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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-26 Select Board Minutesa Town of Reading Meeting Minutes Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-08-26 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: TOWNECLERK READING, MA.� 2025 SEP 10 AM 1: 41 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Select Board Meeting Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Chris Haley, Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick Members - Not Present: Melissa Murphy Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Fire Chief Rick Nelson, Coalition Director Erica Malllet, Peter Nestor, Barbara Williams, Katie O'Meara, Mike O'Meara, Ben Ream, Nancy Docktor, Bonnie Lombardo, Linda Snow Dockser, Carl McFadden, Chief Information Officer Kevin Furllla (Remote), CFO Sharon Angstrom (Remote), Assistant DPW Director Mike Kessman (Remote), RCN Studios (Remote), Mary Jinnanus (Remote), Steven Fredrickson (Remote), Chris (Remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Madeleine Baptiste 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 (For any items not included on the agenda) Katie and Mike O'Meara of 17 Selfridge Road expressed concerns about the Austin Preparatory School Parking Lot's lack of a protective border for homes on their street. Ms. O'Meara stated that the concerns are related to the visual due to tree and shrub removal, noise, car omissions and lights from seven parking spaces without a border. Ms. O'Meara provided a map of the parking lot plan that was passed out to Board members for reference. Barbara Williams of 7 Selfridge Road and Peter Nestor of 11 Selfridge Road stated that the construction taking place at Austin Prep is causing large amounts of dirt to collect in their pools and yards. Chair Chris Haley stated that Town Manager Matt Kraunelis has an upcoming meeting with Austin Preparatory's Head of School Dr. James Hickey. Nancy Docktor of Pearl Street expressed concerns about decisions on spending related to projects whose funds were approved by Town Meeting. Page 1 1 Linda Snow Dockser of Beaver Road thanked the Board and the Town in their efforts to reach Green Community status. She also thanked Erica Maillet and the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support for their hard work and positive impact in Reading. She also asked for an update on the RCTV contract status and expressed her support for RCN. Town Manager Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted the Town's Green Community status and thanked everyone involved for their hard work and those who attended the designation event on August 21" on the Town Common. Mr. Kraunelis noted that the 17" Annual Fall Street Fairs will be on Sunday, September 7' , and thanked the Reading Rotary Club for sponsoring this event. Mr. Kraunelis shared a new employees update that Steven Frederickson, Interim Building Commissioner, and Richard Ania, Collector, will be joining the Team at Town Hall soon and stated they are both highly trained, experienced professionals. Mr. Kraunelis updated the Board on the MBTA turnback track and noted that Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman and he attended a meeting with MBTA officials regarding gate closings and times. Mr. Kraunelis stated that the group reviewed data and questions and that MBTA officials are strongly considering holding a meeting with a smaller group of residents to address concerns. Mr. Kraunelis shared that he will update the Town as soon as he is able with the date of the MBTA Public Forum scheduled to take place in September. Mr. Kraunelis updated the Board on the status of the RCTV contract negotiations and stated that there have been six meetings and RCN is taking the concerns of the Board seriously and their feedback is being worked into the agreement. Mr. Kraunelis shared that there will be a draft agreement in September, and in any circumstance, there will be no gap in coverage. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman provided an update on the Trash and Recycling contract. Ms. Wellman stated that the process is in the negotiations phase and has been encouraging. She will have a recommendation and detailed memo to bring before the Board in September. Community Spotlight Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted two Reading Police Officers work anniversaries. Lieutenant Detective Richard Abate and Sargent Ian Nelson both celebrated their 20' year working in Reading. Mr. Kraunelis congratulated these officers for their years of service and noted their dedication to the Town. Mr. Kraunelis updated the Board that Marathon Sports's One Year celebration event will take place Saturday, August 30' . Discuss and Vote on Overdose Awareness Proclamation Director of the Reading Coalition for Prevention and Support Erica Maillet presented the proclamation for Overdose Awareness Day and explained that this is one of the ways they honor those lost to substance misuse and mental health issues. Ms. Maillet informed the Board that the Coalition will be hosting an event called A Time to Gather on September 17 ° at 5:30 pm outside of Town Hall which will showcase an exhibit, a candlelight vigil and a poetry contest. Chris Haley expressed that Reading resident Connie Pustorino has been very involved in getting this Overdose Awareness Day proclamation into action. Mr. Haley read a statement to the Board on behalf of Ms. Pustorino, which reads as follows, "On this International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost and families impacted at the hands of a drug poisoning or overdose death. 286 a day die from overdose. August 310 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those we have lost to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms". Mr. Haley thanked Ms. Pustorino and Ms. Maillet for their work and inspiring others to come together for the September event. Ms. Maillet informed the Board that the exhibit for the September 17' Coalition event will be on display the week prior for families to visit at that time. Karen Rose Gillis read the Overdose Awareness Day Proclamation Karen Rose Gillis moved that August 31, 2025, be recognized as Overdose Awareness Day in the Town of Reading. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. Annual Update from Reading Ice Arena Authority Carl McFadden, Select Board designee for the Burbank Ice Arena Board of Directors, presented Burbank's annual update. He shared with the Board that Burbank generated revenue of over $1 million this year compared to $600,000 in nearby towns and noted that the rink is fully booked seven days a week serving consistently the Reading Youth Hockey group and North Shore Skating Club. He also noted that $150,000 of the Ice Arena's profits has gone toward the Pickleball Courts in Town. Mr. McFadden explained that recent roof replacement expenses have been pulled from their reserve account funds and there is a plan to replenish the funds in two years. The Board discussed concerns about potential future maintenance needs, accessibility, and annual rent payments to the Town. Some of the Board members had questions regarding revenue forecasting and the need for a separate operational meeting with the Select Board and the Burbank Board of Directors. Karen Gately Herrick suggested sponsorships as a potential revenue stream for the Ice Arena. Mr. McFadden stated that he is in the process of connecting Burbank's accountant to Town CFO Sharon Angstrom to discuss annual revenue. Chris Haley highlighted that Reading does not spend any funds on the Ice Arena and expressed his appreciation for all the updates and hard work done by Burbank Rink Manager, Ed Peduto. Mr. McFadden spoke about Mr. Peduto's value to the rink and expressed great appreciation for him. Jackie Gagnon, President of the North Shore Skating Club, and Stephanie Solaro, Treasurer and Skating Coach of the North Shore Skating Club, expressed their gratitude for the partnership with Burbank. Ms. Gagnon and Ms. Solano explained they feel a great sense of support from Burbank and the Town as a whole. They further stated that through this support, and having access to a facility like Burbank, allows their organization to provide better quality for its skaters. They highlighted the cleanliness of the rink as well as professionalism and responsiveness displayed by the Burbank staff. Nancy Docktor of Pearl Street asked for future clarification on how the Burbank Board and Select Board work together to determine how Burbank funds are allocated. Chris Haley clarified that provided the suggestion for Burbank funds to be allocated for the pickleball courts. Fire Chief Rick Nelson discussed possible methods to increase revenue through the means of switching to a bundled billing system to simplify billing to insurance and increase collections. Chief Nelson noted that the increased rates will only affect those with private or self -pay insurance. Chief Nelson presented data to show that switching the billing could generate $250,000 annually for the Town and will also benefit patients by reducing the likelihood of balance billing. The Board was receptive to implementing the changes with their guidance and upon the agreement that Chief Nelson monitor results and make changes as necessary. Chief Nelson noted that for permit fees and inspections, the Board would have to vote on changing permit fee amounts. He noted that in accordance with State Law, no permit can be higher than $50, except for smoke detectors. Chief Nelson presented data comparing Reading's rates to other towns in the area and explained that Reading is below the average fee collected. Chief Nelson shared his recommendations to increase fees while not going over $50, remove unnecessary fees that are no longer issued, and add a new Certificate of Occupancy Inspection Fee. Chief Nelson informed the Board that if the recommended fee rate changes were in place, and compared to last year's revenue, annual revenue from these fees would be almost double. Chief Nelson presented a chart to show the Board new and existing fee descriptions. The Board raised some concerns about the reinspection fee of $50 and discussed the possibility of adding a warning of reinspection fees to make people more aware. The Board members were receptive to the recommendations from Chief Nelson. The discussion concluded with guidance from the Board for Chief Nelson to return with a final presentation for them to review and vote on. Update on Charter Review Committee and Discuss Public Hearing Town Manager Matt Kraunelis updated the Board that a public hearing is not required for the Board to discuss the Charter Review Committee's findings. Mr. Kraunelis further explained that the discussion needs to take place before the closing of the warrant on September 23tO with an opportunity for public comment. Mr. Kraunelis noted that the language for the warrant will be provided by Town Counsel at the end of the week and suggested that the Board put the charter review discussion on the upcoming two agendas. Board members agreed with this suggested timeline and to include the Charter Review Committee in these discussions. Select Board Liaison Reports Karen Rose Gillis held office hours and attended meetings for Town Forest Committee and Council on Aging. She joined the rest of the Select Board members for a tour of the Burbank Ice Arena. She attended the Green Communities Designation Event with the rest of the Board. She attended a tour of the Reading Housing Authority in conjunction with Secretary Augustus's visit on August 12 ^. She met with the Reading Housing Authority again to attend the Community Preservation Act Study Committee's (CPA) presentation. Karen Gately Herrick attended various meetings including School Committee, the Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD), and the Permanent Building Committee. She attended the Burbank Ice Arena Tour with her fellow Board members. She participated in the Green Communities Designation Event and informed the Board that while some energy efficiency rebates are going away, geothermal ones are not and suggested that this should be taken into consideration in planning of Town projects such as the RECAL and Killam School. Carlo Baoci attended a Community Preservation Act (CPA) meeting and informed the Board that they will be represented at the Fall Street Faire with a booth. He also attended a Community Planning and Development Commission meeting. Along with his fellow Board members, Mr. Bacci also attended the Burbank Ice Arena Tour and the Green Communities Designation Event. He attended the memorial event held for Reading resident Michael Coltman. Chris Haley attended both the Burbank Ice Arena Tour and Green Communities Designation Event with his fellow Board Members. He also attended the memorial event for Michael Coltman and noted that Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman were in attendance as well. Mr. Haley shared that the memorial had a large turnout of people, and that it really highlighted Mr. Coltman's lasting impact on Reading. Future Agendas Future agendas will include an update from the Reading Food Pantry, a review of Charter Changes, and a preview of the subsequent Town Meeting Warrant. The Board rescheduled their next meeting to be September l V, 2025, to avoid conflicts with Rosh Hashanah. Discuss and Vote to Approve Meeting Minutes Karen Gately Herrick suggested changing "discovered more information' to "updated the Board" in the draft minutes in her Select Board Liaison Report. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 5, 2025, as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 9:31 pm. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. The meeting adjourned at 9:31 pm.