HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-09-08 Select Board Packet
Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
2018-07-16LAG
Board -Committee -Commission -Council:
Select Board
Date: 2026-09-08Time: 7:00PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Select Board Meeting Room
Address: 16 Lowell StreetAgenda:
Purpose:General Business
Meeting Called By:Jacquelyn LaVerdeon behalf of Chair Melissa Murphy
Notices and agendas are to be posted 48 hours in advanceof 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:
\\~~{ Bs~|¯PAGE
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Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87342291583
Meeting ID: 873 4229 1583
¤¯Pledge of Allegiance
Overview of Meeting
¤¯¢Public Comment
¤¯¢Town Manager Report
¤¯Community Spotlight
Consent Agenda
Surplus Vehicles
¤¯¢
Prior Meeting Minutes
o July 28, 2026
o August 4, 2026
¤¯ Discuss and Vote to ConfirmAppointment of Police Chief
¤¯¢Proclamation for 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001
¤¯¢¢Reading Little League Recognition
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.
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Town of Reading
Meeting Posting with Agenda
Discuss and Vote on Policy for the Naming of Town-Owned Facilities and
¥¯¢
Properties
¥¯¢Override Discussion
¥¯¢Select Board Liaison Reports
¥¯ Future Agendas
/kgsk Nks~|¯Purpose 1: Review and Respond to Open Meeting Law
Complaint filed by Angela Binda against Select Board Chair Melissa Murphy
¥¯ ¢August 18, 2026; and Open Meeting Law Complaint filed by Angela Binda
against Select Board Chair Melissa Murphy and Member Chris Haley August
31, 2026
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.
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Jayne Wellman
Town of Reading
Town Manager
16 Lowell Street
Office: (781) 942-9043
Reading, MA 01867-2685
jwellman@readingma.gov
MEMORANDUM
To: Reading Select Board
From: Jayne Wellman, Town Manager
Date: September 4, 2026
Subject: Request for Confirmation Vote Appointment of Christine M. Amendola as Chief of
Police
Purpose
The purpose of this memorandum is to formally request that the Select Board take a
confirmation vote appointing Deputy Chief Christine M. Amendola as the next Chief of Police
for the Town of Reading, following the retirement of Chief David Clark in the spring of 2027.
Background
Deputy Chief Amendola has served the Reading Police Department for over twenty years in a
wide range of roles, including Patrol Officer, Patrol Sergeant/Shift Supervisor, Traffic and
Safety Officer, Support Services Lieutenant, and Deputy Chief of Police for more than five
years. Her extensive operational, supervisory, and administrative experience has provided her
with a comprehensive understanding of departmental needs, community expectations, and
municipal operations.
Her professional background also includes significant military service. Deputy Chief Amendola
is a combat veteran, having deployed to Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan over the course of her
12-year career in the U.S. Army Reserve. She attained the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as
a Detachment First Sergeant in Afghanistan, overseeing 65 Military Police Officers and 18
Military Working Dog Teams. Her military commendations include the Bronze Star Medal for
Leadership, the Combat Action Badge, multiple Army commendations and achievement
medals, and several leadership awards recognizing exemplary service. Her military experience
has deeply shaped her leadership philosophy, emphasizing accountability, preparedness,
composure under pressure, and unwavering commitment to those she leads.
Deputy Chief Amendola also serves in statewide leadership roles
standing within the Commonwealth. She serves as one of fifteen voting members of the
Massachusetts Municipal Police Training Committee (MPTC), representing the Massachusetts
Association of Women in Policing, where she contributes to statewide training standards. She
also serves on the Massachusetts Accreditation Training Committee, is a certified
Accreditation Assessor, and evaluates promotional assessment centers for police agencies
throughout Massachusetts. These positions reflect her professional reputation across the
Commonwealth and her commitment to advancing policing standards statewide.
Her professional record reflects significant achievements in training, accreditation, internal
affairs, emergency management, and organizational leadership, making her exceptionally well
qualified to assume command of the Reading Police Department.
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Recommendation
In recognition of her extensive qualifications, leadership experience, and service to the
community, I recommend that the Select Board confirm my appointment of Christine M.
