May 9, 2022

“I move: that any certificates or documents relating to the Bonds and the Notes (collectively, the "Documents"), may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same document; delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to a Document by electronic mail in a ".pdf' file or by other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart signature page to such Document; and electronic signatures on any of the Documents shall be deemed original signatures for the purposes of the Documents and all matters relating thereto, having the same legal effect as original signatures. ILmove: that each member of the Select Board, the Town Clerk and the Town Treasurer be and hereby are, authorized to take any and all such actions, and execute and deliver such certificates, receipts or other documents as may be determined by them, or any of them, to be necessary or convenient to carry into effect the provisions of the foregoing votes. I further certify that the votes were taken at a meeting open to the public, that no vote was taken by secret ballot, that a notice stating the place, date, time and agenda for the meeting (which agenda included the adoption of the above votes) was filed with the Town Clerk and a copy thereof posted in a manner conspicuously visible to the public at all hours in or on the municipal building that the office of the Town Clerk is located or, if applicable, in accordance with an alternative method of notice prescribed or approved by the Attorney General as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03(2)(b), at least 48 hours, not including Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, prior to the time of the meeting and remained so posted at the time of the meeting, that no deliberations or decision in connection with the sale of the Bonds or the Notes were taken in executive session, all in accordance with G.L. c.30A, §§18-25, as amended. MOTION BY: MR. WALNER SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED: MRS. MANUPELLI: AYE MR. WALLNER: AYE MR. O'LEARY: AYE MR. STUTO: AYE MRS. GONZALEZ: AYE Ms. Rourke noted that part of the motion also has included $6,525,000 of long term bonds and the rate is 3.51%. #5. Vote to Sign June 6, 2022 Town Meeting Warrant Mr. Gilleberto presented the 2022 June 6th Town Meeting warrant. He stated that the draft was similar to what the board has previously reviewed with the addition of the language relative to the sewer betterment bylaw amendment. Mr. Gilleberto introduced Mr. Parisi to give further detail on the proposed bylaw amendment to modify existing sewer betterment bylaw. Current betterment bylaws relate not only to sewer, but also private road conversions, other private road repairs and also water betterments as well. The Town is currently planning and designing for a substantial wastewater conveyance system. Current bylaws require Town to pay for 50% of the cost of betterments providing no flexibility to the Town to assess otherwise. Current By-Laws do not provide sufficient framework relating to sewer betterment assessments. Mr. Parisi did consult with Town counsel, KP Law and they assisted with language for the bylaw changes. Mr. Parisi presented that the current bylaw currently says that sewer betterments require the Town to provide 50% of the necessary funds. At a public hearing if a majority of the property owners residing on a street vote in favor of the construction of the sewer improvement the DPW recommends the street to the Select Board for construction. At the hearing, abutters will be given a not-to-exceed assessment of the cost estimate as defined in Title 5 of the State Environmental Code 300 CMR Section 15.203. The final assessment is the lower of either the actual cost based on total construction divided by the assessable usage of the estimated assessment quoted at the time of the public hearing. What is being proposed for changes? The requirement for the Town to specifically pay 50% of the betterment cost is eliminated. The Select Board or Town Meeting can choose to assess up to 100% of the project cost to property owners receiving the benefit of the new sewer system. The amount of the project cost to be assessed is then apportioned into costs to be immediately assessed to the sewer abutting property owners as sewer betterment assessments and those costs to be reserved for sewer privilege fee assessments in the future to non-abutting properties that connect to the sewer at a later date. The Select Board may separate the costs of general benefit facilities such as pump stations, trunk and force mains, from that of special benefit facilities. All properties abutting a sewered street will be assessed the proportional cost of the special benefit and general benefit facilities. A portion of the cost of the general benefit facilities that will service future sewer expansion areas can be reserved for assessment at a later date. Mr. Parisi displayed a map of the planned sewer