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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-12-02 Select Board Minutesg�` prat• Town of Reading r�LUE IV toTOWN CLERK Meeting Minutes R "' � 36 ,. • " "a' 2025 DEC 22 PM 3 0, Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2025-12-02 Time: 7:00 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman (Remote), Fire Chief Rick Nelson, Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless, Town Counsel Ivria Fried (Remote), Bob Beckman, Kathi Crook, Phil Rushworth, Stephen Crook, Kate Goldlust, Linda Snow Dockser, David Monahan, Taylor Gregory, Ryan Johnstone, Edward Dee, Monique Gnanaratnam, Aujanetta Nichols, London Stith -Nichols, Colin Eliet, Nancy Docktor, Rita Robertson, Everett Blodgett, Brian McCormick, Computer Technician Tim Johnson (Remote), RCN Studios (Remote), Sarah McLaughlin (Remote), William Soloman (Remote), Jake McAleer (Remote), Anita Gram (Remote), Holly Humphreys (Remote), Angela Binda (Remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Madeleine Baptiste Topics of Discussion: This meeting was hekl in the Town Hall Select Board Meeting Room and Remotely Via Zoom. Chair Chris Haley called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and provided a brief overview of the evening's agenda. Public Comment (Far any items not included on the agenda) Nancy Docktor of Pearl Street encouraged the Board to add Robert's Rules of Orders in their Select Board Policies and opined that this would increase meeting efficiency. Town Manager Report Town Manager Matt Kraunelis noted his attendance at the Tree Lighting and said it was very successful. He thanked the Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce, Reading DPW, Facilities and Staff, as well as Volunteers and Local Businesses who sponsored the event. Mr. Kraunelis stated that upcoming events are Shop the Block on December 0 from 5-9 pm and the Menorah Lighting on December 10 at 5 pm on the Town Common and encouraged the public to attend. He stated that he met with Executive Director of the MBTA's Advisory Board, Brian Kane, and said it was productive, and he is establishing a great relationship with this Board. He also noted that Town Staff members met with Reading's bond rating company, Standard & Poore Global (S&P), to discuss the Town's financial management. He also announced that Reading will maintain its AAA Bond Rating. He concluded by stating that the Board will be presented with Department Budget Presentations to take place at their December V and V meetings. Community Spotlight Town Manager Matt Krounelis spotlighted Harrow's Chicken Pies, as it is one of Reading's oldest businesses. He noted that it is a staple in Reading, especially at community events, and congratulated them for nearly 90 years in Reading. Melissa Murphy presented Version 20 of the grant agreement for RCN which reflected months of hard work from many people. She continued to state that her goal was to strengthen the relationship between RCN and the Town with this grant agreement. She noted that key changes in this grant agreement include an 18 month term with option to renew for two years, the Town has committed to seeking 100K for capital from PEG funding annually, a determination of PEG eligible operations, RCN must provide annual review, Attorney General review and quarterly financial updates to the Town Manager, clarification on appointment/removal of Select Board and School Committee seats on the RCN Board, defined the list of core and non -core meetings, and added a new section on Equipment and Cybersecurity. Board Members provided feedback regarding things they would like to be clarified or added to the grant agreement. This included specificity of when non -live meeting recordings will be available to the Public with a suggested time frame of 72 hours, more sports events coverage with volunteer experience offered, need for more proactive approach and additional media like podcasts, and a clearer vision for RCN. Board Members also expressed wanting the option of free rent clause removed from the agreement and adding an agreement for their space where they keep their equipment in Town. Executive Director of RCN Phil Rushworth and Board Members Kathi Crook and Bob Beckman expressed their commitment to RCN, addressed past issues, and stated that they want the organization to succeed. They also noted their Open House will be held December W. Linda Snow Dockser of Beaver Road thanked the RCN Board and Staff, and the negotiations team for their work. She encouraged the Board to vote in support of RCN. Kate Goldlust of Spruce Road expressed her support for renewing RCN and noted the organization's importance to her family. The discussion concluded with the Board agreeing to do a final review and vote in mid -December. Karen Gately Herrick provided background information on Universal Human Rights Month recognized in the month of December and the 10e as Human Rights Day and thanked Linda Snow Dockser for bringing the Human Rights Resolution, created by Reading residents, to the Board. She also thanked DESJ Albert Pleas for his off ice's full support of this resolution. She asked that the Board recognize the month of December and the 1 V as Human Rights Month and thinks this resolution shows the Board's commitment to this. Karen Rose GiWe read the Human Rights Resolution Karen Rose-GilBs moved that the Select Board approve the Human Rights Resolution as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Update from Ad Hoe Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACEI Select Board Designee David Monahan reported on the committee's progress through interacting with the Public and educating them on their work. He informed the Board of their charge