Amendola as the next Chief of Police for the Town of Reading.
To ensure continuity and stability in departmental leadership, Deputy Chief Amendola will
begin serving as Acting Chief of Police on Tuesday, March 18, 2027
confirmation vote, she will assume the full authority of Chief of Police on Monday, May 10,
2027.
Requested Action
I respectfully request that the Select Board vote to confirm my appointment of Deputy Chief
Christine M. Amendola as Chief of Police, effective May 10, 2027. Attached please find Deputy
related documentation of achievements and
certifications.
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PROCLAMATION
IN HONOR OF THE 25THANNIVERSARY OF
SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Whereas, September 11, 2001, remains a day etched in the hearts and
memories of our nation; and
Whereas, on that day, countless innocent lives were lost, families were forever
changed, and communities across our country came together in
grief, courage, and compassion; and
Whereas, we remember the victims, including Reading’s own Kevin
McCarthy, and honor their lives, while recognizing the
extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the first responders,
firefighters, police officers, emergency workers, and ordinary
citizens who helped others in the face of unimaginable
circumstances; and
Whereas, the passage of time does not diminish the importance of
remembering those we lost or the families and loved ones who
continue to carry their memory; and
Whereas, September 11 reminds us of the strength found in compassion, unity,
service, and our commitment to care for one another;
Now, therefore, we, the Select Board of the Town of Reading, pause to remember those
who were lost on September 11, honor those who served and
sacrificed, and stand together in reflection, gratitude, and
remembrance.
May we never forget.
SELECT BOARD OF READING
Melissa Murphy, Chair Karen Rose-Gillis, Vice Chair
Karen Gately Herrick, SecretarySalvatore Bramante, Member
Christopher Haley, Member
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Select Board
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Christopher Haley, Member
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Gillis, Vice Chair
-
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awarded to
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Karen Rose
By the Reading
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Sal Bramante, Member
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September
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momentous, as this is the first little league team in
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Melissa Murphy, Chair
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a
__________________________
Certificate of Recognition
their East Region Little League Championship
This Certificate is h
Herrick, Secretary
.
Given this
_________________________
Karen Gately
This achievement is
ecognition of
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In r202Championship
TOWN OF READING:
Policy for the Naming of Town-Owned Facilities and Properties
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a fair, consistent, and transparent process for the
naming of Town-owned facilities and properties. Naming a Town asset is one of the highest
forms of recognition the Town can grant upon an individual or organization and should be
reserved for those whose contributions have had a lasting and significant impact on the Town of
Reading.
This policy is intended to ensure that all naming requests are evaluated using consistent criteria
while providing opportunities for public input prior to any final decision.
This Policy is meant to serve as a guide to those persons seeking to name or rename a public
discretion based on relevant facts and circumstances. The Town considers the names of public
assets a form of government speech of the Town itself. As such, there shall be no entitlement of
any kind to dictate which names the Select Board may choose at any time, or its decision to
decline to use a certain name, or to change the name of a public asset.
2. Applicability
This policy applies to all Town-owned facilities and properties, excluding school and library
buildings and facilities,unless otherwise authorized through a joint agreement with the School
Departmentor the Board of Library Trustees, as applicable.
Facilities eligible for naming include, but are not limited to, Town buildings, interior rooms,
parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, pathways, trails, pavilions, open spaces,historical
buildingsand similar public facilities.
3. Criteria
In deciding the appropriateness of any naming or renaming proposal, the Select Board shall
consider the following:
A.The significant value of the public asset;
B.The public interest to be served;
C.Any historic events, people, or places associated with the public asset;
D.Any outstanding individual associated with the public asset;
E.Any major gift associated with the public asset;
F.Whether the naming proposal is for a time certain;
G.Whether a naming agreement or other documentation is appropriate or necessary; and
H.Whether adopting the proposed name will preclude the Town from taking advantage of
capital budgets;
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I.Any costs associated with the renaming that are to be borne by the Town;
J.Any other assets named, or currently being considered for naming, by the Board;
K.Whether conditions or limitations should be placed on the maintenance or use of the
public asset as a result of the naming or renaming;and
L.Compliance with state laws, town bylaws, regulations, or policies.
