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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-02 Select Board Packet (PDF) Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda 2018-07-16LAG Board -Committee -Commission -Council: Select Board Date: 2025-12-02Time: 7:00PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda: Purpose:General Business Meeting Called By:Madeleine Baptisteon behalf of Chair Chris Haley Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advance of the meetings excluding operation and make necessary arrangements to be sure your posting is made in an adequate amount of time. A listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting must be on the agenda. All Meeting Postings must be submitted in typed format; handwritten notices will notbe accepted. Topics of Discussion: *Public Comment is permitted after each Agenda Item limited to that Item* Zoom Option:PAGE # Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83439805342 Meeting γD: 834 3980 5342 Dial by your location 7:00 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting 7:05 Public Comment (For any items not included on the agenda) 7:15 Town Manager Report 7:20 Community Spotlight 7:25 RCTV Contract Updateand Potential Vote 8:10 Discuss and Vote on Human RightsResolution Update from Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee 8:15 (ACE) This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 1 Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on Change of Manager and Change of Officers for an Annual All-Alcohol Club Liquor License for Reading 8:30 Veterans Association, d/b/a American Legion Post 62, Located at 37 Ash Street 8:40 Vote to Approve Annual Liquor Licenses Vote on Submittal of Charter Amendment Home Rule Petition (Article 8:50 9 of the 2025 Subsequent Town Meeting) to the Legislature 9:00 Discuss and Vote on Procedure for Town Manager Evaluation 9:10 Discuss Peer Communities 9:25 Review 2026 Meeting Schedule 9:35 Select Board Liaison Reports 9:45 Future Agendas Approve Meeting Minutes th 9:50 October 27, 2025 th November 4, 2025 Executive Session (Purpose 3): Discuss potential for joining City of La Crosse v. Oshkosh Corporation, et al. (Class Action case/Fire Truck 9:55 pricing) Executive Session Purpose 2: To conduct strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel (Town 10:05 Manager Kraunelis). This Agenda has been prepared in advance and represents a listing of topics that the chair reasonably anticipates will be discussed at the meeting. However the agenda does not necessarily include all matters which may be taken up at this meeting. Page | 2 Select Board Draft Motions nd December 2, 2025 RCTV Potential Vote Move to approve Grant Agreement with Reading Community Television (RCTV) beginning on ________ and expiring on __________. Discuss and Vote Human Rights Resolution \[Read the Human Rights Proclamation\] Move that the Select Board approve the Human Rights Resolution as presented \[or amended\] Annual All-Alcohol Club Liquor License for Reading Veterans Association, d/b/a American Legion 62 Read the Public Hearing Notice to open the Public Hearing Move to close the Public Hearing regarding the Change of Manager and Change of for the All-Alcohol Club Liquor License for American Legion 62 - Alcohol Club Liquor License for Reading Veterans Association, d/b/a American Legion 62, Located at 37 Ash Street Vote to Approve Annual Liquor Licenses Package Stores Move that the Select Board renew the All-Alcohol Package Store Liquor Licenses for: •Nilkant 350 Inc. d/b/a City Wine Spirits & Smoke Shop, 345 Main Street •Raksha, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 13 High Street •Jay and Ricky, Inc. d/b/a Reading Liquors, 214 Main Street •Anastasi Brookline Inc. d/b/a Reading Fine Wine and Spirits, 25 Walkers Brook Drive •Kajal and Kevin LLC d/b/a The Liquor Junction, One General Way for a term expiring December 31, 2026 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment bythe Town Manager or his designee. Clubs Move that the Select Board renew the All-AlcoholClub Liquor Licenses for: •Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading, MA d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Clubat 292 Grove Street •Home Building Corp. d/b/a Knights of Columbusat 11 Sanborn Street for a term expiring December 31, 2026 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment bythe Town Manager or his designee. Veterans Clubs Move that the Select Board renew the All-AlcoholVeteran Club Liquor Licenses for: •Reading Veterans’ Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62at 37 Ash Street for a term expiring December 31, 2026 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment bythe Town Manager or his designee All Alcohol Restaurants Move that the Select Board renew the All-Alcohol Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: •Florida Coal Fired Pizza LLC d/b/a Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizzaat 48 Walkers Brook Drive •Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Café Capriat355 Main Street •CAC Foods, Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant at680 Main Street •Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/a Chili’s Grill & Barat 70 Walkers Brook Drive •HJB Restaurant Company LLC d/b/a Fuddruckersat 50 Walkers Brook Drive •RARE Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steak Houseat 39 Walkers Brook Drive •Boston Foods Inc. d/b/a Zucca Italian Restaurant and Barat 601 Main Street •The VI Incorp. d/b/a Public Kitchenat530 Main Street •KOK, Inc. d/b/a Oye’s at 26 Walkers Brook Drive •Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Fusilli’s Cucinaat 107 Main Street •RKR Corporation d/b/a Bunratty Tavernat620-622 Main Street •Mandarin Reading Inc, d/b/a Mandarin Reading Restaurant at 296 Salem Street •Reading Foods LLC d/b/a Half & Half at 607 Main Street •PARC LLC d/b/a POST 1917 at 136 Haven Street •Champions Indoor Golf V Inc., d/b/a Champions Indoor Golf at 1 General Way Unit 90 •Reading Forno LLC d/b/a Toscana Forno at 45 Walkers Brook Drive for a term expiring December 31, 2026subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment by the Town Manager or his designee. Beer and Wine Restaurant Licenses Move that the Select Board renew the Wine and Malt Restaurant Liquor License for: •Palatat Pattenesuan d/b/a Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street for a term expiring December 31, 2026 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment bythe Town Manager or his designee. Farmer Distillery Pouring Licenses Move that the Select Board renew the Farmer Distillery Pouring Liquor License for: New England Barrel Company LLC, d/b/a New England Barrel Company at 1 General Way Unit 40 for a term expiring December 31, 2026 subject to the following conditions: All Bylaws, Rules and Regulations of the Town of Reading and of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts shall be followed, and subject to a satisfactory inspection of the establishment bythe Town Manager or his designee. Vote on Submittal of Charter Amendment Home Rule Petition (Article 9 of the 2025 Subsequent Town Meeting) to the Legislature Move to authorize the Town Manager to submit a Charter Amendment Home Rule Petition to the Legislature as presented in Article 9 of the 2025 Subsequent Town 2.15 of the Town’s Charter prior to December 5. Town Manager Evaluation Move to solicit feedback from ___________________ (must be at least 5 direct reports, three of whom must be Department Heads). Move to authorize Town Counsel to create a composite evaluation Discuss and Vote to Approve Prior Meeting Minutes Move to approve the meeting minutes of October 27, 2025, as presented (or amended) Move to approve the meeting minutes of November 4, 2025, as presented (or amended) Executive Session (Fire Truck Litigation) Move to enter into executive session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(3), to discuss strategy with respect to City of La Crosse v. Oshkosh Corporation, et al. because an body, as the Chair declares, to invite Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Town Counsel, and Executive Assistant Maddie Baptiste into the executive session and \[not to/to return to open session at the end of the executive session\]. Executive Session(Negotiations) Move to enter into executive session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(a)(2), to conduct a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel, Town Manager Kraunelis, to invite Town Counseland Executive Assistant Maddie Baptiste into the executive session and to adjourn from executive session and not return to open session. From:Kraunelis, Matthew To:Reading - Selectboard Cc:Wellman, Jayne; MacNichol, Andrew; Tirone, Charles Subject:FW: MBTA Reading Turnback Track DEP No. 270-0802 Date:Wednesday, November 12, 2025 11:31:48 AM Importance:High Good Morning Select Board, I got news this morning that the T is withdrawing their NOI. See below. I was heading into a meeting with the MBTA Advisory Board Chair when I got this news. I just called Cameron Doherty at the T to ask about the future of the project. He said that he didn’t know about the NOI being pulled but if word came from Jeremy at the T then it was true. He was surprised that he was not told. This is another example of the extremely poor communications inside of the T. As far as the future of the project, he said he will have an update later this week. Matt 7 From:Doherty, Cameron To:Lucas Prato; Haley, Christopher Cc:McKenzie Ridings; Kraunelis, Matthew; Kamoune, Adam; Pat Crowley; James Riley; Wellman, Jayne; Delaune, Joshua; MacNichol, Andrew; Baptiste, Madeleine; LaVerde, Jacquelyn; Tirone, Charles; Solarin, Adetokunbo; Patricia Crowley; Linda Russo; Sal Russo; Murphy, Melissa; Aaron Parry; Haggerty, Richard - Rep. (HOU); Jason Lewis - MA Gov; bradley.jones@mahouse.gov Subject:RE: Reading Turnback Meetings Date:Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:41:01 PM Attachments:image001.png CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Town of Reading's email system. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe. Thanks Lucas. I’m not familiar with the reasoning behind “without prejudice”, but I’ve asked the environmental department for clarification. Either way, I want to emphasize that the NOI will not be resubmitted for this location. We can follow up with formal correspondence to the town to reiterate that point, if that satisfies your request for assurances there. Regarding the assessment of alternatives, I will certainly take your recommendation back to the rest of the team. Discussions are internal at this stage because our project engineers and Keolis are determining service viability and project costs for alternate locations. That said, I will keep town officials updated and can bring folks into the conversation when we’re ready to. Best, Cam From: Lucas Prato <lprato@eastcoastmetrology.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 1:00 PM To: Doherty, Cameron <CDoherty@MBTA.com>; Haley, Christopher <christopher.haley@readingma.gov> Cc: McKenzie Ridings <mckridings@gmail.com>; Kraunelis, Matthew <mkraunelis@readingma.gov>; Kamoune, Adam <akamoune@MBTA.com>; Pat Crowley <patcplum@yahoo.com>; James Riley <jamesriley62@gmail.com>; Wellman, Jayne <jwellman@readingma.gov>; Delaune, Joshua <jdelaune@readingma.gov>; MacNichol, Andrew <amacnichol@readingma.gov>; Baptiste, Madeleine <mbaptiste@readingma.gov>; LaVerde, Jacquelyn <jlaverde@readingma.gov>; Tirone, Charles <ctirone@readingma.gov>; Solarin, Adetokunbo <asolarin@readingma.gov>; Patricia Crowley <patcplum@gmail.com>; Linda Russo <loopey1953@gmail.com>; Sal Russo <sarusso50@gmail.com>; Murphy, Melissa <melissa.murphy@readingma.gov>; Aaron Parry <amparry83@gmail.com>; Haggerty, Richard - Rep. (HOU) <richard.haggerty@mahouse.gov>; Jason Lewis - MA Gov <Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov>; bradley.jones@mahouse.gov Subject: RE: Reading Turnback Meetings Cameron, Good afternoon, I hope all is well! Thank you for confirming this and this is wonderful news for our community! I and I’m sure others in the RTC are grateful that the MBTA listened to our concerns and have yet again pulled the NOI. However, may I ask for some additional clarification regarding Jeremy Fontaine’s e-mail to the town of Reading. “The MBTA is requesting to withdraw our Notice of Intent for the proposed MBTA Reading Turnback Track Project (0 Vine Street), MassDEP file #270-0802, without prejudice.” Back in February the NOI was withdrawn in the same fashion…”without prejudice”, but 7 months later the MBTA resubmitted nearly the same NOI and in the same location due to the “without prejudice” statement. Below you say “It’s important that we as a public agency act as a good 8 neighbor, and it was clear to us that the proposed location was not viable for the community members that we aim to serve.” Is there a guarantee from the MBTA that some version of the same NOI will NOT be resubmitted in the same location? Some type of assurance from the MBTA would be greatly appreciated. Regarding your comment below “We are actively discussing and vetting alternative locations for the turn, but a location has not been determined at this time.” I/we strongly urge the MBTA to include Reading officials and some residents in this rd selection process. I fear if you don’t, you are likely to get similar pushback depending on the location. FYI – Our 3 refined alternative of pushing the Turnback Track North to the border of Reading and Wilmington will only worsen the communities concerns regarding safety and gridlock due to increased gate closures. As you are an alumni of Austin Prep, you are well aware of the gridlock on Willow Street during drop off and pickup at Austin Prep. Again, I/we thank you and the MBTA for listening to our concerns and doing the right thing and withdrawing the NOI. However, please do what you all have said and bring Reading to the table when it comes to the formation of the new Turnback Track Location. I look forward to your prompt reply. Lucas Prato (RTC) 978-500-3987 Lucas Prato Director of Quality Office: 978-887-5781 x4151 Email: lprato@eastcoastmetrology.com In-Place Machining Company (IPM) is your one experienced source for precision onsite and in-shop machining, large-scale cutting and drilling, dimensional metrology inspections, machine alignment, and tooling calibration. Learn more about our two specialized divisions: Machining Services and Measurement & Alignment Services. From: Doherty, Cameron <CDoherty@MBTA.com> Sent: Wednesday, November 12, 2025 12:14 PM To: Lucas Prato <lprato@eastcoastmetrology.com>; Haley, Christopher <christopher.haley@readingma.gov> Cc: McKenzie Ridings <mckridings@gmail.com>; Kraunelis, Matthew <mkraunelis@readingma.gov>; Kamoune, Adam <akamoune@MBTA.com>; Pat Crowley <patcplum@yahoo.com>; James Riley <jamesriley62@gmail.com>; Wellman, Jayne <jwellman@readingma.gov>; Delaune, Joshua <jdelaune@readingma.gov>; MacNichol, Andrew <amacnichol@readingma.gov>; Baptiste, Madeleine <mbaptiste@readingma.gov>; LaVerde, Jacquelyn <jlaverde@readingma.gov>; Tirone, Charles <ctirone@readingma.gov>; Solarin, Adetokunbo <asolarin@readingma.gov>; Patricia Crowley <patcplum@gmail.com>; Linda Russo <loopey1953@gmail.com>; Sal Russo <sarusso50@gmail.com>; Murphy, Melissa <melissa.murphy@readingma.gov>; Aaron Parry <amparry83@gmail.com>; Haggerty, Richard - Rep. (HOU) <richard.haggerty@mahouse.gov>; Jason Lewis - MA Gov <Jason.Lewis@masenate.gov>; bradley.jones@mahouse.gov Subject: RE: Reading Turnback Meetings EXTERNAL SENDER - NOT FROM IPM: Open attachments with caution & do not click on embedded links. Morning all, 9 As you may already know, the MBTA has withdrawn our Notice of Intent for the turnback track at the proposed location near Vine Street. After many internal conversations and in light of feedback from the community, we have come to the decision to not pursue the turnback track at the location we’ve discussed over the last several months. We are actively discussing and vetting alternative locations for the turn, but a location has not been determined at this time. Please know that we will continue to communicate with town officials when we have any updates to share. It’s important that we as a public agency act as a good neighbor, and it was clear to us that the proposed location was not viable for the community members that we aim to serve. I want to thank you all for the dialogue we’ve had over the last several months and for your advocacy on behalf of the town. Cam 10 SELECT BOARD OF THE TOWN OF READING GRANT AGREEMENT Not Highlight This Grant Agreement is made as of this 1st day of January, 2026 (“Effective Date”) by and Formatted: between Town of Reading, a municipal corporation organized and existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, having a principal place of business at 16 Lowell Street, Reading MA, acting by and through its Select Board as Cable Television Issuing Authority (the “Town”), and Reading Community Television, Inc. a Massachusetts non-profit corporation organized pursuant to Chapter 180 of the General Laws and recognized as exempt from federal income tax pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, having its principal place of business at 131 Main Street, Suite 103, Reading, Massachusetts (the “RCTV”). WHEREAS, the Select Board as Cable Television Issuing Authority on behalf of the Town has executed Cable Licensing Agreements with Verizon New England, Inc. and Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC (collectively, the “Cable Licensees”), which agreements are available at Town Hall; WHEREAS, the Cable Licensing Agreements include payments from the Cable Licensees to the Town that are intended to be used to support the Town’s Community Access Corporation and its Public, Educational and Government (“PEG”) Access Corporation (collectively, the “PEG Funds”); WHEREAS, the PEG Funds include (1) PEG Access Support Payments in the amount equal to five percent of the Cable Licensees’ (which includes its “Affiliates”) gross annual revenues and subject to such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Cable Licenses; and (2) PEG Access Capital Funding; and WHEREAS, the mission of the PEG Provider is to provide Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) Access programming and services to the residents of the Town of Reading in a manner that supports civic engagement, education, and community communication. WHEREAS, the Town seeks to designate RCTV as the Town’s Community Access Corporation, and its PEG Access Corporation, and to award the PEG Funds received under the Town’s Cable Licensing Agreements to RCTV on the terms and conditions in the Cable Licensing Agreements and this Grant Agreement; NOW, THEREFORE, the Parties agree as follows: 1. Designation of Community Access Corporation. RCTV is hereby designated as the Town of Reading’s Community Access Corporation. By virtue of this Grant Agreement, RCTV 11 is the designated PEG Access Corporation for the Town of Reading. Hereinafter referred to as the “PEG Access Provider”. 