Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-10-07 Select Board Minutes°`" RiECE1VE "� a Town of Reading TOWN � Meeting Minutes READING, MA °L„rrcoa.�� 1015 OCT 22 AM 9:59 Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-10-07 - Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: - Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, DPW Director Christopher We, Assistant DPW Director Michael Kessman, Operations Director Katie Gabriello, Executive Assistant Joshua Delaune, Director for Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless, Fire Chief Rick Nelson, Patricia Crowley, Lucas Prato, Jim Riley, Linda Russo, Aaron Parry, Sharon Cranston, Alexandra Hettler, Mark Agami, David Commito, Nancy Docktor, Gaetano Manganiello, Melissa Manganiello, Karen Janowski, McKenzie Ridings, Stuart May, Diana Halsey, Josh Latham, Judy Coltman, Anne Mark, Sofia Manganiello, Giuseppe Fodera, Alistair Sawers, Cameron Doherty, John Weston, Jonathan Barnes, Taylor Gregory, RCN Studios (Remote), Computer Technician Tim Johnson (Remote), CFO Sharon Angstrom (Remote), Conservation Administrator Chuck Tirane (Remote), Kyle Tornow (Remote), Steven Frederickson (Remote), Michelle Clopper (Remote), Jennifer Allen (Remote), Peter Lydecker (Remote), Brendan Zarechian (Remote), Jaclyn Lee (Remote), Christine Parks (Remote), Alicia Williams (Remote), Lori Hayes Gisetto (Remote), Anthony DeDominicis (Remote), Samantha Gray (Remote), LM Pless (Remote), Chris Calabrese (Remote), Jeremy Fontaine (Remote), Joseph Fleury (Remote), Sandy Matathia (Remote), Rich Hand (Remote), Tom Wise (Remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Madeleine Baptiste Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in the Town Hall Select Board Room and Remotely Via Zoom. Chair Chris Haley called to order at 7:00 PM and provided a brief overview of the evening's agenda. Mr. Haley also discussed that going forward, Board members are asked to speak respectfully to one another' and to the Chair, and will not use disparaging language about individuals, and Board members will not be interrupted by other members unless by a point of order or the Chair. Carlo Bacci made a public apology for disparaging comments at the previous meeting. Karen Gately Herrick arrived at 7:03 PM. Public Comment (For any items not included on the agenda) Angela Birds of Orchard Park Drive expressed concern about a new proposed lease amendment to the Burbank Ice Arena, that was announced at the recent School Committee meeting, which promises fifty Page 1 1 percent of lease payments from Burbank will go towards funding unified sports and the other fifty percent will go to the Town. Karen Janowski of Azalea Circle commented that the statements made about Mr. Bacci, regarding his previous role as Chair of the Symonds Way Exploratory Committee (SWEC), at the Board's previous meeting were false. She also thanked all people involved in tryingto resolve the Burbank and Pickleball issues. Residents including Lucas Prato, McKenzie Ridings, Linda Russo, Jason Russo, Pat Crowley, Aaron Perry, Mark Agami, Ally Hettler, Kyle Tomow, and Jennifer Allen all expressed concerns for the MBTA proposed Turnback Track project regarding lack of communication from MBTA officials, lack of public trust, air quality effects, health of residents, impact on emergency response vehicles and times, lack of transparency with study data, noise impact, pollution, and increased traffic with increase in gate down closings. Town Manager Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted the Reading Coalition's "ATime to Gather" event that was held outside of Town Hall. He stated that the event was to honor those lost to substance misuse and noted that winner of the poetry contest was Aaron Soto. He mentioned the Finance Committee will hold its Financial Forum on October 8tl1. Lastly, he noted the North Reading/ Reading Chamber of Commerce is holding the annual Fall Beer Garden on October 11'" and highlighted that the event is family friendly and free. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted that the Eastern Gateway Community Workshop will take place on October 2r, and this workshop will summarize project feedback, share visual concepts, and provide an opportunity for participation and feedback. Community Sootllght Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted Reading Police Officer Kaylyn Balbo for being chosen as the Police Department's Employee of the Quarter. He thanked her for fostering positive community relationships and encouraged her to keep up her great work. He also highlighted two Reading crossing guards, Tina Lantz and Cindy Asci, and thanked them for keeping people safe and for their thirty years of service to Reading. Proclamation for Italian Heritage Month Carlo Bacci shared a brief history of the Italian Heritage Month and expressed gratitude to be able to bring this before the Board. He then read the Italian Heritage Proclamation. During the Public Comment on this item, Guy Manganiello and Giuseppe Fodera provided history of Italian Heritage's influence in America and noted the values of faith, family, and culture that bond the Italian American Community. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that October 2025 be recognized as Italian Heritage Month in the Town of Reading. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy. Carlo Bacci offered an amendment to strike "2025"from the motion. The motion was seconded by Mellisa Murphy. Karen Gately Herrick expressed concerns about the process of issuing month long proclamations and noted she would abstain from the vote. The Board approved the amendment by a vote of 4-0-1 with Karen Gately Herrick abstaining. The Board then voted to recognize October as Italian Heritage Month by a vote of 4-0-1 with Karen Gately Herrick abstaining. Discuss Estahl'shment of a Commission on Disabilities in Reatling Director for Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless reviewed a presentation to the Board on establishing a Commission on Disabilities (COD). He highlighted a COD's role in advising municipalities on the disabled community's needs, concerns, and best practices for necessary programs and services. He informed the Board that by having a COD, the Town is eligible for a municipal grant with the potential to be awarded up to $30,000. He emphasized that the COD advises on issues not requests from specific individuals or businesses. Lastly, Mr. Pless provided the Board with resources to find more information through neighboring communities' websites who have already established CODs. During Public Comment, residents Made Morgan, Michele Clopper, and Jaclyn Lee expressed their support for establishing a COD and all highlighted the need for this in the community and its ability to help the Town and thanked Albert for his work. The discussion concluded with the Board supporting this initiative, as well as thanking Albert for his hard work and dedication. The Board asked Town Staff to continue work on to be able to present this to Town Meeting soon. Fire Chief Rick Nelson explained to the Board that the Fire Department needs to start training a new person with fire alarm system maintenance, and there is a requirement for Town Manager Matt Krauneus to sign a disclosure form to start this training process. It is before the Board tonight because they need to authorize Mr. Krauneus to sign the form. Chief Nelson noted that the firefighter who will take over as the maintenance person for the fire alarm systems is David Ferreira. Karen -Rose Gillis moved that the Select Board approve the following employees' request for exemption pursuant to G.L. c. 268A, 5 20(f): David Ferreira, and to authorize the Town Manager to sign the associated Section 20(f) disclosure form. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Fire Chief Rick Nelson informed the Board his previous presentation for the Board at a prior meeting had a typo and two missing fees. He explained that he needed to change the wording from "Sprinkler System Permit" to "Kitchen Suppression System Permit" and the two added fees will be for "Commercial Fire Alarm System" with a $25 associated fee and a "License to Store, Flammable and Combustible Liquids" with a $50 associated fee. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the amendments to the Fire Department Permit Fee Schedule as presented. The motion was seconded by Matisse Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Discuss and Vote an New Annual All-Atcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Reading Fomo LLC.. Karen Rose -Gillis read the Public Heading Notice and opened the Public Head ng. Representatives from Toscana Forno 1ncludingAttorney Josh Latham, Angelo Perrino, and Lucio Perrin presented the Board with their application. Attorney Latham explained that the restaurant will take the place of Bertuccis' old location, and the owners have extensive experience in the restaurant industry with three existing Toscana restaurants open. He also stated that they plan to open in February of 2026. The Board commended the representatives for their thorough presentation and thanked them for attending the meeting. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the hearing regarding the new Annual All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Toscana Forno. The motion was seconded by Maltese Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Annual All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Reading Forno LLC, d/b/a Toscana Forno, located at 45 Walkers Brook Drive. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. DPW Director Chris Cole gave insight into the process that Town Staff began in Summer 2024 of developing the RFP for trash and recycling collection services in preparation for a new contract to start in July 2026. He stated that through this process Town Staff decided, with original proposal prices, both qualitatively and financially, to recommend awarding a contract to Waste Management. Mr. Cole shared a presentation with the Board comparing Waste Management's pricing and offerings to a newly revised proposal that the Town received from Republic late last week. The presentation highlighted both vendors' pricing options including bi-weekly recycling and options with and without inclusion of bulk items. Mr. Cole noted that bi-weekly recyc0ng is recommended by the Town due to it being the better financial option. He also urged the Board to award someone a contract soon as it will allowfor a smooth transition and ability to procure new vehicles in a timely manner. Representatives from both Waste Management and Republic, Samantha Grey (Republic) and Christine DeRosa (Waste Management), were present at the meeting. The Board expressed concern about the potential of not having weekly recycling, the exclusion of one free bulk item, and concern about the potential of having to rent trucks at a price of $30,000 if a contract does not get awarded in time. They expressed wanting both vendors to come back with pricing options for weekly recycling and some members stated they would prefer to include weekly recycling and bulk item options instead of placing importance on one or the other. The discussion concluded with the Board agreeing that they felt more time was needed to decide to vote on awarding a contract. With the Board feeling that waiting until their next regularly scheduled meeting to award a contract was too long, they agreed to hold a meeting to discuss and vote on this before then. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman explained that the vendors would need to submit their best and final offers to the Town by October 9r'to comply with Open Meeting Law rules if the meeting were to take place as early as October 14. Cenmr Mr AMive Living IR.CALI with the Readina Ice Arena Authoritv and Authorize a Select Board Town Manager Matt Kraunelis stated that the Board had discussed this item at their previous meeting and in the interest of time, he had gone ahead since then with negotiating some original agreements with Burbank to satisfy the requirements of the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) to establish a waiver for parking. He further noted that the Board can still have a liaison involved in the negotiations if they wish to, but he is not asking for one due to him being authorized by the Charter to negotiate with the team already doing so. Board Member Karen Gately Herrick expressed concern about the announcement made by Select Board designee Carl McFadden at last night's CPDC meeting, stating that there was an agreement to pay 50%of Burbank revenue to the Town and 50% of Burbank revenue to fund Unified Sports. Mr. Kraunelis noted that this agreement allowed the Town to have their parking at Burbank and in turn, Burbank asked for this agreement, and it must go before Town Meeting for a vote annually to allow for the funding. He went on to explain that Town Meeting had previously asked the Town to find fundingfor Unified Sports, and this would be a solution, so he feels it works out for both sides. Mr. Kraunelis noted that the lease amendment's purpose is for parking liability forthe Town and the Memorandum of Understanding covers asking Town Meeting to use this funding source for Unified Sports. Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman emphasized points made by Mr. Kraunelis and stated that both parties expressed interest in taking on this lease amendment and Burbank asked for a lot to be included but is now only seeking this agreement for Unified Sports funding to go before Town Meeting and that this will bean annual vote at Town Meeting with whatever figure the lease payment is that year. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis informed the Board that they have the authority to bring other things forward in the negotiation process with Burbank and the Board will vote on lease amendment agreements. The discussion concluded without selecting a Select Board member to engage in negotiations on behalf of the Board. Update fom MBTA Regarding Proposed Tumhack Track Representatives from the MBTA, Sharon Cranston and Alistair Sewers, attended the meeting and shared a presentation covering topics including how the MBTA has done public outreach, shared the project site plan, adding planting and a track pan to address public concerns, information on the noise study, gate closure changes, and the emissions. They noted that their next step was to attend the Conservation Commission's meeting the following evening. Board Members expressed concerns regarding not seeing the raw data for the studies that have been conducted, data to back up the need for the increased trains, large increase in gate closures, emissions and a general tack of public trust. Ms. Cranston noted that data had been shared with the Reading Police and Fire Chiefs and further stated that the MBTA does not have raw data, only the consultant has that information on their software. Mr. Sewers shared that there are good data and a strong belief from the MBTA that this project will support the need for increased ridership. Ms. Cranston presented the Board with the sound study data that was previously provided at their public meeting hosted for Reading residents, but the Board was not satisfied with it as it is not as specified as they are seeking. Members of the Public including Jim Riley, Beth Stakeham, Marjorie Cadman, David Commito, Sal Russo, Bryce Cheney, and Alicia Williams expressed concerns regarding lack of communication from MBTA officials, lack of public trust, air quality effects, health of residents, and lack of transparency surrounding the sound study. Mr. Commito asked whether the MBTA used the loud or quiet train in the sound study, and Ms. Cranston explained that while it was requested of the consultant to use the loud train, she is unsure of which one was used in the study and is unable to confirm due to lost train data. Resident Chris Calabrese commented that something that has withheld him from taking the train is the schedule and the prices of homes in Town are high due to proximity to the train One. Chair Chris Haley asked Ms. Cranston if they could reconduct a new sound study because he feels as though it is owed to the residents. Ms. Cranston said she cannot make any commitment to reconducting the study at this time. The discussion concluded with the Board hoping that amenable terms can be reached regarding this project, antl they understand the residents' opposition to the turnback track. Discuss and Vote on 32 Lincoln Street Proposed Roof Repairs Chair Chris Haley recused himself from discussion and voting on this matter to avoid a conflict, as he owns a business on Haven Street. Member of the Historical Commission Jonathan Barnes was present at the meeting and noted that the position of the Historical Commission was represented in the fetter provided in the packet and he was happy to answer any questions. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the renovations to 32 Lincoln Street as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. Chair Chris Haley explained that since the applicant for the vacancy on the Recreation Committee is currently an associate member, upgrading to the full member vacancy does not require Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC) to intervene with another interview. He also noted that this person is the only applicant, and the vacancy was property advertised. Karen Rose -Gills moved to appoint Giuseppe Fodera as a Member of the Recreation Committee. Term beginning immediately and ending on June 30' , 2028. Karen Gately Herrick moved to adjourn at 11:25 PM. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0.