expansion area, going down route 28 and North Street to Lowell Road and also Park St to Concord. Ms. Manupelli opened the floor to questions. Mr. Wallner, viewed the map and asked if those residents along may be assessed? Mr. Parisi confirmed yes, immediately assessed. Any location that fronts the sewer would be assessed. Ms. Manupelli commented that the draft provided in the warrant article feels misleading. She does not read the draft the same as was explained. She asked if the language would mean that the board could assess betterments based on any one of the three outlined methods. Mr. Parisi explained that the initial change would make it specific to the sections of the street. Whatever those projects detail as the percentage to be bettered that is still enforced. The intent was to strike the 50% that applies to all the categories and then be specific in sewer in being up to 100% of the project cost can be assessed. In the section relating to the water, he did have to strike all of the sewer language which allows it to be a separate section. Ms. Manupelli inquired if there was a reason why he incorporated into the bylaw if there was no change to section 25.2. Why is it in there as a proposed amendment? Mr. Parisi kept the entire 25.2 section intact for view. No changes were made in the street sidewalks of store section. - Ms. Gonzales asked to clarify more in regards to Mr. Wallner's question. Anybody on that line, even if they do not choose, is it an option if they want to connect? Mr. Parisi responded that it is an option to connect but not an option if they want to be assessed. They are being assessed for a portion of the cost of the street work for the project. Each property individually has its own cost to connect to a sewer lateral that they will be left at their property front. They share in the cost of the entire project. Example of uniform unit method. Based on actual water use or title 5 water use. You wouldn't normally see those details in the bylaw. The bylaw gives you the framework to work with. The details of how you do the assessment are worked out to conform to the bylaws. Abutters would not have to connect and pay individually for the cost from the house, but they will be assessed and have a choice to pay for their betterment over a number of years on their tax bills. Mr. Stuto stated that in his understanding that the intent is to give the Town maximum flexibility on a project that could have a lot of variables. The current bylaw only allows one way to go about it. Mr. Parisi stated that the current bylaw is pretty rigid. Flexibility and better framework tied to Mass General laws is what he is trying to accomplish. Mr. Wailner asked that the betterment would take as long as it takes to pay off the project. Mr. Parisi responded that MGL usually requires 20 years but if the bond is for 30 years, you can increase apportionments onto their tax bill. This helps with affordability. Mr. Wallner feels that some people may object. Do they have legal recourse? Mr. Parisi answered that there is legal recourse to file an abatement request, but there would need to be good reason for it. Mr. O'Leary clarified that they culled out sewage portion of bylaw and handle differently by allowing the board or Town Meeting to decide what the allocation would be. If left the bylaw as it was, the taxpayers as a whole would need to absorb 50% of the cost of this rather than the users. We want to give the board the opportunity to appropriately allocate the carrying costs of the project itself. As more users come on then the costs would go down. The current bylaw does not allow that. The taxpayers as a whole would have to absorb more of the costs upfront and for the entire financing of the project and that isn't fair either in relation to the specific project we are discussing. Rest of bylaw stays the same, but in regards to sewer it gives the board flexibility to determine what the split will.” (second: O'Leary)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

“MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE TO GRANT A SUNDAY ENTERTAINMENT LICENSE TO ULTRA CHIC EVENTS LLC. D/B/A ULTRA CHIC EVENTS AT HILLVIEW COUNTRY CLUB TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2022 SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS. MOTION BY: MR. WALLNER SECONDED BY: MR. STUTO VOTED: MRS. MANUPELLI: AYE MR. WALLNER: AYE MR. O'LEARY: AYE MR. STUTO: AYE MRS. GONZALEZ: AYE #6. Receive Recommendations of Capital Improvement Planning Committee Vote to Approve Fiscal Year 2023 Capital Improvement Plan to be Submitted to Spring Annual Town Meeting Next order of business is to receive the recommendation of the Capital Improvement Planning Committee for FY2023. A report is included in the meeting packet. The CIPC has been invited to attend. Mr. Don Kelliher of the CIPC Chairman presented to the Board. Mr. Kelliher stated that the committee went through their normal process of meeting with