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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-12-07 Board of Selectmen Packet°F Re9~.y Town of Reading y` 16 Lowell Street ° Reading, MA 01867-2685 : "CORQ~~ FAX: (781) 942-9071 Email: townmanager@ci.readirig.ma.us Website: www. readingma.gov TOWN MANAGER (781) 942-9043 MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter Hechenbleikner DATE: December 2, 2010 RE: Meeting December 7, 2010 3a) The Board will have certificates of recognition for a Girl Scout Silver Award Program. My understanding is that Selectman Camille Anthony will attend the ceremony to,make the presentation. 5a) Reverend Tim Kutzmark and members of the Clergy Association will be in to do the highlights at 7:35 p.m. 5b) Members of the Economic Development Committee will be in to do a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on the wayfinding signs as follow up on the previous meeting. Decisions on some of the signs will have to be made. 5c) The Board of Selectmen has in their packet a.list of the licenses to be renewed. The process is for the Board to review these and determine if there are any license renewals that they have concerns over. 5d) Included in your packet is the customer service survey results for the quarter beginning October 1 to date. It is my understanding that for next year we will review the customer service results semi-annually rather than quarterly. 5e) I will have an update on the final review of the 2010 goals for the Board, and also included in the packet is the draft 2011 goals. I did not receive any further recommendations or comments from the Board of Selectmen with regard to the 2011 goals. PIH/ps 4 cn . y The Girl Scout Silver Award" represents a girl's accomplishments in Girl Scouting and her community as she grows and works to improve her life and the lives of others. The first four requirements of the Silver Award help the girls build skills, explore careers, gain leadership skills, and make a commitment to self-improvement. * The Girl Scout Sih erAward is the highest award a Cadette can earn. This atvard is indicative of your cotntnitntent to the Girl Scout movement and to your community Join Us to Celebrate KASEX COOK MARX KATE KELLEY SANDRA SGRGI GRACE STROMAN on receiving the GIRL SCOUT SILVER AWARD December 12, at 11 A.M. Camp Rice Moody Reading, Massachusetts Continental Breakfast will be served. Juice, coffee, fruit, muffins and breads from around the world. R.S.V.P by December 5 by emailing michellekramer@verizon.net or calling 781.789.6774 r Message Schena, Paula Page 1 of 2 From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 3:18 PM To: Michelle Kramer; Town Manager Cc: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Girl Scout Silver Award Honorees Michelle The Board of Selectmen routinely does certificates for achievements as outstanding as this. I will make sure that we get a certificate for each of the scouts, and will see if one of the Board of Selectmen members will be able to do the presentation. 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.readin ma.gov_ . email townmanag_er ci.reading.ma,us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma- sunLe .v_rrtualtownhall net/survey/sid/4a123638fd4e28b8/ From: Michelle Kramer [mailto:michellekramer@verizon.net] Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 8:38 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Girl Scout Silver Award Honorees Hello, I am a Girl Scout Leader in Reading, MA and have 4 scouts who have just completed the requirement for the Girl Scout Silver Award. The Girl Scout Silver Award can be earned as a Cadette Girl Scout. To attain this award, a young woman works to complete a series of leadership challenges and an extensive service project in her community, exceeding 50 hours of time after completing preliminary requirements. Teens to Tots, the community service project completed by the young ladies was a community service project dedicated to teaching young children and helping them develop positive life habits. I am hoping that the Selectman and Town Manager will help honor these young ladies. A ceremony will be held on December 12th to honor the following young ladies who have completed the Silver Award. Kasey Cook, Completed 9/12/10 Mary Kate Kelley, Completed 9/12/10 3a3 10/12/2010 7 Message Grace Stroman, Completed 9/12/10 Sandra Sgroi, Completed 9/29/10 All 4 scouts are residents of Reading, MA. Page 2 of 2 I am hoping that the Board of Selectmen will honor these scouts with a letter or certificate commemorating their significant efforts to the youngsters in Reading and surrounding towns. We invite a member of the Board of Selectmen to make the presentation in person if you would like. The ceremony will be held on 12/12/10 at 11 am at Camp Rice Moody. If a representative is unavailable, I am happy to present the letter of commendation along with those from the State House and Senate. Best regards, Michelle Kramer 781 789-6774 19 Knollwood Road Reading, MA 01867 Michelle Kramer 781 789-6774 m ichelle iramer6Vverizon.net 10/12/2010 8 Certificate of Recognition This Certificate is Hereby Awarded to: KASEY COOK By the Reading Board of Selectmen Q C-, Certificate of Recognition This Certificate is Hereby Awarded to: MARY KATE KELLEY By the Reading Board of Selectmen Certificate of Recognition This Certificate is Hereby Awarded to: GRACESTROMAN By the Reading Board of Selectmen Certificate of Recognition This Certificate is HerebY Awarded to:- SAND SGR I By the Reading Board of Selectmen Message Marino, Lillian Page 1 of 2 From: Schena, Paula Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 3:20 PM To: Marino, Lillian Subject: FW: Girl Scout Silver Award Honorees Lil, please do certificates when you get the chance. From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, October 12, 2010 3:18 PM To: Michelle Kramer; Town Manager Cc: Reading - Selectmen; Schena, Paula Subject: RE: Girl Scout Silver Award Honorees Michelle The Board of Selectmen routinely does certificates for achievements as outstanding as this. I will make sure, that we"get a certificate for each of the scouts, and will see if one of the Board of Selectmen members will be able to do the presentation. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town Hall Hours effective June 7, 2010: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www_,readingma:gov email tow_nmanager@ci.reading.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma- survey.virtualtownhall.net/survey/sid/4a1 23638fd4e28b8/ From: Michelle Kramer [mailto:michellekramer@verizon.net] Sent: Monday, October 11, 2010 8:38 PM To: Town Manager Subject: Girl Scout Silver Award Honorees Hello, I am a Girl Scout Leader in Reading, MA and have 4 scouts who have just completed the requirement for the Girl Scout Silver Award. The Girl Scout Silver Award can be earned as a Cadette Girl Scout. To attain this award, a young woman works to complete a series of leadership challenges and an extensive service project in her community, exceeding 50 hours of time after, completing preliminary requirements. 10/13/2010 13 3 Message Page 2 of 2 Teens to Tots, the community service project completed by the young ladies was a community service project dedicated to teaching young children and helping them develop positive life habits. I am hoping that the Selectman and Town Manager will help honor these young ladies. A ceremony will beheld on December 12th to honor the following young ladies who have completed the Silver Award. Kasey Cook, Completed 9/12/10 Mary Kate Kelley, Completed 9/12/10 Grace Stroman, Completed 9/12/10 Sandra Sgroi, Completed 9/29/10 All 4 scouts are residents of Reading, MA. I am hoping that the Board of Selectmen will honor these scouts with a letter or certificate commemorating their significant efforts to the youngsters in Reading and surrounding towns. We invite a member of the Board of Selectmen to make the presentation in person if you would like. The ceremony will be held on 12/12/10 at 11 am at Camp Rice Moody. If a representative is unavailable, I am happy to present the letter of commendation along with those from the State House and Senate. Best regards, Michelle Kramer 781 789-6774 19 Knollwood Road Reading, MA 01867 Michelle Kramer 781 789-6774 michellekramer@verizon.net 10/13/2010 14 Page 1 of 3 Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 3:39 PM To: 'kaseycoo k@verizon. net'; 'mkkfashion@gmail.com' cc: ran; Schubert, Rick Su 'ect: FW: Girl Scout Silver Award project Kasey I've requested participation by the Department Heads. The work with the Trails Committee seems to be the option that is most closely aligned with what you would like to do. If this sounds like a good project, you can contact Fran Fink directly - I'm cc'ing her on this. If there is something else you'd like to do let me know. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Tiawn of Readirig 16 dwell Street Heading MA 01867 phone: 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 entail town manager@ci.reading .ma,us Please let us. know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at ham://readingma- suryey_virtualtownhall.net/survey/s id/603ffd_2_e45471753/ From: Fink, Fran Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:38 PM To: Delios, Jean; Folopoulos, Dawn; Ramdin, Larry Subject: RE: Girl Scout Silver Award project The Trail Committee is beginning to work on trail sign systems - blazes, directional signs at intersections, maps and information at trailheads, etc. They need to decide on a basic framework, and then there will be a lot of posting work to be done. They meet on Feb. 8. 1 will ask whether they would like to engage the Girl Scouts. They might come up with other ideas as well. Fran From: Delios, Jean Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 12:22 PM To: Folopoulos, Dawn; Fink, Fran; Ramdin, Larry Subject: FW: Girl Scout Silver Award project Any ideas? I am thinking that some aspect of the healthy communities program might be a good one? Maybe working with the restaurants? Jean J. Delios 2/10/2010 15 Page 2 of 3 'T'own of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, TA/k 01867-2685 Tel 781-942-6612 Pax 78.1-942-9071 From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 4:42 PM To: Reading - Department Heads Subject: RE: Girl Scout Silver Award project Good question - 6th to 81h grade. One is developmentally challenged. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town, Manager Town of ending 161-4--iwell Street Kr;adirfi:j MFG 01867 Phone- 781-942-9()43 :a-, 7B1 942-9071 ,n,t 1i vn,,v J feadingma.org :tilctSi ~.,.,u iiiIIdt'l reading rna us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http:Hreadingma- su rvey.vi rtu altown hall. net/su rvey/sid/603ffd2e45471753/ From: Delios, Jean Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 4:41 PM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter Subject: RE: Girl Scout Silver Award project What are the ages? jean J. Delios 'Fown of Reading 1,6 Lowell Street Reading, NIA 01867-2685 Tel 78L-942-6612 I'Lix 781-942-9071 From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, February 02, 2010 4:21 PM 2/10/2010 . 