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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-10 Select Board Minutesa Town of Reading Meeting Minutes RECEIVED By AC at 5.03 pm, Jul 17, 2025 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-06-10 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:00 PM Location: Select Board Meeting Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Melissa Murphy, Chris Haley, Karen Rose -Gillis, Karen Gately Herrick, Carlo Bacci Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Deputy Police Chief Christine Amendola, Lt. Chris Jones, Economic Development Planner Kevin McCarthy, DPW Director Chris Cole, Assistant DPW Director Mike Kessman, CFO Sharon Angstrom (remote), Matthew Abrahams (remote), C O Kevin Furilla, Town Clerk Laura Gemme (remote), Town Counsel Ivria Fried (remote), Angela Binda, Nancy Docktor, Nancy Ziemlak, Kristen Hagstrom, Katie O'Meara, Roger Lewis, Bob Sherman, Bob Coulter, Greg Selvitelli, Mike Fahey, Eric Fournier, Mary Kimball, Carolyn Johnson, Lucia Corbett, Joe Harrington, Ben Goldlust, Bob Beckman, Andrew Derusha, Linda Snow Dockser, Geoffrey Coram, Michael Coelho (RCN), David Monahan (ACE Committee), Stephen Crook, Jeffrey Dietz, Beth Mosier, Joseph White, Genady Pllyaysky, Rita Robertson, Bruce Cooper, Kendra Cooper, Jake McAleer, William Meyers, Carla Nazzaro (remote), Helena Johnson (remote), Christopher Cridler (remote), Sarah Brukilacchio (remote), Lorraine Wlllwerth (remote), Sherri VandenAkker (remote), Tom Mottl (remote), James Bonazoli (remote), Kate Goldlust (remote), Jack (remote), George Kachen (remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in the Town Hall Select Board Meeting Room and remotely via Zoom. Chair Chris Haley called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and provided an overview of the evening's agenda. Public Comment Ifor any items not included on the agenda) Nancy Docktor of 371 Pearl Street expressed her concerns with the changes to the Public Comment formal and a potential conflict of interest with the Chair relative to RCTV discussions. David Monahan of 25 Maple Ridge Road, and Select Board designee on the ad hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE), shared that the Committee will be hosting a table at the upcoming Friends and Family Day this weekend, and the Juneteenth Freedom Festival the following weekend, to share the Committee's mission and gather perspective from the public. Nancy Ziemlak of 15 Orchard Park Drive requested clarification on the new Public Comment format, as she wished to share comments about RCN. Angela Binds of 10 Orchard Park Drive thanked recently retired Chronicle reporter, Bob Holmes, for all he had done, and stated that she hopes to carry on with what he had done. Page 1 1 Town Manaaer Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted upcoming events including the Police Department Open House, Friends and Family Day, and Juneteenth Freedom Festival. He also provided an update on the rigid plastic and trash bagel collection. Community Spotiiaht Town Manager Matt Kraunelis thanked former Town Forest Committee Chair, Bill Sullivan, who did not seek reappointment, for his many years of service and contributions to the community. He also congratulated local business, Cal's Creamery, who just recently celebrated four years of business. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman congratulated Mr. Kraunelis on his decade of service, and highlighted the many roles he has held in his tenure with the Town. Discuss and Vote on Juneteenth Resolution Karen Rose -Gillis read the proclamation "Juneteenth in United States." Angela Binda of Orchard Park Drive expressed her appreciation to the Board for recognizing the event. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Town of Reading and Reading Select Board recognize June 19-, 2025, as Juneteenth, and continue to support the nationwide celebration of Juneteenth Independence Day throughout the United States of America. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. Discuss Arcadia Avenue Parking Issues Deputy Police Chief Christine Amendola reviewed the parking and traffic safety issues in the Austin Prep High School neighborhood, particularly on Arcadia Avenue. She presented potential solutions including a neighborhood parking permit and time -of -day parking restrictions. The neighborhood parking permit would only be issued to residents of the neighborhood and staff of the nearby Barrows Elementary School, would enable residents to obtain visitor placards, require less signage, and require the least amount of enforcement. The timed parking restrictions would eliminate all parking on the street, including for residents and Barrows staff, and would require an unsightly amount of signage, though enforcement would be easier. Both solutions would only be in effect during