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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-09 Select Board Minutese rs a TOWNEIVED Town of Reading =1 Meeting Minutes RCADING` Mq 118 OCT 22 '��rIKo NP AM 10: 00 Board - committee - commission - council: Select Board Date: 2025-09-09 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, Kam Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick (8:30 pm) Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Fire Chief Rick Nelson, CFO Sharon Angstrom (remote), Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Taylor Gregory, Town Counsel Ivria Fried (remote), Simone Payment, Sean Tesoro, Chris Soria, Judy Coltman, Angela Binda, Jeff Lamson, Bob Beckman (remote), Laura Stella (remote), Kate Harrington (remote), Meg Alfoni (remote), Charter Review Committee Members: Raymond Porter, Jeff Struble, Jonathan Barnes, Alan Foulds, Jesse Arnold (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 Chns Haley called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. Public Comment IFor any items not included on the agenda) Angela Binda of Orchard Park Drive noted that at the last meeting, the Select Board designee of the Reading Ice Arena Authority misspoke when he called the payment to the town a donation and clarified that it is a rent payment in lieu of taxes. Town Mananer Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis began by thanking the organizers, sponsors, and volunteers for another successful Fall Street Faire this past weekend. The MBTA is meeting with abutters to the proposed tumback track, with a public meeting for the public at large to attend on September 15". Mr. Haley then asked Mr. Kraunelis "If he could text Karen (Gately Herrick) and find out what her status is because she should be here at this meeting (Select Board) and not that one (META Abutters only). It just seems inappropriate, but if you could find out what her ETA is. She didn't tell me; she only told you". In preparation for the upcoming Subsequent Town Meeting, the Bylaw Committee will be hosting two public forums on the proposed Snow Shoveling Bylaw: a virtual forum on September 16' , and a hybrid forum on September 2e. The Finance Committee has planned their Financial Forum for October 80. Mr. Kraunelis recapped a meeting that he and Chair Haley had with Austin Prep Headmaster, Dr. Hickey, earlier today. He noted that construction is underway, and the school is making efforts to address neighbors' concerns. He also noted that the recent parking restrictions implemented on Arcadia Avenue seem to be working. Mr. Kraunelis also shared that Barium's on Walkers Brook Drive closed at the end of August and surrendered its liquor license. A new restaurant is in the works for that location. Pape 1 1 Mr. Kramelis concluded by remembering the victims of September 11, 2001, especially the first responders, as the anniversary approaches later this week. Community Spotliaht Town Manager Matt Kraunelis congratulated FusillPs Cucina on celebrating its ten year anniversary. He also congratulated staff member Avantika Mehta, Human Resources Benefits Specialist, on her five year anniversary with the Town. Update from Readina Food Pantry Reading Food Pantry (RFP) Executive Director, Simone Payment, and Board President, Sean Tesoro, presented the history of the organization and the services it provides. In 2024, the RFP served over 4,000 residents, and distributed more than 15,000 bags of food. Due to economic changes in the last few years, use of the pantry has increased substantially. The RFP has outgrown their current space, and faces several challenges including, space constraints, limited food storage capacity, lack of accessibility, and storage on different levels that create logistical and safety issues. The RFP respectfully requested partial use of the Pleasant Street Center (PSC) for future expansion of the RFP headquarters, when the Reading Center for Active Living is complete. Board members expressed interest in continuing the conversation of a rent agreement for the PSC in the future. Discuss and Vote on 413 Main Street Early Opening Chair Chris Haley opened the Public Hearing and Karen Rose -Gillis read the Hearing Notice. The Select Board discussed McDonald's request for an early opening at 5 AM. The Board agreed that it would be acceptable to open the inside of the store only at 5:00 am, while the opening of the drive-thru should remain at 6:00 AM, consistent with the recommendations of the Police Department and Planning Division. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the Public Hearing regarding the early opening request for 413 Main Street The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacct and approved by a vote of 4-0. Karen Rose Gillis moved to approve a license to operate a retail business between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m. pursuant to Section 7.7 of the Reading General Bylaws and further pursuant to Section 3.8 of the Select Board Policies to McDonald's, 413 Main Street This license is for approval to open for business not earlier than 5:00 a.m. indoors only, and 6:00 a.m. for the drive thru. In granting this license the board finds: 1. In accordance with Section 7.7.4.1 of the General Bylaws that the operation of the establishment will not cause unreasonable disruption or disturbance to, or otherwise adversely affect, the customary character of any adjacent or nearby residential neighborhood; and 2. In accordance with Section 7.7.4.2 of the General Bylaws that the operation of the establishment is reasonably necessary to serve the public health, safety and welfare, serves a public need and provides a public convenience which outweighs any increase in the impacts on the adjacent or nearby residential. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4-0. Discuss and Vote to Approve Meeting Minutes, August 26 2025 Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 26, 2025, as presented. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 4-0. Fire Chief Rick Nelson reviewed his presentation from the last meeting with proposed increases to the Fire Department fee schedule. The Board briefly discussed and agreed with the changes. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board adopt the updated Fire Department Permit Fee Schedule as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4-0. Select Board Liaison Reports Karen Rose -Gillis shared her community engagements incuding attending the Eastern Gateway meeting where fomm results were reviewed, attending the Permanent Building Committee meeting, meeting Town Meeting Member Ron Powell at his office hours, attending the Fall Street Faire, attending the Council on Aging meeting, and attending the Town Forest Committee meeting. Melissa Murphy shared that the RCN working negotiation group has a draft contract that is being reviewed by Town Counsel and RCN Counsel. The School Committee did not approve the Mulberry Forest Montesson School. The Field House Project has been completed. The Conservation Commission discussed the shutdown of the Matters Cabin and what is needed to get squared away with the Building Inspector. The Killam School and ReCAL projects both went before the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) at recent meetings. Killam was approved, while CPDC is asking for clarification on parking for ReCAL. Carlo Baccl noted that the CPA Study Committee hosted a tent at the Fall Street Fairs to get community feedback on recommended percentages. The CPDC approved the Century 21 Boardwalk project on Main Street, and continued the heading on the proposed Primrose School, as a lot of neighbors came out to voice concems with parking and safety. He also shared that the City of Salem is abandoning their parking kiosk program in favor of a parking app only, as the city was unhappy with their vendor. Chris Haley shared details from his visit to Austin Prep with the Town Manager and School Headmaster, Dr. Hickey, to look over the school and their parking project. The dedicated parking for the school at the Depot is no longer needed. The Killam School building project will save $500,000 by opting for a smaller generator, as the ReCAL will function as the emergency shelter. He met with CPDC Chair Heather Clish regarding the Master Plan Committee and noted that the CPDC hopes to have some follow up in October. He shared that the Angeloni family on Libby Avenue was displaced by a house fire, and a resident has established a GoFundMe to help the family. Public Information Session f • Review Charter Changes in Preparation for Town Meeting As Charter Review Committee Chair, Chris Haley called the Charter Review Committee to order. Roll call: Jeff Struble, Jonathan Barnes, Ray Porter, Alan Foulds, Jesse Arnold (remote), and Chris Haley. Town Counsel Ivda Fried reviewed the "Translation Guide" she prepared that outlines the revisions to the Charter, which ones could be adopted through a ballot vote, and which ones necessitate a Special Act. The Charter Review Committee (CRC) members reviewed the proposed changes to the various sections of the Town Charter, particularly regarding reappointment of Finance Committee and Bylaw Committee members when the Chair is seeking reappointment, voter registration thresholds for referendum petitions, and removal processes for board and committee members. Karen Gately Herrick arrived at 8:30 pm. after attending the MBTA Tumback Track Abutters Meeting held at the Reading Public Library. Town Counsel Ivna Fried noted that in Section 5.5.2 the tens "last known legal address' is inconsistent with "last known address" in other sections and recommended striking the word "legal" in this instance, as it can be unclear what "legal address" means. As the Charter Review Committee agenda did not include "Vote", the CRC will include it on their agenda for next week's meeting. Karen Gately Herrick expressed concern with the inclusion of tenninafion pay for the Town Manager. Mr. Haley stated that the CRC did discuss the section but did not recall the details. Town Clerk Laura Gemme was tasked with reviewing the minutes from the previous meetings, and the matter would be discussed at the next meeting. The review of the Charter will continue at next week's Select Board meeting, with the Charter Review Committee being posted to attend and vote on any other recommended changes discussed. Preview Subseguent Town Meeting Warrant Town Manager Matt Kraunelis previewed the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant, which the Board will vote to close at their next meeting. Article 1 — Reports: The only anticipated report right now is from the Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee. Article 2—Instructional Motions. Article 3—Changes to the Capital Improvement Program. Article 4 — Changes to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Article 5 — Transfer Funds for Capital Projects: There is approximately $200.000 from previous capital projects that will be reallocated to the upcoming Killam School and Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects. Article 6 —Prior Years' Bills: There are no prior years' bills at this time. If no bills come in before Town Meeting, this article will be tabled. Article 7 — Adopt MGL for Municipal Veterans Assistance Fund: This request comes from the Veterans Agent, which will allow people to add an optional amount to tax bills to be directed to a dedicated Veterans Assistance Fund. Article 8— Charter Amendments Part 1: Amendments to be adopted by voters. Article 9 — Charter Amendments Part 2: Amendments to be adopted by Special Act. Artide 10 — Funding request from the Town Forest Committee. Article 11 — Snow Shoveling Bylaw. This article proposes a snow shoveling bylaw in the Downtown Smart Growth Overlay District, which may be an issue of conflict for some members who have a business or home in the area. Town Counsel We Fried asked those members to contact her so that she could issue a written determination on whether they could engage in discussions and vote on the matter. Future Agencies The board reviewed the agenda for the next meeting, including a lease amendment for the Burbank Ice Arena and appointing a designee to engage in those negotiations, RCN license extension, discussion on disability commission, authorization for opioid settlements, and liquor license hearings. Other future agenda items include the vote on FY26 tax rates, and a reorganization at the November 4- meeting. Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 10:01 pm. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of ".