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Home My WebLink About2026-05-12 Select Board Packet (PDF) Town of Reading Meeting Posting with Agenda 2018-07-16LAG Board -Committee -Commission -Council: Select Board Date: 2026-05-12Time: 7:00PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda: Purpose:General Business Meeting Called By:Madeleine Baptiste on Behalf of Chair Melissa Murphy 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: Zoom Option:PAGE # Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81390436377 Meeting γD: 813 9043 6377 Dial by your location 7:00 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting 7:05 Public Comment Town Manager Report 7:10 Health Insurance Update MBTA Culverts 7:20 Community Spotlight 7:25Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on Woburn Street Parking Amendments 7:35 Discuss and Vote on Liaison Assignments 7:45 Discuss and Vote on National Public Works Week Resolution 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 Letter to Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission 7:55 (CCC)Regarding Cannabis Reform Law 8:05 Liaison Reports 8:15 Future Agendas Approve Prior Meeting Minutes 8:20 April 6, 2026 April 14, 2026 /kgsk Nks~| J~k ¤: Approve and review for release the minutes 8:25 of the March 24, 2026 and April 6, 2026 Executive Session meetings (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 From:Tirone, Charles To:Wellman, Jayne; MacNichol, Andrew; Percival, Ryan Cc:LaVerde, Jacquelyn; Baptiste, Madeleine Subject:RE: MBTA Culverts Date:Wednesday, May 6, 2026 4:48:52 PM Attachments:Reading Culvert Letter.pdf Hi Jayne, Andrew, Ryan, I spoke again yesterday with Bill Doyle, the civil engineer for the project, and wanted to provide a brief update to the group. Please note that details remain preliminary and may change. At this time, Bill anticipates the work will take approximately three days and provided an overview of how the project is expected to proceed. The current plan is to shut down the rail line on Friday night after the last train and resume service on Sunday once the track has been welded back together. The work may occur during daytime, evening hours, or a combination of both; this has not yet been finalized. The team intends to conduct the work during low- or no-flow stream conditions. However, if the MBTA has a previously scheduled shutdown, they will coordinate this work to coincide with that window. The MBTA plans to access the site from the tracks, excavate down to the existing culvert, remove it, and install the replacement. The first 12–24 inches of bedding around the new pipe will be clean material. Excavated ballast will be staged on rail cars and reused as backfill unless it is determined to contain excessive fines, in which case it will be removed to an off-site facility via tracked rail cars. Bill also noted that access near the Mailett, Sommes & Morgan Conservation area may be needed, as additional work on the existing stone wing wall is anticipated. This will need to be integrated with the precast culvert wing wall, though the exact approach will be determined prior to construction. At this time, it is not expected that the Mailett, Sommes, and Morgan conservation areas will need to be closed for the work. The project team typically includes stream channel cleanup (e.g., removal of fallen trees and obstructions) up to their property limits. We may be able to request additional work beyond that area, provided access is feasible and landowner permission is obtained. According to Bill, sites are consistently restored and stabilized upon completion. The MBTA has agreed to attend the May 27 Conservation Commission meeting. A site visit is currently planned for May 25 at 8:30 AM, though that time is approximate and may change. Our goal is to pursue the largest feasible culvert replacement without triggering Army Corps permitting. Bill is supportive of this approach, and it would be helpful for the Conservation Commission and Town Engineer to be prepared with a list of desired improvements, beyond the culvert installation, either in advance or for discussion during the site walk. While this project may qualify for certain exemptions under the Wetlands Protection Act and the Town of Reading’s bylaw, it is not entirely exempt. The Conservation Commission retains the authority to impose conditions to ensure protection of the stream and associated wetland resource areas. 5 Note that this represents one anticipated approach based on current discussions. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like additional information. Chuck Tirone Conservation Administrator Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 ctirone@ci.reading.ma.us 781.942.6616 My Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 8:00AM - 5:30PM Tues 8:00AM - 7:00PM Town Hall is closed every Friday From: Wellman, Jayne <jwellman@readingma.gov> Sent: Friday, May 1, 2026 2:15 PM To: Tirone, Charles <ctirone@readingma.gov>; MacNichol, Andrew <amacnichol@readingma.gov>; Percival, Ryan <rpercival@readingma.gov> Cc: LaVerde, Jacquelyn <jlaverde@readingma.gov>; Baptiste, Madeleine <mbaptiste@readingma.gov> Subject: RE: MBTA Culverts Thanks Chuck, Maddie, please place this email and letter into the next SB packet under Town Manager reports, with this item listed under the reports. Just as an update to the board with the understanding that the Conservation Commission will be on point here. Thanks, Jayne From: Tirone, Charles <ctirone@readingma.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2026 6:12 PM To: Wellman, Jayne <jwellman@readingma.gov>; MacNichol, Andrew <amacnichol@readingma.gov>; Percival, Ryan <rpercival@readingma.gov> Cc: LaVerde, Jacquelyn <jlaverde@readingma.gov> Subject: MBTA Culverts 6 Hi Jayne, All, Bill Doyle reached out regarding an MBTA project to replace two culverts—one outbound from Willow Street between Plymouth and Dustin Road, and another at MSM along the Aberjona River. Under Section 32 of the Transportation Bond Bill (Chapter 86 of the Acts of 2014), this work is exempt from the Wetlands Protection Act, Chapter 91, and MEPA. While the MBTA is not universally exempt from local wetlands bylaws, culvert projects like this often proceed with limited local jurisdiction. The MBTA will be asked to attend a Commission meeting to discuss the project, which will provide an opportunity to raise comments or suggest conditions. I would like to discuss this at a staff meeting so we are aligned on our approach and any feedback we may want to provide. There may be an opportunity for improvements, such as a larger culvert or additional armoring at the upstream bend. Thank you. Chuck Tirone Conservation Administrator Town of Reading 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 ctirone@ci.reading.ma.us 781.942.6616 My Office Hours: Mon, Wed, Thurs 8:00AM - 5:30PM Tues 8:00AM - 7:00PM Town Hall is closed every Friday 7 C1.0 ENGINEERING & DEVELOPMENT nd 14 Spring Street, 2 Floor Waltham, Massachusetts 02451 781-850-2731 April 27, 2026 Reading Conservation Commission Mr. Charles Tirone 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867 re: Culvert / Bridge repair/replacement Railroad Right of Way, Culvert at MP 12.97 & 13.12 C1.0 #260001 Mr. Tirone, On behalf of Keolis Commuter Services, LLC (Keolis, Operator), C1.0 Engineering & Development, (C1.0), would like to inform the Reading Conservation Commission of work being proposed within the railroad right-of-way (ROW) in Reading, Massachusetts to replace two separate culverts that extend under the tracks. The entirety of the project will replace existing, gravity set concrete and granite culverts that do not meet current Federal Railroad Administration, (FRA) construction standards. Additionally, we understand that the culverts are prone to clogging and restricting flows, which adds to the risk of structural failure from flooding, seepage, and washout; these replacements aim to prevent these emergency situations. The culverts provide hydraulic connection on either side of the raised railroad bed, recent site visits revealed that both culverts have accumulated soils in their respective inverts with water actively flowing through culvert 12.97 while culvert 13.12 did not have water flowing through it. Under Section 32 of the Massachusetts Transportation Bond Bill, chapter 86 of the Acts of 2014, the work proposed is exempt from Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 131, section 40, the Wetlands Protection Act, Chapter 91 and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, (MEPA). The culvert work is located at railroad mile post MP 12.97 and MP 13.12 as indicated on the attached locus plan. The work proposed is for the excavation and replacement of the existing culverts. The work will be entirely within the railroad right-of-way and the ballast and structural grading of the rail and track bed. Access to the work will be via the tracks using purpose specific equipment designed to work from the tracks. Equipment and materials staging will be within track mounted cars or within the right- of-way at remote locations within proximity to the project with access via the right-of-way. Erosion control measures will be employed to control the tracking or flowing of sediments off the project site and protect regulated resource areas. Steel road plates may be used as sheet piling to create coffer dams if needed to work within areas of inundation. Any dewatering that may be required, will employ a filter bag encompassed with straw bales encompassed with an additional filter fabric boundary. 