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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-16 Select Board MinutesRECEIVED TOWN �N ra Town of Reading R A D I N G, MA. " Meeting Minutes U" 2025 OCT 22 AM 10: 00 4„ Board - committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-09-16 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, Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick Members - Not Present: Melissa Murphy Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Town Clerk Laura Gemme, DPW Director Christopher Cole, Lieutenant Christopher Jones, Christine DeRosa, Phil Rushworth, Kathi Crook, Nancy Docktor, Angela Binda, Joseph White, Tony D'Are=, Rita Robertson, Ron Powell, CFO Sharon Angstrom (Remote), Computer Technician Tim Johnson (Remote), Assistant DPW Director Michael Kessman (Remote), Town Counsel Ivria Fried (Remote), RCN Studios (Remote), Zemin Wu (Remote), Linda Snow Dockser (Remote), Meg Alfini (Remote), Sarah Brukilacchio (Remote), Sarah McLaughlin (Remote), Mark Sousa (Remote), Guest (Remote), Jonathan Barnes (Remote), Russell Chin (Remote), Jeff Struble (Remote), LSD iPhone (Remote), Jesse Arnold (Remote), Eileen Manning (Remote), Karen Janowski (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) Angela Binda of Orchard Park Drive shared her thoughts that the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) has sufficient parking and the Pickleball project lacks a parking plan. She noted her support in choosing Karen Rose -Gillis or Karen Gately Herrick as the Select Board liaison to engage in negotiations for the Lease Amendments involving ReCAL and Pickleball on behalf of the Board. Joseph white of Prescott Street offered his support for RCN and encouraged the Board to renew the contract. Nancy Docktor of Pead Street suggested that the Select Board's liaison for the Lease Amendments involving ReCAL and Pickleball should take on the same duties as the Board's RCN liaison to maintain consistency. Town Manager Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis highlighted the Reading Coalition's "A Time to Gather' event scheduled for September 17" outside of Town Hall. He stated that the event is to honor those lost to substance misuse and there will be music, a candlelight vigil, and a poetry contest. He noted that the MBTA held two public meetings involving both direct abutters and the public to Page 1 1 discuss the tumback track proposal. He also noted that he has reached out to MBTA officials to confirm if they still plan to come before the Board prior to fling their notice of intent. Mr. Kraunelis noted that the Bylaw Committee will be hosting two public forums on the proposed Snow Shoveling Bylaw, the virtual forum took place at the same time at this meeting and the hybrid forum is scheduled to be on September W. The Finance Committee has planned a Financial Forum for October 8' . Mr. Kraunelis attended the swearing in ceremony for new Police Officer Zachary Castiglione, a graduate of Reading Memorial High School. He welcomed Officer Castiglione to Reading. He concluded by noting that it was Town Clerk Laura Gemme's birthday and wished her a happy birthday. Community Spotltsht Town Manager Matt Kraunelis thanked Reading volunteer Randolph Kazazian, better known as "Biff the Lamp Man", for his hard work through donated lamp repair services to the Senior Community in Reading. Discuss Potential OverridelBudaet Review — Valet Parkins Fees The Board discussed a valet parking program for restaurants. Chris Haley explained that Jason Carron, Owner of Post 1917, expressed interest in providing this service at his restaurant. Lieutenant Christopher Jones of the Reading Police Department attended the meeting and noted that, as outlined in their memo, the Police Department is opposed to implementing valet parking. The Police Department and Board members shared concerns regarding enforcement, and what this would entail by opening it up to all businesses in Reading. Board members expressed that they do not think this is a high priority issue and Select Board Member Carlo Bacci discussed the possibility of exploring a weekend -night only valet parking agreement. During public comment on this matter, Tony D'Arezzo of John Street stated that by looking at the site plan for Post 1917, he saw 25 parking spaces as part of the development and suggested use of those for the valet parking. Lieutenant Jones responded to Mr. D'Arezzo and informed the Board that the site has 70 parking spaces, but they are dedicated to residents living at the Post and the restaurant does not have onsite parking. Nancy Docktor of Pearl Street expressed her concerns about the Select Board potentially acting on this matter when the Police Department is opposed and cautioned against the idea. The discussion concluded