be beneficial for whoever is implementing the sign program phases the work with a local sign company. Most companies have staff with design skills who can'assist in selecting the best materials, keeping costs down, and making recommendations for efficient installation and easy maintenance moving forward. This report supplies the basic concepts that can be further developed and detailed to result in a cohesive and compre- hensive system. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts ttcAl 44 Directional signs for Reading Center can be pole or post mounted, .08-gauge aluminum stock with highly reflective vinyl sheeting. Sign dimensions are recommended to be a minimum of 18" x 36". Posts should be break away, black, and post tops may accommodate decorative caps to provide a style. Estimated cost Directional signs to Reading Center = $250-$300 each including labor & materials Number of Signs Minimum of 6 at key entry points to be determined during implementation. ' a e a a 0 0 a a a 0 0 0 a 0 0 a a e 0 a a 0 a a a 0 0® 0_a 0 0 0 a 0 0 a a 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 e 0 a 0 0 a a a 0 e 0 0 0 Directional signs to outlying districts will utilize the form of existing signs incorporating the Town seal at. the head'of the sign and Reading Red on the sign panels. These monument style signs.can utilize the same or similar materials on existing signs or design can be further developed for ease of changing messages and reducing cost. Sign size may vary depending on the size and number of messages, and ability to site properly but are generally in the range of 4-5+/- feet in height and 3-4 feet in width. Decorative elements include post and ball and top form to fit seal. Estimated cost Directional signs to outlying districts = $1,500 each Number of Signs 3 Minimum dependent on desired # of messages. e 0 m e a 0 e a e a 0 e 0 0 0 a a a a 0 a e a a a a 0 e 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 e e 0 0 0 0 a a 0 a 0 0 0 a a e 0 a 0 0 e 0 Directions to the Town's three Parking lots are designed to be highly visible. Color choices are optional Hourly limits displayed (optional). Pole or post mounted .08 -gauge aluminum stock with highly reflec- tive vinyl sheeting. Sign blanks are recommended to be 2' round. Posts should be breakaway, black, and post tops may accommodate a decorative cap to provide a style. Estimated cost Parking Signs + $200 -250 each including labor and materials Number of Signs 6-10 identified, may be others oeoooaemmoo00000G00aaaaaa0iaaoaa0.0aaaaaoeaaa0.0 ao0 e0 a0aa00a® Signs to individual public buildings including Town Hall, Library, Senior Center, Police Station, and oth- ers are comprised of digital photos of buildings with cut vinyl names and arrows. An option for a logo is available in the Appendix. Sign blank size may vary depending on logo but range from 20" x 20" to 18" x 24". Estimated cost Public Buildings = $200-250'each including labor & materials Number of signs - 4 identified, with potential for others. Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts ~V 45 a es'ria~ Major Reading Wayiinding map & attractions directory at the Rail Depot waiting area in lighted advertis- ing shelter available from manufacturers. Electrical service required. Size can vary depending on selection. Recommendation may result from advertiser's interest in participat- ing and options for ownership & maintenance. Estimated cost Advertising shelter = $10k for shelter & installation Number of shelters - 1 a a 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 a a a a 0 0 0 0 a a 0 a a 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 a 0 0 a a a 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a Shoppers map & directories in single sided exterior cabinets @3 Town Parking lots are available from several manufacturers in various colors and styles. Key lock access for changing maps or messages recommended. Further walking map development needed. Estimated cost Cabinets = to $600 each includes cabinet and installation. Number of cabinets. - 3 0 a a 0 a 0 0 0 0 a a 0.0 0 0 0 0 00 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a 0 a 0 0 0 0 a a 0 0 0 0 0 0 a Mini maps with stores at shopping nodes.Vinyl with digital maps on round sign blanks with cut vinyl store names. Posts can be decorative aluminum. Estimated cost J 0c $500-$600 Number f o mini maps @ nodes 6 identified. ~a - 0 0 a 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 a a a 0 0 0 a a a 0 a 0 0 0 a 0 0 0 a a 0 a 0 0 0 0 a a a 0 a a a a a 0 0 a a 0 0 a 0 a 0 0 9 0 a Major Event & Promotion Kiosk on open space in front of CVS or near Common preferably electronic & touch activated. . Shelter structure to mimic bandstand in roof style & frame. Material could be wood or metal. Should be vandal resistant and be of solid lasting construction. Estimated cost Kiosk Shelter $5K including labor & materials (wood) Electronic Touch Kiosk $10,000 Number of shelters - l Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts Lk(~/ 46 Call Us Toll Free. 1-866-965-4729 L - M-F 9AM to 5PM CST Message Centers Large Vertical Message Centers Free Shipping on select models Usually Ships In 4 Weeks pro uct escr pt on " Present Information on upcoming events, golf tournaments and outings Illuminate your messages at night with optional LED light feature 100% recycled plastic frame with acrylic glass window Stainless steel hinged door with keyed locks •s Guaranteed for 25 years available colors Evergreen Brown Cedar Desert Tan Gray Blea Columbia Equipment Company 9nic. 180-10 93rd Avenue Jamaica, NY 11433 Phone : 718.658.5900 Fax : 718.526.4110 Toll Free: 800.742.1297 Emall: shelterpr(a)aol.com Steel Post -10' X 3" X 3" - Includes Ball I Item 10P3X3 120 Cypress Roy Ocala, Florida 34' Toll-Free: (888) 609 Phone: (352) 680 Toll-Free Fax: (888) 2~ Fax: (352) 680-3E a Height X Width=10'X 3" X 3" ® Powder Coat - Satin Black 0 Vdayfinding in Reading Massachusetts Lk 47 READING WAYFINDING LOCATIONS o 1 w i s Reading Center'Signs tS 0 y P Parking signs u; Parking Lot Cabinet Directories ':(l RRMOnding Shelter Shopping Corners Town Square Klosk Public Buildings O Reading Suburban Signs It n 'L ate-; it- P.11 F0 0 r- w,• E ' - n,.CV J 4y, tl ,r•• t Y Yi to r• 4Nn r , I'i I r ~.+4„7~ 414; ~ 4, 7 ,rte ,F ;,Ms Lilll"wr ti..,~Cr^ .r•;r:lr f,g~ ~x:...AfitY`l N; N A 0 50 1oD zao Feat 0 rs N 3 ...~na\~I~'e 48 -LJ Jul - o ` 41 *RT1~ti l~ I . J~ ; ja1 n Y ~n I"cri- References: (I "You are Here, Graphics that Direct, Explain & Entertain" Society for Environmental Graphic De- sign, Gail Diebler Finke, Edited by Leslie Galler-Dilberth, FAIR. 1999 (I "City Signs; Innovative Urban Graphics", Gail Diebler. Finke, Printed in Hong Kong, World Distribu- tion by Hearst Books, 1994 "Wayfnding, Designing and Implementing Graphic Navigational Systems", Craig Berger of SEGD, Published by RotoVision SA, Switzerland I. Prepared by: Anne M. Barton and Sandra Swaile 2010 Funded by: Department of Housing 'and Community Development Peer to Peer Program 1_I II Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts l ( ~ QQQ~~~ 49 f Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 50 d- ~t It lii `r owunl%"' 12' HIGH VINYL POST WOOD FILLERS BOLTED.TO POST BREAK AWAY POST, esq. BREAKAWAY POST INSIDE i Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts w~ 51 4 3/4" - Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 52 i Simpler Version of outbound signs 53 Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts. I. o Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts 54 i i Symbolic logo directional signs to individual public buildings ~rsu~ulc~ Mini maps with shops at shopping nodes (corners) Main & Woburn, Main & Lincoln, Main & Haven, Haven & Grove, Haven & Chute Wayfinding in Reading Massachusetts ~G HOUR 55 +rte+e ~rae~ay~,m ih:d.~. ~ta~,a~m 16 Lowell Street. Reading, MA 01867-2683 Portable A-Frame/Sandwich Board'Signs Background At the Spring 2010 Annual Town~Meeting, ,Section 6.2. "Signs" of the Zoning By- Law was amended to permit the use of Portable; A-Frame or Sandwich. Board signs in the Business B Zone. Prior to this zone change, Portable A-Frame signs were prohibited by zoning. The new sign by-law stipulates that Portable A-Frame signs fall under the regulatory control of the Board of Selectmen: Applicants will be required to apply to the Board of Selectmen for an annual perinit. The amended Sign By-Law approved at the Spring Town Meeting is currently pending approval by the Attorney General's office. Once the AG approval is received, there is an advertising requiremeiii that the Town must adhere to that adds approximately 30 days to xhe final approval. Board of Selectmen's Policies: Section --:.Permits/]License for Portable A-Frame/Sandwich Board Signs Purpose and Intent The Board of Selectmen developed this policy to promote a pedestrian friendly community that supports businesses. The regulation of Portable A- Frame/Sandwich Board Signs is intended to balance the aesthetic, safety, and economic development needs of the community. By regulating this use, sidewalk access will be preserved for pedestrians, particularly those with disabilities. Draft Board of Selectmen Policies on A-Frame or Sandwich Board Signs -August 4, 2010 56 _~-R-equir-_e-men-ts and=l ul_es Portable__A-dram=e/ Sandwich-_13_oa_r-sign: General: 1. Requires an annual permit from the Board of Selectmen which is valid for one calendar year (January 1 - December 31St) 2. Permitted in the Business-13 zoning district only. Location and Size: 3. Maximum Size of the Sign - 4 feet in height with a total sign area not to exceed 6 square feet., 4. Visibility Hardship - Businesses may .apply fora hardship due to their location in an alleyway or other area that'restricts;visibility from major roads, for placement of signs on the major access roads. Applicants shall demonstrate this hardship with photos or other,:supporting documentation. If hardships are granted, signs 9-M-11 be located or the corner closest to the business and the road. All of the other requirements for Portable A- Frame/Sandwich Board signs shall apply. 5. A-Frame Signs:.shall be:,., ® on public or private property; ® within 15 feet of the business entrance (unless' granted visibility hardship); ® a minimgrh of 4 feet (48 inches) of.an unobstructed walk way for safe . pedestrian passage and shall not obstruct pedestrian movement; subject to all requirements for handicapped accessibility located in a waythat does not obstruct site lines or vehicular traffic; ® at least 20 feet fi:om another portable sign; ® placed in a permitted location only during business hours of operation; ® prohibited on landscaped islands or other planted areas; e prohibited before sunrise or after sunset; ® at least 20 feet from the intersection on corner lots; ® freestanding and not attached to any public appurtenance such as a bus stop, light fixture, trash barrel, bench or other similar item;. without attachments like balloons, flags, banners, or other items; ® limited to two sides; ® sufficiently weighted to prevent it from blowing over. Draft Board of Selectmen Policies on A-Frame or Sandwich Board Signs -August 4, 2010 57 . Other: 6. The sign shall be maintained in good condition; 7. Only one portable A-frame sign per businesses is allowed; 8. The sign material shall be weather resistant, shall not be reflective, or include any type of illumination; 9. Portable signs shall be removed during a declared snow emergency. 10. The sign permit is non-transferable and application for' such permit must be from the business owner (not the sign installer/ maker). 11. The permit is not valid for any other business or location other han what was approved by the original permit and the advertising on the sign shall only apply to the business for which the perimt:was granted. 12. Signs placed in violation of this policy may result:in the immediate removal of the sign at the owner's expense. 13. The permit fee for.'a.Portable A frame`/ Saridwicli Board Sign installed without a sign permit will be double the regular sign permit fee. 14. Political statements or messages are prohibited. .15. Applicant shall indemnify the Town of Reading or its agents from damage to signs resulting from plowing or other public works maintenance. 16. Applicants must be current on all taxes or fees owed to the Town. Application 1. Sign Permit Application fee $50.00 (per year). 2. Eight (8) copies of the completed application form- and all the required attachments and supporting material. 3. Property owner's signature is required on the permit application 4. Each application will be reviewed on a case by case basis. 5. Business owners shall submit to the Board of Selectmen a complete Portable A-Frame/Sandwich Board Application Form and all supporting documentation. 6. The application shall include: Business name and address; business owner contact person with email address and telephone number; status of business Draft Board of Selectmen Policies on A-Frame or Sandwich Board Signs -August 4, 2010 X**,- 58 as property owner or tenant as demonstrated by proof of ownership or lease; rf en-ant= wr-, ten=permiss-ion_from the 7. A drawing (color) of the proposed sign and a site/plot plan (to scale) showing the proposed sign location and dimensions of the sidewalk, distance to the business entrance, and relationship to adjacent buildings, roads, driveways, and other street amenities such as trash receptacles, fire hydrants, utility fixtures, etc. The sign message should be including on the sign drawing. 8. The application should also include photographs of the area where the proposed sign is to be located, showing the storefront, building(s), the existing signs, abutting properties and the streetscape surrounding the proposed sign. 9. The materials and colors of the sign shall be,described in the application and on the drawings. 10. The sign shall not be installed until the :owner has received the sign permit authorization from the Board of Seledthb 1. Administrative Requirements,.. 1. License Agreement 2. Liability Insurance Draft Board of Selectmen Policies on A-Frame or Sandwich Board Signs -August 4, 2010 4 59 Submitted to: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation For enrollment in CH61/61A/61B and/or Forest Stewardship Program L.iS CHECK -OFFS Administrative Brix CH61 CH61A CH61B STWSHP C-S Case No, Orig. Case No. cent, cent, a cert. new EEA F Owner 1D Add. Case No. recert. F] recert. n recert, n renew D Other Fx-] Date Ree'd Ecoregion amend amend amend Green Certification Plan Period Topo Name Lowell 1- Conservation Restriction RueSpp.Hab. River Basin Ipswich pill Change: to CR Holder OWNER, PROPERTY, and PREPARER INFORMATION Property Owner(s) Town of Reading Mailing Address 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Phone 781-942-6612 Property Location: Town(s) Reading Road(s) Grove St. / Mill St. Plan Preparer Philip B. Benjamin., CF Mass. Forester License # 15 Mailing Address 151 Depot Street, South Easton, MA 02375 Phone 508-238-0422 RECORDS . (non-Ch.61161A) Ch. 61/61A Assessors' Lot/Parcel Deed Deed Total Excluded Certified Stewardship Map No. Number Book Page Acres Acres Acres Acres TOTALS Excluded Area Description (if addldonal Space is needed, continue an separate page) See Page 2 for assessors' map and lot information. HISTORY . Year Acquired began 1930 Year management began began 1930 Are boundaries blazed/painted? yes no X partially Have forest products been cut within past 2 years? yes no X What treatments have been prescribed, but not carried outlast 10 years if plan is a recert)? stand no. treatment reason (if additional space is needed, continue on a separate page) Previous Management Practices (last 10 years) Stand(s) Cutting Plan Treatment Yield Value Acres Date Remarks: (if additional space needed, continue an separate page) The Reading Town Forest was established in 1930 and at that time, 100,000 white pine, red pine, Scotch pine, and balsam fir seedlings were planted throughout many of the uplands, Over time, some of the plantings have been thinned. Most of the management efforts have concentrated on developing and maintaining a network of trails through the property which also includes Water Department land as well as a small conservation commission holding. Until Reading joined with the MWRA for its water, this property was the site for approximately 8 wells that served the town of Reading. Page i of s6 60 qP RECORDS Assessors' Lot/Parcel Deed Deed Dept: Total Excluded Stewardship Map No. Number Book Page Owner * Acres Acres Acres 43 28 11236 207 Water 4.69 0.00 4.69 43 29 11274 558 Water 1.56 0.00 1.56 43 30 7727 564 Water 4.95 0.00 4.95 43 31 11272 101 Water '0.36 0.00 0.36 43 32 NA NA TF 1.43 0.00 1.43 43 33 5571 357 Water 12:93 0.31 12.62 43 34 6130 248 Water 8.99 4.52 4.47 43 35 6657 167 Water 12.28 1.49 10.79 43 36 10262 3B2 TF 5.53 0.00 5.53 43 37 11553 120 TF 11.61 0.08 11.53 43 38 5571 360 TF 1.75 0.00• 1.75 43 39 5568 430 Water 3.08 0.00 3.08 43 40 5565 248 Water 5.73 0.00 5.73 43 41 5522 194 Water 2.31 0.00 2.31 43 42 5568 430 Water 2.36 0.00 2.36 43 43 6121 396. TF 13.02 0.00 13.02 44 117 1284 517 TF 3.89 0.00 3.89 49 1 5565 248 Water 1.61 0.00 1.61 49 2 5571 357 Water 5.84 0.00 5.84 49 3 5571 357 TF 5.41 0.00 5.41 49 4 5447 1D8 TF 7.50 0.00 7.50 49 5 5806 183 TF 3.88 0.00 3.88 ' 49 6 5571 360 Water 1.50 0.00 1.50 49 7 NA NA TF 2.61 0.00 2.61 49 8 5565 242 Water 1.08 0.00 1.08 49 9 5565 246 Water 10.94 0.00 10.94 49 10 5447 107 TF 1.07 0.00 1.07 50 3* 5447 108 TF 5.09 0.00 5.09 50 4 5565 245 TF 3.84 0.00 3.84 50 5 11395 423 TF 8.85 0.00 8.85 50 6 47725 14 CC 12.92 0.00 12.92 50 7 11493 321 TF 3.63 0.00 3.63 50 16 11553 121 TF 5.88 0.00 5.88 50 17 11395 426 TF 2.39 0.00 2.39 50 20 5447 108 TF 45.85 0.00 45.85 50 21 10193 182 TF 1.03 0.00 1.03 '50 22 5565 246 TF 0.94 0.00 0.94 50 23 11313 165 TF 3.26 0.00 3.26 Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 2 of se 61 17 ryr 11 ~r 50 24 10547 113 TF 4.22 0.00 422 50 25 11553 119 TF 3.97 0.00 3.97 50 26 12992 456 TF 3.03 0.00 3.03 50 27 12992 451 TF 3.14 0.00 3.14 50 28 11486 87 TF 6.25 0.00 6.25 50 29 11493 319 TF 2.23 0.00 2.23 55 1 10782 306 TF 12.15' 0.00 12.15 55 2 NA NA TF 4.56 0.00 4.56 55 3 12992 451 TF 2.66 0.00 2.66 55 15 20649 598 TF 27.56 0.00 27.56 55 16 28035 154 TF 2.27 0.00 2.27 56 101 4730 395 Water 18.60 0.00. 18.60 TOTALS 322.23 6.40 315.83 Excluded Area Description (if additional space is needed, continue'on separate page) * The Reading Town Forest includes parcels owned and controlled by the R eading Town Forest Committe e as well as contiguo us parcels owned and controlled by both the Reading Water Department and the Reading Conservation Commission. Excluded areas consist of 0.31 acres for the remaining buildings at the former water treatment plant and 6.09 acres for an active composting site. Excluded areas denoted as per attached Forest Stand Map, Block 1. Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) 62 Reading Page 3 of 56 Revised May 2009 Landowner Goals Please check the column that best reflects the importance of the following goals: Importance to Me Goal High'. Medium Low Don't Know Enhance the Quality/Quantity of Timber Products*- X Generate Immediate Income X Generate Long Term Income X Produce Firewood x Defer or Defray Taxes X Promote Biological Diversity X Enhance Habitat for Birds X Enhance Habitat for Small Animals X Enhance Habitat for Large An rrWs x Improve Access for Walking/Slding/I.ecreation X Maintain or Enhance Privacy X Improve Hunting or Fishing X Preserve or Tmprove.Scenic Beauty X Protect Water Quality X Protect Unique/Special/ Cultural Areas X Attain Green Certification Other: X *This goal must be checked "HIGH" if you are interested in classifying your land under Chapter 61/61A. In your own words, describe your goals for the property: Stewardship Purpose By enrolling in the Forest Stewardship Program and following a Stewardship Plan, I understand that I will be joining with many. other landowners across the state in a program that promotes ecologically responsible resource management through the following actions and values: 1. Managing sustainably for long-term forest health, productivity, diversity; and quality. 2. Conserving or enhancing water quality, wetlands, soil productivity, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, cultural, historical and aesthetic resources. 3. Following a strategy guided by well-founded silvicultural principles to improve timber quality and quantity when wood products are a goal. 4. Setting high standards for-foresters, loggers and other operators as practices. are implemented; and minimizing negative impacts. 5. Learning how woodlands benefit and affect surrounding communities,' and cooperation with neighboring owners to accomplish mutual goals when practical. Signature(s): Date: V Owner(s). (print) . (This page will be Included with the completed plan.) 63 Page ^Y_ of .s6 v~ The Reading Town Forest lies in the northernwesternmost portion of the town of Reading in the northeast cornet of Middlesex County. The boundary foi: the entire northern half of the property is the Ipswich River, which also serves as the town line with North Reading. The western boundary is the Wilmington town line, which lies just to the east of Route 93. Reading is no longer a rural residential community. The Reading Town Forest, along with additional wetlands in the northeast portion of Reading, is one of the single largest areas of undeveloped land remaining in town. The 322 plus acres of the property offer an excellent representation of what much of the Reading landscape was years ago. The glacial influence on the topography is clearly evident in parts of the property with moderately to steeply sloped eskers. Some of the glacial deposits have been excavated over the years leaving behind ruggedly sloped topography as well as occasional seasonally wet depressions. The upland areas beyond the reach of the gravel operations are generally well drained, flat to moderately sloped, and support a typical mix of mixed hardwood poles and sawlogs with a slowly developing component of white pine saplings and poles. In addition to the natural regeneration found through the property, extensive areas were planted in the 1930's when the town forest was created. White pine, red pine, Scotch pine, balsam fir, and Norway spruce were planted individually and in plantations through portions of the property. In addition, the lower areas throughout the property and along the Ipswich River tend to remain seasonally wet and consist primarily of both sparsely stocked marshes and red maple stands. The past agricultural use of portions of this property is evident. Stonewalls are present in the area west of the Wood End School indicating the land was cleared at some point in its past. The remains of an old cranberry bog are also present as evidenced by the exceptionally level grade, deliberately constructed ditches, and small borrow pits that provided the material to construct water control features such as a dike. Forest health appears to be relatively good, although several small areas in the Reading Town Forest have suffered from forest fires in the past. Extended, periodic flooding appears to be killing some of the trees in the lower, seasonally wet marshes and woodlands. In addition to intense visitor use of the property, nonnative invasive plant species may be the most significant threat over the long term. Bittersweet, buckthorns, honeysuckle, barberry, Japanese knotweed, and phragmites are slowly becoming entrenched. Although the fruits and berries are eaten by many species of birds, these are not important sources of food for wildlife. At the same time, they are extremely destructive to the existing native vegetation by literally choking out the competition. This situation will warrant constant monitoring and potential control. Habitat diversity is superb, favoring both interior-dwelling and wetland favoring birds and animals. The extensive river marshes along the Ipswich River and the open shrub swamps and woodland swamps provide superb undisturbed habitat for many species of birds and animals. This Forest Management Plan seeks to describe the current conditions of Reading Town Forest and recommend various actions to further enhance the vigor, productivity, aesthetics, and biological diversity of this property. The plan identifies the various forest stands based on tree species composition and age. Each stand is described in detail as far as the dominant vegetation is concerned. Past history, soils and topography, general wildlife notes, and brief management recommendations are also included for each stand description as well as the results of the inventory work undertaken during the preparation of the management plan. A separate section in this plan describes the various practices that can be considered to improve and enhance the property for aesthetics and passive recreational use, for tree and forest vigor, and for wildlife Owner(s) Town "of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 'r of S-G ~J 64 A" . Pronerty Overview. Regional Significance. and Management Summarv habitat maintenance and protection. In addition to extending, improving, and maintaining the current trail system, some of the upland forest areas can be considered for commercial activities that will help accomplish some of the goals of the landowner as well as generate modest revenues that can be used to fund other improvement needs of the property. Although.there a number of management alternatives available to consider for this property, the approach that favors the long term protection and maintenance of the forest is the most appropriate for the Reading Town Forest. Developing and implementing an all-ages management program for the property will increase the diversity of tree sizes and species as the selection removal of individual and small groups of trees is considered. Although there is currently reasonable diversity through some of the upland forests on the Reading Town Forest, it will be imperative over time to deliberately strive to increase the diversity of species and the balance of age and size classes through the property as a means to better prepare the forest to withstand potential natural disasters such as fire, hurricane, or pestilence damage, The all-ages management approach will lead to the development of three distinct and important age classes. By"establishing and enhancing the development of seedlings and saplings in the understory; the forest will have a class of desired tree species that will continue to develop into the next forest component while ready to immediately fillthe void in the case of catastrophic disturbance. The intermediate component of poles, those trees whose diameter at breast height (dbh - 4.5 feet above the ground) ranges from V to 9", provides strength for the forest and is very important by accumulating nutrients and preventing excessive runoff into the streams and ponds.. The poles will also be the trees that develop into the third component, the larger, older sawlogs. The sawlog component provides many values to the forest and ultimately to the water quality. Not only do the mature sawlogs produce the seed and nuts for establishing the next generation of trees and for food for wildlife, the sawlogs strengthen the forest's ability to withstand strong winds. The high canopy provided by the bigger trees provides shade for the forest floor, slowing the organic decomposition of the litter and reducing the amount of leachable nutrients into the pond and streams. The high canopy also softens the impact of falling rain, further reducing the chance for detrimental runoff. The sawlogs also enhance the aesthetics of the property while providing the best opportunity for revenue enhancement through the management of the property. The all-ages management approach tends to mimic the natural development of the forest. Although many of our current forests are relatively even-age as the result of farm abandonment at the end of the last century, and as a result of tree planting in the case of the Reading Town Forest plantations, natural disturbances have resulted in the establishment of younger trees over time. The all-ages approach provides for the deliberate selection of trees to be removed based on the needs of the particular area of the property. The resulting forest will at all times consist of all three components, which will be aesthetically appealing to visitors to the property, will enhance the area for more species of wildlife, and protect water quality. In addition to addressing the interior upland forest, the plan's management recommendations will also address the enhancement and maintenance of the very modest amount of grassland and early successional habitats on this property. The early successional forest these areas represent is quickly disappearing from the New England landscape as fields that were once actively farmed have now either grown into young forests or have been developed. Many species of wildlife such as bluebirds, sparrows, brown thrashers, mockingbirds, kestrels, voles, moles, mice, rabbits, and foxes are dependent on this type of habitat. The Reading Town Forest provides an unrivaled setting. for environmental education for both the local schools and visitors in general. The Reading teachers maywant to take advantage of Project Learning Tree, a national program administered by the American Forest Foundation that is designed to educate the teachers of students ranging from prekindergarten to twelfth grade. Teachers attend workshops led by trained facilitators Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 4 Of -576 6 5' IA _ _Pr-aper-_ty-Qv-e~v~i~~~B:~gronaL-Signfi~n~e,ct _ anageme~nt_Summa~y_--- (Continued) to learn about all aspects of environmental education and are provided with curriculum materials to assist with the teaching of their own classes. The accessibility of the Reading Town Forest with its well established trail system should certainly facilitate its use by the local schools. Forest management is a very broad umbrella under which many objectives can be served. The Forest Stewardship Plan, having incorporated the stakeholders' input, will provide a framework to guide the management work that may be carried out to further enhance the many facets of the Reading Town Forest, now and for the future. Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page . 7 Of rC - 6.6 Stewardship Issues Massachusetts is a small state, but it contains a tremendous variety of ecosystems, plant and animal species, management challenges, and opportunities.. This section of your plan will provide background information about the Massachusetts forest.landscape as well-as issues that might affect your land. The Stand Descriptipns and Management Practices sections of your plan will give more detailed property specific information on these subjects tailored to your, management goals. Biodiversity:• Biological diversity. is, in part, a measure of the variety of plants and animals, the communities they form, and the ecological processes (such as water and nutrient cycling) that sustain them. With the recognition that each species has value, individually and as part of its natural community, maintaining biodiversity has become an important resource management goal. While the biggest threat to biodiversity in Massachusetts is the loss of habitat to development, another threat is the introduction and spread of invasive non-native plants. Non-native invasives like European Buckthorn, Asiatic Bittersweet, and Japanese Honeysuckle spread quickly, crowding out or smothering native species and upsetting and dramatically altering ecosystem structure and function. Once established, invasives are difficult to control and even harder to eradicate. Therefore, vigilance and early intervention are paramount. Another factor influencing biodiversity.in Massachusetts concerns the amount and distribution of forest growth stages. Wildlife biologists have recommended that, for optimal wildlife habitat on a landscape scale, 5-15% of the forest should be in the seedling stage (less than 1" in diameter). Yet we currently have no more than 2-3% early successional- stage seedling forest across the state. There is also a 'shortage of forest with large diameter trees (greater than 20"), See more about how you can manage -.your laud with biodiversity in mind in the "Wildlife section below. (Also refer to Managing Forests to Enhance Wildlife Diversity in Massachusetts and A Guide to Invasive Plants in Massachusetts in the binder pockets.) Rare' Species: Rare species include those that are threatened (abundant in parts of its range but declining in total numbers, those of special concern (airy species that has suffered a decline that could threaten the species if left unchecked), and endangered (at immediate risk of extinction and probably cannot survive,without direct human intervention). Some species are threatened or endangered globally, while others are common globally but rare in Massachusetts. Of the 2,040 plant and animal species (not including insects) in Massachusetts, 424 are considered rare. About_ 100 *of these rare species are known to occur in woodlands. Most of these are found in wooded wetlands, especially vernal pools. These temporary shallow pools dry up by late summer, but provide crucial breeding habitat for rare salamanders and a host of other unusual forest dwelling invertebrates. Although many species in Massachusetts are adapted to and thrive in recently disturbed forests, rare species are often very sensitive to any changes in their habitat Indispensable to rare species protection is a set of maps maintained by the Division of.liisheries and Wildlife's Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP) that show current and historic locations. of tare species and their habitats. The maps of your property will be compared to these rare species maps and the result indicated on the upper right corner of the front page of the plan. Prior to any Page a' of 6-6 [I 67 regulated timber harvest, if an occurrence does show on the map, the NHESP will recommend protective measures. Possible measures include restricting logging operations to frozen periods of the year, or keeping logging equipment out of sensitive areas. You might also use information from NHESP to consider implementing management activities to improve the habitat for-these special species. 'Riparian and Wetlands Areas; Riparian and wetland areas are transition areas between open water features (lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers) and the drier terrestrial ecosystems. More specifically, a wetland is an area that has hydric (wet) soils and a unique community of plants that are adapted to live in these wet soils. Wetlands may be adjacent to streams or ponds, or a wetland may be found isolated in an otherwise drier .landscape. A riparian area is the transition zone between an open water feature and the uplands (see Figure 1). A riparian zone may contain wetlands, but also includes areas' with somewhat better drained soils. It is easiest to think of riparian areas as the places where land and water meet. Deciduous' Ire Shrubs Sedges and rushes' Emergenta \ Water _-rt- W~T~nAV Aquatic Riparian Upland .Ecosystem Ecosystem Ecosystem Figure 1: Example of a riparian zone. The presence of water in riparian and wetland areas make these special places very important. Some of the functions and values that these areas provide are described below: Filtration: Riparian zones capture and filter out sediment, chemicals and debris before they reach streams, rivers, lakes and drinking water supplies. This helps to keeps our drinking water cleaner,. and saves communities money by making the need for costly filtration much less likely. Flood control: By storing water after rainstorms, these areas reduce downstream flooding. Like a sponge; wetland and riparian areas absorb stormwater, then release it slowly over time instead. of in one flush. ' Critical wildlife habitat: Many birds and mammals need riparian and wetland areas for all or part of their life cycles. These areas provide food and water, cover, and travel corridors. They are often the most important habitat feature in Massachusetts' forests. Page 5 of rG 68 Recreational opportunities: Our lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds are often focal points for ' recreation. We enjoy them when we boat, fish, swim, or just sit and enjoy the view. Ia order to protect wetlands and riparian areas and to prevent soil erosion. during timber harvesting activities, Massachusetts promotes the use of "Best Management Practices" or BMPs. Maintaining or reestablishing the protective vegetative layer and protecting critical areas are the two rules that underlie these common sense measures. DEWs Massachusetts Forestry Best Practices Manual (included with this plan) details both the legally required and voluntary specifications for log landings, skid trails, water bars, buffer strips, filter strips, harvest timing, and much more. The two Massachusetts laws that regulate timber harvesting in and around wetlands and riparian areas are the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection, Act (CH 131), and the Forest Cutting Practices Act (CH132). Among other things, CH132 requires the filing of a cutting plan and on-site inspection of a harvest operation by a DEM Service Forester to ensure that required BMPs are being followed when a commercial harvest exceeds 25,000 board feet or 50 cords (or combination thereof). Soil and Water Ouality: Forests provide a very effective natural buffer that holds soil GGOV` in place and protects the purity of our water. The trees, undefstory vegetation, and the organic material on the forest floor reduce the impact of falling rain, and help to insure that o soil will not be carried into our streams and waterways. To, maintain a supply of clean water, forests must be kept as healthy as possible. Forests with a diverse mixture of vigorous trees of different ages and species can better cope with periodic and unpredictable stress such as -insect attacks or windstorms. Timber harvesting must be conducted with the utmost care to ensure that erosion is minimized and that sediment does not enter streams or wetlands. Sediment causes turbidity which degrades water quality and can harm fish and other aquatic life. As long as Best Management Practices (BMPs) are implemented correctly, it is possible to undertake active forest management without harming water quality. Forest Health: Like individual organisms, forests vary in their overall health. The health of a forest is affected by many factors including weather, soil, insects, diseases, air quality, and human activity. Forest owners do not usually focus on the health of a single tree, but are concerned about catastrophic events such as insect or disease outbreaks that affect so many individual trees that the whole forest community is impacted. Like our own health, it is easier to prevent forest health problems then to cure them. This preventative approach usually, involves two steps. First, it is desirable to maintain or encourage a wide diversity of tree species and age classes within the forest. This diversity makes a forest less susceptible to a single devastating health threat. Second, by thinning out weaker and less desirable trees, well-spaced healthy individual trees are assured enough water and light to thrive. These two steps will result in a forest of vigorously growing trees that is more resistant to environmental stress. Page io of se ( v 69 Fire: Most forests in Massachusetts are relatively resistant to catastrophic fire. Historically, Native Americans commonly burned certain forests to improve hunting grounds. In modern times, fires most often result from careless human actions. The risk of an unintentional and damaging fire in your woods could increase as a result of logging activity if the slash (tree tops, branches, and debris) is not treated correctly. Adherence to the Massachusetts slash law m' `zes this risk. Under the law, slash is to be removed from buffer areas near roads, boundaries, and critical areas and lopped close to the ground to speed decay. Well-maintained woods roads are always desirable to provide access should afire occur. Depending on the type of fire and the goals of the'landowner, fire can also be considered as a management tool to favor certain species of plants and animals. Today the use of prescribed burning is largely restridted.to the coast and island's, where it is used to maintain unique natural communities such as sandplain grasslands and pitch pine/scrub oak barrens. However, state land managers are also attempting to bring fire back to many of the fire-adapted communities found elsewhere around the state. Wildlife Management: Enhancing the wildlife potential, of a'forested property is a common and important goal for many Woodland owners. Sometimes actions can be taken to benefit a particular species of interest (e.g., put up Wood Duck nest boxes). In most cases, recommended management practices can benefit many species, and fall into one of three broad strategies. These are managing for diversity, protecting existing habitat, and enhancing existing habitat. Managing for Diversity - Many species of wildlife need a variety of plant communities to meet their lifecycle requirements. In general, a property that contains a diversity of habitats will support a more varied wildlife population. A thick area of brush and young trees might provide food and cover. for grouse and cedar waxwing; a mature stand of oaks provides acorns for foraging deer and turkey; while an. open field provides; the right food and cover for cottontail rabbits and red fox. It is often possible to create these different habitats on your property through active management. The appropriate mix of habitat types will primarily depend on the composition of the surrounding landscape and your. objectives. It may be'a good idea to create a brushy area where early successional habitats are rare, but the same practice may be inappropriate in the area's last block of mature forest. Protecting Existing Habitat - This strategy is commonly associated with managing for rare species or those species that require unique habitat features. These habitat features include vernal pools, springs and seeps, forested wetlands, rock outcrops, snags, den trees, and large blocks of unbroken forest. Some of these features are rare, and they provide the right mix of food, water, and shelter for a particular species or specialized community of wildlife. It is important to recognize their value and protect their function. This usually means not altering the feature and buffering the resource area from potential impacts. Enhancing Existing Habitat - This strategy falls somewhere between the previous two. One way the wildlife value of a forest can be enhanced is by modifying its structure (number of canopy layers; average tree size, density). Thinning out undesirable trees from around large crowned mast (nut and fruit) trees will allow these trees to grow faster and produce more food. The faster growth will also accelerate the development of a more mature forest structure, which is important for some species. Creating small gaps or forest openings generates groups of seedlings and saplings that provide an additional layer of cover, food, and perch sites. Page of s"d 1 70 Each of these three strategies can be applied on a single property. For example, a landowner night want to increase the habitat diversity by reclaiming an old abandoned field. Elsewhere on the property, a stand of young hardwoods might be thinned to reduce competition, while a "no cut" buffer is set up around a vernal pool or other habitat feature. The overview, stand description-and management practice sections of this plan will help you understand your woodland within the context of the surrounding. landscape and the potential to diversify, protect or enhance wildlife habitat. Woad Products: If managed wisely, forests can produce a periodic flow of wood products on a sustained basis. Stewardship encompasses finding ways to meet your . current needs while protecting the forest's ecological integrity. In this way, you can harvest timber and generate income without compromising the opportunities of future generations. Massachusetts forests grow many highly valued species (white pine, red oak, sugar'mEiple, white ash, and black cherry) whose lumber is sold throughout the world. Other lower valued,species (hemlock, birch, beech, red maple) are marketed locally or regionally, and.become products like pallets, pulpwood, firewood, and lumber. These products and their associated value-added industries contribute between 200 and 300 million dollars annually to tha Massachusetts economy. By growing and selling wood products in a responsible way you are helping to.our society's demand for these goods: Harvesting from sustainably managed woodlands - rather than from unmanaged or poorly managed forest - benefits the public in a multitude of ways. The sale of timber, pulpwood, and firewood also provides periodic income that you can reinvest in the property, increasing its value and helping you meet your long-term goals. Producing wood products helps defray the costs of owning woodland, and helps, private landowners keep their forestland undeveloped. Cultural Resources: -Cultural resources are the places containing evidence of people who once lived in the area. Whether a Native American village from 1,700 years ago, or the remains of a farmstead from the 1800's, these-features all tell important and interesting stories about the landscape, and should be protected from damage or loss. Massachusetts has a long and diverse history of human habitation and use.. Native American tribes first took advantage of the natural bounty of this area over 10,000 years ago. Many of these villages were located along the coasts and rivers of the state. The interior woodlands were also used for hunting, traveling, and temporary camps. Signs of these activities are difficult to find in today's forests. They were obscured by the dramatic landscape impacts brought by European settlers as they swept over the area in the 17"' and 18`}' centuries. By the middle 1800's, more than 70% of the forests of Massachusetts had been cleared for crops and pastureland. Houses, barns, wells, fences, mills, and roads were all constructed as woodlands were converted for agricultural production. But when the Erie Canal connected the Midwest with the eastern cities,, New England farms were abandoned for the more productive land in the Ohio River valley, .and the landscape begari to revert to forest: Many of the abandoned buildings were disassembled and moved, but the supporting stonework and other changes to the landscape can be easily seen today. One particularly ubiquitous legacy of this period is stone walls. Most were constructed between 1810 and 1840 as stone'fences (wooden fence rails had become scarce) to enclose sheep within pastures, or to Page 17- of sc 1 .71 exclude them from croplands and hayfields. Clues to their purpose are found in their construction. Walls that surrounded pasture areas were comprised mostly of large stones, while walls abutting former cropland accumulated many small stones as farmers cleared. rocks turned up by their plows. Other • cultural. features to look for include cellar holes, wells, old roads and even old trash dumps. . Recreation and Aesthetic Considerations: Recreational opportunities and aesthetic quality are the most important values for many forest landowners, and represent valid goals in and of themselves. Removing interfering vegetation can opern'a vista or highlight a beautiful tree, for example. When a landowner's goals include timber, thoughtful forest management can be used to accomplish silvicultural objectives while also reaching recreational and/or aesthetic objectives. For example, logging trails might be designed to provide a network of cross-country ski trails that lead through a variety of habitats and reveal points of ,interest. If aesthetics is a concern and you are planning a timber harvest, obtain a copy of this excellent booklet: A Guide to Logging Aesthetics: Practical Tips for Loggers, Foresters & Ldndowners, by Geoffrey T. Jones, 1993. (Available from the Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service, (607) 255-7654, for $7). Work closely with your consultant to make sure the aesthetic standards you want are included • in the contract and that the logger selected to do the job executes it properly. The time'you take to plan ahead of the job will reward you and your family many times over with a faller enjoyment of your forest, now and well into the future. This is your Stewardship Plan. It is based on the goals that you have'identified. The final success of your Stewardship Plan will be determined first, by how well you are able to -identify and defne your goals, and second, by the support you find and the resources you commit to implement each step. It can be helpful and enjoyable to visit other properties to sample the range of management activities and see.the accomplishments of others. This may help you visualize the outcome of alternative management decisions and can either stimulate new ideas or confirm your own personal philosophies. Don't.hesitate to express your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Keep asking questions! Please be involved and enjoy the fact that you are the steward of a very special place. Page iJ of i 72 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ (STAND STEW TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS 1• BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX MD 38.08 50 (KK This river marsh system through which the Ipswich River flows is stocked primarily with varying densities of cattails, phragmites, buttonbush, sedges, and very inftequent red maple and willow saplings and poles. There are several stands of dead red maple present as-well as extensive areas of open water. The area is flat, hurnmocky, and wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Saco). There is evidence of beaver activity along the fringes of this stand. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially as it is now. The stand provides superb habitat diversity for both resident and migratory birds and animals. STEW 2- OM 4.37 8.3" 150 1,875 bf 60 (WP) & 38.4 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple and white pine saplings and poles are also present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent hemlock poles ,and sawlogs. The understory is moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, serviceberry, buckthorn, occasional black cherry saplings, raspberty, bittersweet, fetns, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is gently to steeply sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley), although the lowest fringes can be seasonally wet. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the larger, better formed mixed oaks and infrequent white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. In addition, the thinning will enhance the views of the adjacent Ipswich River marsh system by removing the suppressed, poorer quality hardwoods. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acoms they produce. STEW 3 WP 1.09 12.3" 280 23,835 bf 60 (WP) & 37.4 cds White pine is the primary species being in the sawtimber class, fair to good. form. The understory in this overstocked, planted .stand is light and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, servicebetty, maple leaf viburnum, occasional mixed oak and red maple saplings, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is gently to variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). There is an old borrow pit in the northeast corner of this stand that was used to construct the adjoining dike many years ago. This stand is ready for a light individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall•pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61=stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page l y of cc (k 73 k STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX STEW 4 OP 0.39 This dike provides access across extensive wetland systems for both visitors and the water lines from the town wells present. through portions of this property. The banks of this dike are stocked with varying densities of mixed oak, red maple, grey. birch, quaking aspen, black locust, crabapple, and eastern red cedar saplings, poles, and very infrequent sawlogs. The understory,is moderate to dense and includes highbush blueberry, honeysuckle, buckthorn, arrowwood, silky dogwood, spireas, swamp rose, barberry, bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, grasses, and poison ivy. The dike is generally flat and dry with gently to moderately sloped banks. This dike provides invaluable access through portions of the property. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially the same as it is now. Efforts will be made to keep the access clear for both equipment and visitors to the property. STEW MD 34.02 50 (RM) Please see Narrative - Stand 1. STEW OM 1.01 7.0" 150 2,125 bf 60 (WP) & 28.9 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand, especially along the lower portions. Infrequent white pine, Norway spruce, grey birch, and eastern red cedar saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflowet. The area is gently to steeply sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley) although the lowest portions can be seasonally wet with moderately well drained soils (Deerfield). Due to the challenging terrain of much of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 7 RP 1.95 7.9" 230 15,750 bf 60 (WP) & 24.0 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, fair to excellent form. Occasional mixed oak saplings and poles are also present in this planted and harvested, overstocked stand. There appears to be a row of planted sugar maple poles along a portion of the water line that runs through this stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, lowbush bluebertT maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, occasional black cherry, red maple, and grey birch saplings, grasses, Canada mayflower, starflower, and areas of both mixed oak and white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is flat to gently sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand is ready for a follow-up individual selection harvest to both further stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to continue improving the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading L Page iS of s'G 74 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NO) TYPE ( ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS BA/AC ( VOLUME/ACRE SITE INDEX pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW OM 1.09 5.7" 163 875 bf 60 (WP) & 36.5 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple, grey bitch, black cherry, and white pine saplings and poles are also present in this overstocked stand as well as one enormous white pine. The understory is virtually nonexistent to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, witch hazel, ferns, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is flat to gently sloped, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). A number of trails converge in this stand with one providing access to the marsh system along the Ipswich River. Due to high visitor use of this area, the understory is very light. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the larger, better formed mixed oaks and infrequent white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property.' In addition, the thinning wffi enhance the views of the adjacent Ipswich River marsh system by removing the suppressed, poorer quality, hardwoods. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 9 RM 0.62 4.2" 160 750 bf 60 (WP) . & 30.6 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. Varying densities of quaking aspen, grey birch, and black cherry saplings and poles axe also present in this overstocked stand as well as infrequent mixed oak poles and sawlogs. The ' understory is moderate to dense and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, grasses, Canada mayflower, and statflower. The area is gently.to steeply sloped, dry upland with very deep, somewhat '(Merrimac). excessively drained soils Due to the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it.is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 10 OM 1.40 7.0" 125 2,835 bf . 60 (WP) & 26.2 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as occasional mixed oak sawlogs and black cherry and grey birch saplings and small poles. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflowet. The area is gently to steeply sloped, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MMF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page ' /G of 75 _r6 - \ky STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BAIAC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX There is a small opening adjacent to the trail in this stand where a well is located. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the larger, better formed mixed oaks and infrequent white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better f6k ned mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing wbite pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. In addition, the thinning will enhance the views of the adjacent Ipswich River marsh system by removing the suppressed, poorer quality hardwoods. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its. long term. commercial importance while" the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 11 SP 1.17 6.2" 160 750 bf 60 (WP) & 32.0 cds Scotch pine is the primary species being in the pole class, poor to Fair form. Infrequent white pine and red pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this planted, slightly overstocked stand. The understory is light and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, sweet fern, buckthorn, occasional red maple, grey birch, black cherry, and white pine saplings, grasses, and Canada mayflower. The area is generally flat, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). This area has been used in the past for either camping or small gatherings and the understory is quite light as a result. Due to the higher management priorities of other stands, on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 12 OM 8.74 5.7" 163 875 bf 60 (WP) & 36.5 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple, grey birch, 'crabapple, black cherry, and . white pine saplings and poles are also present in this overstocked stand as well as. individual and very small pockets of planted white pine, red pine, Scotch pine, Norway spruce, and hemlock saplings and poles. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum," buckthorn; witch hazel, ferns, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is flat to gently sloped, dry upland. with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). A small area of this stand has been used in the past for either camping or small gatherings and the un.derstory is quite light as a result. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the better formed mixed oaks and occasional white pine saplings, poles, and small sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. The value'of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61=stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) ' Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 17 of 76 I STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS BA/AC VOLUME/ACRE SITE INDEX STEW 13 RM 1.25 95 14.9 cds 50 (RM) Red maple is the primary species being in the sapling class. Occasional mixed oak and grey birch saplings and poles are. also present in this overstocked stand as well as individual and small pockets of quaking aspen. The understory is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, serviceberry, wild raisin, ferns, grasses, princess pine, Canada mayflower, statflower, and wintergreen. The area is generally flat and tends to be seasonally wet with deep, very poorly drained soils (Scarboro). There is modest evidence of beaver activity along the fringes of this stand. Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This. stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 14 RM 11.70 5.0" 160 44.6 cds 50 (RK Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. The understory in this overstocked stand is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, ferns, sedges, and sphagnum moss. The area is flat, hummocky, and wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Swansea). Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 15 RM 5.93 9.7" 160 1,000 bf 50 (R1\4) & 49.8 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Occasional swamp white oak poles and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand. The understory is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, ferns, grasses, and Canada mayflower. The area is generally flat and can be seasonally wet with deep, very poorly drained soils (Scarboro). Due to sensitive site conditions and the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended•at,this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 16 RM 0.31 5.0" 160 44.6 cds 50 (RM) Please see Narrative - Stand 14. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 18 of ,r,G J 9 77 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND A TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX STEW 17 OM 2.11 8H, 137 3,000 bf 75 (WP) & 31.0 cds Mixed oaks are the ptimary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple and white pine saplings, poles, and infrequent sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as infrequent hickory, white ash, and tupelo saplings and poles. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, maple leaf vibutnum, highbush and lowbush blueberry, servicebetrT beaked hazelnut, witch hazel, buckthorn, ferns, sarsaparilla, lady slippers, grasses, princess pine, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, starflower, wood anemones, and partridgebetty. The area is gently to variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, well drained soils (Montauk), although the lowest fringes can be seasonally wet. Although this stand is ready for a light improvement thinning, suitable access is not likely to be available for equipment. As a result, the desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 18 OM 0.78 8.8" 137 3,000 bf 58 (WP) & 31.0 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple and white pine saplings, poles, and infrequent sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as infrequent hickory, white ash, and tupelo saplings and poles. Tlie understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, maple leaf viburnum, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, beaked hazelnut, witch hazel, buckthorn, ferns, sarsaparilla, lady slippers, grasses, princess pine, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, statflower, wood anemones, and partridgeberry. The area is gently to variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, well drained soils (Canton), although the lowest fringes can be seasonally wet. There is a very small seasonal pond present in this stand as well. Due to both the small area of this stand and its relatively isolated location, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 19 OM D.23 Please see Narrative - Stand 17. STEW 20 OM - 0.10 8.8" 137 3,000 bf 75 (WP) & 31.0 cds 8.8" 137 3,000 bf 75 (WP) & 31.0 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. White pine and red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent hickory, white ash, and tupelo saplings and poles. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, maple leaf viburnum, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, beaked hazelnut, witch hazel, buckthorn, ferns, sarsaparilla, lady slippers, grasses, princess pine, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, statflowee, wood anemones, and partridgeberry. The area is gently to moderately sloped, dry upland with very deep, well drained soils (Montauk), although the lowest fringes can be seasonilly wet. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading 78 Page /~i of S 6 "6 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX Due to the inaccessible nature of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 21 OM 0.31 8.8 Please see Narrative - Stand 20. STEW 22 OM 0.47 8.8" 137 3,000 bf & 31.0 cds 137 3,000 bf & 31.0 cds 75 (WP) 75 (WP) Please see Narrative - Stand 20. STEW 23 OH 1.95 2.8" 75 8.2 cds 60 (WP) Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the sapling class. Red maple and grey birch saplings, poles, and stump sprouts ate present in this adequately to overstocked stand. Occasional, poorly formed white pine saplings, poles, and small sawlogs ate also present as well as occasional sparser openings. The understory is moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, servicebetry, buckthorn, wild raisin, sheep laurel, occasional black cherry saplings, ferns, grasses, and Canada Mayflower. The area is generally flat and dry with moderately well drained soils (Deerfield). It is difficult to determine if this stand was created as a result of past fires or if it is simply an abandoned field reverting to woodlands. Regardless, this stand currently provides excellent mid-successional -habitat for the wildlife in the area. The desired future condition of this stand may be to clear it once again to create early successional habitat. STEW 24 RM 1.72 9.110 170 4,665 bf 60 (WP) & 35.9 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Occasional swamp white oak poles. and sawlogs and very infrequent grey birch and white pine saplings and poles are also present in this overstocked stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes sweet pepperbush, maple leaf viburnum, witch hazel, ferns, sarsaparilla, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is generally flat and dry with moderately well drained soils (Deerfield), although the lowest portions can be seasonally wet. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the better formed red maples and infrequent white pine saplings and poles. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed red maple poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) , Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page go of rc 79 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ STAND NO TYPE ACRES MSD or SIZE-CLASS BA/AC VOLUME/ACRE SITE INDEX STEW 25 RM 1.40 9.7" 160 1,000 bf & 49.8 cds 50 (RM) Please see Narrative Stand 15. STEW 26 OM 24.18 8.8" 137 3;000 bf & 31.0 cds 55 - 75 (WP) Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple and white pine saplings, poles, and infrequent sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as infrequent hickory, white ash, and tupelo saplings and poles. There is a fair amount of scarred oaks in the southern portion of the stand, evidence of.possible past fire damage as well as a number of dead oaks on the ground in portions of the stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, maple leaf viburnum, highbush and lowbush blueberry, setvicebetry, beaked hazelnut, witch hazel, buckthorn, occasional black cherry saplings, very infrequent red pine saplings, ferns, satsapatWa, lady slippers, grasses, princess pine, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, statflower, wood anemones, and parttidgeberry. The area is flat to gently variably sloped, dry upland with soils ranging from very deep, well drained (Charlton) to very deep, well drained (Canton) to shallow, somewhat excessively drained (Hollis) to very deep, well drained (Montauk). There ate a few rock outcroppings at the southern end of this stand. There is a very small opening within this stand, directly west of the West End Elementary School. Sassafras, black cherry, red maple, mixed oak, and grey birch saplings and small poles are present as well as multiflora rose and grasses.' This area is generally flat and dry. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the better formed mixed oaks and occasional white pine saplings, poles, and small sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings anal small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oafs are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 27 RM 0.47 9.2" 165 3,655 bf 55 WvM & 39.9 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the small saw-timber class. Very infrequent swamp white oak, elm, and white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand. The understory is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, winterberry, swamp azalea, arrowwood, buckthorn, huckleberry, serviceberry, barberry, skunk cabbage, irises, sedges, grasses, poison ivy, marsh marigolds, violets, Canada mayflower, and sphagnum moss. The area is a flat to very slightly sloped, somewhat hummocky, somewhat rocky, seasonally wet drainage for the immediate area with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Whitman). Due to sensitive operating conditions, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of portions of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. OBJECTIVE CODE: 0161 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volurde MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page a/ of S-c 80 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OB7 ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE SITE INDEX STEW 28 OH 0.47 8.7" 125 435 bf 60 (WP) & 33.0 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods are the primary species being in the pole class. Red maple poles and sawlogs are present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent white pine sawlogs and planted red pines poles and sawlogs. The undetstory is moderate and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, buckthorn, occasional white pine and mixed oak saplings, briars, and grasses. The area is a gently sloped, generally dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Iinckley), although the lowest portion is seasonally wet and is subject to occasional ponding. Due to the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of portions of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 29 WP 10.14 10.9" 260 21,615 bf 60 (WP). . & 30.5 cds White pine is the primary species being in the sawtimber class, fair to good form. Individual and small pockets of red pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this planted and lightly thinned, overstocked stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, serviceberry, buckthorn, occasional red maple and mixed oak saplings, ferns, grasses, wintergreen, and a few areas of fair to good white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is flat to slightly variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively, drained soils (Hinckley). A small opening is present in this stand that used as a campfire site. Circular benches are present to accommodate visitors. This stand is ready for a light individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide-excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 30 RP 6.86 8.9" 193 17,250 bf 60 (WP) & 56.6 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, good to excellent form. Occasional white pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this planted and harvested, slightly overstocked stand as well as very infrequent mixed oak poles and sawlogs. There is a sparser opening where a log landing may have been created for the harvesting operation. The understory is moderate to dense and includes buckthorn, lowbush blueberry, sweet fern, occasional red maple saplings, lady slippers, grasses, Canada mayflower, starflower, and areas of good to virtually impenetrable white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is flat to gently sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley), although the eastern fringe is a moderate slope down to the adjacent red maple swamp and there are a number of moderately sloped ridges in the southeast corner of the stand. This stand is ready for a light, follow-up individual selection harvest to both further stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to continue improving the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine oak poles and sawlogs with a developing OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not.classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume 'MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading 81 Page of S -d Lk~~ 9 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUhMACRE I SITE INDEX component of white pine saplings and small poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 31 RM 42.28 8.3" 126 1,810 bf 50 wvi) &'36.4 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. Individual and small pockets of white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent swamp white oak and elm, saplings and poles. There is even one crabapple present as well. Mortality in the red maples appears to be on the increase in the southwesternmost corner of the stand, just east of Stand 50, the dike. This may, be attributable to prolonged petiods of standing water in this area The understory is moderate and includes sweet pepperbush, highbush and lowbush blueberry, swamp azalea, winterbetry, arrowwood, buckthorn, barberry, briats, ferns, skunk cabbage, jacks-in-the-pulpit, grasses, sedges, violets, marsh marigold, poison ivy, Canada mayflower, statflowet, wood anemones, and sphagnum moss. The area is generally flat, somewhat hummocky, and seasonally wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Swansea), although some of the ftinges are slightly higher and somewhat drier. A NHESP certified vernal pool is located within this stand. It appears that the eastern portion of this stand may have served as a, cranberry bog in the past as evidenced by the level grade, obvious ditching, a small earthen dike, and small borrow pits in the adjacent uplands. Due to sensitive and cball enging operating conditions, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what: it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 32 WP 1.17 11.6" 380. 37,125 bf 60 (WP) & 15.4 cds White pine is the primary species being in the sawtimber class, fair to good form. Infrequent red pine and mixed oak poles and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked, planted stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, atrowwood, witch hazel, occasional red maple and mixed oak saplings, sweet pepperbush along the lowest fringes, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is a flat to moderately sloped, dry rolling esker with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). Although this stand is desperately in need of an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees, access to and operability of the stand ate very much in question. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 33 RP 0.94 8.4" 255 21,190 bf 60 (WP) & 36.0 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, fair to excellent form. Infrequent white pine poles and sawlogs ate also present in this planted and thinned, overstocked stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes ferns, Canada OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page ZJ of ,rG 82 V1 p O STAND DESCRIPTIONS OSJ (STAND NO) TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS] BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX mayflower, starflower, and areas of fair to good red maple regeneration being as the sapling class. The area is generally flat and dry with moderately well drained soils (Deerfield), although the area can be seasonally wet at times. It appears from very old charring on some of the cut red pine stumps that this stand may have been burned at some point in the distant past. This stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand'is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 34 RM 3.74 155 1,030 bf 50 (RM) & 45.4 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. The understory. in this overstocked stand is moderate and includes sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry, buckthorn, swamp azalea, arrowwood,.spireas, ferns, skunk cabbage, irises, sedges, violets, poison ivy, and sphagnum moss. The area is flat, hummocky, and tends to remain seasonally wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Saco). "A NHESP certified vernal pool is located within this stand. Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally, over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 35 OM 9.83 9.1" 132 5,250 bf 57 - 58 (WP) & 21.0 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Individual and small pockets of white pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as occasional red maple, hickory, and grey birch saplings and poles. A developing component of white pine saplings is also present in portions of this stand as well as very infrequent eastern red cedars." Within the northern third of the stand appears to be a slightly younger area that may be a long-abandoned field that is well into reverting to woodland. The generally poor form of the white pine sawlogs in the same general vicinity indicate they developed in an open, sunny setting. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, maple leaf viburnum, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, witch hazel, buckthorn, wild raisin, occasional black cherry saplings, Virginia creeper, briars, ferns, grasses, princess pine, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, starflower, and wood anemones. The area is flat to moderately sloped, dry rolling upland with soils ranging from very deep, excessively drained (Windsor) to very deep, well drained (Canton). There are several rock outcropping along the western edge of the stand. It should be noted there is an enormous white pine along the western flank of this stand. A second white pine was destroyed by a lightning strike several years ago. Although this stand is ready for a light improvement thinning, suitable access is not likely to be available for equipment. As a result, the desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 2 of s-6 v 83 STAND DESCRIPTIONS This deep marsh is stocked primarily with varying densities of buttonbush. Very infrequent red maple and willow saplings and small poles are present as well as extensive areas of open water. A few standing dead trees, referred to as snags, are also present. The area is flat and wet with deep, very poorly drained, soils (Saco). The desired future condition of this stand is essentially as it is now. The stand provides both superb habitat diversity for both resident and migratory birds and animals. STEW 37 MD 2.65 9.2" 48 13.2 cds 50 (RM) Dead and dying red maple is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. There are many standing dead trees, referred to as snags, in this stand, which may be attributable to prolonged periods of standing water in this area. The understory in Ibis sparsely stocked stand is light and includes highbush blueberry and buckthorn, although the slightly higher, drier fringes also include highbush blueberry, sweet peppetbush, and briars. The area is flat and wet with deep, very poorly drained soils (Saco). The desired future condition of this stand is essentially as it is now. The stand provides both superb habitat diversity for both resident and migratory birds and animals. STEW 38 RP 0.70 10.4" 230 26,125 bf 60 (WP) & 9.4 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class, fair to excellent form. Infrequent grey birch saplings and poles are also present in this planted and harvested,, overstocked stand as well as a flourishing component of white pine saplings. The understory itself is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, occasional mixed oak and red maple saplings, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is flat to gently sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand is ready for a follow-up individual selection harvest to both further stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to continue improving the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 39 OH 0.86 11.7" 135 5,535 bf 60 (WP) & 43.1 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods are the primary species being in the sawtimber class. Occasional red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs ate present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent beech and crabapple saplings and poles. Infrequent white pine saplings and poles are also present. The undetstory is light to thodetate and includes sweet pepperbush, maple leaf viburnum, witch hazel, ferns, sarsaparilla, bloodroot, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflowet. The area is gently to variably sloped, dry upland with soils ranging from very deep, excessively drained (Hinckley) to moderately well drained (Deerfield) in the lowest portions. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/6IA STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board, feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading 84 Page zs- of s-G Q J" STEW 36 MD 3.74 - - - 50 (RM) STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ • ISTAND NOI TYPE. I.ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC (VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX Due to the relatively small area of the stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 40 OH 0.62 8.9" 16D 2,625 bf 60 (WP) & 29.2 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods are the primary species being in the pole class. Red maple poles and sawlogs are present in this overstocked stand as well as occasional tupelo saplings and poles. Occasional white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present. The understory is moderate and includes sweet peppetbush, highbush bluebertryy, buckthorn, ferns, grasses, princess pine, Canada mayflower, starflower, and sphagnum moss in the lowest portions. The area is flat to very gently sloped and generally dry with moderately well drained soils (Deerfield), although the lowest portions can be seasonally wet. This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the larger, better formed mixed oaks and infrequent white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. In addition, the thinning will enhance the views of the adjacent Ipswich River marsh system by removing the suppressed, poorer quality hardwoods. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 41 RP 1.25 84" 190 16,250 bf 60 (WP) & 15.2 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, good to excellent. Occasional white pine, mixed oak, and red maple poles and sawlogs are also present in this planted and partially thinned, overstocked stand. The understory is moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, witch hazel, buckthorn, ferns, lady slippers, grasses, Canada mayflower, starflower, and areas of fair to good white, mixed oak, and red maple regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is flat to steeply sloped, dry rolling upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the wbite pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 42 RP 3.59 7.5" 280 10,000 bf 60 (WP) & 42.7 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, fair to excellent form. Mixed oak saplings and poles are also present in this overstocked, planted stand as well as occasional white pine, red maple, black cherry, and grey birch saplings and poles. The understory is moderate to dense and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, witch hazel, beaked hazelnut, ferns, lady slippers, grasses, poison ivy, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is gently to moderately sloped, dry rolling upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area •VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page ac of S-6 85 Jv STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ STAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX This stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. S'L'EW 43 RM 0.70 9.8" 26 13.2 cds 50 (RM) Red maple is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. A few dead trees, referred to as snags, are also present in this sparsely stocked stand as well as areas of open water. The understory is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, sweet pepperbush, swamp azalea, buckthorn, and arrowwood. The area is a flat to slightly sloped, depression that tends to remain wet with deep, very poorly drained soils (Saco). The desired future condition of this stand is essentially as it is now. The stand provides both superb habitat diversity for both resident and migratory birds and animals, STEW 44 MD 1.64 9.2" 48 13.2 cds 50 (RM) Please see Narrative - Stand 37. STEW 45 RP 1.48 8.4" 365 36,875 b£ 60 (WP) & 38.0 cds Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, fair to excellent form. Occasional white pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked, planted stand as well as infrequent mixed oak, red maple, and big tooth aspen saplings and poles. A few Norway spruce poles and sawlogs are present along the lower Eringes of the stand. There are a few pockets of red pine mortality present through this stand. The undetstory is moderate to, dense and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, witch hazel, occasional grey bitch saplings, ferns, Canada mayflower, starflower, and areas of fair to virtually impenetrable white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. Bittersweet and winged euonymus are present along some of the trails through the stand: The area is a variably to steeply sloped, dry, rolling esker with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley) that forms an upland peninsula into an extensive red maple swamp. . This stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired Future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed red pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its.-aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 46 WP 1.48 10.9" 260 21,615 bf 60 (WP) & 30.5 cds White pine is the primary species being in the sawtimber class, fair to good form. Individual and small pockets of red pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this planted and lightly thinned, overstocked stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, servicebetry, buckthorn, occasional red maple and mixed OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading 86 Page z of ,s-G. STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NO) TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS BA/AC I. VOLUME/ACRE SITE INDEX oak saplings, ferns, grasses, wintergreen, and a few areas of fair to good white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is flat to slightly variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand is ready for a light individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desited,future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 47 RM 1.79 9.7' 125 435 bf 50 XA) & 33.0 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Grey bitch saplings and poles ate also present through portions of this slightly overstocked stand as well as occasional swamp white oak poles and sawlogs. Infrequent mixed oak, black cherry, and quaking aspen are also present, primarily along the slightly drier Ednges. Occasional ponding in the lowest portions can occur as well. The understory is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, arrowwood, silky dogwood, buckthorn, .ferns, grasses, sedges, Canada mayflower, and wood anemones. The area is generally flat and seasonally wet with deep, very, poorly drained soils (Scarbotc), although there ate a few areas that are very slightly higher and drier where several town wells are located. Due to the low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in tune. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 48 OH 0.78 11.1" 167. 9,025 bf 60 (WP) & 33.5 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods are the primary species being in the sawtimber class. Varying densities of red maple, quaking aspen, and willow saplings, poles, and sawlogs are present in this overstocked stand as well as infrequent few white pine and black cherry saplings and poles. The undetstory is light to moderate and includes sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry, arrowwood, buckthorn, serviceberry, sillty dogwood, briars, ferns, Canada mayflower, and statflower. The area is generally flat and dry with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley), although the lowest portions are subject to periodic flooding. Due to the higher management priorities of other stands on the property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 49 MS 1.33 This virtually nonstocked shallow marsh consists primarily of a growing component of phragmites that threatens to overwhelm a small area of open water within this stand. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) . Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 2s of s-6 9J 87 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NO) TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX The desired future condition of this stand is essentially as it is now. The stand provides both superb habitat diversity for both resident and migratory birds and animals. STEW 50 OP 0.31 This dike.provides access across extensive wetland systems for both visitors and equipment. The banks of this dike are stocked with varying densities of mixed oak, red maple, grey birch, black cherry, quaking aspen, and crabapple saplings, poles, and very infrequent sawlogs. The understory is moderate to dense and includes highbush blueberry, honeysuckle, buckthorn, arrowwood, silky dogwood, spiteas, barberry, bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, goldenrod, grasses, and poison ivy. The dike is generally flat and dry with gently to moderately sloped banks. This dike provides invaluable access through portions of the property. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially the same as it is now. Efforts will be made to keep the access clear for both equipment and visitors to the property. STEW 51 MD 9.52 50 (RM) This deep marsh is stocked primarily with varying densities of buttonbush and alder. Very infrequent red maple and willow saplings and small poles are present as. well as extensive areas of open water. A. few standing dead trees, referred to as snags, are also present. The area is flat and wet with deep, very poorly drained, organic soils (Freetown and Swansea). A NHESP certified vernal pool is located within this stand. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially as it is now. The stand provides both superb habitat diversity for both resident and migratory birds and animals. STEW 52 WP 3.90 9:4" 313. 21,390 bf 60 (WP) & 48.3 cds White pine is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class, fair to good form. Individual and small pockets of red pine poles and sawlogs ate also present in this overstocked, planted stand. The understory is very light and includes huckleberry; highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, raspberry, occasional red maple and black cherry saplings, bittersweet, ferns, lady slippers, grasses, poison ivy, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is gently to steeply sloped, dry rolling upland with very deep,. excessively drained soils (Hinckley). A small area in the center of the stand near the highest point was burned in a light fire several years ago. This stand is ready for a light individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 53 WP 1.56 7.4' 300 16,5D0 bf 60 (WP) & 51.7 cds White pine is the primary species being in the pole, class, fair to good form. Very infrequent red pine, mixed oak, and big tooth OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD=stand AC=acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF --thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page z y of s c- 8 8 Y! STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE ( ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS BA/AC VOLUME/ACRE ` SITE INDEX aspen poles and sawlogs axe also present in this overstocked, planted stand. The understory is light and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, witch hazel, Canada mayflower, and statflower. The area is variably to steeply sloped, dry rolling upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and small sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 54 WH 2.34 8.7" 190 15,085 bf 60 (WP) - & 19.3 cds 50 (RK White pine and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the pole class. Mixed oak poles and sa-wlogs are present in this slightly overstocked stand as well as red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs, which are present primarily in the lower, seasonally wet depression. Individual and small pockets of planted red pine poles and sawlogs are also present. The understory is moderate to dense and includes highbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, serviceberry, witch hazel, buckthorn, princess pine, Canada mayflower, and starflower. Sweet pepperbush, briats, and sphagnum moss are present in the lowest portions of the stand. The area ranges from gently to moderately sloped, dry, rolling upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley), although the lowest portions can be seasonally. wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Swansea). Due to both the challenging operating conditions and the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the. next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 55 WH 0.31 14.9" 250 23,000 bf 60 (WP) & 17.3 cds White pine and mixed hardwoods are the primary species being in the sawtimber class. Mixed oak and red maple poles and sawlogs are present in this overstocked stand as well as a strong component of hemlock poles and sawlogs, Very infrequent red pine poles are also present. The understory is light to moderate and includes maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, witch hazel,. beaked hazelnut, sweet pepperbush, barberry, lowbush blueberry, ferns, grasses, and starflower. The area is a moderately sloped, dry upland knoll with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). Due to very challenging access for equipment, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 56 PA 08 7.1" 80 875 bf 50 (RM & 18.1 cds Quaking aspen is the primary species being in the pole class. Infrequent swamp white oak, red maple, and willow saplings, OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A . STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cards Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 3o of s-c 89 "b STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ (STAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC. I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX poles, and sawlogs are also present in this adequately stocked stand. A few sparser openings are present as well. The understory is moderate to dense and includes buckthorn, silky dogwood, honeysuckle, multiIlora rose, bittersweet, sensitive fern, and goldenrod. The area is generally flat and somewhat dry with deep, very poorly drained soils (Scarboro), although the area is subject to periodic flooding and can be seasonally wet. Due to the low management priorities :of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed, The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 57 GF 2.81 This field is stocked primarily with grasses' A water treatment plan, formerly located on a portion of this stand, was dismantled and removed several years ago. The stand is ringed with a moderate to dense shrub layer that includes pockets of Japanese knotweed. The area is flat and dry with very disturbed soils (Udorthents). This stand provides excellent open grassland habitat for the wildlife in the area. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially the same as it is currently. It will be prudent to continue the periodic snowing to maintain this very valuable habitat. STEW 58 WO 0.47 8.1" 300 11,125 bf 50 (WP) & 46.5 cds. White pine and mixed oaks are the primary species being in the pole class. A few planted red pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent Norway spruce saplings and small poles. Occasional red maple poles and sawlogs are also present, primarily along the lowest fringes. The understory is light and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, witch hazel, beaked hazelnut, buckthorn, lady slippers, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The. area is a moderately to steeply sloped upland knoll with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). Due to the very small area of this stand and the very challenging operability for equipment, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be Oowed.to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 59 . RM 4.99 9.4' 180 625 bf 50 Tdvi) & 57.3 cds Red maple is the primary species being in -the small sawtimber class. Very infrequent swamp white oak, elm, willow, and white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand. There are a number of sparser pockets of red mortality due to extended, periodic flooding. The understory is moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, grapes, sensitive fern, skunk cabbage, irises, sedges, poison ivy, and Canada mayflower, and starflower. Briars are present along the margins of this stand. The area is flat, subject to periodic flooding, and wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Saco and Freetown), although the southeastern fringe is very slightly higher and drier. Several town wells are located in this, area. Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading \ Page Y/ of s-C 1 90 OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 60 OH 2.81 11.1" 167 9,025 bf 60 (WP) - & 33.5 cds 50 (RM) Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods are the primary species being in the sawtimber class. A strong component of red maple poles and sawlogs is present in this overstocked stand as well as occasional swamp white oak poles and sawlogs. A few black claerry saplings and poles are also present, primarily along the drier fringes. Infrequent white pine and planted red pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present. The understory is moderate and includes sweet pepperbush, highbush blueberry, arrowwood, buckthorn, servicebetry, silky dogwood, briars, ferns, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area'is generally flat and dry with moderately well drained soils (Deerfield), although the lowest portions are subject to periodic flooding and tend to be seasonally wet with very deep, very poorly drained sods (Freetown). Due to the higher management priorities of other stands on the property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the. next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 61 RM 3.10 8.2" 71 19.6 cds 50 (RK Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. Very infrequent white pine poles and sawlogs ate also present in this adequately stocked stand as well as a few standing dead trees, referred to as snags. The understory is light to moderate and includes highbush blueberry, wintetberty, buckthorn, and pussy willow. The area is flat and tends to remain seasonally wet with very deep, very poorly drained soils (Swansea). The stand is subject to periodic flooding. Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. The stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, .seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 62 OP 0.31 Please see Narrative - Stand 50. STEW 63 WP 2.10 15.2" 235 33,785 bf 60 (WP) & 1.5 cds White pine is the primary species being in the sawtimber class; fair to good form. Occasional mixed oak and red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this slightly overstocked stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, arrowwood, buckthorn, witch hazel, occasional black cherry saplings, ferns, grasses, Canada mayflower, starflower, partridgeberry, and areas of fair to good white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is gently sloped, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). OBJEC'T'IVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume • M 13F = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page. q~ of s'c 91 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ (STAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX This. stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine.and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both omits aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent. nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 64 OH 1.72 8.9" 120 2,525 bf 60 (WP) & 27.0 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple, quaking aspen, black cherry, grey birch, crabapple, and Japanese corktree saplings and poles are present in this slightly overstocked stand as well as several old "wolf' oaks, trees that originally grew in open fields with little competition and have large spreading crowns as a result. Individual and small pockets of white pine poles and sawlogs are also present as well as occasional sparser areas closer to Stand 70, the open area. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, beaked hazelnut, arrowwood, honeysuckle, buckthorn, silky dogwood, smooth sumac, black raspberry, sheep laurel, lilacs, Japanese knotweed, burdock, nettles, common mullein, grasses, princess pine, poison ivy, striped wintergreen, violets, Canada mayflower, starflower, and areas of fair to good white pine regeneration. The area is flat to slightly variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). .This stand is ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the better formed mixed oaks and occasional white pine saplings, poles, and small.sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 65 WP 0.47 17.4" 220 27,300 bf 60 (WP) & 8.0 cds White pine is the primary species being in the sawtimber class, poor to good form. Occasional mined oak and red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this fully stocked stand as well as very infrequent elm and ctabapple poles and sawlogs. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf Viburnum, artowwood, buckthorn, witch hazel, occasional black cherry saplings, ferns, grasses, Canada mayflower, statflower, wood anemones, partridgeberry, and areas of fair to good white pine regeneration being in the sapling class. The area is gently sloped, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). Thus stand is ready for an individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced,. better formed white pine poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine saplings and poles. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows. STEW 66 WO 5.14 10.3" 206 17,120 bf 60 (WP) & 18.6 cds White pine and mixed oaks, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Occasional red OBJECTIVE CODE: •CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 3,? of 92 .11 STAND DESCRIPTIONS maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs ate also present through much of this slightly overstocked stand as well as infrequent elm and river birch saplings and poles. Occasional black cherry, grey birch, Norway maple, quaking aspen, big tooth aspen, and black locust saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present, primarily along the open fringes of the stand. Very infrequent pitch pine and eastern red cedar saplings and poles are also present as well as very infrequent planted Norway spruce and red pine poles and sawlogs, The undeistory is light to moderate and includes maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberty, swamp azalea, beaked hazelnut, ferns, sarsaparilla, lady slippers, grasses, Canada mayflower, and starflower. Bittersweet, Japanese knotweed, barberry, and raspberry are also present, primarily along the open fringes. The area is flat to slightly variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively. drained soils (Hinckley), although past excavation work in the southern portions of the stand has resulted in the creation of several seasonally wet areas that have been designated as NHESP certified vernal pools. Portions of this stand are ready for a light individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white . pine and mixed oaks and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. A light improvement thinning will also enhance the growing conditions of the desired trees. The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine and mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine and mixed oak saplings and poles. The value of the white pine and the mixed oaks in this stand is based both on their aesthetic appeal and their long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows, while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 67 OH 8.11 7.5" 133 2,210 bf 60 (WP) & 30.6 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the pole class. A sttorig component of red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs is present in this overstocked stand as' well as occasional black cherry, white ash, elm, grey birch, and Japanese corkttee saplings and poles. Occasional white pine poles and sawlogs ate also present as well as very small plantings of Scotch pine, red pine, Norway spruce, and balsam 5r saplings, poles, and sawlogs: Vety infrequent eastern red cedar saplings and poles are also present. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, beaked hazelnut, arrowwood, honeysuckle, buckthorn, silky dogwood, sheep laurel, Japanese knotweed, grasses, princess pine, poison ivy, striped wintergreen, Canada mayflower, starflower, and areas of fait to good white pine regeneration. The area is flat to steeply sloped, dry upland with occasional surface stones and very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). The lowest fringes can be seasonally wet. Much of this stand developed following gravel excavation many years ago. Portions of this stand are ready for a light improvement thinning to favor the better formed mixed oaks and occasional white pine saplings, poles, and small sawlogs. The desired future condition of this stand is a mix of well spaced, better formed mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of better formed, faster growing white pine saplings and small poles that will provide species and structural diversity to the property. The value of the white pine in this stand is based both on its aesthetic appeal and its long term commercial importance while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 68 RM 2.40 8.7 130 35.6 cds 50 WA) Red maple. is the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional big tooth aspen and grey birch saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent white pine poles and sawlogs. The understory is OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under. CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading 93 Page ay of SG q 4e- STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES. I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, servicebetty, barberry, grasses, poison ivy, and Canada'mayflower. The area is flat to very slightly sloped, fairly rocky, and seasonally wet with soils ranging from very deep, very poorly drained (Swansea) to very disturbed (Udorthents) due to past excavation work. Due to both challenging operation conditions and the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 69 OH 0.70 3.4" 100 15.3 cds 60 (WP) Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, ate the primary species being in the sapling class. Big tooth aspen, quaking aspen; black locust, red maple, black cherry, and grey birch saplings, poles, and small sawlogs ate present in this adegiuately to overstocked stand. A small pocket of planted Scotch pine saplings and poles is also present as well as a slightly sparser opening along the trail in this stand. The understory is light to dense and includes honeysuckle, buckthorn, serviceberry, bittersweet, ferns, grasses, poison ivy, and Canada mayflower. The area is generally flat, dry upland with occasional surface stones and soils ranging from very deep, excessively drained (Hinckley) to very disturbed (Udorthents) due to past excavation work. Due to the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 70 OP 1.48 - 60 (WP) This virtually nonstocked, cleared area is used for periodic dumping and storage of materials associated with the composting operation. The area is stocked primarily around the immediate fringes with common mullein, goldenrod, grasses, clover, .honeysuckle, buckthorn, silky dogwood, multiflora rose, black raspberry, bittersweet; and very infrequent black locust and white pine saplings., The area is flat to very slightly sloped, generally dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac), although the lowest areas are subject to periodic ponding. The desired future condition of this stand is to provide open grassland habitat for the wildlife in the area. STEW 71 OH 0.47 120 2,525 bf 60 (WP) & 27.0 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the pole class. Occasional red maple, quaking aspen, black cherry, grey birch, and Japanese corktree saplings and poles are present in this slightly overstocked stand. Occasional white pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs ate also present. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, beaked hazelnut, attowwood, honeysuckle, buckthorn, silky dogwood,,sheep laurel, Japanese knotweed, grasses, princess pine, poison ivy, striped wintergreen, Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is generally flat, dry upland with very deep, somewhat excessively drained soils (Merrimac). OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) - Reading t 94 Page 3-r of s-e IV\ YQ/ 7 STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI' TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX Due to both the stand's small area and its proximity to nearby residences, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 72 RM 0.23 4.3" 37 6:2 cds Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. Grey birch saplings and poles are also present in this sparsely stocked stand as well as occasional white pine saplings and poles. The understory is light to moderate and includes highbush blueberry and buckthorn. The area is a flat-to gently sloped, depression that appears to have resulted from past gravel removal activities and tends to remain ponded with very disturbed soils (Udorthents). Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 73 WO 0.78 ' 11.1" 240 15,585 bf 60 (WP) & 33.3 cds White pine and mixed oaks are the primary species being in the sawtimber class: Occasional red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand. The understory is fight and includes huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, lady slippers, princess pine Canada mayflower, and starflower. The area is flat to. slightly variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils' (Hinckley). This stand is ready for a light individual selection harvest to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and mixed oaks and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. A light improvement thinning will also enhance the growing conditions of the desired trees: The desired future condition of this stand is an aesthetically appealing mix of well spaced, better formed white pine and mixed oak poles and sawlogs with a developing component of white pine and mixed oak saplings and poles. The value of the white pine and the mixed oaks in this stand is based both on their aesthetic appeal and their long term commercial importance. In addition, the tall pines provide excellent nesting opportunities for owls, hawks, and crows, while the oaks are invaluable to the wildlife in the area due to the acorns they produce. STEW 74 OH 2.50 5.4" 105 23.6 cds Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, -are the primary species being in the pole class. Black cherry, black locust, red maple, mixed oak, grey birch, Japanese corktree, quaking aspen, and big tooth aspen are present in this slightly overstocked, long-abandoned dumping site. Individual and small pockets of white pine saplings and poles are also present as well as very infrequent eastern red cedar saplings. There is one small opening that is periodically mowed. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, lowbush blueberry, setviceberry, maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, Japanese knotweed, burdock, Virginia creeper, grasses, poison ivy, violets, Canada mayflower, and statflower. The area is gently to steeply sloped, dry rolling upland that has resulted from past excavation work and subsequent dumping. Due to the rugged terrain 'of much of this stand as well as its small area, improvement work is not recommended at this point OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page '.3C of 95 Q' STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ STAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX in time. The desired future condition of this stand is, essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. Tlus stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 75 RM 0.47 Please see Narrative - Stand 68. STEW 76 RP 2.50 8.7" 130 35.6 cds 50 (Rlvl) 6.7" 195 38.7 cds 60 (WP) Red pine is the primary species being in the pole class, good to excellent form. Occasional white pine saplings and poles are also present in this overstocked, planted stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, occasional grey birch, red maple, and mixed oak saplings, grasses, and Canada mayflower. The area is a flat to steeply sloped, dry, former gravel pit with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). Due to the higher management priorities of other stands on this property, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 77 RM 0.23 Please see Narrative - Stand 68. STEW 78 . AF 0.10 8.7" 130 .35.6 cds 50 (RM) saplings - - 60 (WP) This abandoned field is actually a periodically mowed, gas transmission line. The stand is stocked primarily with varying densities of mined oak, black cherry, red maple, and white pine saplings and stump sprouts. The understory is light to moderate and includes buckthorn, sweet fern, grasses, and starflower. The area is flat to very slightly sloped, generally dry upland with very-deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand provides excellent abandoned field habitat for the wildlife in the area. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially the same as it is currently. It will be prudent to continue the periodic mowing to maintain this very valuable habitat. STEW 79 WO 0.78 10.3" 206 17,120 bf 60 (WP) & 18.6 cds White pine and mixed oaks, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Occasional red maple saplings, poles, and sawlogs are also present through much of this slightly overstocked stand as well as infrequent black cherry, elm, and grey birch saplings and poles. The undetstoryy is light to moderate and includes maple leaf viburnum, buckthorn, huckleberry, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, swamp azalea, beaked hazelnut, ferns, satsaparilla, lady slippers, grasses, Canada mayflower, and statflower. The area is gently to variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 37 of s-& 96 q P STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ ISTAND NOI TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX excessively drained soils (Hinckley). Due to both the stand's small area and its proximity to nearby residences, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be'allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 80 OH 0.18 9.6" 140 43.3 cds 60 (WP) Mixed oaks and mixed hardwoods, in varying densities, are the primary species being in the small sawtirnber class. A strong component of red maple poles and sawlogs is also present in this overstocked stand as well as occasional big tooth aspen, quaking aspen, white ash, grey birch, white pine, and pitch pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs. The understory is light to moderate and includes honeysuckle, buckthorn, beaked hazelnut, black cherry saplings, Japanese knotweed, Virginia creeper, ferns, and Canada mayflower. The area is flat to variably sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). Due to the both the relatively isolated nature of this stand and its proximity to nearby residences, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 81 RM 5.30 7.7" 72 19.8 cds 50 (RM) Red maple is the primary species being in the pole class. Very :infrequent white pine poles and sawlogs ate also present in this adequately stocked stand, especially along the slightly drier margins. A gas transmission line passes through this stand and is periodically cleared resulting in a narrow, sparser strip of red maple saplings and stump sprouts. The understory is light to moderate and includes highbush blueberry, buckthorn, and winterbetry. The area is generally flat and wet with very deep, very poorly drained, organic soils (Freetown). A NHESP certified vernal pool is located within this stand. Due to the very low management priorities of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed, seasonally wet nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 82 RM 0.15 9.6" . 140 43.3 cds 60 (WP) Red maple is the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. A strong component of both big tooth aspen and quaking aspen poles and sawlogs is also present in this overstocked stand as well as very infrequent mixed oak; white ash, grey birch, and pitch pine saplings, poles, and sawlogs. The understory is light to moderate and includes honeysuckle, buckthorn, beaked hazelnut, black cherry saplings, Japanese knotweed, Virginia creeper, ferns, and Canada mayflower. The area is flat; dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (lnckley). Due to the both the very small area and the relatively isolated nature of this stand, improvement work is not recommended at OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page sg of 1- c- 97 4.P STAND DESCRIPTIONS OBJ (STAND A TYPE I ACRES I MSD or SIZE-CLASS I BA/AC I VOLUME/ACRE I SITE INDEX this point in time. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 83 OM 0.62 132 5,250 bf 60 (WP) & 21.0 cds Mixed oaks are the primary species being in the small sawtimber class. Individual and small pockets of white pine poles and sawlogs are also present in this overstocked stand as well as occasional red maple, hickory, and grey birch saplings and poles. A developing component of white pine saplings is also present in portions of this stand. The understory is light to moderate and includes huckleberry, maple leaf viburnum, highbush and lowbush blueberry, serviceberry, witch hazel, buckthorn, wild raisin, occasional black.cherry saplings, Virginia creeper, briars, ferns, grasses, princess pine, wintergreen, Canada mayflower, starflower, and wood anemones. The area is flat to moderately sloped, dry rolling upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). Although this stand is ready for a light improvement thinning, the small area of the stand and its location right on.the property line preclude improvement work at this point in time. As a result, the desired future condition of this stand is essentially an older and larger version of what it is now. This stand will be allowed to develop naturally over the next ten year period at which point its management needs will be reassessed. The undisturbed nature of this stand contributes to the excellent habitat diversity of the property. STEW 84 AF 0.15 saplings 60 (WP) This abandoned field is actually, a periodically mowed, gas transmission line. The stand is stocked primarily with varying densities of mixed oak, black cherry, red maple, and white pine saplings and stump sprouts. The understory is light to moderate and includes buckthorn, sweet fern, grasses, and starflower. The area is flat to moderately sloped, dry upland with very deep, excessively drained soils (Hinckley). This stand provides excellent abandoned field habitat for the wildlife in the area. The desired future condition of this stand is essentially the same as it is currently. It will be prudent to continue the periodic mowing to maintain this very valuable habitat. STEW 85 OM 0.79 9.V 132 5,250 bf 60 (WP) & 21.0 cds Please see Narrative - Stand B3. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 3~ of ,rc 98' "t to be carried out within the next 10 years OBJ STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 1 STEW 5 STEW 6 STEW 9 STEW 11 STEW 13 STEW 14 STEW .15 STEW 16 STEW 17 STEW 18 STEW 19 STEW 20 STEW 21 MD MD OM RM SP RM RM RM RM OM OM OM OM OM none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop none - allow to develop 38.08 NA 34.02 NA 1.01 NA 0.62 NA 1.17 NA 1.25 NA 11.70 NA 5.93 NA 0:31 NA 2.11 NA 0.78 NA 0.23 NA 0.10 NA 0.31 NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA NA OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW =stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading. Page yo of se 99 MANAGEMENT7A to be carried out within the next 10 years OBJ STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION' AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 22 OM none - allow to develop 0.47 NA NA NA . STEW 25 RM none - allow to develop 1.40 NA. NA NA STEW 27 RM none - allow to develop 0.47 'NA NA NA STEW 28 OH none - allow to develop 0.47. NA NA NA STEW 31 RM none - allow to develop 42.28 NA NA, NA STEW 34 RM none - allow to develop 3.74 NA NA NA STEW 35 OM none - allow to develop 9.83 NA NA NA STEW 36 MD none - allow to develop 3.74 NA NA NA STEW 37 MD none - allow to develop M5 NA NA NA STEW 39 OH none - allow to develop 0.86 NA NA NA STEW 43, RM none - allow to develop 0.70 NA NA NA STEW 44 MD none - allow to develop 1.64 NA. NA NA STEW 47 RM none - allow to develop 1.79 NA NA NA STEW 48 OH none - allow to develop 0.78 NA NA NA OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area. VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading ` Page of ,-c 100 =U IVJMWTTRACTICH-S to be carried out within the next 10 years OBJ STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 49 MS none - allow to develop 1.33 NA NA NA STEW 51 MD none - allow to develop 9.52 NA NA NA STEW 54 WH none - allow to develop 2.34 NA NA NA STEW 55 WH none - allow to develop 0.31 NA NA NA STEW 56 PA none - allow to develop 0.78 NA NA NA STEW 58 WO none - allow to develop 0.47 NA NA NA STEW 59 RM none - allow to develop 4.99 NA NA NA STEW 60 OH none - allow to develop 2.81 NA NA NA STEW 61 RM none - allow to develop 3.10 NA NA NA STEW 68 RM none - allow to develop 2.40 NA NA NA STEW 69 OH none - allow to develop 0.70 NA NA NA STEW 71 OH none - allow to develop 0;47 NA NA NA STEW 72 RM none - allow to develop 0.23 NA NA NA STEW 74 OH none - allow to develop 2.50 NA NA NA OBJECTIVE CODE: . CIH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CI-161/61A- STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page y~p, of r< 101 to be carried out within the next 10 years OBJ STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 75 RM none - allow to develop 0.47 NA NA NA STEW 76 RP none - allow to develop 2.50 NA NA NA STEW 77 RM none - allow to develop 0.23 NA NA NA STEW 79 WO none - allow to develop 0.78 NA NA NA STEW 80 OH none - allow to develop 0.18 NA NA NA STEW 81 RM none - allow to develop 5.30 NA NA NA STEW 82 RM none - allow to develop 0.15 NA NA NA STEW 83 OM none - allow to develop 0.62 NA NA NA STEW 85 KM none - allow to develop 0.79 NA NA NA _ The recommendation to allow the above stands to develop without any treatment for the next ten years is designed primarily to enhance the property for wildlife. Stands 1, 52 36, 49, and 51 are very sparsely stocked shrub swamps.. Red winged blackbirds, wood ducks, great blue herons, beavers, and spring peepers are just a few of the species that frequent areas such as these. Stands 13, 14, 15, 16, 25, 27, 31, 34, 37, 43, 44, 47, 59, 61, 68, 72, 75, 77, and 81 range from seasonally wet to very wet and as a result, rate a low priority in terms of conventional forest management. Species such as marbled salamanders, northern redbelly and ribbon snakes, eastern screech and barred owls, many species of woodpeckers, viteos, and wrens, raccoons, Virginia opossums, and mink are known to prefer seasonally wet, red maple stands such as these. The terrain is too challenging to consider working in Stands 6, 9, 58, and 74. The forest management priorities in Stands 11, 28, 39, 48, 54, 56,.60, 69, and 76 are simply too low in comparison to other stands through the property to warrant management attention at this point in their development. Stands 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 35, .55, and 83 are either difficult to access or are virtually inaccessible with any type of equipment. Stands 18, 71, 79, 80, 82, and 85 are either too small,-too remote, or too close to residences. Leaving all of these stands and the various habitats they represent relatively undisturbed for a ten year period is an excellent means of attracting various bird and animal species which use these areas for feeding, breeding, and nesting. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/6IA STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) _ Reading Page y,3 of s-G r .102 to be carried out within the next 10 years OB7 STD TYPE SILVICLILTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 2 OM improvement thin STEW 3 WP individual selection harvest STEW 7 RP' individual selection harvest STEW 8 OM improvement thin STEW 10 OM improvement thin STEW 12 OM improvement thin STEW 24 RM improvement thin STEW 26 OM improvement thin STEW 29 WP individual selection harvest STEW 30 RP individual selection harvest STEW 32 WP individual selection harvest STEW 33 RP individual selection harvest STEW 38 RP individual selection harvest STEW 40 OM improvement thin 2-3 29 8.0 cds/ac by fall 2020 @1 49 6,125 bf/ac by fall 2020 @ 1 ' 43 5,375 bf/ac by fall 2020 @ 0.5 28 7.0 cds/ac by fall 2020 @ 1 28 7.0 cds/ac by fall 2020, 3-7 '36 8.0 cds/ac by fall 2020 @ 1 33 9.9 cds/ac by fall 2020 10 - 20 24 6.6 cds/ac by fall 2018 5-8 49 6,125 b£/ac by fall 2018 4-6 28 3,500 bf/ac by fall 2018 @ 1 63 7,875 bf/ac by fall 2020 @ 1 50 6,25D bf/ac by Fall 2020 @ 0.5 36 4,500 bf/ac by fall 2018 @ 0.3 32 7.1 cds/ac by fall 2020 OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 9,y of x-6 103 to be carried out within the next 10 years OB7 STD TYPE SiLVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 41 RP individual selection harvest @1 30 3,750 bf/ac by fall 2020 STEW 42 RP individual selection harvest 2-3 61 6,10D bf/ac by fall 2020 STEW 45 RP individual selection harvest @ 1 85 10,625 bf/ac by fall 2018 STEW 46 WP individual selection harvest @ 1 49 6,125 bf/ac by fall 2018 STEW 52 W. individual selection harvest 1-3 67 8,375 bf/ac. by fall 2018 STEW 53 WP individual selection harvest @ 1 60 7,500 bf/ac by fall 2018 STEW 63 WP individual selection harvest 1-2 30 4,500 bf/ac by fall 2014 STEW , 64 OH improvement thin. @ 1 27 7.4 cds/ac by fall 2014 STEW 65 WP individual selection harvest , 0.3 20 2,000 bf/ac by fall 2014 STEW 66 WO, individual selection harvest 2-4 28 3,500 bf/ac by fall 2014 improvement thin 2-4 28 7.7 cds/ac by fall 2014 STEW 67 OH improvement thin 1-2 24 6.6 cds/ac by fall 2014 STEW 73 WO individual selection harvest D.5 35 4,375 bf/ac by fall 2014 improvement thin 0.5 35 9.6 cds/ac by fall 2014 The improvement thinning recommended for the appropriate above stands is an intermediate cut designed to improve the growing conditions of the better formed and faster gtowing'wbite pine and mixed hardwood saplings, poles, and sawlogs by reducing the overall competition within the stand. This will be achieved by removing the competing, poor quality hardwoods. Good fuelwood utilization. The improvement thinning in Stands 2, 8, 10, and 40 will favor some the older, larger trees by focusing on the removal of the OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume. M017 = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page 5'r- of s-G f.• o~ 104 MAE to be carried out within the next 10 years OBJ STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL suppressed and poorly formed trees in the understory. In many instances, forest management objectives favor the development of younger trees, which is often achieved by removing the mature and overtopping trees. Although this method maintains a vigorous, productive forest, it is many tithes at the expense of the older trees. The removal of some of the suppressed younger trees not only improves the grouting conditions of the remaining trees by reducing their competition, it also serves to highlight the latger dominant trees as well as enhances the vista potential of the adjacent Ipswich River marsh system. The individual selection harvest recommended for the appropriate above stands is designed to both stimulate the natural regeneration of the white pine and mixed oaks and to improve the growing conditions of the remaining trees. This will be achieved by removing selected white pine and mixed hardwoods sawlogs, thereby creating openings in the canopy and improving the spacings between the trees in the residual stand. This management recommendation will help to enhance and maintain a vigorous and productive, aesthetically appealing, all-ages stand. The harvest should be timed to. coincide with a good white pine cone and/or acorn crop in order to maximize the opportunity for the natural regeneration of the desired species. These improvement practices will be carried out in strict accordance with the Massachusetts Best Management Practices (BMPs) in order to protect and maintain'the quality of the water resource on and near this property. Much of the Reading Town Forest is located within Natural Hetitage's Priority Habitat for endangered species. Any potential forest cutting projects will be subject to the limitations described by the Natural Heritage Program following submission of a Chapter 132 Forest Cutting Plan to DCR and the Reading Conservation Commission. In addition, efforts will be made to minimize the aesthetic impact of the recommended improvement work. The harvesting itself should be carried out only when market interest in either chips or tree length pulp is strong. This will facilitate the selection and removal of poor quality and suppressed poles and sawlogs in addition to the, commercially valuable white pine, red pine, and possible mixed oak sawlogs, further enhancing the aesthetics of the stands. If chipping the slash is not an economically viable option to incorporate into the projects, then the logging and thinning-debris will be left to lie as close to the ground as possible. The creation of several brush piles per acre with some of the slash will enhance the area for wildlife. Many birds and small animals utilize brush piles for roosting, nesting, and feeding. Leaving several cavity trees and dead trees, referred to as snags, per acre will also enhance the area for wildlife. Many species of birds and.animals such as wood ducks, barred owls, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, squirrels, and raccoons utilize these trees for roosting, nesting, and feeding. It should be noted that harvesting and dunning have been recommended for Stand 66 in which a vernal pool has been certified. There area number of other stands including 67 and 73 that have recommended improvement work and are adjacent to stands with certified vernal pools. The Massachusetts BMPs require a minimum of a 50 foot filter strip around a certified vernal pool in which les than 50% of the total basal area is removed once every 5 years. If the slopes around the vernal pool are 30% or greater, then the filter strip is increased to 100 feet or to the first break in topography away from the vernal pool. Min ruizing ruts greater than 6 inches in depth within 200 feet of the vernal pool and preventing any logging debris from landing in the vernal pool is also strongly recommended as is keeping all equipment out of the vernal pool itself as well as the filter strip. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 = stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page yG of a"G 105 v~ MANAGEMENT iP -GT CE to be carried out within. the next 10 years OBJ STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING . NO BA/AC TOT VOL STEW 23 OH habitat enhancement @ 1.5 NA NA as needed STEW 57 GF habitat enhancement 1-2 NA NA as needed STEW 70 OP habitat enhancement @ 1 NA NA as needed STEW 78 AF habitat enhancement 0.1 NA NA as needed STEW 84 AF habitat enhancement 0.1 NA NA as needed Stand 23 is a relatively young stand that is responding to either a fire that burned many years ago or is simply a more recently abandoned field that is slowly reverting to forest. Stands 78 and 84 are periodically maintained gas transmission lines. The early to mid-successional habitat found in these stands is also invaluable in terms of providing additional habitat diversity for the wildlife in the area. In order to maintain this important habitat, it will be necessary to periodically clear them. Willow flycatchers, mockingbirds, several species of sparrows and warblers, black rat snakes, New England cottontail, and snowshoe hare are among many that prefer this type of habitat. The habitat enhancement recommended for Stands 57 and 70 is designed to ensure the property remains attractive for a greater variety of wildlife. Annual mowing will maintain this invaluable habitat. Stand 57 is a recently enlarged open field that has been maintained over the years mowed lawns. By minimizing the mowing schedule to once or twice a growing season, stands such as this will offer a variety of plants and insects that are not found in the nearby woodlands. Many birds and animals such as eastern box turtle, Blandings' turtle, northern black racer, various hawks, northern bobwhite, homed lark, eastern meadowlark, bluebirds, various sparrows and swallows, redpolls, ring-necked pheasant, least shrews, voles, meadow jumping mice, eastern cottontail rabbits, and red foxes all prefer this'habitat for nesting and feeding. Stand 70 is currently bare, open land. Once work has finished in this area, it can also be targeted for the establishment of additional grassland habitat. In addition to the above recommendation, it may be interesting to install bluebird boxes in these areas. There has been a resurgence of this species in this area of Massachusetts over the past years and the nesting boxes have proven to be successful in attracting bluebirds, especially in open and abandoned field settings which are their desired habitats. R\ VASIVES: As mentioned previously, there is a growing component of invasive plant species through portions of the Reading Town Forest including bittersweet, buckthorns, honeysuckle, barberry, Japanese knotweed, and phragmites. Although it is a daunting and somewhat overwhelming task, it may be prudent to begin to address the control of some of these species in order to slow their spread. One strategy to consider is to focus initially on the smaller occurrences along the trails in the interior of the Town Forest, especially in the white pine and red pine plantations including, but not limited to, Stands 29, 30, 38, 46, 53, and 52 and slowly work out towards the OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW= stands not classified under CH61161A STD = stand AC = acre MSD =mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF =thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page V7 of P-e , r11 106 "V to be carried out within the next 10 years OBI STD TYPE SILVICULTURAL PRESCRIPTION AC TO BE REMOVED TIMING NO BA/AC TOT VOL exterior of the property. Small populations of bittersweet and buckthorn are present in these areas, although individual occurrences of barberry or honeysuckle may also be present. Using various combinations of physical removal; repeated cuttings, and/or the prudent use of herbicides such as Round-Up should bear positive results, although it will be a never-ending endeavor, It will be important to note that a number of state and federal agencies periodically offer financial assistance towards the expense of invasive species control. Monitoring the availability, of these possible programs should also be continued. BOUNDARIES: As the above recommendations are carried out, the appropriate property boundaries will. be blazed and painted as needed. ACCESS: During the course of the ten year management period, the current trail system, including Stands 4, 50, and' 62, will be extended, improved, and maintained to facilitate the implementation of the .forest management / forest stewardship program, enhance the potential for passive recreational enjoyment of the property, and provide increased accessibility for fire protection equipment. OBJECTIVE CODE: CH61 =stands classified under CH61/61A STEW = stands not classified under CH61/61A STD = stand AC = acre MSD = mean stand diameter BA = basal area VOL = volume MBF = thousand board feet cds = cords Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page ya of.