HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-16 Board of Selectmen PacketTown of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Email: townmanager@ci.reading.mams
Website: www.readingma.gov
MEMORANDUM
TO: Board of Selectmen
FROM: Peter 1. Hechenbleikner
DATE: November 10, 2010
TOWN MANAGER
(781) 942-9043
RE: Agenda - November 16, 2010
1 c) I reviewed all Executive Session minutes and pursuant to the Selectmen's Policy I have
released the minutes as noted. The reason for Executive Session for these minutes has
passed. Generally they were labor negotiations.
1 c) Attached is copy of disclosure of appearance of conflict of interest for Bryan Walsh.
Bryan is a member of the Finance Committee. He is also interested in becoming a
member of the Parker Middle School Council. In discussion with Town Counsel,
although there is no conflict of interest that needs to be cured, there is an issue of an
appearance of a conflict of interest and therefore this form is filed with the Board of
Selectmen. There is no action for the Board of Selectmen.
1 c) 24 Hour Operation/Early Opening - The Bylaw addressing retails hours provides that
additional approval by the Board of Selectmen will require a public hearing and the
Board may require a public hearing for renewal of either early opening or 24 hour
operations. Last year the Board waived the hearings. There have been no reported
problems or concerns in any of the businesses where we have early opening. I need
direction from the Board of Selectmen as to whether or not they want hearings on any or
all of these locations.
3a) The Reading Co-Operative Bank is celebrating its 125th year of business in Reading next
month, and the bank and the Chamber of Commerce are arranging a celebration. This
certificate of Recognition will be presented at that time. When I know the date I will let
Board members know so they can arrange to attend and present the certificate.
5a) Approval of Liquor Licenses - The list in the October 27 memo details the licenses that
are in place as of this date. State law requires renewal of the licenses during the month of
November. We received most of the licenses back as of 11/10/10 and the ones we have
not received back to date have been called and they have indicated they will have their
applications back in by Tuesday. One licensee, Colombo's Cafe, is not renewing their
beer and wine license. You can see that there are some taxes and fees owed by various
licensees, and those will be collected prior to issuance of licenses. The Health Division
has no concerns with regard to the licenses. We will have for you, motions to approve
the licenses for your meeting on the 16tH
5b) Pursuant to our previous discussion, we have prepared proposed amendments to various
fees and have given public notice of a hearing on those fee increases. The various
departments have given you background material on the recommendations on fee
increases or in one case the elimination of a fee.
5c) I have drafted goals for calendar year 2011, with input from Department Heads. These
are included as a draft in the packet. I would appreciate any suggestions or comments
from the Board of Selectmen on Tuesday, and then I will finalize these goals. The goals
statement process is similar to that used last year, and I would anticipate periodic reports
to the Board of Selectmen on status of goals. Goals are extremely helpful to staff and the
Boards, Committees and Commissions in focusing their work.
5d) Pursuant to request by Selectmen Anthony, and intervention by State Representative Brad
Jones, we have made extraordinary progress on elimination of double poles. There will
always be some double poles in the process of renewing the utility installations within the
Town. This is a positive thing, since the utilities are continually improving and
upgrading utility systems within the community. The fact that in the past year 120
double poles have been removed (mostly by Verizon) is extraordinary and I believe
exceeds similar statistics in other communities. There is still more work to be done -
there are still a total of 41 double poles - excluding the 10 new ones on Franklin Street.
5e) Review Status of Special Municipal Employ - The attached lists show special
municipal employees in existence currently. These are copies of the files from the
Secretary of State's Office. Special Municipal Employees are designated as such at the
pleasure of the Board of Selectmen. As you can see, the Library Board of Trustees
special status expired on 12/31/94.
I would ask the Board of Selectmen to review the list and determine whether there are
any of these special municipal employees who no longer needs that status and should be
removed.
PIH/ps
f~,"t""'
.r ~PtintForrnG
DISCLOSURE OF APPEARANCE OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
AS REQUIRED BY G. L.C.268A §23(b)(3)
I make this disclosure pursuant to G.L.c.268 A, §23 (b)(3) in order to dispel any appearance of potential conflict of
interest occasioned by the facts set out below, that I may be improperly or unduly influenced in the performance
of my official duties, or that I would be likely to act or fail to act as. a result of kinship, rank, position or the undue
influence of any part or person.
_Name:
Bryan E. J. Walsh.
Title or Position:
Member of Reading Town Finance Committee
gency epa men :
gency address:
Reading, MA
ice one:
781-944-2884
publicly disclose
the following facts
(Attach additional
I have been invited to join the Parker Middle School School Council, and intend to do so.
pages if necessary):
At the Town Manager's direction, Town Counsel reviewed the situation.. She advised that school
ouncils are not standing committees of the Town, and therefore it is technically permissible for
e to belong to both bodies.
Despite this, there is the possible appearance of a conflict of interest, so I wish to disclose this
ituation in advance. I wish to make it clear that although the Finance Committee reviews the
etails of department budgets, it is a top-level policy making body, which votes only on the
ottom line of the school department budget. In addition, although one purpose of school
ouncils is to "assist in the review of the annual school budget", these councils do not have a
ubstantial role in the school department's budget process.
For these reasons, I do not believe I my, membership on both bodies will create any conflict of
nterest.
Signature*
r,
ate:
29.1'
oun or municipa agency s a vowing y or
U.L.C.268 • o cup en o icer or emp oyee o a s a e, c
with reason to know, act in a manner which would cause a reasonable person, having knowledge of the relevant
circumstances, to conclude that any person can improperly influence or unduly enjoy his favor in the performance
of his official duties, or that he is likely to act or fail to act as a result of kinship, rank; position or undue influence
of any party or person. It shall be unreasonable to so conclude if such officer or employee has disclosed in
writing to his appointing authority or, if no appointing authority exists, discloses in a manner which is public in
nature, the facts which would otherwise lead to such a conclusion.
Appointed state, county and municipal officials and employees should file with their appointing authority.
Elected state officials should file with the appropriate House or Senate Clerk or the Ethics Commission.
Elected county officials should file with the county clerk.
Elected municipal officials should file with the city or town clerk.
Attach additional pages if necessary.
MARK A. GALLANT, P.C.
ATTORNEY AT LAW
462 BOSTON STREET
SUITE 1, SECOND FLOOR
TOPSFIELD, MA 01983
(978) 887-0366
LICENSED IN MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW H MPSEIRE
E-MAIL: mgallant@nil.Aet
W=SrrE: www.gallantlaw.com
~ ~,1 6, to
M, NEWBURYPORM (978) 4630220
PEABODY (978) 538-0066
FAX NUMBER: (978) 887-0321
REPLY TO TOPSFIELD OFFICE
November 2, 2010
James Bonazoli, Chairman
Board of Selectmen
Town of Reading
Town Hall
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA, 01867
w
RE: 24 Hour Permit
Reading Shell Station
87 Walkers Brook Drive
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Chairman Bonazoli:
My office represents 87 Walkers Brook Drive, LLC (owner) and Leigh
Enterprises, Ltd (Operator), 87 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts on their
application for a permit to operate twenty-four (24) hours per day at the Reading Shell
Station, .87 Walkers Brook Drive. In accordance with the By-Law, Article 5.10.1, Retail
Sales, 87 Walkers Brook Drive, LLC (as Station Owner) and Leigh Enterprises, Ltd (as
Operator) hereby requests that they be granted the right to continue operating the above
station located at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, twenty-four (24) hours per day, and
specifically requests approval under the said By-Law to operate between the hours of
12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Effective July 1, 2010, Motiva Enterprises, LLC deeded its ownership of the land
and building at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts to 87 Walkers Brook
Drive, LLC whose principal office is located at 87 Walkers Brook Drive, Reading, MA.
Said Deed was recorded in the Registered Land Section of the South Middlesex Registry
of Deeds, Book 1386, Page 119, Certificate of Title #246786. Leigh Enterprises, Ltd
continues to be the operator of the said Reading Shell Station located at 87 Walkers
Brook Drive, Reading, Massachusetts.
Also, my clients are requesting that the Common Victualler's License also be
extended. Kindly schedule the same for a meeting in December, 2010 before the Board
of Selectmen for the renewal request. Please let me know the meeting date and time.
Also, please let me know if you require that this matter be advertised by a legal notice in
the local newspaper. If you have any questions, please feel free to call. Thank you:
Very truly, yours,
Mark A. Gallant
k C"?
READING POLICE DEPARTMENT
15 Union Street - Reading, Massachusetts 01867 I
Only: 911 - All Other Calls: (781) 944-1212 - Fax: (781) 944-2893
Web: wvvw.ci.reading.ma.us/police/
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Liquor License Renewals - 2011.
November 10, 2010
Chief James Cormier
Reading Police Department
15 Union Street
Reading, MA 01867
Chief Cormier,
As directed by your Office and in accordance with Reading Police Department Policy and
Procedures, I have placed together an executive summary of all the 2011 Liquor License
Renewals.
I reviewed the Department's in house computer history (01/01/2010 to 11/08/2010) of the
attached Licensee Renewals for 2011 with the following results for your review.
LIQUOR: 23 Licensees. No unusual call history for 16 of the 23.
Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive, had. the following incidents involving a police
response:
1) 490891, 03/13/10 16:51 hours, report of a male suspect that went to Chilli's twice that
day, and was refused service both times because he appeared intoxicated. Suspect left the
restaurant on foot, and could not be located.
2) 493467, 05101110 00:31 hours, manager from Chili's restaurant called stating that an
intoxicated male was "shut off' at the bar and left. on foot. Male was seen walking into
the Macaroni Grill which was closed at the time. Manager of Macaroni Grill reported that
the male was passed out in the lobby of his restaurant. Male was placed into protective
custody.
3) 501673, 09/23/10 12:35 hours, we assisted the Fugitive Squad with arrests of employees
without incident.
S
Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive, had the following incident involving a police
response:
1) 488774, 02/01/10 22:43 hours,. possible intoxicated male operating white van. Employee
at restaurant offered the male parry a taxi., but male refused and left the restaurant in
white van. Unable to locate van.
2) 491441, 03/22/10 21:18 hours, intoxicated male refusing to leave restaurant. The male
was placed into protective custody.
O es, 26 Walkers Brook Drive, had the following incident involving a police response:
1) 501427, 09/19/10 00:17 hours, as a male patron was leaving-the restaurant he
bumped into another patron. Words were exchanged between the two males, and one of
the males punches the other in the face (nose). The two males wrestled fora brief time.
One of the males then stated he was calling the police, and the other male fled the scene.
Due to conflicting stories on scene, and the fact that the victim did not wish to pursue any
legal.action, and only minor injuries occurred, the victim was given the option to pursue
charges on his own at Woburn District Court.
Reading Veteran's Association, 37 Ash Street, had 6 noise complaints during the time parameters
requiring a police response. As you know, the Legion rents out the property for functions.
Roman's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive, had the following incidents involving a
police response:
1) 491115, 03/17/10 04:32 hours, report the dumpster being emptied early. The truck left
prior to police arrival.
2) 491396, 03/22/10 05:09 hours, report of the dumpster being emptied early. Officer
located truck in lot of Walgreens and advised operator of by-law.
3) 493467, 05101110 00:31 hours, manager from Chili's restaurant called stating that an
intoxicated male was "shut off' at the bar and left on foot. Male was seen walking into
the Macaroni Grill which was closed at the time. Manager of Macaroni Grill reported that
the male was passed out in the lobby of his restaurant. Male was placed into protective
custody.
4) 497123, 07/03/10 12:38 hours, manager called reporting a male party was sitting at the
bar "flashing a badge" and wearing a police hat. Male stated he was there to arrest
someone. Badge was confiscated pending further investigation. Male (a suspect out of
Lynn) was told not to return. A criminal application was filed against the suspect for
impersonating a police officer.
S~2
Sam's Bistro, 107 Main Street, had the following incidents involving a police response:
1) 494975, 05/26/10 20:09 hours, report of the construction crew working past 17:00
hours. Crew on scene was finishing up rolling out the new driveway. The by-laws were
explained.
2) 499275, 08/11/10 04:03 hours, report of the dumpster being emptied to early.
Operator of truck advised of by-law.
3) 500312, 08/30/10 01:36 hours, report of dumpster being emptied. Truck was gone on our
arrival.
4) 501370, 09/18/10 00:16 hours, report of employee's being very loud in parking lot. The
employee had left prior to our arrival.
Square Liquors, listed on renewal application as 11 High Street, is actually located at 13 High
Street. No unusual call history.
Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street, had the following incidents involving a police
response:
l) 490436, 03/05/10 00:24 hours, report of a fight in progress inside restaurant. Officer
located a victim assaulted by a beer glass. Suspect(s) fled the scene.
2) 499394, 08/12/10 23:42 hours, report of possible argument in restaurant. Matter resolved.
Based upon the above information, I see no reason why the above.licenses should not be
renewed.
Respectfully Submitted,
"i
Sgt. Detective Mark D. Segaila
Criminal Division Commander
SbI3
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Email: townmanager@ci.reading.mams
Website: www.readingma.gov
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 27, 2010
TO: Beth Licari, Tax Collector's Office
FROM: Lillian Marino
RE: Liquor License Renewals for 2011.
TOWN MANAGER
(781) 942-9043
Listed below are the Liquor Licensees for restaurants, clubs and package stores applying for
renewal of their liquor licenses for 2011:
Bangkok Spice Restaurant
76 Haven Street
Chili's Grill & Bar
Colombo's Caf6
Fuddruckers
5.0 Walkers 1
530 Main Street
39 Walkers Brook Drive
296 Salem Street
Oye's
Ristorante Pavarotti
Romano's Macaroni Grill
26 Walkers Brook Drive
601 Main Street
48 Walkers Brook Drive
Sam's Bistro
Venetian Moon
Knights of Columbus
107 Main Street
680 Main Street
11 Sanborn Street
Meadow Brook Golf
Reading Overseas Vets
Reading Veterans Assn.
292 Grove Street
..575 Main Street
37 Ash Street
Busa's Liquors
North Side Liquors
Square Liquors
345 Main Street
150 Main Street
11 High Street
_
The Wine Bunker
Wine Shop of Reading
One General Way
676 Main Street
We would like to have your comments on these renewals as soon as possible. If you need any
additional information, please call me.
Thank you for your assistance.
CC: Nancy Heffernan
Bertucci's Restaurant Cafe Capri
N
LIQUOR LICENSE
REAL
ESTATE
WATER &
SEWER
PERS.
PROP.
CAFE CAPRI
355
MAIN STREET
94.59
COLOMBO'S PIZZA A CAFE
2
BRANDE COURT
1,508.41
106.45
OYE'S
26
WALKERS BROOK DR
Prev. tenant has unpaid Pers. Prop. Tax
READING OVERSEAS VETERANS
575
MAIN STREET
2,011.82 436.11
RISTORANTE PAVAROTTI
601
MAIN .STREET
Prev. tenant.has unpaid Pers. Pro . Tax
SAM'S BISTRO
107
MAIN STREET
3,833.71
VENETIAN MOON
680
MAIN STREET
94.16
WINE BUNKER
1
GENERAL WAY
COMMON VICTUALLER
REAL
ESTATE
WATER &
SEWER
PERS.
PROP.
AROMA CAFE
607
MAIN STREET
94.59
CAFE CAPRI
355
MAIN STREET
94.59
COLOMBO'S PIZZA & CAFE
2
BRANDE COURT
1,508.41
106.45
DANDI-LYONS, INC.
