HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-06 Select Board MinutesK-CcIVc0
Town of Reading TOWN CLERK
Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Select Board
Date: 2026-01-06 Time: 7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business - Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacoi (Remote), Karen
Gately Herrick (Remote)
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman,
Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Economic Development Senior Planner Kevin
McCarthy, Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless, Nancy Docktor,
Vanessa Alvarado, Joseph Dion, Attorney Tom Miller, Town Counsel Ivria
Fried (Remote), Computer Technician Tim Johnson (Remote), RCN Studios
(Remote), Tony D'Arezzo (Remote), John Romano (Remote), Sarah O
(Remote), Ryan Feinberg (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.
Melissa Murphy called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and provided a brief overview of the
evening's agenda and noted a police presence will be at every Board meeting going forward.
were no
The Board discussed an incident involving a resident following the conclusion of the Select
Board meeting on December 113 ', 2025. Melissa Murphy explained that a technical limitation in
the current setup prevents Board members from seeing online participants or raised hands,
which resulted in an incident where residents were not recognized for public comment at the
December 18 meeting. This was an unintentional oversight. Following the meeting, Melissa
added that the same residents verbally accosted Town staff and volunteers at Town Hall.
Murphy emphasized that while public disagreement is expected and welcome, harassment or
verbal abuse of staff or volunteers is unacceptable. Chris Haley read a statement noting The
Massachusetts Declaration of Rights protects strong criticism of government officials, but only
when conducted peaceably and orderly. He viewed the residents' conduct of yelling at staff,
following someone to their vehicle, and prompting police involvement —falls outside those
protections. He concluded with our community must reject intimidation and disorder and strive
for civility in public discourse.
Some members expressed their discouragement at the resident's behavior, while others
expressed disappointment in the Board's handling of the matter. The Board also discussed the
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public comment policy, with some members speaking in favor of the current policy and others
suggesting having it only at the start of the meeting.
During Public Comment, Vanessa Alvarado of Mt Vernon Street expressed disappointment with
the Board's handling of this incident involving a resident.
Nancy Docktor of Pearl Street asked that the Board consider adopting Robert's Rules of Order
and put it in their handbook.
Town Manaaer Report
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis wished everyone a happy new year. He noted that the Annual
Martin Luther King Jr Day Celebration will be January 19r' at Reading Memorial High School
from 9:30 am — 11:30 am with Dr. Robert Bellinger as the keynote speaker. He highlighted
several promotions and new employees within the Town in the last month. He shared that Olivia
McElwain and Ked Bradeen were promoted at the Library, Jamie Eulie was promoted at the
Department of Public Works, and Kerry Valle was promoted to Interim Elder and Human
Services Administrator. He shared that new employees include Civil Engineer Meg Anderson,
Health Inspector Zenhun Ayele, Building Commissioner Branden Vigneault, and Assistant Town
Clerk Etain O'Dea. Mr. Kraunelis ended his report by stating that the promotions and new
employees were filling existing or vacant positions.
Community Sooaiaht
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis shared that the Fire Department recommended four employees
from the Department of Public Works (DPW) to be highlighted at tonight's meeting. He noted
that the four employees are mechanics at DPW, Mike Pontone, Justin Barrett, Bob DeMarco,
and Eric Redard, who are responsible for maintenance of the emergency fleet. He said they are
always willing to do whatever is needed and their commitment to resident safety is
commendable. Mr. Kraunelis congratulated the Last Comer Restaurant for 50 years in business
that day and he noted that the Board will mark the occasion at the end of the month. He also
noted that Reading will host a Fiscal Policy Seminar on January 20, from 9:00 am —1:00 pm,
to be facilitated by Division of Local Services.
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis stated that this agenda item comes from a request by the Council
on Aging (COA). He explained that Mr. Lionetta has not been able to attend meetings for a long
time and does not wish to serve on the GOA as an Associate Member anymore. Mr. Kraunelis
concluded by noting that the COA requested that the Select Board vote to remove Mr. Lionetta,
so that his position can be available for a new associate member.
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to remove Tony Lionetta as an associate member of the Council
on Aging, as voted by the Council on Aging at their meeting on December 8, 2025,
pursuant to section 8.12.1 of the Home Rule Charter. The motion was seconded by Karen
Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chits
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis requested that the Board move this agenda item to another
meeting. He noted that the Town is waiting on plans for the project and it will need to come back
to the Board for a vote before April Town Meeting. The Board agreed to table this agenda item.
Karen Rose- Gillis moved to table the PARC agenda Item to the next meeting. The motion
was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick —Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on Annual All -Alcohol Package Store License for PLM
Beverage. LLC d/b/a Dion's Fine Wine & Spirits
Karen Rose -Gillis read the Public Hearing Notice and opened the Public Hearing.
Joe Dion, the applicant for Dion's, and Attorney Tom Miller stated to the Board that this will be
Dion's Fine Wine & Spirit's sixth location and Mr. Dion is a third -generation liquor retailer. Mr.