-01-9 kP 107 Locus Map • I:; '`,,1,•~GrePJt, ,1~.,,__ `1 Reading, Massachusetts I' M91ghv ` _ - s►; Owner: Town of Reading - - a , AN 16 Lowell Street f• Gr\Pit + ry' Reading,. MA 01867 z5.7 Pump r Sand:•and Gfiv(§l •k• ; IEWH M ON'CtNfiER~ . ' Pit USGS Quadrangle - I - - Lowell, MA Scale 1"25,000" I Pun)ping . :~,a►rkY ` f. Prepared By ry _ • _ Philip B. Benjamin, CF ;9ivi 3s Benjamin Forestry Services., Inc. C~ So. Easton, Massachusetts 02375 ~.'r, Fs;;•.-~ j I May 12, 2010 %YA a ttt%: X, M22 .8 1 \.\J - •1 '.s1a ~ gr•l ~est~tlil~a`ge j • - ~ T wT / 5r..y,~.... ,Q~31' `\~1 F:~•+~.jFj?t?:! ~ r EE~,,,•r~~, 't~F.~: rr Punipiri ' y ) NTE7CHAN .I1 r 1, ! Sta gpNSP~ g t: r I. i 13' 1 Se d at d Gravel / C:-3 . ••dr 't ..Pit i t l• .a - I ~••r P ping j - 'rW27.0, 1 t Y r. j:1, Y :I?d ~'~i• •C• "Is. ~ .o I u. I(patic»i>.~ta7 y1, _ - ` t: t I Y,'._._. Pumpping •~r • ; 5~et ~t.o l • I ~„d _ i ' o . ' ice,. 'a' ' G}' Ell Pits^ Golf I 5 ` - 'rMea.1 P book`` 365 _ ' k 35.0 \ MOWN CI~IFl~ h vgro rao off, +"'y ' ..r::'...: • Y~ P ~ 1 "rte ,1~..._;;~,,. _~r 'z... _ ..j. - ~.a29-: „.i r.' ..r" ,'i ..i•,• ..'i,,~ i ,v.. y~:•::.t•t :.Y: ~t.~• , i Ir' t. •~tiSfi,,••. ~ rl !•~:.l,..•",7•f~ ~ 1'ii' • • • ' .I ` ~ a ~ " ! $PA 'tI4 yl t 7 r . •t' ' . f , r ! r r : •''t y~ r ` j :I t~% ort . s : • , ote~t GJen_ t` I4TERC[i) GE; ump'in ? ~f.,:; fY M40W.t • r: LL t'+t:. i+"`i~! I"`~ --+"'`-1 r. "t/~i _ ••.Ilil»I:a.. ••i•'r 6 l Page of 3-6 108 ✓ Key Map for Aasessors'7'arcellVlaps• _ Reading Town Forest Reading, Massachusetts Owner: Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Block 2 B Scale 1':1,320' Legend Reduced assessors' maps ---Block Map Boundary Reading - See individual Block Maps for Map and Lot numbers Prepared By Philip B. Benjamin, CF Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. So. Easton, Massachusetts 02375 May 12, 2010 Page s ° of f 109 Assessors' Parcel Map Block 1 Reading, Massachusetts ors' maps Prepared By Philip B. Benjamin, CF Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. So. Easton, Massachusetts 02375 . May 12, 2010 he complete listing Page 5-1 of 110 Owner: Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Assessors' Parcel Map Block 2 _--Re., - - - -o_wn°F ore-s - Read - - - - - - Owne 50•; Dt;aiu 1 •VOV Reduced assessors' maps Reading - See Page 2 for the complete listing Prepared By Philip B. Benjamin, CF Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. So. Easton, Massachusetts 02375 May 12, 2010 Page S-2 111 f ~r . oof~~, Key Map Forest Stand Maps Reading Town Forest Reading, Massachusetts Owner= Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01567 Block 2 ucaac ..i •i,vuv Legend - • - Forest Stand Boundary Reduced assessors' maps Reading Excluded Portion See individual Block Maps for Map and Lot numbers -Block Map Boundary Prepared By Philip B. Benjamin, CF Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. So. Easton, Massachusetts 02376 May 12, 2010 Page S~ of 112 . Bloch 1 Ib / r Scale 1":660' la Q Legend - Forest Stand Boundary Access Road s 1. s Lr. y ) as rJ ~i'v? ' Excluded Portion 1 w rte. ` vv (D { G :p 49 7'' 1 say Q % 40 ~d-~l"~ y / ~ SSG `l f Reduced assessors' maps L1✓' G Reading - See Page 2 for the complete listing 79 r-s 3 0 i Prepared By Philip B. Benjamin, CF Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. So. Easton, Massachusetts 02376 Mav 12, 2010 113 Page s Y of rc Forest Stand Map Reading Town Forest Block 2 Owner%' Town of Reading ~ r_ . 16 Lowell Street i' f' - Reading, MA 01867 n/ i7 'e 1 LILAN J LA 0 ' NE S V 7i IS 14 o i o1 4 ' Ni LYNN Vhtq cF wAY \ / TW t / ~ 1 n 4 j. o ' rte , y 35 ~ , % Scale 1":660' 1 Legend - - - Forest Stand Boundary Reduced assessors' maps Reading See Page 2 for the complete listing Prepared By Philip B. Benjamin, CF Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. So. Easton, Massachusetts 02375 May 12, 2010 Page :r-r of s"G 114 Signature Page Please check each box that applies. ❑ CH. 61/61A Management Plan I attest that I am familiar with and will be bound by all applicable Federal, State, and Local environmeintal laws and /or rules and regulations of the Department of Conservation and Recreation. I further understand that in the event that I convey all or any portion of this land during the period of classification, I am under obligation to notify the grantee(s) of all obligations of this plan which become his/hers to perform and will notify the Department of Conservation and Recreation of said change of ownership. g Forest'Stewardship Plan, I pledge to abide by the management provisions of this Stewardship Management Plan fora period of at least ten years, following approval. I . understand that in the event that I convey all or a portion of the land described in this plan during the period of the plan, I will notify the Department of Conservation and Recreation of this change in ownership. Signed under the pains of Owner(s) Date & ~Z 7 l~ Date I attest that I have prepared this plan in good faith to reflect the landowner's interest. Plan Preparer Date As//S//j o . Philip B. Benjamin, CF, Benjamin Forestry Services, Inc. 151 Depot Street, South Easton, MA. 02375 I attest that the plan satisfactorily meets the requirements of CH61/61A and/or the Forest Stewardship Program. Approved, Service Forester Date Approved, Regional Supervisor Date In the event of a change of ownership of all or part of the propery, the new owner must file an amended Ch. 61/61A plan within 90 days from the transfer of title to insure continuation of Ch. 61/61A classification. Owner(s) Town of Reading Town(s) Reading Page r6 of .r6 115 V L L L L L tC C f \\C ri V~ r C Q i C n s L F MY O o - c d o U r - ~ c a) I ff? 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N to c _ U o o- o cu to !Z U , <C p N c9 x U a ) C2 (D C) - C C U •c N c a) c O s a) •co c O c O u O c cn N a c 0 o . m LL :3 D cca: !E cu a) m m Q . U) U m U W N m rte' 2 m J d Q w Q. m U W IM (n W _ ,CV C~7 Q• u) lU ice- w w v w v+ v o> M. M M M M M M d d d d d d d -4 d d to U-) Lo Lo U-) 0 118 Board-of Selectmen Meeting - July 13, 2010 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:05 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Secretary Richard Schubert, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Town Counsel Ellen Doucette, and the following list of interested parties: Hal Croft, Tom Connery, Doug Cowell, Benjamin Ream, Margaret and Bill Veronelli. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the Municipal Building Committee has been meeting every two weeks, and has now seen the oldest buildings in Town including the Town Hall, Senior Center and Library. He asked what report format or content does the Board of Selectmen wish to see out of the Municipal Building Committee. An assumption is that the report will cover both the physical condition and assessment of existing. buildings as well 'as a look forward to the needs of the Town. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that it would be a good idea to give the Board of Selectmen a status report with an agenda when the building inventories are done and before a report is written. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the buildings will be done by September so a visit after that with the Board of Selectmen would be appropriate. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that we will schedule the Municipal Building Committee for late September to give the Board of Selectmen an update with milestones. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that Verizon moved a pole on Howard Street (near Hillcrest) that is interfering with a storm sewer. They were supposed to move it back but nothing has yet been done. The Town Engineer will look into this. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that there were no public comments tonight during Office Hours. A reminder that on July 22nd, the FORR will hold their Fourth Annual 5K Race which will start at Memorial Park. Public Comment: There were no comments. 119 Board of Selectmen Meeting= July 13 2010 - Page 2 Town Manager's Report: The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters ® The meals tax goes into effect in Reading on October 1 st. ® New Open Meeting Law regulations are in effect as of July l st. ® Meeting postings - detailed agenda. ® 48 hour advance notice (not Saturdays). ® Quick turnaround on Minutes (even if unofficial). • 24 hour public access - at RPD; asking for electronic solution permission. RCASA Youth Crew has received a mini-grant ($4,000) for policy work on tobacco. Special thanks to the Board of Health for their support! Community Development ® Reading Fall Street Faire - Sunday, 9/12. Public Works 0 Water conservation reminder s We have received the Environmental Notification Form for the Northern Intermediate High Service Area Water Distribution Redundancy from the MWRA. It does not include proposals for water storage - it is solely pipeline work at this point. I have submitted a letter of support to the MWRA, and the Conservation. Commission has also sent in a letter Construction Projects in progress or to be done this year e. Road Improvements - Temple Street and Harrison Street are under construction. Memorial Park - Good progress. o Washington Park Play rg ound - The playground has been installed. o Killam School Playground Bids are awarded. o Killam School Parking Lot - Improvements are under construction. ® Barrows Site Master Plan - Process will begin in the Summer after recreation staff have completed the JEMP, and gotten Summer activities started. Dates and Events ® Fall Street Faire, September 12th. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Proclamation - 20th Anniversgy of Americans with Disabilities Act - Selectman Richard Schubert read the Proclamation. On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen approved the Proclamation for the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act by a vote of 3-0-0. Certificate of Recognition - Margaret and Bill Veronelli - Margaret and Bill Veronelli were present to accept their Certificate of Recognition. The Board of Selectmen thanked them as well as the Recreation Committee (via Recreation Administrator John Feudo) for their work with Challenger Baseball during the past eight years. 120 s~~~ Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 13 2010 - Page 3 The Board of Selectmen approved the Certificate of Recognition for Margaret and Bill Veronelli by a vote of 3-0-0. Certificates of Appreciation - Volunteers who are retiring with five years or more service Tom Connery was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his seven years on service on the Town Forest Committee, Doug Cowell was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his 11 years of service on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee and Ben Ream was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for his six years on service on the Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Committee. The Selectmen thanked all for their volunteer service and each gratefully accepted their Certificates. Nancy Najmi was not present to accept her Certificate of Appreciation for her six years of service on the Human Relations Advisory Committee but the Board thanked her for her service and her Certificate will be mailed to her. The Board of Selectmen approved the Certificates of Appreciation for the following volunteers who are retiring with five years or more service - Nancy Najmi, Benjamin Ream, Douglas Cowell and Thomas Connery by a vote of 3-0-0. Personnel & Appointments - Consent Agenda. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectmen Richard Schubert and Stephen Goldy reviewed the Boards, Committees and Commissions applicants that are now in front of the Board of Selectmen. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the new process is far better in terms of dialogue. In particular, there are some rearrangements between Associate and Regular members that were easy to do informally but would have been difficult under the old system. Anthony moved and Schubert seconded to accept the report of the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee and confirm the following appointments to the following Boards, Committees, and Commissions: Michelle Ferullo and Maria Higgins to two Associate positions on the Economic Development Committee for terms expiring 6-30-11; Ron D'Addario to one Associate position on the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection for a term expiring 6-30- Joan Boegel to one position on the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection for a term expiring 6-30-12; Joe Lachiana to one position on the RCTV Board of Directors for a term expiring 6-30-2012; John Winne to one Associate position on the Recreation Committee for a term expiring 6030-11; 121 ~~3 Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 13, 2010 - Page 4 Eric Hughes to one position on the Recreation Committee for a term expiring 6-30-12; Sharlene Reynolds Santo to one Associate position on the Historical Commission for a term expirinIZ 6-30-11; Angela Binda to one position on the-Historical Commission for a term expiring 6-30-13. The motion was approved by a vote of 3-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Quarterly Review with Town Accountant - Town Accountant Gail LaPointe gave her quarterly update to the Board of Selectmen. She noted that this is a busy time of the year as the last of the FY 2010 bills are being paid through mid-July, and new FY 2011 bills are also being paid. MUNIS and the new purchase order system has been very helpful in this process. The Auditors are in fora preliminary review of internal controls. They sample specific bills in order to determine the scope needed for the full audit in a couple of months (October). So far, everything is on track.- She also noted that last Winter, she began sending out monthly controls comments to all departments with examples and updates, and the positive feedback has made this a regular feature. For example, not everyone knew that the Town cannot pay ahead of time for a seminar. The student activity account has received more attention after a suggestion by the Auditors in the past. These accounts are controlled by each principal, often in the form of a checking account. The school central office is now more involved. While there has not been a specific problem, the controls are now tighter. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if this is for student activity fees. Gail LaPointe responded that it was not - those go directly to the Town Treasurer and there is a very good set of controls already in place for that process. She mentioned a. concern that there were several shortfalls in FY 2010 revenues, particularly in Building Permits, Interest Earned and Federal Medicare reimbursements. She noted-that a big part of free cash regeneration is excess revenues, and that would not be the case for FY 2010. She also noted that excise tax collections were a bit higher than projected, and that was very helpful. For FY 2011, Federal Medicare reimbursements is already a known shortfall, and the rest is too early to tell. She mentioned that due to low water usage, there were significant revenue shortfalls in both water and sewer for FY 2010. The water situation was remedied by the MTBE legal settlements but sewer would likely end the year in a deficit position which would need to be addressed in FY 2011. Selectman Richard Schubert asked how we can assure that this information is available for the FY2012 budget process. At the Financial Forums this year, the Board of Selectmen, School Committee and the Finance Committee should be advised of this situation, and stress the need for conservative revenue estimation as well as budgeting. 9"LlIq* 122 Board of Selectmen Meeting- July 13 2010 - Page 5 Chairman James Bonazoli and Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Board of Selectmen would like to be involved in the Enterprise Fund budgets earlier this year, especially for capital planning. Flat budgets and water conservation have clearly led to the need for rate increases. -Approval of Section 20 Exemption for Hal Croft as a member of the School Committee - Hal Croft and Town Counsel Ellen Doucette joined the meeting. The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the situation and summarized that Mr. Croft was to be limited in two areas as a member of the School Committee because of his ongoing. duties as track coach. He would not be able to participate in contract negotiations with the teachers since.they represented the coaches, and he would not be allowed to vote on the Athletic budget. He would not be prevented from discussing either topic, and this was done more to avoid the appearance of a conflict as opposed to any known issues. Mr. Croft spoke in thanks for the Selectmen taking this matter up, although, he thought it gave the implication of existing conflicts or past problems of which he wanted to make clear there were none. Town Counsel Ellen Doucette confirmed the summary given by the Assistant Town Manager, and stated that she has extensive communication -with Mr. Croft and the rules are well understood by all parties. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if the whole School Committee needs to be designated as Special Employees, and Town Counsel indicated that they would in order to allow the 20(d) exemption. Selectman Richard Schubert noted that it is good to put this out to the public and avoid any issues that many other communities face later on. He thanked Mr. Croft for going through the process and agreed that there has been no suggestion of any improper activity. On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve Section 20(d) Exemption from the MA Conflict of Interest Laws pursuant to: the letter dated May 25, 2010 to Town Clerk Laura Gemme from Ellen Callahan Doucette from the firm of Brackett and Lucas; and further pursuant to the letter dated June 11, 2010 to Ms Callahan Doucette from Deidre Roney, General Counsel to the State Ethics Commission by a vote of 3-0-0. In response to an inquiry, Town Counsel stated that she would provide an email update on current litigation which in general is light. Hearing - Approval of Revised Local Initiative Program (LIP) Regulations - Selectman Richard Schubert read the hearing notice. The Assistant Town Manager summarized that the new regulations have been streamlined and reference to State laws have been removed. They are still in existence by implication behind the scenes but now this policy need not be amended when the State 123 ~~S Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 13, 2010 - Page 6 laws change. He pointed out that Section 5.2.6 Local Preference had changed but there was no other substantive change made. Town Counsel stated that the language came from the ZBA. She suggested adding the word `affordable' in Section 5.2.4 thinking perhaps that word was inadvertently omitted. The Board of Selectmen discussed if 5.2.6 were, too broad in scope (i.e., allowing employees of Reading businesses, not just residents), and Town Counsel noted that based on recent experience, she thought that it. was, but that the subsidizing agent could have that discussion on a case-by-case basis and she would suggest that it be left broad. On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to close the hearing on the approval of Revised Local Initiative Program Regulations by a vote of 3-0-0. On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony; the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Local Initiative Program Regulations, as amended by adding the word "affordable" in Section 5.2.4, by a vote of 3-0-0 Adopt Hazard Mitigation Plan - The Assistant Town Manager presented the Plan, noting that the Board of Selectmen had a full presentation in August 2008, and this was the final product prepared by the MAPC for Reading, as required by FEMA in order to qualify for Federal reimbursements. The Board requested that on page 3 (Section II, Community Profile) that the wording indicating that Reading was looking forward to celebrating its 350th anniversary in 1994 be reworded. On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the.Board of Selectmen voted to adopt the "Town of Reading Hazard Mitigation Plan dated April 22, 2010" as amended and noted as "draft for MEMA and FEMA Review," by a vote of 3-0-0. Approve Board of Selectmen Liaison Assignments - On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the TY 20 11 Selectmen Liaison Assignments, dated 7-13-10, by a vote of 3-0-0. Approval of Minutes On motion by Schubert seconded by Anthony, the Board of Selectmen voted to approve the Minutes of June 22, 2010 as written by a vote of 3-0-0. On motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to adiourn the meeting of July 13, 2010 at 8:57 p.m. by a vote of 3-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary ~b 124 Board of Selectmen Meeting July 27, 2010 For ease of archiving, the order that items appear in these Minutes reflects the order in which the items appeared on the agenda for that meeting, and are not necessarily the order in which any item was taken up by the Board. The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Town Planner Jean Delios, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Matt Casey, Meghan Young, Bill Brown, David Mancuso, Chai Bhat, Sheila Clarke, Police Officer R. W. Robbins, Tony D'Arezzo, Stephen Crook, David Tuttle, Debbie Shontz Stackpole, Bobbie Botticelli, Mary Ann Quinn, Patricia Dababneh, Michael Palmer. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Stephen Goldy congratulated Friends of Reading Recreation who sponsored the road race. He noted that the deadline for vendors for the Fall Street Faire is August 1 st. He also noted that he requested a sign at the intersection of Woburn Street and Route 28 that stated "pull forward here to stop" and no action has been taken. He indicated that the lack of signage is preventing traffic movement because the signal is not being tripped. He stated that there is an electronic billboard in Stoneham and Medford. Medford received $100,000 and if the study that the State is conducting proves that they are safe, Medford will receive another $400,000. He noted that the Town of Reading has town owned land that is not residential and could be used the same way to raise revenues. Public Comment - Chai Bhat, of 15 Tennyson Circle noted that two bands were playing at the High School on Saturday morning starting at 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. He also noted that they are very noisy and only 50 feet from his house. He indicated that they had a permit from the Town, and he is asking the Town to enforce State law after 7:00 p.m. during the week and not on weekends. He noted that he will get a court order if necessary. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the area was rented out to four bands for band competition, and the Town does not have a noise ordinance to enforce. The Selectmen requested a copy of the permit from the School, and suggested limiting activity to just Reading's band. Meaghan Tafoya noted that some of the sign bylaw nonconformities are easy to fix, but they need to be evaluated with due diligence. She also. noted that it will cost anywhere from $600 to $10,000 to correct some of the signs, and there needs to be reasonable cost corrections. Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: 125 s4--,1 Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 27 2010 - Page 2 Administrative Matters o I have been appointed as the MMA's representative to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law Advisory Commission. I will serve with the chairs of the House and Senate Joint Municipal Affairs Committee or their designee(s), the Attorney General or her designee, and a representative of the newspaper association. o Volunteers are still needed - ZBA, CPDC, Conservation Commission. o Liquor Licenses - issue with ABCC. o There is a new media outlet in Reading - reading.patch.com. This will be going live on July 30th and is an electronic "newspaper" owned by AOL. Community Development o Calareso's is under contract to purchase the Tambone properties on South Main Street, and move their business there. They have filed preliminary paperwork, and the staff held an expedited DRT review. o A new Bakery and Coffee shop is proposed for the Haven Junction building - SammyJo's.Bakery and Cafe. o Sam's Bistro is now open for business. o Grumpy Doyle's is expected to be open by about September 1 st. o O'Yes Steakhouse on Walkers Brook Drive (formerly Bear Rock Cafe) - Occupancy expected in the next few weeks. o Expansion of Peter Sanborn Place - Financing packet for Town comment. Public Safety o RAD Classes beginning in August - Contact Sgt. David Clark at the RPD 781-942-6752. o Bids have been received and awarded for the new ambulance. o Through the efforts of a lot of staff, headed by Fire Chief Greg Burns, the Town has received FEMA reimbursement in the amount of $56,555.34 for the March rain storm. o A local veterinarian has donated three animal oxygen masks to the Fire Department. A large and medium mask for dogs and a small mask for cats. They can be reused. o The Suggested Routes to School Program for sidewalk and curb installation - Surveyors are getting ready to work. We will do community outreach to let abutters know what is proposed- On Washington between Woburn and Prescott; Sunnyside from Prescott to Fairview. The curb work at Temple and Woburn is already- being constructed as part of the Town's Temple Street project. Public Works o Pavement Management Program for 2011 through 2013 is attached and will be put on the Town web site. o RR grade crossing - Traversable medians. o DPW has installed the "Big Belly" trash compactor and recycling bin in Downtown - outside the Town alleyway. Construction Projects in progress or to be done this year: o Road Improvements - Temple Street and Harrison Street are under construction. o Curb and Sidewalk - Bancroft at Woburn - HC access; Washington Park frontage on Washington Street; small piece of curb on Morgan Park Drive related to drainage; Rotary Square - for bike rack area. 126 5-P/ Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 27 2010.