1331
MAIN STREET
1,809.91
119.72
GREEN TOMATO
42
HIGH STREET
83.02
GREGORY'S DELI
162
MAIN STREET
1,245.41
172.16
HOT SPOT IN READING
85
HAVEN STREET
54.82
P & S CONVENIENT STORE 287 LOWELL STREET 13,275.19 1,341.73 88.21
2009 & 2010 are in tax title. The are making month) payments
RISTORANTE PAVAROTTI
601
MAIN STREET
Prev. tenant has unpaid Pers. Prop. Tax
RICHARDSON'S ICE CREAM
50
WALKERS BROOK DR
SAM BISTRO'S
107
MAIN STREET
3,833.71
TOWN PIZZA AND-DELI
648
MAIN STREET
VENETIAN MOON RESTAURANT
680
MAIN STREET
94.16
REAL
WATER &
PERS.
AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT"
LICENSES
ESTATE
SEWER
PROP.
READING OVERSEAS VETERN'S INC. 575
MAIN STREET
2,011.82
436.11
ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE
REAL
ESTATE
WATER &
SEWER
PERS.
PROP.
CAFE CAPRI
355
MAIN STREET
94.59
COLOMBO'S PIZZA & CAFE
2
BRANDE COURT
1,508.41
106.45
READING OVERSEAS VETERAN'S AS
575
MAIN STREET
2,011.82
1 1 436.11
RISTORANTE PAVAROTTI
601
MAIN STREET
Prev. tenant has unpaid Pers. Prop. Tax
VENETIAN MOON
680
MAIN STREET
94.16
CLASS 1, II AND III MOTOR VEHICLES LICENSE
REAL
ESTATE
WATER &
SEWER
PERS.
PROP.
GASCO INC. DBA READING MOTORS
1337
MAIN STREET.
3,170.91
931.75
READING AUTO SALES
550
MAIN STREET
54.29
READING SQ. AUTO BODY, INC.
9
CHAPIN AVENUE
1,008.22
REAL WATER PERS.
LAUNDROMAT. ESTATE SEWER PROP.
LAVA LAUNDRY 47 HIGH STREET 2,734.55
:OF $F,gOl~
Town of Reading
~a~. z Ewa 16 Lowell Street
639:jjvC0 CLQ°4 Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942-9071
Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us
Website: www.readingma.gov
TOWN MANAGER
(781) 942-9043
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 27, 2010
TO: Larry Ramdin, Health Division
FROM: Lillian Marino, Town Manager's Office
RE: Renewal of Common Victualler's Licenses for 2011
Attached is a list of Common Victualler's licensees for 2011. We would like you to check to
see if a Health Permit has been issued.
We would also like to have your comments on these renewals as soon as possible. If you
need any additional information, please call me.
Thank you for your assistance.
lm
Attachment
MESSAGE .A- L L I/ L I C e✓~ S_
9L-lp
LEGAL NOTICE
TOWN OF READING
To the Inhabitants of the
Town of.Reading:
'Plea'se take notice that the
Board of Selectmen of the Town
of Reading will hold the follow-
ing public hearing on Tuesday,
November 16, 2010 at 8:00
p.m. in the Selectmen's Meeting
Room, 16 Lowell Street,
Reading, Massachusetts:
Amending Fees.
A copy .of the relevant docu-
ment regarding this topic is
available in the Town Manager's
Office, 16 Lowell . Street,
Reading, MA from 7:30 .
am-5:30 pm, M-W-Thurs and
Tues 7:30 am-7:00 pm and this
document 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
p.m. on November 16, 2010 to
town man a•ger@ ci.read-
ing.ma.us
By order of
Peter 1. Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
11/9
Sb I
Current Proposed Maximum
Department Item Description Fee Fee by law Reason
:ire 1 Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms 415 BOS vote Jan '10
Single family $15 $25 $50 comp towns $50
Two-family $20 $50 $100 comp towns $100
6 or fewer residential units $10 per unit $150 $150 varies up to $150
7 or more residential units $10 per unit $500 $500 comp towns $500
415 BOS vote Jan '10
'ire 2 Oil Burner installations
$15
$25
comp towns $25-50
Propane
$20
$25
comp towns $25-50
Combustible storage
$15
$25
comp towns $25-50
own Clerk Renew underground storage tanks
$12.50
$25
comp towns $25-$200
own Clerk 3 copies of Zoning Bylaws (175 pgs) $15 $30 all now available free online
copies of Town Bylaws (96 pgs) $10 $20 increase charges to approximately
copies of Town Charter (41 pgs) $6 $10 $0.20/page
'olice 4 Parking/Depot access $25 $35 415 BOS vote Jan '10
Senior $15 $15 (phase to $50 in 2-3 years)
2nd car at same address $10 $15
Police 5 Fingerprinting. none $25 comp towns $25+
Finance 6 Lien Certificates - SF home $25 $50 comp-towns $40-$60
(doing 25-50/wk; mt refi's
1 Public works 7 Water/sewer - charge for final bill none $25 comp towns $25
final meter reading & bill prep.
'ublic works 8 Sprinkler per Head charges $0.25/6 mos. $0 Eliminate fee ($4800/yr)
Nuisance sized bills to businesses
Penalizing good fire prevention
Comm. Svcs. 9 Annual blanket fee for commercial none $300 Eliminate many small fees & trips
with on-staff electricians - to apply Approximately revenue neutral
only to routine maintenance and not
to new construction or renovation
Comm. Svcs. 10 Reinspection fees -building permits none $30 415 BOS vote Jan '10
align with electric/gas/plumbing
Comm. Svcs, 11 Establish Site Plan Waiver Fee none none .415 BOS vote Jan '10
too onerous on small businesses
562
oFReAO'~c HEADQUARTERS
READING EIRE DEPARTMENT
w° Reading, Massachusetts 01867
33:/NcoR4o~
GREGORY J. BURNS, Chief
757 Main Street
BUS. Phone: 781-942-9181
STA. Phone: 781-944-3132
Fax: 781-942-9114
TO: Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
FROM: Chief Gregory J. Burns
DATE: April 14, 2010
RE: Fire Department Fee Schedule
The Fire Department's fees have not been updated in several years.. I have requested fee data from
surrounding communities and received information from Wakefield and Stoneham. Below is the data
from surrounding communities:
Description
Reading
Wakefield
Stoneham
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms Single Family
15
50
50
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms Two Units
10 per Unit
100
100
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms Three to Five Units
10 per Unit
150
50
Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms Six to 25 Units
10 per Unit
500
50 plus 25 perunit
Smoke'/Carbon Monoxide Alarms Over 25 Units
10 per Unit
500
125 plus 50 per unit
-
Oil Burner Installations
15
25
50
Tank installation
25
50
50
Propane (Above and below ground)
20
.25
50
Tank Truck Permit
50
25
50
Flammable and Combustible Storage
15
25
50
Permits issued by the head of the fire department are regulated by Massachusetts General Law
Chapter 148 Section 10A. This law allows the Board of Selectmen to set the following maximum
fees:
➢ A maximum permit fee of up to $50 may be charged for each permit issued.
➢ The fee for smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm inspections may be increased up
to the following maximum fee:
o Single dwelling unit $50
0 2- Family Dwelling $100
0 6 or fewer residential units $150
0 7 or more residential units $500
It takes approximately 40 minuets of staff time for each permit generated. Most of these routine
inspections are performed by the fire personnel assigned to a piece of fire apparatus. The cost of
staff time is estimated at $25.00.
After analyzing our permit data, the fees we currently charge and data from Wakefield and
Stoneham, I recommend:
a. Institute a minimum permit fee of $25 (existing permits over $25 to remain).
We're Your Friends for Life
Page 1 of 2
b. Increase fees for smoke detector ar
following schedule:
i. Single dwelling unit
ii. 2- Family Dwelling
iii. 6 or fewer residential units
iv. 7 or more residential units
id carbon monoxide alarm inspections to the
$25
$50
$150
$500
This option would generate a minimum of $4,635 in additional revenue.
SbN
We're Your Friends for Life
Page 2 of 2
Town of Reading
Town Clerk
Memo
To: Board of Selectmen
From: Laura A Gemme, Town Clerk
Date: November 10, 2010
Subject: Town Clerk Copy Fees
Town Clerk's sell about 30 copies of the Zoning Bylaws, 20 copies of the Town Bylaws, and about 20
copies of the Town Charter a years. These numbers are just estimated.
We are requesting to raise the fees to coincide with the $.20 per page fee we charge for copies. This
keeps the per page cost below the maximum of $.25 by the State
Item Current Fee Proposed =Fee
copies of Zoning Bylaws (175 pgs) $15 $30
copies of Town Bylaws (96 pgs) $10 $20
copies of Town Charter (41 pgs) $6 $10
sbs
t ~ 1.
rw~J
lNCQR?,gv~
Tamed. W. Cormier
Chief of Police
November 10, 2010
RFADiNG PoLicE EP Tmim
OFFICE OF TIM F
15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867
Pmergenq Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781-944-1212 Fax.: 781.-944-2893
&Maih Xormier@ci.reading.ma.us
To: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
From: Chief James W. Cormier
Re: Police Department Revenue Fees
The Reading Police Department is recommending adding a new fee to .the fees collected
by the Police Department and we did an analysis on another fee that we currently collect.
The new fee proposed would be to charge' for fingerprinting services. We currently
provide this service approximately twice per week and it takes approximately 20 to 30
minutes of staff time per service. This service is provided generally by the Detective
Division. The cost per hour on average is $35 per hour. Below is the breakdown of the
study we have done, as well as the proposed fee.
Town/City Residents Non-Residents
Reading - as is $0 Do Not Print
Reading - proposed $25 - 2 cards Do Not Print
Reading averages two per week over past three years so potential revenue from this
process is about $2500.00 per year.
Survey of 30 area communities and the fees they have for fingerprinting. All FY2011
data.
Seven of 30 do not print non-residents. Twelve do not charge residents and six of those
do
not charge non-residents, either. The rest range from $5 - 25 per card. Two cards are
usually requested.
s6(a
Town/City Residents Non-Residents
Acton
- -
$10 per card
$10 per card
Andover
$20 - 2 cards
$20 - 2 cards
Arlington
$25
$25
Belmont
$10 per card
$15 per card
Billerica
$0
$0
Burlington
$0
$15 per person
Cambridge
$15 per card
$15 per card
Chelmsford
$10-one card, $5 2nd
Do Not Print
Cohasset
$0
$0
Concord
$0
$0
Dedham
$0
Do Not Print-
Framingham
$5 per card
$10 per card
Hampton, NH
$25 flat rate
$25 flat rate
Holden
$10 flat fee
$10 flat fee
Leominster
$10 per card
$10 per card
Lincoln
$10 flat fee
$10 flat fee
Lowell
$5 per card
$5 per card
Lynn
$0
$0
Malden
$10
$15
Marlboro
$0
Do Not Print
Medford
$5
Do Not Print
Melrose
$25 - 2 cards
$25 - 2 cards
Nashua, NH
$25 per card
$25 per card
Pepperell
$0
$0
Saugus
$10 flat rate
$10 flat rate
Stoneham
$25 - 2 cards
$25 - 2 cards
Tewksbury
$0
Do Not Print
Watertown
$0
Do Not Print
Wilmington
$0
$0
Woburn
$0
Do Not Print
The fee increase we evaluated is an increase in the Resident Depot Parking / Compost
Access stickers. The increase would go from $25 per year to $35 per year for the first car
at a residence. The second car which is currently $10 would increase to $15. The cost
for Senior Residents would not change, it would remain at $15 per year. We distribute
approximately 3500 resident access stickers per year.
Conservatively we would estimate the increase in revenue from this increase to be
approximately $25,000. Our annual revenue from this area is approximately $70,000.
This fee has not increased in at least five plus years.
Respectfully submitted:
Chief James W. Cormier
,Sb1
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867
Fax: (781) 942-9037 Finance Department
Website: www.readingma.gov Phone: (781) 942-9005
TO: Mr. Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
FROM: Nancy Heffernan, Treasurer/Collector
DATE: November 9, 2010
RE: Municipal Lien Certificate'Fees
A municipal lien certificate (MLC) is a legal document that lists all taxes, assessments and utility
charges owed on a parcel. These documents are usually requested by law offices in preparation
of a refinance or sale of a property. The fee for each certificate varies from $25 to $150,
depending on the class of property. If a property has more than one parcel of land, a certificate
must be ordered for each parcel.
In Reading, because RMLD's main office is situated in town, we are required to include any
unpaid electric bills as well as the water, sewer and storm water charges. We further have
Engineering research each property to identify any betterments voted but not yet assessed as well
as pertinent information such as access is via a private way or that a Title V inspections will be
required.
The most recent comprehensive survey done in 2003 suggested that Reading MLC fees were
lower than the average (as shown below). The MLC fees have not changed since then - in fact
they have not changed since 1987:
Description
Reading
(2003)
2003 Avg.
(survey)
Reading
vs. Avg.
Reading
(2010)
Land of less than 1 acre
$25
$37
-$12
$25
One to Three Family Residence
$25
$41
-$16
$25
Four or more Family Residence
$100
$95
$5
$100
Commercial / Industrial
$150
$178
-$28
$150
We are seeking to increase the MLC fees for Land and One to Three Family Residences from
$25 to $50. An informal survey of surrounding towns in 2010 suggest that $50 is now the going
rate, up from $41 several years ago. In addition, we estimate that the average 35 minutes of staff
time (from five different employees) to prepare an MLC plus materials puts the average cost
between $45 and $50.
Town of Reading.
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Fax: (781) 942-5441. PUBLIC WORKS
Website: www.readingma.gov (781) 942-9077
TO: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
FROM: Jane C. Kinsella
DATE: November 9, 2010
RE: $25.00 Fee for Final Water Bill
An average of 20 final water bills are generated through the DPW water division every month.
Currently, it takes over 2 labor hours between the water billing clerk, a skilled laborer/meter
technician and the collector's office to generate and collect (1) final water bill.
To offset some of the time required, I recommend that we charge a $25 service charge for a final
water bill. The fee can be incorporated as a service charge attached to the final water bill,
thereby eliminating the need for a separate mailing.
This service charge could conservatively bring in $6000.00 per year.
Thanks in advance,
Jane C. Kinsella
cc: Jeffrey Zager
.S 6q
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Fax: (781) 942-5441
Website: www.readingma.gov
PUBLIC WORKS
(781) 942-9077
TO: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
FROM: Jane C. Kinsella
DATE: November 9, 2010
RE: Fire Sprinkler Fee For Connection to Water Supply
The Department of Public Works currently bills at a rate of 12.5¢ per sprinkler head every 6
months for a total annual revenue of $4858. There are 67 bills ranging from $1.00 - $315.00,
with 32 of these bills under $20 each. The process of generating a bill, mailing/postage, and
collecting these fees do not cover many of the locations billed. Therefore, it is my
recommendation that the Board of Selectmen consider elimination of the semi-annual billing for
sprinkler head charges.
Thanks in advance,
Jane C. Kinsella
cc: Jeffrey Zager
JEAN DEMOS
Town of Reading Community Services Director /
Town Planner
16 Lowell Street Phone: (781) 942-6612
Reading, MA 01867-2683 Fax: (781) 942-9071
jdelios@ci.reading.ma.us
MEMORANDUM
To: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager
From: Jean Delios, Community Services Director/Town Planner
Date: November 8, 2010
Re: Fee Schedule - Community Services Department
The Community Services Department has reviewed fees and recommends the modification of
fees as follows.