In any event, names shall be chosen in a manner that avoids duplication, confusing similarity, or
of naming a public asset after said individual.
4. Guidelines
In considering the naming of any public asset, the Board may consider the following guidelines:
A.Property may be named in honor of an individual or organization, including current or
former Town employees, volunteers, elected or appointed officials, board and committee
members, educators, community leaders, civic organizations, donors, or other persons or
entities that have demonstrated exceptional service to or support of the Town. Such
service or contributions must have had a substantial, lasting, and measurable impact on
the Town and its residents.
B.Length of service alone shall not constitute sufficient justification for naming recognition.
Rather, nominations shall be evaluated based upon the overall significance of an
individual's or organization's contributions, leadership, integrity, and lasting legacy
within the Town.
C.Preference may be given to nominees whose contributions have a direct relationship to
the facility or property proposed for naming.
D.Inclusion of some names necessarily means the exclusion of others. The Select Board
decisions and retains absolute discretion to make all naming decisions.
5. Nomination Process
Requests for naming consideration shall be submitted through the formal application process
established by the Select Board. Naming applications shall be available on the Town's website
and submitted to the Town Manager's Office.Applications may be submitted by Reading
residents, Town employees, Town boards or committees, recognized Town organizations, or
other individuals or groups with a demonstrated connection to the Town.The application shall
identify the proposed name and the Town-owned facility or property to be named, provide a
detailed description of the nominee's contributions, explain how the nomination satisfies the
criteria established in this policy, and include any supporting documentation the applicant
believes is relevant to the nomination.
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Upon receipt, the Town Managers Office shall reviewthe applicationfor completenessbefore
advancing it tothe review process.
If a naming request is not approved by the Select Board, the same individual, organization, or
proposed name may not be resubmitted for consideration for a period of five (5) years, unless
significant new information or circumstances are presented that substantially strengthen the
nomination.
6. Review Process
The review process shall be as follows:
A.Upon receipt of a naming application, the Town Managers Office shall forward the
application to the appropriate Town departmentfor review by the appropriateboardor
committee charged withthecare, custody or control of the assetbased on the facility or
property being nominated.
B.The appropriate Town staff shall conduct an initial administrative review to verify that
the application is complete, all required information has been provided, and the
submission meets the requirements of this policy. If additional information is needed,the
applicant shall be notified and given the opportunity to supplement the application.
C.Once the application has been determined to be complete, Town staff shall forward it to
the chair(s)of the appropriate advisory committee(s)as determined by the Town
Manager.
D.Within thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete application, the appropriate advisory
committee shall review the nomination and may discuss its merits and receive public
comment. Following its review, the committee shall vote to recommend either favorable
or unfavorable consideration. Regardless of the committees recommendation, all
completed applications shall be forwarded to the Town Managers Office for submission
to the Naming Review Committee.
E.Within ninety (90) days of receiving the nomination from the Town Managers Office,
the Naming Review Committee shall schedule and publicly post a public hearing to
review the application, receive public comment, and vote whether to forward the
nomination to the Select Board with either a favorable or unfavorable recommendation.
All nominations, regardless of whether they receive a favorable or unfavorable
recommendation from the Naming Review Committee, shall be forwarded to the Select
Board for consideration.
F.Within (60) days of the Naming Review Policy Committee recommendation, the Select
Board may, but shall not be required to, hold apublic hearing to approve, deny, or return
a nomination for additional review or information.
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7. Forming of the Naming Policy Committee
The Naming Policy Committee shall be established by the Select Boardandshall consist of
seven (5) members comprised of:one (1) member or designee of the Recreation Committee, one
(1) member or designee of the Conservation Commission, one (1) member or designee of the
Historical Commission, one (1) member or designee of the Council on Aging,andone (1)
member or designee of the Community Planning and Development Commission.
8.Public Participation/Comment & Notification Process
Notice of any public hearing held under this policy shall bepostedon the Towns website and on
the applicable meeting agendasat least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.
The public shall have the opportunity to provide comment throughout the naming process,
including at meetings of the Naming Review Committeeand the Select Board meeting at which
the final decision is considered.