the school year from August 25'h through June 301°, and could be eliminated in the future, as Austin Prep is in the design phase of expanding their parking lot. Several neighborhood residents, including Kristen Hagstrom, Katie O'Meara, Roger Lewis, Bob Sherman, Bob Coulter, Mike Fahey, and Mary Kimball expressed cencems about safety, property damage, and disrespectful driving behavior by Austin Prep students. Based on the feedback from the community, the consensus of the Select Board was to recommend pursuing the neighborhood parking permit restrictions. Deputy Chief Amendola and the Police Department will prepare the proposed traffic amendments for a public hearing for the July 15- meeting. Economic Development Update Economic Development Planner Kevin McCarthy provided updates on various properties and businesses, including 6-16 Chute Street, 18 Woburn Street, a new business Presence & Co. at the former RCN space on Main Street, the vacant former Pamplemousse space on Haven Street, and noted other commercial developments, expansions, and vacancies. Mr. McCarthy also reviewed potential improvements to the Eastern Gateway area, including the possibility of an MBTA stop and the need to engage with property owners in the area. Continued work with the Steering Committee and community engagement are planned throughout this summer. There are no major grants on cycle night now, and the Town has applied for some smaller state grants. Public Hearing, Discuss and Vote on FY26 Water. Sewer. and Storm Water Rates Karen Rose -Gillis read the hearing notice. Consultant Matthew Abrahams reviewed water and sewer rate options for FY26. The Board discussed and focused on setting rates while considering retained earnings and future projections. They also discussed the need to review the current 30 % target ratio and potentially move to a more industry -standard range of 10-30%. Residents Paul Silva and Joseph Prescott advocated for lowering or not increasing rates. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the hearing regarding the FY26 Water, Sewer, and Storm Water Rates. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. The Board discussed and voted on their recommendations. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to set the FY2026 water rate at the following rates: • $11.15 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 0 and 1,000 cubic feet • $12.14 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 1,001 to 2,501 cubic feet • $12.45 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 2,501 to 4,000 cubic feet • $12.97 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 4,001 and above cubic feet minimum quarterly bill of $22.30 effective with the December, 2025 billing. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-1, with Karen Rose. Gillis opposed, as she preferred a 1 % increase over a 0% increase. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to set the FY2026 sewer rote at the following rates: $10.40 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 0 and 1,000 cubic feet • $11.37 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 1,001 to 2,501 cubic feet $11.73 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 2,501 to 4,000 cubic feet • $12.24 per 100 cubic feet with usage between 4,001 and above cubic feet • minimum quarterly bill to be determined effective with the December, 2025 billing. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley, and approved by a vote of 3-2, with Karen Rose -Gillis and Karen Gately Herrick opposed, as they preferred a 0.5% decrease over a 1% decrease. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to set the FY2026 Storm Water Rate at $60 per unit (3210 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the December, 2025 billing. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0. Discuss and Vote to Approve Inter -Municipal Agreement for Regional Assessor through June 30, 2028 Town Manager Matt Kraunelis reviewed the Inter -Municipal Agreement for shared Assessment services with the towns of Wakefield and Lynnfeld. Having a shared Assessor saves the Town money, and Assessor Victor Santaniello is the best. Mr. Kraunelis recommended moving forward with the agreement. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Inter -Municipal Agreement among the towns Reading, Wakefield, and Lynnfield for the Director of the Assessing Department through June 30, 2028 as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. Discuss and Vote on Select Board Policy Article 1, Section 1.4 Communication Chris Haley proposed to add back a clause, which was previously removed in August of 2021, that includes any email and correspondence to the Select Board in meeting packets. Carlo Bacci and Karen Gately Herrick expressed their deep concerns with including emails in the packet, as they weaponized the packets and contained a lot of toxic comments. Karen Rose -Gillis, Chris Haley, and Melissa Murphy expressed their preference to include emails in the packet for reasons including expressing opinions on matters not included on an agenda, a way for residents to get involved, and as a way for residents to see what is being discussed. Carlo Bacci suggested returning to the email tracking spreadsheet that was created under previous Town Manager, Bob LeLacheur, when the Board changed this section of their communication policy in August 2021. The Board agreed to discuss reviving the list on a future agenda. Discussion on Select Board Office Hours The Select Board discussed reimplementing office hours for residents to meet with Board Members. They suggested alternating times between day and evening to accommodate different schedules. Board Members were asked to each pick a month to host office hours. Karen Rose -Gillis volunteered to host office hours in June, and Carlo Bacci opted to not host office hours at all. Other Board members agreed to review their schedules and provide the Town Manager with their preferred months before the next meeting. Kendra Cooper commented on the need to better publicize office hours and reach non -online residents. Fortner Board Member James Bonazoli suggested shorter, 3D-minute office hours before Board meetings. Nancy Ziemlak recommended adding office hours information to the town website and including it in water bills. Chief Technology Officer Kevin Funlla reviewed ongoing security and privacy issues with RCTV's equipment and recording capabilities in town facilities. After learning about multiple incidents of unauthorized recording, the Board debated whether to extend RCTV's contract for 3 or 6 months. Some board members advocated for a 6-month extension to allow time for contract negotiations and potential leadership changes at RCN, others expressed concerns about the repeated incidents and called for more immediate action. The Board heard several public comments from residents overwhelmingly in support of renewing RCN's contract, including Carolyn Johnson, Nancy Docktor, Lucia Corbett, Joe Harrington, Ben Goldlust, Joseph White, Bob Beckman, Geoffrey Comm, Andrew Demsha, Angela Binds, Stephen Crook, Beth Mosier, Linda Snow Dockser, Mike Coelho, Gera Pilyaysky, Rachel Nokes, James Bonazoli, Nancy Ziemlak, George Kachen, Helena Johnson, Sarah Bmkilacchio, and Jake McAleer. Cana Nazzaro, who used to serve as the School Committee representative on the RCN Board of Directors, expressed her concerns about unsecured space in Library, schools, and Select Board Room. Karen Gately Herrick moved to extend the current Reading Community Television (RCTV) contract for six months. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis, but failed to pass by a vote of 3-2, with Karen Gately Herrick and Karen Rose -Gillis in favor, and Carlo Bacci, Chris Haley and Melissa Murphy opposed. Karen Gately Herrick left the meeting at 11:37 pm. Chris Haley moved pursuant to Section 6 of the Grant Agreement with Reading Community Television (RCN) dated June 20, 2019, to extend the Grant Agreement for three months until September 30, 2025, on the same terms and conditions, and instruct the Town Manager to (i) notify RCN in writing of this vote to extend the Grant Agreement, and (2) explore options for Public, Educational, and Governmental (PEG) Programming Access Services including: • Executing anew Grant Agreement with a different non-profit PEG Access Provider; • Executing an lntermunicipa(Agreement (I NIA) with another municipality for the provision of PEG Access Services; or • Providing PEG Programming through a Town Department. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci. Some members of the Board expressed concerns with so many tasks to be accomplished in such a short timeline. Carlo Bacci moved to extend the current Reading Community Television (RCN) contract for three months. Chris Haley withdrew his motion. Mr. Bacci's motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 4-0. Karen Gately Henick re -joined the meeting remotely at 11:45 pm. The Board then discussed who to appoint to work with Town staff and negotiate with RCN. Chris Haley nominated Melissa Murphy to negotiate with RCN. Karen Rose -Gillis nominated herself to negotiate with RCN. Carlo Bacci moved to designate Melissa Murphy to negotiate a future grant agreement extension with RCN. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and passed by a vote of 3-2.. Roll call vote: Karen Gately Herrick— No, Carlo Bacci —Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — No, Melissa Murphy — Yes. Following a brief recess, the Board adjourned at 11:53 pm. Roll call vote: Carlo Bacci —Yes, Chris Haley —Yes. Melissa Murphy — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis —Yes. Karen Gately Herrick was unable to vote due to technical difficulties.