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Home My WebLink About2026-02-10 Select Board Packet (PDF) Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda 2018-07-16LAG Board -Committee -Commission -Council: Select Board Date: 2026-02-10Time: 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/82969572930 Meeting γD: 829 6957 2930 Dial by your location 7:00 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting 7:05 Public Comment (For anyitems not included on the agenda) 7:15 Town Manager Report 7:20 Community Spotlight Town Manager 7:25 G.L. c. 268A, § 19(b)(1) Disclosure of Financial Interest Form Pertaining to the FY2027 Budget Process Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on an Alteration of Premises Application 7:30 for an Annual All-Alcohol Restaurant License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/b/a Post 1917, Located at 136 Haven Street, Unit 2 7:40 Presentation by the Ad Hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee 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 Discuss and Vote on Sending a Letter to the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) regarding the Resolution Supporting a Strengthened Fiscal Partnership Between Municipal and State Governments in Fiscal 2027 8:10 and Beyond 2026 on behalf of the Town of Reading. A copy of the Resolution may be https://www.mma.org/connect-351/business- meeting/ Discuss and Vote on Potential Resolution to Censure Select Board Member Karen Gately 8:25 2026 on the Resolution Supporting a Strengthened Fiscal Partnership Between Municipal and State Governments in Fiscal 2027 and Beyond on behalf of the Town of Readingwithout Proper Authorization. 8:40 Discuss Town Manager Review Results 9:40 Liaison Reports 9:45 Future Agendas Executive Session Purpose 2: To Conduct Strategy Session in Preparation 9:50 for Negotiations with Nonunion Personnel, Inclusive of Discussion on whether to Extend a New Contract (Town Manager Kraunelis) Executive Session Purpose 7: Approve and Review for Release the Minutes of the January 6, 2026, Executive Session Meeting (Compliance with G.L. c. 30A, § 22) 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 3 4 DISCLOSURE BY NON-ELECTED MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE OF FINANCIAL INTEREST AND DETERMINATION BY APPOINTING AUTHORITY AS REQUIRED BY G. L. c. 268A, § 19 MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE INFORMATION Name:Matt Kraunelis Title or Position:Town Manager Municipal Agency:Town of Reading Agency Address:16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Office Phone:781-942-9043 Office E-mail:mkraunelis@readingma.gov My duties require me to participate in a particular matter, and I may not participate because of a financial interest that I am disclosing here. I request a determination from my appointing authority about how I should proceed. PARTICULAR MATTER Particular matter Please describe the particular matter. E.g., a judicial or Preparing, reviewing, and advising in matters related totheTown Budget for Fiscal Year other proceeding, 2027. application, submission, request for a ruling or other determination, contract, claim, controversy, charge, accusation, arrest, decision, determination, or finding. Your required Please describe the task you are required to perform with respect to the particular matter. participation in the particular matter: I am required to participateinand make recommendations regarding the E.g., approval, Year 2027 budget. disapproval, decision, recommendation, rendering advice, investigation, other. FINANCIAL INTEREST IN THE PARTICULAR MATTER Write an X by all that apply._X_ I have a financial interest in the matter. ___ My immediate family member has a financial interest in the matter. ___ My business partner has a financial interest in the matter. 