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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-03 Board of Selectmen PacketoFRFgory~ Town of Reading y 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Inc0R4~R FAX: (781) 942-9071 ER g4 MANAGANAG Email: townmanager@ci.reading.ma.us TOWN Website: www. readingma.gov MEMORANDUM TO: Board of Selectmen FROM: Peter I. Hechenb.leikner DATE: December 29, 2011 RE: January 3, 2012 Agenda 5) The School Committee and Finance Committee will be joining the Board of Selectmen for the first.two items on the agenda. 5a) The Town has completed the OPEB Actuarial Study and the consultant from Segal Associates will be present to discuss the results of the study. Staff will be making the recommendation that the Warrant for the 2012 Annual Town Meeting include an Article to establish and OPEB trust fund and-will be recommending methods to begin to fund the trust fund at modest levels through some one time revenues. 5b) In your packet is an outline of a presentation by myself, RCASA Director Erica McNamera, Police Chief James Cormier and Superintendent of Schools John Doherty. The purpose of this discussion is to present to the Board of Selectmen, the School Committee, Finance Committee and the community a holistic coordinated approach to addressing substance abuse in the community. This will need to be a sustained effort over a long period of time and success will be difficult to measure. However, based on incidents during 2011 and results of the community dialogue, actions such as that outlined need to be taken. 5c) The Town Accountant's term expires the last day of March 2012. Even though Gail LaPointe has indicated her retirement at the end of June, she still needs to be appointed for the interim period of April through June. Normally this is done in March however, Gail will be out for significant parts of February and into March and since she will be present on January 3rd relative to item 5a, this may be an appropriate time to reappoint her. 5d) At the Selectmen's direction, I have included on the agenda the first of the three instructional motions given, but not approved, at the Subsequent Town Meeting. The 6 Historical Commission will be present and the maker of the motion at Town Meeting has been informed of the date and time. 5e) I will be making a presentation to the Board of Selectmen on a proposal to construct a bandstand in the area in front of Town Hall, but not utilizing the property on the Common, very similar to what was proposed in 1997. The Historical Commission has been informed of my intent to make this presentation. The Rotary Club has indicated an interest and willingness to spearhead the community fundraising for this structure if the Board of Selectmen approves it. I will ask that the Board of Selectmen approve a bandstand in concept for this location, subject to survey, engineering and design work. That way I can mobilize the Engineering Division surveyors, and others to look at final design options. 5f) The Town has received the resignation of Jeff Doucette from the Library Board of Trustees. His term was due to expire in 2012. To fill interim between now and March 6, 2012, the Town would receive applications and a committee of the whole consisting of the remaining other Library Trustees as well as the five Selectmen would interview candidates and make an appointment. That candidate may or may not run for election in the March 6, 2012 Town Election. 5g) Included in the packet is a set of draft goals for 2012 for the Boards consideration, input and advice. PIH/ps 7 TO: Board of Selectmen From: Peter I. Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Date: Thursday, December 22, 2011 Re: Substance Abuse and Violence Since the August 2011 very visible shooting in Reading in a substance abuse related case, and the subsequent death of a Reading man in a nearby community, Reading has ramped up its focus on substance abuse. The Community participated in 3 community dialogues in the fall focused on the issues of substance abuse and violence. As a result of those dialogues, the Superintendent of Schools, Police Chief, and Executive Director of RCASA have discussed what efforts we as a community can take to address these issues at a higher level than previously. The intent is to take a comprehensive, holistic approach to the issue: s RCASA - continue work on Substance Abuse Prevention, and act as the primary community outreach mechanism on these issues ® Police - enhance law enforcement and investigative capabilities ® Schools -Address expanded health, and counseling efforts related to school aged residents and their families Attached are summaries from RCASA, the Police Chief and the Superintendent of Schools outlining their particular elements of this community priority. More detailed discussion including the financial implications of the proposals will be discussed as part of the budget process. ® Pan,- 1 8 SL I Memo from RCASA Role Convene stakeholders to develop strategies to reduce substance abuse in Reading. The Problem Youth in Reading, MA are using alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, and heroin early, frequently and heavily. Adults in Reading, MA are also experiencing addiction and community members are affected by strained relationships, crime and health issues. Mission Our mission is to promote a healthy community environment so that everyone who lives, work, or goes to school s in Reading can enjoy an optimum quality of life. Specifically, we aim to reduce substance abuse among youth and adults by addressing substance abuse and related risk factors and by promoting factors that minimize substance abuse and related risks. Goals 1. To strengthen collaboration in our community on substance abuse issues. 