16 Page 3 of 3 To: Reading - Department Heads Cc: Schubert, Rick Subject: Girl Scout Silver Award project A group of 4 girls need to do a Silver Award project. The project requires 50 hours from each . girl -'/2 of which could be in organizing the project. Some of the ideas that they have developed include: . Book Swap Fair - Buy books (used or new), have an event where people came and take books but they can also bring books. Have multiples of this event, send left over books to kids center or orphanages. Books would be for children and adults. Have readers come and read books at the event. ® US Maps on Playgrounds at Schools ® Handicapped Playground Add-Ons . Community Garden First Aid Training for School Children/Teachers Anti-Smoking Campaign for Middle School students Skin Cancer Prevention for Children Other projects that I talked with them about include: . Work to help organize and run the Friends and Family Day program on June 19 . Work to help organize and run the Fall Street `Faire in September ® Work with the trails committee on some aspect of their work - perhaps to develop and implement a part of the graphics for the trails ® Update the history of the police and/or fire departments, and put the histories on the web site I'd like each of you to: • review this list with any staff that would be appropriate, • determine whether there is anything on the list that should not be, • determine whether you have a project to add to the list, • let me know whether you or any of your staff would be willing or able to mentor this process depending on what project is selected. We will then give an updated list to the girls to consider - they will have to decide what project best meets their needs. This is a real opportunity to shape young minds in a good and constructive way. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager ivvi" u1 ` tF:,ndirlc' 16 Lowell Street R(,, iding MA 01867 t tPt sr7f:: '781-942-9043 lax 781-942-9071 HfT1 ~ij !?:)Vtillil iltli~ E I(Cxtri r'eading.rna.us Please let us know how we are doing -fill out our brief customer service survey at http;//read.ingma.,- surve.y.,virkualtownh_all...net/.survey/si M3ff_d2e45471,753/ 2/10/2010 17 Page 1 of 2 ro S2yC UPv1 vov~ ll~ L A Hechenbleikner, Peter From: Rick Schubert [rick_schubert@harvard.edu] 7 Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 4:46 PM l( VN1 v~ ~p To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Linda Whyte Cc: m k U_A 4 Subject: Re: Girl Scout Community ProjectO i- Hi Pete, Lyn, See email below from Mary -Kate Kelley.- ! V I spoke with Mary-Kate on Monday about possible projects and wanted to get your perspectives. These scouts have the energy and focus to do a wonderful community service. I provided my thoughts but figured you would be aware of other appropriate and pressing needs if they exist. Your input will help Mary-Kate in her decision making to align her troop's efforts with the best match. . J Let us know what you think! r a Thanks, Rick a~ On 1/24/2010 8:05 PM, m k wrote: Or Mr. Schubert, My name is Mary-Kate Kelley and I am a member of Cadette Girl Scout Troop 73712. I am in the 8th grade at Parker Middle school. My father is Tim Kelley. My troop is working towards our Silver Award, the highest award for Cadette Girl Scouts. We have raised all the money, but now the hard part comes. We have to choose a project to complete in Reading. We have brainstormed d few ideas. We wanted the opinion of a selectmen. If I could speak with you sometime this week that would amazing. If you could give me a time to speak with you this week. Our Ideas so far are.... Book Swap Fair - Buy books (used or new), have an event where people came and take books but they can also bring books. Have multiples of this event, send left over books to kids center or orphanages. Books would be for children and adults. Have readers come and read books at the event. US Maps on Playgrounds at Schools 3 CL 2/2/2010 18 Page 2 of 2 Handicapped Playground Add-Ons Community Garden First Aid Training for School. Children/Teachers Anti-Smoking Campaign .for Middle Schoolers Skin Cancer Prevention for Children Thank you for your time, Mary-Kate Kelley 339-224-8888 mkkfashionftmai l-com 2/2/2010 19 N O Town of Reading Economic Development Committee Wayfinding Signage Program Update December 1, 2010 Z7- Prepared by Ben Yoder of the Reading EDC Contents Wayfinding Signage: Purpose and Considerations 3 Existing Wayfinding Signage 4 Proposed Signage - Phases I and II 5 Next Steps Appendix: ■ Wayfinding Project Work Plan ■ Proposed Signage Phasing Details 7 8 9 10 Town of Reading Economic Development Committee -2- What is Wayfinding? N N wa • find • ing - enabling a person to find his or her way to a given destination through the use of effective signage, maps, and other graphic/audible methods used to convey location and direction Purpose of Wayfinding Considerations for Developing a Strong Wayfinding Program ■ Help locate difficult to find public buildings, commercial areas, parking lots, and more ■ Identifies a town's strengths and amenities that attract residents, businesses, and visitors ■ Can help identify hidden or under recognized assets ■ Should be developed to meet near and long term planning goals and in coordination with Town Planners, EDC, CPDC, PTTTF, and others ■ Should fit the "brand" vision of the town - Reflect community's identity - Acknowledge historical significance Avoid signage "clutter" ® Should fit the environment and complement ongoing town revitalization projects ■ Should-be planned in accordance with available budget L1~1 The Town of Reading has an opportunity to improve its Wayfinding Signage Program. This document outlines current wayfinding issues and a recommended approach to implement wayfnding improvements in a "phased" approach. I:A Town of Reading Qs Note: this document is supported by the Wayfinding Study conducted by the Town of Lowell Economic Development Committee -3- Reading's Existing Wayfinding Signage: -Issues and Inventory Based• on FDC observations and supported by the Wayfinding Study conducted by Lowell (funded by the DHCD Peer-to- Peer program), existing wayfinding signage in Reading is limited in its effectiveness. Current Issues' Inventory of Existing Wayfinding Signage2 ■ Current signs offer limited guidance to visitors and those less familiar with Reading. Wayfinding signs are: - Not in most prominent locations - Not the most appropriate sign type or size - Fewer in number than needed rv ■ Wayfinding signage specific to the train w depot not well developed ■ Inconsistent use of terms "Reading Center" and "Reading Square" on public transit literature ■ While parking enforcement signage is prevalent, signage directing drivers to available parking areas is limited3 ■ Current signage somewhat. ineffective at drawing traffic to Reading's less visible businesses ■ Existing signage may not need to be replaced, but supplemented 'Lowell Wayfinding Study plus EDC observations Fjean Delios, Town Planner-11/l/10, 11/23 3Reading Parking Study DirectorySignage/District Signs Walkers Brook at New Crossing Rd. Pleasant Street at Walgreens Union Street at Police Station S. Main Street Ash/Goodall Sanford N. Main Street at Birch Meadow Woburn at Lowell (Venetian Moon) Directional Salem Street Parking Lot Directional Signage - "P" Public Parking Lots Lower Haven Behind Atlantic Linden St at Brande Ct Woburn St Alley at Atlantic Woburn St Alley behind CVS Public Building Signage Town Hall Free Standing. in front of building Fire Station Free Standing in front of building Police Station Free Standing in front of building Library Free Standing in front of building Senior Center Free Standing in front of building Other. Common Sign Promoting Events Common Business Directory Sign at Woburn/Main at Venetian Moon Reading Public Schools Student Achievement Main Street In front of Walgreens See Appendix for existing signage map Town of Reading Economic Development Committee -4- Proposed Wayfinding Signage Program: Phase I - Winter 2010-2011 N .p v~ (T" Four sign types have been identified for roll-out in Phase I: @ .i k L' - 3 t ~ T District Directional: "Reading Center T" ■Mount on existing poles on key entry points into Reading (28N, 28S, 129E, 129W, Woburn St from train depot, Washington St) ■Number of signs: 6 ■Cost per sign: $250-300 Parking Lot Directional Signs ■ Mount prominently on existing poles directing traffic to Town parking lots ■ Number of Signs: 6-10 (TBD) ■ Cost per sign: $200-250 "Mini-Maps" at Prime Pedestrian Locations ■ Small maps noting business and town offices ■ Mounted on top of bollards in front of: - Venetian Moon - Sims Jewelers (at "bump out") - Twin Seafood (mounted on lamp post) - Old Bank. of America location (top of Haven St.) - Reading Depot (bottom of Haven St.) ■ Designed to be easily updated ■ Cost per sign: -$500-600 Outbound Directional: "Walker's Brook Drive 4" ■ Corner of Main and Washington St. (@ gas station) ■ Sponsored/paid for by businesses on Walker's Brook Drive. Will include names of sponsoring businesses -5- ILLUSTRATIVE LOCAITIONS Lazffei .-fill y _ ae OD 1-10e iZ_~ M 0 ^e J Q ~a ~ {3•r Yu~l l 1Y~. !v . ~ ~t _ 7 m h Ir v ~a view`` . 111 S v4shfngo~% 5.1 ,k,~~w phJ~E N Economic Development Committee Proposed Wayfinding Signage Program: Phase 11 - Spring/Summer 2011 Six sign types have been identified for roll-out in Phase 11 (specific locations TBD): emu. tr;~3c - Outbound Directional "South Main Street Shopping Area T" ®Mount on existing pole near Washington and Main ®Number of signs: 1 F .Cost per sign: $250-300 k5 Promotional Event Banner N Reading Event Banner .Hardware and equipment purchased to hang cn temporary event banners (banners separate) ®To be installed over Main Street near town Center "w ■Number of Banners: 1 .Cost for hardware: $1,000-2,0001 ®Cost for individual banners TBD Shopper's Map. ®Large map in glass cabinet detailing locations of Reading businesses, town buildings, etc. 'JI j ®Designed for maps to be easily updated and w replaced as needed oLocated in each of three town parking lots mCost per map: $600 Public Building Signage r ®Quantities/Locations TBD (est. 4-8 signs) ' .May either replace or supplement existing signage (TBD) .Cost per map: $200-250 Two wayfinding "signs" below will be evaluated on an ad-hoc basis to determine cost vs. benefit to town as appropriate (may delay roll-out beyond Summer 2011): Shelter with Wayfinding•Map and Attractions ®Large shelter to be located at the train depot ®Incorporates large reading map including local t attractions k .use FYI r .Could be partially funded by local sponsors ®Cost: $10,000 v IEDC estimate - 6 - Event and Promotions Kiosk wooden kiosk housing electronic touch sCovered _ kiosk with Town information I k ®Location: area in front of CVS ®Cost: $5,000 for shelter plus $10,000 for an electronic touch kiosk (101 Town of Reading Economic Development Committee Next Steps ■ EDC to engage signage companies and solicit pricing for signage design and purchase for Phase ■ Team to identify and confirm funding sources, amounts, and timing for Phase I - Town contribution - EDC contribution ■ Work with Town to finalize signage locations ■ Work with DPW to install-signs once fabricated Town of Reading - Economic Development Committee 7 Wayfinding Project Work Plan N CO n 99 EDC Activity V _ Key Near Term Planning Meeting 4 Town of Reading Economic Development Committee -9- Proposed Wayfinding Signage and Phasing Details - Phase I Phase I: Winter 2010-2011 - Near Term N co . . Mount on existing poles on key entry points into District "Reading Center T" Reading (28N,-28S, 129E, 129W, Woburn St from train 6 $250-300 $1,500-$1,800 Directional depot, Washington St) Parking Lot „P T„ Locations TBD (to be finalized by Parking and Traffic 6.10. $200-250 $1,200-$2,500 Directional Committee) May be located on bollards or other strategic locations "Mini Maps" at Small outdoor maps that e.g. Venetian Moon, Sims Jewelers (at "bump out") Prime Pedestrian include local view of Twin Seafood (on lamp post), Old Bank of America 5 $500-600 $2,500-3,000 Locations , businesses, town streets location (top of Haven St.), Reading Depot (bottom of buildings Haven St.) Outbound "Walker's Brook Drive 4" plus names of sponsoring Corner of Main and Washington St. (at gas station) 1 Funded by Walker's Brook businesses Directional businesses Total Phase 1 18-22 $5,200-7,200 Additional Notes ■ Above phasing. influenced by Lowell Wayfinding Study recommendations with EDC input • Assumes all installation performed by Reading DPW 14L Town of Reading 1 ail Economic Development Committee O -10- . Proposed Wayfinding Signage and Phasing Details - Phase 11 ca 0 Phase ll: Spring/Summer 2011 - Next Steps IMM-. sm-.