HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-18 Select Board Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Select Board
Date: 2025-02-18Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda:
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 notbe accepted.
Topics of Discussion:
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7:00 Overview of Meeting
7:05 Public Comment
7:15 Select Board Liaison / Town Manager Reports
3
7:30 Grey Coach RoadDiscussion and Vote to turn streetlightback on
7:45 Discuss/ Voteforin-person early voting for April Election
8:00 Discussion on logistics/process for holding Special Election
4
8:10 ReCal cost update/discussion
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
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
38
8:45 Preview Town Meeting Warrant
47
9:00 Future Agendas
49
9:10 Approve Meeting Minutes
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
Town of Reading
16 Lowell Street
Reading, MA 01867-2683
Fax: (781) 942-5441 PUBLIC WORKS
Website: www.readingma.gov (781) 942-9077
Date: February 13, 2025
To: Town of Reading Select Board
Cc: Matthew A. Kraunelis, Town Manager
From: Christopher A. Cole, Director of Public Works
Re: 33 Grey Coach Road – street light request
A request has been made by the resident of 33 Grey Coach Road, David Carroll, for the Town to
turn the street back light back on in front of his home. In 1991, the Board of Selectmen voted to
turn off several streetlights around the Town for energy conservation purposes. Since then,
especially with the conversion to LED lighting, requests have been made to the Board by
residents to turn some of these streetlights back on, not only on this street, but others around the
Town as well. The streetlight in front of 33 Grey Coach Road is the last remaining light on the
street which has not been turned back on yet.
Given that the Board of Selectmen originally voted to turn this streetlight off, the Selectboard is
being asked tonight to vote on whether to allow this streetlight be turned back on. I have viewed
the area after dark and noted how dark it was in this area and recommend that the Board vote in
favor of having this streetlight turned back on again.
If any Board members would like to contact me directly on this matter prior to the meeting,
please feel free to do so.
Thank you,
Christopher A. Cole
Director, Department of Public Works
781-942-6685 (office)
Reading Center for Active Living
(ReCAL)
Select Board Update
February 18, 2025
Schematic Drawings
Project History
Costing
Town Meeting &
MetropolitanAreaReadingCenterforReCALC Select Board
UMASS new BH+A Feasibility
CommunityVotes
PlanningCouncilActiveRecommendations &
study, details Study: program and
(MAPC)Economic Living CommitteeExtend effort
need for space needs.
DevelopmentPlan(ReCALC)formed
programs, new Stakeholder
spacemeetings &
community
charettes,
20152017202120222023 2024 2025
Select Board
UMASS
RECALC & COA support
prioritizes ReCALC,
Gerontology
Symonds
awards ARPA funds
Institute
Way
for feasibility,
Community
PBC recommends
schematic design
Needs
Symonds Way
Assessment
10 Years of Planning
Reading Center for Active Living Committee Summary
--
Prioritizing a Vulnerable Population
Age 60+
NEED: The Reading Center for Active Living is a NEED
supported by data provided by professional consultants
and 10+ years of exploration.
IMPACT ¹: 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.
1
Community Engagement and Planning Report, ReCal, December 2022
Reading Center for Active Living Committee update
Pleasant Street Center:
Unable to Meet the Growing Age 60+ Community Needs
TightKitchen
Art/Lunch/Meeting Room
Non-DividableMulti-
Registration in
Office in the Hallway
(no dedicated storage)
Purpose Room (700 Sq. ft.)
Stairwell
Game Rooms (in Computer Room
Nurse & Senior. Case Worker Office
Waiting Areas in Hallways
basement) Too small(in basement)
(no privacy or one-on-one space)
Project Vision
VISIONSTATEMENT:TheReadingCenterfor MISSIONSTATEMENT:TheTownofReadingcreatedmultiple
ActiveLiving(ReCAL)willbeacommunityguidingprinciplesfortheCenterforActiveLivinginorderto
asset,designedtosupporttheMissionprovidean inclusive,welcoming,andsupportivespacethat
StatementsofElder&HumanServices,meetstheinterestsandneedsofthegrowing60+population.
RecreationandVeteransDivisions.ReCALTheReadingCenterforActiveLivingembracesadynamic
seeksto fosterhealthandwellnessby approach promotinggrowthandhealthyagingbyenhancing
promotingsocialinteraction,strengtheningthesocial,cognitive,andphysicallivesofoursenior
thecommunity,andprovidingapointofpopulation.RECALwillalsoprovideadditional indoor
accesstoprogramsandservicesforallages.recreationalspaceforallagegroups.