2. To reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the~risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse. Strategies RCASA focuses on seven community change strategies to reduce substance abuse including: Providing Information, Enhancing Skills, Providing Support, Enhancing Access to Healthy Opportunities, Changing Consequences, Physical Design, and Modifying Policies. Need for Staff Sustainability RCASA staff plays a key role in coordinating community efforts across the police, town, school and community sectors. According to partners, RCASA staff has been instrumental in leading efforts to recruit and train youth leaders; engage stakeholders; and advocate for change in enforcement, policy and educational efforts. Staff directly engaged 904 individuals in coalition events in 2011 compared to 292 in 2008. Over the past 4 years, 5,250 individuals were educated through prevention workshops for parents, faculty, police, town, and youth. ® The Project Director oversees personnel, fiscal management, public relations, and coordinates collaborative coalition work, including community.planning, training, coalition communication, data collection, dissemination, reporting, and program evaluation. The Director oversees projects impacting the town, police, school, and community sectors. The PD is a Certified TIPs Trainer. The Outreach Coordinator coordinates project services and project activities, including training, communication and information dissemination. The OC will • dedicate time to the proposed RPS Teen Screen Program (Behavioral Health Assessments including substance abuse) and enhance adult support (workplace trainings, adult/family support group). The OC is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Addiction Counselor (CADAC). Leveraging Resources Since 2008, RCASA staff has worked with police, town and school partners to apply for grants to benefit coalition work. Since 2008, resources garnered include $15,000 in funds for alcohol compliance and $41,160 in mini-grants for youth development and healthy community efforts. Pioneering Efforts ® Gained the trust of key partners to coordinate critical data collection efforts that has yielded the most comprehensive needs assessment on substance abuse issues in town history. ® 1 st community in our region to 1) conduct a field-based environmental scanning process; 2) operate a_24/7 medication collection program; 3) strengthen local town, police and school polices. ® One of the first in our region to develop and sustain a strong youth leadership program focused on substance abuse prevention. ® 1 of 70 communities in Massachusetts to adopt a public consumption by-law on marijuana. Accomplishments Recognized by the MA Public Health Association for Outstanding Community Outreach. Recognized by the U.S. Presidential Volunteer Service Award Program for youth and adult leadership contributions. Recognized by the national publication of the National Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA). for commitment to quality needs assessment and medication collection. 10 ,y,0 RCASA STRATEGIC PLAN T" 7 The Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (RCASA) is a community-wide coalition focused on substance abuse prevention within the broad context of a healthy community in which quality of life is a priority for all who live, go to school, and work in Reading, Massachusetts. SL H 11 RCASA Strategic plan RCASA Strategic Plan 10/1 /201 1-9/30/2014 T Problem Youth in Reading, MA are using alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs, and heroin early, frequently and heavily. Si o P.1 Our mission is to promote a healthy community environment so that everyone who lives or works in Reading can enjoy an optimum quality of life. Specifically, we aim to reduce substance abuse among youth and adults by addressing substance abuse and related risk factors and by promoting factors that minimize substance abuse and related risks. 1, 1. To establish and strengthen collaboration among communities, private nonprofit agencies, and Federal, State, local, and tribal governments to support the efforts of community coalitions to prevent and reduce substance abuse among youth. 2. To reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults by addressing the factors in a community that increase the risk of substance abuse and promoting the factors that minimize the risk of substance abuse. ^3 ® 904 individuals were directly involved in the coalition in 2011 compared to 293 when in 2008. ® 5,250 individuals reached through prevention workshops in the past 4 years. ~rotcindred Long Terorn Outcomes Decrease percent of youth.... ® using tobacco before age 13 o first using alcohol before age 13 12 Page J(~ RCASA Strategic Plan • first using marijuana before age 13 • using alcohol within the past 30 days • using tobacco within the past 30 days • first using marijuana in the past 30 days • using Rx drugs to get high • binge drinking 1. An integrated, community substance abuse prevention system-to establish a sustainable community coalition through which a prevention framework is implemented. Progress: Coalition formally established in 2005. Board representation from key sectors recruited. Funding secured from 2007-2012. Staff hired in 2007. Youth Crew and Student Club established in 2008. Community involvement prioritized through info-gathering sessions and community events. 