Dion noted his excitement in joining Reading's community and emphasized their strict policy
enforcement in checking ID's. Attorney Miller stated that this store will only use a 6,000 square
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foot portion of the previous Staples location, which in total is about 20,000 square feet. Mr. Dion
concluded by noting his plans to be open around the end of Summer 2026. The Board
expressed their gratitude to Mr. Dion for his presentation and commitment. Town Manager Matt
Kraunelis noted that with Reading's population increasing, this allowed for another Package
Store liquor license to be available. He continued by noting that if the Board approves this
application, Reading would be at its full allocation of this type of liquor license. Economic
Development Senior Planner Kevin McCarthy noted that this newly allocated license is separate
from the one that is tied, under Special Legislation, to 26 Haven Street.
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the Public Hearing regarding the Annual All -Alcohol
Package Store Liquor License for PLM Beverage, LLC d/b/a Dion's Fine Wine and Spirits.
The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Annual All -Alcohol Package Store Liquor
License for PLM Beverage, LLC d/b/a Dlon's Fine Wine and Spirits, Located at 36 Walkers
Brook Drive. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Town Manager Matt Kraunelis explained that this was voted on at November Town Meeting and
for it to go to the legislature, the Board must take a vote to send it to the legislature where action
can be taken on it. Mr. Kraunelis noted his plans to keep in touch with the State Representatives
and Senator to ensure smooth processing.
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Town Manager to submit a Senior Citizen
Property Tax Exemption Home Rule Petition to the Legislature as presented in Article 2
of the November 10, 2025 Special Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Karen
Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Discuss and Possible Vote on Charae for Commission on Disabilities
Melissa Murphy stated that in tonight's packet, there was a draft charge done by Director of
Equity and Social Justice Albert Pleas. The charge outlined details including the purpose,
values, structure, term limits and officers for the Commission on Disabilities. Mr. Kraunelis noted
that this will go through the VASC process. The Board was notified by Town Clerk Laura
Gemme that per general bylaw, a five -member board automatically requires three additional
associate members, making it a committee of eight members total. The Board agreed that they
would keep it at these numbers.
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to accept the charge and establish a Commission on
Disabilities as discussed. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a
vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy —Yes
Liaison Reports
Karen Rose -Gillis attended several meetings including Town Forest Committee, the joint
Recreation Committee and COA meeting, Eastern Gateway, Ad Hoc Commemoration
Establishment Committee (ACE), and the Mass DOT public hearing for the road project. She
also participated in the Women Elected Municipal Officials (WEMO) mentorship lunch. Ms.
Rose -Gillis attended numerous events including the Festival of Trees and the menorah lighting.
Lastly, she stated that the Reading Food Pantry wanted to thank everyone for all the donations
they received in the months of November and December.
Karen Gately Herrick attended several meetings including the Eastern Gateway meeting, the
joint Recreation Committee and COA meeting, where they discussed a ReCAL update, the
Mass DOT public hearing, and stated her plans to attend the upcoming Permanent Building
Committee meeting. She also attended the menorah lighting and stated she is looking forward
to the MLK day event where she has signed up to be a greeter. Lastly, Ms. Gately Herrick
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announced her upcoming office hours at the Pleasant Street Center on January P from 12:00
pm —1:00 pm.
Carlo Bacci attended the joint Recreation Committee and COA meeting where they discussed
plans for ReCAL.
Chris Haley attended the joint Recreation Committee and COA meeting as well as the tree
lighting and menorah lighting events. He also shared that the spoke with Community Planning
and Development Commission (CPDC) Chair, Heather Clish, and she informed him that the
Town did not get the grant for the master plan, and CPDC plans to hold off on this project until
they can pursue grant funding again in the future.
Melissa Murphy attended the Mass DOT public hearing and the joint Recreation Committee and
COA meeting. She also noted that after working with the Reading Community Television
(RCTV) Board as well as Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Assistant Town Manager Jayne
Wellman, the group was able to finalize the new grant agreement for RCTV that was recently
approved by the Select Board.
Discuss and Vote on Prior Meeting Minutes
The Board reviewed the draft minutes for the meetings of December 9' and December 18P and
there was debate over the inclusion of some content in the December 18' draft minutes.
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of December 9, 2025, as
presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of
5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of December 18, 2025, as
presented. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 4-1, with
Karen Gately Herrick opposed.
Select Board Member Herrick noted that the minutes failed to accurately reflect financial
concerns raised by members during the Burbank Ice Arena Memorandum of
Understanding/Master License Agreement Discussion.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — No, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to enter into Executive Session under Executive Session
Purpose 7, G.L. c. 30B, § 21(a)(7), for purposes of approving and reviewing for release
the minutes of the Board's December 2, 2025 Executive Session in compliance with G.L.
c. 30A, § 22, to invite Town Counsel into the Executive Session, and to adjourn from the
executive session and not return to Open Session. The motion was seconded by Chris
Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0.
Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris
Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes
Open Session adjourned at 8:22 PM.
