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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-08-20 Select Board Packet Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 1 2018-07-16 LAG Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2024-08-20 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Agenda: Purpose: General Business Meeting Called By: Caitlin Nocella on behalf of the Chair Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding Saturdays, Sundays and Legal Holidays. Please keep in mind the Town Clerk’s hours of operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will not be accepted. Topics of Discussion: Zoom Option: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81093328877 Meeting ID: 810 9332 8877 Dial by your location • +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) • +1 646 518 9805 US (New York) Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kb7HhC4mC PAGE # 7:00 Overview of Meeting 7:05 Public Comment 7:15 Select Board Liaison and Town Manager Reports 7:30 Interview and Appoint applicant Christine Lusk to Town Forest Committee 3 7:45 Review and vote on request from Community Planning and Development Commission member Guy Manganiello to approve an exemption pursuant to GL c. 268A s. 19(b)(1) thereby allowing him to participate in certain zoning matters 4 Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 2 8:00 Discuss moving Annual Town Election 8:30 Close Warrant for State Primary 7 8:45 Discuss Trash Contract with Republic/ barrel update 9 9:30 Discuss multi-unit water rate solution and second meters 29 10:15 Reading Center for Active Living Committee (ReCalc) Update 40 11:00 Future Agendas Discussion 79 11:10 Approve Meeting Minutes • June 18, 2024 • June 27, 2024 • July 9, 2024 81 DISCLOSURE BY NON-ELECTED MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE OF FINANCIAL INTEREST AND DETERMINATION BY APPOINTING AUTHORITY AS REQUIRED BY G. L. c. 268A, § 19 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE INFORMATION Name: Gaetano Manganiello Title or Position: Voting Board Member Municipal Agency: Community Planning and Development Commission Agency Address: 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Office Phone: 617-515-0005 Office E-mail: guy@buywithus.com My duties require me to participate in a particular matter, and I may not participate because of a financial interest that I am disclosing here. I request a determination from my appointing authority about how I should proceed. PARTICULAR MATTER Particular matter E.g., a judicial or other proceeding, application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, charge, accusation, arrest, decision, determination, or finding. The CPDC is currently deliberating on recommendations for MBTA Communities zoning. In two of the potential zoning areas of impact, I own properties. The first property is 459 Main St which is currently an approved project underway with a greater density than the proposed zoning, therefore there is no financial benefit to modifying the project under the potential new zoning. The second property is a two-family, 18-20 Arlington St. It is my opinion that the proposed zoning density change would not allow for any additional units to be created due to the small size of the lot (sub 5,000 sf.) Thus, in neither instance do I feel conflicted. Your required participation in the particular matter: E.g., approval, disapproval, decision, recommendation, rendering advice, investigation, other. I will be voting to recommend a(n) option(s) to the Select Board for the MBTA Communities Zoning. FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE PARTICULAR MATTER Write an X by all that apply. __X_ I have a financial interest in the matter. _X__ My immediate family member has a financial interest in the matter. __X_ My business partner has a financial interest in the matter. ___ I am an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee of a business organization, and the business organization has a financial interest in the matter. ___ I am negotiating or have made an arrangement concerning future employment with a person or organization, and the person or organization has a financial interest in the matter. Financial interest in the matter I own 459 Main St. with 3 other Business Partners. The project has been approved by the Town and we have commenced construction activities. My percent ownership of the project is 25% currently. I own 18-20 Arlington St. This is a 2-Family investment property. Currently both units are rented. I own 100% of this property with my wife, Melissa Manganiello. Employee signature: Date: DETERMINATION BY APPOINTING OFFICIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY INFORMATION Name of Appointing Authority: Title or Position: Agency/Department: Agency Address: Office Phone: Office E-mail DETERMINATION Determination by appointing authority: As appointing official, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19, I have reviewed the particular matter and the financial interest identified above by a municipal employee. I have determined that the financial interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from the employee. Appointing Authority signature: Date: Comment: 8-13-2024 Attach additional pages if necessary. The appointing authority shall keep this Disclosure and Determination as a public record. Form revised February, 2012 Town of Reading Town Supplied Trash and Recycle Barrels November 2023 Town Meeting Request •Article 7, Allocate $900,000 from Free Cash to Trash and Recycle Barrels • Each home will receive: –One (1) 64-Gallon Trash Barrel –One (1) 64-Gallon Recycle Barrel •Roll -out will take place Summer 2024 •Homes can “rent/lease” one additional trash barrel for $200 per year, paid to the DPW annually, not prorated •Homes can receive one additional recycle barrel at no cost •Residents can purchase overflow bags at retailers for $2/bag •DPW will work with residents who need smaller barrels on a case-by-case basis Why are we having this conversation? We have learned that all trash companies demand automated collection from customers In October 2022, Republic Services purchased JRM, our trash contractor. Service was severely impacted for several weeks What would a new contract cost? •CURRENT COST: $1,181,384 – contract expires June 30, 2026 •All six companies required automation, manual collection: not an option •We foresee a large increase in solid waste costs with our next contract Vendor 1 2,140,430$ Vendor 2 2,354,195$ Vendor 3 2,340,000$ Vendor 4*1,850,600$ AVERAGE 2,171,306$ Are we unique with this concern? Figures shared by Westford, MA: April 2023 Town Meeting •Article 13, Borrowing $900,000 for Trash and Recycle Barrels • Town Meeting Voted: –93 in the affirmative, 62 in the negative –Article 2/3rds Required, 10 votes short Town Meeting Asked: •Why do we need to do this now? •Would we charge for an extra barrel? How much? Where will the money go? •Will we provide smaller barrels? •Other questions? Why do this now? •We heard loud and clear: manual collection is not an option! • Automated collection is safer, fewer employee injuries • More cost effective and will result in lower costs to the Town • Rolling out now will make the Town bid more attractive • Barrel costs will only continue to go up In Summary: 1. Cheaper to do it now 2. Will make our bid more competitive 3. Will give us plenty of time to work out the issues 4. Will give residents better products and services Would we charge for an extra barrel? •Town will provide one 64-gallon for trash per household • Residents to pay $200 per year for a second trash barrel, this is to cover solid waste transportation and disposal cost • Town will provide one 64-gallon for recycling per household, second recycle barrel provided at no-cost Other Communities: 1.Bedford $185/year 2.Burlington $150/year 3.Wakefield $150/year 4.Wilmington $150/year 5.Tewksbury $155/year 6.Methuen $100/year 7.Belmont $250/year 8.Lynn $132/year 9.Milton $156/year (prices do not include any annual trash fees) What will we do with the revenue? •All revenues from second barrels & overflow bags will be placed in a “Solid Waste Revolving Fund” •Revenues will be collected and only used to offset future solid waste costs •Appropriations can only be done by Town Meeting and require a majority vote •Town Accountant will