Annual Blanket Fee for Maintenance ONLY - Electrical Permit (Commercialhnstitutiona1)
This is a way to allow one annual .fee to cover routine maintenance (not new construction or
renovations) related to commercial or institutional electrical work. A blanket annual permit would
be issued for larger commercial operations that have on-going electrical work being done,
typically by staff electricians. The proposed annual fee is '$300/year. This eliminates the many
small fees and trips to Town Hall to pull permits. It is projected to be revenue neutral
An example would be for one of the nursing homes in town. They have staff and. routinely
perform electrical work to their building. This would simplify things by allowing a one time permit
to cover all of the maintenance related work they perform over the year and one fee.
Re-inspection fee for Building Permits
The building permit process currently does not include a re-inspection fee like
electric/gas/plumbing. The recommendation is to adopt a $30 re-inspection fee for building
permit applications to make permitting consistent across the trades.. There are no anticipated
customer service impacts.
Site Plan Review Waiver Fee
In early 2010, the department proposed establishing a Site Plan Review Waiver Fee but after a
more careful review a new fee is not proposed. It was decided that this fee would not be
implemented because it would be too onerous on small businesses and would not bring in much
revenue. This would be a positive move towards our customer service goals.
'bll
Although there have been 21 site plan review waiver request in the last three years, many have
been for small projects that do not have major impacts to the surrounding area and thus do not
require a significant review by staff or the CPDC. Exterior construction or alterations greater than
300 square feet, interior renovations over 1,000 square feet, a change of use (ex: office to retail)
or expansion of a commercial parking lot requires site plan review. The CPDC can grant a waiver
from the full site plan review if the construction is interior only, the change of use is in the same
use category, or when the property has undergone site plan review within last 5 years. Many of
the waivers granted by the CPDC were for interior or small exterior construction purposes such
as installing new bathrooms, handicap ramps, new entrance doors or a change of.use such as a
small fitness center in a former cafe space, a hair salon in a former office space, or Paul's TV in
Jordan's Furniture.
Other communities that have similar triggers for site plan review don't charge a fee for waives or
are between $25 and $75. If a new fee is imposed, $30 - $50 is a reasonable application fee
which would only bring in approximately $300 - $400. We are working very hard to improve upon
our business friendly atmosphere and adding this fee may not be in keeping with that.
The analysis of fees is an on=going item for the Community Services Department. We anticipate
further review once the permitting software is purchased and implemented.
s~~z
DRAFT 2011 'own Manager's Goals and Action Plan
Town of Reading MA
Finance - Reading will continue to evaluate revenue sources, cost reduction, regionalization of
services, and level of services with the goal of maintaining long term fiscal stability of the
community while providing a level of service that the community can sustain.
1. Complete labor negotiations for contracts through 6-30-2014 within the resources of the Town and its
ability to sustain those labor agreements overtime.
2. Participate in the School labor contract negotiations per Education Reform Act provisions
3. Limit reliance on non-recurring revenue including reserves.
4. Apply for outside resources funding to support operating and capital or other one time expenses.
5. Participate in and encourage public/private partnerships that provide in-kind services provide significant
cost savings and as such should be expanded to achieve added savings.
6. Implement highest priority FINCOM recommendations on revenue enhancement resulting from the
September 2010 Financial Forum:
a. Sale of land - Pearl Street
b. Sale of land - Lothrop Road
c. Use/sale of Oakland Road
d. Additional cell sites
e. Advertising via billboards
Services - Reading will continue to provide municipal services in as cost effective, efficient,
and customer service friendly manner as possible. Where reasonable a self service element to
Town services will be available for those who choose to use it.
7. Train employees on the customer service policy; continue to measure customer satisfaction; identify and
recommend changes to regulations that do not meet customer service goals, or that will make them
easier for customers to understand and use.
8. Implement a tracking and management system for permits and licenses for most Town Departments that
issue permits and licenses.
9. Review and improve the Town web site. Provide electronic customer interaction with the Town,
including a "customer service request" module.
10. Develop and implement programs at the Mattera cabin, and develop a. funding program to make the
cabin self sustaining
Operations - Reading will continue to provide as fall a range of municipal services that meet
community needs and desires as resources allow.
11. Continue to work on the priority items from the DPW Management study
12. Add additional technology including:
a. Assessors CAMA
b. Master Address database
c. new MUNIS modules - Upgrade to version 8.0,.Implement Employee Training and Certification
Tracker; explore employee Self Service Module,
d. Mass Communications system
e. Evaluate the use of social media into the Town's communication network, and set policies for
use of social media
13. Expand the Records Management efforts including beginning to provide records as appropriate to the
public via the web site.
11/10/2010
1
s~ o
DRAFT 2011 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan
Town of Reading MA
Health and Safety - Reading will continue to focus on strong public health and safety services
with a goal of making the community one of the healthiest and safest communities in suburban
Boston.
14. Complete evaluation of regionalization of Public Safety Dispatch.
15. Focus public health, School, Substance Abuse, and other resources on a Healthy Community model with
an initial focus on obesity prevention as one of the major health crises facing our country. Find ways to
encourage walking, cycling, and other activities. These efforts may involve many departments, with
efforts led by the Health Division.
Community Development / Sustainability - Reading has worked to maintain the character of
the community, while making planned and deliberate improvements to the Town. Major efforts
have been led by the Board of Selectmen, the CPDC, the Economic Development Committee,
and the Advisory Committee on Cities for Climate Protection. The World Cafe held in 2008
helped inform the above bodies of public opinion on the future of Reading. The list below is
intended to address major high priority action items for 2010 to implement this vision.
16. Continue progress towards meeting the required 10% of housing units (as re-defined by the 2010 federal
census) as affordable. This goal may be met through development of the
a. Addison Wesley Pearson site,
b. Oaktree
c. Mawn
d. Peter Sanborn Place,
e. additional units in downtown as feasible.
17. Work towards the beginning of construction of major private downtown development projects -
Oaktree, Mawn, Lynch, and other opportunities.
18. Complete South Main Street design guidelines and proposed amendments to zoning to achieve those
design guidelines.
19. With the Economic Development Committee, develop and implement a process of annual designation of
improvements and events consistent with resources and the new "Downtown Improvements and Events
Trust Fund.
a. begin implementation of Wayfinding signs
b. Plan for next year's Fall Street Faire - make the Fall Street Faire committee a formal committee
of the Town
c. Begin the fagade design and loan program
20. Implement high priority parking recommendations for downtown:
a. improve parking directional signs (Wayfinding project);
b. sharing of private parking spaces;
c. valet parking;
d. expand parking supply;
e. bike routes throughout town
£ bus shelters - find funding sources
21. Continue sign enforcement efforts to bring all non-conforming signs into compliance
22. Develop an action plan for re-use and/or redevelopment of the properties behind the RMLD in the area
bounded by Ash Street, the RR tracks, and Pond View Drive
23. Evaluate the acceptance of the Green Communities program in Reading.
24. Continue to work with Town, School, Facilities, and Light Departments to meet Sustainability goals for
CO reduction, anti-idling, etc..
2
SG Z
11/10/2010
DRAFT 2011 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan
Town of Reading MA
Asset Management - Reading will strive to maintain and improve the current and desired .
capital assets of the community through long term capital planning in a fiscally prudent manner.
Where resources for major projects are not available within available resources, and grants and
outside resources are also not available, the community may be asked to support such
improvements through additional taxes.
25. Complete the work of the, ad hoc Municipal Building Committee:
26. Develop a process and funding mechanism for implementing high priority building projects:
a. Cemetery Garage
b. Library
c. DPW vehicle maintenance
d. Improvements to operation, safety/security, and aesthetics of DPW site
27. Continue the process of grant application, design, approval, funding, and construction of additions to
and renovation of the Reading Public Library
28. If successful in obtaining the grant, implement the "Green Repair" program at Birch Meadow and
Killam Schools.
29. Subject to funding approval in 2010, implement the Haverhill Street water main distribution project
30: Secure the services of a Landscape architect for Birch Meadow site.
31. Continue efforts to add to the Town's trail system, including progress to implementing the Ipswich
River Greenway;
32. Continue to work towards funding for the West Street project.
Governance, Regulation, and Policy Development - Reading will continue to ,address major
emerging issues through development, modification, improvement, and simplification of
bylaws, regulations, and Selectmen's policies. As a general rule, the fewer and simpler the
regulations the better. Additionally, Selectmen's policies may be used to memorialize current
and proposed administrative practices to provide an historical record and direction for the
community in the future.
33. Develop funding for comprehensive review and revision of the Zoning Bylaw.
34. Review the need for Earth Removal regulations and determine the best way to implement regulations.
35. Establish a policy on naming of facilities and sites in the community.
36. Establish a communications policy for the town working off the elements of a past Department head
retreat on communications. Specifically include in the policy and subsequent training, policies on the
use of social media as part of the Town's efforts to communicate with its residents and others.
37. Conduct a complete review and re-write of the Traffic Rules and Regulations.
38. Complete with the Bylaw Committee, Town Clerk, and Town Counsel a full review of the general
bylaws (required every 10 years by Charter)
Human Resources/Personnel - The human capital of the community is the major resource that
is necessary to achieve the provision of services to the community. This human capital includes
employees, officials, members of Boards, Committees and Commissions, and the human capital
of the community as a whole. Human capital is to be supported and respected by the Town.
39. Evaluate the provision of a Disability Insurance program for active employees and the parameters of any
such program.
40. Continue B/C/C ChairNice Chair training.
3 ~--G 3
11/10/2010
DRAFT 2011 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan
Town of Reading MA
41. Implement training. on Ethics and Open Meeting law as required by the recent changes in law.
11/10/2010
4
~cK
Page 1 of 1
Hechenbleikner, Peter
From:
Vincent Cameron [vcameron@RMLD.com]
Sent:
Tuesday, November 09, 2010 2:45 PM
To:
Hechenbleikner, Peter
Cc:
Kevin Sullivan; Tom O'Connor; Paula O'Leary
Subject:
Reading Double Pole List
Attachments: Read ingDoublePoleListNov-201 0.pdf
Attached is the updated Reading Double Pole List . Verizon continues to remove double poles and the list is most
likely outdated the day after it is created.
In the past year a total of 127 double poles have been removed (mostly by Verizon), the most progress we've
ever seen. Verizon, Comcast, and Fire Alarm are also responding quicker to our notifications.
Please note, we did add 10 new poles, which Verizon recently set on Franklin Street that will not be transferred
until FY12..
There are a total of 41 double poles (excluding the 10 new ones on Franklin Street), with transfers as follows:
RMLD has 2 left to transfer (excluding Franklin Street).
Verizon has 25 left to transfer (excluding Franklin Street).
Comcast has 20 left to transfer (excluding Franklin Street)
Fire Alarm has 1 left to transfer (excluding Franklin Street).
11/10/2010
sd~
IL
o~
0
N
V
.
>
0
m
r
r•-
r-
r-
T
T
T
r
T
T
r
r
T
T
T
T
r
T
r
r
T
r
r.
t~
IL
I
I j
U
O
O
O
a
a
-
10
-
10
I
O~
E
ml ~a m m m
- > is m > i m
a
m' m
ro
!
0
0
0
0
0
>
>i
-O•
-o' o a o o
> o 0 0 0 0,•0
°
o; 3
0 0:-0.
o
U)
o
E
E
E
E
E
E
E E E E E:.
E~ E E E E
E E E E E; E
E ~
I E E;
; E
o
w
I
(D
m
a)
c
m
m
I
A
m
c
N I N Q1 N N N
a
tU i v
0 0 N 0
w w
N' °
~
'
v
0
C
0
c
0
c
0
C
0
C
0
a
;
C
o
•Oi a' C C C C
~I N N N N
~
C C C C Ci C
° N N N N N
NI
Cj
N' ~
C C; C.
I N 3
N
i C
! N
N
I N
N
N
N
_N
`"G'
:
! r
! E! N j •N N N N
N •N N •N P N
I N' >
,
I N° N
I a>
>
~
>
>
~
L
I c! i
I
!
I
'J
I
z
i
:
U.
Z
I
O
O
O
O
~
i j0 O
i IT
._..iO
10 O
I
I
I !
I
t , 1
cl)
! i
0
o
o
i
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 0 O;
T-
I ! 1
OIc-10 O O O
.O O Q O O O'V-
I
~Oj IO O.••'~~O
U
1
1
I
~
C
to
N
{
~
I
~ I
~
1
o
o
0
0
0
0
0
O
000
IO, joooo
oooooC) IOC-loo, o
i
22-
0
~
LU
0
;
! O
0
0
0
0
0
0
x 0 O
I !
r-I O;r10 0 0 0
! j
0 0 a o 0 O,'c-`i0!r-10 O T;o
❑
°
i '
i i
I..I
N
M
V I
t0
N 0) Im
~
i co ; c'7 I N w' c0 I l--
T-i LO d' N j 0 N CO LO O Lo
T'I
C'
O
:
t
w
d Qt 0f
10 "0 v M
m m 0 Rf d! d d d! d)
C
.
C C C!
d: CC
L C C C. C
>
> > >I
mI iiQ o d
d 'a `cs 'a 'a dl ~iNl > >I >
'0
n
O
p
d
Q)
d
01
¢
a
m
F G ! (0 L. N) t/)
o c c C c
: dI
F R1 c0 t0 Rf R7 ; + ; C I
M
r
~
.Id
O d
Q1
L
0
w
d
i
d
d
~
O
Yr ~ tr i
o o O
N N
N; C' Q i
yy
L i. L L o i o l 7 > ! 3
U) d d 0 'D 0! 0
d
Qs
a
N
uj
I L
i
+
U)
N
! )
0
L
0
.
Q 0 0
M! 0:
C1 I E y i0 T. i.
~
;
d
~ .Q .'t .C . M CI O i N I•••
I
N
om
N
R `
_
W : V I ,i
tC0 t~0' V
I ~
0 ~
C •N
C
0 ~
0
Q
Q
t
Q
Q
co
m
m
.
mmm~
;
t
.
f
t
4
j
mlm,m:vV vmv0vmaujuw;w;LL U.
Q
T
r N!
co ~ d'! ,n'
i
i
sa 2
CL
e7
0
O
04
U
r
>
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
CL
I I
i ,
~ ~
i
1
f
'
&
N
N
N
W
N
U)
(D
Q)
N I
I
I
T
i
i O
0
0
0
O
O
a
o
0
T
i
i
i I
I
o
1 a
a
a
a
EL
O..
Oa
0.
0.
CL l
.
j
mm
'
'
'
I
e
CO
a
co
a
m
CL
m
a
m
a
co
a
CO
.
a
co
a
CO
ELI
m
I
I
I
U
N
U
N
U
N
U
N
U
N
U
N
U
'N
U
N
U
N
UI
N
'
I
I
~
E
' I T
T
T
(`T
(yT
T
T
TT
'l^
(lr
L
> m
O O >
L
°
L
L°
L
L
w
O-
L
L°
o
o
0
L
.o
- I-
mis
>O O i O'
O
co m :
>
O O O O
- I-
m (U
>!.>J
I-
1 co
c O
a~
O.
"611-
>
-
O O ~-O
U)
O O;
E E E
N
N
0)
cn
.
E E E E I
O 0
E E E E E
E
. O
' E
1 E E
aEi 1
E El E
(
(
~Q/~
,
(
I
L
I..