Elder & Human ServicesVeterans ServicesRecreation
Reading Center for Active Living
Project Impact
the structure, function, and quality of our
relationships with othersis a critical and underappreciated contributor
to individual and population health, community safety,
can have significant economic costs to
individuals, communities, and society. Social isolation among older
adultsalone accounts for an estimated $6.7 billion in excess Medicare
lower academic
Achievement, worse performance at work.In the U.S., stress-related
absenteeism attributed to loneliness costs employers an estimated $154
connection not only affects individuals, but also
the communities they live in
https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdf
6
Project Impact
Build Environment for Social Connection
7
Step 3: Analysis
Information was collected for each
site including zoning,
environmental, a site plan and a
cost estimate
An evaluation sheet was developed
for the sites to create an objective
analytical process
Reading Center for Active Living Committee update
Programming a Solution
6 Sites Considered
Finding the Right Location
Top 3 Studied Closely
ReCALC COA ALL BH+A PBC
Unanimous Results
ReCALC
BH+A
1. Symonds Way
2. Oakland Road
2. Oakland Road
3. Pleasant Street
3. Pleasant Street
Symonds Way) ranks the
2. Oakland Roadhighest in terms of value
3. Pleasant Streetbetween the three
PBC
1. Symonds Way
2. Oakland Road
5-0 Vote for Symonds Way
3. Pleasant Street
Site Plan
Athletic
Community Resource Area
Fields
PICKLEBALLCOURTS
existing.
areseparateproject.
Ice Arena
existing.
Center for
Active Living
2 levels
28,380 SF
15AcresofTown
OwnedLand
View From Ice Rink
Design Update
View from Parking Area
Design Update
View of Senior Patio
Design Update
View of Second Floor Deck
Design Update
Potential
for future
solar
array.
Outdoor
Spaces
Floor Plans
Space for public
Design Update
Conference
events & voting
Rooms
Emergency Shelter (kitchen,
shower, generator)
Entrance
from Parking
Area
Recreation
Veterans
Elder &
Services
Human
Offices
Services
Offices
Second FloorGround Floor
Ground Floor Renderings
Design Update
Second Floor Access
To Senior Lounge
Reception
Program Guide
ReceptionMulti
Purpose
Room
Program Guide
Lobby
Entrance
Ground Floor Renderings
Senior Hub
Senior Cafe
Senior Lounge
Ground Floor Renderings
Design Update
Multi Purpose Room
Game Room
Ground Floor Renderings
Design Update
Gymnasium
with Walking
Track
Project Costs
Total Project CostsDevelopment
Feasibility Study $28.3M -$29.4M
26,300 SF , construction start 2025 ,$2.6M contingency
Feasibility Study $32.6M -$33.8M (adjusted)
28,380 SF, construction start 2026, $3.6M contingency
Neighboring Communities $26.8M -$34.4M
Project Goal <$30M
Project Budget $27.9M
Project Costs
Total Project Costs Development
Project Budget $27.9M
Cost conscientious design Ongoing effort
I.Comparative analysis of materials
II.Return on Investment (ROI)
III.What is really needed/rightsizing
IV.Design efficiency/synergy through multiple uses/shared spaces
V.Tighten schedule to reduce inflation impacts
Responsible financial planning
I.Multiple cost estimates
II.Detailed Project Budget
III.Built in Contingencies
$27,900,000
i.All anticipated project costs
ii.Design and pricing contingency 10% ($1.6M)
iii.Inflation amounts 5.5% ($1.1M)
iv.Construction contingency 5% ($1.1M)
v.
Includes:
nd
i.Range Road Improvements & 2
Parking lot entrance
ii.Full Building Propane Generator
iii.Triple pane windows
iv.Stone Dust Trail
Community Television
Public Engagement
Automatic Updates
Email Input
Town News Flash
Website
Social Media
Newsletters
Flyers
Press Articles
Video
Forums
Suggestion box
Public Engagement
Coffee
Public Outreach
& Chat
March 27
2025
PUBLIC PUBLIC
PUBLIC
PUBLIC
FORUM #1FORUM #3
FORUM #2
FORUM #4
December 172024March 252025
January 282025
April 2025
Killam, ReCAL
Project History,
Facility Programs, Design,
Projects, Tax
ReCALC, Design,
Design,Project Budget,
Lunch &
Impacts
Reading Capital
Comparable Tax Impacts
Add.