2. Behavior Change-to reduce substance abuse among youth and, over time, among adults Progress: 5,000 individuals have been reached through prevention workshops for parents, faculty, police, town, and youth.- Reductions in substance use include: Data Declines: High School Survey Results Got in car with alcohol or drug-impaired driver (past 30 days) Drove alcohol-impaired (past 30 days) Drove drug-impaired (past 30 days) Smoked first cigarette use (before age 13) Used cigarettes (lifetime) Used cigarettes(past 30 days) Used smokeless tobacco (past 30 days) Binge underage drinking (page 30 days) Used marijuana (lifetime) Used marijuana (past 30 days) First marijuana use (before age 13) Data Declines: Middle School Survey Results- Got in car with alcohol-impaired driver (past 30 days) Drank alcohol (lifetime) Used marijuana (lifetime) Used marijuana (past 30 days) First marijuana use (before age 13) Page 2 13 RCASA Strategic Plan Data collected: ✓ Middle and High School Youth Risk Behavior Surveys ✓ PRIDE Surveys ✓ Coalition/Partnership Survey. ✓ One-on-one interviews ✓ Focus groups ✓ Trainings/workshop data ✓ Police Data ✓ Health Data (local CODs (Cause of Death) ✓ EMS calls for service ✓ Compliance Surveys for alcohol and tobacco; Enviro Scans; policy reviews (alcohol, tobacco, police/school protocols) s x r k S c:° ~ F 'y3 i7• '~8 ~ t ~~;c J tl k~ 3 a. Mobilize the community to increase substance abuse prevention protective factors and decrease risk factors: Progress: The following areas were completed during the previous planning period. ✓ Implement Strategic Prevention Framework (SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse Prevention) ✓ Create opportunities for participation and collaboration for youth and adults ✓ Develop coalition infrastructure, funding & membership ✓ Conduct community outreach ✓ Share information dissemination ✓ Host Conversation Hours ✓ Build youth leaders activities To be done: Expand sustainability efforts b. Limit access to substances ✓ Learn more about what the community needs ✓ Review school, town, organizational policy and implement evidence-based policy ✓ School Search, Seizure & Breathalyzer Policy Implemented ✓ Town Alcohol Policies Updated ✓ Police Medication Collection Policy Implemented ✓ Build enforcement capacity of police department for all substances thru training and community support ✓ Increase Enforcement of alcohol retailers, servers in new retailers o The alcohol compliance rate amongst 23 licenses for 2011 was 22% of retailers sold to an underage operative conducted by Reading Police. The average failure rate since 2008 has been 9%. To be done: Implement and/or sustain priorities from community needs assessment 14 ('age 3 RCASA Strategic Plan c. Change the culture and contexts in Reading within which decisions about substance use are made ✓ Change Social Norms-Media Campaigns- Promote healthy community alternatives ✓ Evidence Based Programs such as Life Skills, Strengthening Families, All Stars ✓ Skill based workshops, training, technical assistance for parents, coalition members, community, organizations, youth d. Change the consequences associated with use (incentives/disincentives ✓ School "personalization" plan ✓ Enforcement of alcohol servers and retailers ✓ Community Recognition activities ✓ Parent workshops, limit setting skills; social host liability e. Assess Community/physical design ✓ Explore community design in relation to substance abuse prevention, e.g. lighting and signage at parks and youth hangouts; To be done: Implement and/or sustain priorities from Behavioral Health Task Force Report. } ~ Gi'L Yc v' iCt '>44iArw series Pr,& -,A iy-r pI n rAFlE RESULT- SEPT. 201 i. SEE VV0PDLL- BELOW NAI COMPLY WITH NORM M- AUEMIC 1dEMRE EASILY ACCESSED TO LOOSEN UP ADULT USERS IN NEED INCONSISTENT TREATMENT TECHNOLOGY OVMOSES ROBBERIES THEFT FROM DRUG USERS NEED FOR RESOURCES GET HAS RESOURCES DESVOYING Es 9WR19 LOSS OF POTENTIAL ,ge r TM` SOCIAL NOW FA'LI HELP FAMILIES CURIOSITY 4 M. INVOLVEMENT VULNERABILITY No LA"' NOT ENOUGH O A I ¢FI sc110OLs SELF NEED MORE HEALTH EDUCATION W~EACH OFFENSE INCREASE PUNISHMENT BQREM h t ~•.HEAR OEATH EDUCATE YOUNG 3 . j CONSEQUENCES FRn,- SOCIAL MEDIA u1tl+.`I'' CL SH L 3 ~ y 18 - 25 YEARS OLD IN NEED T1iE~ r ~ ACCOUNTABILITY ALL H E LISTEN YOUNSER CH 'ILDREN OVERDOX ~ IGNORE , ~ REORGANIZE EFFECTING YOUNGER PEOPLE WS a~' WE ° ' . r SCHOOL PRESSURE LACK OF. SUPERVISION PERFECTION HOME ~PEER PERFE LONG -TERM COMMITMENT LACK OF CONSEQUENCES CUTTING LIVES SHORT SUPE)t1ASE0 ACTIVITIES. NOT ALWAYS SAFE GAME COMMUNICATE URINKING PUBLIC SAFETY OPEN ACTIVE INTERVENTION "EALUGA."E swrEu ORUG USE CHANGE MORE CONSEQUENCES C06httUNITYHiGN SCHOOL UNSAFE WAKE UP CALL NEED RESOURCES MIDDLE ESSCHOOL UTCAW SAFE STRAIN ACT CREATIVE Page 4 S'bg. 15 RCA5A Strategic Plan RCASA ANNUAL MEETING HIOH>? IGHTS- OCT. 201 1 HTTP•JJARCHIVE. CONSTANTCONTACT.COMIFS02511101638098020/AR CHIVE/1 108079819041 HTML RCASA CALL TO ACTION EXCERPTS- OCT. 201 1 Leadership e Getting community leaders aligned is critical-everyone on same page ® Keep it in the open ® Keep talking/be visible, Educate/communicate/outreach Professional Development ® Education for all parents/recognition and signs of substance abuse ® Can we start earlier? At grade school level. More education on time, pressure w/ academics, sports, outside