9.Approval
Upon approval, the appropriate Town department shall coordinate implementation of the
naming, including the installation of signage, public recognition, dedication ceremonies, and any
related administrative actions.
All costs associated with the approved naming, including but not limited to signage, plaques,
memorial markers, or other commemorative features, shall be the responsibility of the
nominating individual or organization, which may include, but is not limitedto, family members,
nonprofit organizations, youth organizations, or private donors.
The design, content, size, location, and installation of all signage, plaques, memorial markers,
and other commemorative features shall be subject to the review and approval of the Town
Manager's Office and the appropriate Town department to ensure consistency with Town
standards, policies, and aesthetic guidelines.
10. Conditions on Naming
A.There shall be a presumption, but not a requirement, of a twenty-year term on any
naming decision. At the end of the term, the asset name will revert to the Town, unless
the Select Board votes torenew the current name for another time interval; or rename the
assetin accordance with the process outlined herein.
B.If an asset is named due to a major donation, bequest, or sponsorship, the above-
presumed term limit shall not apply, and the length of naming rights shall be determined
by the donor agreement that accompanies said donation, bequest, or sponsorship.
C.
bequest, or sponsorship alongside the honorary name.
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11. Renaming or Removal of a Name
The Town recognizes that circumstances may arise that warrant reconsideration of a previously
approved naming designation.
A request to rename or remove the name of a Town-owned facility or property may be
considered when substantial evidence demonstrates that continued recognition no longer serves
the best interests of the Town. Such circumstances may include actions or information that
significantly conflict with the Towns values, materially diminish the legacy of the individual or
organization being honored, or otherwise create a compelling public interest for reconsideration.
There shall be a presumption against renaming existing facilities unless a compelling public
reason exists.
Requests for renaming or removal shall follow substantially the same review, public hearing, and
approval process established for original naming requests.
Applicantsshall have no rights in the name of the public asset and shall recognize,as part of the
application process, tdonor
agreement exists, such donor agreement shall control.
12. Administrative Authority
Towndepartmentsmay develop administrative procedures, application forms, timelines, and
supporting documentation necessary to implement this policy. Such procedures shall be
consistent with the intent and requirements of this policy and may be amended administratively
as needed without requiring revisions to the policy itself.
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TOWN OF READING:
Policy for the Naming of Town-Owned Facilities and Properties
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to establish a fair, consistent, and transparent process for the
naming of Town-owned facilities and properties. Naming a Town asset is one of the highest
forms of recognition the Town can grant upon an individual or organization and should be
reserved for those whose contributions have had a lasting and significant impact on the Town of
Reading.
This policy is intended to ensure that all naming requests are evaluated using consistent criteria
while providing opportunities for public input prior to any final decision.
This Policy is meant to serve as a guide to those persons seeking to name or rename a public
discretion based on relevant facts and circumstances. The Town considers the names of public
assets a form of government speech of the Town itself. As such, there shall be no entitlement of
any kind to dictate which names the Select Board may choose at any time, or its decision to
decline to use a certain name, or to change the name of a public asset.
2. Applicability
This policy applies to all Town-owned facilities and properties, excluding school and library
buildings and school-owned facilities, unless otherwise authorized through a joint agreement
with the School Department .or the Board of Library Trustees, as applicable.
Jim Sullivan: All in agreement to exclude Library Properties under control of the Library Board
of Trustees, unless otherwise authorized by them, similar to language from schools?
Facilities eligible for naming include, but are not limited to, Town buildings, interior rooms,
parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, courts, pathways, trails, pavilions, open spaces, historical
buildings and similar public facilities.
3. EligibilityCriteria
In deciding the appropriateness of any naming or renaming proposal, the Select Board shall
consider the following:
A. Naming consideration may be given to The significant value of the public asset;
B. The public interest to be served;
C. Any historic events, people, or places associated with the public asset;
D. Any outstanding individual associated with the public asset;
E.Any major gift associated with the public asset;
F. Whether the naming proposal is for a time certain;
G. Whether a naming agreement or other documentation is appropriate or necessary; and
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A. Whether adopting the proposed name will preclude the Town from taking advantage of
capital budgets;individuals, organizations, or benefactors who have demonstrated
exceptional service or contributions to the Town of Reading.