~
~~0/ Q~1y)
W W 1.{. I.L
I
tY
LL
W
l
{
1 L
L
~
L L.f. I LL
O
Z
C C C O
p p o a: a
O
a
O
a
O
a
O
o.
O
o.
O
a
O
n.
O
o_
O
o
G C G, G
o p po pp
LL•
i
C C C C
i pp pp pp p o o; a
I~. J JJ
I
.
.
o` o
J;J
.
C!
' o o
I NEJ
Ct.G
1
o of O
IJ N N
N N N J J:.!
>
>
>
>
ca
>
>
>
>
>
N N N N
N N N QC)
N N N
1 N N
~j ~
, I
O
CI C
M N I a>
E
E
E
E
E
E
m
E
(
I
1
E
i
a
i
a
i
a
m
a
i
a
i
5
i
a
i
a
I I
~ I
I I
L
I C
' O
N
C
0
N
'
C
0
N
'
C
N0
'
C
0
N
'
C
0
N
'
G
N 0
'
C
0
N
'
G
0
N
'
C
O
N
'
:
j
•
I
;
I I
- i
I
~
I
'
C
N
C
N
C
fU
C
'N
C
N
C
O
C
N
C
N
C
N
C
N
I
I
' I
I
W!
pQ
I
r
T
r
T
r
T
I
I
( _
I i
J i
i i
I
I 1
I
IL
z
0 C) 0
I O 0:,c-
l0 O O O;T
IO(
(
o
i
I
1
i ~
'
I ' 'tom r
Q {
T'
T'
r
P
P
T'
I
V
'0
00000:
~ooO.--000000: ~o' C) T-
T--
oo;r
o
'
zI
I
0
$
°
; T•
T•
t-
r-
r
T•
T
T
T
T j ~ ~ r~ ~
N;
r
z
O O 000,
10 0 o;rk0 O O O 'O 0: io: ioi
rio O;T'
o
I. °
r
1
i ' I
, I
f
a
C) C)00:
,ooo.-iOOOOOOT-oT-
-I0o
N
O co N LO
CO
fl-
CO
O)
0
N
co
t
M ! d d : co
N U,) N co 0 N ' Lo c) : I co !Lo
,
N i , ~ N
6
O
r T N ; CO
CO
CO
CO
Cfl
I,-
ti
h-
t,-
.
P• r cj (0
0_
I !
~
I '
~
i ~ i I
t
d (v d
t 15 ~ d
d
(U
d
d
d
V
*6
Q)
I
C~
i
'
d 0 CU 0;
L L L
L
tU
L
L
Q3
L
L
L
L
L
• w . w .5 .o-
.p..
y d d C+1 d d d. (U1 d:
I
L CC
Q
'
yr; p r
,
.
9 ? ? 40
aaa~~~n
w
En
.
4w
U)
w
cn
w
vS
+
v~
,
d I CU ' d I
'
w I w CU C1. y ~ W U u tv 41 Cil
v~lcn
21-0
~
F-
333CC'.c
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
N
C {U)WCOv~tnu~tn0
:
1 v
C
Q
i
N
-W! C N
~
o
W
CU Q1 d ~:'G
C C' C
.
C
.Y
C
`1
C
SC
C
`1
G
L1
C
C
`1
C
Ga?
;
"CS 'O:"Oj C C C C Gf tU..d
.
1
C~ ~ CU ~ O ~ !
I L:
N
I-
_ _
C3 tC R
RJ ~Rf •IO L L L
,
ca
L
lC
L
R1
L
Cd
L
0
L
t4
L
t6
L
M
L
M I O O 0: 0*
~ C4 C9 C9 ' C9 I U" U' C9 C7 C9 C9 C9 ~ U~ i = _ _
L
O
_ _
_
r
fn
LL
l1. U. U. U..LL
U.
U.
LL
LL
U.
LL
L.
L.
,
~i
cli!
s~,3
a
M
I
a
0
b
N
O
~
O
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
CL
1
c.l
1
I
L
> d > >i >
m m
-ca
>
> > >
> >
> > > >
>
I
~ > > > > > > >
I
> > > o
y
O
E
O, O d O O: p
E~ E' c E E' E
.
'
E
O O O O O O O O N C/J O O: OI O 0.' O
E) E E E E a E E a E OE E, E E E
I 0 0 0 0 0 O:-O
i E E E E E' E;
O O O
E E E E
W
a
a~ a~ : , I a~ cu .
Maaa
a;a;
m w m a~ m m , a~• a~
a~aaa~paa~ ,aa:aaaa
m a~ w a~
laaalraaa
a~ w
laaaa
Q
Z
C
p
N
_
C~ C: C'
pi p p pO O
l
N N O. N 1~ .
Ct C J J O C C! C c Ci a
qqI p D 0 Gl E pp O' pp p OO pp
i J .J
N N, N N N N
N' N J J
' C C c C C C C
i p p ap O q O: O
l N N N N N N; N
I G C G
t O O
; N
a~
_
p
aa as
~cr,
a
aalY O
i Ci
12
I
~ ~ (
I
'
a I
I
dl
( i
i
! I
I
t
l:.o
I Li ~
I t ~ I I
f
I .
O O O,T10 01 jo O O O O OiT-jT
°
I I
~ ' I i
I i
,
I I
i I
V/
I
V ~
' p
i
II
i (
'
O
V
Z
i'
~-a: ';oO:T
aooo00o0oo0i ~0C),: 00 0 o00; 10.000
o
;
a
~
,
0 7
~
r"
! I
I I T! I
Nf
; .
I I
W
Z
Rc-o boo:
Tioooooooo000 loca'T;oooooo:ToooO
i
9
o
0
J
k
T
I
.I •'_j I
W.
o
TO!To 0'T
To 0 o 0 0 0 0 '0 0 0 oiT!O o T;o o 0 o o O.T;O 0 0 0
I
OO.
m N
~i~ T
O V- ~ T r r N N CN 00 T-;T'T- ~.T ~ N N co N N : Lo CY) CU C7 N
i
I i
t
t t
.i
N
y ! n~ m ~
~.i ; t = > :
N? ty C C Q
'
'o •a ~ ~ I ~ w
to a.. r+ t9 i > o-1
0.0
d d ty W O >
O d i Q O
W
p
GJ i Q! ~
~ y d
Q
~
L+ (n ~dl
f
N N co V1 U) L w
w + w w w +
c
W
•C
L
•!7 'i3 IC
L. L.
C
'
;
+
{
C Q C
C C C 7 v) W ;U) N N N N t/) t/) to 0);N,N C d W
T
o
_C4
W
a
t0
3
C
C
t3 , RJ . r l y' tC
.M
3 i 3 !
d
L O d d W C1 d d d C C C j C C C' C C G C C C C I C S2 "a 'a
0 0 0 'c'v . 'c'a I 'c'a '~s I.- • , d a :a
1
3:
1
N
N: N i N
:
N~
SjN
CL
ce)
0
o.
ol
d
>
O
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
r
CL
.
'
I
i
I
a
°
I
mi
i i
{
I
m(r
rjf
M:4°i m
> > >
' >
m
> > >
NI
o) m m m ml mI rol m
I > > > > >i >
} m is m as m m m ro m ro
> > > > > > > > > > > >
°
0.
E
o-
EI >
; a)
0 0 0 ; a
E E. m! E
o 0:- 0-
E E' E
E
0 0 0 0 0: 0 ' o: o
21 E E E E EI! E E
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0,0 0 0
E E E
E E E E E E E E
v)
o
o' a
i s
w ~i 0
a~ o; a~
1
a~ 0 m m o! a)
g
.
a~ a~ a~ m a~ w o a~ o as a~
!
w
r-
o
12 cr
.
U' I E 1
.
9 2 rr : o i
: rr
I
d 12~ a : a
1
a a LC tr IY a
O
Z
d
c
p
~
c
!
c c c' VI; c
O
OE ` p
'
c c1 c
pp O
c c c c c• c
p p p O NNI O; pp
c Or
! N O
~ NO N
N N
'
c c c c c c c G c c c
! p O p p p p p p p p O pp
) N N N N N N N N N N N N
J;J
N
C
N;
C
N
N
N
N
-C 'C -C; m I 'C
N N. N
'C
:
I
• N
Q_
'C 'C 'C G C I 'G !'C
(D
Li
C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C 'C
0
Z!
_
I
a3'
~I
~
j
I I
EI
I ' ( '
!
j
i
t NNOi
I ! i
~ OI
I i
i
I
I
I
Lu l
.o
O
i
i l
I )
i I
I
:
.
t~j
r~
~
I T
r
i r r
i
V
z
O
r
o C) 0! to
on:
-Io00oa: o! 1000000000000
o(
g
I
e- r• ~ I e-
!
r r ~ r
N~
O
I
~
~
$
a
0 l o o
; ,
a o': 0 0 0 0 0, o, 'o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
~I
' o
I ! ~ r
i i I
o
o r
rlO r (O o o: IO
O ci.,
~-i0 O O O O: c-IO't--i0 O O 000000c) 0 0
1 ►
I I
Q)
~'t+7
-
r lN Lr)~d o O•m'h•-
N
Lo 0:to
N!to co `-IO'O~d N ch d O) I` d co O
d d 1m cf)! r
p
c
r!
; I
IL
I
I
I
I I N N Q3 d
I a)
~ ~ i C C C C d d d
R
M! al i
of OI O'
aa) (11) d m d
a1 a1 O: d: of
d L
d d
M
1t)
O' O
j >
~ 10: Q: ; d N d d€ Q
N ~ a? ~ , ~ i
w
~ ai : a~
tlf O . Q7
.
,
L d
O O O as d I d d m. m d m L L
: ~ L L L . L : L L ~ c!1 :p Z7 ~ ~ V) L Q Q Q
W
C C
O d• O• L L L• O
O I (15 U) co
'IV)
L L L
43
, y'+ y+ y.i w, v+ y+ j .M
C ' .a cA cl~ cA • ct~r ua cn , N N O N a) t/1 ts! t'y tst
d d
(LJ
(0 RS
m
i
;
Y
cn cA
co)
'
'
.
I'C w j C C C r'"1
; Ci 'C _ .C
O O
C Q' L
1
C
d'
% L `
C
I
1
+
*
L
~ i
r
O
t0 m
N
V~ 6
V
i
rn
as to
OO
(a
cC' ccj N
O;
O,O:o:CLCLa.a
s
o,a:n.
s O O O. O! O 0145 O O O O d O
i
a.l~cncncnv)cn:cncn,uo in v)cnrnE-E->>>> >
M
co' : M• M~
m
cc
tn!
co co~ Mi
as/
a
r
O
O
a
U)i
>
Q
T
T
T
T
T
4~
P
T
T
T
T
t~
T
T
T
T
T
T
T
r
T
T
T
°
T
T
,
IL
0
A
m
o
I
'
I i
I'
i
a
w
~
i
i
; !
!
m'
m
m
m
m
>
m
-
>
-
>
-
>
m
>
m
>
co
>
m
>
m
>
°
a
co
>
m
>
40-
Q
m
>
m
>
m
>
m
>
m
>
m
>
m( in
> >
m m`-
>I >l >
>
-
U)
_
O
Ej
>
O
E
>
O
E
>
O
E
O
E
>
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
O
E
O
E
0
~
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
E
O
E
O: -0.
E! E
O 0
E! E E
E
O
N
0
N
O
O
N
N
N
O
0
N
N
O
0
N
0.s
°
N
N
N
O` 0
O
p
W
I
12•
a
a
O
a
a
O
>
ce
a
~
i
N
N
O
2
Gj
p
G
G.
C
O
C
O
C
O
C
O
C
p
C
p
G
O
C
O
C
O
G
p
C
O
°
E
C
0
C
0
°
E
C
O
G
O
C
O
C
p
C
O
C
O
C` C
O' pp
G; C
O;- O~
0
!
Ni
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
41
N
N
O
N
N
N
N
N
N
NI N
N; N~--I
J
'C
'G
!
7
w
o
.
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0:
r-~ O
T
❑
i
❑
1
z
-
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
O
O
O
O
G?
0
0
C)
O r
,
g
i
Z~
N
.o
lo
W
g
r-
i 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
. 0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0:
'10'
!
o
o
10
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0 T-
O: t-
c
i
a)
a)
(fl
(
Q
O
T
N
Lo
0
0
N
M
d'
M
0
r-
W
0
T'
N
M: T-
(m
r
M
p
r
id
Lf)
O
O
r
co
p~
T-
T-
T
T.-
T-
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
M
M
M It
I
O)
O
IL
i
i
'
.
+
+
d i G1
CJ
2 !
C
i+
C
. C
(
y .
d
v
d
N
G~
G1
d
..r
d
w
tl~
w
d7
G1
d
w+
(ll
. r+
N
rr
d
r+
d
w
r+
q1
r+
Q1
d
d
(i
a
d
Q1
~
rt
d Gi
(11
W
w
fn
to
M
N
>
d
>
D
>
0
L
d
L
tB
L
!U
L
W
L
L
G7
L
d
L
d
L
tU
L
Gl
L
N
L
G1
L
G1
L
' L
tll
L
d
L
L
L
L
:
L: L
;
, d
d
LO
a
a
a
y+
Mr
4.
lw
4+
q-
y.i
f+
I
y +
yd
y
Fa
yd
y +
r
U
rt ' w
(5 n
'a 'a d
v5
va
cn
cn
u)
c5
v)
cn
v)
u)
m
cn
(n
co
w
(1)
m
c)
)
LU
Lo
0
•
•
4-
44
c
W
mi
C
21-
•
•
~
~
•
~
C
=
G
G
C
C
G
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C
C. C
rn
~
i
~
%
%
(C
c
0
R
i
t6
l3
N
t4
t
0
!
0
l
tJ
t0
l
C
0
^c
R
f
►
tti
`''6
*t
t
ti
t
C
c0
RS ' ~f
•C
0 ! RI Q!
^t
G1
~
r_
_
*
~
~
r
~
r
~j
r
y
y
+
~
j
y
~
s
y
y
j
~
j~
sd~
r
r
r
r
T
r
r
N
~
r
EL
I
i
I
O
T
T
i t
T{
CA
~
i
!
.
m
>
O
O.
iu
°O
ro
O
>
'-O
>
-O'
i
>
-OI
> > >
O O:..O
5 m r r,
> > > > >
._O~.O 0 0 0 0
E"
,2
a)
rY
LL'
(Y
i
ID
LL CC
Z
0
0
0
C
p
C
p
C
of
C Ci C
pp pp p
'
C
p a a a a o
IJ J J J J
2
N
,G
N
,G
N
'C
IV N; N
,C 'G; ,G
N
G rL 2 c6 2
_
I
uj
`
r-
r
~j
o
r
r
r
{O O,r
rloo. O
w
r
co
N
a
'
1
E
'
i
(
M
v
o
r
rid d,r
r:0 d 0 0 0
N
i
l
{
i
O
g
r r• r.r rI
M
N
p
~
I
_
UJI
Z
r
r
r,0 O
r;0 O O d 0
to
r
r
to
>
po
,
{
!
i
N
J
r
p
o
r
r
r
r
r
r
t-jo O'r
I
r:0 O O O O
M
O
C)
Lf)
M
t~
N
c- I T- N C7
d CO N O
cc)
LO
CO
IL
i
_
~
V v zs
!c c w d >
w ; w a~
a~. > > a~ as
~
E2
c
a
d
d
m
m
i{(z0:0
~'4QF
C~
ai
d
C7
Qs
01
G1
W M
E M Q
O
W
~
fl)
U1
fly
V~
~
t/~ { 'a 'C ~ 'G
L ! L L L L
d
d
~
d
!