department heads, asking questions and getting their recommendations. Committee members then ranked projects and reviewed the ~ rankings. All of the projects were compiled into a ranking sheet. The committee then looked to see what we could afford. There were $7.7 million in requests. Under the Municipal and School requests, the committee is recommending close to $3.4 million in funding. Different this year, we have been the beneficiary of some grants from the State. CIPC recommending Funding - $3,393,766 Grants from the Commonwealth - $523,338 Free Cash - $475,000 Application of accumulated Bond Premiums - $356,000 Cash available to the Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund - $470,428 Bonding - $1,569,000 In respect to the two enterprise funds, the committee reviews whether the projects make sense. The enterprises, particularly Hillview, only go forward with projects that they can afford. The same is true for the Water enterprise. Mr. Kelliher then presented a spreadsheet that contained the full $7.7 million dollars in requests. The columns contained the project descriptions, the amount requested and the various methods of funding including grants, cash and bonding columns. Mr. Kelliher reviewed project line items and discussed funding sources for each. Spreadsheet included in Select Board packet. There were four requests for intersection improvements, Haverhill Street/Chestnut, Central Street/North, Central Street/Park and Park Street/Concord. All are important safety issues in Town. To do all in one year was determined to be cost prohibitive. To do alli four would not allow funds for other important projects. The CIPC spoke with the DPW Director and decided to complete in multiple phases with the most pressing being Haverhill Street/Chestnut to be completed this year and the remaining three be moved to next year. Haverhill/Chestnut to cost $580,000. There is $100,000 in grant funding from the State. The remaining $480,000 to be bonded. Mr. Kelliher explained the ranking of each project from 0-5, 5 being high priority. The cutoff for FY2023 came in the 3 range ranking. The only reason items were not recommended for this year is that we cannot afford it. The construction of Downtown sewer project connecting several municipal buildings and the Batchelder School to the wastewater facility at the High School/Middle School was deemed very important. This item is deferred until October with the hopes that there may be some Federal funding. There is capacity at the treatment plant to handle these additions. It will save the Town from replacing the septic systems as they age and fail. Mr. O'Leary interjected with a question if the Town had approached the State about the potential of tying in Peabody Court? Mr. O'Leary stated that they may be willing to share in some of the costs. Mr. Kelliher responded that it was talked about and may be applicable in the future, but there were concerns that the higher demand of wastewater from Peabody Court. They know there is capacity in the facility to handle the proposed properties, but not sure if enough capacity to include Peabody Court. It is also complicated because Peabody Court is State owned rather than Town owned. Could be a good way to help pay for it, but do not want to over exert the system. Mr. O' Leary commented that there are 40 units there. He anticipates that they will be knocking on our door at some point (10-15 years) to replace the system or to tie in to the treatment facility. Mr. Kelliher feels it would make sense to do it when we know the system could handle it. The Batchelder School would be the heaviest usage of what is being discussed. Mr. Gilleberto noted that Peabody Court was discussed. There was some concern in regard to DEP and their review process. We would want to partner with the housing authority. Mr. Gilleberto will ask the Public Works Director and Town Engineer to approach DEP to see about that possibility. It could be an opportunity to defray costs or cover .additional costs. Mr. Gilleberto stated that we have provided the project to legislative delegation and to our congressional delegation. Mr. O'Leary stated that from an appropriation standpoint, the timing to ask is now. Ms. Manupelli stated that in order to do that we would need to understand the usage with the schools and Town buildings being added. We would need to understand the maintenance and the increased costs to the Town. That would need to be determined first before we add on extra properties. It would have to be some benefit to us to add even more buildings that we would be responsible for maintaining. Mr. Kelliher continued with the list of capital requests and discussed not recommended items. The committee had to draw the line somewhere. Many of the not improved items will be back next year. They kept the debt service at the prescribed limit. All of the modeling done was kept with debt service in mind and not exceeding allowable amounts. CIPC