5 ___ I am an officer, director, trustee, partner or employee of a business organization, and the business organization has a financial interest in the matter. ___ I am negotiating or have made an arrangement concerning future employment with a person or organization, and the person or organization has a financial interest in the matter. Financial interestPlease explain the financial interest and include a dollar amount if you know it. in the matter My contract expires June 30, 2026anddoes not set my salary for Fiscal Year 2027. Therefore, because my salary is not yet establishedby contract or otherwise,it is the have a financial interest in my salary line item in the budget.Notwithstanding this financial interest, I fully believe that I can act impartially Employee signature: Date: DETERMINATION BY APPOINTING OFFICIAL APPOINTING AUTHORITY INFORMATION Name of Appointing Town of Reading Select Board Authority: Title or Position:Town of Reading Select Board Agency/Department:Town of Reading Select Board Agency Address:16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 Office Phone:781-942-9043 Office E-mail DETERMINATION Determination by As appointing official, as required by G.L. c. 268A, § 19, I have reviewed the particular appointing authority:matter and the financial interest identified above by a municipal employee. I have determined that the financial interest is not so substantial as to be deemed likely to affect the integrity of the services which the municipality may expect from the employee. Appointing Authority signature: Date: 6 Comment: Attach additional pages if necessary. The appointing authority shall keep this Disclosure and Determinationas a public record. Form revised February, 2012 7 Legal Notice Town of Reading To the Inhabitants of the Town of Reading: Please take notice that the Select Boardof the Town of Reading will hold apublichearing onTuesday, February 10, 2026at 7:00PMin the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA or also available remotely on Zoom toact onan Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual All-AlcoholRestaurantLicense located at 136Haven Street,Unit 2, Reading, MA for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/b/a Post 1917. A copy of the proposed documentsregarding thistopic will be in the Select Board packet on the website at www.readingma.gov All interested parties are invited to attend the hearingin person or remotely via Zoom;or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6:00 p.m. on February 10, 2026to townmanager@readingma.gov. By order of Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq. Town Manager 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 Appendix A Reading CPA Flyer on next page 67 68 Appendix 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 Town Manager, Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq. Town of Reading Phone: (781) 942-9043 Fax: (781) 942-9071 16 Lowell Street Email: townmanager@readingma.gov Reading, MA 01867-2683 Website: www.readingma.gov February 10, 2026 Massachusetts Municipal Association Attn: David Koffman, Senior Executive and Legislative Director 3 Center Plaza, Suite 610 Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Dear MassachusettsMunicipal Association Leadership: The Town of Reading Select Board writes to formally rescind and clarify any prior representation or purported vote submitted on behalf of the Town by Select Board Member Karen Gately Herrick regarding the Resolution Supporting a Strengthened Fiscal Partnership Between Municipal and State Governments in Fiscal 2027 and Beyond (2026)discussed at the MMA Annual Conference, as such action was unauthorized and not reflective of the Board's collective position. Member Gately Herrick was previously instructed not to speak or act on behalf of the Board on this matter without explicit authorization, and her representation of voting authority or commitment from the Town did not align with Board policy or approved procedures. The Town of Reading therefore disavows any such vote, statement, or commitment as non-binding and unauthorized; the official position of the Town on this issue remains undetermined. We appreciate the MMA's understanding in this procedural clarification and request that any records or references to the Town's involvement be updated accordingly to reflect only duly authorized actions. Please contact the undersigned or Town Manager Matt Kraunelis if additional details are required. Sincerely, ________________________ Christopher Haley, Chair ________________________ Melissa Murphy,Vice Chair ________________________ Karen Rose-Gillis,Secretary ________________________ Carlo Bacci,Member ________________________ Karen Gately Herrick,Member Reading Select Board Town of