HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-19 Finance Committee Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2025-03-19Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda:
Purpose:General Business
Meeting Called By:Jacquelyn LaVerde on behalf of Chair Joe Carnahan
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding
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:
This meeting will be held in-person in the Town Hall Select Board Meeting Room and remotely via
Zoom:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84126347693
Meeting ID: 841 2634 7693
Dial by your location
Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kd93oH65O
AGENDA:
Call to Order and Welcome
Public Comment
Liaison Reports
Discuss and Vote on FY26 Budget
Discuss and Vote on other financial articles for 2025 Annual Town Meeting
Discuss Finance Committee Report to Town Meeting
Future Agendas
Approve Prior 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 | 1
FY26 Spending Scorecard
LineCategory
%FY26 Budget FY26 Budget %
FY25 Budget Grand Town Finance %Grand
revisedTotalManagerCommitteechngTotal
15.7%10.9%16.8%
$22,350,282 $24,790,102
B99Benefits$24,790,102
2.7%-10.3%2.3%
$3,787,000 $3,398,000
C99Capital$3,398,000
2.9%-25.5%2.1%
$4,097,738 $3,051,975
D99Debt service$3,051,975
0.8%18.6%0.9%
$1,110,992 $1,317,435
E99Education - Vocational$1,317,435
0.1%0.0%0.1%
$200,000 $200,000
F99Finance Committee Reserves$200,000
22.1%3.8%22.2%
Total Shared Costs $ 31,546,012 $ 32,757,512 $ 32,757,512
0.9%-1.7%0.9%
$1,288,100 $1,266,300
G91Administrative Svcs wages$1,266,300
1.2%0.0%1.1%
$1,684,700 $1,685,468
G92Administrative Svcs expenses$1,685,468
0.4%3.3%0.4%
$521,800 $539,100
G91aTechnology wages$539,100
0.5%11.7%0.5%
$679,700 $759,300
G92aTechnology expenses$759,300
1.0%4.1%1.0%
$1,472,184 $1,532,034
H91Public Services wages$1,532,034
0.2%0.6%0.2%
$312,100 $313,928
H92Public Services expenses$313,928
0.7%5.5%0.8%
$1,065,500 $1,123,600
I91Finance wages$1,123,600
0.1%-12.2%0.1%
$172,650 $151,600
I92Finance expenses$151,600
9.7%3.1%9.7%
$13,851,471 $14,277,839
J91Public Safety wages$14,277,839
0.5%9.3%0.5%
$724,946 $792,208
J92Public Safety expenses$792,208
2.3%4.8%2.3%
$3,219,700 $3,375,650
K91Public Works wages$3,375,650
0.8%-10.1%0.7%
$1,165,400 $1,048,135
K92Public Works expenses$1,048,135
0.5%0.0%0.5%
$675,000 $675,000
K93Public Works Snow & Ice$675,000
0.1%0.0%0.1%
$135,000 $135,000
K94Public Works Street Lights$135,000
1.5%2.7%1.5%
$2,141,278 $2,200,041
K95Public Works Rubbish$2,200,041
1.2%3.2%1.2%
$1,754,250 $1,810,050
L91Library wages$1,810,050
0.3%5.4%0.3%
$426,900 $450,000
L92Library expenses$450,000
2.8%3.4%2.8%
$3,938,760 $4,072,432
M91Core Facilities$4,072,432
0.3%3.0%0.3%
$378,450 $389,936
M92Town Buildings$389,936
25.0%2.8%24.8%
Total Municipal Gov't $ 35,607,889 $ 36,597,621 $ 36,597,621
39.5%3.9%39.7%
U99School Department$56,310,811 $58,491,591 $58,491,591
86.6%3.5%
$ 123,464,712 $ 127,846,724 $ 127,846,724
VOTED GENERAL FUND
$ 930,7390.7%$ 954,0072.5%0.6%
State Assessments $ 954,007
87.3%3.5%
TOTAL $ 124,395,451 $ 128,800,731 $ 128,800,731
5.5%11.7%5.9%
$7,771,629 $8,683,575
W99Water Enterprise Fund$8,683,575
6.1%-0.3%5.9%
$8,762,366 $8,734,796
X99Sewer Enterprise Fund$8,734,796
0.7%-43.2%0.4%
$1,024,625 $581,625
Y99Storm Water Enterprise Fund$581,625
0.4%-3.7%0.4%
$539,000 $519,000
Z99PEG Access Enterprise Fund$519,000
0.0%0.0%0.0%
$37,000 $37,000
ZZ9Landfill Enterprise Fund$37,000
$18,134,62012.7%$18,555,996$18,555,9962.3%12.6%
TOTAL ENTERPRISE FUNDS
$141,599,33299.3%$146,402,720$ 146,402,72099.4%
GRAND TOTAL VOTED3.4%
2
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 8, 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-thirty
upon and determined exclusively by Town Meeting Members in accordance with the provisions
of the Reading Home Rule Charter.