H.
Death waiting period: Melissa Murphy suggested and agreed with Ivria to include a 1
emotion.
Melissa Murphy made note that this policy should not prohibit current town employees
from being eligible.
I. Melissa Murphy commented that she agreed with Ivria on her thoughts with both the
Duplicate names, and having multiple facilities named after one person. Any costs
associated with the renaming that are to be borne by the Town;
J. Any other assets named, or currently being considered for naming, by the Board;
K. Whether conditions or limitations should be placed on the maintenance or use of the
public asset as a result of the naming or renaming; and
L.Compliance with state laws, town bylaws, regulations, or policies.
In any event, names shall be chosen in a manner that avoids duplication, confusing similarity, or
of naming a public asset after said individual.
4. Guidelines
In considering the naming of any public asset, the Board may consider the following guidelines:
A. Property may be named in honor of an individual or organization, including current or
former Town employees, volunteers, elected or appointed officials, board and committee
members, educators, community leaders, civic organizations, donors, or other persons or
entities that have demonstrated exceptional service to or support of the Town. Such
service or contributions must have had a substantial, lasting, and measurable impact on
the Town and its residents.
ndividuals, organizations, or benefactorswho have demonstrated exceptional service or
contributions to the Town of Reading.
Eligible nominees may include current or former Town employees, volunteers, elected or
appointed officials, committee and board members, educators, community leaders, civic
organizations, donors, or other individuals whose contributions have had a lasting
positive impact on the community.
1. Length of service alone shall not constitute sufficient justification for naming recognition.
Rather, nominations shall be evaluated based upon the overall significance of an
individual's or organization's contributions, leadership, integrity, and lasting legacy
within the Town.
B.
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C.Preference may be given to nominees whose contributions have a direct relationship to
the facility or property proposed for naming.
D. Inclusion of some names necessarily means the exclusion of others. The Select Board
decisions and retains absolute discretion to make all naming decisions.
Melissa Murphy: On guidelines I think we could strengthen the criteria for who we would
consider naming a building or facility after. Something like:
"...whose contributions have had a substantial, lasting, and measurable impact on the Town of
Reading."
54. Nomination Process
Requests for naming consideration shall be submitted through the formal application process
established by the TownSelect Board. Naming applications shall be available on the Town's
website and submitted to the Town Manager's Office. Applications may be submitted by
Reading residents, Town employees, Town boards or committees, recognized Town
organizations, or other individuals or groups with a demonstrated connection to the Town.
Commented \[I1\]: {ƚƒĻ ĭƚƒƒǒƓźƷźĻƭ ƩĻƨǒźƩĻ ğ ĭĻƩƓƷğźƓ
ƓǒƒĬĻƩ ƚŅ ƩĻƭźķĻƓƷƭ Ʒƚ ƭźŭƓ ƚƓ Ʒƚ ğƓǤ ƓğƒźƓŭ ƦĻƷźƷźƚƓ ƓƚƷ
The application shall identify the proposed name and the Town-owned facility or property to be
ƭƦƚƓƭƚƩĻķ ĬǤ ğ ƚǞƓ ğŭĻƓĭǤ ƚƩ ķĻƦğƩƷƒĻƓƷ͵
named, provide a detailed description of the nominee's contributions, explain how the
nomination satisfies the criteria established in this policy, and include any supporting
documentation the applicant believes is relevant to the nomination.
Naming applications shall be available on the Town's website and submitted to the Town
Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, After: 0 pt
Manager's Office. Upon receipt, the Town Manager's Office shall forward review the
application for completeness before advancing it to the review process. to the appropriate Town
Commented \[IF2\]: IƚǞ źƭ Ʒŷźƭ ĬĻźƓŭ ķĻĭźķĻķͪ 5ƚ Ǥƚǒ
ƒĻğƓ ƷŷĻ ĬƚğƩķ ǞźƷŷ ĭğƩĻͲ ĭǒƭƷƚķǤ ƚƩ ĭƚƓƷƩƚƌ ƚŅ ƷŷĻ ğƭƭĻƷͪ
department, board, or committee based on the facility or property being nominated.
