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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-04-01 Select Board MinutesRECEIVED Town of Reading By Town C/ GP aHl9ane,Apl4teta 0� Meeting Minutes t2 �} Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-04-01 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Public Library Location: Community Room Address: 64 Middlesex Avenue Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Carlo Bacci, Mark Dockser, Karen Gately Herrick, Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, CTO Sharon Angstrom (remote), Community Services Director lenna Wood (remote), Director of Equity Albert Pless (remote), Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol (remote), Mariana Bita, Angela Binda, Jeffrey Dietz, Geoffrey Coram, Tony D'Arezzo, Chris Kowaleskl, Liz Whitelam, Christopher Cook, Marilyn Shapleigh, Neil Cohen, Jim Rigney, William Brown (remote), Karen Rose -Gillis (remote), Laura Stella (remote), Rufus (remote), David Swyter (remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in -person in the Community Room of the Reading Public Library and remotely via Zoom Chair Caro Bacci called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and provided an overview of the evening's agenda. The Commissioners of Trust Funds called to order, as they had a quorum in attendance with members Chair Neil Cohen, Jim Rigney, and Mark Dockser. Public Comment Mariana Bits shared her appreciation for Mark Dockser for his service and leadership. Angela Since of Orchard Park Drive thanked Mark Dockser for his service, his calm demeanor, and being generous with his time. Geoffrey Comm of Ridge Road echoed the sentiments of the previous speakers and thanked Mark Dockser for his service. Liaison Reports Karen Gately Herrick shared that she attended a Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project community meeting, where CFO Sharon Angstrom shared that interest rates for municipal borrowing are decreasing. Ms. Gately Herrick also stated that she attended the Massachusetts Women Elected Municipal Officials conference, where she served as a panelist, networked with other municipal officials, and where Katherine Clark served as keynote speaker. She learned that the MBTA is the regional transportation provider for Reading and encouraged the Board to explore services they can provide to residents. Page 1 1 Chris Haley noted that the state delegation sent a letter to the M WRA supporting the potential return of the $11 million Reading paid to buy -in to MWRA service. Melissa Murphy noted that the Facilities Department requested $200,000 in the upcoming budget for a consultant to conduct a building assessment, and suggested that be wrapped into the Capital Planning master plan that the Board is considering. She also shared highlights from the School Committee, thanked Chuck Robinson for his years of service, and noted that the MSBA has increased the reimbursement rate of eligible costs to 52.19% for the Killam project. Carlo Bacci stated that he had the opportunity to serve on the screening panel for the new Fire Chief and the Town Manager will make an announcement soon. He shared that CPDC is reviewing the flood plan. And he thanked Mark Dockser for his service to the town. Mark Dockser highlighted the two ReCAL community meetings held last week, and noted that a community forum on both the Killam and ReCAL projects will be held tomorrow night at the High School. He shared that at the last meeting while discussing capital planning, he made comments that upset Town staff. He clarified that he meant that the community should have more input, and apologized to staff who may have been offended by his comments. As this is his last meeting on the Board, Mr. Dockser encouraged the future board to work together, listen to different opinions, and make decisions for the good of the community. He plans to remain involved in the Town's affairs and emphasized the importance of unity during turbulent times. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis stated that audio-visual upgrades to the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall are underway, which will provide better audio quality and other enhancements for future meetings. He highlighted the joint public forum for the Killam and ReCAL projects at the High School Performing Arts Center tomorrow night. The Finance Committee will meet briefly tomorrow ahead of the forum to vote on the Special Town Meeting Warrant Articles. Next Tuesday, April B'", is election day, as well as the start of the rollout for the new rubbish and recycling barrels. There is an Arts and Culture Plan activation event scheduled for April P. Mr. Kraunelis concluded by thanking Mark Dockser for his years of service and guidance in his tenure. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman added her thanks to Mark Dockser and congratulated him on his tremendous body of work, and looks forward to working with him in the future. At 7:25 pm, the Board briefly recessed to celebrate Mark Dockser and reconvened at 7:36 pm. Vote to Close Warrant for May 1. 