Reading, MA cc: Town Manager Matt Kraunelis Reading Select Board Members 1 99 NVOJDJQBM!KPCTEBUB!IVCNVOJDJQBM!NBSLFUQMBDFDPOUBDU!VTOFXTMFUUFS!TJHO!VQ NFNCFSTBEWPDBDZOFXTSFTPVSDFTFWFOUT BCPVU!NNB KBO NNB!Sftpmvujpot 3137 Sftpmvujpo!Tvqqpsujoh!b Tusfohuifofe!Gjtdbm Qbsuofstijq!Cfuxffo!Nvojdjqbm boe!Tubuf!Hpwfsonfout!jo Gjtdbm!3138!boe!Cfzpoe!)3137* Ipnf!BewpdbdzNNB!Sftpmvujpot Xifsfbt-!uif!bcjmjuz!pg!djuz!boe!upxo!hpwfsonfout!up!qspwjef!fttfoujbm!qvcmjd tfswjdft!boe!befrvbufmz!jowftu!jo!sfmjbcmf!boe!sftjmjfou!qvcmjd!jogsbtusvduvsf!jt dsjujdbm!up!tvqqpsu!uif!xfmm.cfjoh!pg!fwfsz!sftjefou!boe!cvtjoftt!bdsptt!uif Dpnnpoxfbmui< Xifsfbt-!tubuf!mbx!mjnjut!bwfovft!gps!nvojdjqbm!sfwfovf!hfofsbujpo-!sfrvjsjoh FOFSHZ!BOE!UIF " ifbwz!sfmjbodf!po!qspqfsuz!ubyft!uibu!bsf!ujhiumz!dbqqfe!cz!Qspqptjujpo!3- FOWJSPONFOU xijdi!ibt!ibwf!opu!lfqu!qbdf!xjui!joÒbujpo!boe!opo.ejtdsfujpobsz!dptu!esjwfst GJTDBM!BGGBJST uibu!dpoujovf!up!hspx!cfzpoe!nvojdjqbm!dpouspm< " Tff!bmm Xifsfbt-!fyjtujoh!boe!qspqptfe!tubuf!boe!gfefsbm!nboebuft!sfrvjsf Dbqjubm!Tqfoejoh jowftunfout!cfzpoe!uif!sfbdi!pg!nvojdjqbm!cvehfut!uibu!bsf!tubuvupsjmz!boe qpmjujdbmmz!dpotusbjofe!jo!uifjs!bcjmjuz!up!hfofsbuf!sfwfovft< 100 Xifsfbt-!tvgÑdjfou!boe!sfmjbcmf!tubuf!gvoejoh!up!nvojdjqbmjujft!boe!mpdbm!qvcmjd Gfft!boe!Opo.Uby tdippm!ejtusjdut!jt!b!qjmmbs!pg!tvqqpsu!up!fotvsf!uibu!djujft!boe!upxot!ibwf!uif Sfwfovft dbqbdjuz!up!efmjwfs!ijhi.rvbmjuz!nvojdjqbm!boe!tdippm!tfswjdft!uibu!bsf!fttfoujbm Gjobodjoh!Mpoh.Ufsn up!uif!tvddftt!pg!uif!Dpnnpoxfbmui< Mjbcjmjujft Mpdbm!Bje Xifsfbt-!upebzÉt!jowftunfout!jo!qvcmjd!tdippmt!bsf!b!ejsfdu-!mpoh.sbohf jowftunfou!jo!uif!xfmm.cfjoh!pg!mpdbm!boe!tubuf!fdpopnjft-!boe!befrvbuf!tubuf Puifs!Mpdbm!Ubyft tvqqpsu!up!tdippm!ejtusjdut!jt!fttfoujbm!up!tuvefou!tvddftt< Qspqfsuz!Uby Xifsfbt-!dvssfou!gvoejoh!qsbdujdft!gps!dibsufs!tdippmt!ejwfsu!Dibqufs!81 Tdippm!Gjobodf fevdbujpo!bje!bxbz!gspn!mpdbm!tdippm!ejtusjdut-!fybdfscbujoh!tusfttfe!nvojdjqbm Tubuf!boe!Gfefsbm boe!ejtusjdu!cvehfut< Cvehfut Tubuf!boe!Gfefsbm Xifsfbt-!uif!dptu!pg!ipvtjoh!jt!voefsnjojoh!mpdbm!fdpopnjft!boe!jodsfbtjoh!uif Sfwfovft dptut!pg!qspwjejoh!tfswjdft< NVOJDJQBM!BOE " Xifsfbt-!uif!fyqjsbujpo!pg!ejsfdu!gvoejoh!uispvhi!uif!Bnfsjdbo!Sftdvf!Qmbo!Bdu SFHJPOBM )BSQB*!boe!sfdfou!qpmjdz!dibohft!gps!wbsjpvt!gfefsbm!qsphsbnt!sfrvjsf BENJOJTUSBUJPO nvojdjqbmjujft!up!bekvtu!up!b!ofx!Ñtdbm!sfbmjuz< QFSTPOOFM!BOE " MBCPS!SFMBUJPOT Xifsfbt-!up!fotvsf!uibu!nvojdjqbmjujft!ibwf!uif!Ñtdbm!dbqbdjuz!up!efmjwfs!uif ijhi.rvbmjuz!nvojdjqbm!boe!tdippm!tfswjdft!uibu!bsf!fttfoujbm!up!tvqqpsu!mpdbm QVCMJD!XPSLT- " fdpopnjft!boe!gbnjmjft!jo!fwfsz!dpsofs!pg!uif!Dpnnpoxfbmui-!djujft!boe!upxot USBOTQPSUBUJPO!BOE eftqfsbufmz!offe!bo!befrvbuf!tibsf!pg!tubuf!sfwfovft-!bo!fggfdujwf!boe!gbjs QVCMJD!VUJMJUJFT nvojdjqbm!uby!tztufn-!ofdfttbsz!uppmt!up!qmbo!gps!boe!gvoe!mpoh.ufsn!mjbcjmjujft- tubuf!tvqqpsu!gps!jowftunfout!jo!uif!nvojdjqbm!xpslgpsdf!boe!dbqjubm jowftunfout-!boe!gvmm!gvoejoh!gps!boz!ofx!ps!fyjtujoh!tubuf!nboebuft< Uifsfgpsf-!ju!jt!ifsfcz!sftpmwfe!uibu!uif!nfncfst!pg!uif!Nbttbdivtfuut Nvojdjqbm!Bttpdjbujpo!)NNB*!tvqqpsu!uif!gpmmpxjoh!qpmjdz!qptjujpot!up!fotvsf!b spcvtu!boe!sftjmjfou!qbsuofstijq!cfuxffo!djujft!boe!upxot!boe!uif Dpnnpoxfbmui!jo!psefs!up!gpsujgz!pvs!dpmmfdujwf!xfmm.cfjoh!jo!Gjtdbm!3138!boe uispvhi!bo!fsb!pg!hspxjoh!vodfsubjouz/ Jo!uif!Bsfb!pg!Nvojdjqbm!boe!Tdippm!Bje; 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Sfbejoh!Tfmfdu!Cpbse 107 Yoyonynlynlyomol0 108 From:Haley, Christopherchristopher.haley@readingma.gov Subject:Annual Fiscal Policy Resolution Date:January 23, 2026 at 10:23PM To:dyi@mma.org Cc:Herrick, Karenkaren.herrick@readingma.gov,Kraunelis, Matthewmkraunelis@readingma.gov Hi Daniel, My colleague, Karen Herrick, asked me to reach out to you to see if I would authorize her to cast a vote on behalf of Reading regarding the Annual Fiscal Policy Resolution. Since the resolution mentions supporting the Municipal Empowerment Act, I will have to decline. While I agree municipalities face real ﬁscal pressures, I don’t believe this resolution strikes the right balance between advocating for additional state funding and reinforcing the responsibility of local governments to control costs, modernize operations, and live within voter-approved limits. As a Select Board member, my priority is ensuring taxpayers see discipline and reform before expanded revenue authority. Thank you, Christopher Haley Co-Chair - Reading Select Board Office: 781.604.2539|Cell: 781.604.2539 Christopher.Haley@ci.reading.ma.us Please remember when writing or responding that the Massachusetts Secretary of State has determined that general email is a public record. 