Applications may be submitted by Reading residents, Town employees, Town boards or
Commented \[JL3R2\]: L ĬĻƌźĻǝĻ ƷŷğƷ źƭ ƷŷĻ źƓƷĻƓƷ͵ 5ƚĻƭ
Ʒŷźƭ ĭŷğƓŭĻ ƭǒŅŅźĭĻͪ
committees, recognized Town organizations, or other individuals or groups with a demonstrated
connection to the Town.
Each application shall identify the proposed name and the Town-owned facility or property to be
named, provide a detailed description of the nominee's contributions, explain how the
nomination satisfies the criteria established in this policy, and include any supporting
documentation the applicant believes is relevant to the nomination.
If a naming request is not approved by the Select Board, the same individual, organization, or
proposed name may not be resubmitted for consideration for a period of five (5) years, unless
significant new information or circumstances are presented that substantially strengthen the
nomination.
65. Review Process
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The review process shall be as follows:
A. Upon receipt of a naming application, the Town Managers Office shall forward the
application to the appropriate Town department for review by the appropriate board or
committee charged with the care, custody or control of the assetbased on the facility or
property being nominated.
Upon receipt of a naming application, the Town Manager's Office shall forward the application
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
to the appropriate Town department based on the location or type of facility being considered.
Formatted: Space Before: 0 pt, After: 0 pt
Commented \[IF4\]: ŷźƭ ĭƚƓŅƌźĭƷƭ ǞźƷŷ {ĻĭƷźƚƓ ЎͲ ǞŷĻƩĻ źƷ
B. The appropriate Town staff shall conduct an initial administrative review to verify that
ƭğǤƭ ƷŷĻ ƚǞƓ ķĻƦğƩƷƒĻƓƷͲ ĬƚğƩķ ƚƩ ĭƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻ Ǟźƌƌ ƩĻĭĻźǝĻ
the application is complete, all required information has been provided, and the
ƷŷĻ ğƦƦƌźĭğƷźƚƓ͵ IĻƩĻͲ źƷ ƭĻĻƒƭ ƌźƉĻ ƷŷĻ ķĻƦğƩƷƒĻƓƷ ŭĻƷƭ źƷ
ğƓķ ƒğƉĻƭ ğ ķĻƷĻƩƒźƓğƷźƚƓ ƚƓ ĭƚƒƦƌĻƷĻƓĻƭƭ ğƓķ ƷŷĻƓ
submission meets the requirements of this policy. If additional information is needed, the
ŅƚƩǞğƩķƭ źƷ Ʒƚ ƷŷĻ ĬƚğƩķΉĭƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻ ŅƚƩ ƩĻĭƚƒƒĻƓķğƷźƚƓ͵
applicant shall be notified and given the opportunity to supplement the application.
IƚǞ ķƚ Ǥƚǒ ǞğƓƷ Ʒŷźƭ ƭƷƩǒĭƷǒƩĻķͪ
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
A. Once the application has been determined to be complete, Town staff shall forward it to
the chair(s) of the appropriate advisory committee(s) as determined by the Town
Formatted: Font: (Default) Times New Roman, 12 pt
Manager for placement on the next available meeting agenda.
Commented \[IF5\]: LƷ źƭ ǒƓĭƌĻğƩ ǞŷğƷ źƭ ƒĻğƓƷ ĬǤ Ʒŷźƭ͵
C.
ŷğƷ źŅ ƷŷĻ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤ źƭ ǒƭĻķ ĬǤ ƒƚƩĻ ƷŷğƓ ƚƓĻ ĬƚğƩķ ƚƩ
ĭƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻͪ
(Insert Naming Process Flow Chart Here)
D. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of a complete application, the appropriate advisory
committee shall review the nomination and may discuss its merits and receive public
comment. Following its review, the committee shall vote to recommend either favorable
or unfavorable consideration. Regardless of the committee's recommendation, all
completed applications shall be forwarded to the Town Manager's Office for submission
to the Naming Review Committee.
