Vote Signals Support for Killam School, Reading Center for Active Living; Special Election Set for May 13
Reading, MA — In a move that Chair Carlo Bacci referred to as “symbolic,” The Select Board voted 5-0 to support both potential debt exclusion projects facing the town, the Killam Elementary School and the Reading Center for Active Living. In voicing support for both projects, Select Board member Mark Dockser noted, “Town leadership needs to be clear that these projects are the priorities.” Member Christopher Haley also lent his support, stating that the final decision is in the hands of the voters. Member Karen Herrick added, “[These two projects] touch many areas of the community.”
Special Town Meeting & Special Election
In related votes, the board voted 5-0 to close the warrant for the May 1 Special Town Meeting within Town Meeting, which will bring both projects before the town’s legislative body. The board also voted 5-0 to call for a May 13 Special Election, which will have both projects on the ballot for voters to voice their opinions.
The Select Board also reviewed the balances of various funds, mostly those originating from monies borrowed and not expended on past projects such as the Parker Middle School roof project, the Birch Meadow lighting project, and the Maillet Sommes Morgan project.
Burbank Ice Arena
The General Stabilization Fund and the Burbank Ice Arena fund were also under review. While the stabilization fund is the “rainy day fund of the rainy day fund’ for the town, according to Herrick, the combination of the usable portions of the other funds equal several hundred thousand dollars, but, according to Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, can only be spent on projects “with similar borrowing terms” as those for which they were originally borrowed. Angstrom reminded the board that the funds can only be transferred for use on new projects by Town Meeting and that their use for upcoming projects should only be considered if the voters approve those projects.
Commissioners of Trust Funds
Commissioner of Trust Funds chair Neil Cohen also presented balances for the funds under that committee’s care, including scholarship funds, cemetery funds, and the hospital fund. Usable portions of the funds equal over $10.8 million, with the largest portion of which, over $6 million, being the Hospital fund, which was created after a gift to the town from the estate of Gilman Parker over one hundred years ago. The original gift was given for the express purpose of building a hospital in Reading, a project that ultimately was never developed.
Cohen explained that the Hospital fund has been used occasionally over the years to help with medical expenses for Reading residents in need but has largely been untouched. Herrick questioned if the time had now come to consider ways to make the fund more flexible. A similar process was undertaken in 1988.
Disabilities Council
The board also discussed the formation of a Disabilities Council, which, according to Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, would work with the town’s ADA compliance officer on issues of accessibility. In support of the idea, Dockser noted that the commission could actively pursue opportunities to make beneficial change. At the same time, the ADA compliance officer mostly had a reactive role in seeking compliance with the law. Herrick also noted that such a commission could likely find grants to accomplish its goals.
Renewable Energy Trust Membership
The board also briefly discussed approving the Energy Trust Agreement with RMLD, which is the final step before acceptance into “Green Communities” and the possible grants tied to it. The board will vote on the issue at its next meeting.
Mark Dockser’s Last Select Board Meeting
The board bid farewell to Dockser, as the meeting was his final one as a member. Dockser has served on the Select Board for six years after serving on the Finance Committee for nine years prior. Several residents and every member of the board thanked him for his service to the community, with one resident calling him “a role model” for her and her daughter. Resident Angela Binda added that Dockser, in her mind, brought knowledge and a calm demeanor to the board.
Dockser indicated that his service to the town is not over and that he will be looking for other ways to participate. “I have enjoyed serving,” Dockser stated. “This is a great community, and that is why we volunteer.”
The board adjourned at 8:40 pm.