Learn
Projects
Costs
Outreach
January 30
2025
April 2025
Next Steps
DESIGN
BUDGET
COST
APPROVALS
REVIEW
DEVELOPMENT
ESTIMATING
02/18SelectBoardUpdate
03/04SelectBoardVote
03/05FinanceCommitteeUpdate
03/12FinanceCommitteeVote
05/01SpecialTownMeeting
05/05SpecialTownMeeting
05/13SpecialTownVote
THANK YOU!
Q&A
DRAFTAnnual Town Meeting - April 2025DRAFT
April 8 (Election); April 28 (M); May 1 (Th); May 5 (M); May 8 (Th)
2/13/2025
as of ->
Art. #Article DescriptionSponsorDetailsStaff CommentsNotes
Local Election
1 Select Board 4/8/2025
2Written Reports Select Board
defer to
Instructions last night
3 Select Board
Amend the Capital
Improvement Program FY25 -
4FY35 Select BoardPresentation - Town Accountant FINCOM
Main/Salem Traffic Signal
Relocation Construction
Funding Chris Cole & Ryan Percival
Funding for Rodent Control Ade Solarin
Firewall Upgrade ($60,000)Kevin Furilla
Lead Replacement Program
(Water Capital)Chris Cole & Ryan Percival Also Separate Article
5 FINCOMPresentation - Town AccountantFINCOM
Amend the FY25 Budget
Approve Payment of Prior
Years' Bills Presentation - Town Accountant to be tabled?
6 Select Board
OPEB Presentation - Town Accountant
7 Select Board
Approve Revolving Funds Presentation - Town Accountant
8 Select BoardFINCOM
Elder & Human Services
Revolving Fund Jenna Wood
Select Board
Presentation - Victor Santaniello & Matt
9Hero Act - Part 1 Select BoardKraunelis
Presentation - Victor Santaniello & Matt
Hero Act - Part 2 Kraunelis
10 Select Board
Presentation - Town Manager - Town *2nd or
11Adopt FY26 Budget FINCOMAccountant - School Department 3rd night*
Acceptance of 413 Main
Street Land for Sidewalk
Improvements Chris Cole & Ryan Percival
12
Funding for High
Street/Haven Street
13Infrastructure Project Select BoardPresentation - Town EngineerFINCOM
Funding for Pickleball Jayne Wellman & Matt Kraunelis & Jenna Wood 2/3 vote
14
DRAFTAnnual Town Meeting - April 2025DRAFT
April 8 (Election); April 28 (M); May 1 (Th); May 5 (M); May 8 (Th)
2/13/2025
as of ->
Art. #Article DescriptionSponsorDetailsStaff CommentsNotes
Lead Replacement Program Chris Cole & Ryan Percival
152/3 vote
CPDC Floodplain Bylaw
Amendments Andrew MacNichol
16
Remove Town Meeting defer to
17Members Select BoardPresentation - Town Clerk Laura Gemme last night
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss. Officer's Return, Town of Reading:
By virtue of this Warrant, I ______________________________, on ____________, 2025
notified and warned the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote on Town affairs, to
meet at the place and at the time specified by posting attested copies of this Town Meeting
Warrant, in the following public places within the Town of Reading:
Precinct 1J. Warren Killam School, 333 Charles Street
Precinct 2 Reading Police Station, 15 Union Street
Precinct 3Reading Municipal Light Department, 230 Ash Street
Precinct 4Joshua Eaton School, 365 Summer Avenue
Precinct 5Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Avenue
Precinct 6Barrows School, 16 Edgemont Avenue
Precinct 7Birch Meadow School, 27 Arthur B Lord Drive
Precinct 8Wood End School, 85 Sunset Rock Lane
Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street
The date of posting being not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 28, 2025, the date set for
Town Meeting in this Warrant.