ARTICLE 2To hear and act on the reports of the SelectBoard, School Committee,
Library Trustees, Municipal Light Board, Finance Committee, Bylaw Committee, Town Manager,
Town Accountant and 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 givento 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,or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:This Article is included in every Town Meeting Warrant. The Reading General
Bylaw (section 6.1.3) states
item is included in the Capital Improvements Programand is scheduled for funding in the Fiscal
Year in which the appropriation is to be made."Bond ratingagencies also want to adequately
describe changes to a long-term Capital Improvements Program (CIP).
The following changes are proposed to the FY2025FY2035CIP (current year plus ten years):
General Fund
FY25: +$143,000 net change
$ 50,000 Salemand Main Street Traffic Signal Improvements
$ 33,000 Vehicle Lift Replacement
$ 60,000 Firewall Upgrade
FY26: +$386,000 netchange
$150,000 Design for Artificial Turf at Parker MS
$100,000Salem Street Crosswalk Improvements
$ 25,000 Engineering Plotter
$113,000 Increase Roadpaving
FY27: +$23,000 net change
$200,000 Facilities Master Plan
$283,000 Main St Fire StationElevator Replacement
-$ 85,000 BM Food Service Line (will be paid by school lunch revolving fund)
-$ 85,000 Barrows Food Service Line (will be paid by school lunch revolving fund)
-$52,000 Food Service Van (will be paid by school lunch revolving fund)
-$120,000 Cemetery Dump Truck out 2 years
-$120,000 Highway Dump Truck out 1 yr
$ 50,000 Forest Street Crosswalk Improvement Design Work
-$275,000 Sander Truck out 1 yr
$181,000 Increase Road Paving
Enterprise Funds Water
FY25: +$0
FY26: +$0
FY27: +$0
Enterprise Funds Sewer
FY25: +$0
FY26: +$0
FY27: +$0
Enterprise Funds Storm Water
FY25: +$0
FY26: +$0
FY27: +$0
Finance Committee Report:The Finance Committee recommends the proposed amendments
to the FY 2025 FY 2035 Capital Improvements Program by a vote of X-X at their meeting on
March X, 2025. Placing items in the Capital Improvement Program is a prerequisite first step but
in itself does not authorize spending funds toward these items.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
ARTICLE 5
Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2024, as adopted under Article 12of the Annual Town Meeting
of April 25, 2024and amended under Article 4 of 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
Background:
Account LineDescriptionDecreaseIncrease
B99 Benefits Health Insurance +$200,000 $334,000
Unemployment +$ 30,000
Disability retirementsalary movedto benefits
+$104,000
C-99-CapitalSee Article 4$143,000
F99-FINCOM Election Workers/Expense$60,000$80,000
ReservesTraffic Signal Repairs $20,000
E99 Minuteman Regional -$45,000$45,000
Regional
Vocational
Education
H91 Public Attrition Savings$75,000
Services
Wages
H92-Public $50,000
Services
Expense
I91 Finance Open-position savings $40,000
Wages
I92 Finance Assessing Bridge to MUNIS for Hero Exemptions$6,000
Expense
J91 Public Fire Retirements -Vacation Buyouts $100,000$125,000
Safety WagesFire Overtime $25,000
J92 Public Health -Rodent Control$35,000
Safety
Expenses
K91 Public Attrition savings$75,000
Works Wages
K-93 Snow & Snow & Ice Expenses$275,000
Ice
K-94 Street StreetLightExpenses-$25,000 $25,000
Lights
Subtotals$310,000958,000
Net Operating Expenses$688,000
From Free Cash$688,000
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 5 to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
ARTICLE 6To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate, transfer from available
funds, borrow or 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 anyother action
with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:There are no prior years'bills;this Article is expected to be tabled.
Finance Committee Report:No Report. (if tabled)
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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
Background:Each year at the Annual Town Meeting, we ask to transfer funds budgeted for
OPEB from that line to the actual OPEB Trust in this Article. Sometimes, due to budget surpluses
in health insurance premiums, we have increased the budgeted contribution figures; we are also
prepared to ask to lower the budgeted contribution figures to cover health insurance premium
deficits. Recent contributions to the Trust on behalf of the General Fund have been $300,000
(FY24) and 500,000(FY23).
This year, the TownMeeting is requested to make the annual transfers of funds previously
budgeted and held for the OPEB Trust Fund. This practice is followed yearlyifhealth insurance
costs are higher than budgetedandmay be needed to fund a deficit. In FY25, the budgeted
transfers are $200,000 for the general fund,$85,000 for the water fund, $25,000 for the sewer
fund, and $10,500 forthe stormwaterfund. This articlewill, therefore,move the total $320,500of
all these OPEB contributions to the trust for Other Post Employment Benefit liabilities.