2025 Special Town Meeting Chris Haley moved to close the Special Town Meeting Warrant consisting of 3 Articles to take place on May 1, 2025 as presented. The motion was seconded by Mark Dockser and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Vote to Call for Special Election on May 13, 2025 Chris Haley moved, pursuant to G.L. c. 59, §21C(k), to place two debt exclusion questions as provided on the document entitled "May 13, 2025 Ballot Questions" presented here today, on the ballot for a Special Election to be held May 13, 2025, and to notify the Town Clerk of such action. The motion was seconded by Mark Dockser and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Chris Haley moved to hold and call a Special Election for May 13, 2025, and sign the Special Election Warrant presented to the Board tonight The motion was seconded by Mark Dockser and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Update on Burbank and Other Funds CFO Sharon Angstrom presented the current balances in various funds, including the Reading Ice Arena fund, Stabilization fund, capital project funds, and the planned usage from some of these funds for April Town Meeting. She explained that some capital project funds can only be transferred to another project with equal or greater debt terms. The Board discussed potential uses from these funds for future projects. Ms. Angstrom explained that the funds would only be moved to a project once it is approved to avoid unnecessary transfers. She was anticipating using these funds if the Killam and ReCAL projects are approved to try to reduce the amount of borrowing needed for those projects. The Board also discussed the General Stabilization Fund and agreed that it should be treated as untouchable and only used in extreme circumstances. The Board requested regular updates on the accounts, which Ms. Angstrom stated that she would include in her quarterly updates. Page 1 2 Chris Haley moved to support the Kit lam School Building and Senior CenterlReading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects. The motion was seconded by Mark Dockser. Board members discussed the importance of these projects for the community, acknowledging that they touch many residents. The vote, while non -binding, is symbolic and aimed to demonstrate town leadership's commitment to these projects. Board members also recognized the potential tax increase as a concern, but emphasized the need for the projects to be decided by the voters. The motion was approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Commissioners of Trust Funds Update Commissioners of Trust Funds Chair Neil Cohen shared his appreciation for Mark Dockser and for his work with the Commission in his years on the Select Board. He reviewed the list of Trust Funds managed by the Commission and their various uses. Many of the funds were initially funded by donations with specific restrictions and intentions, with only the interest earned being expended. The Board inquired about how Cemetery funds are used. They also inquired about other possible uses for the Hospital funds given their significant balances and limited uses. The Board requested annual updates on the funds. Neil Cohen moved to adjourn the Commissioners of Trust Funds at 8:16 pm. The motion was seconded by Mark Dockser and approved by a vote of 3-0. Discuss possible creation of a Disabilities Council The Board discussed the potential creation of a Disabilities Council to address the need for improved accessibility in town. Town Manager Matt Kmunelis reviewed the steps that would need to be taken to create such a Council by adopting M.G.L. at Town Meeting. The current ADA Officer is Town Clerk, Laura Gemme, though Mr. Kmunelis noted that he is considering reassigning that role to Director of Equity, Albert Pleas, with Ms. Gemme in agreement. Discuss Renewable Enerov Trust Membership Agreement The board reviewed the renewable energy trust membership agreement, which is the final step for Reading to become a Green Community and be eligible for grants. Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol provided an update on the application process and potential grant opportunities. The board plans to vote on the agreement at the next meeting. Future Agendas The Board suggested agenda items to be addressed at future meetings including establishing a charge for the Master Plan Committee, hearing an update on the appraisal of the Pleasant Street Center, discussing the Town Forest, unveiling the Harriet Tubman portrait, hearing an update on the cost breakdown of pickleball courts, hearing an update on the Chute Street building project, and reorganizing and liaison assignments. Approve Meeting Minutes Karen Gately Henick clarified the name of the Fiscal Policy Committee in her report. Chris Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from March 18, 2025 as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Mark Dockser moved to adjourn the meeting at 8:37 pm. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved unanimously by a vote of 54). Page 1 3