activities... Access to Resources and Services ® Follow up of 16 Year Old Me/Teen Hang Out ® Put all information in one place ® Better utilize school counselors as a resource Academic and Non-Academic Supports ® Kids need somewhere to go ® More counselors in school ® Need middle school health and sex education . Policies, Procedures and Protocols o Teachers need to know what the underlying issues are with students O Open communication through everyone (parents, students, staff...) ® A pre-school meeting before the start of the school year 'w/ staff to inform about student issues Page c5 16 sv_1 RCASA Strategic Plan Collaboration w/ Families ® The last thing your kid needs is another friend....Be a PARENT ® Family Dinners ® Communication-saturate the community wl information, how can churches/faith groups help? f wRr0o k..a°` ! r i?[`TS . 'P~. C 1' i Y` L d°' pa ~''=.,✓4 M4.~ !d G$js`t^ C b r' f f t`; ~'~v.yf~:: ii,.E . C a~ ~ e~y` ~ R`I"'S+'~ ~k~ rs~ ` ~ x u» ® Offer capacity-building training for board members, subcommittee members, and Youth Crew.. ® Engage World Cafe consultant to provide coalition technical assistance and training on community engagement strategies. ® Support community partners continuation of parent education offerings. ® Promote k-12 Comprehensive Health Education including evidence-based substance abuse prevention across the school-age span. • Partner with School Wellness Coordinator and school'coaches to promote ATOD prevention. ® Provide ATOD educational personnel training. ® Continue Rx Round Up Program ® Support the Police Department to determine officer training needs. ® Conduct outreach to PTOs and other parent groups to continue informal parent networking ® Explore collaborative school and RCASA activities ® Collaborate with Reading HS to adapt the results of "School Personalization Initiative" ® Continue U.S. President's Volunteer Service Recognition Program for youth and adults. ® Adapt materials from SAMHSA behavioral health stigma campaigns for local use and dialogue ® Support continued alcohol compliance operations (compliance checks, surveillance, and party patrols) ® Recognize businesses and volunteers at RCASA meetings, community forums, website, and media ® Conduct environmental scan every 6 months with community volunteers to review the parks, landscape, signage, lighting and outlet density in Reading for risk factors. ® Develop path to referral system including early intervention, screening, disciplinary procedures, and family support protocol. ® Coalition members review substance abuse policies in their workplace and/or nonprofit organizations. Page b 17 ~~11? QE'RF~Q T\.8: tNCOR4~,. Jamee W. Cormier Chief of Police December 28, 2011 READiNG POLICE EPA TmFNT OFFICE OF THE CIREF 15 Union Street. Reading, Massachusetts 01.867 Emergency Only: 411 All Other Calls: 781-944-1212 Fax: 781-944-2893 E-Mail: JCormier@ci.reading.ma.us To: Town Manger, Peter I. Hechenbleikner From: Chief James W. Cormier RE: Community Priorities FYI 3 Peter, I would like to take this opportunity to recommend to you an increase in the size of our police force in response to on-going law enforcement challenges within the community. As a collaborative effort with the Reading Public Schools and the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse (R.CASA) we have identified increasing the Police Department as one of a number of community priorities we recommend for consideration for the Fiscal Year 2013 budget. During the past several years, the Town has seen growth in its residential and business sectors both of which have contributed to increased demand for Police services, and we know that the residential population increases are not complete. Some examples of these demands include a federal agency drug arrest in the Home Depot parking lot and a situation where four local individuals have been charged with committing a home invasion. Our location at the busiest highway interchange in New England creates opportunities for transient buyers and sellers of illicit narcotics, as well as those within our community, to target customers from near and far. Recently, a local homicide and out-of-town homicide of Reading residents were both directly related to substance issues. Seventeen drug-related deaths and at least 123 overdoses of individuals in Reading in the past 8 years is another measure of the on- going problems that substance use/abuse has created. With substance use/abuse come collateral impacts, such as increases in property crimes, thefts, sexual assaults and domestic violence. The RCASA`program, which receives direct support from the RPD and the Detective Division in particular, focuses on stopping children and others from becoming users of drugs. This important role needs to be complemented by public safety's primary role in the fight against drug abuse, which is interdiction, and the School Department's educational components for a community wide effort. It is important to note that demand for Police services continues to grow. Our total calls for service are steady, but the volume of crime reports and the type of crimes are creating an increase in workload for the entire department. Criminal applications (summons, warrants) have doubled in the past five years and are-approaching nearly 1000 per year. Breaking & Entering X6(1 18 crimes are up 400% in 2010 (214) from the preceding year and the trailing five year average. See Figure 1. 400 350 --W..~............ ~ 354 354 300 250 200 LARCENY 150 100 42 54 51 50 0 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 Figure 1 Robberies and sexual assaults, both of which require lengthy investigations, are. up 200%. See Figure 2. While some common police service requests are within historical averages, many others are trending upward an d two new types were added in 2009, including Marijuana Citations (possession under 1 oz.) which.recorded 71 offenses in 2010. Figure 2 We are very fortunate that our clearance rates in these areas are above the national averages, and in some cases significantly above. The Police Officers and Detectives are doing a very good job responding to and investigating the criminal activity. By adding additional staff this ,coming fiscal year we will begin to be able to make some adjustments and assignments, that will allow the department to more effectively address these challenges. Just a word of caution that the modest addition of staff will not be the answer to our crime and substance issues, but by properly staffing and utilizing our resources we will provide better services to focus on and address these issues. 3za 293 301 214 19 Superintendent's Office 82 Oakland Road Reading, MA 01867 Jdoherty@readlng.k12.ma.us Memo To: Peter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager, Town of Reading From: John Doherty; Superintendent of Schools CC: Reading School Committee Date: 12/27/2011 Re: Community Priorities for FY13 Budget Over the last few months the Town of Reading, Reading Public Schools, Reading Police Department, and the Reading Coalition Against Substance Abuse have engaged the community in dialogue about substance abuse and violence. During the FY13 budget development, some needs have been identified which will begin to address some of the issues that emerged during the discussions. The following community priority areas'will be addressed in the FY13 Superintendent's Recommended budget: 1. Expanding Health Curriculum at the Middle and High School Currently, the only formal health class that exists in the Reading Public Schools is the Grade 9 Decisions class. In Grades 3-8, students receive about 10 hours of physical education per year in their physical education classes: Students in grades 10, 11, and 12 do not receive any formal health education. During the fall a comprehensive analysis was completed by the Behavioral Health Task Force and the Reading Public School Health and Wellness Department as to the gaps in our health education curriculum. The groups used the latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, as well as, the School Health Index analysis tool, and the HCAT. The analysis showed that our PreK=12 Health Education program has significant gaps. At the elementary level, one of the gaps is growth and development in Grade 5, an area that used to be addressed several years ago in collaboration. with the Town Health Department. At the middle school level, there are gaps in several areas including substance abuse prevention, growth and development, HIV/AIDS, nutrition, and mental health. At the high school level, similar gaps occur in substance abuse prevention, medication safety, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and pregnancy prevention. Recommendation The recommendation in the FY13 budget is to add a grade 5 unit on growth and development, which will be taught by our school nurse staff, a middle school health education class in either grade 7 or 8, and a grade 11/12 health education elective. The recommendation in the FY13 budget would be for additional staffing, training, and curriculum material for these areas. 20 2. Development of Therapeutic Support Program At Reading Memorial High School, there is currently a population of students in grades 9-12 who have significant depression and anxiety issues. Their typical profile includes chronic absenteeism, chronic tardiness, multiple hospitalizations, history of residential placement, and frequent dismissals from school. For these students being in the mainstream classes is not an option. The type of program that is necessary for these students is a self-contained, small group program which will provide academic instruction, social skills instruction, individualized behavioral interventions, and individual counseling. If we do not develop an in-house therapeutic program for these students, the students are at risk for dropping out of school entirely or will be placed in an out of district placement. Recommendation The recommendation in the FY13 budget is to add staffing to provide clinical counseling and academic instruction to implement this program. Because there is. a significant need for this program during the current school year, the Reading School Committee authorized the development of this program at the December 19~h School Committee meeting. The program is scheduled to begin during the second semester. 