report annually the amount in the fund •Fund will offset rising future costs Will we provide smaller barrels? •Yes! The Town will provide smaller, 32-gallon barrels to older residents on a case-by-case •Residents will also be able to purchase “overflow bags” at stores like Market Basket Other Questions: •Will my trash be tracked? No, the barrels come with RFID chips, but they are only used at distribution to verify each home received a barrel •What if the Town doesn’t want to go automated? We don’t think the Town will have a choice, all communities will be automated •Is the Town making money on this? No, any additional costs will be used to offset future costs and must be approved by Town Meeting •Why can’t I just buy a barrel? A barrel is a tool for automation and for control of our solid waste program, the Town will lose control if barrels are not standardized and issued by the Town Any other questions? Next Steps: Any other steps? •Present to Finance Committee • Present to Select Board • Host Public Forum on Trash Collection • Hold Lunch & Learn at Senior Center • Demonstration of Trash Barrels at Community Events REPUBLIC SERVICES PROPOSALS AUTOMATED RUBBISH / RECYCLING COLLECTION Background •Rubbish/Recycling Collection Contract (REPUBLIC SERVICES) –Current contract expires June 30, 2026 •(6) proposals to look at –automated collection w/ 5 additional years •Recycling -64 or 96 gal. cart; weekly versus bi-weekly recycling •Included amenities to continue (leaves, scrap metal, paper shredding) •Bulk waste pick up to continue w/ options under all proposals •Carts will be ordered once the Board decides on best path forward –Options for 2nd carts will be available to residents Manual Collection Not An Option (Future) •Republic’s hypothetical proposal for an add. 5 years of manual collection –FY-25 $1,221,826 (current) –FY-26 $1,258,330 +3% (current) –FY-27 ($5,400,000) +329% –FY-28 ($5,832,000) +8% –FY-29 ($6,298,560) +8% –FY-30 ($6,802,445) +8% –FY-31 ($7,346,640) +8% Summary of Options What the Select Board Needs to Decide Tonight •Does the Town wish to consider one of the options proposed by Republic Services? o If yes, which option? Note: Bi-weekly recycling would require 96-gallon recycling carts o If no, Republic’s current contract will remain in effect through June 30, 2026 Town will solicit RFP’s for a new contract to be effective July 1, 2026 (preference of Town staff) •What size carts (for both trash and recycling) should the Town order? Projected Time Frame for Cart Rollout •Once the Select Board determines what options the Town would want to pursue in the future for trash/recycling collection (including cart size), carts will be ordered. •Lead time on carts is 6 –8 weeks (plus 3 weeks to deliver carts to every household) •Rather than rolling out carts late fall/early winter, Town staff would prefer if carts would be delivered to households in early April 2025. ANY QUESTIONS?? Secondary Water Meters Town of Reading What is a secondary water meter? Meter that quantifies the water usage used for outside irrigation •Located on the interior of the house in a climate-controlled area •Backflow valve required •Can be setup via (2) different methods •Separate water account -only water is billed (no sewer charge) •Deduct meter –sewer usage is deducted from the sewer charge on the domestic meter Pros and Cons Pros •Reduces a resident’s sewer bill by not charging sewer for water used for irrigation Cons •Would require the sewer rate to be increased Townwide to compensate for the sewer revenue lost by not billing for sewer on the 2nd meter •Providing an incentive for using irrigation does not promote water conservation •Fraud potential How is a Resident’s Sewer Usage Calculated? Water meter is read to determine the quarterly water usage Sewer usage is calculated as 50% of the total water usage Sewer rate impacts  2nd water meters would force an increase in the sewer rate Townwide •The volume of sewer leaving the Town (and the amount billed by MWRA) would remain unchanged •2nd water meters would not be billed for sewer •Sewer rate for all residents would have to be increased to compensate for the reduced sewer revenue Sewer rate impacts (continued)  CY 2022 water usage billed (June to November) = $4,768,755  CY 2022 water usage billed (December to May) = $3,151,915  Difference in water usage billed (outside watering) = $1,616,840  Sewer revenue collected associated with outside water usage = $808,420 Sewer rate impacts (continued) CY 2023 water usage billed (June to November) = $4,301,470 CY 2023 water usage billed (December to May) = $3,308,818 Difference in water usage billed (outside watering) = $992,652 Sewer revenue collected associated with outside water usage = $496,326 Sewer rate impacts (continued) # of CY 2022 Accounts Sewer $$ Lost 1%81 8,084$ 5%407 40,421$ 10%814 80,842$ 20%1,628 161,684$ 30%2,443 242,526$ 40%3,257 323,368$ 50%4,071 404,210$ 60%4,885 485,052$ 70%5,699 565,894$ 80%6,514 646,736$ 90%7,328 727,578$ 100%8,142 808,420$ # of CY 2023 Accounts Sewer $$ Lost 1%81 4,963$ 5%407 24,816$ 10%814 49,633$ 20%1,628 99,265$ 30%2,443 148,898$ 40%3,257 198,530$ 50%4,071 248,163$ 60%4,885 297,796$ 70%5,699 347,428$ 80%6,514 397,061$ 90%7,328 446,693$ 100%8,142 496,326$ How many irrigation systems in Town? •Unknown •19 permitted systems •All other irrigation systems would have been installed without a permit. •Those residents that have uninspected/unpermitted irrigation systems are asked to please contact the Town to have it inspected. •180 permitted systems How many irrigation wells in Town? Peer Communities •Area communities surveyed •Only Andover, Burlington, and Milton responded to inquiry •Allow 2nd meters (utilizes separate accounts versus deduct meters) •Meter and transponder supplied by the Town •Resident receives bill for the new meter/transponder •Backflow valve required for new meter •Town installs 2nd meter with a tee off of the water service •Homeowner hires their own plumber to connect irrigation to 2nd meter •Homeowner required to have moisture sensor ANY QUESTIONS? Presentation to the Select Board August 20, 2024 Presentation Overview •Mission •ReCALC Members •Prioritizing Age 60+/Current Pleasant Street Center •RECALC Progress Timeline (2017- current) •Phase 1 & Phase 2 Efforts •Community Survey & Engagement, Site Visits •Identified Needs, Priorities and User Groups •ReCALC Charter Extension •Additional Site Surveys •Alignment with COA & Other Community Priorities •Feasibility Study •Site Selection Process & Options •Site Selection Identified Pros & Cons •Site Selection Recommendation •Next Steps Explore the current and future needs of the Community, and initiate planning for a potential new Senior/Community Center in town that will focus on residents aged 60+ and possibly other members of the Community. Senior/Community Center = Reading Center for Active Living (ReCaL) Mission •John O’Neill, Chair •John Sasso, Vice Chair •Ron Assini, Secretary •Nora Bucko •Michael Coltman, REC Representative •Mark Dockser, Select Board Representative •John Parsons, COA Representative ReCALC Members •NEED: The Reading Center for Active Living is a *NEED* supported by data provided by professional consultants and 8+ years of exploration. •IMPACT: Serve the growing 60+ population: 20% in 2010, 26% 2020, 28.6% 2024, 30% 2030. •SPACE : Reaching more members of our 60+ population requires we create better accessible and inclusive spaces acknowledging that individuals will have a varying degree of interests and physical capabilities. Prioritizing a Vulnerable Population Age 60+ 1 1 Community Engagement and Planning Report, ReCal, December 2022 Pleasant Street Center (PSC): NOT MEETING CURRENT NEEDS – LIMITED CAPACITY •Space Constraints •4,550 Sq feet of usable space •Effectively only three multipurpose program rooms •Have you tried to play pool in the game room? •1st Floor Main Room •60 people capacity with Tables/Chairs •85 people with chairs only •2nd Floor (2 Program Rooms) •Lounge Capacity 16 w/Table, 20 w/Chairs •“Kitchen/Art Room” 12 w/Table, 15 w/Chairs •Many programs have waitlists due to space •Example: Annual Independence Day BBQ 28 on waitlist •Center usage is Increasing (+11,753 over last year) •Interactions: FY23 25,384 / FY24 37,137 Overflow from Chair Yoga Pleasant Street Center Unable to Meet the Growing Age 60+ Community Needs Non-Dividable