8 C1.0 #260001 Culvert repair/replacement Reading, Massachusetts {9/Lhb ЌЋ Α ağƭƭğĭŷǒƭĻƷƷƭ Transportation Bond Bill Notwithstanding any general or special law to the contrary, section 61 and sections 62A to 62H, inclusive, of chapter 30 of the General Laws, chapter 91 of the General Laws and section 40 of chapter 131 of the General Laws shall not apply to bridge projects of the department of highways and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority for the repair, reconstruction, replacement or demolition of existing state highway bridges and other bridges, including the immediate roadway approaches necessary to connect the bridges to the existing adjacent highway system, in which the design is substantially the functional equivalent of, and in similar alignment to, the structure to be reconstructed or replaced, but said section 61 and said sections 62A to 62H, inclusive of said chapter 30, said chapter 91 and said section 40 of said chapter 131 shall apply to any portions of the bridge and roadway approaches to the crossing of the Charles river for the Central Artery/Tunnel Project. In the case of a state highway or other bridge crossing over a railroad right-of-way or railroad tracks, the department shall seek the opinion of a railroad company, railway company or its assigns operating on the track of a necessary clearance between the track and the state highway bridge, but the department, its agents or contractors may enter upon any right-of-way, land or premises of a railroad company or railway company or its assigns for purposes that the department may consider necessary or convenient to carry out this section. If a flagman is needed to carry out this section, the railroad company or its assigns shall provide the flagman. For the purposes of this section, the word "bridge" shall include any structure spanning and providing passage over water, railroad right-of- way, public or private way, other vehicular facility or other area. The proposed project will require the replacement of existing culverts as general maintenance under Service Agreement 152-12 to meet the performance requirements for structural safety of the railroad ROW. The culverts will be replaced within the same location with the same capacity as they are today. Please call if you have any questions, William Doyle, PE, LEED AP President CC: Ana Pascoal, Keolis Dale McGuire, Keolis Tess Paganelli, MBTA Jeremy Fontaine, MBTA Attachments: Project Locus 2 of 2 9 10 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 on Tuesday, May 12, 2026,at 7:00PM in the Select Board Meeting Room at Town Hall, 16 Lowell Street, Reading, MA or also available remotely on Zoom to act on proposed changes to the following Traffic and Parking Regulations: Amendment Number 2026-1; Amend Article 12.1 -Public Ways Woburn Streetto Repeal:Article 5.2.1: Parking on Woburn Street on the southerly side from the driveway entrance of the municipal parking lot westerly to 84 Woburn St shall be subject to the Downtown Business District Employee Permit Parking Restrictions. Amendment Number 2026-2; Amend Article 12.1 -Public Ways Woburn Streetto Revise Article 5.3: Parking shall be prohibited along the southerly side of Woburn Street between High Street and number 90 Woburn Street inclusive; andEnact: Pursuant to Article 5.3: Parking shall be prohibited along the southerly side of Woburn Street from the driveway entrance of the Brande Court Municipal parking lot westerly to High Street. A copy of the proposed documentsregarding this topic 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 May 12, 2026to townmanager@readingma.gov. By order of Jayne Wellman 13 Town Manager Amendment Number: 2026-1 Date Filed: March 2026 Filed By: Traffic and Safety Officer Michael S. Scouten On Behalf of: Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force Section 1: Purpose of Amendment – Within Article 12 Traffic Rules and Regulations - Amend Article 12.1 - Public Ways – Woburn Street. Section 2: Purpose of Amendment – Repeal Article 5.2.1: Parking on Woburn Street on the southerly side from the driveway entrance of the municipal parking lot westerly to 84 Woburn St shall be subject to the Downtown Business District Employee