recommends using the stabilization fund each year to buy down debt services. We're able to do that through the projection period of 2030. Mandate is to hold debt service at the limit as funded by the operating budget. We're able to do that with project recommended. Mr. O'Leary inquired what the route 28 project is. Mr. Kelliher responded that it is the design of roadway, when the State comes in to re-do 28. The $800,000 represents 25% of the design. This is the first piece. The alternative is letting the State do the design and hoping they allow the Town input. The likelihood of State acting on route 28 within the next year is pretty small. Question is, can we influence the design for the road without paying for it. The consensus is that we may not have that input without doing our own design. Ms. Gonzales stated about her input on the CIPC. She gave 5s to all the intersections discussed. She.” (Motion: Wallner, second: Stuto)

Read it in the official minutes, page 9 (PDF)

“MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND TO TOWN MEETING THE FY2023 CAPITAL EXPENDITURES AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE. MOTION BY: MR. WALLNER SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED: MRS. MANUPELLI: AYE MR. WALLNER: AYE MR. O'LEARY: AYE MR. STUTO: AYE MRS. GONZALEZ: AYE #7. Review Updated FY 2023 Revenue/Expense Plan Ms. Rourke presented the updated FY2023 Revenue/Expense plan. The Chair and former Vice-Chair review most recently reviewed the plan at the financial planning meeting approximately 2 weeks prior. Ms. Rourke reviewed the plan briefly to highlight some minor changes. Taxes and State Aid changes; updated figures to Chapter 70, Charter Tuition reimbursements and Public Library offset receipts. There have been no changes to Local receipts since last reviewed. Expenses show decrease to State and County charges and an increase in Cherry Sheet offsets. No other changes have been made. Ms. Rourke did note that the PFA health insurance contingency as well as the school health insurance and municipal health insurance budget numbers reflect the 7.5% increase as previously discussed. The budget distribution shows a breakdown between fixed costs, municipal cost and school department costs. Municipal costs representing 33.11%, school allocation of revenue 66.89%. Another item that has been adjusted is in relation to the trash program. We have the trash fee and another line item for the pay as you throw program where residents will purchase bags for their trash overflow. We are only projecting $5000 for FY23 due to production delays on the bags. Ms. Rourke then gave further figures on the budget distribution. Total Municipal Revenue available $18,790,779 Total Municipal Operating budget $19,138,291 Additional funding source of free cash $347,512 (one-time items) Total School Revenue available is $35,474,330 Total School Operating Budget $35,709,330 Additional funding source of free cash $235,000 (one-time items) Mr. O' Leary inquired about the 7.5% PFA contingency. Ms. Rourke responded that it represents what we have to pay for the PFA, also contingency for any changes including new hires and life changing events. Mr. Gilleberto clarified that the figure discussed is the portion of health insurance cost related to the PFA. He continued by explaining that there are three components of health insurance that are now in the expenditure plan: the PFA, municipal health insurance and school health insurance. The town has applied the 7.5% across the board in the three categories. Ms. Rourke then continued that of the PFA number we pay our advisor fee and also what they project for claims they plan to pay out. Mr. O' Leary inquired that they increased that number by 7.5% over that last year? Ms. Rourke confirmed. The number will be adjusted to 8.5% for FY24 and moving forward the town will incrementally determine how it should increase for future years. Topic to be discussed with financial planning. FY2023 Available Funds School Department Operations $35,709,330 $235,000 in one-time expenses to be funded with free cash Municipal Department Operations $19,138,291 Municipal Department Budget requests $19,290,032 $347,512 one-time expenses to be funded with free cash Total Budget Gap $(-151,741) Town Administrators recommended budget to close this gap. #8. Review/Discuss Town Administrator's FY 2023 Departmental Budget Recommendations Vote to Approve Fiscal Year 2023 Operating Budget to be Submitted to Spring Annual Town Meeting Maintain public service Director Position $100,000 Defer Library and Youth Services positions $78,000 moved to salary pool Fund tuition reimbursement for Library technician $7,000 (modified request) Reclassify Project Manager/Grant Position. Moved to Finance Division as Grant Position $75,000 Mr. Gilleberto shared some background on his recommendations. Library and Youth Services position will report to the new Public Service Director. Still interviewing