with the Board asking Mr. Kraunelis to provide Mr. Carron with feedback from this discussion and concerns from the Police Department to see how he wishes to proceed. Update and Discussion on Trash & Recvclino Contract Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman and DPW Director Chris Cole presented the Board with the Town's recommendation of choosing Waste Management for the upcoming trash and recycling contract. She explained that this recommendation came from a lengthy, detail -oriented procurement process and Waste Management was their choice for quality and turned out to be the lowest price of all five bidders. She also thanked Assistant DPW Director Mike Kessman, Director of Operations Katie Gabriello and her Executive Assistant Joshua Delaune for their hard work in this process. Notable changes in this new contract are a 25% cost increase to the Town annually, recycling collection being bi-weekly, and bulk collection with a fee to the residents. The Board raised concerns with the bulk collection's associated fee of $35 and needing more opportunities for rigid plastic recycling events. Karen Gately Herrick suggested the use of a sticker system for bulk collection as used in other communities and quarterly rigid plastic recycling events. Ms. Wellman and Mr. Cole noted the Boards' concerns and invited feedback. The discussion concluded with a more detailed presentation and a vote by the Board to take place at the next meeting. Discussion and Vote on Three -Month Extension of RCN License Agreement Town Manager Matt Kraunelis provided an update on negotiations with RCN stating that progress is being made but the negotiation team needs more time to finalize the agreement. He asked that the Board approve an extension for at least one month. Mr. Bacci expressed concern at the sudden inclusion of a clause for one day email response from the Executive Director of RCN. The Board inquired as to the status of the Reading Post. RCN Executive Director Phil Rushworth assured the Board that the relationship with the Reading Post was dissolved, and PEG funds are no longer supporting the Post. Chris Haley stated that cybersecurity is paramount to him. Chris Haley asked Mr. Rushworth to clarify if he forgot to turn off the live recording during the RMHS football game on Friday September 12th and Phil confirmed it was a mistake. The Board members debated whether the agenda and draft motion could differ from one another with the agenda stating extension of a three-month contract and the motion being anywhere from one to three months. Town Counsel Ivria Fried stated that she feels comfortable with the motion being anywhere from one to three months because it is still in the range of time provided to the public on the posted agenda. Members of the RCTV Board of Directors including Kathi Crook and Ron Powell advocated for a three-month extension. Nancy Docktor of Pearl Street and Sarah Bmkilacchio of Maple Ridge Road also expressed their support for RCN. Angela Binds of Orchard Park Drive commented that she disagrees with Board members Chris Haley and Carlo Bacci on their interpretations and handling of posing questions. Select Board Member Bacci called a resident a "horrible person" and used profanity after being once again accused of an ethics violation. Karen Rose -Gillis moved pursuant to Section 6 of the Grant Agreement with Reading Community Television (RCTV) dated June 20, 2019, to extend the Grant Agreement for an additional two months until November 30th, 2025, on the same terms and conditions. This motion was seconded by Chris Haley, but he rescinded his second. The motion did not pass. Karen Rose Gillis moved pursuant to Section 6 of the Grant Agreement with Reading Community Television (RCN) dated June 20, 2019, to extend the Grant Agreement for an additional three months until December 31, 2025, on the same terms and conditions. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 3-1, with Carlo Bacciopposed. Representatives from Champions Indoor Golf including Attorney Matthew Porter, Andrew Gildea, and Aaron Croce attended to discuss their application for a new alcohol liquor license. They noted that due to Reading's licensing requirements, they will have a fully functioning kitchen for a simple menu. Attorney Porter noted that upon approval, they plan to open in December. Karen Rose -Gillis read the Public Hearing Notice. The Board emphasized the importance of ensuring they will not be serving minors. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the hearing regarding the new Annual All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Champions Indoor Golf. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. Karen Rose Gillis moved to approve the Annual All Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Champions Indoor Golf V Inc. dlbla Champions Indoor Golf, located at 1 General Way. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herick and approved by a vote of 4.0. The Board took a brief recess and resumed at 9:00 pm Karen Rose -Gillis read the Public Hearing Notice. The Board heard from the applicants for the transfer of license, represented by Attorney Russell Chin and Zemin Wu. Attorney Chin discussed the transfer of the all -alcohol license and highlighted Mr. Wu's 11 years of experience in the restaurant business. He also informed the Board of their application for an entertainment license to have three televisions in the restaurant. Chris Haley emphasized the Select Board's commitment to ensuring they will not serve minors. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the hearing regarding the Transfer of the Annual All - Alcohol Liquor License for Yutao Inc. dlbla Oye's Restaurant & Bar. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Annual All Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Yutao Inc. dlbla Oye's Restaurant & Bar, located at 26 Walkers Brook Drive. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0. As Chair of the Charter Review Committee (CRC), Chris Haley began discussion on Charter Review changes. Members of the Charter Review Committee Jesse Arnold, Jeff Struble, and Jonathan Barnes attended via Zoom, but there was not a quorum of CRC. Town Counsel Ivria Fried stated that the Select Board can vote that night to make the changes discussed at the previous meeting in Section 5.5.2 to strike the word "legal" from "last legal known address" and Section 5.1 provisions around Town Manager termination pay. Mr. Haley stated that Town Clerk Laura Gemme, in reviewing meeting minutes, provided clarification that the CRC agreed to strike the termination pay clause in Section 5.1. The CRC will need to meet to vote and make a recommendation on the suggestion of the Select Board's vote tonight before November Town Meeting. Chris Haley and the present CRC members stated they were comfortable with this voting process. Mr. Haley briefly reviewed the "Translation Guide" provided by Town Counsel Ivria Fried. This was discussed in great depth at the last Select Board meeting. Karen Gately Herrick moved to amend Section 5.1 and Section 5.6.2 of the Charter as discussed. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 4- 0. The discussion concluded with the Charter Review Committee planning to set a date to hold their next meeting before November Town Meeting. Potential Invocation of the Rule of Necessity Town Counsel Ivria Fried provided information regarding the Rule of Necessity. She explained that three of the present Select Board members had financial interest in the proposed Snow Shoveling Bylaw article on the Town Meeting warrant due to property located within the affected district. She further noted that under Section 19 of the State Ethics Law, these three members cannot participate in any matters involving that article, so a quorum cannot be reached. The Select Board has a legal duty to act and is the only body who can close the Town Meeting Warrant, so without a quorum due to conflicts, the non -conflicted Board member is permitted to invoke the Rule of Necessity. Karen Gately Herrick, as the only non -conflicted Board member, invoked the Rule of Necessity. Once invoked, the three conflicted Board members briefly described their conflicts. Chris Haley stated he owns a business on Haven Street, Carlo Bacci stated that he lives on Main Street, and Karen Rose -Gillis stated she lives on Linden Street. Karen Gately Herrick asserted the Rule of Necessity. Mr. Haley, Ms. Rose -Gillis, and Mr. Bacci left the Select Board table to allow for public comment to occur for the Snow Shoveling Bylaw article. Chair of the Bylaw Committee Jesse Arnold spoke briefly on the background of the proposed article and encouraged the Public to attend the Bylaw Committee's Public Forum on September 20. Chris Haley, speaking for himself as a resident, asked how the proposed area of the article was determined and does not include other Town areas. Mr. Haley, Ms. Rose -Gillis, and Mr. Bacci returned to the Select Board table to conduct general business. Vote to Close Warrant Subsequent Town Meeting Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant consisting of 11 Articles to take place on November 10, 2025. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4.0. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis provided a memo and participation fortes regarding the National Opioid Settlement. Mr. Kraunelis asked for the Board to authorize the Town to participate in the two national opioid settlements. He further noted that The Town would stand to receive an estimated $82,000 over the next 15 years from the Purdue and the Sacklers Settlement and an additional $16.000 over the next 10 years from the secondary opioid manufacturers. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Town Manager to execute all release and participation forms necessary for the Town to participate in the settlement of national opiold litigations with (1) Purdue and the Sacklers and (2) the secondary opioid manufacturers Alvogen, Amneal, Apotex, Hikma, Indivior, Mylan, Sun, and Zydus. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 4-0. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman discussed that to get a waiver from the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) for five parking spots for ReCAL, the CPDC is seeking a shared parking agreement between the Town and the Burbank Ice Arena Authority. Mr. Kraunelis and Ms. Wellman expressed awareness that the Select Board would like to have a liaison involved in negotiations of the lease amendment and shared parking agreement. Carlo Bacci and Karen Rose -Gillis stated that they would like to be the liaison. Karen Gately Herrick emphasized her thought that this liaison needs to not only focus on the parking agreement in these negotiations, but also on the rent payments and a capital plan. Chris Haley asked Mr. Kraunelis to check with Town Counsel Ivria Fried on 9 the Select Board did not come to a consensus at this meeting on voting for a liaison, if he could engage in negotiations with Town staff. Karen Gately Herrick expressed concern about this, but Mr. Haley reassured the Board that no vote would take place without full Board approval. Karen Janowski of Azalea Circle highlighted Michael and Judy Coltman for being instrumental in getting this project to fruition and encouraged the Board to honor Michael, who has since passed, in moving this forward. She also expressed her support for Carlo Bacci to be chosen for liaison. Karen Gately Herrick moved to appoint Karen Rose -Gillis as the designee for engaging in negotiations. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and did not pass by a vote of 2-2. Chris Haley moved to appoint Carlo Bacci to serve in the lease amendment discussion for Burbank Ice Arena. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and did not pass by a vote of 2-2. Brief Update on Status of Montessori Mulberry School Chris Haley explained that this agenda item was brought to the attention of Town Manager Matt Kraunelis after he discovered that the proposed Mulberry Forest Montessori School had information on their website advertising a location at Matters Cabin when this information was not confirmed and with no agreement in place with the Town. He also noted that as of 5:30 pm this evening, the information had been removed from the Mulberry School website, so the issue was resolved. Karen Gately Herrick expressed concern about using this approach to address issues with small businesses, leading to a debate regarding how to appropriately address this concern. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis noted that when he saw the representative from the Mulberry School Mary Jirmanus at Town Hall, he asked if she was going to update their website and Ms. Jirmanus said she intended to. Mr. Kraunelis also noted that from their conversation he was informed that the Mulberry School has a lease at a new location in Reading with the Girl Scout Camp Rice Moody. Future Agendas The Board reviewed the agenda for the next meeting, including a proclamation for Italian Heritage Month, a discussion on a establishing a Commission on Disabilities, and a social media policy discussion and vote. Other future agenda items include a vote on FY26 tax rates and a reorganization at the November 4" meeting. Discuss and Vote to Approve Meeting Minutes: September 9 2025 Karen Gately Herrick requested that the minutes of September gin, 2025, include that Mr. Haley asked that she be called to the Select Board meeting from the MBTA Abutters only meeting that was happening simultaneously. When Mr. Haley said you were elected to be a Select Board member, not an abutter, Mrs. Gately Herrick replied that he was not elected to be a "King". Members did not reach a consensus on an amendment. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to delay approving the meeting minutes of September 9r", 2025, until the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and did not pass by a vote of 2-2. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of September 91h, 2025, once amended. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and did not pass by a vote of 2-2. Review and approval of the September 9'1, 2025 meeting minutes therefore were deferred to the next meeting. Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn at 10:49 pm. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 4-0.