HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-15 Bylaw Committee Minuteso N rn� e Town of Reading
- Meeting Minutes RECEIVED
~�o TOWN CLERK
READING, MA.
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2A-
2025 OCT 14 AM 11: 19
Bylaw Committee
Date: 2025-09-15 Time: 7:30 PM
Building: Virtual Location: Zoom
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Jesse Arnold, Jason Clarke, Jared Belliveau, Liz Sullivan, Louise Saunders
(all via Zoom)
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Clerk Lauara Gemme (all via Zoom)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jared Belliveau
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order at 7:30pm
Chief reaardino Snow Removal Bylaw Enforcement. Arnold report that RPD would be
responsible for issuing tickets, but Chief Clark is concerned that enforcement will be tie up
limited RPD capacity. Enforcement would be a very low priority. Gemme noted that other
fines for bylaw violations do not always get paid and simply result in a backlog of unpaid
fines at Town Hall that never gets enforced. Saunders noted that perhaps having
something on the books even if it does not get enforced, may still encourage folks to clear
the sidewalks. Town resident Jeffrey Struble commented that many surrounding towns
have something on the books, and that may be compelling for Town Meeting members.
Discussion about town departments balancing priorities and allocating resources then
followed, focusing on enforcement options. Arnold then asked Attorney Merrill about the
bylaw shifting liability to the property owner. Attorney Merrill opined that it does not.
Struble asked if the number of offenses was based upon calendars days rather than snow
events; Arnold responded that it was based upon calendar days. Town resident Mary Parr
commented on various hazardous locations around the downtown.
Arnold then asks how should we move forward in light departments being reluctant to
support. Saunders noted that she thinks moving forward is a must considering the pubic
safety concern. Gemme presented information on the extent to which bylaw fines go
unpaid. Clarke notes that we will want to decide on the enforcement mechanism and get
the enforcement department onboard before moving ahead. Stuble recommends surveying
surrounding towns for their enforcement methods.
Discussion of snow removal bylaw presentation.
Discussion on the mechanics for the first public meeting on the proposed bylaw over Zoom,
tomorrow on 16 September.
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Review of presentation was then conducted. No substantive edits made to presentation.
Future agenda items. The committee discussed options for the next meeting in anticipation
of feedback from the upcoming public forums. 09 October at 7:30pm was selected as the
next date.
Review of 07 August 2025 Meeting minutes. Sullivan motioned to accept the minutes from
07 August 2025 Meeting Minutes. Arnold seconded. Committee voted 5-0 to approve the
minutes.
Sullivan made motion to adjourn. Saunders seconded. Committee voted 5-0 to adjourn at
9:07pm.
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