~
O O
0
ci G
0
yy
~j
tlf
~j
.
y
y
+y
"
14
'v
v
vl`
c' u°~
!
G !
d
co
O
r
N
Qr
'0
s d~'
Special Municipal Employees 1986 - 2010
Committee
Date 1
1 1 Proof
Expired
Ad Hoc Municipal Building Committee
1/26/2006
BOS Meeting Minutes
Library Board of Trustees
10/19/1993
BOS Meeting Minutes
12/31/1994
Conservation Commission Associate Members
5/7/1996
BOS Meeting Minutes
School Committee Members
7/14/1998
BOS Meeting Minutes
Committes
Special Municipal Employees 1986 - 2010
Position
Date 1
1 Proof 1
1-9xpired
Part Time Athletic Coach
3/12/1996
BOS Meeting Minutes
Custodian of Soldiers and Sailors Graves
4/9/1996
BOS Meeting Minutes
Community Outreach Coordinator/ Program Coordinator
8/26/2008
BOS Meeting Minutes
Z
Positions '
m,
m
m
0
Q_
E
w
t0
Q
,U
C
t0
U
CD
Q_
co
w
`o
0
m
b
m
N
An
C
w
G
C
D
N
O
~
O
~
M
O
N
L
~
E
Q
E
Q
°
z
z
~
co
a
~
o
o
a
C
O
L
L
0
(
L
I
1
0
0
p
a)
w
L'o
0
M
ak
a
Q
U
t
U
Un
Un
w
W
J
LLj
I-
D.
W
LL.
W
U
N
N
C
C
y
O
O
O
N
m
L
U
L
0
,4
L
U
L
O
U
(1)
Un
-
~
fn
Un
O
m
O
C
O
C
m
C
0
d
O
O)
C
D)
C
U
O)
C
01
C
O
d
O
N
O.
d
:p
m
N
C
:O
:O
Q
Q
Q1
fD
N
.m
m
m
p~
N
U
N
U
N
N
O
UD
wc
a)
r
Ei
C
O
L
N
w
i
m
W
~
0
U
Z
Z
O
c
c
Q
Y
O
=
in
m
w
W
N
.0
u,
'
E
m
N
N
O
Z
Z
An
m
e
L
L
n.
U
U
E
U
-1
L
L
C
m
L
'
O
$
O
D
O
U
O
Q
U
O
Q
cu o
O
a
n.
U
Q
W
u-
U
U
0
Q
U
. ~
Q
U
L
L
~
m
r
N
=
N
_
~
U
N
U
N
U
N
U
N
C
~
U
~
J
L
Q
L
Q
L
Q
L
Q
E
'i~
'-jL
t0
Q
to
m
co
M
N
m
-
a)
UN
•C
O
.O
O
O
O
OC
L
Un
L
w
L
U)
L
0
L
!n
E
E
a
p
v
0
a)
E
E
m
U
m
m
Co
0
0
0
0
N
O
N
w
O
a.
N
te
o
a
w
ry
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
•
N
0
0
'u=
•u=
u.
LE
M
E
'u=
u-
M
M
'U
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
1
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
c
0
4-
0
a
E
a
E
a
E
a
E
a
E
o.
E
0.
E
a
E
n
E
r
E
E
O`
n
p
w
fJ
w
CJ
w
N
w
N
w
(U
w
N
w
N
w
N
W
Q1
w
N
w
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
N
N
~
N
fp
N
~
fn
N
(A
~
(U
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
O
O'
=
a
_
Cr
>
6
O
0'
0
O'
0
O'
0
0
0
0'
0
0
M
a
w
w
~
Of
0
w
w
w
w
w
v
o
v
o
v
o
rr
o
o
o
co
(M
co
0)
rn
M
r
rn
o
o
o
o
o
rn
rn
M
CD
m
N
a
o
N
oo
N
N
N
~
r
N
w
O
r
!
N
N
M
N
CD
O
Q)
CO
r
M
W
W
O
(
N
O
fm
. 7
O
U
C
co
c
0
N
.O
T
O
U
t/1
O
•
C
O
E
.5
L)
0
0
0
0
.2
co
C9
0
Q'
Q
M
U)
N
C
W
M
_
O
G
o
c
Q
U
tn
~
U
~
~
a.
>
o
m
o
o
c
a
i
o
c
:a
c
~
U
s
U
`m
o
o
t
.
[
2
~
o
o
U
Q
w
2
co
a
LL
Q
~
2
6-e3
Special Municipal Employees 1986 - 2010
Exceptions ~e'
Joint Meeting of Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee,
School Committee and Board of Library Trustees
September 15, 2010
The meeting convened at 7:00 p.m. in the Conference Room of the Reading Public Library, 64
Middlesex Avenue, Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Finance Committee Chairman Marsie
West, Vice Chairman David Greenfield and Members Mark Dockser, Bryan Walsh, Barry Berman,
Kevin Leyne and Francis Fardy. Also present were Town Manager Peter Heckenbleikner, Assistant
Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Board of Selectmen Chairman James Bonazoli,
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony and Selectmen Richard Schubert, Ben Tafoya and Stephen Goldy,
Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, EDC Member Russ Graham, Matt Casey (Reading Patch),
Board of Library Trustees Vice Chairman Richard Curtis, and Members Vicki Yablonsky and
Cherrie Dubois, Library Director Ruth Urell, Principal Patty de Garavilla and Director of Human
Resources and Finance Mary DeLai (School Department), School Committee Chairman Chris
Caruso, Vice Chairman Chuck Robinson and Members Karen Janowski, David Michaud and Hal
Croft, School Committee Student Representative Jared Beanlieu, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Police
Chief Jim Cormier, Public Works Director Jeff Zager, DPW Business Administrator Jane Kinsella,
Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, Town Meeting Member John Arena, Bill Brown.
There being a quorum, the Finance Committee Chairman called the meeting to order at 7:09 p.m.
The Chairman of the Board of Selectmen called their meeting to order, the Chairman of the School
Committee called their meeting to order, and the Board of Library Trustees called their meeting to
order at 7:30 p.m.
Finance Committee Chairman Marsie West gave opening remarks and introduced everyone to the
first Financial Forum of the budget year.
The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the budget calendar noting that there will be three financial
forums this year (September 15th, October 27th and January 27th). The School Committee's Budget
meetings are also shown on the meeting handout. The Assistant Town Manager explained the
budget process. Generally, the financial forums are held earlier in the year in the Fall and Winter
while the Finance Committee begins meeting at the end of February or early March to prepare the
Budget for the Annual Town Meeting in the Spring. The Town Manager's Budget is finalized in
February.
Discussion/Action Items
Revenues: Current Estimates - Town Accountant Gail LaPointe reviewed Reading's reserve funds.
She explained the existing reserves held in stabilization funds shown on Page 4 of the handout. The
Town has several stabilization funds that include a general fund, a Smart Growth Incentive Payment
Fund, Employee Buy-Back Fund, Sale of Real Estate Fund and Certified "Free Cash" Fund. A little
over $1.5 million is in the general fund. The Smart Growth Incentive Payment Fund that holds
$700,000 and includes the two $350,000 payments the Town received from the State for adopting
smart growth districts (the gateway smart growth site and the Downtown district). This money was
placed in the stabilization fund because if construction does not begin within a certain time period,
the Town must return the money to the State. The sale of real estate fund includes properties such as
the former landfill and approximately $4 million is left in the free cash.
6Q,l
Board of Selectmen Meeting_ September 15, 2010 - Page 2
Revenues: Historic Re> eneration - The Town Accountant reviewed the history of Reading's reserve
funds (from 2005 to 2010), and how it has varied from the original budget approved by the Town
Manager and Town Meeting to the actual budget over the years. The amount of money in the
Intergovernmental has the largest variance which includes money from the State and Federal
government. In 2009 and 2010, the Town received significantly less than what was originally
budgeted. The Investment Income was relatively high during 2007 and 2008 because of the high
school construction project but the Town didn't budget for the high interest level. The Revenues
have exceeded the Town's Budget for the last five years but in 2009 and 2010, there was a shift and
the revenues no longer have exceeded the budget as it has in the past.
Expenditures - The Town Accountant reviewed the variances in the expenditures shown on Page 5
of the meeting handout. When money that is budgeted is not spent, it is returned into the free cash
fund. For example, the trash account was lower over the last couple of years than what was
budgeted because people tend to generate less trash during economic recessions. The million dollars
in the trash fund is then returned and will go into free cash. The Assistant Town Manager pointed
out that when reviewing the budget from previous years, to keep in mind that it is the final budget
and not necessarily what was approved in the Spring because sometimes money is transferred
during the year.
Town Land Overview - The Town Manger provided a list and map showing all of the vacant Town
own land in Reading. The parcel size and land values are also included on the handout. Many of the
Town's vacant parcels are conservation land with strict restricts or swamp lands with significant
limitations. Only a couple parcels are opportunities for the Town to sell to generate some revenue.
The Oakland Street and Pearl Street parcels are the only potential sites. The Town Manager
suggested some of the swamp land be transferred to the Conservation Commission. Board of
Selectmen Chairman James Bonazoli asked how the land values were calculated, and the Town
Manager explained that they were the assessed value from the Town's Board of Assessors. Bill
Brown asked how the Town transfers land, and the Town Manager responded that land transfers are
executed by a vote of the Board of Selectmen.
Revenues - The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the Town's revenue in the restricted and
unrestricted funds. Restricted funds are funds designated for specific purposes, and can only be
spent for those purposes. The restricted funds are shown on Pages 19-21 of the handout. Page 24
of the handout shows recent revenue and expense savings and efforts from the Town. Savings in
expenses include items such as sick leave buyback for employees, changes in the health insurance
program, the energy performance contracting and reduced sick leave. Recent revenue savings
include the incentive payments from the Smart Growth Zoning Districts, a review of all Town fees
and the local meals tax.
Brainstorming Session - Finance Committee Member Mark Dockser facilitated a brainstorming
session where meeting participants provided revenue ideas in small groups. A letter to the Finance
Committee from Reading resident Dave Talbot on revenue ideas was distributed. After each group
shared their ideas for potential revenue sources with the whole group, everyone voted on what was
considered to be opportunity areas where the Town should focus their efforts. The items identified
as the top priorities included the sale of Town owned land, billboards and advertising, renting space
for cell towers and wireless communications, hiring a public relations or economic development
officer and naming rights. ,
Board of Selectmen Meeting - September 15, 2010 -Page 3
Finance Committee Chairman Marsie West described the next steps and explained that the Finance
Committee would summarize the results of tonight's meeting. The next Financial Forum scheduled
for October 27th will focus on expenses.
On a motion by Berman seconded by Greenfield, the Finance Committee voted to adjourn the
meetiniz of September 15, 2010 at 9:05 p.m. by a vote of 7-0-0.
On motion by Robinson seconded by Michaud, the School Committee.voted to adjourn the
meeting of September 15, 2010 at 9:00 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Board of Selectmen continued in session. The Board reviewed a draft Charter amendment
dealing with the issue of referendums. Selectman Stephen Goldy felt that the issue may be
somewhat rushed and we should take a little bit more time with it. Other members felt that it should
move forward. The direction of the Board was to include the draft referendum language as a
Charter amendment in the draft warrant for consideration by the Board on 9/21/10 and have Town
Counsel available. Town Counsel will be specifically able to discuss questions of timeframes for a
referendum.
On motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert, the Board of Selectmen voted to adjourn the
meeting of September 15, 2010 at 9:15 p.m. by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
(0&3
Board of Selectmen Meeting
. October 26, 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, Secretary Richard Schubert, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town
Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Assistant Town Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur,
Town Engineer George Zambouras, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of
interested parties: Bill Brown, Stephen Chapman, Joseph Curto, Robert Nordstrand, Ralph
Col orusso, Fred McGrane, Bill Boatwright, Pat Sullivan.
Reports and Comments
Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that he attended the
Memorial Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and thanked the Burbank Family, the Reading Co-
Operative Bank and Friends of Reading Recreation for their generosity. He also noted that he
observed a discussion with Pulte Homes and residents - it was a very good discussion, and they
discussed parallel parking instead of head in for vehicles facing Curtis Street residents. He stated
that the Economic Development Summit was postponed until November 9, 2010.
Selectman Richard Schubert noted that he attended a reception for the historic inventory with the
Town Manager and it was a nice presentation.
Chairman James Bonazoli noted that the Federal Government is looking to get involved in doing
work on Route 93 North of Reading.
Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he attended the Memorial Park Ribbon Cutting Ceremony.
He also presented the Town Manager with a petition from Whittier Road, Tennyson Road and
Wadsworth Road to have their roads paved. He requested that this be put on a future agenda.
Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that she read an article about a group in Beverly and
Salem trying to recycle bottles out of the public areas, and Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that this
would be a great scouting project. Vice Chairman Anthony also noted that there are eight double
poles on Franklin Street from Main Street to Haverhill Street.
Chairman James Bonazoli noted that he received correspondence regarding how we do health
inspections, and indicated that it would be helpful to know that information at the Economic
Development Summit.
Public Comment - Bill Brown had questions regarding the new municipal sign in the parking lot.
bbl
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 26, 2010 - Page 2
Town Manager's Report
The Town Manager gave the following report:
♦ Help Wanted - RMLD CAB member.
♦ Library Project - OPM hired, Architect selected, ad hoc Library Building Committee
established.
♦ Election - November 2nd. The deadline for applying for absentee ballots is noontime
November 1st, and the Town Clerk will accept ballots up until close of Election Day.
♦ There are a number of ballot questions on the November 2nd ballot including Question 3
which would reduce the Sales Tax to 3%. The impact of this question would be to reduce
State revenues, an estimated $1 billion in the second half of this fiscal year. (starting
January 1, 2011), and would reduce revenues an estimated $2.5 billion in FY 2012. If
these reductions were done evenly across the board for State discretionary budget
accounts, the estimated reduction to the Town of Reading would be almost $1.5 million
in FY 2012, in addition to any other reductions that may be required to balance the State
Budget.
Community Development
♦ The latest business to open in Reading is Embellish Hair Salon at 580 Main Street.
Welcome to this new Downtown business.
♦ The Wine Bunker is under construction. We had to require the owner to make some
modifications to the plan presented to the Community Services for permits because they
had exceeded the Board of Selectmen maximum allowed retail space by over 10%.
♦ RCASA students will be doing surveys on tobacco products in the community. We
received a grant for this work.
Public Safety
♦ The Town has purchased a new Mass Communication Program, We are set to begin the
set-up and once that is completed, we will be rolling out public information on the system
including the "opt in" features.
Public Works
♦ Recycling and Rubbish - Regular enforcement starts the week of November 1st - all
regulations need to be complied with.
e Curbside Leaf Collection will be conducted the weeks of November 1 st, November 15th
and November 29th, and two Spring collection dates to be announced.
♦ We have received signed church snow plowing agreements from the First Baptist Church
and the Korean Church of the Nazarene. We are expecting one more agreement.
N
October 2010
® street sign LotterOctober Street sign lottery.
Construction Projects in progress or to be done this year:
♦ Road Improvements -
® Harrison Street - Milling was done late last week. Paving should be done next week.
• Arlington Street - (Woburn Street to Prescott Street), Haverhill Street (Wakefield
Street to Timberneck Drive), Marla Lane (Forest Street to Spruce Road) - Miliing.was
done late last week. Paving should be done next week.