for the Director position. Once Director is in place, the Town will get their feedback on the Library and Youth Services positions. Recommended that we reserve the funding for those positions in the salary pool so that we have the option available. Grant writer position was advertised, the Town did not receive an overwhelming response in terms of candidates. The decision was to make the position solely a grant writer and to locate it within the Finance Directors office. Mr. O' Leary stated that regarding the grant writer position, he would prefer to have report to the Town Administrators office. It's a new position and we're expecting a lot from the individual. He wants the ownership to be where I'm going to hold the person responsible. Ms. Manupelli stated we need this position filled 3 years ago, a while ago. Ms. Gonzales inquired, I thought we discussed the requirement that they would be a grant writer. Ms. Manupelli stated that a project manager is a completely different position than a grant writer. Mr. Gilleberto explained that the position was advertised as grant writer and combined project manager. Feedback has been that the two are different skill sets. The position now is solely a grant writer. Ms. Rourke continued with the recommendations. e Fire Dept. "day officer" position funds of $164,024 will be held in the salary pool e Fund requested part-time per diem building inspector at $20,000 e Modify Board of Health requested Title V inspection services from $60,000 full time position to $25,000 in additional contracted services Fund additional hours within Human Resources Dept. $10,468 Defer funding for two Tree positions with DPW until FY24 $109,041 Fund with free cash Training for Fire Dept. recruits $295,312 DPW small capital $52,200 oe @ @ @ Total budget gap $151741 balanced with Town Administrator budget recommendations. Ms. Hurlbut asked if the training for fire department always funded with free cash. Mr. Gilleberto responded that it's unique situation with potentially 4 retiring fire fighters. Also with the surplus of.” (Motion: Wallner, second: O'Leary)

Read it in the official minutes, page 12 (PDF)

“MADAM CHAIR, I MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR MARCH, 2022 IN THE AMOUNT OF $20,577.85 AS FOLLOWS: GENERAL $ 6,207.35 LABOR $ 5,002.00 20 ELM STREET $ 9,368.50 TOTAL $ 20,577.85 MOTION BY: MR. WALLNER SECONDED BY: MR. STUTO VOTED: MRS. MANUPELLI: AYE MR. WALLNER: AYE MR. O'LEARY: AYE MR. STUTO: AYE MRS. GONZALEZ: AYE TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT Mr. Gilleberto updated the board that the pay as you throw trash plan will be delayed until November as production of bags is delayed. There is no intention to change enforcement policies during the interim period. The public should experience no change in service up until November 1, 2022. The Land Utilization Committee is seeking to apply for MassDOT grant funding for design of a potential recreational trail. MassDOT is seeking letter from the Town Administrator seeking a Town Hall contact. Mr. Gilleberto intends to sign the letter designating the contact but does not intent to authorize a purchase order to extend funds until either there is a Town Meeting vote approving the funding for design or advisory approval of the expenditure of the grant funding. If the Select Board and LUC requests that the TA execute a grant agreement he would also consider that. There is no intent to execute any grant agreement to expend grant funds until issues with abutters are resolved. Water main construction on Main Street continues with night work from 9pm-5am through the morming of May 13, 2022. BOARD MEMBER REPORTS Mr. O'Leary thanked the board and the community for the acknowledgement and sympathy with the passing of his sister-in-law. He spoke of the tremendous outreach and support his family has received. Mr. O' Leary continued by commenting on the recent Election. There was 14% turnout which was ok. Mr. O' Leary thanks the public for being energized in repose to a candidate and small group that caused some disruptions in Town. Mr. Wallner commented on the swearing in process and the oath to uphold state and local town laws. Just a reminder of what we are signing up for. Mr. Stuto updated the Board on business summit on May 24th from 5:30-7:30pm at the Horseshoe. Invitations have been sent out, there is a link through the Town Planner if others would like to attend. Mr. Gilleberto interjected that there is the ability to RSVP through the North Reading Home page. www.northreadingma.gov Ms. Gonzales thanked the voters and offered condolences to the O'Leary Family Ms. Manupelli noted that there will be a Memorial Day parade and asked that the Board and TA march together. She also commented on the Select Board liaison assignments. They will primarily be kept the same, but a few assignments may shift. #15, ADJOURN 11:32pm.” (Motion: Wallner, second: Stuto)

Read it in the official minutes, page 27 (PDF)