The most recent OPEB valuation shows the Town's OPEB liability at $59.9millionand13.84%
fundedas of June 30, 2024.The three Enterprise Funds and the Light Department are on afull
funding schedule, and the General Fund is on a partial funding schedule. As noted, the General
Fund will transition to a full funding schedule as soon as possible, as is required by law,or
immediately after the Pension Fund is fully funded.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 7 to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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 through and
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 the Elder and Human
Services Administrator. Receipts creditedto this fund shall include user and 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
Background:
RevolvingSpendingRevenueAllowedExpend-Year End
AccountAuthoritySourceExpensesitureBalance
Limits
Conservation Conservation Fees as provided for Consulting and $25,000Available for
Commission Commissionin Reading General engineering services expenditure
Consulting Bylaws Section 5.7, for the review of next year
FeesWetlands Protectiondesigns and
engineering work for
the protection of
wetlands.
Inspection Town Building, Plumbing, Legal, oversight and $250,000Available for
Revolving ManagerWiring, Gas and other inspection, plan expenditure
Fundpermits for the review, initial property next year
projects listed in the appraisals and
Article.appeals, Public
Services planning
and general
management, curb,
sidewalks and
pedestrian safety
improvements,
records archiving and
other project related
costs.
Public Health Board of Clinic fees, charges Materials and costs $25,000Available for
Clinics and Healthand third-party associated with expenditure
Servicesreimbursementsclinics and public next year
health programs
Library Library Charges for lost or Acquire Library $15,000Available for
Fines and Director and damaged Library materials to replace expenditure
Fees Trusteesmaterialslost or damaged next year
and fees from printing, items, and for the
faxing or similar maintenance, upkeep
supplementary fee-and supplies for
based services.supplementary fee-
based services
Mattera Facilities Rental FeesUtilities and all other $10,000Available for
Cabin Director maintenance and expenditure
Operating operating expensesnext year
Community Conservation Rental and user feesUtilities and all other $10,000Available for
Gardens at Administrator maintenance and expenditure
Mattera operating expenses, next year
Cabinand project supplies
and equipment
Solid Waste Director of Lease of second Offset the cost of $250,000Available for
Revolving Public Worksbarrels and overflow curbside trash & expenditure
Fundupon the bags,recycling collection, next year
recommendadisposal of solid
tion of the waste, replacement
Town toters, and any other
Managercosts associated with
the administration of
the trash and
recycling program
Elder and Elder and Elder and Human User and rental fees $15,000Available for
Human Human Services from the Elder and expenditure
Services Servicesprogramming, Human Services next year
Revolving Administratorincluding acquiringprogramming
Fundmaterials and
equipment.
Town ForestDirector of Sale of timber; fees for Planning and $10,000Available for
Public Works use of the Town Improvements to the expenditure
upon the ForestTown Forestnext year
recommenda
tion of the
Town Forest
Committee
Conservation Consulting Revolving Fund-These funds are used to receive payments
from applicants, hire expert consultants where required, and return the balance to the
applicant. The balance in this Fund as of March 2025is $33,257.
Inspections Revolving FundThe balance available as of March 2025in this fund is
$769,976,and of that total,$183,700is proposed by the Town Manager as part of the FY25
budget {$133,700to support General Admin and Economic Development wages and
expenses; and $50,000 to offset Building Inspections division wages}.
Health Clinic Revolving Fund-The Reading Health Division contracts for third-party
payments for severalimmunizations.The funds augment the influenza vaccine supply from
the State Department of Public Health to ensure vaccines for homebound clients and first
responders. The division also uses these funds to providematerials for other screening
clinics.Clinic client fees are also deposited into this fund to offset vaccine and clinical supply
costs. The balance available as of March 2025in this fund is $12,553.The State has been
cutting back on the free flu and other vaccines to be distributed to citiesand towns, and the
Town needs to purchase extra doses. The necessary amounts used for clinic vaccines,
supplies, and staff salaries related to the clinics each year directly from the revolving fund is
approximately $25,000.
Library Fines and Fees FundAcquire Library materials to replace lost or damaged items
and for maintenance, upkeep, and supplies for supplementary fee-basedservices. The
balance available as of March 2025in this fund is $11,277.16.
Mattera CabinOperating FundSome of the Cabin's uses generate revenue, and this
Article allows those revenues to be used directly for the cabin's operating expenses. The
balance available as of March 2025in this fund is $0.
Community Gardens at Mattera CabinOperating FundThis fund was created at Annual
Town Meeting in April 2022. This revolving fund providesa mechanism for the Conservation
Commission to generate revenue (e.g., fees from the gardeners) and expend it on utilities,
other maintenance as well as operating expenses, equipment, and supplies.The Community
Garden continues to grow and attract regional support. The balance available as of March
2025in this fund is $2,692.
Solid Waste Revolving Fundwas created in 2023. The purpose is to offsetthe cost of
curbside trash andrecycling collection, disposal of solid waste, replacement toters, and any
other costs associated with the administration of the trash and recycling program. The balance
available as of March 2025in this fund is $1,224.