♦ Memorial Park - DONE.
1j'Zi
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 26, 2010 - Page 3
Proclamation/Certificates of Appreciation
Proclamation - Red Ribbon Week - A motion by Bonazoli seconded by Schubert to approve
the Proclamation proclaiming October 23-31, 2010 as Red Ribbon Campaign Week was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Discussion/Action Items
Continuation = Causeway Road - Town Engineer George Zambouras noted that the residents
had asked the Town to shift the roadway away from their homes. He also noted that it is 60-
70% more expensive to move the road instead of widening. The revised total cost is $428,000,
and $331,000 of that would be assessed betterments.
Selectman Richard Schubert noted that the RMLD trucks are heavy, and he asked if the
reconstruction will withstand that, and the Town Engineer indicated that it will.
Stephen Chapman of 66 Causeway Road noted that his portion of the roadway floods. He
suggested ways of reducing the cost including taking out $3,000 for the removal and setting of
telephone fence on the RMLD property, and the $20,000 for the police details. He also noted
that the public section of the road is draining into the private section, and the residents are being
asked to pay the $55,000 to correct it. Mr. Chapman indicated that curbing is not necessary on
Causeway Road because there is no traffic - there are only 12 homes on the street.
The Town Engineer noted that if there is equipment in the road, then a police detail is needed
unless all of the residents park elsewhere.
Joseph Curto of 81 Causeway Road noted that Mr. Fisher purchased the land and deeded it over
to Leighton who abandoned the property so it belongs to the Town.
After much discussion among the Board about the cost with granite curbing and without, the
following motion was made:
A motion by Goldy seconded by Schubert to approve the acceptance of Causeway Road as
a public way, and establish the betterments for the improvement of the private portions of
the road not to exceed a total of $230,000, which reflects the proposed construction
estimates included in the Board of Selectmen packet ($308,000) less the following items:
o Relocate utility poles $30,000
♦ Remove granite curb except the throat stone as needed.
With the revised betterment cost to be distributed among the assessed property owners on
the same basis as shown on the chart entitled "Causeway Road Estimated Betterment
Assessments" dated 10/26/10. All subject to approval of Town Meeting. The'motion was
approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Hearing - Street Acceptances: Benjamin Lane and Kylie Drive - The Secretary read the hearing
notice for.Benjamin Lane. The Town Manager noted that the work has been completed.
6 b3
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 26; 2010 - Page 4
A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert to close the hearing on accepting Benjamin
Lane as a public way was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova to recommend the acceptance of Benjamin Lane as
a public way was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
The Secretary read the hearing notice for Kylie Drive. The Town Manager noted that the work
has been completed.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya to close the hearinjZ on accepting Kylie Drive as
a public way was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to recommend the acceptance of Kylie Drive as a
public way was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Preview Tax Classification - Board of Assessor Members Bob Nordstrand, Ralph Colorusso and
Fred McGrane were present. Also present were Appraiser Bill Boatwright and Assistant
Appraiser Pat Sullivan.
Bob Nordstrand noted that the Selectmen will need to hold a hearing by December to set the tax
rate. Bill Boatwright reviewed the process including timelines.
Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that the spreadsheets that the Selectmen usually get for the hearing
are very helpful, and he requested that the actual tax rates for those years be added to the
spreadsheet. He also requested the number of properties involved if the Selectmen choose the
commercial exemption.
The Town Manager noted that there is no need to spend time on open space. He asked if the
Selectmen want a recommendation from the Board of Assessors, and the Selectmen indicated
that they do want a recommendation.
The Assistant Town Manager noted that property valued at $400,000 pays $5,500 in property
taxes.
Review Town Meeting Warrant - The Town Manager reviewed the Warrant Articles.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 3 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafova that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 4 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 5 was approved by a vote. of 5-0-0.
Eby
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 26, 2010 - Page 5
A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 6 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the 'Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 7 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 8 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Schubert that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 9 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 12 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 13 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 15 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Anthony seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen recommend the
subject matter of Article 16 was approved by a vote of 4-1-0, with Goldy voting against.
Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that he will not support this Article because it is complicated
and open to interpretation.
Establish Process of Annual Performance Review for Town Manager - The Town Manager
noted that the Chairman needs to appoint a couple of members to do the Town Manager's
Performance Review. The Chairman appointed Selectmen Ben Tafoya and Stephen Goldy to do
the evaluation on December 14, 2010.
Comments on Scenic Road Application - 46 Walnut Street - The Town Manager noted that the
owner wants to move his driveway over but since he lives on a scenic road, the Selectmen have
the opportunity to comment. There was no comment from the Selectmen.
Review Fees - The Assistant Town Manager reviewed the proposed fee increases. He noted that
it will not raise much revenue but just bring up our fees to what other towns are charging. The
hearing to amend the fees is scheduled for November 16, 2010.
Approval of Minute's
A motion . by Anthony seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the
Minutes of September 7, 2010 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya that the Board of Selectmen approve the Minutes
of October 5, 2010 was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
C bs
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 26, 2010 - Page 6
A motion by Goldy seconded by' Tafoya to adjourn the meeting of October 26, 2010 at
10:30 p.m. was approved by a vote of 5-0-0.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
6 61~
Joint Meeting of Board of Selectmen, Finance Committee,
School Committee and Board of Library Trustees
October 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 Great Room at the Senior Center, 49 Pleasant Street,
Reading, Massachusetts. Present were Finance Committee Chairman Marsie West, Vice Chairman
David Greenfield, Members Mark Dockser, Bryan Walsh, Barry Berman, Kevin Leyne, Francis Fardy,
Hal Torman and George Hines; Board of Selectmen Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman
Camille Anthony and Selectman Ben Tafoya; Economic Development Committee Members, Sheila
Clarke and Michelle Williams; Board of Library Trustees Chairman David Hutchinson, Vice Chairman
Richard Curtis, Members Karyn. Storti and Cherrie Dubois; School Committee Vice Chairman Chuck
Robinson, Members Harold Croft and Karen Janowski; Town Meeting Members Bill Brown, John
Arena and Karl Weld. Also present were Town Manager Peter Hechenbleiker, Assistant Town
Manager/Finance Director Bob LeLacheur, Town Accountant Gail LaPointe, School Department
Principal Patty de Garavilla, Public Works Director Jeff Zager, Director of Human Resources and
Finance Mary DeLai (School Department), Principal Doug Lyons (Parker Middle School), Fire Chief
Greg Burns, Police Chief Jim Cormier, Community Services Director Jean Delios, Patricia Puglisi
(Reading Memorial High School), Superintendent of Schools John Doherty, David Mancuso (Making
Reading Better), Karen Callan, Erin Cavio-Bacci and Kim Oliveira (School Department) and
Recording Secretary Abigail McCabe.
There being a quorum, FINCOM Chairman Marsie West called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m., the
School Committee and the Board of Library Trustees called the meeting to order, and the Board of
Selectmen called their meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
The FINCOM Chairman gave opening remarks and introduced .everyone to the second Financial
Forum of the budget year, and explained that this Forum will focus on expenses.
Discussion/Action Items
Financial Update - The Assistant Town Manager Bob LeLacheur reviewed the recurring revenues from
what was budgeted and the actual budget from FY10. Town Accountant Gail LaPointe reviewed the
expenditures for FYI 0. The Town was over a million dollars under the expenditures budget last year
because significant appropriations weren't spent in FYI 0. The savings from health insurance, unfilled
staff vacancies and gasoline were major contributing factors to the FYI 0 expenditures.
The total revenues for FYI I are $50,000 under budget due mainly to the change in the calculation for
Medicaid, and the use of Free Cash is on the November Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant to make
up the difference. In FYI 1, Reading received the $350,000 from the State for adopting the Downtown
Smart Growth Zoning, and $35,000 from the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Meals Tax revenue for
three quarters, higher than estimated State Aid, and higher than estimated new growth. These will help
offset revenue shortfalls for FYI 1.
(,,G k
Board of Selectmen. Meeting- October 27, 2010 - Page 2
The Town Accountant reviewed the Town's reserve funds as of November 2010. The Town had $4.9
million in Free Cash as of June 30, 2010 as well as cash reserves in undesignated stabilization funds
and the reserve fund. Two Articles to use Free Cash are proposed at the November Subsequent Town
Meeting.
The Town Accountant reviewed the projected FYI 2 revenues, and a chart comparing FYI I and FY 12
revenues was presented. So far in FYI 1, local revenues are down and Reading is estimated to have a
10% decrease in State Aid in FY 2012. She also reviewed the preliminary accommodated costs for
FY12. It is hard to predict the health insurance cost benefits before February but it is currently
estimated at 10%. This figure will not be known until early 2011. Energy costs, financial costs which
include veteran's aid and unemployment costs, out of district SPED and vocational education will
contribute to the accommodated costs. Essentially, it is projected that FY12 will have less revenue and
greater accommodated costs.
The Assistant Town Manager summarized the FY12 Budget. Even with a 0% increase, the Town is
still short by $2 million. We expect to use the $2 million in reserves'but the Town relies on State Aid,
and the outcome of the Election will be significant. If Town Meeting were to approve the use of $2
million in Free Cash to balance the 2012 Budget, the Town would still retain over the 5% in reserves.
A member of the Board of Selectmen expressed concern that Reading used too much in Free Cash last
year, and encouraged the Finance Committee to consider this for the FY12 Budget. A couple of
members of the Finance Committee spoke in response to a question about who makes the decisions to
.use Free Cash.
The FINCOM Chairman recognized George Hines for his service and presented him with a gift.
Financial Forum I (Revenue) Recap - The FINCOM Chairman summarized the September Financial
Forum on revenues and explained that the suggested recommendations are being researched for
feasibility, and the results will soon be posted to the website. The meeting handout'includes the lists of
recommendations from the last Financial Forum and the party responsible for following up.
Page 6 of the meeting handout is a summary of the budget breakdown for a sample single family.home
assessed at $400,000. The three main uses of funds categories are Town government, schools and
facilities. Wages are paid to employees and non-wage expenses include several areas of expenses
related to personnel such as benefits as well as other items.independent of the workforce. Wages make
up 55% of the funds and expenses are 45%. Public Safety (Police, Fire and Dispatch) is the most
expensive service provided by the Town.
The Assistant Town Manager described past efforts by the Town to save money which are shown on
Page 7 of the meeting handout, and also shows whether the cost saving suggestions were implemented.
The list is broken into one-time expenses and ongoing expense reductions. Regionalization of specific
services has been suggested in the past but is very difficult for Reading since Reading tends to provide
services at a lower cost than other communities, and it takes willing partners to implement regional
efforts.
/ cZ
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 27, 2010 - Page 3
Brainstorming Session - Potential Expense Reductions - Finance Committee Member Mark Dockser
facilitated a brainstorming session focused on ways the Town can save on expenses. Each table
brainstormed possible cost savings ideas in a small group before coming back together to hear from
each table before the voting took place. The Finance Committee will record the votes and identify
priority items after tonight's Financial Forum.
Some of the expense reduction ideas included eliminating sidewalk plowing, regionalizing vehicle
maintenance and vehicle sharing, transitioning from a Representative Town Meeting form, of
government to a Town Council, less polling booths at elections, less elections, reduce staff at evening
board meetings, reduce the Town's contribution to heath insurance, decrease street lighting, reduce the
compost hours, regionalize the Health Department and conservation and inspections, reduce trash pick
up to twice a month, reduce the number of boards and committees, reduce the capital budget by 25%
over the next three years, eliminate Permits Coordinator position, reduce Police and Fire overtime and
reduce Town Hall hours.
The Board of Selectmen, Board of Library Trustees and the School Committee adjourned their October
27, 2010 meeting at 9:15 p.m.
After the Financial Forum concluded, the Finance Committee conducted regular business from their
agenda.
November Town Meeting Warrant - The Town Manager described the previous night's actions by the
Board of Selectmen on Article 11 (Causeway Road). The road is in two parts: 450 feet of public
roadway at the top of the hill, and then a private road section with 12 houses. In addition to these.
houses, both the Town of Reading and the Reading Municipal Light Department own land and both
will be .involved in the proposed betterments to improve the private section before it is taken by
eminent domain and becomes a public roadway. The Town Manager reviewed the final plan as to the
costs and apportioned share of betterments. The average house will have approximately $15;000 in
costs, which may be paid immediately after the project is completed or financed over a period of up to
20 years. The interest charged will depend on the Town's cost to borrow at that time plus a margin of
2% - today that would be a 5.5% rate of interest, paid through the property tax bill. The betterment
figures presented are a worst case and, hopefully and historically, the project will be done for less.
On motion by Greenfield seconded by Torman, the Finance Committee voted to recommend the
subiect matter of Article 11 by a vote of 9-0-0.
Budget Guidance for FY12 - The Finance Committee had an extensive discussion about the reserves
policy and the next few budgets the Town will face, as well as the prospects for a Proposition 2 1/2
operating override. Several members spoke in favor'of using less Free Cash than the indicated $2
million budget shortfall for FY12, in light of the $6 million cash reserves position and the desire to
keep 5% ($3.5 million) as a baseline. They acknowledged that there would be a further reduction in
services if the Town and Schools were forced to use less money in FY12 operating budgets than in
FY11 which the $2 million figure will do.
On motion by Berman seconded by Fardy, the Finance Committee voted 7-2-0 (Greenfield and
Leone opposed) to use a maximum of $1.5 mullion in Free Cash to support the FY12 Budgets.
C3
Board of Selectmen Meeting - October 27, 2010 - Page 4
The Finance Committee. discussed the possible impact of State Ballot Question #3 which. seeks to
reduce the sales tax from 6.25% to 3%. If it is passed and implemented, in FYI 2 it is projected to cost
the Town $1.5 million in State Aid. The prospects for an operating override were discussed as being
more urgent if this ballot question succeeds. Only through a combination of lower cash reserves and
Town and School Budget cuts would the majority of the Town voters likely support such a request.
The majority of the Finance Committee leaned towards the level of override necessary to not just
restore lost sales tax revenues but to be able to offer a level of services that residents have come to
expect from the Town and Schools.
On motion by Fardy seconded by Leone, the Finance Committee voted 7-2-0 Berman and Walsh
opposed) to use a maximum of $2 million in Free Cash to support the FY12 Budgets in the event
Question #3 passes and State Aid is forecast to be lower for FY12.
Approval of Minutes
On motion by Leone seconded by Hines, the Finance Committee voted to approve the Minutes of
August 4, 2010, as written, by a vote of 8-0-1 (Walsh abstaining).
utes of Seutember 15, 2010, as written, by a vote of 7-0-2
voted to
On motion by Hines seconded by Greenfield, the Finance Committee voted to approve the
Minutes of October 13, 2010, as written, by a vote of 7-0-2 (Walsh and Fardy abstaining).
The FINCOM Chairman requested that the Finance Committee be posted to meet at the RMHS
Performing Arts Center at 7:00 p.m. on November 8, 2010 (the first night of Town Meeting).
On motion by Hines (who will soon be moving out of Reading and leaving a long and
distinguished career in public service in Reading behind as a legacy) seconded by Greenfield, the
Finance Committee voted to adiourn the meeting of October 27, 2010 at 10:35 p.m. by a vote of
9-0-0 (with a round of applause for Mr. Hines).
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
L
C- PI r
DEVAL L. PATRICK, GOVERNOR
3 I " TttvSOTw P. MURRAY, LT. GOVERNOR
JEFFREY B. MULLAN, SECRETARY & CEO
LUISA PAIEWONSKY, ADMINISTRATOR
Mr. George Zambouras
Reading Engineering Dept.