Permit Parking Restrictions Section3: Effective Date: This act shall take effect upon its passage and the provisions above shall not expire. Select Board: Date Signed: 14 Certification of Amendment: The Town Clerk certifies that Amendment Number____________above was ____________by the Select Board of the Town of Reading through an official vote occurring during a public hearing held on ____________. The Amendment was ____________ through a vote of ____________ in favor and ____________ opposed. Town Clerk Town Corporate Seal 15 _________________________________________________________________________________ Amendment Number:2026-2 Date Filed:March 2026 Filed By: Traffic and Safety OfficerMichael S. Scouten On Behalf of: Parking Traffic Transportation Task Force Section 1: Purpose of Amendment – Within Article 12 Traffic Rules and Regulations - Amend Article 12.1 - Public Ways – Woburn Street. Section 2: Purpose of Amendment – Article 12.1 to Revise Article 5.3: Parking shall be prohibited along the southerly side of Woburn Street between High Street and number 90 Woburn Street inclusive. Section 3: Purpose of Amendment – Article 12.1 to Enact: Pursuant to Article 5.3: Parking shall be prohibited along the southerly side of Woburn Street from the driveway entrance of the Brande Court Municipal parking lot westerly to High Street. Section 4: Effective Date: This act shall take effect upon its passage and the provisions above shall not expire. Select Board: Date Signed: 16 _________________________________________________________________________ Certification of Amendment: The Town Clerk certifies that Amendment Number____________above was ____________by the Select Board of the Town of Reading through an official vote occurring during a public hearing held on ____________. The Amendment was ____________ through a vote of ____________ in favor and ____________ opposed. Town Clerk Town Corporate Seal 17 18 19 Select Board Liaison Assignments ĻŅŅĻĭƷźǝĻ ЎΉЊЌΉЋЏ Projects & Ad Hocs#Public Services#Current CPA Study Committee1Karen HCommunity Services Killam School1ChrisCouncil on Aging & MVES1 or 2Karen H & Sal Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee1Karen R-GBoard of Health1 or 2Melissa & Sal Affordable Housing Trust1Karen R-GRecreation Committee1 or 2Sal & Karen R-G Cust. of Soldiers & Sailors Graves1Sal Administrative Services#Community Development Select Board VASC2Karen R-G & SalMAPC1Karen H School Committee2Chris & MelissaCPDC1 or 2Melissa & Sal Regional School District1ChrisZoning Board of Appeals1 or 2Melissa RMLD Commissioners & CAB1Sal and Karen HHistorical1 or 2Sal & Karen R-G Bylaw Committee1MelissaHistoric District Commission1Chris Finance Committee2Melissa & Karen HConservation Commission1Chris RCTV Board of Directors1MelissaReading Housing Authority2Karen H & Karen R-G Cultural Council1Karen H Public Safety Climate Advisory 1Karen HPublic Safety & Coalition1 or 2Chris & Melissa Reading Ice Arena Authority2Chris & Sal Facilities Celebration Committee1ChrisPermanent Building Committee1 or 2Karen H & Sal Animal Controls Appeal Comm.1Sal Public Library Moderator & TM Rules Committee1SalLibrary Trustees1 or 2Karen H & Chris Board of Registrars1Melissa(PAIR) Partners and Allies for Inclusive Reading 1Karen R-G Commission on Disabilities 1Karen R-G FinancePublic Works Audit Committee1ChrisPublic Works department1Karen H Board of Assessors1Karen R-GBoard of Cemetery Trustees1Chris Retirement Board1MelissaTrails Committee1Karen H Commissioners of Trust Funds1ChrisTown Forest Committee1Karen R-G Veterans Memorial Trust Fund Comm.1Karen H New Requests Reading Food PantryKaren R-G 20 21 6 officials __ 202 s ____ , Department 3 ork 2 W orks epartment is May W and to recognize D , Vice Chair to ublic , Member our resident P 7 orks ublic 1 of W Gillis - the P May part ) ublic of Sal Bramante our P Karen Rose , Member __________________________________________________ the week services to this community resolve ______ but often unnoticed orks ( by W make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and here , Secretary personnel who staff Christopher Haley ublic , Chair do_________________________ P SELECT BOARD OF READING is vital to the efficient operation of are an integral quality and we call upon all residents and civic organizations to acquaint and employees is vitally dependent upon the efforts and skill of this community depends on these facilities and services; and first responder of Melissa Murphy Reading Karen Gately Herrick services __________________________________________________ RESOLUTION ewer; and orks officials