3. Additional Counseling Services More and more students in grades K-12 are in the need for additional counseling services. Unfortunately, there is not enough staffing to provide these services throughout the district. Currently, each elementary school has one school psychologist, each middle school has two school psychologists, and the high school has 1.6 school psychologists. Over the last several years, their role has been expanded to provide more student assessment for special education services. This leaves less time for student counseling services. Recommendation The recommendation in the FY13 budget is to add staffing to provide additional clinical counseling services throughout the district. e Page 2 21 Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner; Peter Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2011 10:25 AM To: Historical', 'erin@thechocolatetruffle.com' Cc: Schena, Paula Subject: BOS discussion on instructional motion Attachments: Article 2 Instructional Motion Historic Appeal Process (partly reviewed).doc The Board" of Selectmen agenda for 1-3-12 includes an item for discussion of the attached instructional motion. While the motion was not approved by Town Meeting - Town Meeting was adjourned because of. a lack of a quorum while this item was under discussion - the Board of Selectmen has decided to review each o fthe 3 proposed instructional motions anyway. Please plan on being present - we will give you the estimated time when we get closer to the date of the meeting. The Board of Selectmen will expect a brief presentation by the proponent, and will entertain comments on the part of the Historical Commission. Ultimately the Board of Selectmen will decide whether to direct the Historical Commission to carry out the actions requested under the instructional motion. 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 towrimanager ci.readinq.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readin,qma-surv virtualtownhall.net/survey/sid/ldc7d-t24f2eb182/ ~r 1 12/1/2011 22 Instructional Motion Move that the Town Meeting instruct the Board of Selectmen to direct the Reading Historical Commission to draft a clear, concise process for property owners to appeal the -addition of their property to the list of historically significant structures subject to the demolition delay bylaw. A draft of this appeal process shall be created in an open and transparent process, including one or more opportunities for public comment, and shall result in a bylaw amendment article for debate and consideration by Town Meeting members during the Spring Town Meeting in 2012. Town Counsel should be made available as a resource to answer written questions from the committee regarding constitutionality. The goal of this motion is to establish a clear, concise and equitable bylaw that enables the Town to balance its desire to preserve properties of historic significance while fully respecting the rights of the individual property owner in a manner that harmonizes relationships between concerned parties. Submitted by: Erin Calvo-Bacci, Precinct 5 5~2 23 24 h; r elf' v' 5 44~ e , g QQ s.€o s W _ ap9 z Z cn = D m' o of u a 1••'"~,a7 'd ady~ ° d v 3 FF i'"• in :~N O /A C ~4 d m 3 v c a E s ofF d v > oga a O Q v y 5 S w v ~`=jO ,°ceE u4 f t ~~.:.1+ t :1 O O ¢ 1= rn ~ FIG .~1 Va dg i.'~ J"' ( m C5 LJ a~° ~_~,~~o m 'nE 4 t •tL + 226~fEJW wEm O -I ce d0ktiu = W n~ arM r tC W W wry} on 'Jig ,a " a Plo ~U r f r T7 ~S - L va I? s~2 25 Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner; Peter Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 9:45 AM To: David Hutchinson; Urell, Ruth Cc: Gemme, Laura; Schena, Paula Subject: Vacancy - Board of Library Trustees I have posted the vacancy today, so that the required 15 day posting will be done by January 3. The Board of Selectmen meets on the 3rd and I have included on the agenda the appointment of the Trustee to fill Jeff Doucette's position until March 6, 2012. It is on the agenda fairly late - estimated 9:40 PM - but that is the best that I could do on short notice. Any/all applicants need to have made application by 5 PM that day, and will be interviewed. If an applicant is appointed and wished to run for election on March 6, they need to pull papers with the Town Clerk's office and return them by the end of the day on January 17. 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.,read.iog_ma_goy email townm_._ana er ci.rgadiag.ma us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma-surve .virtualtow hhall.net/sU ey/sid/1 dc7dc2420182/ 12/20/2011 27 5Fv Page 1 of 1 Schena, Paula From: Hechenbleikner, Peter Sent: Monday, December 19, 2011 8:05 AM To: Schena, Paula Subject: FW: RPL Board Membership Attachments: Library Board of Trustees letter 121611.doc Please post ASAP 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.readinamaa.gov email LoWnmanager@cixa@diag.ma.us Please let us know how we are doing - fill out our brief customer service survey at http://readingma-sun e-y.virtualtownhall. neV5u.rvey/sid/1 dc7dcf24f2eb1821 From: David Hutchinson Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2011 10:59 AM To: Vicki Yablonsky; Cherrie Dubois; 'Karyn Storti'; Dick Curtis; Orell, Ruth; Hechenbleikner, Peter Cc: David Hutchinson Subject: RPL Board Membership bear all, attached please find the resignation letter of Jeff Doucette from the RPL Board of Trustees, given his change of residency. I am pleased to report that Andrew Grimes has happily agreed to be nominated to fill the resulting vacancy, and he plans to run for the permanent position in April, Ruth and Peter, kindly instruct on the steps necessary to appoint Andrew. He is planning to attend the Jan 9 meeting, and it would be nice if he were appointed by then. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me. Thanks. Have a very happy holiday season. Best regards, David 12/20/2011 28 ~~3 December 16, 2011. Reading Public Library Board of Trustees 64 Middlesex Ave Reading, MA 01867 Dear David Hutchinson and the Reading Public Library Board of Trustees, As I am now a resident of the City of Boston and no longer a resident of the Town of Reading, I hereby resign as a member of the Reading Public Library Board of Trustees. I wish the patrons, the staff, the friends and the trustees of the library all the best in their future endeavors. It has been an honor to serve on the board. Regards, Jeffrey Doucette 14 Cooper Street Boston, MA 02113 Cc: Ruth Urell, Director of the Reading Public Library 29 ~LA DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading N LA, Finance - Reading will continue to evaluate revenue sources, cost reduction, regionalization of services, other methods of providing 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. Work with the Board of Selectmen to find a-replacement to our retiring Town Accountant, and work with staff to provide a smooth transition. 2. Limit reliance on non-recurring revenue including reserves.. 3. Develop a plan to draw down the overlay surplus in a sustainable manner to appropriate levels. 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. Begin the process of implementing the following approvals from Town Meeting which will then be placed in the Sale of Real Estate or other stabilization fund to be made available for Capital Improvements, debt service, or unfunded pension liability: a. Sale of land - Pearl Street b. Sale of land - Lothrop Road c. Use/sale of Oakland Road 7. Continue to monitor and advocate as opportunities arise, for the following potential revenue raising 'activities: a. Additional cell sites b. Advertising via billboards 8. Develop a proposed OPEB funding mechanism including recommendations to begin to modestly fund this long term liability 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. 9. 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. 10. Review and improve the Town web site. Provide electronic customer . interaction with the Town, including a "customer service request" module. Operations - Reading will continue to provide as full a range of municipal services that meet community needs and desires as resources allow. 11. Implement additional technology including: a. Assessors CAMA b. Master Address database c. Mass Communications system d. permits and licenses e. integrated public safety system f. new technology in public meetings (electronic voting; tablets for BCC members) 12. Conduct an operational review of one additional programmatic area in the Community Services Department. 1 12/29/2011 30 59( DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Flan Town of Reading MA 13. Apply for funding from the Community Innovation Challenge Grant and/or other sources to enhance the recently created regional public health services program. 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. Develop and implement a program or programs intended to address issues of substance abuse and related violence in the community 17. 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 / Sustainabili ty - 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. 18. Continue progress towards meeting and maintaining the level of 10% of housing units (as re-defined by the 2010 federal census) as affordable. This goal maybe met through development of the a. Mawn property b. Peter Sanborn Place, c. Johnson Woods Phase 2 (19 affordable); d. additional units in downtown as feasible. e. Working with DHCD on a new approach to preserve affordable units that don't sell in 90 day period through a new deed rider f. Housing Production Plan - update in 2012 19. Complete South Main Street design guidelines based on "best practices" 20. Implement high priority parking recommendations for downtown: a. improve parking directional signs; b. sharing of private parking spaces; c. identify opportunities to expand parking supply; d. bike routes throughout town 21. Continue sign enforcement efforts to bring all non-conforming signs into compliance 22. Implement new gateway signage - South Main Street (paid for by Reading Woods mitigation) 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. Continue to work with Town, School, Facilities, and Light Departments to meet Sustainability goals for CO reduction, anti-idling, etc. Consider a regional approach to these efforts, to include the RMLD and some or all of the 4 communities that are served by the RMLD. 12/29/2011 2~ 31 DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA Asset Management - Reading will strive to maintain and improve the current and desired capital assets of the community through long term capital planning in a fiscally prudent manner. Where resources for major projects are not available within available resources, and grants and outside resources are also not available, the community may be asked to support such improvements through additional taxes. 25. Continue established efforts to implement high priority building projects: a. Cemetery Garage b. Library c. DPW vehicle maintenance d. Improvements to operation, safety/security, and aesthetics of DPW site e. Killam School project to include HC access, fire protection, energy, and administrative space improvements. 26. Complete the Haverhill Street water main distribution project, and begin and complete the Howard Street water main distribution project 27. Continue efforts to add to the Town's trail system, including progress to implementing the Ipswich River Greenway; 28. Continue to work towards funding for the West Street project. 29. Implement the first phase of the use of one time revenues for capital projects, as it was submitted to the Board of Selectmen and to Town Meeting. 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. 