_____________________________________________
Constable
A true copy Attest:
_____________________________________________
Laura Gemme, Town Clerk
TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To any of the Constables of the Town of Reading, Greetings:
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn
the inhabitants of the Town of Reading, qualified to vote in the Local Elections and Town affairs,
to meet in the following place designated for the eight precincts in said Town, namely:
Precincts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8
Reading Memorial High School, Hawkes Field House, Oakland Road
TUESDAY, the EIGHTH DAY OF APRIL, A.D., 2025
from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. to act on the following Articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1 To elect by ballot the following Town Officers:
A Moderator for one year;
Two members of the Board of Selectmen for three years;
Two members of the Board of Library Trustees for three years;
Two members of the Municipal Light Board for three years;
Two members of the School Committee for three years;
Sixty-five Town Meeting Members shall be elected to represent each of the following
precincts:
Precinct 1 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 2 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 3 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 3 One member for one year;
Precinct 4 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 5 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 6 Eight members for three years;
Precinct 7 Eight members for three years; and
Precinct 8 Eight members for three years
and to meet at the Reading Memorial High School, 62 Oakland Road, in said Reading on
MONDAY, the TWENTY-EIGHTH DAY of APRIL A.D., 2025
at seven-time and place the following Articles are to be acted
upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions
of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 2To hear and acton the reports of the SelectBoard, School Committee,
Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee, Town Manager,
Town Accountantand any other Town Official, Board or Committee.
Select Board
ARTICLE 3To choose all other necessary Town Officers and Boards or Committees
and determine what instructions shall be given to Town Officers and Boards or Committees, and
to see what sum the Town will vote to appropriate by borrowing or transfer from available funds,
or otherwise, for the purpose of funding Town Officers and Boards or Committees to carry out the
instructions given to them, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 4To see if the Town will vote to amend the FY 2025-35Capital
Improvements Program as provided for in Section 7-7 of the Reading Home Rule Charter and as
previously amended,ortake any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 5
Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024, as adopted under Article 12of theAnnual Town Meeting
of April 25,2024and amended under Article 4of the Subsequent Town Meeting ofNovember 12,
2024; and to see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow or transfer from available
funds, or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to be added to the amounts appropriated
under said Article, as amended, for the operation of the Town and its government, or take any
other action with respect thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 6To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, borrowor otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay bills remaining unpaid from
prior fiscal years for goods and services actually rendered to the Town, or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 7To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, borrow or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money for the purpose of funding the
-,or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 8To see if the Town will vote to(1)establish the limit on the total amount
that may be expended from each revolving fund established by Article 6of the Town of Reading
General Bylaw pursuant to Section 53E½ of Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Lawsfor
the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025; (2) amend Section 6.5.2 of the General Bylaw, establishing
the Inspection Revolving Fund, as shown below, with the deletions being struck throughand
additions being in bold;
6.5.2 Inspection Revolving Fund
Funds held in the Inspection Revolving Fund shall be used for legal costs, oversight and
inspection, plan review, property appraisals and appeals, public services general
management, pedestrian safety improvements, records archiving, and other costs related
to building, plumbing, wiring, gas, and other permits required for large construction
projects and shall be expended by the Town Manager. Receipts credited to this fund shall
include building, plumbing, wiring, gas and other permit fees for Johnson Woods, Eaton
Lakeview (23-25 Lakeview Avenue and 128 Eaton Street), 258 Main Street, 6-16 Chute
Street (Green Tomato), 25 Haven Street (Rite Aid),
Main Street (Chase Bank),346-348 Main Street,and 459 Main Street (128 Tire)
developments.
And (3) establish a new Elder and Human Services Revolving Fund pursuant to Section 53E½ of
Chapter 44 of the Massachusetts General Laws, effective July 1, 2025, by taking the following
actions:
(a) adding a new Section 6.5.8 to the General Bylaws to read as follows:
6.5.8 Elder and Human Services Revolving Fund
Funds held in the Elder and Human Services Revolving Fund shall be used for
Elder and Human Services programming, including the acquisition of materials and
equipment for such programming,and shall be expended by theElder and Human
Services Administrator. Receipts credited to this fund shall include userand rental
fees from the Elder and Human Services programming.
and
(b)establishingthe limit on the total amount that may be expended from the new Elder
and Human Services Revolving Fundpursuant to Section 53E½ of Chapter 44 of the
Massachusetts General Lawsfor the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.
Or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 9To see if the Town will vote to accept G.L. c. 59, § 5, clause 22I, which
authorizes an annual increase in the amount of the exemption granted to certain veterans under
G.L. c. 59, § 5, clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22E, and 22F by the percentage increase in the U.S.
Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Price Index for the previous year as
determined by the Commissioner of Revenue, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted
for any fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2025; or to take any other action with respect
thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 10To see if the Town will vote to accept G.L. c. 59, § 5, clause 22J, which
authorizes an annual increase in the amount of the exemption granted under G.L. c. 59, § 5,
clauses 22, 22A, 22B, 22C, 22E, and 22F by 100% of the personal exemption amount, subject to
the conditions in Clause 22J, to be effective for applicable exemptions granted for any fiscal year
beginning on or after July 1, 2025; or to take any other action with respectthereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 11To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, borrow or otherwise provide a sum or sums of moneyfor the operation of the Town and its
government for Fiscal Year 2026,beginning July 1, 2025, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Finance Committee
ARTICLE 12To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Select Board to acquire by
purchase, gift, eminent domain or otherwise, for general municipal purposes, a portion of 170 Ash
Street, Reading(Parcel Map 17, Lot 85),totaling approximately 261 square feet, and
LLC, 413 Main Street, Lot 64 & 85, Map 17, Town of Reading, Middlesex County, Commonwealth
office, on such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems proper, or take any other action
related thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 13To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs ofinfrastructure
improvements to theHigh Street andHaven Street Infrastructure Project, including replacement
of roadway, sidewalks, and related improvements, including the payment of any and all other
costs incidental and related thereto,said sum to be expended under the direction of the Town
Manager; and, for the purpose of meeting such appropriation, authorize the Town Treasurer, with
the approval of the Select Board, to allocatesaid sum in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §7(1), or any
other enabling authority,or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 14To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from
available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs ofdesigningand
constructing new pickleball courts at 0 E.of Haverhill Street (Parcel Map 35, Lot 133)
otherwise known as the Zanni Parcel located off Symonds Way, including replacement of
roadway, sidewalks, and relatedparking and pedestrianimprovementson the abutting parcel on
which the Burbank Ice Area is currently located(AssessorsParcel Map 41, Lot 56), and further,
including the payment of any and all other costs incidental and related thereto,said sum to be
expended under the direction of the Town Manager; and, for the purpose of meeting such
appropriation, authorize the Town Treasurer, with the approval of the Select Board, to borrow said
sum in accordance with G.L. c. 44, §7(1), or any other enabling authority,or take any other action
with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 15To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, borrow, transfer from
available funds or otherwise provide a sum or sums of money to pay the costs of lead mitigation
improvements towater system, includingthe payment of any and allother costs
incidental and related thereto, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
ARTICLE 16To see if the Town will vote to amend Section 10.1 of the Zoning Bylaw,
the Floodplain Overlay District, including updates to incorporate revised FEMA Flood Insurance
Rate Maps (FIRMs) in Section 10.1.2 of the Zoning Bylaw,and
Regulations, including permit requirements and related definitions,or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
ARTICLE 17To see if the Town will vote, pursuant to Section 2-6 of the Reading Home
Rule Charter, to declare the seats of certain Town Meeting Members to be vacant and remove
certain described persons from their position as Town Meeting Members for failure to take the
oath of office within 30 days following the notice of election or for failure to attend one-half or more
of the Town Meeting sessions during the previous year, or take any other action with respect
thereto.
Select Board
and you are directed to serve this Warrant by posting an attested copy thereof in at least one (1)
public place in each precinct of the Town not less than fourteen (14) days prior to April 28, 2025,
or providing in a manner such as electronic submission, holding for pickup or mailing, an attested
copy of said Warrant to each Town Meeting Member.
Hereof fail not and make due return of this Warrant with your doings thereon to the Town
Clerk at or before the time appointed for said meeting.
th
Given under our hands this __day of ___________, 2025.
_______________________
Carlo Bacci
_______________________
Mark L. Dockser
_______________________
Karen Gately Herrick
_______________________
ChristopherHaley
_______________________
Melissa Murphy
SELECT BOARD OF READING
_______________________________
, Constable
Select Board Draft Minutes
February 4, 2025
Public Comment
Linda Russo, Jin Zhang, Pat Crowley, Jim Riley, Lucas Prato, Gena Pylvylski, Bryce Sheedy, Amy
Agne expressed their concerns for the proposed MBTA Turnback track project.
Vanessa Alvarado, Angela Binda and Karen Rose Gillis all spoke in favor of turning the kiosks
back on.
Nancy Ziemlak spoke about ReCal and encouraged everyone to look at their website for
more details.
Liaison Reports
Dockser gave updates on the Council on Aging and ReCal.
Murphy gave updates on the School Committee.
Haley attended the neighborhood meeting on Saturday about the MBTA turnback track. He
gave updates on the Killam School Building meeting.
Herrick attended the MMA Annual Conference and gave updates on that weekend.