-Im REM Outbound South Main Street Shopping Area T" On Park at Washington and Main 1 $250-300 $250-300 Directional Large map in glass cabinet detailing Shopper's Map businesses, parking lots, public Each of 3 town parking lots 3 $600 $1,800 amenities Public Buildings "Town Hall T", "Police Station etc. TBD 4-8 $200-250 $800-2,000 Promotional Special event banner to hang over street (permanent fixtures,. interchangeable TBD near Town Center 1 $1,000- 2 0001 $1,000-2,0001 Event Banner ..........................signs) . , Shelter with _ Large shelter with map detailing Wayfinding Map businesses, parking lots, public Reading Depot 1 $10,000 $10,000 and Attractions2 amenities Event and Large kiosk with promotions, bulletin Note - need to further board etc Area in front of CVS 1 $5,000- $5,000-15,000 Promotions Kiosk , . explore options 15,000 Total Phase II 18-22 $18,850=31,100 OR; $3,850-6,100 Without Shelter with Wayfinding Map or Event and Promotions Kiosk Additional Notes ■ Above phasing influenced by Lowell Wayfinding Study recommendations with EDC input ■ Assumes all installation performed by Reading DPW ■ Funding for large ticket items (Shelter with Wayfinding Map, Event and Promotions. Kiosk) may push roll-out beyond Summer 2011 IEDC estimate Town of Reading 2wayfinding map and Attractions at Reading Depot could be scaled back to similar to "Shoppers Map" (A OWN Economic Development Committee -11- w Current Wayfinding signage locations N 'Source: Jean Delios, Town Planner, 11129 Vi/,4 FIlY ?IIVG-SIGNS Not shatvn: Qir doryfQisSrice Sign ai t _ Main Street 8 Birch h3eadovr Drive , -282 Legend c: c Cs Wayfinding Signs b 7 ID Public Building Sign M Qiiectcry,District Sign J Ct 4L ' ¢ F i 7? bra Pa,-king Le, Directional Sign, Blue v C Parking Lot Directional Sign, Green ,14 ~[tN 8ti 3 h Ltli1 'f1 G1 7r r W T '.LgS ri ui: lrt E Buildings -t S t 11 ! Tovm Building tither Building N i2q ti uX % } y Town awned Land t, a 4._, a s l r r Mzp by- Torin of Reading Wapdate: 43123110 T' . s FtF7A~t€lN spt C XPUBLIC * 41 ~0 , GA39t2ARYli U a. pfltEy9T"' n C TO _ HALLf r#EItOMSp OLi6E'~STATtON "~fi n y -?S, 'q 1rEt :.4eru8R"Y ~J_ pa ENIORCENTM t - y~kk- ~.,,0$4 t+`~- ~ ~-0lit m cHFPINAVe r.. rKu,_ r rEr -sjtt r ~i idAIJE ~V~y~ VASE' -T 1.J r l- - 3 2~rFs; Col' x t. Ch`s -12- Memo To: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Jean Delios, Community Services Director/Town Planner PTTF, EDC From: George J. Zambouras, Town Engineer Date: December 2, 2010 Re: EDC - Wayfinding Signage The Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) establishes national standards for Traffic Control Devices used to regulate, war or guide traffic, placed on, over, or adjacent to a street, highway, pedestrian facility, bikeway, or publicly travelled roads and certain private roadways. The MUTCD either establishes: • Standards - a statement of required, mandatory or specifically prohibited traffic control device • Guidance - a statement of recommended, but not mandatory practice • option - a statement of practice that is a permissive condition • Support - an informational statement that is permissive condition that carries no recommendation Upon review of MUTCD I have determined that the "Parking Directional Signage" recommended by the EDC's Wayfinding Signage report do not conform to MUTCD standards. Specifically parking directional signage is classified as a Guide Sign and its size, color, retroreflection, illumination and specific aspects of their placement is regulated under the. standards established under MUTCD. The Parking Directional Sign regulated by MUTCD is required to conform to the following graphic (white background with green lettering) ARKIleiG i. . Page 1 1,113 32 The additional signage recommended by EDC's report is classified as Community Wayfinding Signs under MUTCD. Based on the review the Wayfinding Sign standards established by MUTCD the following standards would apply to the proposed Wayfinding Signage: • Signs shall not be installed where adequate spacing between traffic control devices of higher priority cannot be provided nor shall they obscure road users view or other traffic control devices • The standard colors of red, orange, yellow, purple, or the fluorescent versions of yellow-green and fluorescent pink shall not be used as background colors • The minimum luminance ratio of legend to background shall be 3:1 • Signs are required to be retroreflective • Lettering style, height, graphics and certain aspects of their placement are regulated by MUTCD • Destination lettering must be upper and lower-case, other messages can be all upper-case • Page 2 5biY 33 COMMON VICTUALLER LICENSEES Anthony's Roast Beef 216 Main Street Bagel World 323 Main Street Bertucci's Italian Restaurant 45 Walkers Brook Drive . Cafe Capri 355 Main Street Chinatown Cafe 672 Main Street Colombo's Pizza && Caf6 2 Brande Court Dunkin' Donuts 273 Salem Street Grumpy Doyle's 530 Main Street Fuddruckers 50 Walkers Brook Drive Gregory's Subs & Deli 162 Main Street Hot Spot in Reading 85 Haven Street Last Corner Restaurant 49 High Street Mandarin Reading Restaurant 296 Salem Street Meadow Brook Golf Club 292 Grove Street P & S Convenient Store 287 Lowell Street Aroma Cafe 607 Main Street Bangkok Spice Restaurant 76 Haven Street Burger King 357 Main Street Chili's Grill & Bar 70 Walkers Brook Drive Christopher's Restaurant 580 Main Street Dandi-Lyons 1331 Main Street Dunkin' Donuts 454 Main Street Epicurean Feast 55 Walkers Brook Drive Green Tomato 42 High Street Harrow's 126 Main Street Jimbo's Famous Roast Beef 454 Main Street Longhorn Steak House 39 Walkers Brook Drive McDonald's 413 Main Street Meadow Brook.- Snack Bar 292 Grove Street Pizza World 583 Main Street 34 COMMON VICTUALLER (Continued) Quiznos Sub Reading Ice Arena Authority 505 Main Street 51 Symonds Way Richardson's Ice Cream Ristorante Pavarotti 50 Walkers Brook Drive 601 Main Street Romano's Macaroni Grill Starbucks Coffee 48 Walkers Brook Drive 228 Main Street Starbucks Coffee Stop & Shop for Starbuck's 24 Walkers Brook Drive 25 Walkers Brook Drive Bistro Concepts, Inc. SammyJo's Bakery d/b/a Sam's Bistro 2 Haven Street 107 Main Street Swiss Bakers Town Pizza & Deli 32 Lincoln Street 648 Main Street Twin Seafood Venetian Moon 591 Main Street 680 Main Street AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENT LICENSEES Jordan's Furniture, Inc. d/b/a Walkers Brook Drive. Reading Veteran's Association Reading Overseas Veterans 37 Ash Street 575 Main Street ENTERTAINMENT LICENSEES Bertucci's Italian Restaurant Bangkok Spice Restaurant 45 Walkers Brook Drive 76 Haven Street Caf6 Capri Chili's Grill & Bar 355 Main Street 70 Walkers Brook Drive Colombo's Pizza & Cafe Emperor's Choice Restaurant 2 Brande Court 530 Main Street Fuddruckers I-Max Theater 50 Walkers Brook Drive 50 Walkers Brook Drive Knights of Columbus Longhorn Steak House 11 Sanborn Street 39 Walkers Brook Drive 35 ENTERTAINMENT LICENSEES (Continued) Mandarin Reading Restaurant. 296 Salem Street Reading Veteran's Assoc. 37 Ash Street Ristorante Pavarotti 601 Main Street Venetian Moon 680 Main Street Meadow Brook Golf Club 292 Grove Street Reading Overseas Veterans 575 Main Street Romano's Macaroni Grill 48 Walkers Brook Drive CLASS I, II AND III MOTOR VEHICLES LICENSEES 128 Tire, Inc. Brown's Auto Repair 459 Main Street 35 Lincoln Street Gallery North, Inc. d/b/a Honda Gallery 88-98 Walkers Brook Drive Reading Foreign Motors, Inc. 4 Minot Street Reading Square Auto Body, Inc. 9 Chapin Avenue No. Reading Auto & Recon, Inc. d/b/a Gray's Towing 4 Minot Street TAXI AND LIVERY Paul's Sedan Service 40 Orange Street LAUNDROMAT Lava Laundry 47 High Street LODGING HOUSE 83 Hamden Street Reading Square Shell 749 Main Street ,5-U3, Reading Auto Sales 550 Main Street Gasco, Inc. d/b/a Reading Motors 1337 Main Street 36 °F READING POLICE DEPARTMENT 15 Union Street . Reading, Massachusetts 01867 :W~4o Emergency Only: 911 e All Other Calls: (781) 944-1212 - Fax: (781) 944-2893 . Web: www.pi.reeiding.ma.us/police/ EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 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 License Renewals. I reviewed the Department's in house computer history (01/01/2010 to 11/05/2010) of the above Licensee Renewals for 2011 with the following results for your review. COMMON VICTUALLER: 44 Licensees. No unusual call history for 37 of the 44. 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. 37 Epicurean Feast, 55 Walkers Brook Drive, is not listed in our in-house system. Unknown history. Jimbo's, Famous Roast Beef, listed on Common Victualler sheet at 454 Main Street, is actually located at 452 Main Street. Jimbo's had the following incident involving a police response: 1) 492239, 04/07110 11:08 hours, Health Director Larry Ramdin was attempting to shut down the business and the owner became belligerent. Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive, had the f6llowing 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. P&S Convenient Store, 287 Lowell Street, had the following incident involving a police response: 1) 495160, 05/29/10 18:20 hours, there was an incident in which a customer went to the store to cash two winning scratch tickets. The clerk told her that there was only one winning ticket and that the other ticket had previously been cashed. When the clerk showed her the previously cashed ticket it was not the ticket she had handed him. Officer located the reporting parties winning ticket in the area in which the tickets are thrown after they are cashed. The clerk denied having knowledge of it. The ticket was run through the machine and had not been cashed. Matter resolved. Romano'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 had 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 Walgreen's 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. S~ SG 38 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 fiuther 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. 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. The truck had left prior to 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 arrival. Starbucks Coffee, listed on Common Victualler sheet as 228 Main Street, is actually located at 288 Main Street. No unusual call history. Stop & Shop for Starbucks, 25 Walkers Brook Drive. Starbucks is no longer located inside the Stop & Shop. No unusual call history. Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street, had the following incidents involving a police response: 1) 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, 08/1.2/10 23:42 hours, report of possible argument in restaurant. Matter resolved. AUTOMATIC AMUSEMENTS: 3 Licensees. Jordan's Furniture, 50 Walkers Brook Drive, had 1 noise complaint for snow plows in lot running too early. The 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. TAXI AND LIVERY: 1 Licensee. No unusual call history. y~~ 39 LAUNDROMAT: 1 Licensee. No unusual call history. CLASS I, II AND III: 9 Licensees. No unusual call history. Reading Auto Sales, 550 Main Street, is still listed on the "Entertainment Licensees" 2011 renewal. This company does not show in our system. The company we have listed under this address is "Kings Complete Auto Center". LODGING HOUSE: 1 Licensee. No unusual call history. ENTERTAINMENT: 17 Licensees. No unusual call history for 5 of the 17. Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive, is listed under this category as well as Common Victualler so-I am including the following incidents involving a police response here as well. 1) 490891, 03/13/10 16:51 hours, report of a male suspect that went to Chili'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. Emperor's Choice Restaurant, 530 Main Street, is still listed on the "Entertainment Licensees" 20:11 renewal. This restaurant no longer exists in Reading. The address of 530 Main Street, is now Grumpy Doyle's. No unusual call activity at this location. Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive, is listed under this category as well as Common Victualler so I am including the following incidents involving a police response here as well. 1) 488774, 02/01/10 22:43 hours, possible intoxicated male operating white van. Employee at restaurant offered the male party 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. Male placed into protective custody. The Reading Veteran's Association, 37 Ash Street, is listed under this license category as well as Automatic Amusements so I am including the 6 noise complaints here as well. ,cc-7 40 Romano's Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive, is listed under this category as well as Common Victualler so. I am including the following incidents involving a police response here as well. 1) 491115, 03/17/10 04:32 hours, report the dumpster being emptied early. GOA. 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. Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main Street, is listed under this category as well- as Common Victualler so I am including the following incidents involving a police response here as well. 1) 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, 'b Sgt. Detective Mark D. Segalla Criminal Division Commander 1 0 G.~ 41 Page 1 of 2 Schena, Paula From: Cormier, Jim Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 4:46 PM To: Delios, Jean; Hechenbleikner, Peter; Ramdin, Larry Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: early opening licenses Peter, We checked, we have no issues with any of the businesses. Chief James W. Cormier Reading Police Department 15 Union St. Reading, MA 01867 781-944-1212 781-944-2893 Fax JCormier.@ci reading..ma:us FBI NA-233 web www,_read .ingma.gQv/police Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http;//readingma- survey.virtualtownhall_net/sur_v_er/sid/91 b54a9276d612c7/ When writing or responding, please remember that the secretary of State's Office has determined that email is a public record. This. communication may contain privileged or other confidential information. If you are not the intended recipient, or believe that you have received this communication in error, please do not print, copy, retransmit, disseminate,. or otherwise use the information. Also, please indicate to the sender that you have received this email in error, and, delete the copy you received. From:.Delios, Jean Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 11:09 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Ramdin, Larry; Cormier, Jim Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: early opening licenses No issues that I am aware of Jean J. Dehos corurn-unity Services I::)irc c tor; 'I"o`w~1 t?laTM( r Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 (P) 781-942-6612 (F) 781-942-9071 Town Hall Hours as of June 7, 2010 M, W, Th: 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY: CLOSED S~ 11/29/2010 42 Page 2 of 2 ideli.o5~ c:i.rec~dinl;.ma.us www..read ngi-a.goy Please let us know how we are dohig by filling out a brief' c.ustarrier service survey at .http://h-e.a.dinlnna- survey.tzrt uwiltownhall.net//surv(!yisid/cle8bdaa l 6db9e6l)4/ From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 3:09 PM To: Ramdin, Larry; Cormier, Jim; Delios, Jean Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: early opening licenses Are there any active outstanding issues for the following locations? Shell Station Walkers Brook Drive Starbucks Main Street Starbucks Walkers Brook Drive West Street Mobil. and DD . SammyJo's Bakery on Haven Street The Board of Selectmen is considering waiving the hearing notice on the renewal of their 24 hour operation (Shell) and early opening approvals. 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..rPp.di a.gov email tawnmanager@ei.readingma_us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http_//readingma- survey,virtualltownhall.net/surve_ v/sid/4a123638fd4e28b8/ v 11/29/2010 4 3 Page 1 of 2 Schena, Paula From: Delios, Jean Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 11:09 AM To: Hechenbleikner, Peter; Ramdin, Larry; Cormier, Jim Cc.: Schena, Paula Subject: RE: early opening licenses No issues that I am aware of Jean J. Delios Conlna-unity Services l).irec1:0r/'.l'ovv11 Plannt'r Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 (P) 781-942-6612 (F) 781-942-9071 Town Hall Hours as of June 7, 2010 M, W, Th: 7:30 a.m. - S:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. FRIDAY: CLOSED jdelios'« cixeading.maais www.readingma.goy Please lee us knm how we are doing by filling out a brief custormir service survey at httla:;'/r.eaclin.llna su:rr~cy.virt 1a.alti~ti~.1~h<ill:llt'.t./sur.~-cry/sid/dc~8bdaa:i. E:>dbt3c°Ei>7-1,! From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Wednesday, November 17, 2010 3:09 PM To: Ramdin, Larry; Cormier, Jim; Delios, Jean Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: early opening licenses Are there any active outstanding issues for the following locations? Shell Station Walkers Brook Drive Starbucks Main Street Starbucks Walkers Brook Drive West Street Mobil and DD SammyJo's Bakery on Haven Street The Board of Selectmen is considering waiving the hearing notice on the renewal of their 24 hour operation (Shell) and early opening approvals. Peter I. Hechenbleikner Town Manager Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading MA 01867 Please note new Town Hall Hours effective June 7, 2010: 5~' 11, 4 11/29/2010 Page 2 of 2 Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 7:30 a.m - 5:30 p.m. Tuesday: 7:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday: CLOSED' phone'. 781-942-9043 fax 781-942-9071 web www.readingma_gov email townmanaggra~reading:ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http,.&padingma- survey_,v_ irtualtownhall, net/survev/sid/4a 123638fd4e28b8/ ~v CG 11/29/2010 45 SurveyMagik:: Results:: Customer Service Survey Customer Service Survey Results Show fiv ° Sicw CSV By Answer CSV By Taker I Display _yb Taker I Manage Labels ( Print f1. What department did you visit? @ Answered: 19 Skipped: 1 o Engineering o DPW o Water & Electric ® Town Clerk's Office o DPW • Public Works • Board of Health o Building Department • Engineering • Town Clerk • Clerk e DPW • Public Works • DPW • Staff Planner/Town Clerk • Town Clerk o Recreation • Health • Water 2. What was the reason for your visit? @ Answered: 19 Skipped: 1 • Surveying information • Rebate • Water Conservation re: new laundry machine • Street listing and info on 64 Minot Street • Street repairs • Energy efficiency rebate • Landlord Issue - No heat • Permit • Land lot inquiry o Absentee ballot • Death Certificate • Water conservation rebate • Rebate • Get rebate • Business opening • Research • travel basketball • Permit • Rebate on new washer Page- 1, of 2 3. Were you assisted in a timely manner? Answered: 19 Skipped: 1 1 poor 0.00%(0) u: 2 fair 0.00%(0) n 3 average 0.00%(0) http://readingma-survey.virtual.townhall.net/results/s4ik4al2363 8fd4e28b8/ 12/2/2010 Options Survevs > Results SurveyMagik:: Results:: Customer Service Survey 4 good 5 excellent 4. Was the person who assisted you knowledgeable? Answered: 20 Skipped: 0 1 poor 2 fair 3 average 4 good 5 excellent 5. Did you accomplish what you came for? Answered: 20 Skipped: 0 1 poor 2 fair 3 average 4 good 5 excellent 6. Was the person you spoke with professional/courteous? Answered: 20 Skipped: 0 1 poor 2 fair 3 average 4 good 5 excellent 7. Did you leave with a clearer understanding? Answered: 20 Skipped: 0 1 poor 2 fair 3 average 4 good 5 excellent rr8.~ Any comments or suggestions on how we can enhance customer service? 9 Answered: 12 Skipped: 8 OPTIONAL: About You (so we can address any comments or concerns) 11.~. What is your name? lT~ Answered: 16 Skipped: 4 W What is your phone number? Answered: 16 Skipped: 4 3. What is your address? Answered: 16 Skipped: 4 4. What is your email address? W Answered: 15 Skipped: 5 Page 2 of 2 0.00%(0)'::1 0.00%(0) 0.00%(0),: 0.00%(0)< 0.00%(0)': 100.00%(20)1+ 0.00%(0) 0.00%(0)!' 0,00%(0)" 5.00%(1)g 95.00%(19)I v,+o;.i 0.00%(0)- ' 0.00% (O) r 0.00%(0) ri u 100.00%(20)4,- w.- _ ' M m • u. 0.00%(0) 0.00%(O); is 0:00%(0) s - e iu.• 3 x 5. May we add your information to our electronic mailing list that offers community updates? Answered: 16 Skipped: 4 Yes 62.50%(10)Ci'r~`-~1kx+s xtt No 37.50%(6)M SurveyMagik 4.1 c@Copyright, All Rights Reserved SurveyMagik.com http://readingma-survey.virtualtownhall.net/results/ l /4al23638fd4e28b8/ 12/2/2010 DRAFT 2011 Town 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 over time. 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. Investigate the feasibility of the highest priority FINCOM recommendations on revenue enhancement resulting from the September 2010 Financial Forum, and begin the process of implementing those items that can be implemented: 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. Review and improve the Town web site. Provide electronic customer interaction with the Town, including a "customer service request" module. 9. 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 full a range of municipal services that meet community needs and desires as resources allow. 10. Continue to work on the priority items from the DPW Management study 11. 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 12. Implement a tracking and management system for permits and licenses for most Town Departments that issue permits and licenses. 13. Conduct an operational review of one programmatic area in the Community Services Department 12/2/2010 48 DRAFT 2011 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA. 14. Expand the Records Management efforts including beginning to provide records as appropriate to the public via the web site. 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. 15. Complete evaluation of regionalization.of Public Safety Dispatch. 16. 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. 17. 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. 18. Work towards the beginning of construction of major private downtown development projects - Oaktree, Mawn, Lynch, and other opportunities. 19. Complete South Main Street design guidelines and proposed amendments to zoning to achieve those design guidelines. 20. 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 21. 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 f. bus shelters - find funding sources 22. Continue sign enforcement efforts to bring all non-conforming signs into compliance 2 12/2/2010 49 DRAFT 2011 Town Manager's Goals and Action. Plan Town of Reading MA 23. 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 24: Evaluate the acceptance of the Green Communities program in Reading. 25. Continue to work with Town, School, Facilities, and Light Departments to meet Sustainability goals for . CO reduction, anti-idling, etc.. 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. 26. Complete the work of the ad hoc Municipal Building Committee: 27. 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 28. Continue the process of grant application, design, approval, funding, and construction of additions to and renovation of the Reading Public Library 29. If successful in obtaining the grant, implement the "Green Repair" program at Birch Meadow and Killam Schools. 30. Subject to. funding approval in 2010, implement the Haverhill Street water main distribution project 31. Secure the services of a Landscape architect for Birch Meadow site. 32. Continue efforts to add to the Town's trail system, including progress to implementing the Ipswich River Greenway; 33. 