109 110 111 112 113 Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2685 Matthew A. Kraunelis, Esq. Town Manager Office:(781) 942-9043 mkraunelis@readingma.gov To: Select Board From: MattKraunelis Date: January 15, 2026 RE:Town Manager Self-Assessment Report As outlined in my contract, I am submitting a written self-assessment following my first full year aspermanentTown Manager. Like last year, this has been a rewarding and challenging year. Below is a listof some of the accomplishments that have been made this year. This is a list of highlights focusing on goals outlinedin my contract, past reviews,and Select Board goalsand does not include everything achieved by our dedicated staffand volunteers. Some of the projects list below were pleased to report on the significant progress that has been made this past year. Accomplishments: Preserved Readings Triple A Bond Rating:This is imperative as we begin to borrow for two commitment to sound financial practices. economic fundamentals, conservative financial management practices, and strong operating performance from the management team as key drivers of the rating.Retainingthe rating while issuing so much debt is a tremendous achievement and not the case for our friends in neighboring communities, ultimately saving Reading taxpayers on interest payments. Killam School Building Process:When I began as Acting Town Manager, the Killam School Building process was just starting to begin in earnest. An Executive Leadership Team was just formed. I am a key member of that team,and we meet frequently to keep the project on track and deal with the daily needs of a project this size. I have attended allthe Killam Building Committee Meetings and most of the public outreach events where I speak broadly, meetwith residents individually,and answer questions. I work closelywiththe(OPM),architectsand building committee members. I have deltdirectly with the MSBA andIapprove all bills and expenditures. Together we metall our milestones. 114 Two very important achievements that happened this year were the successful votes at Town Meeting and at the town-wide election. The hard work that was done leading to these events paid off. If one of these votes had failed, the project would have faced a major setback, if not ended entirely. We have received positive comments from the MSBA about how smoothly the Reading process went, which is a credit to the team and Town and School leadership. Now that the funding is set, the design work is well underway, project bidding will begin in the late spring, with constructionfollowing soon after. Consistent leadership through the completion is imperative to our continued success. Development of A New Center forActive Living:Knowingthis was a top priority for the town, I began marshaling staff and resources for the projectas soon as I took office. I attend and participate in planning and design meetings, permanent building committee meetings and public forums. Site selection was a major part of this process,and I ensured that funding for environmental testing was in placeso that the building could be safely situated on theselected property. Like the Killam Project, key elements of this project moving forward were successful votes at Town Meeting and in the Town-Wide election. Because we as project leaders emphasized organization, communication,and sound financial management, both votes were successful and the project moved ahead. We are now at 100% design, waiting for our bids to come in,construction will begin soon. We are focused not only on constructing a state-of-the-art building but working on a sound programing plan that works for all stakeholders and constituencies. We are also developing plans for what to do with soon to be vacantPleasant Street Center. These will be challenges in the year ahead. Green Communities:Having Reading become a Green Community has been a goal for many years. Because Reading isserved by RMLD, special legislation