30. Develop funding and a work plan for comprehensive review and revision of the Zoning Bylaw, taking a piecemeal approach if necessary to address parking regulations, definitions, and signs as priorities.. 31. Establish a policy on naming of facilities and sites in the community. 32. Make amendments tot the Parks Rules and Regulations to address issues raised and recommended through the ad hoc committee on amplified sound in Parks. 33. 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. 34. Complete the review and re-write of the Traffic Rules and Regulations. 35. Develop regulations for posting street numbers on all buildings. 36. Decide on whether the Board of Selectmen will permit remote participation of members of BCC in public meetings pursuant to regulations adopted by the MA Attorney General's office, and if so develop the policies to implement that decision 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. 12/29/2011.. 32 DRAFT 2012 Town Manager's Goals and Action Plan Town of Reading MA 37. Continue B/C/C ChairNice Chair training. 38. Complete labor negotiations with the Police Patrol Officer's Association and the Police Superior Officer's Association. 39. Complete the bidding and negotiation and/or implementation of a health insurance program Town employees and retirees effective in FY 2013, with a goal of providing a cost effective comprehensive insurance program that is sustainable by the community. 12/29/2011 33 L1 c [-365 _7S December 20, 2011 Mr. Peter Hechenbleikner and Mr. John Feudo The Town of Reading Department of Parks and Recreation 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Mr. Hechenbleikner and Mr. Feudo, I want to thank you for taking the time to speak with Patricia and myself over the past few weeks. We enjoyed discussing the Town of Reading with you and were interested in the many ongoing park projects you have which help to advance the town and its residents. The Scrivanos Group of Dunkin' Donuts understands the many challenges that communities throughout New England and the country are faced with as they continue to strive to provide residents with essential services and maintain high community standards. Recognizing these challenges, The Scrivanos Group would like to assist you and the Town of Reading with a new entrance way to Washington Park. Accordingly, the Scrivanos Group wishes to commit a contribution of $30,000 for this initiative. It is our hope that this donation will impact the community and its children, providing them with a clean and safe entrance to the recreational park. On behalf of the Scrivanos Group, we would be honored to celebrate this new improvement with you through a ribbon cutting ceremony. We wish you the best of luck-.in this endeavor, and are very much looking forward to the new entrance way at Washington Park. Have a happy and enjoyable holiday season! Warmest Regards, Theresa Forte ( Public Relations & Marketing Manager NGP Management, LLC/ Dunkin' Donuts ( 3 Pluff Avenue North Reading, MA 01864 Direct: 978-898-1240 Mobile: 978-360-1906 tforte@scrivanos.com qo, 34 L ( C go co 01 TRACKING OF LEGAL SERVICES - FY 2012 Hours $ Month Monthly Monthly Available Monthly Monthly Available Hours Hours Remainder $ $ Remainder Allocated Used of Year Allocated Used of Year July 34.5 27.8 386.0 $5,000 $4,031 $55,969 August 34.5 28.7 357.3 $5,000 $4,183 $51,786 Septembei 34.5 59.4 297.9 $5,000 $8,697 $43,089 October 34.5 29.9 268.0 $5,000 $4,335 $38,754 November 34.5 40:8 227.2 $5,000 $5,966 $32,788 December 34.5 227.2 $5,000 $32,788 January 34.5 227.2 $5,000 $32,788 February 34.5 227.2 $5,000 $32,788 March 34.5 227.2 $5,000 $32,788 April 34.5 227.2 $5,000 $32,788 May 34.5 227.2 $5,000 $32,788 June 34.5 227.2 $5,000 1 $32,788 Total 413.8 186.6 $60,000 27,212 September bill includes for TLT litigation to be paid by schools October bill includes $3364 for TLT litigation to be paid by schools November Bill includes $2653 for TLT to be paid by schools ~(r~-,r, ( READING PUBLIC SCHOOLS Preparing Reading's Youth to Be Respectful and Productive John F. Doherty, Ed.D. 82 Oakland Road Superintendent Reading, Massachusetts 01867 Telephone 781-944-5800 Patricia A. de Garavilla Fax 781-942-9149 Assistant Superintendent December 27, 2011 Massachusetts School Building Authority 40 Broad Street, Suite 500 Boston, MA 02109 Attn: Statement of Interest Dear MSBA Board of Directors: Citizens of a Global Society Mary C. DeLai Director offinance & Operations Elizabeth Conway Human Resources Administrator It is with great pride and anticipation that we submit to you Reading Public Schools' Statement of Interest to participate in MSBA's 2012 Accelerated Repairs Program. The candidate school is the J.W. Killam Elementary School. The primary goal of the proposed repair program is to make this 44 year old building school handicap accessible, code compliant, and energy efficient. Our community is committed to provide the support necessary to see this important project completed. We thank you in advance for your consideration' of this Statement of Interest. Sincerely, rF. Doherty, d.D. Superintendent of Schools Cc: State Senator Katherine Clark State Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. State Representative James J. Dwyer teeter Hechenbleikner, Town Manager Charles Robinson, School Committee Chair Camille W. Anthony, Selectboard Chair C( & The Reading Public Schools does not discriminate on the basis of racl,golor, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age or disability.