- Page 3 o Memorial Park - Good progress. Reading Co-Op Bank will be donating all of the remaining trees for the Memorial Park project as a result of their drive to go paperless with bank statements. Killam School Playground - Construction in mid-August. o Killam School Parking Lot - Improvements are under construction. s Barrows Site Master Plan - Process will begin in the Summer after recreation staff have completed the JEMP, and gotten Summer activities started. o Sewer Construction - Bids for the California Road sewer came in very low - $56,000 vs. $90,000 estimate. o Fishing Platform - Lobs Mill fishing access project completed. Dates and Events: ® Fall Street Faire - September 12th. ® RCASA Annual Meeting'- September 30th - 7:00 p.m. - joint posted meeting with RCASA, School Committee and Board of Health Assistant Town Manager's Report - Bob LeLacheur noted that there is a State Primary on September 14, 2010, and August 25th is the deadline to register for that Election. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition - 25th Anniversary for Christopher's Restaurant - A motion by _Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Certificate of Recognition for Christopher's Restaurant's 25th Anniversary was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Field Review Sign Enforcement and Signs not in Conformance - Site Visit - Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Selectmen did a site visit on sign bylaw nonconformities. This needs to be put on an upcoming agenda, and schedule a joint meeting with CPDC and the Economic Development Committee. The Town Manager noted that the properties in the residential zone need to meet. Business B Zoning District guidelines; i.e., medical buildings, funeral homes, etc. CPDC is looking at these and will potentially bring this to Town Meeting in the Fall. Side yard setbacks are also an issue. He suggests sending letters out to get people into conformity rather than have 100 people come in all at once. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he wants to see a pared down list before enforcement begins because the process is different depending on what part of Town they are in. He also noted that there are issues with some signs that were put up in the past few years, and asked if there is a way to prevent that. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that supposedly the signs met the specifications but in actuality they did not. The Town Manager noted that he will put together a list of Business A, Business B and residential free standing signs nonconformities, and will hold the enforcement letters until the Selectmen get the list. ,t:43 * 127 Board of Selectmen Meeting= July 27 2010 Page 4 Review Information - Request for Parking Regulations - Hopkins Street - The Town Manager noted that the Selectmen asked for additional information and in the packet is a letter dated July 14th regarding no parking on one side of the street, a memo from Fire Chief Greg Burns regarding fire access, an email from the Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, and a letter dated July 22nd from Police Chief Jim Cormier. Chairman James Bonazoli indicated that he went there on June 13th and drove down Hopkins Street. He noted that you cannot enter the parking lot from Hopkins Street and there needs to be better signage. He also noted that the driveway is narrow and he agrees with the quick action for no parking on the north side. The Town Manager noted that the no parking is temporary until the Selectmen approve it. Michael Palmer, owner of Sam's Bistro, noted that parking is available at Meineke after hours. He has talked to the owners of the brick office building across the street, and the wife wants to sell the property but the husband doesn't. He has also spoken to the owners of the property to the south about renting and then buying, and now they are not talking at all. He feels that no parking on one side of Hopkins Street makes sense. Patricia Dababneh of 113 Hopkins Street noted that the owner was quoted that he was providing 8-10 employee parking spaces on site. She also noted that the neighborhood is residentially zoned. Employees are parking on the street - one ran out of gas then dumped trash on the street, and some are changing their clothes on the street. Chairman James Bonazoli asked Ms: Dababneh if she is pleased with the new restrictions and she indicated that it is better. Chairman Bonazoli also asked if the new restrictions have alleviated her concerns regarding backing out of her driveway, and Ms. Dababneh indicated that it has not and that she' would prefer no parking on her side. She noted that employees are parking there all day - if it were overflow, that would be different. Chairman Bonazoli noted that there are concerns about people crossing Main Street and Hopkins Street. Police Chief Jim Cormier noted that all comments have a certain amount of validity, and the temporary regulations help reduce the hazard. He recommends keeping people on the same side as the restaurant because if you move the parking on the other side, then people will be making U-Turns. He does recommend regulating the parking spot between Ms. Dababneh's driveway at 113 Hopkins Street and 119 Hopkins Street.. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked Mr. Palmer about the issue of employee parking that doesn't turn over. Mr-Palmer noted that staff starts working before Meineke closes. Chairman James Bonazoli asked how many employees does he have, and Mr. Palmer indicated that he has 15; and that he has been overstaffing for the opening. The Board directed the Town Manager to schedule a hearing for August 10th for no parking on the north side of Hopkins Street and to include the spot between the two driveways. The Town Manager noted that he will notify the abutters up to Cedar Street and 300 feet of Fairmont Road. 128 Board of Selectmen Meeting - July 27, 2010 - Page 5 Ms. Dababneh requested "no parking here to corner" for one spot to the right of the Sam's Bistro's driveway, and Selectman Ben Tafoya suggested. not putting that restriction in the hearing notice. Town Planner Jean Delios noted that it was CPDC's decision to exit only onto Hopkins Street instead of two way because the driveway is not wide enough. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked if everyone could exit onto Main Street, and Chief Cormier indicated that they cannot because there is no left turn allowed onto Main Street. Selectman Ben Tafoya encouraged the owner of Sam's Bistro to continue to work with the abutters with the help of the Town Manager and Town Planner. Chairman James Bonazoli suggested that the Selectmen visit the site before the hearing. Mr. Palmer indicated that Friday night is the busiest. Progress Report on Goals - The Town Manager reviewed the progress on goals. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the Board needs an update on #22 - implementing the priority Downtown parking action items. She asked about the Green Communities and asked if the RMLD was delaying this. The Town Manager noted that legislation needs to be changed to allow municipal light companies. Vice Chairman Anthony suggested that contacting the MMA should be the action item for this. The Town Manager noted that comments from other Municipal Light Departments are needed first because MMA will not support just for one light department. Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Water Treatment Plant field is an asset, and requests that this be put on a future agenda for Selectmen discussion. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked about health insurance cost, and the Assistant Town Manager noted that this is on the agenda in January. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he would like a summary covering the past 5-10 years showing the number of people insured for both active and retirees, and the increase in premiums showing the number of people versus the increase in cost. Vice Chairman Anthony indicated that she does not want to wait until January for that discussion. Review Customer Service Survey Results - The Town Manager noted that there were 99 surveys in the second quarter. . They are generally very positive results, and one poor regarding the reverse 911 not notifying of the water emergency. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony asked who the surveys go to, and the Town Manager noted that they are available at all counters, online and the DPW did a mailing. Vice Chairman Anthony suggested doing a different survey for businesses. The consensus of the Selectmen was to get comments on more complex services in Community Services from the business community. The Town Manager noted that a focus group would be needed for a survey on more complex services. S-Q 5'* 129 Board of Selectmen Meeting- July 27, 2010 - Page 6 . David Mancuso from Making Reading Better asked about accountability at the employee level, and asked what happens when there is an issue. He noted that Boards, Committees and Commissions deal with complex services. Bobbie Botticelli indicated that there should be surveys available for people who attend Boards, Committees and Commissions meetings. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of July 27, 2010 at 10:00 p.m. was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 130 5-J4 Board of Selectmen Meeting Executive Session June 22, 2010 The Executive Session convened at 10:00 p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting Room, 16 Lowell Street; Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Chairman Ben Tafoya, Vice Chairman James Bonazoli, Secretary Camille Anthony, Selectman Stephen Goldy, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob.LeLacheur. Labor Negotiations The Town Manager reviewed the agreement with the Police Patrol Officers and Police Superior Officers. Items include fully funding the Quinn Bill and trade offs related to that. On motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova, the Board of Selectmen authorized the Town Manager to sign the agreement between the Town and the Police Patrol Officer's Association Mass Cop Local 191 for a term expiring 6-30-2012, as outlined. On a roll call vote all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. On motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova, the Board of Selectmen authorized the Town Manager to sign the agreement between the Town and the Police Superior Officer's Association I B P O for a term expiring 6-30-2012, as outlined. On a roll call vote, all four members voted in the affirmative and the motion was carried. A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova to adjourn the Executive Session Meeting of June 22, 2010 at 10.20 p.m. was approved on a .roll call vote with all four members votin in the affirmative. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 131 Page 1 of 1 y~ Q ~s Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Thursday, July 29, 2010 4:27 PM To: Reading - Selectmen Cc: LeLacheur, Bob; Zambouras, George; Schena,,Paula Subject: Safe Routes to School DO OT "REPLY TO ALL" As I informed the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, the Safe Routes to School project seems to be close to a reality. Because it involves sidewalk construction in a couple of neighborhoods, and the State's consultant's surveyors are out in the neighborhoods, I sent a letter to all of the potentially affected abutters. Doris Dagnese from Sunnyside came in today very concerned, particularly about the potential impact on the trees. I told her that the surveyors were gathering information and there was no suggestion that trees would be affected until we get information from the surveyors. I told her that once we had information we would be in touch with all abutters. Ms. Dagnese wanted to know whose decision it is to go ahead with a project and I indicated that it was the Board of Selectmen in their role as the road commissioners. She may be in touch with individual members of the Board I/c Board of Selectmen Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town Hall Hours effective June 7, 2010: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a,m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www.readingma.gov email town manager ci reading. ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma- survey.virtualtownhall net/survey/sid/91b54a927601201. • 7/29/2010 132 O~ Llc 605 I Public Employee Retirement Administration Commission A 133 ority !en lea ovide .those mofa 1.2377 ee on public .c a Commentary ver the past ten years public defined benefit plans have been convenient whipping boys in the media and even among some experts in the field. Scores of studies, opinion pieces, and articles have.portrayed public plans in a negative light. In fact, over this time it has been difficult to find a single positive commentary about these plans. In 2006 or 2007 a positive article about public defined benefit plans was published in The Wall Street loumal. The premise of the article was that, afterfour years of favorable investment returns (2003-2006), maybe things ' vieren't so bleak after all. Then the investment losses of ;.''...late 2007 and 2008 materialized and the negative com- Fol - - RN' mentary intensified. As the general economy deteriorated, ulese observations have taken on a more urgent and, in a„- mme ways, visceral tone. lbe complaints range from the plans are too expensive to V, efts are too generous. The perception is that public employee plans are too rich. Friends and associates often r omment to public employees about what a great deal u provided bytheState's pension plan. Whentoldthat embers hired after 1996 contribute about 10% (9%+ r~ m s.%} of salaryto the plan they are stunned that such a large mntnbutionto the plan is required. The belief that the . ublie pension system is a free ride for employees is just one,of the many misperceptions dearly held by the public. ea~tuanal perspective naturally differs greatly from that _ ofsomeonewithout apension background. Forstarters, hileth.e non-specialist may attribute great credibility to ese.negative assertions, the experienced actuary reviews emwith skepticism. Too many of these studies and Q : des have been misleading or inaccurate. Others present aisTcase scenarios to cause panic Many of those writing comments or conducting the studies have preconceived tdionsabbut public defined benefit plans. In short, most disearticles have a negative bias. etheiess, everything is not perfect with public defined efiCplans. A review of benefit levels in some jurisdic- v make even those that are positively disposed towards y ins wonder. This picture is distorted by the fact some of our largest states such as New York, Illinois, Cifom!a have established benefit structures that reahsticfrom a policy and fiscal point of view. The 4-. fy o,6server then imputes these facts to.aii public at the national level has turned to the dire antes confronting state and local retirement lust not lose sight of the fact that, although s is faced with many of the same challenges fictions, we are unique in many ways. Massa- chusetts, unlike most state and local governments, does not participate in Social Security. Consequently, the benefits provided under Chapter 32 are the only retirement allow- ance available to our employees. Perhaps more significant than that fact is that, in spite of adopting actuarial funding at a late date, with few exceptions, Massachusetts policy makers have refrained from expanding benefits during up turns in investment performance. Contrastthat with California which, as noted, because of its size provides the context in which the national discourse takes place. That state dramatically increased benefits and made those increases retroactive in 1999 while asserting that the investment gains of the 1990's would continue indefinitely. Based on inflated return assumptions, it was estimated that by2009-2010 these enhancements would increase annual cost of benefits by approximately $650 million. The actual costto the state in these fiscal years is $3.1 billion and $3.5 billion respectively. California also uses a one year salary figure in calculating retirement benefits. In conjunction with the "one year rule" final compensation may be increased by accrued vacation time, unused sick leave, and overtime. Also, workers can purchase up to five years of service or"air time"without paying the full actuarial cost. In addition to these circum- stances, the state made basically no appropriation to the. pension system in fiscal years 1999-00 and 2000-01. All of these elements have been avoided in Massachusetts. Although we have seen members take advantage of loop- holes to increase their own benefits, Chapter 21 of the Acts of 2009 addressed several anomalies which, in any event, were minimal in impact when compared with the broad based benefits available in other states. These idiosyncratic cases are the types of cases that are focused on by the me- dia and amending the law to end these practices is being discussed. However, the general topic of pension reform is not the subject of this review. Our goal here is to respond in a reasonable way to several controversies surrounding de- fined benefit plans, particularly related to realistic funding expectations, the sustainability of the plan, and the nature of various assumptions used in measuring liabilities. A sound defined benefit plan benefits both the employer and employee. The employer.is able to pay the cost of the benefit efficiently since the plan is designed for long service employees and the pension fund is invested to help pay the future benefits. This is not generally true ima defined contribution plan, such as a 401(k) plan. A defined benefit plans provides more retirement security for members than a defined contribution plan because the employer bears the investment risk and the member will receive a benefit based on a formula based on the member's pay, age, and 1~ C a 0-s- service. This is an arrangement benefitting both parties. The question arises, why has such a well-intentioned, balanced approach to retirement security become so controversial? It has been generally asserted that these pension plans are unsustainable. It is pointed out that the unfunded liability threatens the sponsor's fiscal stability and that the un- funded liability has dramatically increased. That is true, but it is primarily a function of the investment return in the past 10 years and especially in 2008. The Massachusetts State Employees' Retirement System as of January 1, 2008 had a funded ratio of 89.4% and the Massachusetts Teachers' Retirement System had a funded ratio of 73.9% as of that date. Prior to the 2008 market collapse, 99 of our pension systems had a funded ratio above 50%, and 38 were funded in excess of 75%. Only 7 had a funded ratio below 50%. In addition, underthe then existing funding schedules, 50 of the Massachusetts public pension plans including several of the largest (Boston, Cambridge, State, and Teachers) would - have been fully funded within 15 years, well before the maximum period then allowed by law (2028). The following points are significant in assessing the issue of the financial sustainability of these systems: 1.The Massachusetts plan was not funded on an actuarial basis for over 40 years after its creation. Actuarial funding began in Massachusetts in the early 1990s and we have been constantly attempting to catch up to get funded. Had plans been actuarially funded from inception, most likely there would be NO current unfunded liability. 2. Funding progress has been substantial since the law was amended to require actuarial funding. In Massachusetts, most plans were 20% to 40% funded in'1988. The majority of plans now have funded ratios in excess of 601/6. This is significant progress. Many systems are on track to be fully funded by 2030, despite the 2008 setback. 3. Group 1 employees hired after July 1, 1996 (contributing 9% of pay + 2% in excess of $30,000), are paying for most, if not all, of their benefit. Such long service employees (hired under age 30 and staying 25 years or more) will pay for more than the cost of their benefit. (This assumes the investment return assumption is met.) Some of the pen- sion reforms mentioned (changing the average pay from 3 to 5 years, and pushing age factors back 2 years) result in the employee paying an even greater share. Employee contributions in Massachusetts are already higher than most other state plans. S4--2~ 4. Sustainability questions about the plan were never heard in the 1990s. Why? Because the investment return assumptions were consistently exceeded. There was a case of getting "too much, too soon." Look at the funded ratio chart for the Commonwealth shown to the right. From 1985 through 1999, the PRIT fund had an average return of 13.66/o per year. In our reports, you can observe how this investment performance accelerated funding levels in those years. Through 2009, PRIT has averaged a 9.7% return for 25 years despite an average of only 4.1% over the past 10 years. The graph shows how the funded ratio accelerated in the late 1990s and then fell back. The dotted line represents an estimate of the funded ratios if, instead of the actual returns we have had, the fund had earned 9.7% each and every year. The funding plan is ahead of schedule. If the progress had been consistent and steady instead of wild and volatile, no one would be raising these issues of sustainability. 5. The experience of 2008 is the source of the fiscal difficulty and it must be recognized for what it was-an UNPRECEDENTED year in terms of funding pension plans- public or private sector. Not since the Great Depression have capital markets performed so poorly. A plan cannot recover in a few years from a year like 2008. Under normal circumstances, it will take 5-10 years to recover from the' 2008 return. Most of the Massachusetts plans use an actu- arial value of assets that smoothes gains and losses over 5 years. Twenty percent of investment gains and losses are recognized each year forfive years. Recognizing additional deferred losses from 2008 over the next few years means that, on a short term basis, the market value return would need to significantly exceed the assumption to avoid the impact of these losses. Our valuations have shown that the necessary return is typically 15%- 20%6. But, even if it takes 5-10 years to recover, that would still leave 10 years or more to become fully funded by 2030. Things are not as bad as they seem or as dire as predicted by some. COMMONWEALTH FUNDED RATIO 100% 85.2% _ 81.1 % 78.6% 75.2%-•; 82.1% 80% 73.9% 71.5% 72.6% 72.3% 68.9% _ 64.9% _ 62.7% 60% " 55.8% 48.8% 40% 39.0% 20% 1/90 1/93 1195 1196 1198 1 l00 1/01 1/02 1/03 1/04 1/05 1/06 1/07 1/08 1/09 has an average return of 7.9% over the last 25 years. Over 50 years the average return has been 6.0% and over 75 years it has been 6.6%. Since this represents the "equity" portion of our portfolio, you could make an argument that the 8.05'6 assumption is too high. PRIT has an average return of about 9.7% over 25 years, beating the S&P by almost 2%6. Will that continue? We don't know. But maybe the 8.0% assumption is still completely reasonable. The point is that we will not know what the best assumption was until many years in the future when we see what actu- ally happened. In the mid 1980s, a common investment return assump- tion used in the private sector was 6.0%. When changes required that each actuarial assumption should be indi- vidually reasonable (as opposed to being reasonable col- lectively), an 8.06/o investment return assumption became common and it has remained so for 25 years. Had anything changed? No, not really, but practitioners believed thata 6.0% long-term assumption was too conservative. There are many calls to reduce the investment return as- sumption. Let's offer some perspective. In the late 1990s, many people thought that an 8.0% investment return as- sumption was too low. We resisted the pressure to increase the assumption from 8.0% in the late 1990s: This assump- tion has remained our "standard" assumption as long as it is reasonable based on a system's investment allocation. That being said, we are currently considering whether 86/6 continues to be reasonable. We may, overtime, move to a standard assumption somewhere between 7.0% and 7.75%. A handful of systems are using 7.5%6 or 7.75% as- sumptions currently. We have been indicating for the last 5 years or so that we believe an 8.5% assumption is too high, and more recently that 8.25% may be too aggressive. The bottom line in all this is that no one knows the future- we are trying to come up with a reasonable LONG-TERM assumption. We can only use history as a guide to help us. The S&P 500 The problem with changing the assumption in the current environment is that we already have the huge losses from 2008 with which to deal. If the investment assumption should be decreased, it should be done in a measured way- over several valuation cycles and using plan gains to mitigate the resulting cost increases. We have begun discussing this issue with some systems this year. Some have called for using an assumption of 6.0%. In our view, this is far too much of a reduction based on what we know today. Is it possible that in 25 years this could be a reasonable assumption? Perhaps, and obviously time will tell. Are we entering a sustained (there's that word again) period where we can only expecta 6.0%6 total return? Others call for using a 4.0% risk free return. The 4.0% rate may end up being required for financial statement disclosures but it represents a short-term rate of return. This differs from funding for which we use a long-term rate. If we are talking about funding, a risk free rate is not appropriate. Many who•want to use such an assumption have an agenda and want to make the plan look worse than it actually is (a lower interest rate generates higher plan li- abilities). Our primary concern is funding the plan properly, not determining financial statement disclosures. Maybe 8.0%6 is slightly too high, but is it realistic to think funds can only earn 4.0% per year over the long term? If this is the case, we will.have a lot worse problems in this country than funding pension plans. In light of these considerations, what is our position with regard to the investment return assumption? Currently we are leaning toward reducing our "standa rd" assumption to 7.5% over the next 4-8 years. That would allow systems to reduce the investment return assumption over 3 or 4 valuation cycles, assuming valuations are performed every 2 years. An opportunity to reassess will be taken each year. Finally, the inflation assumption which is used in the determination of the investment assumption is also used in developing other actuarial assumptions such