Multi-Purpose Room (700 Sq. ft.)Kitchen •No bathroom on first floor •No private offices •No one-on-one space •Space Constrained Kitchen •Unable to run multiple (lg.) programs at once •140 yr. old historical building •No dedicated space for art, fitness, social, library •Building Access, Limited Parking Computer & Game Rooms (basement) Office in the Hallway Hallway Waiting Areas Nurse & Senior. Case Worker Office (no privacy or one-on-one space) Art/Lunch/Meeting Room (no dedicated storage) Smell of Gas!!! Registration Reception Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) Economic Development Plan 2015 2017 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 Reading Center for Active Living Committee (ReCALC ) formed Town Meeting & Community Vote. Construction Documents UMASS new study, details need for programs, new space Select Board prioritizes RECALC, awards ARPA funds for feasibility, schematic design ReCALC Select Board Recommendations & Extend effort bh+a feasibility study: program and space needs. Stakeholder meetings & community charettes, RECALC & COA align with multiple joint meetings to discuss initiatives Site evaluation and selection UMASS Gerontology Institute Community Needs Assessment 10 Years of planning Project Timeline PBC accepts project ReCALC Phase 1 & 2 Efforts Defining the Users of RECAL Key Findings in UMASS Study •Facilities and programming ability for age 60+ is insufficient today and getting worse. •Senior center vs. Community Center with designated senior space? •Age 70+ prefer Senior Center •Nearly ½ of survey respondents preferred an “all-ages community center including designated space and programming for residents age 60+.” •More than half of respondents under age 60 preferred an all-ages community center. •Results from all data sources indicate that older residents are open to the idea of an all-ages community center, but must have their own space and experiences with peers Survey Results Community Survey •1472 Responses to 24 Questions •Focused on Community & Neighborhood, Future Senior/Community Center, Programs & Services Where What Will They Use It How Much $$ Who Responded Community Forums •Reading as a Place to Live •(+) Close knit, feel safe, social/cultural, proximity to Boston, downtown+, many resources •(-) Housing costs, tax rate, getting around •Envisioning a Center •Age-inclusive space, meet a variety of needs and interests, flexible and adaptable. •Challenging, interesting, and active programs. Engage with children, young adults, & caregivers •Specific Needs •Social space, meals, computer classes, movie room, evening & weekend programs, one-on-one mtg space •Parking & transportation, accessibility, comfortable •Dedicated art space, exercise room/equipment •Employment opportunities, low/no cost programs & services •Held 3 Community Forms (172 participants) •General Feedback •Need Better Communication VISITED 15 EASTERN MA PEER CENTERS •Food Preparation and Meals •10 centers providing weekday lunch meal, 4 centers w/Chef on Staff •Most charge nominal fee ($2-$4) •6 centers prepped meals on-site, 7 centers did not •Center Operations •Average Peer Community Budget (FY22) $860k vs. $220.5k for Reading ($356k FY24) •Average Peer Community Bldg. 19,300 sf. vs. 7,000 sf. for Reading •Average Peer Community Staff 14 F&PT vs. 6 for Reading •Transportation & Parking •All have transportation options •Cost ranging from free, to donations, to $20 depending on service •On-Site Parking: 55 spaces (ave), 5 handicapped •What is Current Center Missing •Dedicated Technology Room, More Parking, Outdoor Activities, Evening Hours, Gym, Commercial Kitchen, More Storage, Access, Private Office/Visit space, Lounge, Washer/Dryer Feature Yes No Elevator 9 6 Bathrooms 15 0 Wheelchair Accessible 15 0 Visual/Auditory Impaired Access 8 4 Gym 6 9 Exercise Equipment 11 4 Showers 5 10 Admin Program Staff Offices 15 0 Library-Quiet Area 11 4 Individual Counseling Areas 13 2 Health Clinic 10 5 Creative Arts Room 14 1 Reception Area 14 1 Adequate Storage 7 4 Outdoor Programming Space 8 3 Building Features Question Yes No Multiple Programs at once 15 0 Capped Programs 10 0 Centralized Programs 11 0 De-Centralized Programs 3 4 Intergenerational Programs 12 3 Can Large Room Be Divided 7 2 Programmatic Recommendations from RECALC Delivered to Select Board February 2023 1.Define and execute an immediate facility solution for replacing and/or expanding the current Senior Center 2.Continue to enhance (invest in) the programming/services for Seniors including new offerings and better accessibility (e.g. address transportation, evening programming, etc.) 3.Develop communications strategies and community outreach regarding the needs for Seniors. 4.The desire for an all-ages community center (with dedicated senior space) is real. However, it should not take precedence over first meeting program, service, and facility needs of Reading Seniors. •Information for Feasibility Study: Using information obtained and developed through review of best practices, visits to and discussions with other senior /community centers around us, and survey results, provide a document and information to be used by the firm being hired to perform the feasibility study. Goal of sharing this within 45-60 days. •Program focus: Using the above tools and new interviews, explorations and discussions, add programming review to help define what we may want to offer in terms of services for seniors. Focus on other similar communities, best practices, enticing new participants in the 60+ age bracket to attend programs at the center. •Operating Finance: Explore a variety of financing alternatives used by other senior/community centers for programming activities to include donations, grants, town support and potentially other alternatives. •Transportation: Explore transportation best practices for senior centers. Select Board Additions to Charter (6/23) Project Priorities for RECAL Additional Peer Site Visits Focus on understanding financial, programmatic and transportation issues Randolph? Needham (new 2014)Burlington Wakefield Randolph (new 2017) Finance/Staff •$2.5M Budget (w/HHS, Youth & Family Services, Aging Services & Veterans •7 FT, 8 PT Staff •Grants to support Shine Program •Friends Group fundraising sponsors programs •Program, Transportation & rental fees •$462k, 4 FT, 7 PT •Grants but no friends group or fundraising •Charge for Transportation, but not for programs or meals •No friends group for fundraising •Charge for programs and transportation •Use old school for Sr. Center (20 yrs now) •No charge for town transportation. Charge $9.00 for Med. transportation. •Had Friends Group but never got it restarted after Covid •They do not charge for programs Program •Fitness, Special Entertainment, Community Dinners, Yoga •Fitness, Bingo, Pizza & Movie night, Musical Entertainment, Meals •Zumba, Aging Backwards, Chair Yoga, Shine, AARP Tax Support •Programs enabled by facility that includes gym, exercise and fitness rooms, indoor walking track, greenhouse, meeting spaces, classrooms, a teaching kitchen, theatre and arts space, and outdoor amenities Transport •4 Town owned Vans, 600+ trips/month (only 2 PT drivers) •No evening/weekend transport •2 Town Owned Vans, also use Lyft and Go-Go Grandparent (Town Subsidized $11k/month) •1 Van Driver, contract for medical trips when driver not available 2 Vans for transportation about to add a third van •There is more work to be done, but Elder Services has already benefited from some of the cross pollination of Program ideas •Financial and Transportation issues require more effort ReCALC & Council On Aging •ReCALC engaged COA throughout the process. •COA has contributed to this effort in a variety of ways •Communication of PSC deficiencies (video) •Held numerous open houses to allow the public to see the center •Expanded program opportunities given ARPA funding and has seen increase in participation (which further highlighted the center limitations to accommodate all) •COA Participated in the feasibility project reviews and site selection activity resulting in a similar site prioritization as ReCALC •Although not a COA initiative, Friends of Reading Seniors group (FORS60+) has been formed as a non-profit and has already begun fundraising activities RECAL Brings Together Community Priorities 60+ Adults Outdoor Recreation Intergenerational programs