Elder and Human Services Revolving Fundwas created in 2025. This new fund allows user
fees for Elder and Human Services programming to be used to pay for programming and
related supplies and equipment. The balance available as of March 2025in this fund is $0.
Town Forest Revolving Fundwas created in 2011. The purpose is to allow revenues from
controlled timber harvesting and permit fees to then be spent by the DPW Director onthe
recommendation of the Town Forest Committee, on improvements to the Town Forest. The
Town Forest Committee has had a forest stewardship plan created (through a grant) to make
recommendations on forest management including controlled timber harvesting.The balance
available as of March 2025in this fund is $0.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 8 to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Bylaw Committee voted X-X
to recommend Article 8 to Town Meeting.
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
Background:
recently passed Act Honoring, Empowering and Recognizing Our Servicemembers and Veterans
Clause 22I, if accepted, would increase the amount of certain tax exemption granted to veterans
on their domiciles by a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) determined by the Department of
Revenue (DOR) based on the consumer price index (CPI). This would work like the annual COLA
adjustment determined by DOR that is already a local option for certain senior exemption amounts
and financial means standards. For example, if a Clause 22 recipient will receive a $400
exemption and the community accepts this option, and the CPI increases by 5%, the total
exemption amount would increase to $420.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 9 to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Bylaw Committee voted X-X
to recommend Article 9 to Town Meeting.
ARTICLE10To 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
Background:Clause 22J, if accepted, provides an additional exemption up to 100% of the
amount of the tax exemption granted to veterans on their domiciles under Clause 22, Clause 22A,
Clause 22B, Clause 22C, Clause 22E and Clause 22F. This would work like the optionaladditional
exemption that is already a local option under G.L. c. 59, § 5C½ for all persons granted
exemptions on their domiciles as veterans, seniors, blind persons, and surviving spouses. Clause
22J will not apply in a yearin which the town already uses G.L. c. 59, § 5C½ to grant an additional
exemption to all persons granted exemptions. It is an option for towns that do not use that general
additional exemption to be able to just grant one for persons granted veteran exemptions. As with
the general additional exemption, the application of the Clause 22J additional exemption cannot
reduce the tax owed below what the taxpayer would owe on 10% of the current assessed
valuation of the domicile. However, unlike the general additional exemption, the exemption
granted to veterans can result in the taxpayer paying less than the taxes paid in the preceding
fiscal year. To implement, town must vote to accept the statute and establish the additional
exemption percentage before the July1 beginning of the fiscal year in which that percentage will
first apply. The voted percentage will continue to apply in subsequent years unless and until
another percentage is voted before the July 1 beginning of a later fiscal year.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 10 to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Bylaw Committee voted X-X
to recommend Article 10 to Town Meeting.
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
Background:Please see the Budget pages followingthis Warrant Report, which include full
details of theFY26Finance Committee budget.
Finance Committee Report:Please see the FY26 Spending Scorecard for the votes of the
Finance Committee on line items in the FY26 budget. The Finance Committee recommends the
subject matter of Article 11 as explained by these votes at their meeting on March X, 2025.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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
totaling approximately 261 square feet, and
LLC, 413 Main Street, Lot 64 & 85, Map 17, Town of Reading, Middlesex County, Commonwealth
Point Associates, Inc, which pla
office, on such terms and conditions as the Select Board deems proper, or take any other action
related thereto.
Select Board
Background:The Town is set to agree with the property owner of 413 Main Street
(Assessors Map 17, Lots 64 and 85), 413 Main Street LLC,to accept a parcel of land
shownas Parcel Aon the
USA, LLC, 413 Main Street, Town of Reading, Middlesex County, Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, prepared by Control Point Associated,dated March 12, 2024.
The property underwent redevelopment for the re-construction of the pre-existing fast-
food restaurant with drive-through use in 2023-24. During the plan review process and
initial survey it was found that a portion of the Town sidewalk along Bolton Street was
within the private property boundary of 413 Main Street.
The associated parcel to be accepted by the Town will correct the property bounds so
that the sidewalk is fully within Town control and right-of-way limits. It totals 261sf of area.
If approved the Town will accept the parcel as-is.
Finance Committee Report:No Report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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 the High Street and Haven 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
Background:Since the onset of the Downtown Smart Growth District, the downtown has
welcomed multiple redevelopment projects. One area where the Town has seen significant
development has been along Haven Street. In order to accommodate this growth, the Town has
invested in an extensive utility improvement plan. Additionally, the need has risen to revitalize and
improve the lower Haven St and High Street streetscape for better access for both vehicles and
pedestrians. The goal would also be to activate the street to help improve safety, economic growth
and activity through improved right of way infrastructure/design (bump-outs, shorter crossings,
etc.), lighting, landscape, and other amenities to support local visitors, businesses, and programs.
The project would focus on Haven Street (Gould St. to High St.) and High Street (Washington St.
Woburn St.) corridors. The area corresponds with the green designated area in the image below.
In 2019, the Town hired Beta Group, Inc. to develop a 25% conceptual plan for Haven Street.