2. PEG Funds: PEG Funds are those payments from the Cable Licensees to the Town that Not Highlight are intended to be used to support the Town’s PEG Access Provider or otherwise Formatted: provided to the Town for PEG Access purposes pursuant to applicable law. At the time of this Grant Agreement, provisions for the payment of PEG Funds by the Cable Licensees to the Town are contained in Section 5.4 of the Town’s Cable Licensing Agreement with Verizon New England Inc., dated July 20, 2021, and Section 6.3 and Section 6.4 of the Town’s Cable Licensing Agreement with Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC, dated November 24, 2018. All Parties understand that, at the sole discretion of the Town, the Town may, subject to applicable law and regulations, amend the terms of the Cable Licensing Agreements or execute a new agreement with a Cable Licensee. 3. Award. a. Disbursements of PEG Funds awarded pursuant to this Grant Agreement are contingent on (1) the Town’s receipt of the PEG Funds from the Cable Licensees pursuant to the Cable Licensing Agreements in operation at the time of the disbursement of funds; and if required by applicable Massachusetts law (2) Town Meeting approval. If PEG Funds are not received from a Cable Licensee, the Town shall notify RCTV in writing no later than twenty-one (21) days after the due date. In the event that PEG Funds are reduced or not paid to the Town in full, the Town shall provide the full amount of PEG Funds that are received from the Cable Licensees to RCTV, subject to Town Meeting approval. The Town shall provide to RCTV all quarterly Gross Revenue/Franchise Fee reports submitted to the Town by a Cable Licensee. If a Cable Licensee is required to provide such quarterly reports to the Town and does not do so, the Town shall attempt to pursue obtaining such report(s) from the Cable Licensee. b. The Town agrees to award RCTV the PEG Funds on the conditions set out in this Not Highlight Grant Agreement and the Grant Award attached as Exhibit “A”. It is understood Formatted: that RCTV may solicit funds from other sources for the work described in Exhibit “A”, but this Grant Agreement is not conditioned upon any amount being raised by RCTV from any other source. 4. Additional Commitments. a. Due to the current diminishing PEG revenue, the Town recognizes the financial burden being placed on all PEG providers, including RCTV. To help alleviate this burden, the Town shall make reasonable efforts to obtain additional capital funds during its negotiations with the Cable Licensees in connection with the renewal of each Cable Licensing Agreement. To the extent permitted under any future 12 Cable Licensing Agreement, and subject to all applicable legal requirements, it is the Town’s desire that RCTV use these additional funds for capital purposes including, but not limited to new equipment, replacement equipment, administrative and studio rent. For the current and upcoming negotiations with the Cable Licensees, the total target capital funding amount should be approximately $100,000 annually. The Parties agree to renegotiate this Grant Agreement in good faith to facilitate any disbursement of such capital funds to RCTV, if necessary. b. The Town may consider leasing administrative and/or studio space within a Town-owned facility to RCTV, free-of-charge or for a fee. RCTV is under no obligation to lease such space from the Town. The leasing of such space shall comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws, including M.G.L. c.30B. CTV shall actively pursue additional funding sources to support and enhance its c. R operations and programming, including but not limited to, engaging in community fundraising activities and applying for relevant grants. RCTV shall provide the Town each year with a report detailing all efforts made toward fundraising and grant applications, including any successful funding received, to further a diverse and sustainable revenue stream. Not Highlight d. Not later than June 30, 2026, RCTV shall adopt and file with the Massachusetts Formatted: Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Office an amendment to its Articles of Organization, deleting Article IV(6) of its Article of Organization and replacing Not Highlight said section as set forth in Exhibit “B”. RCTV hereby agrees to make no further Formatted: amendment to said Article IV(6) during the term of this Grant Agreement without reaching agreement on such amendment with the Town. 5. Expenditure of PEG Funds. PEG Funds shall be expended by RCTV to pay for direct costs of the project(s) described in Exhibit “A”, as well as program and administrative staff salaries, travel expenses, materials and consultants required to execute the grant, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the applicable Cable Licensing Agreements in operation at the time of the disbursement of funds. PEG Funds may be expended on any indirect costs or overhead, such as rent, utilities, and indirect costs of administrative and personnel salaries provided that expenditures for such costs are reasonable and in accordance with any applicable state law. Documentation of such expenditures shall be provided to the Town upon written request. PEG funds may not be expended on ancillary media operations outside the PEG mission, which mission includes: (1) producing community access programming for the residents and organizations of Reading for the Licensees’ cable television systems and such other video and/or audio technologies and formats for PEG Access programming used by PEG Access entities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, (2) allocating channel space and time to Reading residents and organizations to distribute programming, and (3) providing training and education to 13 Reading residents and organizations in the use of television PEG Access facilities and equipment. New budget initiatives for operations that materially differ from traditional PEG Access operations and which are implemented utilizing PEG funds shall be discussed with the Town Manager and Select Board Liaison, including demonstrating PEG applicability. As a courtesy, RCTV Board will notify the Town Manager in the event that a new program is developed not utilizing PEG funding. 6. No Pledge. This Grant Agreement shall not be interpreted to create any pledge or commitment by the Town to make any other or future grants or contributions to the RCTV or any other person or entity. 7. Grant Period. This Grant Agreement shall be in effect between the Effective Date and June 30, 2027 (the “Grant Period”). Upon the written agreement of both parties, this Grant Agreement may be renewed for an additional two (2) years, extending the expiration date of this Grant Agreement to June 30, 2029 (the “Renewal Grant Period”). Following the initial Grant Period or the Renewal Grant Period, where applicable, this Grant Agreement may be extended at the sole option of the Select Board for a period of Not Highlight up to six (6) months under the same terms and conditions or such terms mutually agreed Formatted: upon. 8. Disbursement of PEG Funds. The PEG Funds shall be disbursed consistent with the terms and conditions set forth in the Town’s Cable Licensing Agreements in operation at the time of the disbursement of funds. 9. Return of PEG Funds. Upon conclusion of a non-renewed Grant Period, the Renewal Grant Period, or earlier termination pursuant to Section 19 of this Grant Agreement, any funds granted to RCTV under this Grant Agreement and not yet expended shall be returned within thirty (30) calendar days to the Town without further expenditure thereof. Nothing herein shall require the return of such funds legally committed at that time in good faith, as reasonably determined by the Select Board after its review, to an unrelated third-party for PEG Access related purposes consistent with this Agreement, if the termination thereof may reasonably result in a financial loss or liability for RCTV, subject to the rights of the Town under applicable law. RCTV shall provide the Town with an accounting of all PEG Funds upon request and in accordance with Section 12.14. 