had to be passed for usto move forward. A vote of Town Meeting also needed to be taken. Even after the vote, a significant amount of work needed to be done to meet state requirements. Finally,after many months of hard work, Reading received itsofficial designation and marked the occasion with a ceremony on the Town Common which was attended by several state and local officials. The work continues, however, as we submit projects to the state for funding approval and discussionsare hadwith stakeholdersto help decide which projects may be eligible for Green Communities funding. Team Building, Selection of Strong Employees:The Select Board made this a priorityin my first contract,and I responded by hiring or promoting Jayne Wellmanas Assistant Town Manager/Ombudsman,Katie GabrielloasDirector of Operationsand JoshuaDelaune,to round out the Communications andOperations team. In DPW, Michael Kessmanwas hired as Assistant DPW Director and became a key member of the team that worked tirelessly on the new 115 Trash and Recycling Contract. In Public ServicesI brought inKevinMcCarthyas Economic Development Planner-to person on Town issues. We alsocreated andhired ,Liv Bartolomei, who has hit the ground running and excelled at both roles. This year presented a major challenge with the retirement of long-time Fire Chief, Greg Burns. I put together a competitive process and assembled a talented hiring committee to meet with each applicant. At the end of that process Rick Nelsonwas selected and unanimously approved by the Select Board. Chief Nelson brings experienceand leadership to the position and has also worked with me to find ways to save money byWith Chief Nelson ascending the ranks, it created an opening for Assistant Fire Chief. After a competitive process, Chief Nelson and I selected veteran Reading Firefighter John Keoghas our next Assistant Chief.Other key positions were filled this year as well such as Civil Engineer,Tax Collector,Health Inspector, across other Departments, top level Department Heads and Managers have been retained, which is not always the case during times of transition. Icontinue toprovide advice, guidance and resources, but do not micromanage. They are an exceptionally talented and experienced group, and Reading is fortunate to have them, as am I. Other Projects, Goals& Initiatives: In addition to theprojects mentioned above, I was able to work on these other important matters, some with the help of our dedicated staffand volunteers: Fully upgraded the A/V system in the Select Board Room for a better meeting experience for Board Members and the Public. Worked closely with residents, the Select Board and State Officials to ensure that the MBTA Turnback Track Proposalwas not constructedat the proposedlocation, which would have been a substantial burden to our residents. Worked for months with RCTV and the Select Board to negotiate and finalize a new Grant Agreement that consideredSelect Board and community concerns. Worked withaReadingcommercialproperty owner to clear administrative hurdlesand enableTrader Joesto open along-awaitedReading location. FinalizedArts & Culture Action Plan and planned installation of Public Art. Worked with Department Heads to find ways to save money in existing budgets, such as changes to Fire Department Fee structure. Conductedsuccessful Annualand SubsequentTown Meetingshighlighted bybudget development and passage. nd Rollout and installation of 2Water Meters for Irrigation.There were 224 second water meters applied for this year.Most have been installed. installed yet are in process and awaiting residentsto complete theplumbing work. 116 Worked with staff and Select Board to lower sewer rates for the first time in years and keep water rates steady, providing savings to Reading rate payers. Secured several grants including a$100K PARCGrant fornew Pickleball Courtsand a $500K MassWorks Grant fortheWalkers Brook Redesign. Supported the effortsof the Community Preservation Act Committee withresourcesand staffas it moves to the November election. Select Board agenda and highlight businesses, volunteers,and employees each meeting. Significate Progress on Birch Meadow Master Plan Phase IIconstruction. Litigation oversightand settlement. Planning, Procurement and Finalize of new Trash and Recycling