This conceptual plan included a full topographic survey, traffic analysis, and the 25% design. Beta
Group was instrumental in the Main Street improvements and was asked to extend their design
and input from Main Street to the Haven Street corridor. During the initial phase of the design,
staff input was compiled and incorporated into a functioning conceptual plan. At the November
2022 SubsequentTown Meeting, members voted to approve $750,000 in design funds.
Subsequently, Beta Group was tasked with finalizing the design and bid documents in addition to
assisting the Town in pursuit of a Mass Works grant. In September 2023, the State awarded
Reading $2.6 million from the Mass Works Infrastructure Program to support construction of this
Project. In 2024, Beta Group provided a revised engineering budget which estimated the
reconstruction of Haven and High Street corridors to be approximately $4M. Beta Group also
extended costs for the adjacent streets and the Town owned Upper Haven parking lot for future
phases considerations.
To support the projects total cost the Town will be looking to allocate unexpended funds from
various accounts and previously completed projects to help supplement the overall project cost.
These funds would come from the following sources: Smart Growth Stabilization ($234,726.18),
Sustainability Account ($400,000.00), remaining funds from the West Street TIP project
($313,944.35) and Downtown Watermain Improvements ($451,329.47). Considering the known
funds available the Town expects to allocate and expend $4M for the total project. Furthermore,
there is potential to reduce Town expenditures as the Town continues to pursue additional
relevant grant opportunities as they present themselves. Below is a breakdown of the funding
sources:
MassWorks Grant$2,600,000.00
Town Funds$1,400,000.00
Borrowing$0
Total Project Cost$4,000,000.00
The proposed article is requesting Town Meeting to authorize a total project of $4M. This is
expected to cover construction cost for High Street (Washington St. to Woburn St.) and Haven
Street (Gould St. to High St.) improvements.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 13to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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 ofdesigning and
otherwise known as the Zanni Parcel located off Symonds Way, including replacement of
roadway, sidewalks, and relatedparking and pedestrianimprovementson the abutting parcel on
, 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
Background:TheTown of Reading enjoys a robust Pickleball community. Pickleball is the
fastest-growing sport in America, and players come of all ages. Its accessibility is part of its
appeal. Currently, the town has four courts at Memorial Park, two converted Tennis Courts, and
four sub-par courts by Reading Memorial High School. These courts do not meet the demand we
have seen in Reading for years. Utilization rates at our Memorial Park courts are nearly 100% of
available playing time, and waiting lists are long.
During the Feasibility Study phase of the Reading Center for Active Living project, the
architectural firm BH+A identified a portion of the parcel as ideal for pickleball courts. Previously,
the Town had planned to build eight new courts during the Birch Meadow Phase 2 project, but
due to the high noise level of pickleball, residents and the Town agreed that putting those courts
so close to homes was less than ideal.
Last fall, the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) approached the town to see if the
pickleball portion of the ReCAL project could be pursued separately. The RPPA had begun
. Ideally, the organization
wished for a complex with eight lighted courts. The location at Symonds Way is optimal because
the residences are within a distance, the constrained site is ideal for courts, and additional
supplemental parking is available in the gravel lot behind Burbank Arena. Should the ReCAL
project also pass, the whole facility would provide a remarkable complex for indoor and outdoor
recreation, wellness, and activity for our 60+ residents and the community at large.
The Select Board authorized staff to utilize the remaining ARPA funds in December 2024 to
explore the development of Pickleball courts off Symonds Way/Range Road. The town secured
the services of the ReCAL architectural firm BH+A, which in turn hired the landscape architecture
firm Activitas LLC to work on this project. The Town has worked extensively with Activitas on
several projects, including Birch Meadow Phases 1 and 2.
The project team received input from the Reading Pickleball Players Association (RPPA) and
public safety, conservation, planning, engineering, recreation, and finance. The determination
was made to estimate the costs for the design of seven (7) accessible pickleball courts with lights,
fencing, post-tension concrete, benches, a shade structure, stormwater retention basins, and
some parking. Estimates were refined down to $1,792,000 as of the writing of this report. The
project team is optimistic that the project should come in at $1.5M or less, as the $1,792,000
figure includes contingency fees to cover the unpredictable bidding climate developing around
building projects.
Key design features include:
On-site stormwater detentionMany projects we see in other communities that are less
expensive are due in part to being able to route stormwater into existing drainage catch
basins. Because this project is on undeveloped land, all the stormwater runoffs will have
to be retained onsite in underground infiltration chambers, which adds to costs.
SiteworkPrior to construction, the town will have to remove trees and stumps, remove
and dispose of soils, bring electricity to the site, and much more. This work is more
extensive than similar projects in other communities building asphalt courts on flat fields.