10. Annual Review and Budget Audit. The Select Board shall, with a minimum of thirty (30) days written notice, schedule an Annual Review with the RCTV Board of Directors during the months from December to February. At least twenty-one (21) calendar days prior to the Annual Review, RCTV shall provide the Town with the Annual Review or Audit Report required to be filed with the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General, for the last fiscal year, an annual report detailing all efforts made toward fundraising and grant applications, and the budget for the upcoming fiscal year; provided, however, at any point between December 1 and March 1, the Town may require RCTV to produce 14 an Audit Report within three months of receipt of the written request even where no Audit Report is required to be filed with the Attorney General. Financial statements shall be signed by the RCTV Board President and the Treasurer. The Town Accountant shall review RCTV’s financial statements and prepare a report, which shall be part of the Select Board’s Annual Review. A written set of Select Board minutes summarizing RCTV’s Annual Review shall be available as a public document. During the year the RCTV Board shall meet with the Select Board, provided the Select Board provides the RCTV Board with thirty (30) calendar days’ written notice of the meeting. The RCTV Board shall also submit to the Select Board as Cable Television Issuing Authority or to the Town Manager on behalf of the Select Board in that capacity, quarterly financial reports as presented to the RCTV Board, as well as its meeting minutes, once per quarter. 11. RCTV Board of Directors. a. RCTV shall, in accordance with its duly adopted bylaws, establish the membership and qualifications of its Board of Directors. Said bylaws shall not permit a Board of Directors in excess of thirteen (13) members. At no time shall a majority of Board members be non-residents of the Town of Reading. The Town shall have full Board membership for three (3) of the seats, two (2) appointed by the Select Board and one (1) by the School Committee (collectively, the “Town Appointed Directors”). All Town Appointed Directors shall be full voting members and have all the same rights as other Board members. Only the Select Board, as Issuing Authority or the School Committee pursuant to the agreed upon appointment role granted hereby shall have removal authority over its Town Appointed Director. b. The RCTV Board shall maintain an up-to-date policies and procedures manual and shall make it available upon written request by the Town Manager as agent for the Select Board as Cable Television Issuing Authority. The RCTV Board shall maintain active membership in the following industry specific organizations: Alliance for Community Media and Mass Access. 12. Duty to Televise Meetings. RCTV shall cover live the following public meetings (“Core Meetings”): Town Meeting; Select Board; School Committee; Reading Municipal Light Board; and Finance Committee. RCTV shall cover live where technically feasible, the following public meetings (“Non-Core Meetings”): Board of Health; Community Planning and Development Commission; Conservation Commission; Council on Aging, and the Zoning Board of Appeals. For the duration of the Killam School Building Project and the Reading Center for Active Living Building Project, the official Building Committee meetings shall be covered live when possible. The Town understands that the availability of remote meetings enabled by technology are key for allowing this breadth of coverage. Should the Commonwealth or the Town of Reading reduce availability of remote meetings, the Select Board shall renegotiate meeting coverage at RCTV’s request. When live coverage is not possible for Non-Core Meetings, the meetings shall be 15 recorded. The Select Board or the Town Manager may request to amend the list of Non- Core Meetings by written notice to RCTV. 13. Equipment and Security. a. The Parties agree that the safety and security of the Town’s residents and its students is a key priority. RCTV regularly assesses and updates its systems, software, and hardware to reflect advancements in technology and best practices, consistent with the scope of RCTV’s tasks, obligations and size. RCTV shall implement recognized and reasonable cybersecurity protocols to assist in safeguarding recordings against unauthorized access, data breaches, and tampering. This includes the reasonable use of encryption, secure storage, access controls, and regular vulnerability assessments. In the event of any incident compromising the safety, integrity, or confidentiality of the recording process or its outputs, RCTV shall promptly notify relevant parties upon becoming aware of such and take corrective action consistent with its obligations hereunder, which expense shall not be an obligation of the Town. b. RCTV and the Town agree that RCTV shall implement the measures outlined in Not Highlight Exhibit “C” within ______ days of execution of this Grant Agreement. Failure to Formatted: maintain compliance with the requirements of Exhibit “C”, as may be amended, shall constitute a material breach of this Grant Agreement. 14. Financial Records and Accounting. a. RCTV shall maintain such records with respect to utilization of the PEG Funds and income derived therefrom as are kept in the normal course of business and such additional records as may be required by the Town. Said records shall be available for inspection by the Town during RCTV’s normal business hours and shall be retained for at least five (5) years after the termination or expiration of this Grant Agreement. The Town shall be entitled to request copies of any record so kept provided said record does not contain proprietary information of RCTV. b. All PEG Funds shall be kept segregated continuously in a separate fund or account dedicated for the purposes of this Grant Agreement, and no part of this award may be used other than for the purposes permitted under this Grant Agreement. Such separate fund may be either: (1) a separate bank account restricted to the grant purposes; or (2) a separate bookkeeping account on RCTV’s books and records restricted to the grant purposes. c. At the conclusion of the Grant Period or the Renewal Grant Period, if applicable, or any six-month extension thereof, RCTV shall provide a complete and accurate accounting of all funds received and expended under this Grant Agreement. This accounting must demonstrate that all GrantPEG Funds were used in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Grant Agreement. The 16 accounting shall be submitted to the Select Board within thirty (30) calendar days following the end of the Grant Period or the Renewal Grant Period, if applicable, or any six-month extension thereof, and shall include supporting documentation as requested by the Town. Where funds have been used in violation of the Grant Agreement, the Town may seek repayment, as outlined in Section 18 of this Grant Agreement. 15. Town Recordings a. Recordings of all meetings of a Reading public body and all sessions of Town Meeting (collectively, the “Town Recordings”) shall be retained by RCTV for a period of no less than six (6) years from the date of recording, and shall be considered the property of the Town. Upon request, RCTV shall produce a copy of a Town Recording in a file format usable by the Town. b. RCTV shall provide at least thirty (30) days’ written notice of prior to destruction of any Town Recording which is between six (6) and ten (10) years from the date of recording. Within fifteen (15) days of receipt of the notice of intent to destroy a Town Recording, the Town be provided access to the recording to be downloaded by the Town, which RCTV shall produce prior to its destruction. c. Quarterly and within one (1) month of expiration or termination the Grant Agreement pursuant to Section 7 or Section 19, all Town Recordings not previously provided to the Town, shall be provided to the Town in a file format usable by the Town, unless otherwise agreed to in writing by the Town. d. RCTV shall, to the fullest extent of its authority, grant, and shall not restrict or impede, the Town having the unrestricted, perpetual, irrevocable right to use, reproduce, distribute, publish, and publicly share all Town Recordings. 16. Tax Status. RCTV warrants that it is currently exempt from federal income tax pursuant to Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3) and is not a private foundation under Section 509(a) of the Code. RCTV shall inform the Town immediately of any change in, or proposed or actual revocation of RCTV’s tax status described herein. The Town may in its sole discretion deem any change in or revocation of the RCTV’s tax status to constitute a default under this Grant Agreement. 