.͵ Within ninety (90) days of receiving the nomination from the Town Manager's Office,
the Naming Review Committee shall schedule and publicly post a meeting or public
hearing to review the application, receive public comment, and vote whether to forward
the nomination to the Select Board with either a favorable or unfavorable
recommendation. Melissa Murphy: Agrees that a public hearing should be held prior to
the Select Board Decision, recommended to be done at the Naming Policy Committee
Meeting.
E.All nominations, regardless of whether they receive a favorable or unfavorable
recommendation from the Naming Review Committee, shall be forwarded to the Select
Board for consideration.
F. Within (60) days of the Naming Review Policy Committee recommendation, tThe Select
Board may, but shall not be required to, hold a public hearing to approve, deny, or return
a nomination for additional review or information.
(Insert Naming Process Flow Chart Here)
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76. Forming of the Naming Policy Committee
The Naming Policy Committee shall be established by the Select Board and shall consist of
seven (57) members comprised of: one (1) member or designee of the Recreation Committee,
one (1) member or designee of the School Committee, one (1) member or designee of the
Conservation Commission, one (1) member or designee of the Historical Commission, one (1)
member or designee of the Council on Aging,andone (1) member or designee of the
Community Planning and Development Commission, and one (1) member or designee of the
Board of Library Trustees.
Commented \[I6\]: LŅ ƷŷĻ ƦƚƌźĭǤ ķƚĻƭ ƓƚƷ ğƦƦƌǤ Ʒƚ ƭĭŷƚƚƌ ƚƩ
ƌźĬƩğƩǤ ƦƩƚƦĻƩƷǤͲ ķƚ Ǥƚǒ ǞğƓƷ ƭĭŷƚƚƌ ĭƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻΉƌźĬƩğƩǤ
ƷƩǒƭƷĻĻƭ ƚƓ ƷŷĻ ĭƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻͪ
Melissa Murphy: Agrees with the 7 person committee, with appointing boards recommending
role is clearly defined.
Jim Sullivan: Do we want to remove the Library Board of Trustees with their properties being
excluded? My other thought is many naming request come from High School Athletics or Clubs
(Band, Dance, Drama), Youth Sports Organizations, do we consider one non-appointed position?
8.7 Public Participation/Comment & Notification Process
Notice of any public hearing held under this policy shall bePrior to any final action, public notice
shall be provided in accordance with all applicable Town meeting and public hearing
requirements, including posteding on the Town's website and on the applicable meeting agendas
at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing.
The public shall have the opportunity to provide comment throughout the naming process,
including at meetings of the Naming Review Committee, any public hearing held as part of the
naming review process, and the Select Board meeting at which the final decision is considered.
98. Final Approval
The Select Board shall serve as the final approving authority for the naming of any Town-owned
facility or property covered under this policy within (60) days of the Naming Review Policy
Committee recommendation.
All nominations, regardless of whether they receive a favorable or unfavorable recommendation
from the Naming Review Committee, shall be forwarded to the Select Board for consideration.
The Select Board may approve, deny, or return a nomination for additional review or
information.
Final action shall occur at a duly posted public meeting and shall comply with all applicable
requirements of the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law.
Upon approval, the appropriate Town department shall coordinate implementation of the
naming, including the installation of signage, public recognition, dedication ceremonies, and any
related administrative actions.
All costs associated with the approved naming, including but not limited to signage, plaques,
memorial markers, or other commemorative features, shall be the responsibility of the
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nominating individual or organization, which may include, but is not limited to, family members,
nonprofit organizations, youth organizations, or private donors.
Commented \[IF7\]: ŷźƭ źƭ ğƓ źƓƷĻƩĻƭƷźƓŭ ƩĻƨǒźƩĻƒĻƓƷ͵
ƚǒƌķ ǞĻ ƉƓƚǞ ƷŷĻ ĭƚƭƷƭ ğƷ ƷŷĻ ƷźƒĻͪ ƚǒƌķƓγƷ Ʒŷźƭ ƌźƒźƷ
ƩĻƨǒĻƭƷƭ Ʒƚ źƓķźǝźķǒğƌƭ ǞźƷŷ ƒĻğƓƭͪ ŷğƷ źŅ ƷŷĻ ƩĻƨǒĻƭƷ
Melissa Murphy: financial costs associated with the naming of said facility/location be the
ĭƚƒĻƭ ŅƩƚƒ ğ ƚǞƓ ĬƚğƩķ ƚƩ ĭƚƒƒźƷƷĻĻͪ ƚǒƌķ ƷŷĻ ƚǞƓ
responsibility of the individual, group, committee, or organization submitting the naming
ĬĻ ƩĻƭƦƚƓƭźĬƌĻͪ
request.