Post-Tension ConcreteEngineering and Recreation Staff and Design professionals
agree that post-tension concrete is the preferred surface for our Pickleball courts,
considering the site's geology. Asphalt as a product is not the surface it once was and
often leads to cracking and major repairs within just a few years. Considering this land is
not an existing, compacted field, the post-tension concrete is preferable and offers a much
longer lifespan with an advantageous lifecycle cost. Other communities wespoke with
noted that their asphalt courts already required resurfacing within 5-6 years. It is common
for post-tension concrete to last 20-30 years, requiring only moderate updates to the
playing surface (painting lines, etc.).
Furniture Benches and a shade structure are included in the design and cost estimation
and are familiar to projects of this size.
Funding sources identified other than borrowing for this project include:
$200,000 fundraised by the RPPA
$100,000 from Recreation Capital Projects for FY26
$200,000 from the Burbank Arena Trust Fund (total available is $400,000).
This $500,000 would reduce the town's borrowing costs. Our CFO has $1.6M to borrow for this
project. With a projected cost of $1,792,000, the Town would have to borrow $1,292,000. Based
on the final cost at bidding, the project scope may be reduced by one court and/or lighting.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 14to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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 all other costs
incidental and related thereto, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:In the ongoing efforts to enhance the town's water system, the Town of Reading
has initiated a town-wide lead service line replacement program. As requested by the Town of
Reading (Town), Weston & Sampson Engineers, Inc. (Weston & Sampson) performed data
collection, data review, and GIS mapping services to provide the Town with a summary of its
existing water service inventory and potential strategies for lead water service line replacement.
Approximately 5% of Town-owned services and 11% of private services are either lead,
galvanized iron, or unknown service material. Research has shown that galvanized iron water
services, especially when preceded by lead piping or materials such as a lead gooseneck, can
be equally as harmful as lead material. Therefore, galvanized water services are recommended
for replacement as well as all lead services.
In 2024, the Town of Reading completed Phase 1 of its lead removal program. To date the Town
has removed approximately 206 lead/galvanized water services with approximately 250
remaining. The Town seeks to continue the program with Phase 2, which will remove an
additional 100 services at a cost of $1,500,000.
Additionally, in 2024 the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) approved an
additional $100 million in 10 year no-interest loan assistance to communities who fully replace
lead services. There is a 25% grant component for communities who fully fund the removal of
lead services on private property.
The purpose of this article is to approve $1,500,000 for Phase 2 of the Town Lead removal
Program.
Finance Committee Report:At their meeting on March X, 2025, the Finance Committee voted
X-X to recommend Article 15 to Town Meeting.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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,
Regulations, including permit requirements and related definitions,or take any other action with
respect thereto.
Community Planning and Development Commission
Background:In order to remain in compliance with the Federal Emergency Management
Agency (FEMA) updates to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) the Town must
amend existing Zoning Bylaw Section 10.1 Floodplain Overlay District to incorporate both
Maps (FIRM) establishing in July 2025. By seeking amendments and approval in April the
Town will remain in compliance with the effective changes come July so that the Town
and property owners are not removed from the NFIP programs or allowances.
Proposed bylaw amendments to Section 10.1 include reorganization of existing sub-
sections, amendment/addition to existing sub-sections, and the addition of new sub-
sections.
Finance Committee Report:No Report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
ARTICLE 17To see if the Town will vote pursuant to G.L. c. 40, § 15A to transfer a
drainage easement located across a certain parcel of land identified on the Town of Reading
-0000-0139.0, also known as Parcel B on a plan entitled
Consulting Engineers and Land Surveyors, dated September 23, 1999 and recorded with the
Middlesex South Registry of Deeds as Plan No. 1071 of 1999 in Book 30698, Page 578, to the
Select Board for general municipal purposes, and to authorize the Select Board to partially
release, relocate, or amenda Town-owned said drainage easement in a manner acceptable to
the Town and in a form acceptable to Town Counsel, and to take such other and further actions
or execute such other and further documents as may be necessary to effectuate the purposes of
this article, or take any other action with respect thereto.
Select Board
Background:The Town currently has title and interest in a drainage easement over the
property located off Annette Lane, assessors map 38 parcel 139, known as Parcel B on
September 23, 1999.
The property is under development and the owner is requesting that a portion of the
easement be abandoned as it creates a burden on the property. The existing easement
was established for the potential extension of Colburn Road, which never was
constructed. By eliminating a portion of the easement, the owner can construct a building
which is further away from the wetland on site. The owner believes that by relocating the
home further away from the wetland it will increase the value of the property and
subsequent sale of the home.
Since the road was never constructed the Town sees no reason to utilize the full
easement in the future. No additional utilities are proposed to occupy this easement in
the future.
If approved the Town will release all rights, title, and interest to a portion of the easement
as depicted in the plan below.