residents W and S ; the Town of ublic P in ater W rstanding and informed residents ; and unde of Forestry; Board of the Town of Reading, Massachusetts orks services provided in our community W Select Public Works Week NATIONAL PUBLIC WORKS WEEK ublic he support he health, safety and comfort of he quality and effectiveness of thesehe efficiency of the qualified and dedicated he contributions which Plives; andtin the areas of Administrative Services; Engineering; Highway and Equipment Maintenance; Stormwater; Parks andCemetery;ttand employeestthe asthemselves with the issues involved in providing tquality of life. , Whereas, Whereas, Whereas, Whereas, Whereas, Now, therefore, we Phone: (781) 942-9001 Town of Reading Fax: (781) 942-9071 Website: www.readingma.gov 16 Lowell Street Reading, MA 01867-2683 TO: Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) FROM: Reading Select Board, Reading MA DATE: May 13, 2026 RE: Request for Two-Year Waiver to Prohibit Limited Cannabis Delivery 1. Statement of Eligibility In accordance with Section 25 of and CCC Bulletin No. 2, the Town of Reading hereby certifies that it does not authorize the operation of retail Marijuana Establishments within its borders as of the date of this request. 2. Request for Waiver The Town of Reading formally requests a two-year waiver from the Commission to prohibit the limited delivery of marijuana and marijuana products to consumers within our municipal jurisdiction. This prohibition applies strictly to adult-use (recreational) delivery and does not affect the delivery of medical marijuana to registered patients, as mandated by the Reading. 3. Active Prohibition Status The Town currently maintains an active ban on marijuana establishments through Section 5.6.4 of our Zoning Bylaw, originally adopted by Reading Voters on April 4, 2017, and Town Meeting on April 24, 2017. The municipality intends to maintain this prohibition for the duration of the waiver period. 4. Attestation As the Reading Select Board, we attest that the information provided is accurate and that this request is made in compliance with the procedural requirements set forth by the Commission and the Massachusetts General Laws. 5. Waiver Duration and Renewal We acknowledge that this waiver is valid for a period of two (2) years from the date of Commission approval. We further understand that the municipality must track this period and submit a subsequent request for extension if it wishes to continue the prohibition beyond the initial two-year term. Sincerely, The Reading Select Board SELECT BOARD OF READING _________________________ _________________________ Melissa Murphy, Chair Karen Rose-Gillis, Vice Chair _________________________ ___________________________ ___________________________ Karen Gately Herrick, Secretary Sal Bramante, Member Christopher Haley, Member 22 May 20, 2026 Attend Finance Committee Financial Forum 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 Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on Early Opening of 273 Salem Street and Dunkin Donuts HEARING 110 Main Street Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on New Annual All-Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for Bean & Barrel LLC, d/b/a Bean & Barrel, located at Public Hearing 45 High Street, Reading MA, 01867 Public Hearing: Discuss and Vote on FY27 Non-Union Classification & HEARING Compensation Plan Discuss and Vote on Public Comment Practices Discuss Mattera Cabin 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 15 mins Eagle Scout Recognition Juneteenth Resolution 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) 23 Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss and Vote on FY26 Water, Public Hearing Sewer, and Storm Water Rates Discuss and Vote on Appointments of Boards & Committees Select Board Liaison Reports Future Agendas Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes July 14, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report Community Spotlight Discuss Select Board Goals 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 Discuss Town Manager Goals 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 24 September 22, 2026 Pledge of Allegiance Overview of Meeting Public Comment (for any items not included on the agenda) Town Manager Report 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 Hearing Classification 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 25 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 Possible Regular Business Meeting (If needed) December 15, 2026 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35