16 Lowell St.
Reading, MA 01867
Moving Massachuset& Forward
Highway
fL.t~ WED
DEPT OF PUBLIC WORKS
DATE i co ( (I c,
TIME
TOWN OF READrj 9C_i
SUBJECT: Reading - Route 28
Resurfacing and Related Work
Federal Aid No..- Pending
E.W.O. No. - P604804P11
Project File No. 604804
Dear Mr. Zambouras,
October 13, 2010
MassDOT District Four is preparing to resurface and perform related work to the above
subject roadway in the City of Reading from the Stoneham/Reading town line to the
Reading/North Reading town line.
The District is notifying all utility companies of this upcoming project so that they can
plan any work in this area ahead of time. Attached is a Locus Map showing the project limits
and a Scope of Work. This project is currently under design.
Should you require any additional information relative to this project or require a
coordination meeting please contact Brian M. Fallon, P.E., District Projects Engineer at (781)
641-8475.
nworth, P.E.
Director
Cc.: file
Ray Stinson, District Utilities & Constructability Engineer
MassDOT - Highway Division -District 4 - 519 Appleton Street, Arlington, MA 02476 0(781) 641-8300 !
SCOPE OF WO
ROUTE 28 -READING
Resurfacing and Rebated Work
Project No. 604804
SCOPE OF WORK:
The work to be done under this contract is the resurfacing of Route 28 in the town of
Reading. See locus plan for. limits of work, this section of Route 28 is a composite
pavement. The coldplaning operations shall specify a Micro=milled surface of l%" depth
and then apply l Y2" Supper Pave Course over 1" Intermediate Course (install glasgrid
fabric over concrete joints no saw and seal) to resurface Route 28. Work shall also
include repair and/or reconstruction of existing sidewalks, wheelchair ramps, constructed
+22 feet bituminous concrete sidewalk at station 1±70± NB, adjusting drainage and
sanitary sewer structures, rebuilding drainage structures, removing and/or replacing
frames and grates (or covers), adjusting gas and water gates and gate boxes, cleaning
drainage structures, upgrade guardrail end treatment, discarding undermined or damaged
guardrail from the project site, placement of temporary as well as permanent pavement
markings, replacing wire loops to traffic signals,. removing and resetting existing signs,
and erosion control barrier for environmental protection.
All work performed under this Contract shall be in conformance with the MassDOT
Department Standard specifications for Highways and Bridges and the English
Supplemental Specifications, dated February - 25; 2010; the Standard Special
Provisions contained in this book; the. 1977 Construction Standards and the
Supplemental Drawings, dated April,-2003; the latest edition of the Manual on.
Uniform Traffic Control Devices with revisions; the 1990 Standard Drawings for
Signs and Supports; the 1968 Standard Drawings for Traffic Signals and Highway
Lighting. the latest edition of American Standard for Nursery Stock.
Project Location:
The Route 28 (Main Street) resurfacing project begins at the Stoneham/Reading town line
at station 0+12 (NW. 134.552), then continues northerly along Route 28 and stops at the
railroad tracks near Ash Street at station 66+34 (MM. 135.806), it then--resumes after the
downtown area, north of Salem Street at station 89+36 (MM. 136.246), then continues
northerly along Route 28 and ends at the Reading/North Reading town line at station
231+34 ([vM4.138.935). The project length, located entirely in the Town of Reading, is a
distance of 20,820 feet or 3.943 miles.
Further information as to- the limits of this project may be obtained at the District
Highway Director's office, 519 Appleton St.,Arlington, MA 02476 and telephone (781)
641-8400.
q cc.Z
;Qg~ 0v:T
lo G',
END PRQMCI '
/ STA 231+34
PEARL sTaeET hIIv1138 935
ROAD
STA'66+34,=
MM,135:806
• RN's\x ~ - ~
95 N9 TD RT 28 Se S- I-,
DRS ~ ~ 4 I? ,
MP-RIBScL'".. r ~BEGINPRO7ECI - ^ 1
tl . i ' • ~ ,f STA OOt 12 - • i i_
`j. ` \\oAi F MARK Moving MassachusettsForward. AMES= I T V rt l ;.1
L.OCU .A
®xighway NOT TO SCALE
Cr
L(cP
2010 NOV -3 AM 11: 21
October 29, 2010
Selectmen
Town of Reading
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Selectmen:
I have become aware of a mandate of our charter, section 5-3 (which is at least 5 years
old) that has not as yet been implemented. It is time to right this oversight by
appointing the EDC as ombudsman to our citizens.
What a unique idea... customer service at its best.
It just makes sense that so many conflicting issues will be addressed up front. This will
eliminate disappointed and confused applicants plus frustrated and overworked board
members.
It would be great if this could get on the Town Warrant so as to be ready for the post~
holiday permitting boomI
Sincerely,
Dominic Ta go
qC 6oS
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2685
FAX: (781) 942-9071 TOWN MANAGER
Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma-us (781) 942-9043
Website: www.readingma.gov
November 3, 2010
Mr. Joseph Curto
81 Causeway Road
Reading, MA 01867
Dear Mr. Curto:
I received your letter dated 10/29/2010 addressed to the Town Clerk and Town Counsel
regarding the Causeway Road Extension.
I am advised by Town Counsel that there is no appeal from the Selectmen's decision to
recommend to Town Meeting that it vote to accept Causeway Road as a public way, and to
authorize the Selectmen to assess betterments. You may speak on this Article at Town Meeting,
after all Town Meeting Members have spoken, for up to five minutes. You may state your case
at Town Meeting if you believe Causeway Road should not be accepted as a public street.
Additionally, once the project is constructed and the betterments are assessed, there is a right of
appeal at that time. This appeal is to the Superior Court, and you should seek the advice of
counsel on such an appeal.
S' cerely,
Peter I. Hechenbleikner
Town Manager
PIH/ps
ci C,
Joseph Curto
81 Causeway Road
Reading,.MA 01867-1515
1-781-944=2921
10/29/2010
A C,
P 2,33
Clerk: Town of Reading
Town Counsel
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA01867-1515
Re: Selectmen meeting, 10/26/2010, Causeway Road Extension
Dear Town Counsel Ellen Doucette,
I want to appeal the decision of the Selectmen with regards to their decision to
.allow the town to assess property owners for "betterments" to Causeway Road
and Causeway Road Extension. Would you please advise me as to how to go
about it.
Sincerely
Joseph Curto
63 Gz
October 29, 2010 We inspire people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees.
Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner
16 Lowell St
Reading, MA 01867-4615 a
O
n:w
0
Dear Mr. Hechenbleikner, cis
Congratulations again on your 2009 Tree City USA designation! The Tree City USAI°
program provides direction., technical assistance, public attention, and national recognitioF
for urban and community forestry programs in communities where more than 135 millior!,:~
Americans call home. We applaud your dedication to the management of your community
forest and encourage you to continue showcasing these best practices with your 2010 Tree
City USA application.
'T'ree City USA Online Application Now Available
Your community can now submit its Tree City USA and Growth Award applications
electronically. By submitting the application online, you are assisting in increasing the
efficiency of the program by helping to provide more timely information about your
community forest. Reading's login information has been sent to your local contact along
with a paper Tree City USA Recertification Application and Tree City USA Growth
Award Application.
Once your community's Recertification Application and Growth Award Application,
if applicable, is approved, notification is sent to your local contact and your Tree City
USA recognition materials are forwarded to your state urban forestry coordinator for
distribution.
Deadline
The State Foresters and the Foundation strongly encourage you to submit your application
in advance of the December 31, 20.10; deadline (unless your state has instituted an earlier
deadline). This allows applications to be processed efficiently so that materials are
distributed in time for Arbor Day celebrations across the country.
Thank you for your commitment to ensuring your community is a greener, healthier
environment for all your citizens. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact
us at treecity@arborday.org or call 1-888-448-7337.
Sincerely,
Dan Lambe
Vice President of Programs
2412 0193
9j
nFan•e~Axn SOY INK
Page 1 of 2
LIG .6a S
Schena, Paula
From: . Hechenbleikner, Peter
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 5:28 PM
. To: Schena, Paula
Subject: FW: MWRA Water Line Reading Stoneham.
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.readinama.gov
email town manager@ci.readin_q 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/4a 123638fd4e28b8/ '
From: Burns, Greg
Sent: Tuesday, November 09, 2010 4:30 PM
To: Thoden, Bill; azysk@dewberry.com
Cc: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Zager, Jeff; Zambburas, George; Jackson, Paul; Rolli, Joe; Richardson, Jim; Tassi,
Peter
Subject: MWRA Water Line Reading Stoneham
Gentlemen,
I have reviewed the Fire Prevention Code 527 CMR 13 Explosives and based upon that review, the
information presented today at our meeting, I will require the following the following items as a
condition on a Use and handling Permit (Blasting Permit) issued by the Reading Fire Department:
1.P ublic information Program
2.1 n accordance with 527 CMR 13.09(2) traffic will have to be detoured when the bore holes are
being loaded or are loaded.
3.Blast Ana lysis in accordance with 527 CMR 13.09(1)(1c).
4.Blast De sign Plan in accordance with 527 CMR 13.09(1)(1).
5. Pre Blast Surveys for all structures with in 25,0 feet of the closest borehole in accordance with 527
C MR 13.09(10).
6.Blasting Mats will be required in accordance with in accordance with 527 CMR 13.09(1)(1) 2(b).
7.1 n accordance with 527 CMR 13.04(11)(d) a Fire Detail will be required from the time the
explosives arrive on site until the explosives are removed. The cost will be the responsibility of
the Blaster.
As the project becomes more defined by the MWRA and the Blasting Contractor the Reading Fire
Department may have more requirements. Since the project is scheduled to begin in May and last for
11/9/2010
del
Page 2 of 2
approximately four months and take place at night public information and outreach program will be a
critical component. The residents and elected officials must be informed what to expect for noise,
vibration, how to file a claim of damage and road closures. The Reading Fire Department desires to
review the public outreach program developed by the MWRA.
Chief Gregory J. Burns
Reading Fire Department
757 Main Street
Reading, MA 01867
(P) 781.944.3132
(P) 781.942.9114
;vwip.readin, mmagov
Please let us knom, hom, we are doing -„fill out our brief customer service survey at hftp://readingma-
suntev.virtualtownhall. net/survey/sid/4a123638fd4e28b8/
qe-'4-
1
11/9/2010
/-lG 6oS
Town of Reading Community Development
Phone: (781) 942-6613
16 Lowell Street Fax: (781) 942-9070
Reading, MA 01867®2683 website: www.ci.reading,ma.us
ZONING VIOLATION WARNING
Town Of Reading
16 Lowell Street
November 8, 2010
Owner ofRecord
To: Joyce A Kehoe
250 Main Street
Reading, MA 01801
Location ofProperty
formerly Y. iking World Travel
250 Main Street
Reading, MA, 01867
Zoning District: Bus. A & S-15
Map: 011 Lot: 192
Pre-FY10 Map & Lot: 035 / 013
Subject: Signage Violation
There is a violation of the Reading Zoning By-Laws at your property.
Nature of the Violation: Section 6.2.7: Removal of Defunct Signs
6.2.7. Removal of Defunct Signs:
In the event a business, other than a seasonal business, ceases operations for a period of time in excess
of thirty days, the sign owner or lessee, or the property owner,.shall immediately remove any identification
or advertising of said business or any product or service sold thereby: If the sign conforms to the provisions
of this Section, and if a permit has been requested within said thirty-day period for altering the same sign in
conformity with this Section to identify a new business in the same location, such alteration shall be
allowed. Changes in legend on any directory sign shall be exempt from the provisions of this paragraph.
Please remove the defunct sign including its support structure. If you-do not comply within fourteen
(14) days of receipt of this notice, I may be obliged to take further action according to applicable
Zoning By-Laws and State Law.
Zoning By-laws at: http://www.ti,reading.nla.us/pages/ReadiugMA_ClerlcBylaws/ZoningBylaws/zoningbylaws.pdf
Glen Redmond •
Zoning Enforcement Officer
Town Of Reading
781-942-6613
Cc:' Town Planner, Town Manager
qrl.
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Community Development
Phone: (781) 942-6613
Fag: (781) 942-9070
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
ZONING VIOLATION WARNING
Town Of Reading
16 Lowell Street
November 8, 2010
Owner o Record
To: Richard Carter
248 Main Street, Suite 202
Reading, MA 01867
Subject: Signage.Violation
Location ofProperty
formerly, Briditls by Valerie
258 Main Street
Reading, MA, 01867
Zoning District: Bus. A & S-15
Map: 011 Lot: 193
Pre-FYI 0 Map & Lot: 035 / 014
There are violations of the Reading Zoning By-Laws at your property.
Nature of the Violation: Section 6.2.7: Removal of Defunct. Signs and Table 6.2.3 Signs
Permitted According to Zoning District
6.2.7. Removal of Defunct Signs:
In the event a business, other than a seasonal business, ceases operations for a period of time in excess
of thirty days, the sign owner or lessee, or the property owner, shall immediately remove any identification
or advertising of said business.-or any product or service sold thereby. If the sign conforms to the provisions
of this Section, and if a permit has been requested within said thirty-day period for altering the same sign in
conformity with this Section to Identify a new business In the same location, such alteration shall be
allowed. Changes in legend on any directory sign shall be exempt from the provisions of this paragraph.
Table 6.2.3: Real Estate Signs
Permit
Max. Sign .
Max. Sign
Setbacks ft
Max.
Type
Required
Area (sq. ft.)
Height (ft)
Front
Side
Number
Real Estate
y
8 (G)
6.
N/A
.'20
1
(G) Real Estate Signs in the Industrial Zoning Districts are allowed one sign per
business with a maximum sign area equal to 2 square feet per linear foot of said
wall occupied by the establishment to which the sign relates without a sign permit.
Please remove the defunct sign including.its support structure. Also only one Real Estate may be on
your property -and it must conform to the dimensions listed in the Reading Zoning By-Laws as
copied above. If you do not comply within fourteen (14) days of receipt of this notice, I may be .
obliged to take further action according to applicable Zoning By-Laws and State Law.
ZZooni By-laws pt: eading.ma.us/pages/Readi4gMA,
Glen Redmond\.
Zoning Enforcement Officer
Town Of Reading
781-942-6613
Cc: Town Planner, Town Manager
p~~2
Town of Reading.
16 Lowell Street '
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Community Development
Phone: (781) 942-6613
Fax: (781) 942-9070
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
ZONING VIOLATION WARNING
Town Of Reading
16 Lowell Street
November 8, 2010
Owner o Record Location oPropert~
To: Boston Reading, LLC formerly Kumon Learning Center
715 Boylston Street 670 Main Street
Boston,-MA 02116 Reading, MA, 01867
Zoning District: Bus. B
Map: 022 Lot: 010
Pre-FY10 Map & Lot: 064 / 008
Subject:'Signage Violation
There is a violation of the Reading Zoning By-Laws at your property.
Nature of the Violation: Section 6.2.6.2.c. Window Signs
6.2.6.2.c. Window Signs: Window signs are encouraged on the inside surface of the glass.