17. Insurance. RCTV shall purchase and maintain insurance of the type and limits listed in Not Highlight Exhibit “D”. This insurance shall be provided at RCTV’s expense and shall be in force Formatted: and effect for the full Grant Period, including any renewal or extension thereof. All policies shall be issued by companies lawfully authorized to write that type of insurance under the laws of Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a financial strength rating of “A-” or better as assigned by A.M. Best Company, or an equivalent rating assigned by a similar rating agency reasonably acceptable to the Town, or otherwise acceptable to Town. 17 RCTV shall submit an original of each certificate of insurance acceptable to the Town and a copy of each insurance policy simultaneously with the execution of this Grant Agreement. Certificates shall show each type of insurance, insurance company, policy number, amount of insurance, deductibles/self-insured retentions, and policy effective and expiration dates. RCTV shall submit updated certificates prior to the expiration of any of the policies referenced in the certificates so that Town shall, at all times, possess certificates indicating current coverage. Font: Perpetua, 13 pt Formatted: RCTV is responsible for the payment of any and all deductibles under all required insurance. The Town shall not be responsible for the payment of deductibles, self-insured retentions or any portion thereof. Underline 18. Material BreachTermination or Non-Renewal of the Grant Agreement. Formatted: List Paragraph, Left, Numbered + Level: 1 Formatted: 18. Text under consideration Remedies for Material Breach, Including + Numbering Style: 1, 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0" + Indent at: 0.25" Suspension, Termination, and being finalized by counsel Recovery Font: 13 pt, Not Bold, Underline, Font Formatted: of PEG Funds. color: Black Font: 13 pt, Not Bold, Underline, Font Formatted: color: Black a. In the event of a Material Breach of this Grant Agreement by RCTV, the Town Font: 13 pt, Not Bold, Font color: Black Formatted: may, upon written notice (the “Breach Notice”), suspend further disbursements of PEG Funds, require repayment of improperly expended PEG Funds, or terminate this Agreement, subject to providing RCTV with twenty-one (21) calendar days written notice of said Material Breach during which time RCTV shall have an opportunity to cure said breach. For purposes of this provision “Material Breach” shall include, but not be limited to: (i) material misuse of PEG Funds; (ii) failure to achieve or pursue the stated objectives of the grant, including programming standards; (iii) material submission of false or misleading information; or (iv) failure to comply with reporting, audit or other compliance requirements set forth in this Agreement. b. RCTV may continue to incur additional expenses during the twenty-one (21) day cure period cure. However, in the event the Town has a reasonable basis to conclude that PEG Funds have been or will be expended in violation of a material term of this Agreement, the Town shall have the right to instruct RCTV to immediately cease to incur any additional expenses for such purpose(s), unless expressly authorized in writing by the Select Board. 18 c. In the event that RCTV fails to cure the Material Breach within twenty-one (21) calendar days of the Breach Notice, all improperly expended PEG Funds shall be repaid by RCTV to the Town within thirty (30) calendar days. d. Upon termination due to a Material Breach, RCTV shall immediately cease to incur any additional expenses in connection with this Agreement, unless expressly authorized in writing by the Select Board or its designee. Within thirty (30) calendar days of termination, all unexpended PEG Funds shall be returned to the Town in accordance with Section 9 above. e. The Town’s rights under this Section are in addition to any other remedies available at law, in equity or under this Grant Agreement. f. In the event of a Material Breach of this Grant Agreement by the Town, RCTV may suspend its services under this Agreement and/or terminate this Agreement, subject to providing the Town with twenty-one (21) days written notice of said Material Breach during which time the Town shall have an opportunity to cure said breach. For purposes of this provision “Material Breach” shall include, but not be limited to: (i) failure to provide PEG funding in accordance with the terms of Section 3 of this Agreement. g. RCTV’s rights under this Section are in addition to any other remedies available at law, in equity or under this Grant Agreement. Indent: Left: 0.75" Formatted: 19. Notice. Any and all notices, or other communications required or permitted under this Grant Agreement, shall be in writing and delivered in hand or mailed by certified mail, return receipt requested or by other reputable delivery service to the parties hereto at the following addresses: If to RCTV: RCTV Board President and RCTV Executive Director Reading Community Television, Inc. 131 Main Street, Suite 103 Reading, MA 01867 If to the Town: Town of Reading Town Manager 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 20. Compliance with Laws. RCTV shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations and orders, including those applicable to the projects undertaken pursuant to this Grant Agreement. The Town shall comply with all Federal, State and local laws, rules, regulations and orders relating to cable licensing and PEG Access funding and operations. 19 21. No Liability of Town. By making this award, the Town does not accept any liability whatsoever for any acts, omissions or errors associated with RCTV’s performance of the Grant Agreement. Nothing in this Grant Agreement shall be construed to render the Town or any of its members, or their successors in office, personally liable for any obligation under this Grant Agreement. 22. Indemnification. RCTV agrees to save, defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Town of Reading against any and all suits, claims, or liabilities of every name, nature or description arising out of or in consequence of the negligent or intentional acts of its agents, servants or employees, in the performance of the obligations under this Grant Agreement or by reason of its failure to fully comply with the terms of this Grant Agreement, such indemnity to run to the Town’s officers, agents and employees. RCTV is at all times an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of the Town. No act of commission or omission by either party shall make the other a principal, agent, joint venture, partner or employee of the other. 23. Survival. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Grant Agreement, Sections 9, 14, 15, 18, 19, 22 and 23 shall survive any termination of this Grant Agreement or expiration of the Grant Period, and any extension or renewal thereof. 24. No Assignment. This Grant Agreement may not be assigned by RCTV without prior written agreement by the Town. 25. Severability. If any term or condition of this Grant Agreement or any application thereof shall to any extent be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the validity, legality, and enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions of this Grant Agreement shall not be deemed affected thereby unless one or both parties would be substantially or materially prejudiced. 26. Governing Law. This Grant Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 27. Entire Agreement. This Grant Agreement and the attached Exhibits constitute the entire agreement between the parties, supersede any prior written or oral promises, statements, or representations, and may be amended only in writing executed by both the Town and RCTV. 28. Authority to Sign. The RCTV signatory below acknowledges and avers that he/she has the authority to execute this Grant Agreement on behalf of RCTV. TOWN OF READING TOWN MANAGER 20 Date: ______________________________ _________________ _____________________________ ______________________ READING COMMUNITY TELEVISION, INC. By its Executive Director, Date: _____________________________ _________________ ______________________ 21 EXHIBIT A GRANT AWARD Not Highlight RECIPIENT: Reading Community Television, Inc. (RCTV) Formatted: GRANTOR: The Town of Reading, Massachusetts GRANT PERIOD: See Section 7 of the Grant Agreement CONDITIONS OF GRANT AWARD: 1. Use of Funds: PEG funds shall be expended on the direct and indirect costs of providing the following services/project(s) and as specified in Sections 5, and 12 through 15 of the Grant Agreement: a. Public Access – Operate facilities and provide training, equipment, and channel capacity for residents and community organizations to create and distribute non-commercial programming. b. Educational Access – Work with local schools and educational institutions to facilitate the creation and distribution of educational programming, including coverage of school events, projects, and initiatives that support lifelong learning. i. Subject to available funding, the Recipient shall provide up to five (5) classes per semester at the high school level that cover the education of TV Production, film production and broadcast journalism. The instructor shall be employed by the Recipient. Any and all reports by the instructor to the Recipient, and all communications with RMHS shall include a designated RCTV staff member, who is not the instructor. RCTV has the right to remove the instructor and replace with a qualified person of their choosing who they deem capable of handling the subject matter. This is a per semester agreement and can be terminated by RCTV for reasons such as insufficient funding or instructor availability. The RCTV high school instructor shall comply with all RMHS policies and guidelines, inclusive of all background checks (CORI, SORI). 