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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-04-14 Select Board Minutes� ra Town of Reading 5 Meeting Minutes PC Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Select Board Date: 2026-04-14 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: Chair Melissa Murphy, Vice Chair Karen Rose -Gillis, Secretary Karen Gately Herrick (Remote), Sal Bramante, Chris Haley Members - Not Present: Others Present: Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Human Resources Director Sean Donahue, CFO/Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom, Kendra Cooper, Bruce Cooper, Karen Janowski, Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol (Remote), Town Clerk Laura Gemme (Remote), Executive Assistant Jackie LaVerde (Remote), Senior Computer Technician Tim Johnson (Remote), RCN Studios (Remote), Kate Harrington (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. Chris Haley called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and provided a brief overview of the evening's agenda. Public Comment (For any items not included on the aaenda) Kendra Cooper of Covey Hill Road expressed concern with new Board of Health regulations regarding feeding wildlife and believed there could have been more communication before enforcement happened. Bruce Cooper of Covey Hill Road expressed his thoughts that there should have been more communication about the new Board of Health regulations to raise public awareness. Karen Gately Herrick thanked Town Staff and Election Workers for their hard work in election efforts. Ms. Herrick also noted that she was happy to be re-elected. Chris Haley thanked all the candidates who ran this year and for putting in their time and effort. He thanked Tony D'Arezzo for running and Carlo Bacci for his six years of service to the Select Board. He noted there is a new Select Board Member Sal Bramante and thanked Karen Gately Herrick for her service on the Board and noted her re-election. Lastly, he thanked Ms. Wellman for her service as newly appointed Town Manager. Sal Bramante thanked everyone for their support and for all those who ran in this election. Select Board Vote to Reorganize Town Manager Jayne Wellman opened the Floor for nominations for Chair. Chris Haley nominated Melissa Murphy for Chair, which was seconded by Sal Bramante. Karen Gately Herrick nominated Karen Rose -Gillis for Chair, which was seconded by Sal Bramante. Page 1 1 Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close nominations for Chair, which was seconded by Melissa Murphy. Roll Call Vote to Close Nominations for Chair: Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Melissa Murphy —Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes Roll Call Vote for Chair: Karen Gately Herrick— Karen Rose -Gillis, Sal Bramante — Melissa Murphy, Chris Haley — Melissa Murphy, Melissa Murphy — Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose -Gillis — Karen Rose -Gillis By a vote of 3-2, Melissa Murphy was voted the new Chair. Chris Haley stated that he wanted the Board to do an acclimation motion of support for Ms. Murphy as Chair so that the Board's vote is in unison for Chair. Chris Haley moved for an acclimation vote for Melissa Murphy as chair. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Chair Melissa Murphy opened the Floor for nominations for Vice Chair. Sal Bramante nominated Karen Rose -Gillis for Vice Chair, which was seconded by Melissa Murphy. There were no further nominations. Roll Call Vote for Karen Rose -Gillis as Vice Chair: Karen Gately Herrick —Yes, Sal Bramante— Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes By a vote of 5-0, Karen Rose -Gillis was voted the new Vice Chair. Chair Melissa Murphy opened the Floor for nominations for Secretary. Chris Haley nominated Karen Gately Herrick for Secretary, which was seconded by Sal Bramante. Karen Rose -Gillis nominated Sal Bramante for Secretary, which was seconded by Melissa Murphy. Sal Bramante declined the nomination for Secretary. Roll Call Vote for Karen Gately Herrick as Secretary: Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes By a vote of 5-0, Karen Gately Herrick was voted the new Secretary. Town Manager Report Town Manager Jayne Wellman congratulated Ms. Gately Herrick on her re-election and welcomed Mr. Bramante to the Board. Ms. Wellman noted that she signed a five-year contract with Republic Services last week and that Town Staff are working with vendors to discuss the logistics of automated collection that is scheduled to begin in July 2026. She stated that she, along with members of Town Staff, visited the new municipal recycling facility in Peabody. She participated in serving lunch at the Killam School with Deputy Chief of Police, Christine Amendola, and other Reading Police Officers. Ms. Wellman attended the pre -bid site walk for the Killam School Project and shared photos with the Board of the current state of the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) and Pickleball sites. On Monday, she participated in the YMCA's meet and greet along with Melissa Murphy, Chief of Police David Clark, and Assistant Fire Chief John Keogh. Ms. Wellman thanked John Feudo and the YMCA for hosting this event. There will be an information session for the Property Tax Worker Abatement Program held at the Pleasant Street Center on April 21, from 1:30 