Contract (First in Ten years). Trash and recycling cartsroll out including purchasing the new carts. new and existing residents. Continued staffing,adviceand supportto the Bylaw Committee. Continued staffing, advice and support to the Charter Review Committee. Planning, designand funding for newPickleball courts on Symonds Way. Planned and executed a successful Select Board Retreat for the first time in many years FY-2027budget development. Professional Development:I remain a member of the Massachusetts Municipal Managers Association (MMMA) and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA)as well asmember in good standing of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association (MMLA). Select Board Goals For FY2026: This past June, the Select Board outlinedadditional goals for FY27. Progress has been made on these goals, which will continue over the next six months: Killam & RECAL Projects:See update above. Select Board Communication Tracking Sheet:I met with theSelect Board Clerk who overseestracking and following up on resident communications. We decidedthat a new tracking sheet was not needed, but we would continue to track issues using Outlook emails and SeeClickFix. RCTV Grant Agreement: A new agreement was negotiated and approved over the course of eight months. We made this a priority and delivered it on time after several long meetings and productive collaboration with Melissa Murphy of the Select Board. Budget tightening:I have instructed department heads that their FY27 budget must be barebones with no new positions and reductions in expenses. Even after the Department Heads submitted their Level One budgets, the CFO and I made further cuts to keep the budget well in line with FINCOM guidance. 117 Improved Communications:We are also seeking ways to improve communications. We have made communicationsa large part of certain staff positions and have enhanced our social media presence to get the word out in several different ways. We recently created a social media & website working group to improve communicationbetween departmentsand with the public. We are planning to develop and release short videos regarding the budget process and the services that we provide. Grantsare constantly being applied for. Some are only a few thousand dollars, but every little bit helps. Significant Grants like the $100K pickleball grant and private donations also continue to be received. Pricing & Developing a Town of Reading App:I Technology Officer on this. We have functionality access to town website via smartphone, but we strive to improve that experience. I have also reached out to a software developer who is working on an app that will integrate events and information of importance to businesses, the Town and residents. We are evaluating whether this app would benefit Reading. Digital Message Board for Town Common: This is not something that is included in the Town Budget, but we continue to seek grant funding to make this a reality. We investigated a State Communications Grant, and we were told it was not a fit, so we will look for other grants. Once funded, we intend to work with Community Development and Historical on the particulars. Challenges: Tightening Budgets:Now that the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds have been fully spent, Reading, like other communities, continues to deal with increasing demands on the municipal budget. Inflation has played a big role in this as well as labor contracts, health care costs,and declining revenue sources. The FY-2027budget is balanced thanks to good planning and an influx of free cash, but our CFO has warned us that the next few years will be leanerand a Proposition 2 ½ override will be required to ensure Reading maintains the level of services its residents expect.We will need to be proactive in our planning and forecasting. New School Superintendent: Sadly, we were informed recently that our School Superintendent is departing Reading at the end of the school year. He has done a fantastic job running the school department and taking a leadership role on the Killam School Project. I will most likely be a member of the search committee and I have pledged my support to the School Department during this transition. Pleasant Street Center: With the RECAL project well underway, the Pleasant Street Center will be vacated. We are working hard within the confines of state procurement laws to find the most appropriate use for the building which meets the needs. 