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. 34. Develop funding for comprehensive review and revision of the Zoning Bylaw. 35. Review the need for Earth Removal regulations and determine the best way to implement regulations. 36. Establish a policy on naming of facilities and sites in the community. 37. 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. 38. Conduct a complete review and re-write of the Traffic Rules and Regulations. 39. Complete with the Bylaw Committee, Town Clerk, and Town Counsel a full review of the general bylaws (required every 10 years by Charter) 3 12/2/2010 50 DRAFT 2011 Town.Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of. Reading MA 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. 40. Evaluate the provision of a Disability Insurance program for active employees and the parameters of any .such program. 41. Continue B/C/C ChairNice Chair training. 42. Implement training on Ethics and Open Meeting law as required by the recent changes in law. 4 12/2/2010 51 Board of Selectmen Meeting November 16, 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 was Chairman James Bonazoli, Vice Chairman Camille Anthony, Selectmen Stephen Goldy and Ben Tafoya, Town Manager Peter Hechenbleikner, Office Manager Paula Schena and the following list of interested parties: Matt Casey, Paul Feely, Arthur Katz, Fred Van Magness, Karl Weld, Carl McFadden, Senator-Elect Catherine Clark. Reports and Comments Selectmen's Liaison Reports and Comments - Selectman Stephen Goldy noted that the Board will be. discussing traffic in a couple of weeks, and he would like to add a pedestrian actuated stop signal on Salem Street at the end of Bay State Road. He also noted that there is a problem with traffic not pulling forward on Woburn Street at Salem Street, and the Harrison Street residents want a speed reduction so he will speak with Representative Dwyer regarding this issue. He also requested that.residents be courteous to the neighbors when they go to the Compost Center. Selectman Ben Tafoya noted that there was an accident at Hopkins and Main Street. He also noted that Fuddruckers held a fundraiser for the Drama Club, and he thanked staff and Town Meeting Members for a successful Town Meeting. Vice Chairman Camille Anthony noted that the lights are not synchronized going south on Main Street causing the cars to block Salem Street. She also. noted that when a car comes out of Woburn Street to go north, it blocks the traffic. Chairman James Bonazoli thanked Veterans' Agent Frank Driscoll for the Veterans' Day event. He also thanked the Town Manager and the Town Engineer for the site visit last Saturday. He noted that the paving program needs a closer look, and also noted that the Economic Development Summit went very well. Public Comment - Senator-Elect Catherine Clark was present to introduce herself to the community. Carl McFadden noted that he was approached 10 years ago by Bill Brown and the, Town Manager to help out the Veterans' Fund. The interest is now at 0% and the 10 year anniversary is coming up. The Town Manager noted that the income from that fund has not covered flowers so the Town has supplemented the fund for the past couple of years. Mr. McFadden requested that the Town give back to the Veterans, and suggested that part of the Fall Street Faire Funds go towards the flowers for the Veterans' graves. 6 ~ l 52 Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 16, 2010 - Page 2 Town Manager's Report The Town Manager gave the following report: Administrative Matters • Help Wanted - RMLD CAB Member, FINCOM Member, Bylaw Committee Member and RIAA. • The Board of Selectmen has issued a number of special Permits for early retail sales, and one special permit for 24 hour operation. Does the Board of Selectmen want to conduct public hearings on any or all of these renewals? This is discretionary with the Board of Selectmen. • The holiday Memory Tree lighting is on December 5th, and the Garden Club has requested a representative of the Board of Selectmen to attend and speak.. Selectman Ben Tafoya will speak at the event. • The Town has prevailed at the Appeals Court level in a matter involving a Civil Service case. • A number of Executive Session Minutes have been released per the Board of Selectmen's policy because there is no longer a need to keep the matters of those sessions. confidential. The minutes will be posted on the website shortly. • You have in your packet of information this evening a "Disclosure of Appearance of Conflict of Interest" form from Bryan Walsh, a member of the Finance Committee who is also asking to be appointed to the Parker Middle School Council. There is no action required by the Board of Selectmen. • The Board of Selectmen is asked by the ABCC to sign off on a certification of population which is 24,139 as of July 1, 2010 according to the latest Town Census. Community Development • The Wine Bunker is open. • The Town's Annual Veterans' Day Observance was a great success. Public Safety • The Fire Chiefs of MA Association has requested assistance in asking the Governor to approve changes that would require continuation of the practice of ambulance billing directly to the insurance companies. BC/BS has decided to change the practice and reimburse patients directly, rather than reimbursing the provider. • RCASA has sent out a Press Release about 4 LOKO, a drink that is marketed to youth and which is a combination of high levels of caffeine and alcohol. • The overnight on-street parking ban is in effect until April 9th. Public Works • Recycling and Rubbish - Regular enforcement started the week of November 1 st. • Curbside Leaf Collection will be conducted the weeks of. November 15th and November 29th, and two Spring collection dates to be announced • Design of a project to resurface Main Street is underway. I would not expect work to be done immediately. Selectman Ben Tafoya pointed out the need to coordinate the MWRA water line project which would extend from the Town line to Hopkins Street 'with this effort. 53 Board of Selectmen Meeting; - November 16, 2010 - Page 3 Construction Projects in progress or to be done this year: Road Improvements • Harrison Street DONE • Arlington Street - DONE • Haverhill Street - DONE • Marla Lane - DONE Park Improvements • Memorial Park Tree Planting is complete. Dates and Events • Senior Thanksgiving Dinner - November 20th • Tree Lighting - November 28th • Shop the Block - December 2nd • Garden Club Holiday Memory. Tree Lighting - December 5th, 4:00 p.m., Library The Town Manager noted that it is time to renew the early opening and 24 hour permits, and asked if the Board wanted to hold a hearing. The consensus of the Board was not to hold a hearing. Proclamations/Certificates of Appreciation Certificate of Recognition - Reading Co-Operative Bank Celebrating 125th Anniversary in Reading. This was rescheduled to a date uncertain. Personnel and Appointments The Town Manager requested that the Selectmen appoint Jean Delios as an alternate on the MAPC. A motion by Goldy seconded by Anthony to appoint Jean Delios as the alternate on the Metropolitan Area Planning Council with a term expiring June 30, 2011 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Discussion/Action Items Approve Liquor Licenses The Town Manager noted that the licenses have been reviewed by Police, Health, Building and the Tax Collector, and all fees and taxes will be paid before a license is issued. A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the All Alcoholic Club Liquor Licenses for ♦ Reading Overseas Veterans, Inc d/b/a Reading Overseas Veterans, 575 Main Street ♦ Meadow Brook Golf Corp of Reading, Mass d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club, 292 Grove Street ♦ Home Building Corp d/b/a Knights of Columbus, 11 Sanborn Street ♦ Reading Veterans' Association, Inc d/b/a American Legion Post 62, 37Ash Street 54 Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 16, 2010 - Page 4 for a term expiriniz December 31, 2011 subject. to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the All Alcoholic Package Store Liquor . Licenses for ♦ Busa's Reading Liquors, Inc d/b/a Busa's Reading Liquors, 345 Main Street ♦ Athens Liquors, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, I I High Street ♦ Jai Vaishnodevi & Chirag, Inc. d/b/a North Side Liquors, 150 Main Street ♦ Jahn_avi Riya Wine Shop, Inc. d/b/a The Wine Shop of Readiniz, 676 Main Street ♦ Peter J Donovan d/b/a The Wine Bunker, 128 Market Place Shopping Center, One General Way for a term expiring December 31, 2011 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Anthony to approve the All Alcoholic Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: ♦ Mandarin Reading, Inc d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant, 296 Salem Street ® Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Caf6 Capri, 355 Main Street ♦ CAC Foods, Inc d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant, 680 Main_ Street ♦ Pepper Dining Inc d/b/a Chili's Grill & Bar, 70 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Mac Acquisition of Delaware d/b/a Romano's. Macaroni Grill, 48 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ The Boland Group III, LLC d/b/a Fuddruckers, 50 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Bertucci's Restaurant Corp d/b/a Bertucci's Italian Restaurant, 45 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ RARE Hospitality International, Inc d/b/a Longhorn Steak House, 39 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Ristorante Pavarotti, Inc. d/b/a Ristorante Pavarotti, 601*Main Street ♦ Phider Corp. d/b/a Grumpy Doyle's, 530 Main Street ♦ KOK Inc. d/b/a Oyes, 26 Walkers Brook Drive ♦ Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Sam's Bistro, 107. Main Street for a term expiring December 31, 2011 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. 6 C~q 55 Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 16, 2010 - Page 5 A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Wine and Malt Liquor Licenses for • Palatat Pattenesuan d/b/a Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2011 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subiect to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager. The motion was approved by a vote of 44-0. Hearing Amending Fees - The Secretary read the hearing notice. The Town Manager reviewed the proposed fee amendments. He noted that the Police are proposing charging residents $25.00 for fingerprinting for non-Police matters - they do not. fingerprint non-residents. Community Services proposes a blanket fee for big commercial sites with onsite electricians. The purpose is to keep fees up to date with costs and what is going on in surrounding communities. Fred Van Magness asked if the Selectmen discussed separating the Compost Center fee from the Depot parking fee, and Chairman James Bonazoli indicated that they have discussed this and there would be a cost to split the two. Mr. Van Magness noted that if you pay $25.00 for a sticker, you can park at the Depot for 200 days at a cost of $.15/day. He is not in favor of a 40% increase in. the fee unless the hours at the Compost Center are increased 40%. He suggested increasing the fire inspection fee to $50.00. Karl Weld of 60 Highland Street indicated that he is opposed to fee increases. He feels that. the Board should look at non-fee, non-tax revenue such as billboards and windmill farms. He noted . that Medford received $500,000 up front and $50,000/year for the billboards. He asked if we had to pay DPW workers overtime to work at the Compost Center, and Chairman James Bonazoli noted that-most of the time we use Senior Tax Workers. Mr. Weld noted that we should not increase the fee to the Compost Center because there has been a drop off in volume there since curbside pickup began. Chairman James Bonazoli noted that $0.15/day for parking at the Depot is a huge benefit to residents. Selectman Ben Tafoya indicated that he was not in favor of this fee increase for the sticker. He suggested increasing the proposed #1 fees, and he is not interested in charging a fee to residents for fingerprinting. Selectman Stephen Goldy suggested removing #4 the Depot sticker. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to close the hearing on amending fees was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. s, 5,6 Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 16, 2010 - Page 6 A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the amendments to the fees as follows was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Department Item Description Current Fee Proposed Fee Fire 1 Smoke/Carbon Monoxide alarms Single family $15 $25 Two family $20 $50 Six or fewer residential units $10 per unit $150 Seven or more residential units $10 per unit $500 Fire 2 Oil Burner installations $15 $25- Propane $20 $25 Combustible storage $.15 $25 Town Clerk Renew underground storage tanks $12.50 $25 Town Clerk 3 Copies of Zoning By-Laws (175 pgs) $15 $30 Copies of Town Bylaws (96 pgs) $10 $20 Copies of Town Charter (41 pgs) $6 $10 Police 5 Fingerprinting (non-resident) None $25 Finance 6 Lien Certificates - SF home $25 $50 (doing 25-50/wk, mtg refi's) Public Works 7 Water/Sewer - Charge for final bill None $25 Public Works 8 Sprinkler per head charges $0.25/6 mos. $0 omm. Svcs. 9 Annual blanket fee for commercial With on staff electricians - to apply only to routine maintenance and not to new construction or renovation one 300 Comm. Svcs. 10 Re-inspection Fees - Building permits None $30 2011 Draft Goals -The Town Manager noted that there are 41 items included in the goals. He noted that we need to determine where we are with advertising on billboards. This could have an impact on abutters so due process needs to be done. The Board directed the Town Manager to put this on an agenda as soon as possible. Selectman Ben Tafoya requested starting operational reviews regarding permitting and inspections. He suggested starting with Health and then the Building Department next year. 57 Board of Selectmen Meeting - November 16, 2010 - Page 7 Vice Chairman Camille Anthony referenced the DPW Study and noted that the Board needs to talk about vehicle maintenance -•outsource or regionalization. The Board directed the Town Manager to put this on the December 14th agenda. The Town Manager noted that he needs comments :on the goals by November 29th. Update - Double Utility Poles - Karl Weld noted that there is a double pole at the end of his driveway - it was cut two or three weeks ago. He feels that it is a safety issue. Fred Van Magness noted that there are a lot of poles on Franklin Street right on the edge of the road. The Town Manager noted that double poles are hard to get eliminated. Most of them exist because Verizon has not been moved off. There were 127 double poles in Reading last year, now there are 41. He is pleased with the progress. Review Status of Special Municipal Employees - The Town Manager reviewed the list of Special Municipal Employees. He noted that the Conservation Commission Associate is no longer an issue, and the custodian is no longer an issue. The Community Outreach Worker is not an issue because the person resigned, and Town Meeting Members are not an issue because the Charter Commission no longer exists. The consensus of the Board was to remove the Special Employees from the list if they no longer need that status. Approval of Minutes A motion by Anthony seconded by Goldy to approve the Minutes of September 15, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of October 26, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to approve the Minutes of October 27, 2010 was approved by a vote of 4-0-0. A motion by Tafoya seconded by Goldy to approve the Executive Session Minutes of September 21, 2010, as written, was approved on a roll call vote with all four members votinIZ in the affirmative. A motion by Goldy seconded by Tafoya to adjourn the meetinI4 of November 16, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. was. approved by a vote of 4-0-0. Respectfully submitted, Secretary 6u77 58 Jamed W. Cormier Chief of Palice November 6, 2010 READING POLICE .DEPARTMENT OFFICE OF THE CHIEF 15 Union Street, Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Emergency Only: 911 All Other Calls: 781-944-1212 Fax: 781-944-2893 E-Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us Officer Christopher Voegelin Reading Police Department Dear Officer Voegelin. I C' On November 2, 2010, at 12:47 p.m., you responded to Hopkins Street on a report of a suspicious person on the bridge. The individual in question had been at this general location two hours earlier and you were able to identify him as Reading. Being familiar with Mr. you knew that he had suicidal tendencies. Before going to the bridge the second time, you had presence of mind to stop at on Main Street, knowing that mother worked there. You alerted Mrs. t of the situation and responded to the bridge with her. When you both arrived you observed sitting on the opposite side of the.fence about 30 feet above Interstate I-95 with his feet dangling over the edge. You then called. for help and reached over the fence grabbing Mr. - by the hood of his sweatshirt and prevented him from jumping..Mrs. as also talking to him at this time as you helped get him off the bridge. Your quick thinking and heroic actions were. successful. A short time later you followed up by paying a visit to Mrs. where she advised you that she had arranged for, to get the medical help he so desperately needed. You demonstrated a great deal of compassion and intelligence in the performance of your duty on this call. q(t 1 59 Furthermore, you displayed a great deal of courage holding onto at the edge of the bridge. As a direct result of the manner in which you handled this call, you saved the life of another. Your actions are truly commendable and reflect positively on you, the Reading Police Department, and the. community you serve. . A copy of this letter of commendation will be placed in your personnel folder. Sincerely, James . Cormier Chief of Police 60 November 22, 2010 Li L--_ J1 UJI READING PUBLIC LIBRARY Brian Donoghue Reference and Research Librarian Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners 98 North Washington Street, Suite 401 Boston, MA 02114 Dear Brian: I N) W U: NO I'm happy to submit the Action Plan FY2012 for Reading Public Library! It's full of wonderful ideas that we believe will enhance library services to this unique community and its enthusiastic and curious residents! The Reading Public Library Board of Trustees approved the Action Plan and heard the Progress Report at their meeting on November 16, 2010. Thanks Brian. Cc: Peter I. Hechenbleikner 64 MIDDLESEX AVENUE READING, MASSACHUSETTS 01867 TELEPHONE 781-944-0840 1"C ress Lepcrt en Action 1 (June 2C1 C - November 2011) Reading Public Library 64 Middlesex Ave Reading, MA 01867 781-944-0840 www.readingpl.org coal: Creating New Ways to Connect & Explore Engage & Inspire Learn & Crowt C®NNECT ACUCISS GENE T®®NS CbJeCtiive: Focus on intergenerational programs and activities. AC " es: a Sponsored drop-in style craft classes: - Sit'N Knit (meet twice monthly) - Arts & Crafts for Adults ( summer & holiday programs) Offered opportunities for all ages to learn together: - Drop-in Chess (monthly); used teen volunteers Offered inter-generational walks in the woods during the summer (July & August) Measures: Sit'N Knit sessions: Summer Craft class: Holiday Crafts: Drop-in-Chess: Inter-generational walks in the woods: On average there are about 24 participants per month 52 women of varying ages attend Will be held 11/29/10 69 people attended four sessions 35 people attended during July and August. August walk oversubscribed - added second walk CbieCtiVe: Reach more 20 and 30-year old users via REWIND Film Discussion Series. ,HOC il es: a Offered film discussion series Screened films (3 months only) and were led by outside facilitator © Films available for loan a Series began in July 2010 and continues monthly, except November & December 2010 (facilitator not available) Measures: Screenings: 6 people attended 4 sessions. Screened Films: The Maltese Falcon, The Third Man, Blow Up, Rashomon Discussions: Holiday program: 11 people attended 4 sessions. CbieCtive: Applied for two grants focusing on intergenerational activities. 1 11/22/2010 11:23:27 AM FY 2011 Action Plan- Goals & Activities Updates 1 62 ,ACt!VMeS: a THE BIG READ grant - not funded. These programs would target intergenerational audiences © Louisa May Alcott grant- notice pending. These programs will target intergenerational audiences. See the FY 2012 Plan of Action for a full description (Notice is expected Dec 2010 NEH program) Coal: CREATE NEW MESSAGES TC CCNNECT NEW AUU ENCES CfjeCti[Ve: Reach new audience and new residents. AC il eS: a offered full library services at the town's weekly Farmer's Market at the Train Depot from July to October 2010 - people got library cards, borrowed books and media, returned library materials, etc Set up informational tables at the town Street Faire and Friends and Family Day. At Friends and Family Day we promoted summer programs e Created a library services PowerPoint for PTO meetings. Presented at one PTO meeting Scheduled presentations at two more schools 6 Starteda semiannual (Summer and Winter) craft night appealing to atypical users AeaSnlres: Farmer's Market : 314 of off site outreach contacts 116 items were checked-out, reserved or renewed. Promoted a variety of library services. Comments from the public:. "This is just awesome" / "You guys are offering a great service" / "Glad I ran into you" (this person checked out 3 items) Town Street Fair & Friends Over 100 children and teens signed up for summer reading programs and Family Day: at Friends and Family Day. Street Fair shared activity with Friends and Foundation. Library "Pocket Person" circulated through crowd, handing out little prizes to young kids Presented library information to 20 + parents in May 2010 PTO Meetings: Scheduled presentations at two more schools 52 adults, many new library users, attended this July 2010 event. All volunteer instructors provided hands-on classes. Summer craft night: UbieclUve: Establish a more visible presence in the community. AcUviltiles: a Purchased a library logo banner and tablecloth for public events Incorporated the new library logo into all flyers, Twitter, Facebook, bookmark and library postings e Connected with 5 local agencies for support on environmental literacy, resulting in award of LSTA How Green is My Library grant CbleCUVe: Develop a Welcome Packet. 