22 c. Government Access – Record, broadcast, and/or stream public meetings, hearings, and other government-related programming to promote transparency and informed participation in local government. i. Historically, RCTV has recorded and broadcast local community events and will continue to make reasonable efforts to provide coverage based on available staffing, funding, and technical capacity. Annual events include: local and state elections, candidate forums, Reading Street Faire, Reading Friends and Family Day, MLK Celebration, Memorial Day Parade, Veterans Day Parade, Juneteenth Celebration, Porchfest, and Reading Memorial High School (“RMHS”) Graduation. Request for coverage of new events must be submitted to the Town's designated contact at RCTV at least thirty (30) days in advance. Coverage of any event is not guaranteed. If RCTV is unable to cover a listed annual event or a requested event, RCTV shall provide prior notice to the event organizer. Notice should also be made to the Town and/or through public posting such as social media. Not Highlight d. The goal of these services is to ensure promote equitable access to local media Formatted: production resources, encourage free expression within the limits of the law, and provide a platform for information that strengthens the civic, educational, and cultural life of the Town. 2. Financial Records: a. The Recipient shall submit on a quarterly basis to the Grantor a statement of services setting forth the nature and extent of the services provided pursuant to this Grant Award, said statement to be in a form acceptable to the Grantor. The Recipient shall include in the report details of efforts to inform the community about the availability of the services available pursuant to this Grant Award. b. The Recipient’s financial records shall be open for inspection by the Grantor; such inspections to be made at times mutually agreeable to the Grantor and the Recipient. 3. The Recipient shall maintain a competent professional staff, headed by paid administrative and coordinating positions. 4. The Recipient shall designate a dedicated primary point of contact with Town and School Department staff for all scheduling, meetings, and other communications. The Town will be notified of any change to the dedicated primary point of contact in writing. 23 5. The Recipient shall not move from its current address without first notifying the Grantor. 6. The Recipient’s services and the operation of its facilities shall be available to clients Not Highlight without unlawful discrimination as to race, religion, ethnicity, color, gender, sexual Formatted: orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability, or any other protected status defined by law, and shall be non- Not Highlight sectarian in nature. Equitable Reasonable access to studio space will be provided for Formatted: RCTV members. 7. Services rendered pursuant to this Grant Award shall be deemed for the public good and conducted in a manner beneficial to the viewing public. 8. The Recipient shall provide the services described above until the conclusion of the Grant Period, and any extension or renewal thereof, and shall not be entitled to receive any additional funds from the Grantor for such services. 24 EXHIBIT B AMENDMENT TO ARTICLES OF ORGANIZATION Article IV (6) Notwithstanding any other provision in these Articles of Organization to the contrary, in the event of the dissolution of the corporation or the winding up of its affairs, or other liquidation of its assets, the corporation’s property shall not be conveyed to any organization created or operated for profit or to any individual for less than the fair market value of such property, and all assets remaining after the payment of the corporation’s debts and satisfaction of its liabilities shall be conveyed or distributed only for one or more exempt purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, or shall be distributed to the federal government, or to a state or local government, for a public purpose. Except as otherwise required by law, upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the corporation, after its debts and obligations have been disposed of or due provision therefore has been taken by the corporation, by the affirmative vote of the board of directorsof the corporation or by a court in Massachusetts having jurisdiction in such matters, all assets of the corporation shall be transferred to the Town of Reading or its designee, provided, however, that any distribution to a designee of the Town of Reading is contingent on such designee qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code at the time of distribution. Dissolution of the corporation will be in accordance with Chapter 180, §11A. 25 EXHIBIT C RCTV shall implement the following measures: 1. XXXX 26 EXHIBIT D INSURANCE LIMITS RECIPIENT: Reading Community Television Inc. GRANTOR: The Town of Reading, Massachusetts GRANT PERIOD: See Section 7 of the Grant Agreement The Recipient shall purchase and maintain insurance of the following types and limits with respect to work performed under the foregoing Grant Agreement: (i) Workers’ Compensation Insurance in accordance with G.L. Chapter 152. (ii) Commercial General Liability Insurance, with a minimum limit of $1,000,000 Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability, Combined Single Limit with a $3,000,000 Annual Aggregate Limit. The Town of Reading shall be listed as an additional insured. (iii) Automobile Liability Insurance with a limit of not less than $1,000,000 Bodily Injury and Property Damage per accident. The Town of Reading shall be listed as an additional insured. 27 SDUW!voefstuboet!uibu!xjui!uif!fydfqujpo!pg!dpousbduvbm!nffujoh!dpwfsbhf-! SDUW!xjmm!tdifevmf!boz!ujnf!offefe!jo!b!upxo!gbdjmjuz!xjui!uif!bqqspqsjbuf! upxo!foujuz/! 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Qptu.Nffujoh0Fwfou!Tufqt! 33 34 Ivnbo!Sjhiut!Sftpmvujpo XIFSFBT-!uif!tusfohui!pg!pvs!obujpo!jt!efsjwfe!gspn!jut!ijtupsz!pg!ejwfstjuz!uibu! ibt!fosjdife!pvs!dpnnvojujft!xjui!b!wbsjfuz!pg!dvmuvsft-!gbjui!usbejujpot!boe! wjfxqpjout-!boe XIFSFBT-!Sfbejoh!sftjefout!bsf!dpnnjuufe!up!vqipmejoh!ivnbo!sjhiut!uibu! fotvsf!uif!xfmm.cfjoh!pg!bmm!qfpqmf!jo!pvs!dpnnvojuz-!boe XIFSFBT-!pvs!dpnnvojuz!cfmjfwft!jo!uijt!obujpoÉt!gpvoejoh!qsjodjqmf!p! sfmjhjpvt!gsffepn-!boe XIFSFBT-!pvs!upxo!xbt!gpvoefe!cz!jnnjhsbout!boe!pvs!pxo!ijtupsjft!bsf! tibqfe!cz!uif!jnnjhsbou!fyqfsjfodf/!!Xf!xjmm!dpoujovf!up!xfmdpnf!ofx! ofjhicpst!ifsf!xifsfwfs!uifz!nbz!dpnf!ifsf!gspn-!uifo!cf!ju XIFSFBT-!Uif!upxo!pg!Sfbejoh!xfmdpnft!boe!fncsbdft!bmm!xip!mjwf!ifsf-! xpsl!ifsf-!bsf!fevdbufe!ifsf-!xpstijq!ifsf-!boe!wjtju!ifsf!sfhbsemftt!pg!hfoefs-! sbdf-!dpmps-!sfmjhjpo-!obujpobm!psjhjo-!tfyvbm!psjfoubujpo-!hfoefs!jefoujuz-!ps! ejtbcjmjuz<!boe!cf!ju GVSUIFS!SFTPMWFE-!Uibu!uif!Sfbejoh!Tfmfdu!Cpbse!xjmm!dpoujovf!up!cvjme!usvtu! xjui!fwfszpof!jo!pvs!dpnnvojuz!boe!xjmm!dpoujovf!up!xpsl!up!fotvsf!uif!tbgfuz! boe!xfmm.cfjoh!pg!fwfsz!qfstpo!xjuijo!pvs!dpnnvojuz<!boe-!cf!ju GVSUIFS!SFTPMWFE-!Uibu-!xf!bsf!dpnnjuufe!bt!b!Tfmfdu!Cpbse-!up!bewpdbujoh! gps!bmm-!fohbhjoh!jo!qbsuofstijqt!boe!sfmbujpotijqt!uibu!fncpez!uif!qsjodjqmft!pg! ejhojuz!boe!sftqfdu-!boe!dsfbujoh!b!dvmuvsf!pg!sftqpotjcjmjuz-!boe!cf!ju- GVSUIFS!SFTPMWFE-!Uibu!xf!cfmjfwf!jo!uif!cbtjd!ufofut!pg!pvs!qpmjujdbm! qspdftt/!!Xf!bshvf-!xf!dbnqbjho-!xf!efcbuf!wjhpspvtmz!xjuijo!Sfbejoh-!cvu!po! uif!gvoebnfoubm!ivnbo!sjhiut!qspufdujpot!ejtdvttfe!ifsfjo!xf!bsf!foujsfmz!boe! fouivtjbtujdbmmz!vojufe/!!!Xf!xjmm!Ñhiu!ejtdsjnjobujpo!boe!joupmfsbodf!jo!bmm!juÉt! gpsnt/!!Xf!bsf!pof!upxo/!!Boe!xf!xjmm!npwf!gpsxbse!uphfuifs/ 35 From:Wellman, Jayne To:Baptiste, Madeleine Subject:FW: Human rights resolution for Dec 2 Date:Wednesday, November 26, 2025 1:13:22 PM Attachments:image001.png image002.png image003.png image004.png Importance:High Please include this opinion from Town Counsel, which is approved to go in the packet. Jayne Jayne Wellman, MPA, MCPPO Assistant Town Manager Constituent Services Officer 16 Lowell St Reading, MA 01867 781.942.6637 (o) 781.970.2537 (m) A Self-Care Note: Your workday or hours may differ from mine. So please don't feel obligated to respond outside your normal working hours. The Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that general email is a public record unless the content falls within one of the stated exemptions under the Massachusetts Public Records Laws. From: Ivria Fried Sent: Tuesday, November 25, 2025 2:03 PM To: Pless, Albert <apless@readingma.gov>; Herrick, Karen <karen.herrick@readingma.gov> Cc: Wellman, Jayne <jwellman@readingma.gov>; Baptiste, Madeleine <mbaptiste@readingma.gov>; Kraunelis, Matthew <mkraunelis@readingma.gov> Subject: Re: Human rights resilution for Dec 2 CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Town of Reading's email system. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender's email address and know the content is safe. Hello, You have asked for my comments on a Human Rights Resolution submitted to the Select Board in January of 2017. Prior Town Counsel reviewed the resolution and provided guidance in a March 3, 2017 letter. My comments are below: establish any binding provisions governing Town government (for example, in contrast to a regulation); any policies that would bind the Town in the absence of contrary indications; or even any guidelines for future action. Rather, the Resolution should be understood as aspirational, rather than prescriptive. reflected that there is still legal significance to adopting the Resolution. He stated: "As the 36 Town’ affairs. A Resolution such as is proposed should therefore be crafted carefully both to recognize the 'facts on the ground’ and to state clearly the principles that the Selectmen are endorsing for the future.” the Select Board and other Town bodies. The Board’ would recommend that the Resolution be amended to include references to the Select Board only. ’s condemnation and rejection of all words of hate, indifference and intolerance could be the U.S. Constitution. The following alternative language was submitted by the proponents of the Resolution and considered in April of 2017: protections, and privileges secured by state and federal law including the constitutional protections of free speech and assembly, we will stand up to those who would seek to undermine the beliefs in human rights we hold dear; and be it Prior Counsel opined that this text similarly could have a chilling effect on speech. While there is certainly room for debate on whether it is a good policy idea to employ such language, condemning and rejecting words of hate, indifference and intolerance abridges an individual’s Alternatively, the Select Board may want to consider amending the wording so that it conveys a message of support, rather than condemnation. Here are a few examples: all, engaging in relationships and partnerships that embody the principles of dignity and respect, and creating a culture of accountability. guaranteed pursuant to local, state, and federal law on the basis of race or color, gender, physical or mental ability, religion, socioeconomic status, ethnic or national origin, sexual identification or orientation, or age for all persons within the Town. There may be many other ways to convey this message. The above are just some examples. Happy to review any drafts of the resolution that you prepare and provide my comments. Best, 37 Ivria Glass Fried (she/her) Partner atHarrington Heep LLP This e-mail and any attachments contain attorney-client privileged material and/or are privileged and confidential. If you are not the intended recipient, please note that any review, disclosure, distribution, use or duplication of this message and its attachments is prohibited. Please notify the sender immediately if you have received this e-mail in error. Thank you for your cooperation movement toward building a more resilient world. To find out more, visit our website. 38 39 Legal Notice Town of Reading To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the Select Board of the Town of Reading will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:00 PM in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA or also available remotely on Zoom to act on a Change of Manager and Change of Officers Application for an Annual All-Alcohol Club License located at 37 Ash Street, Reading, MA from Reading Veterans Association, d/b/a American Legion Post 62. A copy of the proposed documents regarding this topic will be in the Select Board packet on the website at www.readingma.gov All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person or remotely via Zoom; or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6:00 p.m. on December 2, 2025 to townmanager@readingma.gov. By order of Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq. Town Manager 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 Town of Reading Liquor Licenses 2026 RenewalList All Alcohol – Restaurants Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza – 48 Walkers Brook Drive Café Capri – 355 Main Street Chili’s Grill & Bar – 70 Walkers Brook Drive Fuddruckers – 50 Walkers Brook Drive Public Kitchen - 530 Main Street Longhorn Steak House – 39 Walkers Brook Drive Mandarin Reading Restaurant – 296 Salem Street Oye’s – 26 Walkers Brook Drive Zucca Italian Restaurant and Bar – 601 Main Street Fusilli’s Cucina – 107 Main Street Venetian Moon Restaurant – 680 Main Street Bunratty Tavern – 620 Main Street Half & Half – 607 Main Street POST1917 – 136 Haven Street Champions Indoor Golf – 1 General Way Toscana Forno – 45 Walkers Brook Drive Wine & Malt – Restaurants Bangkok Spice Thai Restaurant, 76 Haven Street All Alcohol – Clubs Knights of Columbus – 11 Sanborn Street Meadow Brook Golf Club – 292 Grove Street Reading Veteran’s Association/American Legion – 37 Ash Street All Alcohol – Package Stores Reading Fine Wines and Spirits - 25 Walkers Brook Drive City Wine Spirits and Smoke Shop – 345 Main Street Reading Liquors – 214 Main Street Square Liquors – 13 High Street The Liquor Junction – 1 General Way Farmer Distiller Pouring New England Barrel Company – 1 General Way 64 MOTIONS 2025 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING MOTION UNDER ARTICLE 9 2025 SUBSEQUENT TOWN MEETING Move that the Town vote to authorize the Select Board, on its behalf, to petition the General clerical or editorial changes in form only to the bill, unless the Select Board approves authorized to approve amendments that shall be within the scope of the general public objectives of this petition. AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE TOWN OF READING HOME RULE CHARTER Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: Section 1: Article 1 of the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter as amended through by November 1, 2025, a copy of which is on file in the office of the archivist of the Commonwealth pursuant to Chapter 43B of the General Laws, is hereby amended by in place thereof, the following definition: Majority Vote majority of those present and voting provided that a quorum of the body is present. Section 2: Article 2 of said Charter is hereby amended by striking section 2.6 thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the following section: 2.6 Vacancies A Town Meeting Member may resign by filing a written notice with the Town Clerk. A Town Meeting Member who terminates residency in the Town shall cease to be a Town Meeting Member. A Town Meeting Member who moves their residence from the precinct from which they were elected to another precinct shall serve only until the next Annual Town Election. If any person elected as a Town Meeting Member fails to attend one-half or more of the total Town Meeting sessions within one year preceding the most recent Annual Town Election, their seat may be declared vacant by a majority vote of the Town Meeting, after providing the member an opportunity to be heard. 1 65 The Select Board shall place an Article on the Annual Town Meeting Warrant to remove any such Town Meeting Member from office. At least seven (7) days prior to the Annual Town Meeting, the Town Clerk shall notify any such Town Meeting Member that they may be removed from office, provided, however, that such notice shall be deemed adequate if mailed postage prepaid to the Town Any vacancy in a Town Meeting position may be filled until the next Annual Town Election by a vote of the remaining Town Meeting Members of the precinct, provided, however, that the balance of any unexpired term shall be filled at the next Annual Town Election. In the event of a vacancy, the Town Clerk shall give written notice thereof to the remaining Town Meeting Members of the precinct and shall publish such notice in a local news medium. Such notice shall provide meeting for the purpose of temporarily filling the vacancy. Section 3: Article 5 of said Charter is hereby amended by striking section 5.1 thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the following section: 5.1 Appointment, Qualifications and Term The Select Board shall appoint a Town Manager, who shall be appointed solely on the basis of their executive and administrative qualifications. The Town Manager shall be a professionally qualified person of proven ability, especially fitted by education, training and previous experience. The candidate shall have at least three (3) years of full-time paid experience as a City or Town Manager or Assistant City or Town Manager or five (5) years of equivalent level public or private sector experience. The terms of the Town Manager's employment shall be the subject of a written contract, for a term not to exceed three (3) years, setting forth their tenure, compensation, vacation, sick leave, benefits, and such other matters as are employment contract shall be in accordance with and subject to the provisions of the Charter and shall prevail over any conflicting provision of any personnel the amount annually appropriated for that purpose. The Town Manager shall devote full time to the office and, except as expressly authorized by the Select Board, shall not engage in any other business or occupation. Except as expressly provided in the Charter, the Town Manager shall not hold any other public elective or appointive office in the Town; provided, however, that, with the approval of the Select Board, the Town Manager may entities, but shall not receive any additional salary from the Town for such services. Section 4: Article 5 of said Charter is hereby further amended by striking section 5.4.2 thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the following section: 5.4.2 Long-Term Absence 2 66 In the event of the absence, incapacity, or illness of the Town Manager in