pm — 2:30 pm, for anyone interested in joining. Ms. Wellman recorded her first podcast episode at RCTV Studios. The working title of the podcast is "Reading Between the Lines" and episodes will be short, unscripted conversations of things going on in local government. She thanked Angela Merrill and Rob Moore of RCTV for their help in this. Lastly, Ms. Wellman stated that she will hold Office Hours for the public at both Town Hall and the Pleasant Street Center. The hours at Town Hall will be the last Thursday of every month and the dates for the hours at the Pleasant Street Center are schedule for April 21, May 19, and June 16, from 1:30 pm —2:30 pm. Community Sootlfaht Town Manager Jayne Wellman spotlighted a resident named Eileen Barrett. Ms. Barrett organizes and manages the rotating art exhibit in Town Hall. Ms. Wellman noted that Ms. Barrett has been displaying art in Town Hall for nearly four years and her 6"' exhibit is currently displayed in Town Hall. Ms. Wellman thanked her for her work and all the artists who participate. Page 1 2 Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted that this is an effort to streamline the VASC process and have clear deadlines throughout the year to make scheduling and interviewing easier on volunteer applicants and Town Staff. The schedule outlined three application and interview periods per year. The Board agreed that this is a great idea and having clear deadlines is important. Executive Assistant Jackie LaVerde noted that she plans to put the deadline schedule graphic on the Town website, the Volunteer pages, and VASC page. She noted that she is also working on a digital application in efforts to further streamline the process. Melissa Murphy noted that she will pause the practice of allowing public comment after each agenda item until the Board has a chance to discuss their thoughts on it going forward. Karen Gately Herrick moved that the Board approve the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee Application Deadline Schedule, as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 6-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Discuss and Vote on Arbor Day Proclamation. APHI 20, 2026 Karen Gately Herrick read the Arbor Day Proclamation. Karen Gately Herrick moved that the Board proclaim April 24, 2026, as Arbor Day in the Town of Reading. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 6- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Ms. Wellman noted that there will be a Tree Planting in honor of Arbor Day with Noresco. She said that she will share specifics of this event. Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted that the Town received a $100,000 PARC Grant, and accepting the grant would require separating a parcel of land to be kept in perpetuity for recreational use, along with a portion of parking space to go with it. She noted that this still needs to go before Town Meeting after the Board votes. Community Development Director Andrew MacNichol further stated additional conditions include any future changes to the property would require approval through the Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the land must be publicly accessible with parking included to Reading and Non -Reading residents. Mr. MacNichol noted that the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) endorsed the subdivision plan at their Monday night meeting. Karen Gately Herrick moved to find that an approximately 1.1acre portion of 0 E of Haverhill Street, as shown on the Definitive Subdivision Plotting Plan dated March 20, 2026, is surplus to general municipal purposes and available for dedication by Town Meeting as recreational land; and further to authorize the Town Manager to execute a grant agreement with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts under the Parkland Acquisitions and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Grant Program relative to such parcel. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of S.D. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Discuss Liaison Assignments The Board reviewed the current list of liaison assignments and discussed their preferences. Ms. Murphy said she will compile a new list in coordination with Town Manager's Office staff, and the Board will finalize liaison assignments at their next meeting. Discuss and Vote on Board Ethics and Protocols and Sianina N, I Melissa Murphy noted that she thinks it is important for all new Board members when they join to look at and agree to this document. She noted that if Board Members had proposed changes, they could talk about them in depth at the retreat. This document is available on the Select Board's page on the Town website. Board Members agreed that it is good to look at this document annually. Karen Gately Herrick moved that the Board acknowledge and sign the Select Board Ethics and Protocols, as presented. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Discuss 2026 Select Board Retreat Agenda Town Manager Jayne Wellman noted that she reserved May 2, 2026, for the Board's retreat to be held at the Merritt Center in Lynnfield. She also stated that she would like to have a discussion regarding FY28 on the retreat agenda and some form of goal setting. Ms. Wellman noted she was seeking input from Board Members on what they think would be beneficial to discuss. Board Members agreed that a discussion on FY28 was an important agenda topic. They also suggested including agenda items such as discussing Board policies and social media policies, communication, an icebreaker to get to know Board Members better, and discussion on how to gain involvement from a greater number of residents. Ms. Gately Herrick asked about the possibility of incorporating a Zoom component and having the retreat be a hybrid meeting. Ms. Wellman said she will inquire about the Zoom capabilities at the Merritt Center and will do what she can to make it possible. Ms. Murphy suggested that Board Members look at the Select Board Policies ahead of the retreat and if anyone has any suggestions or changes, they can be prepared to discuss them at that time. Liaison Reports Karen Rose -Gillis attended several meetings including the Council on Aging, Town Forest Committee, the virtual public hearing for the 1-95 improvement project, the first meeting of the valet parking working group with Town Staff, Police and Fire Departments, and a meeting with store owners regarding the upcoming Haven Street project. She also attended the Women in Leadership conference hosted by the Office of Equity and Social Justice at the Reading Public Library and thanked Director of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless. Ms. Rose -Gillis thanked Town Clerk Laura Gemme, Town Clerk's Office Staff, and volunteers for a well -run election. She concluded by noting that she is attending a seminar tomorrow by the MMA on the Top Ten Wishlist of the Intemal Customer. Chris Haley attended the 1-95 improvement project virtual public hearing and the Commissioners of Trust Funds Meeting. He thanked everyone involved in the election and Ms. Gemme for conducting efficient and secure elections. He reminded the Board and the public that Aprilfest is scheduled for Thursday, April 16' . Karen Gately Herrick attended various meetings and events including a Council on Aging meeting, Library Board of Trustees meeting, the English Learner Program at the Reading Public Library, RCTV Open House, the Women Elected Municipal Officials (WEMO) Leadership Conference in Sturbridge, and a Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Energy and Environmental Policy Committee Meeting. She also participated in a Good Friday prayer walk hosted by the downtown churches. She noted that upcoming events include the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee (ACE) event in May, the Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading (PAIR) will be relaunching in June, and the Commission on Disabilities will hold their first meeting on April 23id. Melissa Murphy attended several meetings including the RCN Board of Directors, School Committee, the virtual public hearing for the 1-95 improvement project, and a meeting with Andrew MacNichol and Senior Planners Olivia Knightly and Kevin McCarthy to discuss the Eastern Gateway project. She also participated in the WEMO Leadership Conference in Sturbridge and the YMCA Meet and Greet with Chief Keogh, Chief Clark, and Ms. Wellman. Lastly, Ms. Murphy congratulated Mr. Bramante and Ms. Gately Herrick on their election and re - Page 14 election to the Board and thanked Carlo Bacci for his six years of service to the Select Board and for all he did for the Board. Future Agendas Future Agendas include a preview of the FY27 Water and Sewer Rates and a National Public Works Week Proclamation. Discuss and Vote on Prior Meeting Minutes Board Members did not have any changes to the draft meeting minutes. Karen Gately Herrick moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 10. 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 5- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Sal Bramante —Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Karen Gately Herrick moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 23, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 5- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal BramaMe — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Karen Gately Herrick moved to approve the meeting minutes of March 24, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 5- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Karen Gately Herrick moved to enter into executive session under General Law Chapter 30A, Section 21(a)(3) for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining with all bargaining units pursuant to the Public Employee Committee agreement, because an open session would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Board, as declared by the Chair, to invite the Town Manager, the Finance Director, the Human Resources Director, and the Executive Assistant to the Town Manager and Select Board into the meeting, and to return to open session to continue on with this topic. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 6.0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis— Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes The Board returned to Open Session at 9:02. Ms. Murphy noted that the Board had a positive discussion and that they look forward to ratification. The Board plans to have an update at the next Select Board meeting. Chris Haley moved to adjourn at 9:03 PM. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Gately Herrick — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes, Chris Haley — Yes, Sal Bramante — Yes, Melissa Murphy — Yes Page 1 5