HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-01 Select Board Minutesode orate r
Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes hh
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: `
Select Board
Date: 2025-11-01 Time: 8:30 AM
Building:
The Merritt Center
Location: Lynnfield, MA
Address:
600 Market Street, 2nd Floor
Session: Open Session
Purpose:
Select Board Retreat
Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy,
Karen Rose -Gillis, Carlo Bacci
Members - Not Present:
Karen Gately Herrick
Others Present:
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Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman,
Facilitator Jeff Nutting, Angela Binds, Taylor Gregory
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Madeleine Baptiste
Topics of Discussion:
Welcome and introductions 8 Role of the Facilitator
Jeff Nutting introduced himself and provided information on his professional experience and purpose for the
day. He further explained that his role is simply to facilitate and not to tell the Board what is in the best interests
of Reading.
What do Members Hove to Accomplish and Barriers to Success
Board Members discussed their hope to incorporate more collaboration, teamwork, and review of Board
protocols and policies to increase productivity in meetings. They discussed the possibility of having a guide for
parliamentary rules. They expressed that respect gamers respect and the need to work together when opinions
differ to reach compromises. Board Members noted that barriers include getting stuck on past events and not
focusing on the present, the need for a more cohesive group dynamic, and struggling to respect each others
points of views in meetings.
Roles and Resvonsibilities
Board Members discussed that the most important jobs of the Board are to hire and evaluate the Town
Manager and to be focused on solving bigger issues facing the Town that only this Board can. They stated that
it is crucial for the Board to have a plan and stay focused on big picture things and not get stuck in smaller
issues.
Goals
Board Members expressed that their goals include finding creative ways to help residents with affordable
housing, bringing awareness to the varying needs of community members, exploring the possibility of
implementing a Water Sewer Rate Advisory Committee, increasing economic activity downtown, and
increasing efforts to make Reading greener with solar, green roof etc.
next Steos
Upcoming events for the Board include reviewing the Town Manager, who's contract expires in June of 2026,
and whether they choose to renew the contract, keep up with the ReCAL project, explore the possibility of a
Master Plan Committee, and continue learning about the plans for the Pleasant Street Center and Eastern
Gateway. Board Members discussed at length a potential override including, staffing levels, budget cuts,
communication on how to hold off an override, and explore more about why and how government is managed.
Board Members ended their discussion by noting that they would like to reaffirm their code of conduct following
this retreat, update their policies, hold more productive meetings, and submit changes to the minutes in
advance. They expressed their appreciation for all the Town's volunteers who do tremendous work for the
various boards, committees, and commissions.
Carlo Bacci moved to adjourn. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and the meeting
adjourned 12:27 pm.
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