Town Manager Report
Kraunelis recognized Fire Captain Marchetti wished him well as he retired recently. The MBTA
will be hosting a community meeting at the Pleasant Street Center on February 25, 2025. He
also attended the MMA Annual Conference. He is continuing to work on the Town Meeting
Warrant, Special Town Meeting warrant and the budget.
Mandarin Restaurant Recognition
The board recognized Robert Lee and his staff at the Mandarin Restaurant for their
contributions to the community throughout the years. Mr. Lee has reached an incredible
$100,000 in donations to community organizations through various fundraisers.
Public Hearing –
Haley read the hearing notice opening the public hearing.
The board had three amendments in front of them for consideration.
Amendment Number 2025-1; Enact Article 5.4.4.13: No person shall park a vehicle between
the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays
thth
through June 30 on any of the streets or parts of streets to which this
from August 25
Article has been applied as listed under Article 12.
Amendment Number 2025-2; Article 12.1 to Enact Pursuant to Article 5.4.4.13: No person
shall park a vehicle between the hours of 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays,
thth
Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays from August 25through June 30on the southerly side
of Arcadia Avenue, starting at West Street to Edgemont Avenue.
Amendment Number 2025-3; Article 12.1 to Enact: Pursuant to Article 5.3: Parking shall be
prohibited on Green Street along the southerly side, starting at Main St heading in the
westerly direction on Green Street, extending 90 feet ending prior to 59 Green Street.
Lt. Jones was present and answered any questions the board had. Amendment numbers
2025-1 and 2025-2 are to help alleviate parking problems on Arcadia Ave due to an overflow
of Austin Prep students.
Haley moved to close the hearing regarding the amendments to the Parking and Traffic
Rules and Regulations. The motion was seconded by Murphy and approved with a 5-0
vote.
Haley moved to approve Safety Amendment 2025-1 as presented. The motion was
seconded by Murphy and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve Safety Amendment 2025-2 as presented. The motion was
seconded by Herrick and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve Safety Amendment 2025-3 as presented. The motion was
seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote.
MBTA Turnback Track Discussion
MBTA representatives gave a brief presentation about their plans to increase train frequency
on the Haverhill line, including a proposed turn track project in Reading. The project aims to
provide 30-minute service to Reading as part of a larger plan to improve service and
eventually electrify the line. They acknowledged concerns about diesel emissions and noise
in the short term but emphasize that this is a step towards long-term improvements. The turn
y, though some residents express
aware of relevant laws and regulations. They explained that the project did not trigger
thresholds for environmental review. The MBTA commits to providing more detailed data and
clearer communication at the upcoming community meeting on the 25th.
ReCal Design Update
Brian Hromadka discussed the schematic design phase and the anticipated project costs for
the new center. He explained how construction project costs are derived and the variables
that must be considered. Brian also shared that they have completed the initial cost estimates
and are reconciling the discrepancies between the different cost estimates. He mentioned
that they are committed to keeping the project below the 30 million dollar threshold. Brian
Parking Kiosk Discussion
The board discussed the potential reinstatement of the kiosks, with some members
expressing concerns about the initial implementation and the current state of parking in the
area. They also discussed the need for better communication with the business community
and the possibility of selling the kiosks. Bacci, Haley and Murphy agreed that there was no
need for the kiosks, as the problem seems to have taken care of itself. Dockser and Herrick
disagreed, noting the board did not give them enough time before turning them off to do
what they are supposed to do and it really depends on the time of day when the lots are full
or not. The board ended up taking a vote because they feel they will not have any further
information to delay a vote.
Haley moved to direct the Town Manager to refrain from collecting parking fees
Street Municipal parking lot from February 4, 2025 -
seconded by Murphy and approved with a 3-2 vote with Herrick and Dockser against.
Herrick noted she voted against this because she refuses to go against the will of Town
Meeting and Deputy Chief Amendola.
Haley left the room for the next vote.
Bacci moved to direct the Town Manager refrain from collecting parking fees pursuant
Municipal parking lot from February 4, 2025 –
by Murphy and failed with a 2-2 vote with Herrick and Dockser against.
Council on Aging Liaison
make the meetings/ be the Council
on Aging liaison.
seconded by Murphy and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Future Agendas
The board discussed future agenda items.
Minutes
The board edited previous meeting minutes.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from January 7, 2025 as amended. The
motion was seconded by Bacci and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from January 21, 2025 as amended. The
motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote.
Haley moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:13 pm. The motion was seconded by
Dockser and approved with a 5-0 vote.