Finance Committee Report:No Report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
ARTICLE 18To 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
Background:
Town Meeting Members Attendance
2025 Annual Town Meeting Article 18
Total of 2 Town Meetings resulting in 4 evenings of attendance
Listed below are those who attended 1 evening or less
Precinct Vote
Remove Remain
FirstLastPrecinct from Liston List
PrecinctMiddleTermTotal
NameNameVoteRemain Remove
in TMfrom TM
3JohnDBreslin20261
3AmyJames20270
7KerryCrehanDunnell20271
8ChristopherDCosta20261
118 Town Meeting Members had perfect attendance in 2024
Remove from List and Remain in Town Meeting or Remain on the List and be Removed
from Town Meeting:
Town Meeting Members that have low attendance are added to the list to be removed from
Town Meeting.
If you vote to leave the name on the list, they are removed from Town Meeting.
If you vote to remove the name from the list, they remain a member of Town Meeting.
Finance Committee Report:No Report.
Bylaw Committee Report:No Report.
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
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
2016-09-22 LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Finance Committee
Date: 2025-03-12Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetSession: Open Session
Purpose: Public HearingVersion: Draft
Attendees:Members -Present:
Chair Joe Carnahan, Vice Chair Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, Endri Kume,
Joe McDonagh, Ed Ross, Emily Sisson, John Sullivan, Mark Zarrow
Members -Not Present:
Geoffrey Coram
Others Present:
CFO Sharon Angstrom, Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town
Manager Jayne Wellman, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Community Services
Director Jenna Wood (remote), Operations Director Katie Gabriello (remote),
Human Resources Director Sean Donahue (remote), Community
Development Director Andrew MacNichol (remote), CTO Kevin Furilla, Health
Director Ade Solarin, Fire Chief Greg Burns, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Nelson,
Police Chief David Clark, DPW Director Chris Cole, Library Director Amy
Lannon, Facilities Director Joe Huggins, Assistant Facilities Director Kevin
Cabuzzi, Carlo Bacci, Mark Dockser (remote), Chris Haley (remote), Patrick
Egan (remote), Karen Rose-Gillis (remote), Nancy D (remote), Christopher
Cook (remote), Tony D'Arezzo
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By:Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in-person in the Town Hall Select Board Meeting Room and remotely
via Zoom.
Chair Joe Carnahan called the meeting to order at 7:02 pm.
Roll call attendance: Mark Zarrow (remote), Joe McDonagh, Emily Sisson, Marianne
McLaughlin-Downing, Ed Ross, Endri Kume, John Sullivan, Joe Carnahan.
The Select Board was called to order at 7:03 pm.
Roll call attendance: Mark Dockser (remote), Chris Haley (remote), Carlo Bacci.
Liaison Reports
No reports.
PUBLIC HEARING: Town Manager Recommended Budget for FY26
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing read the Public Hearing Notice.
On a motion by Emily Sisson, seconded by Joe McDonagh, the Finance Committee
voted 8-0-0 to open the Public Hearing.
24
Page | 1
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily Sisson Yes,
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Endri Kume Yes, John
Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
Chair Carnahan welcomed general public comments. Select Board member Mark Dockser
advocated for using some amount of free cash to lower the amount of borrowing the
community needs to do for capital projects.
Chief Financial Officer Sharon Angstrom provided a detailed overview of the projected
revenues, shared costs, and capital and debt.FINCOM approved $5.8 million use of free
cash back in the fall, but Ms. Angstrom is proposing to use $6 million due to the 13.6%
increase in health insurance costs and other increased costs due to inflation
Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman presented the Administrative Services and Public
Services department budgets for FY26. Administrative Services delivers a level services
budget. Ms. Wellman noted a significant reduction in election costs, as there is only one
election scheduled in FY26, versus five elections in FY25. Property and Casualty insurance
increases 2.5%. In Public Services the part-time Volunteer Coordinator position in the Elder
Services Division, which was previously funded by ARPA funds, is now included in the
budget. Community Development, Operations, and Human Resources all remain at static
staffing levels, with some savings from staffing turnover. The Public Services Department
continues to pursue grants to help fund work to support community initiatives. Most of the
grants the department currently has are state grants that should not be affected by federal
cuts, though the Town is still awaiting payment of the grant money for the Maillet Sommes
Morgan project.
Chief Technology Officer Kevin Furilla presented the technology department's budget, which
shows an 8.1% overall increase, largely due to an additional $54,000 for licensing the town-
wide security system, as the licensing the system came with will expire this fall. The budget
also includes a $5,000 increase to print services and a decrease in overtime, as there are
fewer projects anticipated in FY26.
Health Director Ade Solarin reviewed the Health Department proposed budget. There is a
$29,900 increase in salaries, which includes a $15,500 increase to the Health Nurse salary,
which was previously split between Health and the Elder Human Services Division, but is
now fully funded under the Health department. For expenses, there is a $2,000 increase for
mosquito control, and a $1,000 decrease to professional development.
Fire Chief Greg Burns and Assistant Fire Chief Rick Nelson presented the Fire Department
budget for FY26, proposing a 2.7% overall increase. The budget includes a 2.5% increase in
salaries and an 8.4% increase in expenses including uniforms, protective equipment, and
professional development. The Department is currently down five positions, following four
retirements and a transfer. They have already hired one replacement, who will not be in
the academy until July. Assistant Chief Nelson highlighted several grants the department
has received, including a $93,000 federal grant. The first step of the program is underway
right now, for which $10,000 will be expended and reimbursed soon. Most of the program
will not happen until October, so if federal funding is canceled, the department will come up
with another plan.