Permanently affixed, weather resistant, individual letters that are-not subject to wear and tear are
permitted on the exterior of the window. Temporary or permanent signs may without permit be
attached to the inside of the glass surface of a window (a single structurally supported sheet of glass
or a sash) or door, or placed within the premises closer than five feet from any window or door and
situated or designed so that the sign's graphic content is visible from the outside through an window
or door,, provided that any such sign shall:
(1) Be uniformly located only in thirty percent (30%) of the glass sheet or sash;
The real estate sign in the 2nd floor window covers all (100%) of the window. Also, please note that
real estate signs can be no larger than 8 s . ft. inarea'as per Table 6.2.3: Real Estate Signs
Type Permit Max. Sign • Max. Sign Setbacks ft Max.
Required Area (sq. ft.), • Height (ft) Front Side Number
Real Estate Y 8 (G) 6 N/A 20:
(G) Real Estate Signs in the Industrial Zoning Districts are allowed one sign per business with a
maximum sign area equal to 2 square feet per linear foot of said wall occupied by the establishment
to which the sign relates without a sign permit.
Please remove or correct the. sign in violation. If you do not comply within fourteen (14) days of
receipt of this notice, I may be obliged to take further action according to applicable Zoning By-
laws .and State Law.
Zoon g By-Maws at: ttp://www.ci.reading,ma.us/pages/ReadingMA Clerk/Bylaws/ZoningBylaws/Zoningbylaws.pdf
Glen Redmond
Zoning Enforcement Officer
Town Of Reading
781-942-6613
Cc: Town Planner, Town Manager
Rp
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading; MA 01867-2683
Community Development
Phone: (781) 942-6613
Fax: (781) 942-9070
Website: www.ci.reading.ma.us
ZONING VIOLATION WARNING
Town Of Reading
16 Lowell Street
November. 8, 2010
Owner o Record
To: Haven Properties, LLC
2751VIishawum Road, 4th Floor
Woburn, MA 01801
Subject: Signage Violation
Location ofropertg
formerly.MF Charles
612 Main Street
Reading, MA, 01867
Zoning District: Bus. B
Map: 022 Lot: 001
Pre-FY10 Map & Lot: '064 / 001
There is a violation of the Reading Zoning By-Laws at your property.
Nature of the-Violation: Section 6.2.7: Removal of Defunct Signs
'6.2.7. Removal of Defunct Signs:
In the event a business, other than a seasonal business, ceases operations for a period of time in excess.
of thirty days, the sign owner or lessee, or the property owner, shall immediately remove any identification
or advertising of said business or any product or service sold thereby. If the sign conforms to the-provisions
of this Section, and if a permit has been requested within said thirty-day period for altering the same sign in.
conformity with this Section to identify a new business in the same location, such alteration shall be
allowed. Changes in legend on any directory sign shall be exempt from the provisions of this paragraph.
-Please remove all defunct signs including support structures. If you do not comply within fourteen
(14) days of receipt of this notice, I may be obliged to take further action according to applicable
Zoning-By-Laws and State Law.
Zoning By-laws at: http://www.ci.reading.ma.us/pages/ReadingMA._Clerlc/Bylaws/ZoningBylaws/zoningbylaws.pdf
Glen Redmond
Zoning Enforcement Officer,
Town Of Reading
781-942-6613
Cc: Town Planner, Town Manager
qty
(~'r
R.A.D. REPORT 1010 NOV ®4 AFB 91: SS
Article 12
By Linda Snow Dockser, Ph.D.
October 31, 2010
Over the last two weeks, I interviewed and observed 27 women of various sizes doing things I never
thought possible. Any of them might, if unfortunate, be the target of a violent attacker at some time in
her life. For sixteen hours, they learned how to make sure that this did not mean that any one of them
has to be a "victim." These women were all enrolled in the free R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense)
Course offered by the Reading Police Department.
A COURSE
WHICH INFORMS AND EMPOWERS
According to the manual, R.A.D. is a defense system which "advocates realistically employable tactics,
without the time investment, ceremony or mystical concepts of a martial art The Rape Aggression
Defense System is specifically designed for women who are willing to consider as a viable option,
defense, in situations where their life is in jeopardy... it offers a basic education of confrontation
principals and personal defense. Our program ranges from awareness, risk reduction and avoidance, to
basic physical defense, aerosol defense options and advanced self-defense methods... what is most
important is not a volume of knowledge, but the ability to apply what you know... in the stress of a
violent encounter."
Since the inception of the Reading R.A.D. Course in 1996, over 600 women ages 15 and older have
taken this course. At least four of these graduates have used their physical prowess, quick thinking, and
their muscle memory to save themselves from pernicious attackers. This is exactly why this program
was started by DETECTIVE PAT IAPICCA, SERGEANT DAVID CLARK, and OFFICER LEONE SULLIVAN.
A RADICAL
DAY 1
The first night, all 27 women were riveted as Sergeant DAVID CLARK, Sergeant RICHARD ABATE, and
Officer KRISTEN STASIAK introduced the R.A.D. program and its goals. These instructors trained
specifically to teach this course because they are passionate about its purpose. They are committed to
helping women protect themselves. For four hours, the participants were actively engaged in learning
about ways to keep themselves and their families safe. Many topics were discussed, from security at
home, to travelling, to internet communication, to protecting personal information.
The animated group of women learned about local 'break-ins' and other crimes that do not reach the
newspaper police blotters. They learned that there is something Reading Residents can do to deter
9~1
home invasions: LIEUTENANT ROBBINS of the Reading Police Department will come to conduct a
"Security Survey" assessing the safety of local homes and recommending improvements.
The instructors stressed that a woman's best friends in a dangerous situation include knowing how to
avoid many potentially dangerous situations in the first place, along with having the confidence and
"muscle memory" for a defensive stance and offensive strikes. The best defense is NOT weapons, but
rather knowledge of our body and what to do with it when in trouble. Being aware of options is key.
Real dilemmas sparked detailed conversations. For instance, what would you do if you didn't believe
the car trailing you with flashing lights was a real police cruiser, or if the man approaching your door,
was not the police officer or town official that they professed to be? These all too real situations were
discussed, as were the many ways that a cell phone can be a person's best friend and worst enemy. For
instance, did you know that dialing 911 works whether a cell phone is on or off; or that in the last four
years, newer cell phones have been required to add a GPS device that can locate a person within 50 feet
- if you have it switch on. However, did you know that if focused on a cell phone and unaware of one's
surroundings, a woman is more tantalizing as a target for predators? And did you know that statistics
show that the majority of attacks are perpetrated not by strangers, but by men familiar to the target.
The list goes on...
There was so much learned that mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends should know; including the
important realization that no one is alone in their concerns. There are other women who share the fear:
When in danger will we lose our voice? When grabbed will we be powerless to escape? Will we be
helpless and destined to defeat because we are small?
That first four hours was filled with animated questions and the sharing of experiences. Stories were a
catalyst for supplemental learning, adeptly mastered to complement the curriculum. There was not a
moment of ambivalence either from the teachers or from the participants: This is an educational
program motivated by passion, need, and relevance. Eyes and ears were focused, along with minds and
emotions.
R.A.D.
DAYS 2&3
CHOKE HOLDS, BEAR HUGS
& BEING PINNED, OH MY!
For the second class, more police officers attended as R.A.D. Instructors. Detective PAT IAPICCA (RAD
MA State Director!) and Officer SAL LAVITA joined Sergeant DAVID CLARK, Sergeant RICHARD ABATE,
Officer KRISTIN STASIAK in their roles as teachers, mentors, and attackers (or 'perps' as crime shows
might call them).
While the first class focused on "Risk Reduction," a more sedentary learning process, the second and
third classes entailed a different kind of learning: learning through experience. At the second class, the
participants learned defensive moves, hitting, and kicking, while at the third R.A.D. Class, they faced
[gulp] Choke Holds, Bear Hugs, and being pinned on the ground.
When asked about her R.A.D. experience, a five foot mother of three reflected: "I learned something
about myself. I learned that I hate being out of control of my body, even in a safe space with people 1
know and trust. I do not like to be grabbed or held against my will. This is not a surprising revelation,
but it was a powerful one.
"How do I know this...," she continued, "I know this because as I was walking by, 'HE' grabbed me. 1
knew 'he' was a nice guy and a policeman. I knew I didn't want to hurt 'him! But when 'HE' grabbed
me, this 'pussy cat' became a 'lioness: Nothing was going to prevent me from getting away from 'him,'
even though 'HE' was easily twice my size and infinitely stronger than me.
"Unlike in my dreams when I am paralyzed by fear and can't scream," she reported, "my voice and my
determination was unleashed. My comrades stopped their private conversations and watched, but all I
could feel was my need to get away and my power to make it happen. Yes, MY power. Because of the
defensive and offensive moves taught in the course, I had both the power and the skills to get away
from a man twice my size and the confidence to try.
"That is the gift these police officers are giving to me and to the other 27 women training beside me:
The power which comes from knowing not only what to do, but that I can do it."
UNLEASHED POWER
&THE KNOWLEDGE
HOW TO USE IT
On Wednesday, October 27th, the neighbors of the RMLD Light Department must have thought the town
was under attack. For four hours, R.A.D. engaged women in three real life attack scenarios. The
simulation was so real and the yelling so loud, that after 'accomplishing the impossible' and escaping,
many participants were physically shaking. It was an emotional four hours which left not only the
participants exhausted, but also the instructors.
For this class, instructors were imported from neighboring communities, as well as from Reading. They
included: Sergeant DAVID CLARK (RAD Program Coordinator), Sergeant RICH ABATE
Detective PAT IAPICCA, Detective MICHELLE HALLORAN, Officer SAL LAVITA, Officer IAN NELSON, Officer
KRISTEN STASIAK, DEBBIE HAYNES, Dispatcher, ALYSE SULLIVAN, RN, Officer MICHAEL SCOUTEN (N.
Shore Community College), and COLLEEN MADIGAN (Probation Officer, Woburn).
At the culmination of this mind-boggling experience, participants and staff gathered for pizza and to
watch a video of each 'attack.' The students hooted for each other, gasping at the power of their own
blows, and the obvious crippling of their padded attackers. The R.A.D. Instructors lined the perimeter of
the room looking tired, sore, but proud of their students. Their goal to empower women through
training and experience - real life-like experience - was both felt and appreciated. The emotions were
01 g"3
Westlaw Result
Page 1 of 3
L/ G 6os
Term 1k
NOTICE: Decisions issued by the Appeals Court pursuant to its rule 1:28 are primarily addressed
to the parties and, therefore, may not fully address the facts of the case or the panel's
decisional rationale. Moreover, rule 1:28 decisions are not circulated to the entire court and,
therefore; represent only the views of the panel that decided the case. A summary decision
pursuant to rule 1:28, issued after February 25, 2008, may be cited for its persuasive value but,
because of the limitations noted above, not as binding precedent.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS APPEALS COURT
TOWN OF READING vs. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION & another._[FN1,]
+09-P-2221+
MEMORANDUM AND ORDER PURSUANT TO RULE 1:28
Matthew Edson appeals from an order of the Superior Court which granted the motion of the
town of Reading (town) for judgment on the pleadings. The judge determined that the decision
of the Civil Service Commission (commission) was not supported by substantial evidence, and
was therefore arbitrary and capricious. We affirm.
The judge determined that the key factual findings made by the commission were not supported
by substantial evidence. First, the commission found that the selection process employed by the
town was mere 'window dressing' for the town manager, as the appointing authority, to choose
a sergeant because only he reviewed the candidates' employment files. As the judge found, the
appointing authority testified several times that his general practice in asking other Reading
officials to participate in candidate interviews is meant to assist him in making his appointment
decisions, because he relies on their opinions and expertise. With the interview panel's input, he
chooses an initial candidate, and then he waits at least a day or two before he makes an
appointment. This permits him and the other members of the interview panel to fully consider
the appointment, which in the end he, as the appointing authority, must make. If the interview
process had been merely 'window dressing' there would be no need to go through such a
process.
In addition, even though only the appointing authority reviewed the personnel files of the
candidates, and even if the information contained therein was not reviewed for accuracy, these
facts would have affected the candidates equally, Edson points to nothing in the personnel
records to illustrate any unfairness. FN2
Second, the commission found that the interview process was overly subjective because the
candidates' answers were not measured against standard responses and because it did not
measure abilities, knowledge, and skills rationally related to the sergeant position. The judge
determined that this finding was not supported by substantial evidence. We agree. As noted by
the judge, there is no commission policy requiring that interview panels compare candidates'
answers to standardized responses. Nor is there a town policy to that effect. Although there is a
police department policy regarding the use of standardized questions, the evidence
demonstrated that the appointing authority is not bound by that policy.
If standardized questions measured against model answers was all that was permitted, there
http: //weblHcs.westlaw. com/result/default. aspx?action=S earch&ent=DO C&db=MA%2D... 11/4/2010
Westlaw Result
Page 2 of 3
would be no need to provide the appointing authority with any discretion to make a choice, as
candidates would be chosen based on scores alone. However, this is not the case. See
Cambridge v. Civil Service Commn., 43 Mass. App. Ct. 300, 304-305 (1997) ('In the task of
selecting public employees of skill and integrity, appointing authorities are invested with broad
discretion'). Interview results have an inevitable subjective component, but not one that
delegitimizes the process. How a candidate responds to questions and how he interacts with
those posing the questions are reasonably related to their skills and ability to perform the
responsibilities of a police sergeant. A police sergeant must not only possess supervisory skills,
but must be able to interact with the public. Here, there was a wide disparity in the performance
of Edson and David J. Clark at their interviews. Edson appeared nervous and confused whereas
Clark was sharp and focused. FN37 Edson has not challenged this finding. Also, the appointing
authority thought that Clark's performance was one of the best he had seen, and,Edson's had
been one of the worst.
Finally, the commission found that Cormier's presence on the interview panel created an unfair
advantage to Clark because Cormier had directly supervised and evaluated Clark.for a number
of years. The judge determined that this finding was not supported by substantial evidence. We
a g ree.
As the judge found, there is no evidence in the record that Cormier was biased in Clark's favor
because he had been his supervisor. The evidence revealed that Cormier had worked with all
three candidates and that prior to the interviews, Cormier thought that all three candidates were
sergeant material. Cormier's testimony indicated that his ranking of Clark ahead of Edson was
based in large part on how well they did or did not do during the interviews, not on his level of
familiarity with them. Even if Cormier was biased in favor of Clark, both Roberts and Silva
ranked Clark ahead of Edson as well. In addition, the appointing authority also chose Clark
ahead of Edson. Thus, there is no substantial evidence to support the commission's finding that
Clark benefitted from Cormier's participation on the interview panel. In the end, the commission
overruled the appointing authority's choice between two qualified candidates where that choice
had been reasonably justified. By doing so, the commission acted arbitrarily and capriciously.
See Cambridge v. Civil Service Commn., 43 Mass. App. Ct. at 304 (the commission does not
have the authority 'to substitute its judgment about a valid exercise of discretion based on merit
or policy considerations by an appointing authority').
Judgment affirmed.
By the Court (Grasso, Trainor & Meade, JJ.),
Entered: November 4, 2010.
FN1. Matthew Edson.
FN2. It is also noteworthy that the other members of the panel worked closely with and supervised the
candidates, including the out-going police chief who approved the evaluations of each candidate.
FN3. Edson's answers to questions regarding sick time abuse and diversity were not in line with the
police department's philosophy. Also, Edson spoke negatively about the other. candidates, which made the
interview uncomfortable.
END OF DOCUMENT
41, Term
http://weblinks.westlaw.comlresultldefault.aspx?action=Search&cnt=DOC&db=MA%2D... 11/4/2010 q/-L-,