11/22/2010 11:23:27 AM 63 qFY 2011 Action Plan- Goals & Activities Updates 2 Acuities: o Developed a brochure of library services, highlighting library -wide services Included brochure in all welcome packets for new registered users Handed it out at Farmers Market Outreach A®easuire: Welcome Packet distribution: 761 new library users registered since July 1st, 2010 until November 9, 2010 who received the Welcome Packet Approximately 50 packages were handed out at Farmers Market Ccal: CUSTOA®IZIE & VEPS® ZI= SIEIU Clll= Obiective: Provide personalized reading, listening and viewing recommendations. A " "es: ® Broaden "Staff picks" recommendations to all formats and expand places displayed by: Created staff picks for all staff "Staff picks" bookmarks were used for books, movies, and music A®easut-es: Staff Picks service: 17 staff use their bookmarks regularly. At this moment, 27 items are on the staff picks shelves: 15 books, 8 movies, 4 CDs. Although there is no way to track the circulation of the staff picks, we can say, anecdotally, that the books and movies circulate very well; the CDs less so. Objective: Present variety and choice by highlighting various collections and promoting new formats. A "ties: o Promote new formats with individual focus and publicity o Focus on purchasing MP3 audiobooks AAeasures: MP3 audiobooks: I Ordered 10 and are in the process of planning how to catalog, shelve and circulate them. Objective: Make the library easy and convenient to use. Ac ' es: o Provide quick picks through Express copies of hot titles available Developed "Too hot to trot" titles for the Bestseller display Created in May 2010 and continue to offer eight "to-go" bags for pre-selected items (each bag contains different theme) Measures: "Too hot to trot" service: "To-go" theme bags: Purchased 131 copies of 31 titles 977 is the total circulation of the "Too. hot to trot" titles "Cozy mysteries" has 7 cires "Beach reads" has 6 cires "Historical fiction" has 6 "Laugh out loud" has 5 11/22/2010 11:23:27 AM 64 FY 2011 Action Plan Goals & Activities Updates q~k Lt - 3 "Local color" and "Thrillers" have 4 "Nonfiction page-turners" has 2 "Baseball" has 1 C6.ieCtive: Help patrons develop and track their reading and listening interests. Activities: Provided online and print resources for recording and tracking interests by: Purchased 200 reading journals (cost covered by the Friends of the Library) offered them for sale online recording and tracking interest resources, will be offered in Evergreen, a web based library catalogue to which we will be migrating in January 2012 Offer personalized reading suggestions through library's online databases such as Bookletters, a tool for crating lists of materials from the catalog, and NovelList, an online reader's advisory resource center AAeasures: Personal reading journal; Bookletters services: NovelList service:- Purchased 200 reading journals 110 of them have been sold so far 28 lists were created on various formats and subjects There are 98 subscribers So far 250 searches were conducted during. 52 sessions G®a1: CIV TE YCUNG P EIS: E&PLY CY ObJective: By October 2010, at least 20 New parents of children under 2 years of age will come to the library to get a library card for their babies as a result of programs and PR materials posted in the community and online. AC - 'tV: Created anew scat (750) which records 'Reading New Parent' on patron record. This enables us to track response to our brochure, record number of 'baby' cards issued, and Welcome packet given out. ® Posted "Books and Babies" flier at the YMCA, Market Basket, local church St Athanasius © Distributed "Books and Babies" brochure to Nursery Schools, Reading Pediatrics, and Town Hall Provide Meeting Room space for new Playgroup program Create and track hits to "For Babies and Toddlers" webpage in Kids section of RPL website Continue Lapsit classes over the summer (usually take a hiatus) m Continue to stock fliers and brochures at respective distribution points AAeasuires: Cards issued for children under 2 Between Jan and Nov 2010, 16 library cards were issued years of age: Lapsits and Babytime playgroups: 251 people attended 16 Lapsits classes between July- Nov 2010 79 people used the Meeting Room for 9 Babytime playgroups between July - November 2010 The "For Babies and Toddlers" website was viewed 989 times 11/22/2010 11:23:27 AM FY 2011 Action Plan- Goals & Activities Updates 4 S - 65 -t Library children's webpage visits: The "Storytime" website was viewed 1,010 times Coal: EN CE E r 11_.x' EVIIENCE CbJeectio'e: Promote family use of Museum passes. Ac " il "es: o Using a Monopoly-board style display theme, every week for 18 weeks a different museum pass was highlighted in the main browsing area of the library. Books and media related to the museum's specialty were featured. "Property Deeds" with individual museum info were distributed each week. Aeasures: Slight increase in summer Museum pass circulation numbers. More "buzz" about museum offerings; more telephone inquiries. OblecUVe: "The Big Picture" - To increase family awareness of current cultural issues through collection development, a display of books and multimedia materials, bookmarks and a website of resources. Ac il "es: o Expand offerings about Afghanistan, including its culture, food and educational system © Create webpage of Big Picture-Afghanistan book and multi-media resources for all ages. Create bookmarks with basic resource information Create display of materials, bookmarks and publicity about the local appearances of Mr. Mortensen (author of Three Cups of Tea) and reps from his organization Aeasurm Display item circulation: 30 items circulated from the display Websites visits: There were 263 website visits for "The Big Picture" resources Coal: 13E A 1_IEEILONC MUCAA ON CE P Obleotiive: Increase visibility of foreign language materials available in the Reading Public Library. ,SAC Iles: o Ongoing distribution of two foreign language brochures to newly registered users o Promoted world languages collection and Mango in the library o Publicized new Mango, an online language learning resource, through local newspaper, in house, and to Reading schools foreign language specialists Measures: Newly registered library users: Mango Language usage: 761 new library users (July- Nov 2010) received foreign language brochures July - Nov 2010, 89 people used Mango and accumulated 45 learning hours in 141 sessions f _ G~ 11/22/2010 11:23:27 AM 66 FY 2011 Action Plan- Goals & Activities Updates 5 CbjeCtilve: Improve foreign language materials and services available in the Reading Public Library based on current circulation statistics and survey results. Ac ' ' es: a Analyzed collection circulation Updated and weeded collection Purchased media sets and language learning software o Purchased Mango Language center (online language learning database) for one year subscription Created and distributed a public feedback bookmark which allows users to suggest an item Aeasures: Collection analysis: 29 items were purchased to replace and expand our world language collection and language instructional section Currently there are 481 items in our language instructional section (423- 499) ®bjeClUve: Objective: Track world language and language instructional collections. Ac " "es: . Created Excel spread sheet that includes year, collection type, format, collection size and yearly circulation for both world language and language instructional collections to analyze trends, collection size,, and possible. further purchase and expansion of the collection A®easuiress Report and count stats 11/22/2010 11:23:27 AM FY 2011 Action Plan- Goals & Activities Updates 6 67 ;IY Ilk r Reading Public Library FY2012 Action Plan Update for Year Three Creating New Ways to Connect & Explore Engage & Inspire Learn & Grow 64 Middlesex Ave Reading, MA 01867 781-944-0840 www.readingpl.org Part One: New Ways to Connect & Explore -The library is the gathering place for the community, where generations are connected and is the center for community information. Goal: CONNECT ACROSS GENERATIONS Objective: Offer intergenerational programming. via the Louisa May Alcott grant from Spring 2011 through Fall 2011. (NEH grant application pending award Nov 2010) Activities: © Hold scholar-led classes based on the book & .film: Louisa MayAlcott: The Women Behind Little Women a Introduce community, adults youth, to LMA and her local contemporaries -Thoreau, Emerson, Hawthorne & their philosophies o Collaborate with community partners a RCTV-televise events & programs (i.e. LMA Day) Reading Rec. - offer trip to Orchard House Historical Commission - provide relevance to Reading history ® Creative Ar ts - offer fiddle music from LMA's time as well as theatrical & art presentations Offer patrons museum pass to Orchard House Measures: © Track attendance & feedback (via print or online) ® Track circulation of museum pass to Fruitlands & Orchard House Objective: Develop programming around the work and life of Emily Dickinson. Activities: ® Harold Bond offered to facilitate classes, including book discussions, playacting, & writing workshops o Work with Reading Rec. to offer trip to Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst © Collaborate with Creative Arts to provide poetry writing workshops for all ages Measures: Attendance at programs. Participant's feedback. Interest in further programming objective: Offer Nintendo Wii games attractive to 20 to 30 year olds. Activities: m Purchase Wii games such as Zumba, Wii Fit, Just Dance, NBA Jam, etc ® Establish regular patron e-mail updates of new games Two times a year, showcase our collection of adult Wii games via displays, online & 11/22/2010 11:20:07 AM FY 2012 Action Plan 1 68 demonstrations Measures: Goal: Objective: Program attendance Track game circulation ® Track # of games requested CREATE NEW MESSAGES TO CONNECT NEW AUDIENCES Connect with new audiences at community events. Activities: 0 Provide library service at the Train Depot/Farmer's Market July through October 2011 © Table and provide activity at least three town events - Friends and Family Day, Reading Street Faire, YMCA, Holiday Tree Lighting, etc 0 Use presence at all community events to share information on the Library Building Plan and ongoing access to library materials and services Measures: 0 Track items checked out 0 Collect statistics on new cards issued 0 Record comments and feedback Objective: Establish a more visible presence in the community. Activities:. 0 Refine Library Services PowerPoint to highlight information relating to the new building plan 0 Schedule library staff visits to schools and community organizations to share information on the Library Building Plan and ongoing access to library materials and services 0 Work with other community organizations on shared goals and reaching new audiences by, encouraging broad community input to the library building process Measure: 0 Track number of visits and attendees Objective: 0 Explore and use technology to provide content and form connections Activities: 0 Develop short commercials to share information about the new library building process 0 Develop short commercials to share information on other library services Share commercials via social media tools and cable television 0 Provide online instruction to compensate for lack of teaching space through construction Measure: 0 Track hits to the online tools q 11/22/2010 11:20:07 AM FY 2012 Action Plan 2 69 Objective: Reach new audiences and new residents. Activities- © Develop and distribute a "Building a New Reading Library" brochure to connect new audiences to the building process. Continue the semiannual adult craft series Part Two: New Ways to Engage & Inspire - The library offers customized and personalized service for all generations and ages, with convenience and value Goal: CUSTOMIZE & PERSONALIZE SERVICE Objective: Provide personalized reading, listening and viewing recommendations. Activity: o Since public likes browsing and selecting from "Staff Picks" displays, encourage broader participation by staff in using the staff picks bookmarks and make it easy for staff to participate. © Add staff picks feature to the website; keep it current and broadly representative of different tastes and formats; publicize. Using Bookletters, a tool for creating lists of materials from the catalog, we have developed many lists of new materials to which patrons can subscribe. We currently update and post 28 lists, which have a combined total of 98 subscribers. We are planning a publicity push. Measures: 17 staff members currently use the bookmarks regularly. Increase participation by 50%, especially • with media formats. o Get at least 25 subscribers to the website version of staff picks. Increase subscription to Bookletters lists by 50% Objective: Make the library easy and convenient to use. Activity: © Institute self-check and patron pickup of holds. Plan signage for the new building. © Use Evergreen features to make locations of materials easier to find, e.g. shelf locations, maps, etc. Objective: Present variety and choice by highlighting various collections and promoting new formats. Activity: Have a technology "petting zoo" for ebook readers. Buy devices, e.g. Kindle, Sony E-reader, Nook, iPad, for patrons to compare, although not necessarily for circulation © Participate with "Create new messages" group in creating commercials for TV and YouTube (see above). Develop displays that incorporate multiple formats, including new formats such as MP3 audiobooks. 