118 New Master Plan: There have been many conversations between the Select Board and CPDC about a new Master Plan for the Town. Because the cost is in the range of $200K, we applied for a grant to help with the cost. We were informed by the state that we did not get the grant this year but will apply again next year and seek other funding sources. Future Opportunities:Manyof our future opportunities are also listed in the Projects & Initiatives section above,but a few are also worth mentioning here. Continued Construction at Birch Meadow.The Birch Meadow area construction is well underway, but we look forward to completion of Phase II and continued development in accordance with the Master Plan. Developmentplans for Eastern Gateway & Walkers Brook Area. We continue to work towards development of these areas which will leadto improved infrastructure, retail development and housing. The plans present an exciting opportunity for the future of Reading Welook forward to the construction and completion New Pickleball Courts.This will put our Symonds Way town land to good use and provide much needed outdoor courts to our pickleball community and residents at large. The success of this project is due to substantial donor efforts and support at town meeting. I look forward to implementing theArts & Culture Action Plan.Reading cannowincrease its cultural assets and engage in more public art and creative placemaking activities which will have a positive effect on our creative economy and tourism efforts. We have some public art projects planned for the spring. Conclusion: In conclusion, the above narrative clearly demonstrates that significant progress has been made, and many goals have been achieved. However, much work still lies ahead. Reading is at a critical juncture with various projects, and it is imperative that we maintain strong and stable leadership to ensure success. I look forward to collaborating closely with the Select Board on the significant opportunities that await us. I also want to acknowledge our dedicated volunteers and town staff. Together, we are all partners in government, and it will be our collective efforts that propel Reading forward in the months and years to come. 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 February 24, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Presentation and Discussion on Pleasant Street Center Status and Future Planning Discuss Snow Shoveling Program 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 Warrant for Annual Town Election and Town Meeting 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 223 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Select Board Vote to Reorganize 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 Discuss and Vote on Arbor Day Proclamation, April 24, 2026 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 & HEARINGCompensation Plan Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes 224 May 26, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting 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 225 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 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 Vote to Close Warrant for September 1, 2026 State Primary Election Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes September 1, 2026State Primary Election September 8, 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 22, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report 226 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 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 HearingClassification Vote to Close Warrant for November 3, 2026 State Election Review 2027 Meeting Schedule Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes November 3, 2026State Election November 9, 2026Town Meeting November 12, 2026Town Meeting November 16, 2026Town Meeting 227 November 17, 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 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 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 226 Possible Regular Business Meeting (If needed) December 15, 2026 227