and goals focusing on honoring Bill Russell and noted that they attended the Fall Street Fairs and Connected Reading to hear from the public and raise awareness in the community. Mr. Monahan stated they are collaborating with Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless to participate in the MILK Day Event on January 19�. He highlighted their new event series called "Game Changers" starting in January. He stated that the committee had contact with the Russell Family and communications have been encouraging. The committee proposed the idea of a scholarship or award in honor of Bill Russell and will speak to the Russell family regarding this in February. The committee is requesting an extension of their charge for another year to be able to achieve their goals. The Board expressed appreciation for this committee's hard work and excitement for their upcoming series. Board Members agreed that they would support the extension of their charge, but as it is not on the agenda, they want to vote on it at their next meeting. Public Hearne: Discuss and You on Change of Manager and Change of Officers for AnnuatAll- Alcohol Liquor License for Reading Veterans Association d/b/a American Legion Post 62 Karen Rose -Gillis read the Public Hearing Notice. Karen Gately Herrick stepped out of the meeting briefly. Brian McCormick, Commander at the American Legion, notified the Board that this change is happening because their last manager passed away. Mr. McCormick noted that Brendan Hoyt will be taking over as the new manager but was not available to attend tonight's meeting. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the Public Hearing regarding the Change of Manager and Change of Officers for the All -Alcohol Club Liquor License for American Legion Post 62. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Change of Manager and Change of Officers for the Annual All -Alcohol Club Liquor License for Reading Veterans Association, d/b/a American Legion Post 62, Located at 37 Ash Street. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 0. Karen Gately Herrick rejoined the meeting shortly after the vote. VQte.to Approve Annual Liquor Licenses Karen Rose-GiLBs moved that the Select Board renew the ALL -Alcohol Package Store Liquor Licenses for: • Nilkant 3501nc. d/b/a City Wine Spirits & Smoke Shop, 345 Main Street • Raksha, Inc. d/b/a Square Liquors, 13 High Street • lay 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 by the Town Manager or his designee. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Select Board renew the All -Alcohol Club Liquor Licenses for: • Meadow Brook Golf Corp. of Reading, MA d/b/a Meadow Brook Golf Club at 292 Grove Street • Home Building Corp.d/b/a Knights of Columbus at 11 San born 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 by the Town Manager or his designee. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose Gillis moved that the Select Board renewthe All -Alcohol Veteran Club Liquor Licenses for: • Reading Veterans' Association, Inc. d/b/a American Legion Post 62 at 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 by the Town Manager or his designee. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Select Board renew the All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor Licenses for: • Florida Coal Fired Pizza LLC d/b/a Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza at 48 Walkers Brook Drive • Mecom, Inc. d/b/a Cafe Capri at 355 Main Street • CAC Foods, Inc. d/b/a Venetian Moon Restaurant at 680 Main Street • Pepper Dining Inc. d/b/aChili's Grill&Bar at 70 Walkers Brook Drive • HJB Restaurant Company LLC d/b/a Fuddruckers at 50 Walkers Brook Drive • RARE Hospitality International, Inc. d/b/a Longhorn Steak House at 39 Walkers Brook Drive • Boston Foods Inc. d/b/a Zucca Italian Restaurant and Bar at 601 Main Street • The VI Incorp. d/b/a Public Kitchen at 530 Main Street • KOK, Inc. d/b/a Oye's at 26 Walkers Brook Drive • Bistro Concepts, Inc. d/b/a Fusilli's Cucina at 107 Main Street • RKR Corporation d/b/a Bunratty Tavern at 620-622 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, 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 by the Town Manager or his designee. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Select Board renew the Wine and Malt Restaurant Liquor License for: • Palatal 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 by the Town Manager or his designee. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved 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 Unit40 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 by the Town Manager or his designee. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by vote of 5-0. Vote on. Submittal of Charter Amendment Home Rule Petition (Ardcle 9 of the 2025 Subsequent Town Meeting) to the Lee stature Karen Rose -Gillis moved 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 Meeting, provided that no referendum on said Article 9 is filed pursuant to Section 2.15 of the Town's Charter prior to December 5. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Discuss and Vote on Procedure for Town Manager Evaluation Chris Haley said based on word from Town Counsel, Town Manager Matt Kraunelis is willing to extend the deadlines for review and renewal notice of contract by one month, as the schedule with holidays is busy. Mr. Kraunelis suggested that review be completed and discussed in open session by February 9, 2026, and the renewal notice be provided by February2V, 2026. There was debate on whether the Board was able to vote on the one -month extension tonight due to wording on the public agenda. Town Counsel Ivria Fried stated that it is part of the scope in the procedures, but if there is a significant concern they do not need to vote tonight. Ms. Fried encouraged Mr. Kraunelis to put this in writing and sign it for the board to endorse and vote on at the meeting on December 9P. Angela Binde of Orchard Park Drive encouraged the Board to take this up at the meeting on the 9' and not be voted on this evening. Chris Haley stated that with citing Peer Communities often for different topics, there needs to be an updated list to modernize it and be in collaboration with the Finance Committee, as it has not been updated since 2013. He explained that the goal is to be accurate when citing as boards and committees to figure out how Reading's peer communities are determined. Board Members are in agreement with this and encouraged Town Manager Matt Kraunelis to set this as a future agenda item and see if the Finance Committee is willing to collaborate on this at a time that works for everyone. During Public Comment, Ryan Johnstone of Lowell Street expressed agreement with the list needing an update. He further encouraged the Board to use a consultant because they are experts in this and the list should be considered and not mandated. Town Manager Matt Kmunelis teamed from Town Counsel that this discussion should take place in open session and not be taken up in Executive Session as it does not compromise the Town's litigating position. Karen Gately Herrick moved that the Board take the discussion on strategy with respect to Ciryof La Crosse v. Oshkosh Corporation, etal be taken out of order. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis —Yes, Karen Gately Herrick —Yes, Melissa Murphy —Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Chris Haley —Yes Attorney Kevin Mulvey thinks Reading could have standing to be a plaintiff in this case. Mr. Mulvey explained that three of the largest truck manufacturers are being accused of colluding to increase fire truck prices in the United States. He further noted that this is centered on increased costs and delayed truck receivals by years past due dates and noted it affected Reading in taxpayer costs and being forced to utilize very old trucks causing problems and accidents. He stated that if Reading were to join, their suit would mirror other complaints and demand that trucks are built and delivered faster so that the Fire Department does not need to utilize old, unsafe trucks. Mr. Mulvey emphasized that all this is on a contingent basis, and an agreement would state there are no fees or costs to the Town until there is either a settlement or a verdict teal. He concluded by saying it is a risk, and he believes the Town has standing and it is up to the Board if they want to pursue involvement in this. Board members had questions about possible retaliation when trying to buy our next fire truck. Mr. Mulvey said while he cannot guarantee anything, he does not think that will be an issue. Board Members agreed to revisit this as a future agenda item and to move forward with this for a vote at a later date. The Board reviewed the proposed meeting schedule for 2026 and confirmed that no dates conflicted with holidays. Board Members agreed to remove the August 18", 2026, meeting. Select Board Liaison Reports Melissa Murphy attended various meetings and events including Town Meeting, Brad Jones's Annual Dinner, and the Veterans Day Ceremony where she read the proclamation. She also noted she has been doing a lot of work for the RCN Contract negotiations. Karen Rose -Gillis attended various meetings including Council on Aging, ACE Committee, Affordable Housing Trust and Housing Authority. She also was in attendance at Town Meeting. Karen Gately Herrick attended various events including Brad Jones's annual dinner and the Veterans Day Ceremony. She also attended Town Meeting and a Housing Authority Meeting. Carlo Bacci attended the Veterans Day Ceremony and the annual dinner hosted by Brad Jones. He also was in attendance at Town Meeting and Community Preservation Act Study Committee (CPA) meeting and noted that they are working hard to finalize their report. Chris Haley attended various events including Brad Jones's annual dinner, the Veterans Day Ceremony and the Tree Lighting. He concluded by reminding the Public about Shop the Block taking place on December a from 5-9 pm, and encouraged people to participate and support the local businesses. The Board discussed possible dates for their next meeting, and it will be sometime in mid -December to discuss and vote on the RCN Grant Agreement and an Extension of the Charge for ACE Committee. Other future agenda items include department budget presentations. Karen Gately Herrick had suggested edits to the 10/27 draft minutes and the 11/4 draft minutes, Board members agreed to the edits. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of October 2r, 2025, as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 4-, 2025, as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to enter into executive session pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, § 21(8)(2), to conduct a strategy session in preparation for negotiations with nonunion personnel, Town Manager Kraunelis, to invite Town Counsel and Executive Assistant Maddie Baptiste into the executive session and to adjourn from executive session and not return to open session. Chris Haley suggested a friendly amendment to remove "Executive Assistant Maddie Baptiste" from the motion and stated that Town Counsel Ivria Fried will take minutes in the executive session. Karen Rose -Gillis moved to accept as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately -Herrick and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis —Yes, Karen Gately Herrick —Yes, Melissa Murphy —Yes, Carlo Bacci — Yes, Chris Haley —Yes Open Session adjourned at 10:15 pm.