11/22/2010 11:20:07 AM FY 2012 Action Plan 3 70 ,16 Measures: 0 Offer several programs on e-readers for patrons: how to choose, how to use, which ones they can use with the library's materials, etc. Also have the devices available on request. Objective:. Help patrons develop and track their reading, viewing and listening interests. Activity: 0 Provide instruction in using online resources to record and track reading, viewing and listening, e.g. Library Thing, NovelList, ReadAlikes, etc. 0 Use interactive features in Evergreen catalog that allow patrons to make and share lists, reviews, comments, etc. Measures: 0 Offer at least 3 programs and/or trainings in using online resources. Objective: Strive for customization of standard services, like museum pass reservations and patron-placed holds, so that public can manage their accounts as they prefer - self-check and online reserves, or with assistance of staff Activity: Reading Public Library circulation and technical services staff will participate in customization planning for new Evergreen system and actively pursue new features that the building program offers for self- check, after-hours check outs, (locker-style boxes), and other service enhancements residents identify as valuable and time-saving. Part Three: New Ways to Grow and Learn - The library facilitates lifelong education, from early literacy to adult and senior classes, and provides an enhanced family experience Goal: CREATE YOUNG READERS: EARLY LITERACY Objective: Provide informative and playful classes for parents and kids under 2. Activity: 0 Librarians teach monthly Lapsit classes, during day and evening, 1 to 2 Lapsit series per month (each series consists of 4 weekly lapsits) 0 Librarians teach 1 to 2 Lapsit class series per month during days and evenings (each series consists of 4 weekly lapsit classes) Measures: - Class attendance 0 Children's new library cards Objective: Attract area newcomers to library and early childhood resources through `Playgroup' experience. Activity: 0 Offer library space equipped with toys, books and a-v materials Measure: 0 Program attendance 11/22/2010 11:20:07 AM 71 FY 2012 Action Plan Objective: By May 2012, update Parent/Teacher Collection to include updated literacy/child development resources and parenting periodicals. Activities: 0 Order from reviews and bookstore displays Move parenting periodicals from adult collection to Parent/Teacher collection 0 Publicize using web and flyers the new location of the periodicals and the new materials in the collection measures: 0 Circulation of materials 0 Collection size (Current collection size is 613 items) Objective: By June 2012, contact local parents groups to inform them about early literacy and what the Reading Public Library offers for families with babies and toddlers. Activities: 0 Contact Connect The Tots and Parents of Tots (two local groups) Promote books for babies or early literacy via The Tots and Parents of Tots' newsletter 0 Establish contact with The Tots and Parents of Tots to conduct a class about books for babies or class on early literacy Measures:. 0 Class attendance 0 Number of subscribers who get group newsletter Goal: ENHANCE THE FAMILY EXPERIENCE Objective: Conduct 2 family programs each month; one at the library and one off-site during the first half of the _ year. Conduct 2 family programs each month off-site during the 2nd half of the year (as necessary). Activities: 0 Brainstorm program ideas. 0 Discuss funding for programs and the staffing necessary to cover the programs. Generate list of possible off-site locations and community groups to work with, such as Reading Recreation, Creative Arts for Kids, Quannapowitt Players, Colonial Chorus, PTO's'& schools, Science Olympiad Team. ® Contact those groups. 0 Plan programs & schedule. Generate list of places to publicize and media to use. 0 Publicize each program. Conduct each program. 0 At off-site programs, create a display of materials to circulate & encourage circulation. 0 At off-site programs, create opportunities for new patrons to get library cards. Measures: - 0 Attendance 11/22/2010 11:20:07 AM 72 FY 2012 Action Plan GXS 1 5 Circulation of materials # of different community groups/organizations reached a # of new library cards issued Goal: Objective: Activities: Measures: Objective: Activity:, Measures: BE A LIFELONG EDUCATION CENTER Conduct series of 10 life skills classes such as banking online, booking airline tickets, paying bills online during the July 1st, 2011- June 30t", 2012. Promote and advertise classes in the library and in local media Confirm instructors and class schedules Reserve meeting spaces - book library room or other offsite location if under construction . o Use library website as an access point for class handouts and presentation to be available 24/7 to everyone m Handout information about the new Library Building Plan Develop online survey for feedback after each class Total number of classes o Total number of participants Continue to improve foreign language materials and services available in the Reading Public Library based on current circulation statistics, patron input, and survey results. © Analyze collection circulation ® Analyze and update collection ® From September to November, collect statistical information for collection analysis and purchase new materials based on current trends, circulation, and patron's requests. Replace high circulation books with mixed media sets such as book and CD sets, book and DVD sets, and language learning software Promote world language and language instruction collections by including two brochures in new library users' packages and publicizing in local media, library website, and in the library Evaluate Mango Language statistics for possible 3rd year subscription purchase m Continue advertising and publicizing Mango Language center to library users Establish off site location for foreign language materials during the library closing Number of world language and language instruction collections holdings Item circulation ® Number of Mango Language sessions 11/22/2010 11:20:07 AM FY 2012 Action Plan 6 73 t. (c -6 0 7010 NOV 23 AM 11:.39 November 21 2010 To the Editor, I felt very sad when I read in "The Chronicle", that Mr. Hechenbleiker felt it was not feasible for the Town of Reading to put money into placing flowers on the graves of our veterans, if not the town's responsibility, than whose? Donna Horton asked at the Veteran's Day Ceremony that we be "ever mindful." of the vPt~.rau s sacrifice for our country. Mr. Hechenbleiker stated in the article, that we might have the money to decorate the graves in a few years. I don't think that's what ever mindful means. I had four brothers who were in the military during WWII. I take responsibility for taking care of three of their graves. One, I cannot, because he was killed in the Pacific and buried at sea. He was 20 years old. The supreme sacrifice! St. Patrick's of Stoneham recently honored men by giving them their high school diplomas because they did not graduate with their class as they left school to join the service. Two of them were my brothers. How wonderful to have someone still remember their sacrifice. Perhaps it's time to stop patting ourselves on the back for the wonderful job of fixing up our town. Maybe it's time for us to make the sacrifice. Could some of the money needed, come from the new Meal Tax which was voted down... and then voted in again, because it would be great revenue to the town! I personally will be sending a check to Frank Driscoll, our town's veteran's agent and ask that anyone who is able, to.do the. same. Let's decorate those graves for Memorial Day! oreen D' Entremont Cc: Board of Selectmen Cc:Frank Driscoll, Veteran's Services Town Hall q (2/ 1 74 Page I of 2 c---,/ C- i . -5 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 11:51 AM To: Rhonda Holt; Town Manager Cc: Reading Selectmen; Stan Usovich (stanley.j.uscovich@verizon.com); Schena, Paula Subject: RE: PEG Grant Fee on my Verizon Bill Rhonda The PEG access is set at 5% of the Cable_TV bill, and is the same with both Verizon and Comcast. The fee should be levied only on the cable TV portion of the bill. If the total cost of your Verizon package is $99 per month, the bill may not be.calculated correctly, because it is supposed to be levied only on the cable TV portion of the bill. I will copy this to Verizon for them to review. The fees have been in place at the 5% level since each of the franchise agreements were approved by the Board of Selectmen several years ago. The fees will be in place until each of the cable TV franchises. The Verizon franchise expires January 24, 2021, and the Comcast franchise expires November 24, 2018. Both of these franchise grant and renewals were the subject of extensive public hearings, and most of the testimony at those hearings was on the need for the 5% PEG access fee to support the operation of the Community Access Corporation - RCN, which televises all local meetings and many other local programs.. Verizon appears to be meeting the requirements of law in the manner in which it discloses the fee. We cannot add the information tot the tax bill, but we will take a look at how we provide that information to the community - probably through the web site. 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.reading ma..gav email townmanager@ci.reading.ma:.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma- survgy.v_irtualtownhall. net/suDLey/sid/4a123638fd4e28b8/ From,: Rhonda Holt [mailto:rholt@verticalresponse.com] Sent: Monday, November 22, 2010 5:29 PM To: Town Manager Cc: Reading - Selectmen Subject:. PEG Grant Fee on my Verizon Bill Hi Peter, I'm wondering if you can provide me with a little information. I recently signed up for the Verizon 11/29/2010 75 Page 2 of 2 triple-play phone/internet/cable plan. I noticed on my bill that there is a $4.68 (monthly) PEG Grant Fee. I called Verizon and the customer service person did not know what this fee was for. I looked on- line and my understanding is that it's a, fee determined by the town to support local access programming. I would like to know: (1) Who determined this fee? When and how often is this fee evaluated? How is this fee assessed? Is it a flat rate? Is it based on the discounted bundle package or the full value of the package? The taxes and fees on my $99 package add up to an additional $16.61 a month, ($4.68 of which is this PEG Grant Fee). Is the PEG Grant Fee or tax rate the same for Comcast, Dish Network and Verizon if you live in the town of Reading? (2) How was this fee disclosed? (An asterisk with a tiny little statement saying that Verizon's rate does not include taxes and fees does not qualify as disclosure in my opinion.) At the very least, the town should disclose this fee and how it's determined, especially if the fee is assessed on the full-value of the package before discounts, because Verizon has a tendency to throw in "free" trial or 1 year movie packages. Perhaps, this information could be included with the regular tax bill, dump schedule or the R ALD mailing. Thanks. Rhonda 11/29/2010 76