Modern Accessibility Services Community Health Improvement Planning Feasibility Study Phase I & II Feasibility Study Efforts •Town of Reading explored other opportunities and put out RFQs for non town-owned land which ended with no success. •Town and consultant identified 3 parcels of town-owned land that could be viable for RECAL o Current Center on Pleasant Street o Oakland Road o Symonds Way •Developed design options for building and site features in design charettes •Held numerous community meetings to solicit feedback and address issues •Performed comparative assessments of each site against defined criteria setback Pleasant Street with Gym Does not comply with setback requirements Symonds Way First Floor Second Floor Oakland Rd, Symonds OAKLAND ROAD 0.75 MILES PLEASANT STREET 0.25 MILES SYMONDS WAY 1.5 MILES Site Options “Comparative Analytics”FIRE READING CENTER & POLICE Site Data Matrix Location PSC (Existing)PSC (New) w/2 Story Parking Garage Oakland Rd & Symonds Way Overall Bldg. (sq. ft.)7,160 20,000 w/Gym 26,300 #Program Rms 5 6 w/Gym (no lounge)8 Multipurpose 1650 sq. ft. Cannot be divided 1970 sq. ft.2430 sq. ft. Gym Options None Adding gym results in reduced program areas and no walking track 6300 sq. ft. Site Ranking N/A A distant 3rd Symonds Way #1 Oakland Road #2 •Historical Commission: Modifications to PSC not favored •Meeting with Abutters: Objections to Oakland Rd site (see next slides) •Conservation: Wetlands delineated but plan will have to be presented to Conservation •Community Development: CPDC review after a plan is available •Recreation: Engaged with committee and has provided input on opportunities for synergy Comparative Information Site Benefits •Close to Downtown •Historical Integrity •Familiarity for current users •Intergenerational Opportunities being located next to 3 schools of various age groups •Walkability from school sites to the center after school •Still close proximity to downtown •Near by outdoor recreational opportunities already exist •Could be a net-zero building •Parking would be great •Overflow Parking opportunities on select days of the week •Can accommodate other outdoor Activities like a trail, bocce court, garden, etc. •Connection to Nature •Opportunity for many outdoor recreational opportunities--trails, pickleball courts, bocce etc. •Near by outdoor recreational opportunities already exist •Intergenerational Opportunities with Burbank Ice Arena and Killam Elementary School •Parking would be great •Overflow Parking opportunities with Burbank Ice Arena on certain days of the week •Could be a net-zero building •Most Potential for Expansion Pleasant Street Center Oakland Road Symonds Way Site Drawbacks •Close to abutters •Parking Garage not ideal for senior population •Historical Commission not in favor of design proposals that dwarf existing building which would in turn not allow RECAL to have full center needs •No opportunity for outdoor recreation •No potential opportunity for expansion •Smaller Rooms and less rooms Pleasant Street Center Oakland Road Symonds Way •Close to abutters •Potential impact on traffic with the High school already causing some concerns •Topography could limit construction or make construction a nuisance and/or costly •Furthest Away from downtown •Unknown impacts on contaminates on land which could be costly to remediate •Various user groups are interested in the site, though compatible with plans ReCALC Recommends Symonds Way Site •New Center is needed => community high priority and long overdue •Preferred building includes a gym and walking track •Best meets needs of 60+ AND the broader community •Other communities that include them love them •Those communities that did not include, wish that they had •Symonds Way is preferred site •Reviewed by ReCALC and COA using evaluation criteria (from multiple other communities) => ranked Symonds Way first •#2 is Oakland Road but with some concerns •Current PSC too small to accommodate size, especially if gym is to be considered •Permanent Building Committee (PBC) agreed to take on program •ReCAL building committee consisting of PBC + 1 COA member and 1 SB member •PBC to hire OPM to help coordinate the completion of Schematic Design Phase •Complete site review to concur with recommendations, provide cautions and plan. ETA: Mid-Q4 2024 •Upon completion of PBC site review, return to Select Board •Finalize site selection and move ahead to schematic drawings (by BH&A, already funded via ARPA funds). •Additional site testing during schematics—funding TBD •Return to Select Board in late 2024/early 2025 with plan and costs. •Community will have an opportunity to review/scrutinize/ask questions. •Present to Spring town meeting 2025 and then to voters •With Symonds Way site, opportunity to explore new uses for Pleasant Street Center •Funding •Financial approach for funding TBD (contingent on final cost estimate) •Town Meeting & Community approval required for any debt exclusion •Project Timing considerations – multiple town priorities Where are we now… Next StepsReCALC Sunsets August 31 Questions Appendix NEW CENTER GUIDANCE Think Big •Never have enough storage, plan for growth •Commercial Kitchen, gyms, 2 game rooms, outdoor space •Larger center generates more interest General/Process •Be transparent throughout process. •Base decisions on programming needs of residents, full needs assessment of community •Have a stand-alone senior center, shared space is difficult •Complicated Renovating an older center. •Keep location downtown. Facility •Design to run more than one activity at a time •Inviting space & positive first impression, welcoming, bright, airy, sunny •Multi-use spaces and accommodate disabilities •Co-Locate office space for staff & client engagement •Make Sure acoustics are good, including flooring and ceilings that are not high •Provide plenty of parking & locate near Public Transportation Financial •Establish Trust for building •Obtain programming grants •Fundraising and Capital Campaign to cover FF&E Evaluating the best site for RECAL •Area of the Site •Impact on Abutters •Traffic Conditions •Parking Quantity •Location of Parking •Wetlands & Floodplains •Sustainability Impact on Design •Facilities Multi-Generational Use •Accommodates other Outdoor Activities •Sustainability Impact on Design •Suitability for a Senior Center Quantitative 12-step rating system Subjective Rating •Rate each site from 0-20 •Give comments and pros & cons Combined Results •Data driven worksheets were formulated by the consultant that reflect ratings from COA, RECALC and bh+a to help with determining the best site Community & Committee Feedback from forums, meetings, open houses, calls, emails, etc. Narrowing down sites •RFQs to Reading businesses •Could a site or building be repurposed? •Town owned parcels Additional Considerations on Site Selection •Historical Commission – attended meeting and received memo on recommendations •Meeting with Abutters facilitated by BH+A & Jenna Fiorente •Internal Staff conversations with Conservation and Community Development who oversee perspective committees. Backup Slide – PSC Programs & Services Programs we have added -Let’s Get Digital Classes -Wellness Wednesdays -Lunch and Learn -Podiatry -Hairstylist -Pom Pom Dance -Chair Volleyball -Men’s Huddle -Pokeno -Bridging Generations Club Intergenerational Programs -Intergenerational Programs with Town of Reading Recreation -Breakfast and Learn -Cooking Demos -Breakfast and Learn -Various Lectures and Educational Programming  Examples: History of Women in Music  Storyteller with Cindy Rivka Marshall  Henry 101: Thoreau-ly Misunderstood  Ted Reinstein  Boston Bruins National Anthem Singer -Fiber Art Presentation -Mini Bus Trips -Hillview Dances -Hillview NuBingo Lunch -Men’s and Women’s Billiards  Services we provide (Not all Services Listed)  SHINE Medicare appointment  AARP Tax Prep  Lifeline Medical Alert System Applications  Alternative Transportation Services for Medical Transportation Application  Senior Housing Information  Support Groups  Parkinson’s Support Group  Bereavement Support Group  Memory Cafe  Caregivers support Group  Blood Pressure Clinics  Food Pantry Referrals  Hoarding Taskforce  Mental Health Help and Referrals  Homelessness Help and Referrals  Protective Services and Filing Program Pleasant Street Program Shortfall OPTION WITH GYM Large Program Room Fitness