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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-24 Select Board MinutesOrREge Board - Committee Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-06-24 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: RECEIVED By AC at 5:05 pm, Jul 17, 2025 Location: Select Board Meeting Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy (Remote), Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick (Remote) Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Town Clerk Laura Gemme (Remote), Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirone, Angela Since, Genady Pilyaysky, Taylor Gregory, Sarah Brukllacchio, Everett Blodgett, Virginia Blodgett, A elia Devin Freedman, Piro D'Orazio, Cheryl Bellino Surette (Remote), Rick Keogh (Remote), Shelia Adams (Remote), Bruce A (Remote), Joseph White (Remote), Christine Keller (Remote), Karen Janowski (Remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Madeleine Baptiste Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in -person in the Town Hall Select Board Meeting Room and remotely via Zoom. Chair Chris Haley called the meeting to order at 6:30 pm. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board go into Executive Session, including staff members Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Human Resources Director Sean Donahue, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, and Executive Assistants Jackie LaVerde and Maddie Baptiste, under Purpose 2 and Purpose 3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and approve the Public Employees Committee/Health Insurance (all unions); and further the Chair declares that an open meeting could have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body; and to reconvene in open session at the conclusion of Executive Session. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote Of 5-0. Roll call vote: Melissa Murphy - Yes, Carlo Bacci -Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis - Yes, Chris Haley -Yes. The board entered Executive Session at 6:35 pm. The board reconvened open session at 7:00 pm. Public Comment (for any items not Included on the agendal Angela Birds of 10 Orchard Park Drive urged the Select Board to discuss the Burbank Ice Arena Manager's Salary with their upcoming annual review. Genady Pilyaysky of Harriman Avenue spoke in support of RCN and their services. Town Manager Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis thanked the Reading Lions Club for sponsoring the Friends 5 Family Day this year and noted that the event was highly attended. He thanked Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Albert Pless, and his team, for running the Juneteenth Freedom Festival held on the Town Common this past Pape I 1 weekend, and noted the success and high turnout for the event. He talked about the last rigid trash collection event that took place last weekend with 35 cars participating and no traffic issues. He noted that residents can still bring items to the DPW Garage, and curbside pickup will occur in July and August on regular trash days with dates available on the website. He shared that Saturday June 28'" is Porchfest and more information can be found on the Porchfest website for maps, locations, and times. He thanked Alan and Ace Foulds for their hard work in putting together this event and noted its growing success. He then welcomed three new employees to Reading: Veronica Sours, a recent graduate of Merrimack College and Reading's newest and first ever female Civil Engineer, Maddie Baptiste, a former employee of the Town Clerk's Office who will be working in the Town Managers Office as an Executive Assistant, and Adam Elmore, a new Police Officer who was previously with the Georgetown Police Department. Community Sooeiaht Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted Jim D'Entremont, a Reading Town Employee who received the DPW First Responder Award this year. He has over 20 years of experience here in Reading and his reliability, hard work, and dedication make him indispensable in his role. He shared that Jim is an outstanding candidate for this recognition and how proud the Town is. He then congratulated Nick Face and Empower Cafe for receiving the Stoneham Bank Small Business Spotlight Grant. Karen Gately Herrick thanked Town Manager Matt Kraunelis for bringing up the Juneteemh event and noted the success of the Old South Church's educational program. She also added that Next Step Ministry is coming back to Reading to provide labor for our Town Forest and Trails and praised Town Staff and volunteers including Kathy Kelly for their ham work. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis shared that Cheryl Bellino Surette wishes to donate conservation land. At their meeting on May 28-, the Conservation Commission voted to accept the land and intends to put it to good use. Matt Kraunelis thanked her for the gift and recommended that the Board accept it. Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirone thanked Cheryl for keeping up with the process, her consistency in seeing this move forward, and stated that he appreciated her hard work. He shared that the family always wanted it to go to Conservation. It is private land with wetland on it and when it is accepted, it will become Town owned Conservation Land. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board accept the gift of land at 0 Waverly Road Map 33 Lot 38. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose Gillis — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Chris Haley - Yes named in honor of Virginia Adams. Pino stated that Virginia is a founding member of the Historical Commission and Historic Distnct Commission and has been a member since. He noted her numerous achievements and efforts as well as emphasizing her dedication to preservation and protection of Reading's History. Board Members expressed their admiration and gratitude to Virginia Adams and thanked the Commission for bringing this forward. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board name the Historical Archive Room of Town Hall the "Virginia Adams Historical Archive Room", in honor of her dedication to the preservation of Reading's history, and to direct the Town Manager to affix an appropriate plaque to the door of the room. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes, Carlo Bacci —Yes, Karen Rose Gills — Yes, Chris Haley —Yes Town Manager Matt Kraunelis staled that he will work with the Reading Historical Commission to get a plaque up promptly. Update from Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE) Select Board Designee to the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee David Monahan provided an update to the Select Board. He reported on their recent community outreach efforts at local events, including sharing a statement of intent and engaging with residents. They are working to honor Bill Russell's legacy, acknowledge past mistreatment, and promote inctusivity in the town. The committee is seeking more community input and involvement as they develop ideas for educational initiatives, community discussions, and programs to celebrate diversity. They plan to reach out to the Russell family at an appropriate time and are considering various ways to commemorate Bill Russell, such as a high school program or scholarship. The board members expressed appreciation for the updates and for the efforts of this committee. Karen Janowski of Azalea Circle shared, from her time on the Human Relations Advisory Committee, a contest idea about how Reading was a welcoming community, and submissions were judged by the Reading Rotary with prize donations. She stated it was an excellent opportunity to educate and involve students and schools. She agreed to be a contact to speak more about this for anyone asking for information. Discuss Town Manaaer Goals Page 1 2 Town Manager Matt Kraunelis shared that his new contract starts this month and by July 1, 2025, the Select Board will determine goals. He stated that he made progress with his last set of goals, but the new goals could use some refreshing to prioritize the Town's and the Select Board's priorities. Karen Rose -Gillis stated that he should continue to work on the Killam Project and RECAL but maybe rephrase it since it is in a new state of progress. Carlo Bacci suggested that the Communication Tracking Spreadsheet be managed consistently to enhance communication between the Select Board and the Town Manager. He also suggested that the Town explore a new contract with different language with RCN, or another provider, and to guide that process in a positive direction. He stated that communication has improved yet remains paramount. He also wished to get ahead of budget constraints and to continue working with CFO Sharon Angstrom on that. Melissa Murphy expressed her appreciation for improved communication. She also stated that she wishes to really look through the Town Departments and tighten up the budget to avoid an override with the two debt exclusions recently voted in. Karen Gately Herrick agreed that the budget needs to be approached differently this year. She discussed the State's recent hiring freeze and stated that it is something that could potentially be done for the budget. She also noted that the Town could be more active in applying for and filling in residents about grants. Chris Haley suggested two goals: getting pricing for an sop for the Town of Reading and replacing the message board on the Town Common with a digital board. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman stated that a digital board might be possible with grant funding. Discuss and Vote on Appointments of Boards & Committees Melissa Murphy stated the meetings went smoothly and the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC) was able to get most candidates in for interviews. Karen Rose -Gillis agreed with Melissa, and she was amazed by the people who volunteered and appreciated their great attitudes. Out of all the appointments, there is only one contested recommendation for the vacancy on the RCN Board of Directors. Karen Rose -Gillis supported the reappointment of incumbent member Chris Cridler to maintain leadership during the upcoming contract negotiations. She believed that making a change in leadership would not benefit the current situation. Melissa Murphy supported appointing Ron Powell to the vacant position. She stated that she believed a change would be good to help the negotiation process and move forward with RCN and their contract. Carlo Bacci stated that he appreciates the work of VASC and the volunteers. He expressed his support for Ron Powell, as it would be beneficial to get a fresh perspective. Chris Haley expressed his support for Ron Powell. The Board discussed potentially postponing this appointment, but Chris Haley pointed out that the current term ends on June 30, 2025, so he would not recommend waiting on voting for an appointment. Karen Herrick stated that she had spoken with Chris Cridler for the past few years and that he was instrumental in RCN's relocation. She stated Chris Cridler is a hard worker for RCN and she supports reappointing him. She also noted that she would like to discuss the Zoning Board of Appeals recommendations before voting on the non -contested appointments as a group. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to appoint Chris Cridler to the RCN Board of Directors, term date effective July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and failed to pass by a vote of 3.2, with Melissa Murphy, Carlo Bacci, and Chris Haley opposed. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy — No, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — No, Karen Rose Gills — Yes, Chris Haley - No Karen Rose -Gillis moved to appoint Ron Powell to the RCTV Board of Directors, term date effective July 1, 2025, and expiring June 30, 2028. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley - Yes The board then discussed the appointment of Anthony Fodem to the Zoning Board of Appeals. There was a question of whether his work in construction could be a conflict of interest. Melissa Murphy confirmed that they asked during his interview if his work was a conflict of interest. He said no because most of his work takes place in Boston, so he did not feel like there was a conflict. It was explained to Anthony that if conflicts arise, Page 1 3 that he will need to recuse himself. It was also stated that he applied for an associate position which would be a non -voting member seat. Karen Rose Gillis moved to appoint the remainder of the volunteers to the various boards and committees for the specific terms, as outlined in the meeting packet. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy - Yes, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Carlo Bacci -Yes, Karen Rose Gillis -Yes, Chris Haley - Yes Town Manager Mail Kraunelis stated that In the process of looking at the plans and redoing the property, a portion of sidewalk presumed to be Town property was McDonalds' property. Through a legal mechanism called a "Friendly Taking," it was agreed that the Town would be given ownership of that area of sidewalk, and it will be recognized through a deed. This was passed by Town Meeting. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board vote to adopt and execute the form of Order of Taking authorized by Article 12 of the April 26, 2026 Annual Town Meeting, to take for general municipal purposes a portion of the property owned by 413 Main Street LLC located at 170 Ash Street in Reading, Mass., consisting of approximately 261 s.f., with such Order of Taking to be held in escrow by Town Counsel until the Town and Owner execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement whereby the Owner waives all damages from the taking; and to authorize the Town Manager and Town Counsel to take any actions necessary to effectuate the execution of said Purchase and Sale Agreement and after such execution to record the Order of Taking and issue such notices as required. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Melissa Murphy -Yes, Carlo Bacci - Yes, Karen Rose Gills -Yes, Chris Haley - Yes, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes Select Board Liaison Reports Melissa Murphy shared that the Permanent Building Committee has a new Project Manager, Mark Stafford, for RECAL. The Board of Health discussed the MBTA Sound Study, and they are using a new rodent control program. The School Committee recognized many teachers and retirees' achievements who were nominated by staff, students, and residents, as well as completed Superintendent Dr. Thomas Milaschewskrs review resulting in exemplary ratings overall. The School Committee reorganized, and Melissa congratulated the new chair Shawn Brandt and new Vice Chair Carla Nazzaro. Melissa's family attended the Police Department Open House and said that it was a great event. Karen Gately Herrick attended several meetings and events including the Town Forest Committee meeting, at which they expressed thanks and said goodbye to longtime chair Bill Sullivan, the farewell for Chief Bums at the fire station, the grand opening of Presence & Co, two RMLD Meetings, where General Manager Greg Phipps resigned and a new interim will be named later this week, and the Massachusetts Municipal Association Fiscal Policy Committee. Carlo Bacci attended the CPA meeting where they discussed what the Town Forest, Trails, and Conservation could have done if they had CPA. They also discussed what percentage to use. They are looking into having a booth for the Fall Street Faire, and they still hold monthly meetings. He also walked the Maillet Solmes Morgan area and shared his daughter's Rowing achievements. Karen Rose -Gillis met with Simone Payment from the Food Pantry and the Reading Housing Authority. She met with the second grade class visitors at Town Hall and held VASC interviews. She attended several community events and public meetings including a middle school Civic Class to hear their town -wide suggestions, the Eastern Gateway Steering Committee meeting, the Pride Day event on the Town Common, the Council on Aging meeting, the MMA WEMO meeting where Karen Gately Herrick was one of the moderators, the MWRA meeting with fellow Select Board members, the Board of Assessors meeting, the MMA conference for new Select Board members, the Presence & Co grand opening, the Library's Garden Party, the Lafayette reenactment, the Juneteenth event, and the Town Forest Committee meeting. She also held her first Office Hours with five visitors in attendance. Page 14 Chris Haley attended the Lafayette reenactment, the Presence & Co grand opening, the Juneteenth festivities, and praised the Lions Club for the fireworks at Friends & Family Day. He also attended the MWRA meeting and noted that the Town will get back $2 million instead of $11 million. He attended the Killam School Security and Access meetings and learned about the new technologies available. Future Agendas Future agendas will include an RCN update, a discussion on rate breaks for water and sewer bills for seniors to help alleviate the debt exclusion, a status update on MBTA discussions, a follow up discussion on the $200k allocated by Town Meeting for the Barrows project, a proclamation for overdose awareness day or month, and a discussion on a Commission on Disability to go on a future Town Meeting Warrant. Discuss and Vote to Approve Prior Meeting Minutes Karen Rose -Gillis and Karen Gately Herrick expressed concern at the words "Co -Chan' in the draft minutes and suggested adding quotation marks around the term. Chris Haley stated that he felt the amendment was not needed, as that was the term he used. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of May 27, 2025 and June 3, 2025, as presented. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy -Yes, Carlo Bacci -Yes, Karen Rose Gills -Yes, Chris Haley -Yes Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 8:51 pm. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of M. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Carlo Bacci -Yes, Karen Rose Gills - Yes, Chris Haley -Yes Page 1 5