Page 14
APPENDIX - Statement read by Chris Haley,
Letter to Carlo Bacci read by Carlo Bacci and
Statement read by Melissa Murphy
Article 19 of the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights provides
robust protection forfree speech, includingthe right to offerfierce
criticism of government officials. However, this right is expressly
conditioned on the public's conduct remaining "peaceable and
orderly."
"Peaceable and orderly" does not include abruptly leaving a Zoom
meeting at 10 p.m., rushing to Town Hall, and then confronting,
berating, and yelling at volunteers and staff members.
"Peaceable and orderly" does not mean following an individual out
of the building out to theirvehicle, prompting staff to call the police
for assistance.
"Peaceable and orderly" does not mean continuing such behavior
Long after the targeted person has left to the point that arriving
officers feel compelled to request backup.
These protections for speech are vital, but they do not extend to
intimidation, harassment, or conduct that creates fear or disorder.
True free expression thrives in an atmosphere of civility, not
coercion.
This kind of behavior has no place in our community. We can —and
must —do better.
10 Orchard Park Drive
Reading, MA 01867
November 24, 2025
Mr. Carlo Bacci, Reading Select Board
494 Main Street
Reading, MA01867
RE: Demand for Written Apology and Verbal Public Apology and Retraction
Dear Mr. Bacci,
This is a demand for a written and verbal apology, and retraction, for defamatory comments made
about me on September 16, 2025, and October 21, 2025, during Select Board meetings.
Specific comments include:
9/16/25, "1 don't know what b.s. Ms. Binda was spewing... I'm sick of this bullshit I'm getting
accused of... I'm sick of this bullshit from Angela Binds who keeps on attacking me... I'm sick of it,
she's a horrible person."
10/21/25, "Angela Binds lying about me twice... We have to go back to her public comments that are
twice that she lied... We need to give context. During public comment I said nothing... (she) was
trying to put me in my place for not being up to date, so I lost my cool, yes... I've taken a lot from this
particular resident, and It's not good for the (?) entire board"
Intimidating and defamatory comments made by you, personally attacking me and criticizing the
content of my speech, which I made during designated Select Board meeting public comment,
diminish my right and ability to publicly criticize governmental action and officials, protected under
Massachusetts Declaration of Rights articles 19 and 16. Furthermore, said comments harm my
reputation.
I am seeking a clear and unqualified apology and retraction for the defamatory comments mad,
about me, referenced above. I am seeking a written apology and retraction within 10 business days
of receipt of this letter, and a verbal apology and retraction to be made at a Select Board meeting
before the end of the 2025 calendar year. I am seeking written assurance that you will not seek to
hinder any residents' exercise of their civil right to criticize a public official.
This is an opportunity to resolve this matter before any legal action is taken; I hope you will avail
yourself of It.
Sincerely,
Angela F. Binds
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To: Ra M . Madeie:ne
Subj x swre aWAdd
MM: Tuesday, Janwry 27, 2026 8:31:56 PM
Hi Maddie,
If you wouldn't mind adding this as an attachment to the minutes. Thank you, and
appreciate it.
Melissa Murphy
I would like to address an incident that occurred after the Select Board meeting on
Thursday, December 18th.
The Select Board has continued to allow hybrid meetings after the pandemic because
they increase public participation and strengthen local governance. However, there is a
technical limitation to the Board's current setup. Namely, Select Board members and in -
person attendees cannot see who is participating online or whether someone has raised
their hand to speak. During the December 18th meeting, a resident who had raised their
hand was not recognized for public comment due to this limitation. By the time the issue
was brought to the Chair's attention, the Board had already moved on to the next agenda
item. This was an unintentional oversight by a Chair who has worked diligently during his
term to improve opportunities for public comment and has allowed more public
comment during Select Board meetings than ever before. We all value resident
participation and welcome diverse perspectives, and I am confident the Board can
implement practices to prevent this from happening again.
After the meeting ended around 10:00 p.m., that same residents came to Town Hall and
verbally accosted Town staff and volunteers, berating them over this inadvertent
mistake. Such behavior does not promote open dialogue or good governance. It also
creates an uncomfortable work environment for Town staff, who serve an essential role
in our community. In my opinion, this behavior is completely inappropriate and
unacceptable. While I understand the public has a rightto disagree with the Board and
Town staff, hostility, intimidation, and verbal abuse of staff or volunteers are never
justified and are not the proper ways to seek change.
As a member of the Select Board, I will not tolerate Town staff orvolunteers being
treated this way. Our Board has adopted proclamations and resolutions affirming our
commitment to human rights and opposing violence. We must be equally clear and
united in condemning any conduct that undermines those values by targeting those who
serve our community.
Public engagement is vital to local government. I hope all residents can conduct
themselves in a civil, orderly manner with dignity and respect, especially toward our staff
and volunteers who serve us all.
Melissa Murphy
Reading Select Board
Cell # 617-797-7137
metissa.murphy@readingma.gov