Studio Senior Lounge*1 Program Coordinator Track above Gym*2 1,000 sf 1,000 sf 800 sf 100 sf - OPTION WITHOUT GYM Gym Track 6,500 sf- Existing Pleasant Street Center Pleasant Street without Gym Pleasant Street with Gym Oakland Road & Symonds Way Multipurpose Room 1,650 1,970 1,970 2,430 MPRStorage 100 40 40 included Commercial Kitchen 370 730 750 570 Lobby/Reception 160 640 640 860 Community Services Director included included 200 Recreation Office included included 110 Veterans Office &Filing Room included included 200 Elder Services (COA)Director 100 170 180 AdministrationCaseworker (social services)100 100 120 Volunteer Coordinator 130 100 120 Program Coordinator included included 150 Transportation Coordinator 250 210 100 Nurse/Professional &Companion Restroom 110 100 160 Flex Office (Visiting Professional)130 100 90 Conference Room 180 310 310 340 Copy/Storage 70 included 370 Friends'Giftshop 230 included included included Break Room 100 140 Large Program Room &Storage 1,060 1,040 ProgramRoomsMedium Program Room &Storage 590 700 810 Small Program Room &Storage 340 340 560 Arts and Crafts Room &Storage 330 890 670 1,000 Gross Motor Room &Storage 1,080 970 1,000 Fitness Studio 970 820 Senior Lounge 410 730 820 Game Room 310 580 600 1,040 SupportRestrooms 450 940 1,000 1,060 General Storage 115 480 410 300 Mechanical 245 210 210 160 Gymnasium 6,650 6,300 GymWalking Track included Gymnasium Storage 210 240 Subtotal 4,550 12,550 16,250 21,290 Non-Program Area 2,610 5,550 3,750 5,010 Total Area 7,160 18,100 20,000 26,300 Parking Garage 19,300 19,300 August 29, 2024 BOARD RETREAT September 3, 2024 STATE PRIMARY September 10, 2024 Tuesday Overview of Meeting 7:00 Public Comment 7:05 Select Board Liaison and Town Manager Reports 7:15 Haven Streetscape Discussion MacNichol & Percival Preview/Discuss Tax Classification Approve Health Inter-Municipal Agreement Ade Solarin Appoint Recreation Committee Member MBTA Discussion Andrew MacNichol Presentation from Town Forest Committee Approval of MassDOT Land Taking in Wilmington Discuss Kiosk Implementation/ Update Update on ARPA Funds Executive Session: Custodians Union Contract September 24, 2024 Tuesday Close Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant Executive Session Purpose 3: Discuss potential litigation pertaining to unpaid police detail invoices involving Heyland Development. October 8, 2024 Tuesday Close Warrant for State Election October 29, 2024 Tuesday Hearing Tax Classification November 5, 2024 STATE ELECTION November 12, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING November 14, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING November 18, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING November 19, 2024 Tuesday November 21, 2024 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING December 3, 2024 Tuesday Vote to approve Annual Liquor Licenses December 4, 2024 Wednesday Department Budget Presentations December 10, 2024 Tuesday Department Budget Presentations Recurring Agenda Items Close Warrant: Annual Town Meeting March Close Warrant: Subsequent Town Meeting September Appoint Town Accountant March Annual HEARING Approve Classification & Compensation May Annual Appointments of Boards & Committees May/June Annual HEARING Approve Tax Classification October Annual Approve Licenses December Annual Arbor Day Proclamation April Annual Liaison: RCTV members Report Annual Liaison: CAB (RMLD) member Report Annual Liaison: MAPC member Report Annual Liaison: Reading Housing Authority Report Annual Liaison: Reading Ice Arena Report Annual Town Accountant Report Qtrly Economic Development Director Semi-ann Parking/Traffic/Transportation Task Force (PTTTF) Town Board & Committee visits Town Department visits Review Select Board Goals Review Town Manager Goals February/March Select Board Draft Minutes June 18, 2024 Bacci called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and went over the agenda. Public Comment Casey Moulten noted she was the one who initiated the public records request for McCarthy’s texts and emails regarding the Town Manager search. As shown in the texts, Herrick lied about not being in contact with McCarthy about the Town Manager candidates. She noted she is disappointed with this entire situation. Herrick joined the meeting at 7:05 PM. Marianne Downing read an email she sent the board regarding MBTA communities. She feels the planning department needs to consider other options and minimize the impact as much as possible. David Monahan noted he would like to be on the Bill Russell Committee if formed tonight. Jeff Peters advocated for the formation of the Bill Russell Committee. Genady Pyvylsky spoke about the candidates interested in the Climate Advisory Committee. He noted two of the three candidates have been showing up to meetings frequently already and been attending events. Tony D’Arezzo noted he saw there were many applications for ZBA and if it comes down to him or Mark Wetzel, please put Wetzel on the board as his knowledge is immeasurable. Carolyn Whiting noted she supports the Bill Russell Committee. Maria Salvatelle noted she also supports the Bill Russell Committee. Reginald Nichols expressed his support for the Bill Russell Committee. Linda Snow Dockser noted she is speaking tonight in favor of the Jaime Maughn pathway dedication that is on the agenda this evening. Philmore Phillip thanked the constituents who showed up in support of the Bill Russell committee. Liaison Reports Murphy attended the MBTA Communities meeting last week and the Board of Health who is gearing up for a tobacco vote. Dockser noted ReCalc is in final preparations for recommendations to the Select Board. Herrick attended Juneteenth and noted it was a great event. The Killam School Building Committee met last night and they have a full summer schedule ahead of them. The sustainability working group is meeting again next week. VASC met to finish up interviews and have recommendations for this meeting. She also attended the MBTA Communities meeting and thanked CPDC members. Haley attended the MBTA Communities meeting and glad there was a good attendance. He believes Andrew MacNichol will do his best with the feedback received. He attended the Juneteenth annual celebration followed by the fireworks that evening. Bacci attended the Recreation meeting and they were discussing putting pickleball in the parking lot at the ice rink. The CPA had their second meeting. He also attended the MBTA communities meeting. Town Manager Report Matt attended Friends and family day which was fantastic. He attended a Ribbon Cutting for the new parking lot earlier. Albert did a great job organizing Juneteeth. The Zip trip is on Friday. Porchfest is on Saturday. The library will be open the next couple days as a cooling center. Jamie Maughn Path Dedication Chuck Tirone, Conservation Administrator showed the board where this path would be. Jamie Maughn’s son, Matt, spoke a few words on his father’s behalf and thanked the town for doing this. Haley moved to support naming the central spine path at Birch Meadow in honor of Jamie Maughan as presented. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Bagel World Early Opening Request Haley read the hearing notice opening the public hearing to discuss Bagel World’s request to open at 5:00 AM. Edward Kantorosinski, one of the owners of Bagel World was present to explain their request. He noted they always have a line of people waiting for them to open at 6:00 am; their other locations open at 5:00 am so they would like this location to open at 5:00 am here in Reading too. It was noted that the noise from the drive-thru window has caused past disturbances for the neighbors, so they agreed to just open the inside of the store and not the drive-thru window at 5:00 am. They are re-doing the drive-thru in July to get two lanes in there to help get traffic off the street. Deliveries will not be taking place any earlier than normal. Haley moved to close the hearing regarding the early opening request for Bagel World. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to approve a license to operate a retail business between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Reading General Bylaws and further pursuant to Section 3.8 of the Select Board Policies to Bagel World, 323 Main Street. This license is for approval to open for business not earlier than 5:00 a.m. In granting this license the board finds: 1. In accordance with Section 7.7.4.1 of the General Bylaws that the operation of the establishment will not cause unreasonable disruption or disturbance to, or otherwise adversely affect, the customary character of any adjacent or nearby residential neighborhood; and 2. In accordance with Section 7.7.4.2 of the General Bylaws that the operation of the establishment is reasonably necessary to serve the public health, safety and welfare, serves a public need and provides a public convenience which outweighs any increase in the impacts on the adjacent or nearby residential. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Traffic and Safety Amendment Haley read the hearing notice to open the hearing to discuss Safety Amendment 2024-4. Lt. Jones was present to explain the request and answer any questions. The purpose of Safety Amendment 2024-4 is to improve traffic and pedestrian safety at the intersection of Wentworth Road at Lewis Street. The amendment is asking for an official placement of an isolated stop sign hearing northbound on Wentworth Road at the intersection with Lewis Street. Lt. Jones noted this came out of PTTTF request and the board had no issues. Haley moved to close the hearing regarding safety amendment 2024-4. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to approve Amendment 2024-4 to the Traffic and Parking Regulations as presented. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Surplus Chief Burns is asking the Select Board to surplus the ladder truck that is being replaced soon. The new truck should be arriving within the month but having this declared surplus now will make the transition easier when the new truck arrives. It will still be in use until the new truck arrives. Haley moved to declare Fire Apparatus – Ladder Truck 1 as surplus property. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Building Fee Discussion Building Commissioner Bret Bennett came before the board to share with them their new proposed permit fee schedule. He noted these fees have not been updated in years and so they are aligning them with other towns and fixing some of the structures of the fees. The new fee schedule will be set to take place starting July 1, 2024. The board does not need to vote on this. Discuss and Vote on Bill Russell Committee Members of CATO (The Coalition of us) gave the board a presentation on the Ad-Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE). Members Linda Snow Dockser, Tara Gregory and Phil Philmore provided their thoughts on how to best honor and commemorate the late Bill Russell. The presentation can be found in the Select Board packet on the town website. Bacci asked the board who was in favor of establishing this committee. The board voted 5-0 to approve. Charter Review Update Haley noted the Charter Committee met last week and they set up a public forum for August 29. The biggest discussion has revolved around RMLD and if they should be in the Charter. Legal Counsel is working on an opinion about that. The big change overall is changing everything to gender neutral terms. VASC Recommendations and Appointments Herrick and Murphy completed multiple days of interviews of new candidates for various boards and committees. They provided their recommendations to the full Select Board noting they agree on all appointments except for Board of Health and CPDC; they did not have a consensus on. Haley noted he cannot vote on anything for the Housing Authority and Herrick would abstain from voting on the Audit Committee because her husband is the incumbent. Bacci noted he would like to have more discussion about RCTV Board of Directors and ZBA as well. Haley moved to appoint all members as presented except for Board of Health, CPDC, Audit Committee, Housing Authority, RCTV Board of Directors and ZBA. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to appoint Stephen Herrick to a full member on the Audit Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 4-0-1 vote with Herrick abstaining. The board then had a discussion on the Board of Health applicants. While both Herrick and Murphy agreed on the same two candidates, they did not agree on which candidate would be the full member vs. the associate. It was noted that Salvatore Bramante’s background is in Management/ Operations of restaurants and Sophie Hansen’s background is in social work currently serving as the Director of Government Relations and External Affairs working in policy. Murphy, Haley and Bacci think having someone well versed in restaurants and inspections would be great to have as the full-time member while Herrick and Docker feel Sophie’s background in social work and policy aligns better for the full-time member. Haley moved to appoint Salvatore Bramante to a full position on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 3-2 vote. Haley moved to appoint Sophie Hansen as an associate member on the Board of Health with a term expiring June 30, 2026. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. The board then moved on to discuss CPDC. There are two incumbents seeking reappointment and two new applicants. Murphy would like to see some new blood on the committee and would like to see the two new applicants be appointed while Herrick believes the incumbents should be reappointed. Haley moved to appoint John Arena to a member of the CPDC with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 3-2 vote. Haley moved to appoint Tony D’Arezzo to a member of the CPDC with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 2-3 vote. Haley moved to appoint Guy Manganiello to a member of the CPDC with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 3-2 vote. Haley moved to appoint Mark Wetzel to a member of the CPDC with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 2-3 vote. The board then moved on to discuss Housing Authority. Haley will be abstaining from this vote due to his working relationship with the Housing Authority. Bacci moved to appoint Timothy Kelley to a full member on the Housing Authority with a term expiring June 30, 2029. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 4-0-1 with Haley abstaining. Bacci moved to appoint Diana Carter to a full member on the Housing Authority with a term expiring June 30, 2028. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 4-0-1 with Haley abstaining. Next discussion was the RCTV Board of Directors. Bacci wanted to see someone new on the board so he is looking to appoint the new applicant. The rest of the board felt appointing the incumbent was the right way to go. Haley moved to appoint Stephen Crook to a full member on the RCTV Board of Directors with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved by with a 4-1 vote. Lastly, the board discussed ZBA. Herrick and Murphy agreed on their recommendations, but Bacci wanted to discuss how they figured out who got the full position vs. the associate positions. In the end the board ended up voting the recommended appointments from VASC: Haley moved to appoint Chris Cridler to a full member on the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to appoint Patrick Houghton to a full member on the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to appoint Tara Gregory to an associate member on the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Haley moved to appoint Frank Capone to an associate member on the Zoning Board of Appeals with a term expiring June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Vote on Temporary Members to the PBC for ReCalc Project Haley moved to nominate Dockser and a member of the Council on Aging to serve as Temporary Members of the Permanent Building Committee for the RECAL project, and to refer those named to the PBC Appointment Committee. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote. Extend ReCalc Sunset Date Haley moved to extend the sunset date for the Reading Center for Active Living Committee (ReCalc) to August 31, 2024. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. Appoint SB Member to School Committee Athletics Facilities Naming Advisory Committee Haley moved to appoint Herrick to the School Committee Athletics Facility Naming Advisory Committee. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote. MA Clean Energy Agreement Herrick explained why she asked for this on the agenda. It is unclear if the board has the ability to sign this agreement. Town Counsel has a difference of opinion from Herrick. Herrick feels there is nothing prohibiting the board from signing this agreement. Haley moved to execute MA Clean Energy Technology Center Renewable Energy Trust Fund Membership agreement. The motion was seconded by Herrick. Haley noted he is not voting on this due to the memo the board received from Town Counsel on this. Bacci agreed with Haley. The board tabled this item without taking a vote. Discuss Open Meeting Law Complaint This is on the agenda just to make the response public. Bacci read a statement from Herrick’s response to the OML Complaint noting that she did not speak with anyone about the Town Manager candidates. He then noted after hearing public comments tonight, that seems to be contradictory. Dockser noted this OML complaint has been answered and sent in. It is out of the board’s hands now. If the complainant wants to file an appeal, they can do that. We cannot keep making accusations based off someone’s allegation. Murphy noted she is worried that if the handout and information they received at public comment tonight goes to the Attorney General’s office with the letter Herrick sent in response to the OML complaint, the board could be in some serious trouble. Discuss Future Agendas The board discussed adding a special meeting to discuss the newest open meeting law complaint that came in. They have to respond by a certain date and their next regularly scheduled meeting is after the date. The board agreed to Thursday, June 27 at 9:30 AM via Zoom. Dockser moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:55 PM. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 5-0 vote. Select Board Draft Minutes June 27, 2024 @ 9:30 AM via Zoom Bacci called the meeting to order at 9:30 AM. He took a roll call vote for attendance with Haley, Dockser, Murphy and Bacci noting their presence. Public Comment Herrick joined the meeting at 9:34 AM. Linda Snow Dockser thanked Karen Herrick for all her hard work as a volunteer. Mary Ellen O’Neill asked the board to reconsider Guy Manganiello’s appointment to CPDC noting he has too many conflicts of interest to be an effective member on that board. Angela Binda echoed Linda Snow Dockser’s comments about Herrick. Discuss Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by John Sullivan Haley moved to go into Executive Session under purpose 1 to discuss and potentially respond to an Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by John Sullivan, received on June 15, 2024, to invite Ivria Fried and Rian Holmquest from Town Counsel’s office, Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella, into the Executive Session and to return to Open Session to continue discussion on this topic and to continue on with the rest of the meeting. The motion was seconded by Dockser and failed with the following roll call vote: Haley – no; Murphy - yes; Dockser - yes; Herrick – no; Bacci – no. Motion fails; they will continue in open session with this agenda item. Ivria Fried explains the open meeting law complaint that says the board entered into Executive Session improperly at a previous meeting. In the meeting in question, Herrick abstained from the motion to go into Executive Session, but since she didn’t vote she doesn’t have purpose 1 rights. Town Counsel feels the board did not violate any open meeting laws. Point of Order from Linda Snow Dockser – when I was on the School Committee we were considered some type of employee for elected volunteers – is it the same for the Select Board members. Counsel noted, yes they are municipal employees for purposes under the law. Bacci noted he agrees the board didn’t do anything wrong. Dockser thinks they should acknowledge a grey line and promise to try to do better in the future keeping this in mind. Haley noted the board all received the notice/ OML complaint so he doesn’t feel Herrick can claim she didn’t get proper notice about it. He agrees with Bacci and would like to respond that the board didn’t do anything wrong. Murphy agree s with Dockser and doesn’t believe the board violated any open meeting laws but feels they should be cognizant of it going forward. Herrick noted she would like to move on and do the work they are elected to do. She agrees with Dockser on how to respond to the complaint and move on. She thinks in the future we need to provide proper notice to anyone named in OML complaints. Town Counsel suggested the board can take a softer approach and say they don’t believe they broke any open meeting laws but promise to do better in the future. Haley moved to authorize town counsel to respond to the open meeting law complaint filed by John Sullivan as discussed. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. VASC The board needed to fix a clerical error from the previous meetings board appointments. Haley moved to appoint John Kastrinos to a full member on the Trails Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2027. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Haley moved to appoint David Swyter to an associate member on the Trails Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2025. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Discuss replacing SB Member on the Killam School Building Committee Herrick asked why this was on the agenda and Bacci noted he was given a list of unprofessional behavior by the Chair of the Killam School Building Committee, and he feels it needs to be addressed. Herrick noted she has no knowledge of this list of what Bacci is speaking of. Murphy feels Herrick is not completely in the dark on what is going on based off her public comments at the School Committee meeting the other night. Bacci gave Herrick the option of reading the list or not to which Herrick declined to answer. Haley volunteers to be the new Select Board designee on the Killam School Building Committee. Murphy noted she would like some more background on this and would like to hear what is on the list. Dockser feels this is inappropriate over accusations and this conversation is going nowhere. Haley noted these are not just accusations; everything is documented. Haley moved to rescind Herrick as the Select Board designee on the Killam School Building Committee and appoint Haley as the new designee. The motion was seconded by Murphy. Herrick then suggested adding Haley as a second designee with her on the committee. She then went on to list all her accomplishments and what she has done thus far in the past two years being on the committee. Haley agreed that Herrick’s dedication is unmatched, but everything else that has happened is unacceptable and can’t be looked past. Herrick noted the board can remove her, but she can and will still attend and participate as a Select Board member and support this project. She indicated she will not be leaving this project. The board took the following roll call vote on the motion to remove Herrick and add Haley to the Killam School Building Committee: CH – yes; MM – yes; MD – no; KH- no; CB – yes. As the board was trying to finish their vote, Angela Binda, yelled out “communist Russia” three times before saying, “communist Reading”. Schedule The board scheduled another meeting on July 9th at 6PM to address another open meeting law complaint filed against them. Haley moved to adjourn at 11:04 am. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Select Board Draft Minutes July 9, 2024 - 6:30 PM MM via Zoom Public Comment Ed Ross feels the board does not have any real facts to pull Herrick off the Killam board. Mary Ellen O’Neill noted she is disturbed by recent events by the board including bumping off the incumbents from CPDC and Herrick off Killam. Kendra Cooper suggested asking the Attorney General to come out and give them a presentation on Open Meeting Law. Nancy Docktor feels the board doesn’t value their volunteers and never appoints qualified individuals to the Board of Health. Jeffrey Dietz made a comment referencing last Thursday’s board meeting to the novel ‘The Trial’. John Lippitt feels the board is not being transparent and wants Bacci to step down. Linda Snow Dockser noted Casey Moulton’s previous accusations against her are false. She noted that she and her husband, Mark Dockser, do not speak about town business at home. Tara Gregory feels Bacci is leaving materials out of the packet and wants Haley to apologize to Dockser about the McCarthy accusations. OML Complaint #1 – John Lippitt At 6:54 PM, Haley moved to enter into Executive Session under Purpose 7 for the purpose of complying with Section 22 of the Open Meeting Law by reviewing the June 4, 2024 executive session minutes for approval and potential release, to invite Town Counsel and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella into the Executive Session, and to return to Open Session for the purpose of announcing the results of this Executive Session and continue on with the meeting. The motion was seconded by Herrick, and the following roll call vote was taken: MM – no; MD – yes; CH – no; KH – no; CB – no. Town Counsel urged the board to do this in executive session because they haven’t seen the minutes. Dockser made a motion to reconsider the previous motion. The motion was seconded by Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: MM – no; CH – no; KH – yes; Dockser – yes; CB- yes. The board further discussed doing this in executive session or not with Haley feeling that there is no reason to do these behind closed doors, but Dockser noting the board should see the minutes and make sure they are accurate before the public does. Haley again moved to enter into Executive Session under Purpose 7 for the purpose of complying with Section 22 of the Open Meeting Law by reviewing the June 4, 2024 executive session minutes for approval and potential release, to invite Town Counsel and To wn Manager Matt Kraunelis and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella into the Executive Session, and to return to Open Session for the purpose of announcing the results of this Executive Session and continue on with the meeting. The motion was seconded by Herrick, and the motion passed with the following roll call vote: MM – no; MD – yes; CH – no; KH – yes; CB – yes. The board came back to open session at 8:08 PM. Bacci noted they approved and released the executive session minutes. Haley moved to enter into Executive Session under Purpose 1 for the purposes of discussing and responding to the following Open Meeting Law Complaints: (1) an Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by John Lippitt on June 25, 2024 and; to invite Town Counsel and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella into the Executive Session, and to return to Open Session for the purpose of continuing on with these agenda items and to continue on with the meeting. The motion was seconded by Dockser. The board discussed the motion. Dockser asked how they were going to proceed with open meeting law complaints going forward because it seems sometimes they go into executive session and sometimes they don’t. Bacci noted it would be case by case for him. Murphy and Haley noted they would like to do all of them in open session. The board took a roll call vote on the motion, and it was a unanimous vote to not go into executive session for this discussion. Bacci noted it is sad they have another open meeting law complaint based on a statement and not facts. Haley feels the executive session minutes that they just released should bring more clarity to this. Dockser feels the board needs to do better going forward. The board discussed at length the previous executive session that the complaint specifically references. Dockser and Herrick are concerned that they are not dealing with these complaints consistently. Town Counsel chimed in and noted that, absent other information, the Attorney General will take the word of the board member if something did or did not occur. The board needs to figure out if the conversation between Haley and Bacci happened, then there was a violation; however, both Haley and Bacci are stating they did not have a conversation, therefore, the board can find a violation did not occur. Dockser moved to authorize Town Counsel to respond to the open meeting law complaint that the board did not find a violation occurred. Herrick seconded the motion. The board took the following roll call vote: MM – yes; MD – yes; CH – yes; KH – abstain; CB – yes. Open Meeting Law Complaint #2 – Daniel Dewar Haley moved to enter into Executive Session under Purpose 1 for the purposes of discussing and responding to the following Open Meeting Law Complaints: an Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Daniel Dewar on July 2, 2024, to invite Town Counsel and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Executive Assistant Caitlin Nocella into the Executive Session, and to return to Open Session for the purpose of continuing on with these agenda items and to continue on with the meeting. The motion was seconded by Dockser. The board unanimously voted not to go into executive session. The board received an email from McCarthy correcting the timeline of the record of events that unfolded before her resignation. Town Counsel noted this complaint is essentially three parts. She noted spouses of board members do not lose their right to communicate with elected officials just because they are married to a Select Board member. If a Select Board member is directing their spouse to speak to certain people, that would be different; it is all about intent. It was noted McCarthy did send an email clearing up this first part regarding Linda Snow Dockser speaking with her husband, Select Board member Mark Dockser. The second part of this complaint the board has already dealt with, and the board can respond that way. The third component is that Herrick communicated with McCarthy about the Town Manager selection process. Herrick had previously stated she had not spoken with McCarthy, but text messages were included with this complaint that were collected from a public records request. Herrick feels that the text messages aren’t relevant to who she was voting for; she never said which candidate she was going to vote for. She feels these weren’t in the time frame of the public records request which is why she also did not provide these texts when they were requested. Town Counsel noted that the board could wrap this into previous complaints and respond that it has already been addressed. She also noted that after viewing the text messages she believes the Attorney General would find that the town manager process was discussed in these texts, the candidates were discussed, and they crossed the line into deliberation. It is the board’s decision whether or not to decide if the board feels they have already addressed this complaint or if this new information makes them want to respond differently. Haley noted he would like to move on from this if Herrick would admit she spoke with McCarthy about the town manager process. Herrick felt she was being threatened. Murphy feels this falls under the previous open meeting law complaints. She feels the board needs to own its mistakes and move on. She would like Town Counsel and the Attorney General to come give the board a training. Bacci noted this is new information for him that he wishes they had months ago. Haley noted they submitted a response to the Attorney General that now contradicts this information they have now. Town Counsel suggested that the board recognize that they have come into new information relative to the previous open meeting law complaints, the board would like to correct the record, move on, and recommit to following open meeting law. The board agreed this is the best way to respond to the complaint. Dockser moved to authorize Town Counsel to respond to the open meeting law complaint filed by Dan Dewar as discussed. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a unanimous roll call vote. Reorganization Bacci noted he is disappointed and frustrated that these text messages were not brought forward sooner. Dockser noted the board needs to learn how to work together again. They need to have a discussion on how they are going to accomplish this. He feels this is not moving forward. The board needs to have that discussion on their rules and policies to do better before having this conversation of reorganization. Bacci noted since February 6th, this board has been a circus. Herrick moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:44 PM. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with the following roll call vote: MM- yes; Dockser – yes; Haley – no; Herrick – yes; Bacci – no.