Police Chief David Clark reviewed the budget for the Police Department, Dispatch, and the
Coalition for Prevention and Support. The department is fully staffed, but expects two
retirements this spring, and the department has already begun reviewing resumes. The
budget requests minor increases for equipment such as radio batteries and cruisers, and a
significant increase for new parking enforcement software and devices.
Sharon Angstrom presented the Finance Department budget, which sees a 3.0% overall
increase. The budget includes a 5.5% increase in wages due to steps and cost of living
adjustments for all staff, which is non-union, and a 12.2% decrease in expenses due to a
third community contributing to the shared services of the Regional Assessor.
25
Page | 2
DPW Director Chris Cole reviewed the proposed FY26 Department of Public Works budget
and enterprise funds. There is no change in staffing numbers, but there are currently a few
open positions in Engineering, Highway, and Parks/Cemetery. The overall general fund
wages are increasing 4.8% based on contractual and non-union compensation
requirements. Overall expenses are decreasing 1.6% due to a $150,000 decrease in
Professional Services, as the dead tree removal and invasive plant management in the Town
Forest will be done in April of this year. For Enterprise Funds, water wages increase 3.6%
based on contractual requirements, and expenses increase 45%, mostly due to a $200,000
increase for the second water meter program. Sewer wages increase 4.7% and operating
expenses increase 18% for maintenance costs and supplies. Stormwater wages increase
4.8%, and operating expenses increase 4.7% for drainage, maintenance, equipment, and
supplies.
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and CFO Sharon Angstrom briefly reviewed the PEG Cable
Access Enterprise Fund, which is decreasing slightly per the contracts with the cable
providers, and the Landfill Enterprise Fund, which is the same amount of $37,000 each year
for environmental monitoring of the former landfill site, which is now Staples, Home Depot,
and Jordans Furniture.
Library Director Amy Lannon reviewed the requested Library budget for FY26, which
increases overall 3.6%. The library is fully staffed with no increase in FTEs. Wages
increase 3.2%. All staff are non-union. Overall expenses increase 5.4%, due to increase in
equipment contracts, and software licenses. There was a new line item for $17,000 for
Professional Services for outsourced vendors to assist the Office of Equity and Social Justice.
It is a net increase of $10,500, as $6,500 was moved from other line items.
Facilities Director Joe Huggins reviewed the Core Facilities and Town Facilities budget. The
overall increase is 3.4%, with wages increasing 3.6% and expenses increasing 3.3%. There
is a 33% increase in the elevator contract, as the old, inexpensive contract expired. A new
contract was competitively bid through procurement, and now the department is paying
market rate. Pest management increases 28% due to the limited allowable materials, and
an uptick in rodents. Energy budgets increase a total of 1.3%.
Ms. Angstrom reviewed several adjustments to the Capital Plan. The Finance Committee
engaged in a lengthy discussion on the use of free cash, the impact of inflation on the
budget, and the potential need for an override.
On a motion by Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, seconded by Emily Sisson, the
Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to close the Public Hearing.
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily Sisson Yes,
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Endri Kume Yes, John
Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
The Select Board was de facto adjourned, as it is not known when Carlo Bacci and Mark
Dockser left the meeting.
Future Meetings and Agendas
The Finance Committee will be posted to attend the Capital Project Public Forum at the High
nd
School Performing Arts Center on April 2.
th
At the next meeting on March 19, the Committee will vote on the FY26 Budget and Annual
Town Meeting financial articles.
st
There is a Special Town Meeting scheduled for May 1, which will consist of warrant articles
for the Killam and ReCAL projects. The warrant for the Special Town Meeting will be closed
stnd
by the Select Board on April 1. The Finance Committee agreed to meet on April 2 at
6:30 pm at the High School just ahead of the Capital Projects Public Forum, to vote on
those warrant articles.
26
Page | 3
Approve Prior Meeting Minutes
The Committee reviewed the draft minutes from March 5, 2025 and agreed on a minor
grammatical correction.
On a motion by Emily Sisson, seconded by Marianne McLaughlin-Downing, the
Finance Committee voted 8-0-0 to approve the meeting minutes of March 5, 2025
as amended.
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily Sisson Yes,
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Endri Kume Yes, John
Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
On a motion by Emily Sisson, seconded by Ed Ross, the Finance Committee voted
8-0-0 to adjourn at 10:32 pm.
Roll call vote: Mark Zarrow Yes, Joe McDonagh Yes, Emily Sisson Yes,
Marianne McLaughlin-Downing Yes, Ed Ross Yes, Endri Kume Yes, John
Sullivan Yes, Joe Carnahan Yes.
27
Page | 4