HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-02-18 Select Board Minutesr
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TOWN CLERK
Meeting Minutes
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Board - committee - Commission - Council: lots MAR 19 AM 1' 31
Select Board
Date: 2025-02-18 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: General Business
Attendees: Members - Present:
Location:
Select Board Meeting Room
Session:
Open Session
Version:
Final
Carlo Bacci (remote), Mark Dockser, Chris Haley, Karen Gately Herrick
(remote)
Members - Not Present:
Melissa Murphy
Others Present:
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, DPW
Director Chris Cole, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Brian Hromadka, Angela
Binda, Taylor Gregory, David Carrol
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Caltlln Nocella
Topics of Discussion:
Public Comment
Angela Binda spoke in favor of the parking kiosks noting Town Meeting voted forthem
Taylor Gregory feels their character was attacked by members Bacci and Haley. They also feel Bacci has a
conflict as a pickleball instructorand the lack of disclosure during pickleball related business. Lastly, they
feel Bacci and Haley both have conflicts and should not be voting on setting the tax rate because they both
own commercial properties in town.
David Carrol noted he is the resident requesting the Grey Coach Road streetlight be turned back on
Dockser spoke about ReCal which will be presenting to the full board tonight.
Haley gave an update on Charter Review Committee noting they will hopefully be wrapping up the RMLD
conversation soon.
Herrick noted the Reading Scholarship Foundation is now taking applications.
Bacci noted there is a pickleball fundraiser coming up.
Town Manager Report
Kraunelis reported on some personnel changes within Town Hall. He reminded the community ofthe MBTA
Community Forum thatwill be held on February 25' to which he also noted the library will be holding a
black history trivia night on the same evening. Lastly, he reported that health insurance is unfortunately
going up 13.5%.
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
DPW Director Chris Cole was present to explain a resident of Grey Coach Road is requesting their
streetlight be turned back on. It was originally turned off back in the 90's as part of an energy conservation
program.
Haley moved to authorize the streetlight in front of 33 Grey Coach Road be turned back on effective
immediately. The motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a unanimous roll call vote.
Discuss and Vote for In -Person Early Voting for April Elgctpn
Town Clerk Laura Gemme explained the board needs to opt -in to allow early voting in the April location
election if they want. She recommended holding early voting from March 31 st to April 3rd during normal
town hall hours, based on a recommendation from the Board of Registrars.
Haley moved to hold In -Person early voting during normal Town Hall hours March 31"-April 3r°. the
motion was seconded by Dockser and approved with a unanimous roll call vote.
Discuss Logistics for Special Town Meeting
The board also discussed logistics for a special election in May, likely on May 13th, which will
include questions about the Killam and ReCal projects. Laura mentioned that she will
return in a few weeks to request approval for early voting for the May election as well.
Brian Hromadka gave the board a presentation updating them on the current specs and cost estimates. The
project budget is set at $27.9 million for a 28,380 square foot facility, which includes contingencies for
design, inflation, construction, and owner's needs. Brian explained cost management strategies and the
project timeline, with construction expected to start in Q12026 and completion in Fall 2027. The Permanent
Building Committee has approved the project, and it now awaits votes from the Select Board and Finance
Committee before going to town meeting.
Herrick expressed concerns about the generator's environmental impact and questioned its necessity, citing
low usage of current cooling centers. Chief Burns explains that the generator is recommended for the
building to serve as an emergency shelter during power outages or other disasters as well as providing a
place for residents to warm up/cool off if needed during certain seasonal conditions. The fire department
noted this is required for the building to be used as a shelter in an emergency. Herrick acknowledges the
explanation but remains concerned about fossil fuel use.
Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom presented various borrowing options for two projects, including a 15-
year, 20- year, 25-year, and 30-year term. Herrick suggested having a calculator on the website to help
residents understand the impact of the projects on their homes. Angstrom confirmed that they are working
on this.
Town Meeting Warrant Preview
Kraunelis gave the board a preview of the Town Meeting warrant
Future Aaendas
The board discussed future agenda items.
Minutes
The board edited previous meeting minutes.
Haley moved to approve the meeting minutes from February 4, 2025 as amended. The motion was
seconded by Dockser and approved with a unanimous roll call vote.
Haley moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:31 PM. The motion was seconded by Dockser and
approved with a unanimous roll call vote.
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