The design, content, size, location, and installation of all signage, plaques, memorial markers,
and other commemorative features shall be subject to the review and approval of the Town
Manager's Office and the appropriate Town department to ensure consistency with Town
standards, policies, and aesthetic guidelines.
109. Conditions on Naming
A. There shall be a presumption, but not a requirement, of a twenty-year term on any
naming decision. At the end of the term, the asset name will revert to the Town, unless
the Select Board votes to renew the current name for another time interval; or rename the
assetss in accordance with the process outlined herein.
B. If an asset is named due to a major donation, bequest, or sponsorship, the above-
presumed term limit shall not apply, and the length of naming rights shall be determined
by the donor agreement that accompanies said donation, bequest, or sponsorship.
C.
bequest, or sponsorship alongside the honorary name.
11. Renaming or Removal of a Name
Melissa Murphy: Asked if we canadd stronger language? "There shall be a presumption against
renaming existing facilities unless compelling public reasons exist." I think that helps protect
historic names.
The Town recognizes that circumstances may arise that warrant reconsideration of a previously
approved naming designation.
A request to rename or remove the name of a Town-owned facility or property may be
considered when substantial evidence demonstrates that continued recognition no longer serves
the best interests of the Town. Such circumstances may include actions or information that
significantly conflict with the Town's values, materially diminish the legacy of the individual or
organization being honored, or otherwise create a compelling public interest for reconsideration.
There shall be a presumption against renaming existing facilities unless a compelling public
reason exists.
Requests for renaming or removal shall follow substantially the same review, public hearing, and
approval process established for original naming requests.
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Applicants shall have no rights in the name of the public asset and shall recognize, as part of the
application process, tdonor
agreement exists, such donor agreement shall control.
Melissa Murphy: Time-limited naming: This one seems a little odd to me. Why would a
building named after someone automatically expire after a certain amount of time?
Recommended no time limit.
120. Administrative Authority
The appropriate TownTown departments may develop administrative procedures, application
forms, timelines, and supporting documentation necessary to implement this policy. Such
procedures shall be consistent with the intent and requirements of this policy and may be
amended administratively as needed without requiring revisions to the policy itself.
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DRAFT - SELECT BOARD
2026AGENDAS
September 22, 2026
Pledge of Allegiance
Overview of Meeting
Public Comment
Town Manager Report
Community Spotlight
Vote to Surplus Fire Vehicle or
Equipment
Proclamation for Italian Heritage
Month
Update from the Ad Hoc
Commemoration Establishment
Committee (ACE)
Update from Climate Advisory
Committee
-Discuss and vote on proposed name
change to Reading Environmental
Sustainability Committee
Update from the Office of Equity and
Social Justice
Update on Pleasant Street Center
Preview Subsequent Town Meeting
Warrant
Override Discussion
Select Board Liaison Reports
Future Agendas
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
October 6, 2026
Pledge of Allegiance
Overview of Meeting
Public Comment
Town Manager Report
Community Spotlight
Preview Fiscal Year 2027 Tax
Classification
Vote to Close November 9, 2026
Subsequent Town Meeting Warrant
Review 2027 Select Board Meeting
Calendar
Override Discussion
Select Board Liaison Reports
Future Agendas
Approval of Prior Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2026
Pledge of Allegiance
Overview of Meeting
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DRAFT - SELECT BOARD
2026AGENDAS
Public Comment
Town Manager Report
Community Spotlight
Public Hearing: Fiscal Year 2027 Tax
Public Hearing Classification
Vote to Close Warrant for November
3, 2026 State Election
Override Discussion
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
November 17, 2026
Pledge of Allegiance
Overview of Meeting
Public Comment
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
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
53
DRAFT - SELECT BOARD
2026AGENDAS
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
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