as the rate of salary increase. Consequently, in order to be consistent, these other assumptions would also likely need to be changed if we were to dramatically lower the investment return assumption. The purpose of this review has been to provide perspective on the reality of our public pension systems in a clear objec- tive light unclouded by the dogmatic bias of ideologues or the prejudices of the uninformed. Hopefully board. members, employees, policy makers, and taxpayers will be able to more accurately assess our pension system armed with this information. ~3 ` 4 r Market & 2009 Financmla eeview 'Retirement B. d Perfs mace l r. ~f A ithough none of us are quite sure what to call if, the first decade of the twenty first century was certainly one to remember, or better yet, to forget if pos- cj 1 , Bible. It saw not one buttwo severe recessions (including the worst since the Great Depression), two of the worst S, -,rstock market collapses ever, the creation and bursting of 4= a number of bubbles, one of the worst credit crunches zr ~~everthe demise of numerous iconic businesses, and an yYmmaginablyhorrificterroristattackthatspawnedtwo unpopular and costly wars. In light of the flat overall stock `market returns for the US and most developed countries unng the past ten years, it would be totally appropriate 'taterm the decade "the zeros." MCleast the decade ended with a modicum of hope as rRinuing signs of economic and financial stabilization F__ S 069 led to a strong rebound in the stock market and Ifhy recovery in the bond market. The recovery in -financial markets was aided by the Fed's monetary n irytliat maintained short-term rates close to zero and a ego_yernmenYs expansive fiscal policy that has allowed - to rise to worrisome levels. market rose over 28%forthe year. Large D) rose 26.5% and small caps (Russell 2000) pop. Midcaps were the best performers, up ling to Russell. The technology-laden NASDAQ d the way, up nearly 44%. On a percentage ie markets had their best year since 2003. lows for the year (and for the cycle) on the S&P 500 rose 65%, the NASDAQ 79%, 1,2000 over 80%. Despite these meteoric re- &P,500 remained 29% below its 2007 peak 14 remained 55% off its record high. The dyed to recover roughly half of the losses tt a beciinnino of the financial crisis. forming stocks in 2009 had been the 2008. Among the S&P 500's sectors, )gy was the best performer, up 60% :ilities (+6.8%) and Telecom Services ggards. Many financial stocks enjoyed their lows but overall the sector's ell below average. Among individual rebounding from a 60% loss in Amazon.com rose 162%, and Apple e other side, Citigroup-still facing 51% and Sunoco-reflecting soline demand-declined 40%. Stocks outperformed value by rthe year, ranging from 14% in small caps to 17% for large caps. Over the course of the decade, however, value outperformed by about 7% annualized. The stock market had a number of big moves during the past decade, both up and down, but perhaps what distin- guishes it the most is that it was one of the few decades when stocks did not post a positive return. For the ten years ending December 31, 2009, the annualized return on the broad market Wilshire 5000 was-0.27%. Respective returns for the S&P 500 and Russell 2000, respectively, were -0.95% and +3.51%. It was the first negative decade ever for the S&P 500, dating back to its inception in 1928. Accounting for inflation (as well as fortaxes and transaction costs, if any), the decade's loss is appreciably worse since 2009 dollars were worth less than 80 cents in 1999 dollars. Gradually recovering economies (aided, as in the US, by government stimulus) and a weak US dollar helped international stocks outpace the US market in 2009. European markets and those of other developed countries enjoyed gains in excess of 20% but the biggest winners were developing economies, particularly those in Asia that were less impacted by the credit crisis and seemingly more likely to experience healthy growth going forward. While the MSCI-EAFE Index was up 31.8% for the year (24.7% in local currency terms), the MSCI Emerging Markets Index rose 78.5& (62.3% in local currency terms). Markets in China, Indonesia, and India all spurted more than 80% while a widely followed index of Russian stocks more than doubled. Burdened by a decline in exports and a strong yen, Japan was the worst performer among the major international markets and suffered its second consecutive decade of stock market losses. The ten-year annualized return for the MSCI-EAFE Index was +11.17%. Fixed Income Markets Thanks to continued aggressive and costly assistance from the government, the credit markets took major steps back to normalcy in 2009. The Fed maintained the federal funds rate near zero and the Treasury sold a record $2.1 trillion in debt. Among the stimulus and bailout programs supported by this debt were the TALF and PPIP programs that buoyed the market for various asset-backed securities and the Fed's purchase of billions in mortgage-backed securities. As a result of investors once again seeking risk in the fixed income market, performance was the opposite of that in 2008, when only risk-free Treasuries showed a positive return. With the yield on the benchmark 10-year, Treasury note rising from 2.25% at year-end 2008 and 3.31 % at the end of the third quarter to 3.83% at year-end 2009, holders of the ten-year note suffered a loss of about 5% over the year and owners of longer maturity Treasury debt endured even larger declines. At the other end of the risk spectrum, high yield junk bonds returned an astounding 56.3% as the yield differ- ential between them and Treasuries narrowed from 20% to 6.41/o and absolute yields declined from about 24% to about 10%. Similarly, investment grade corporate bonds returned about 20% over the year as the aggregate yield differential overTreasuries narrowed from 6.25%to 2% and absolute yields fell to about 5%. Junk bond issuance was triple that of 2008 and high quality corporate bond issuance set a new record. Overall, the Barclays Aggregate Bond Index, which includes Treasuries, investment-grade corporate bonds, and mortgage securities, rose 5.93% in 2009. Either Asset Classes Falling values in commercial real estate continue to weigh heavily on the performance of many public pension funds. Publicly-traded real estate investment trusts, which typi- cally trade in sympathy with the equity market, enjoyed a positive return of 28% in 2009, but this was largely a correction to the 38% beating the sector took in 2008. The NCREIF National Property Index, a widely followed benchmark for private commercial real estate investment, declined by nearly 17% in 2009. Hedge funds have rebounded from their disappointing performance in 2008. According to Hedge Fund Research, aggregate 2009 returns were about 20% for all hedge funds and about 11 %for funds of funds. Some of the particular strategies that were particularly badly hurt by the credit crunch rebounded most impressively this year, for instance, convertible arbitrage returned almost 60% in 2009. The third quarter saw the first net inflows into hedge funds in over a year.The ongoing government investigation into insider trading will be watched closely for its possible effects on hedge fund trading practices, but, overall, the industry began 2009 with a cautiously optimistic outlook. As always, returns on specific partnerships will vary widely, but 2009s sharp rebound in the stock market in general and the NASDAQ in particular helped bring at least a halt, if not a reversal, to the negative adjustments to partnership valuations that occurred during and after the credit crisis. For the year, the return on the Cambridge Associates US Venture Capital Index was 2.95% and for the Private Equity Index it was 13.77%. Outlook There are certainly enough uncertainties to question whether the stock market, which had been overly pes- simistic for many months through March 2009, may have 1200 1100 1000 900 800 700 ri MARKET SHAPING EVENTS AND THE SIP 600 IN 2009 JANUARY JAN 2 931 JAN 30 825.88 Bank of America completed its controversial $19.4 billion purchase of Merrill Lynch. Failing to find a buyer, Circuit City began liquidation. Barack Obama is sworn in as first African-American US President Stocks have their worst January ever, down almost 9%. FEBRUARY FEB 2 825 FEB 27 735.09 Executives of big banks were grilled by Congress over executive pay and lending. GM and Chrysler requested billions in additional bailout loans. January housing starts sank to their lowest level in 50 years. Consumer confidence fell to its lowest level in over 40 years. The Administration's $787 billion stimulus package was ap- proved by Congress GDP had declined 6.2% during the fourth quarter, the steepest drop since 1982. The US announced it would take up to a 36% stake in Ofigroup. The stock marketfell another 2%, its worst February in decades. MARCH MAR 2 700.82 r~ MAR 31 797.87 The government revised Its bailout plan for AIG as uproar ensued over bonuses paid. Big mergers resumed as Merck bought Schering-Plough and Dow Chemical purchased Rohm & Haas. The stock market fell to new lows before beginning to recover amid some signs of economic stabilization. By month's end, the market rallied 21%from its lows. Saying he was"sorry and ashamed"of his actions, Bernard Mad- off was sent to jail. In June, he was formally given the maximum sentence of 150 years. Despite the rally, stocks fell 13% during the first quarter, the sixth consecutive down quarter and the worst first quarter since 1939. APRIL APR 1 811.08 APP, 30 872.81 In another sign of a turnaround on Wall Street, Goldman Sachs announced first quarter profit of $1.7 billion. Mail operator General Growth properties sought bankruptcy protection. For the first time in 18 months, Cnigroup announced a quarterly Profit As the government encouraged several large banks to bolster their reserves, the fed released the methodology for its"stress tests'for banks. Fears rose about a swine flu epidemic Stocks enjoyed a robust 7% rally, one of the markets best months in decades. 11 4711C MAY f•!AY 1 877.52 MAY 29 919.14 Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection. As a result of stress tests, several large banks were ordered to increase Capital while others were deemed sufficiently capitalized. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac both announced large losses and the need for addhionalTreasury financing. The President unveiled a $3.6 trillion budget Congress passes credit card reform. Treasury earmarks $7 billion in aid for General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAQ. Stocks, up 4%, enjoyed theirthird month of gains. JUNE JUN 1 942.87 JUN 30 919.32 In the second largest industrial filing ever, GM sought bankruptcy protection. The jobless rate has its largest monthly increase in 20 years: In a huge deal among money managers, BlackRock acquired Barclays Global Investors. Bond insurers MBiAandAmbaclose their"AAA ratings, further pressuring financial markets. Buoyed by worldwide governmental stimulus and rescue efforts, stocks moved into positive territory for the year, Despite a month- end correction, stocks were up 11% for the quarter. Lehman Brothers posts a big loss as doubts about its survivability rise. Protests followed disputed Iranian election. Aril--t14ZT CGpTrhARt"f? ()C TCiRFR NOVEMBER DECEMBER JULY JUL 1 923.33 JUL 31 987.48 GM emerges from bankruptcy. The cash for clunkersprogram attracted auto buyers. Home prices registered theirfirst monthly gain in three years. California leaders agreed on a plan to dose a $26 billion budget shortfall. Yahoo and Microsoft struck an internet search partnership to compete against Google. GDP contraction slowed to 1%as the stock market rose nearly 9%. AUGUST AUG 3 1002.63 AUG 31 1020.62 `U Sonia Sotomayor confirmed as first Hispanic Supreme Court justice. Signaling an end to its rescue activities, the Fed noted that economic activity is "leveling out. Aided by lower prices and afederal taxaedit, home prices saw their biggest monthly jump in ten years. Ben Bemanke nominated for another term as Fed Chairman. After 47 years in the Senate, Edward Kennedy dies at 77. SEPTEMBER SEP 1 998.04 11 SEP 30 1057.08 The dollar declined to its lowest level in a year amid fear that the US would lag the global recovery. Bemanke said the recession is "very likely over". Stocks have risen 50% from their March laws. In their best third quarter since 1939, stocks rose 15%.The two quarter gain of 28% was the best since 1987. OCTOBER OCT 1, 1029.85 OCT 30 1036.19 Bank of America CEO Kenneth Lewis resigned under pressure. GM announced the shutdown of its 5atum band. Apartment vacancies rose to a 23-year high. The government prepared charges in the biggest insider trad- ing ring in a generation. The US budget deficit rose to $1.4 trillion, representing 10% of GDP. NOVEMBER NOV 2 1042.88 NOV 30 1095.63 Commercial lender Cff filed for bankruptcy. Ford reported a quarterly profit of $1 billion. For the first time since the early 1980s, the jobless rate exceeded 10%. As stocks rose to new highs forthe year,, theTreasury's auction of two-year notes achieved the lowest yield (0.802%) on record. About a quarter of US homeowners were "upsidedown on their mortgages. Financial marketswere hit by concerns over debt problems in the Arab emirate of Dubai. DECEMBER DEC 1 1108.86 DEC 31 1115. 10 8 of A, Otigroup, and Wells Fargo began the process of repaying $90 billion in bailout aid. Consumer lending remained a problem, having declined for nine straight months. The Senate's passage of a health care bill raised hopes that a reconciled bill would be approved in the new year. Third quarter state and local tax revenues were 7%lower than those of a year earlier. Despite a New Year's Eve selloff, the Dow gained i a.8% for the year (its best year since 2003) and the S&P 500 rose 23.5%. Nevertheless, with negative annualized returns, the decade ranked as among the worst everfor stock market performance. J~,~ become overly optimistic in terms of its expectations for economic recovery. Could an economy where the housing market remains fragile and jobs hard to get really expect a rebound in consumer spending? What will be the effect of the Fed's inevitable raising of interest rates from near-zero levels? What will be the effect when the government's myriad programs of fiscal stimulus begin to run their course? Can corporate profits, which have risen in large part due to cost cutting, continue to rise based on traditional revenue growth? Is the rise in price/earnings ratios after last year's big rally a cautionary sign? December 31, 2009, brought an end to a decade when we experienced many things we never imagined or never expected to see, including 9/11, the stock market having a negative ten-year return, a credit crunch that nearly collapsed our financial system, and the Red Sox winning not one but two World Series. We can confidently predict that the new decade will again bring some completely unanticipated developments-some good, some bad. While the past year brought a modest improvement in funding ratios, public pension funds must continue to be vigilant in having asset allocations that are neither too risky not too conservative and investment managers that have a proven record of accomplishment. Retlyerient Board Review As of December 31, 2009, the composite asset allocation of the 52 systems that invested predominantly on their own was: 37.1% Domestic Equity, 14.6% International Equity, 2.9% Emerging Markets Equity, 22.0% Fixed Income (Domestic and International, including TIPS), 4.2% Opportunistic Fixed Income (high yield, et al), 5.6% Real Estate,0.6%Timber, 3.8% Alternative Investments (venture capital, private equity), 5.2% Hedge Funds, 1.2% Balanced Funds (domestic and global), 1.9%PRIT Core . Fund, and 0.8% Cash. Assets of these systems totaled $11.7 billion. The major changes in composite asset allocation over that of year-end 2008 reflected higher market valuation of equities and lower market valuations of real estate investments. The composite asset allocation of these systems is similar to average asset allocations reported in national surveys of state and local pension plans. Nevertheless, there is a wide divergence in our local systems' asset allocation compared to the composite levels. For instance, alloca- tions to domestic equity ranged from 12% to 61% and allocations to international equity ranged from zero (one system) to 25%. Forty two of the 52 systems had alloca- tions to real estate but only 23 had allocations of 5% or more while 10 systems had zero exposure (some of these had modest exposure through partial investment in the PRIT Core Fund). Thirty three systems had some exposure to alternative investments, but only nine had allocations of 5% or more and 19 systems had no allocations at a(I (a few ofthese had modest allocation as a result of partial investment in the PRITCore Fund).Thirty one ofthese systems invested in hedge funds, 19 invested in emerging market equity, 23 had allocations to high yield.bonds or otherforms of opportunistic fixed income, and eight 'invested in timber. At the beginning of 2009,49 local systems invested all (or essentially all) of their assets in the PRIT Core Fund. Dur- ing the year, two additional systemsjoined PRIT. Assets of these 51 systems totaled $5.1 billion at year-end.The asset allocation of that $42.7 billion fund as of December 31, 2009, was 20.4% Domestic Equity, 21.4% Interna- tional Equity, 5.8% Emerging Markets Equity, 12.2% Core Fixed Income, 6.5% Value Added Fixed Income, 9.5% Private Equity, 9.5% Real Estate, 4.1% Timber/ Natural Resources, 5.0% Hedge Funds, and 5.5% Portable Alpha Wind Down. Compared to public funds nationwide, PRIT has had below average allocation to domestic equity and above average allocation to nontraditional asset classes. In addition to the 51 systems that invested essentially all their assets in the PRIT Core Fund at year-end, 12 systems had partial investments (ranging from 1% to 49% of their total portfolio) and 40 systems participate in one or more of the PRIT Fund's segmentation offerings. Performance for 2009 among the 103 local systems ranged from 8.6% to 29.5%. The median return was 17.8% and the composite return was 18.22%. For the 52 systems that invested on their own throughout 2009, the median return was 20.3%. The median return for the 51 systems that invested totally (or predominantly) with PRITforthe entire year was 17.5%, in line with the return of the PRIT Fund itself. However, this statistic doesn't reflect that fact that many PRIT systems had returns significantly lower than PRIT as a result of residual real estate and alternative investments partnerships that lost money in 2009. In addition, inter- nal cash flows or cash positions may enhance or subtract from the returns of individual systems relative to PRIT. If there's such a thing as a truism in investing, its that no trend lasts indefinitely and that, over time, the returns of all assets classes revert to their historical mean. This is essentially what happened to PRIT over the past two years. For several years, the fund's size enabled it to invest meaningfully and efficiently in a wider range of asset classes than most local systems and its clout enabled it to gain access to the top tier of managers in nontraditional asset classes such as real estate and private equity. For several years in the latter part of the previous decade, PRIT outperformed most local systems as these alterna- tive asset classes enjoyed spectacular above-average returns well in excess of returns from traditional equities. This trend began to reverse in the historic bear market year of 2008 when these other asset classes began to cor- rect and fall back to their norms. They not only failed to provide diversification benefits but instead added to the fund's losses. Thus, PRIT lagged behind most local systems in 2008 and that trend continued in 2009. Last year, the Fund was hurt both by its below average allocation to basic equities and also by its ample holdings of real estate and private equity, both of which lost about 7.3% as they continued their downward revaluation toward historical norms. As has typically been the case over the years, the perfor- mance of the local systems that invest on their own has been in line with national public fund medians. The 2009 median return (20.3%) for the non-PRIT local systems actually exceeded the return of the following public fund universe medians: State Street Universe, 18.4%; ICC, 18.5%; WilshireTUCS,19.8%. Among major state pension funds, CalPERS returned only 11.8% as it was badly bat- tered by losses in commercial real estate. Recurring themes among the best performing local systems last year were healthy allocations to and good performance from equities and strong returns from fixed income. Some systems had total equity allocations higher than 60% and one had 73%. Within equities, meaningful allocations to emerging markets, which returned nearly 80% last year, were particularly helpful. Several systems were able to achieve fixed income returns above 20% by having impactful positions in high yield debt, which returned nearly 60%, and above-average holdings in investment grade corporate bonds. One system profited from the comeback in distressed credits by enjoying a 36.5% return from a structured credit fund over the sec- ond half of the year. Some systems enjoyed strong returns from real return and global tactical asset allocation funds. Some benefited from sustaining relatively little damage from real estate. Among the worst performing local systems, several started the year with allocations of more than 10% in real estate but suffered losses of between 30% and 40% in this asset class. Some were negatively impacted by . having above-average allocations (as high as 43%) to bonds in a year when equities were by farthe superior performers. Some had reasonable asset allocations but simply had very bad relative performance by their equity managers as well as mediocre returns from fixed income. While some systems had little or no exposure to real estate, they also had no exposure to emerging markets equity and high yield debt, two of 2009's most explosive performers. ier Massachusetts Contributory Retirement Boar. ofl InttodLiction he.Board Profile section of the PERAC Annual Re- port provides a detailed assessment of some of the important indicators relative to the financial health of the retirement systems. The information provided in this report can enable board members to provide factual comment and advice to policymakers as various proposals relative to the retirement law are assessed. Through this and other studies, the Commis- sion seeks to provide objective, comprehensive, and accurate data for use by all interested parties. In assessing investment performance, PERAC relies on the retirement boards to submit accurate and complete information about investment activity. PERAC numbers might differ from those provided to a board by its consultant because PERAC measures all assets, including monies not committed to investment management. in state and local budgets. The funded ratio indicates the extent to which assets cover system liabilities. When the system will pay off its unfunded liability and what type of funding technique is being used are also noted. PERAC has consistently urged boards to conduct actuarial valuations in order to provide an up-to-date assessment of the fiscal condition of the system. In the actuarial area, PERAC approved 29 new funding schedules and completed 20 actuarial valuations in 2009. The valuations complemented the 13 valuations performed by private actuaries. The Actuarial Unit also completed the annual actuarial valuation of the Com- monwealth's pension liability. Throughoutthe year, PERAC responded to legislative and gubernatorial requests for analysis of legislation and made presenta- tions at several forums. Asset allocation is once again presented in graph form. The way a board allocates its assets among the various investment classes available to it has long been recognized as the prime determining factor in the generation of returns. As always, actuarial information details the fiscal condition of the systems, which can play a direct role In addition to the information detailed in the Profiles, PERAC, as always, has been busy assisting the boards in other areas. In 2009, 838 medical panel requests were processed and 1,844 comprehensive medical evaluations were conducted. This led to the approval of 723 disability applications and 95 accidental death claims. Forty-one medical re-examinations of dis- ability retirees took place. PERM is responsible for the post-retirement monitor- ing of disabled retirees. One aspect of that task is en- forcing the earnings limits set forth in Chapter 32. In . 2009, PERAC analyzed 15,606 earnings reports, 4,345 retirees reported earnings and 171 earned in excess of the statutory Iimits..An additional 111 retirees failed to comply with the reporting requirement. This re- sulted in the recovery of $1,550,530 in excess earnings and $3,080,741 for non-compliance. One member returned to work saving an additional $37,110 and 28 waived their allowance saving $409,430. In 2009 PERAC conducted 36 audits of retirement systems and issued 38 audit reports. In addition, 13 follow-up audits were issued. In the last few years the Commission has awarded Certificates of Achievement to those systems found by our auditors to be operat- ing in an exemplary fashion. In 2009, we issued 18 Certificates. As always, PERAC audit staff conducted annual seminars on the preparation of the Annual Statement with special emphasis on common audit is- sues, particularly the treatment of investment income and realized and unrealized losses. k't~- "I I i 16 Lowell Street Board Members Board Administrator . 9 ReadingMA01867 h'.RVeno {Cfizir), loseP. Persan Colleen Loughlin Phone 781-942-9007 Francis P Dnscoll Richard P. Foley, Board Meeting Fax 781-942.9037. GaiI,LaPomte Daniel B. 5eferian, Esq. Third or Fourth Wednesday of each month # 6:00 pm 1 Funded Ratio (1987-2009) w. 0- v N ME- • Funded Ratio 68.2% 1 100%- - • Date of LastValuation 01/09 80% • Actuary Assumed Rate of Return Segal 7.75% 60% • Funding Schedule 4.5% Increasing 400A " Year Fully Funded 2028 8 M s 'Unfunded Liability $38. 20%7 - •Total Pension Appropriation (Fiscal 2010) $3.7 M d R ti q% e re Active 81 89 91 93 95, 97 99 01 . 03 05 07 X09 < . ' Number of Members 356 317 •Total Payroll/Benefit $21.0 M $6.6 M Average Salary/Benefit $59,000 $20,700 Investment Return (2005-2009,5 Yearand 25 Year Averages). Average Age 48 72 Average Service 14.4 years NA 20% 15% 10%' 3 ' r-- per s s-c s c ,x r "e+. 1 '"r 6 i k '7. E i- t~..y..~'» -.S. 17„+.. ~.N-u~~' '7 ,may ~k J ~ '~~k•3j~'J 24L f F 1 2.... .af .pR*T+, ek tT 2 e EN I ~rG INVF$TIY ` ' " ~ -d . , i ~ s rre'rssvc-ci. r, w. ~ i.,,,z .....s',; :Y..s`1: _r''::i :1'a- ,..,:,ck_.~,.'..~~_. 7.:_...r uia- e s i 5%' % ! ' .J . ter . ; . ~ eL.. PRIT , o -5% -10'Yo -20% -25a/o -3090 05 06 07 .08 09 05-09 8549 ' ii . Asset Growth (2000-2009) (Market Value in Millions) $120-- $100-- $80-- $60-- 0 $40- $20 $0 01 03 05 07 09 Asset Allocation (12/31/09) Cash (2%) PRIT Care Fund