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Home My WebLink About2025-04-14 Select Board Minutesrho 4 ib't_U -'r o Town of Reading , . r� ; r r? K Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-04-14 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick, Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose - Gillis Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Fire Chief Greg Bums, Assistant Fire Chief Rick Nelson, Police Chief David Clark, Reading Fire Department, DPW Director Chris Cole, Technology Director Kevin Furilla, Town Clerk Laura Gemme (remote), David Swyter, Laura Stella, Angela Binda, Jeffrey Dietz, Lori Hayes, Carla Nazzaro, Tony D'Arezzo, Tim Kirwan, Marianne McLaughlin -Downing, Taylor Gregory, Jeff Lamson (remote), Linda Snow Dockser (remote), Karen (remote), First Congregational Church of Reading (remote), Linda Ananian (remote), Jyoung (remote), Rik Lynch (remote), Tony's iphone (remote), Dillan Patel (remote) 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 Cado Bacci called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Public Comment: Angela Birds, Precinct 5 Town Meeting Member, asked if the cost for pickleball has decreased, if the Town was still thinking about a debt exclusion, and if staff had considered issuing a Request for Information (RFI) before Town Meeting. Tony D'Arezzo of 130 John Street stated that the drainage easement referred to in Article 17 on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant was not designed for Colbert Road. Rather, it was a drainage easement on town property designed as a retention area to keep flooding from neighboring basements when the nearby creek overflowed. He requested the Conservation Commission weigh in prior to Town Meeting and that a bit more research be done on it. Marianne McLaughlin -Downing voiced her support for Chris Haley as the next Chair of the Select Board and noted his impact on the Board and other committees. Carla Nazzaro of 64 Lawrence Road also spoke in support of Chris Haley for Chair and noted his contributions on the Killam School building project. Select Board Vote to Reorganize: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis opened the floor for nominations for Chair. Karen Gately Herrick nominated Melissa Murphy for Chair, which was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis. Page 1 1 Melissa Murphy nominated Chris Haley as Chair, which was seconded by Cado Bacci. Karen Gately Herrick moved to close nominations for Chair. Roll call vote for Melissa Murphy as Chair: Melissa Murphy — No, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — No, Chris Haley — No. Roll call vote for Chris Haley as Chair: Melissa Murphy —Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis— No, Karen Gately Herrick — No, Cado Bacci — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes. By a vote of 3-2, Chris Haley was voted the new Chair. Chris Haley then opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair. Carlo Bacci nominated Melissa Murphy for Vice Chair, which was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick. With no further nominations, the Board voted by roll call: Melissa Murphy — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes. By a vote of 5-0, Melissa Murphy was voted Vice Chair. Chris Haley then opened the floor for nominations for Secretary. Cado Bawl nominated Karen Rose -Gillis for Secretary, which was seconded by Karen Herrick. With no further nominations, the Board voted by roll call: Melissa Murphy —Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes. By a vote of M, Karen Rose -Gillis was voted Secretary. Select Board Liaison / Town Manager Reports: Melissa Murphy congratulated Karen Rose -Gillis on her election win, thanked the other candidates, Christopher Cook and Tony D'Arezzo for running, and encouraged them to continue to volunteer in Town. Karen Rose -Gillis thanked everyone who voted for her and congratulated Melissa Murphy on her reelection. Karen Gately Herrick thanked all who ran and participated in the election, and thanked Town Clerk Laura Gemme and staff for running an exemplary election. She also noted that she reached out to Representative Haggerty and Senator Lewis to let them know that she concurs with the request for reevaluating the price that Reading paid to join the MWRA. Cado Bacci reminded everyone that this is the last Select Board meeting before the Special Election on May 13", for the vote on the debt exclusions for the Killam School and Reding Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects. Chris Haley shared that he just provided the Council on Aging, who are currently meeting down the hall, with an update from the Select Board. He also thanked Town Clerk Laura Gemme for putting on a great election. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted the new audio-visual improvements just made to the Select Board Meeting Room. He also reminded the community of the Zoom Public Forum scheduled for Wednesday for the Killam and ReCAL projects. There is still time to provide input on the Arts and Cultural Action Plan. The rollout of the new rubbish and recycling totem is ongoing. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted that she continues to support a lot of the projects in Town, and encouraged everyone to come to Wednesday's public forum. Liaison Assignments: The Board reviewed the list of liaison assignments and discussed how it could be cleaned up by removing items, such as departments and other community organizations, that do not require regular meetings. Board members will review the list and notify Matt of their preferences. The Board will review and finalize liaison assignments at their next meeting. Vote to Confirm Town Managers appointment of Richard Nelson as Fire Chief: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis noted that he sent a confidential memo to the Board outlining the assessment center and selection process, and an overview of Assistant Chief Rick Nelson's career and accomplishments. Mr. Kraunelis stated that Rick Nelson had the highest score on the assessment center, and has the qualifications and vision to lead the Reading Fire Department into the future. Fire Chief Bums stated that Rick Nelson is a fantastic leader, with lots of leadership experience, is well -respected, and a natural choice to succeed him as Chief. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to ratify the Town Manager's appointment of Richard Nelson as Fire Chief. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Page 12 Vote to allow Early Voting for May 13, 2025 Special Town Election: Town Clerk Laura Gemme stated that it is the Board of Registrars (BOR) who recommend whether to hold in. person early voting for an election. While the Board of Registrars has not yet voted, Ms. Gemme brought it to the Select Board given their schedule, and noted that the BOR is expected to vote in favor of it. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to hold In -Person Early Voting for the May 13, 2025 Special Election on the following dates and times: Saturday - May 3 - 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday - May 5 -7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday - May 6 - 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM, Wednesday - May 7 - 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and Thursday - May 8 - 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Review and Vote on Undated Town Forest Rules and Regulations: Jeff Lamson of the Town Forest Committee reviewed updates to the Town Forest Rules and Regulations including updating language to align with the recent dog handler and voice control bylaws approved by Town Meeting, adding language on the removal of invasive plants, and clarifying requirements on group use of the Town Forest. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the updated Town Forest Rules and Regulations, recommended by the Town Forest Committee, as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Vote on 52 Sanborn Street Renovations: Applicant Rik Lynch reviewed the project to remove the existing concrete granite front steps and replace them with new ones, which will remedy leaks at the concrete vault under the steps that lead to the entrances of some homeowners. As the property is a historic building with a dead restriction, the project was approved by the Historical Commission, and required additional approval by the Select Board. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the renovations to 52 Sanborn Street as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Vote on Renewable Enemy Trust Membership Agreement: At the last meeting, Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol explained to the Board that the execution of this contract is the final step to becoming a Green Community, and rendering the Town eligible for several grants. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Town Manager to execute the Renewable Energy Trust Fund Membership Agreement The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Discuss Charter Review Process: Town Clerk Laura Gemme explained that she is working with Town Counsel on the explanation of changes to the Charter. While she is waking on Town Counsel, the project is still on schedule. Discuss Chame for Master Plan Committee: The Board reviewed the charge for the Master Plan Advisory Committee from 2005, which called for 17 members from various boards/committees and community groups. Carlo Bawl reviewed his proposed list of 13 members for this new committee including members from the Council on Aging, Select Board, two members from the Community Planning and Development Commission, Finance Committee, Recreation Committee, Conservation Commission, Historical Commission, Permanent Building Committee, Housing Authority, and two residents at -large. Liaisons will contact their respective boards and committees for members interested in representing their boards on the Master Plan Committee. Melissa Murphy reiterated that she feels that the Facility Master Plan should be included in the Master Plan for the Town. The charge will appear on future agendas until the Select Board finalizes the charge. Future Aaendas: Due to the Special Election scheduled for Tuesday, May 1 P, the Board agreed to reschedule their next meeting to Tuesday, May 200. At the next meeting, the Board will continue to dismiss the Master Plan Committee, finalize liaison assignments, vote on short-term debt for the High School Field House Improvements, invite the RCN Board of Directors to start discussing their contract, and discuss the appraisal of the Pleasant Street Center (depending on the vote). At future meetings, the Board will also hear an update from the Ice Arena Authority, hold a public hearing on parking amendments for Arcadia Avenue, discuss holding a Select Board retreat, receive an update from the Economic Development Planner in the summer, and discuss planning for a potential override. The Board will also hear updates on the Chute Street building, the Net Zero Action Plan, and the MWRA entrance fee. Approve Meeting Minutes: Page 1 3 Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of April 1, 2025 as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved unanimously by a vote of ". Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 8:48 pm. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved unanimously by a vote of 5-0. Page 14