excess of thirty (30) days or where the Town Manager has not filed a letter specified in Section 5.4.1 with the Town Clerk and the absence is anticipated to exceed thirty (30) days, the Select Board shall without delay appoint a qualified individual to serve as Acting Town Manager until the Town Manager returns., under terms of employment to be determined by the Select Board and in accordance with Section 5.4.4. Section 5: Article 8 of said Charter is hereby amended by striking section 8.11.2 thereof in its entirety and inserting, in place thereof, the following section: 8.11.2 Recall Petition Two percent (2%) of registered voters, including at least twenty-five (25) voters from each of the precincts into which the Town is divided, shall file with the Town Clerk an affidavit containing the name of the Town Officer whose recall is sought and a sworn statement of the grounds upon which the affidavit is based. The affidavit shall contain a factual detailed statement alleging a which alleges and includes relevant evidence of an explicit legal or ethical breach of the -four (24) hours of receipt, submit the affidavit to the Board of Registrars of Voters who shall forthwith certify thereon the number of signatures that are names of voters. A copy of the affidavit shall be entered in a record book to be kept in the office of the Town Clerk. If the affidavit contains sufficient signatures, the Town Clerk shall deliver to the first ten voters listed upon the affidavit, blank petition forms, in such number as seal attached thereto. The Town Clerk shall cause to be delivered a copy of the being sought within five business days of the blank petition forms being delivered. They shall be dated and addressed to the Select Board; shall contain the names of all persons to whom they are issued, the name of the person whose recall is sought and the grounds for recall as stated in the affidavit; and shall demand the election of a successor to the office held by such person. The recall petitions shall be returned and filed with the Town Clerk within thirty (30) days following the date of the filing of the affidavit, signed by at least twenty percent (20%) of the voters and containing their names and addresses; provided, however, that not more than twenty percent (20%) of the total number signatures may be from voters registered in any one precinct. Section 6: The Reading town clerk may make non-substantive changes to the numbering of the sections of the town of Reading home rule charter. Section 7: This Act shall take effect upon approval by the voters, at a local election, of the further amendments to the Town of Reading Home Rule Charter adopted pursuant to Article 8 of the November 10, 2025 special town meeting. Select Board 3 67 68 69 70 Peer Communities Benchmarking Guidelines Finance Committee Adopted October 2013 The FinanceCommittee (FINCOM) of the Town of Reading hereby establishes and adopts Benchmarking Guidelines,establishing afinancial best practice of using Peer Communities when making financial comparisons. FINCOM recognizes that under Proposition 2-1/2 in Massachusetts, communities are financially constrained by fundamental commercial/residential demographics and other economic factors. For purposes of any broad budget or financial comparison, FINCOM defines Peer Communities to be those deemed financially statistically similar to Reading by an independent study by Stone Consulting in December 2008. Updated studies are suggested to ensure that this list is kept up to date. Therefore the following list constitute 23 Peer Communities: Andover, Bedford, Belmont, Burlington, Canton, Danvers, Dedham, Lynnfield, Mansfield, Marshfield, Milton, Natick, North Reading, North Andover, Shrewsbury, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Wakefield, Walpole, Westborough, Westford, Wilmington and Winchester. FINCOM also recognizes that in some instances, a second set of comparisons with other Massachusetts communities can add valuable insight. 71 DRAFT - SELECT BOARD 2026AGENDAS Staff Responsibility January 6, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss Town Manager Review Results Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes TM Contract Discussion and Potential Executive Session Vote January 27, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes February 10, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes February 24, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance 72 Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Vote for in-person early voting for April Election Preview Town Meeting Warrant Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes March 10, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Vote to Close Town Meeting Warrant Inter-Municipal Agreement regarding Animal Control Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes March 24, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Vote to Reappoint Town Accountant Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes April 7, 2026 TOWN ELECTION April 14, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting 73 Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes April 21, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Select Board Vote to Reorganize Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes April 27, 2026 TOWN MEETING April 30, 2026 TOWN MEETING May 4, 2026 TOWN MEETING May 7, 2026 TOWN MEETING May 12, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Preview FY26 Water and Sewer Rates Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on FY26 Non-Union Classification & HEARING Compensation Plan Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes May 26, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting 74 Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Pride Month Resolution Juneteenth Resolution Discuss and Vote on FY26 Water, Public Hearing Sewer, and Storm Water Rates Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes June 9, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (For any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss and Vote on Board & Committee FY26 Budget Requests Discuss Town Manager Goals Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes June 23, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss and Vote on Appointments of Boards & Committees Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes July 14, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) 75 Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes August 4, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss and Vote on Overdose Awareness Proclamation Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes August 18, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes September 1, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss Potential Override/Budget Review - Valet Parking Fees Discuss and Vote on New All-Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Champions Indoor Golf V Inc. d/b/a Champions Indoor Golf, located at 1 General Way Public Hearing 76 Discuss and Vote on Transfer of All- Alcohol Liquor License for Yutao Inc. d/b/a Oye's Restaurant & Bar, located at 26 Walkers Brook Drive Public Hearing Public Information Session 2: Review Charter Changes in Preparation for Town Meeting Close Warrant: Subsequent Town Meeting Discussion on RCTV License Agreement (Possible Extension Vote) Discuss Establishment of a Commission on Disabilities in Reading Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes Possible Executive Session : Facilities Union Possible Executive Session: Discuss and Vote on Opioid Settlements September 15, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Proclamation for Italian Heritage Month Preview Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes October 6, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight 77 Vote to Close November 9, 2026 Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes October 20, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Public Hearing: Fiscal Year 2027 Tax Public Hearing Classification Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes November 3, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Review 2026 Meeting Schedule Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes November 9, 2026Town Meeting November 12, 2026Town Meeting November 16, 2026Town Meeting November 19, 2026Town Meeting December 1, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Approve Annual Liquor Licenses 78 Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes December 2, 2026Budget Presentations Department Budget Presentations Night One Police Department Fire Department Health Department Technology Public Works & Enterprise Funds December 8, 2026Budget Presentations Department Budget Presentations Night Two Library Facilities Public Services/Administrative Services Finance Shared Costs Budget Summary Possible Regular Business Meeting (If needed) December 15, 2026 79 December 3, 2025Budget Presentations Department Budget Presentations 7:00 Night One 7:05 7:15 December 9, 2025Budget Presentations Department Budget Presentations Night Two 7:00 7:05 7:15 Possible Regular Business Meeting (If needed) December 16, 2025 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94