🏛️ Select Board 4-14-25 AI Recap

Below is a summarized version of the Select Board meeting, organized by timestamps and speakers, focusing on key points raised during the discussion in Reading, Massachusetts. This summary condenses the discussion into major themes, speaker contributions, and decisions, avoiding excessive detail while retaining the essence of the conversation. Timestamps correspond to the video linked at the bottom.

Meeting Overview

Location: Select Board meeting room at Town Hall (with Zoom participation)
Chair (initial): Carlo hands over to Matt for reorganization
Chair (post-reorganization): Chris Haley
Key Participants: Select Board Members (Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose Gillis, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci), Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Town Clerk Laura, various residents, and committee members.

---

Meeting Opening

• Time: 3:26–4:11
• Speakers: Carlo (initial chair)
• Summary: The meeting begins with technical adjustments (unmuting Zoom, microphone checks). Carlo calls the meeting to order and outlines the agenda, which includes public comments, board reorganization, liaison reports, votes on appointments and regulations, and discussions on charter review and master plan committee.
• Outcome: Agenda set, meeting proceeds on a non-standard Monday due to scheduling conflicts.

---

Public Comment

• Time: 5:06–14:34
• Speakers:
  • Angela Binda (5:14–7:58): Raises concerns about the cost of the pickleball project (estimated at $1.792 million), questions the number of estimates obtained, and requests transparency and an RFI before the town meeting.
  • Tony D’Arezzzo (8:04–8:56): Comments on Article 17 of the town warrant, noting incorrect information about a drainage easement meant for flood retention, not road extension. Requests further research and Conservation Commission input.
  • Marianne Downing (9:05–13:05): Advocates for Chris Haley as select board chair, citing his transparency, responsiveness, and contributions (e.g., organizing a candidate forum, pausing parking kiosk policy, MBTA zoning work).
  • Carla Nazzaro (13:18–14:28): Congratulates Karen and Melissa, thanks Chris and Tony for running, and highlights Chris Haley’s work on the Killam project website, saving $35,000.
• Outcome: Public input received; no direct responses provided as per protocol, but comments noted for future consideration.

---

Select Board Reorganization

• Time: 14:46–23:44
• Speakers: Carl, Matt, Karen Rose Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Herrick
• Summary:
  • Carlo hands over the gavel to Matt to facilitate reorganization (14:46).
  • Nominations for chair:
    • Karen nominates Melissa Murphy (15:48), seconded by Karen Rose Gillis.
    • Melissa nominates Chris Haley (16:07), seconded by Carlo.
  • Chris speaks about his dedication to the town and committee work (16:24–18:51).
  • Voting:
    • Melissa’s nomination: Karen (yes), Karen Rose Gillis (yes), Carlo (no), Chris (no) – fails (20:32–20:48).
    • Chris’s nomination: Melissa (yes), Karen Rose Gillis (no), Karen Herrick (no), Carlo (yes), Chris (yes) – passes 3-2 (20:54–21:13).
  • Vice Chair: Carlo nominates Melissa, unanimously approved (22:04–22:34).
  • Secretary: Carlo nominates Karen Rose Gillis, who accepts; unanimously approved (22:54–23:34).
• Outcome:
  • Chris Haley elected as Chair.
  • Melissa Murphy elected as Vice Chair.
  • Karen Rose Gillis elected as Secretary.

---

Liaison and Town Manager Reports

• Time: 23:50–32:29
• Speakers: Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose Gillis, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bachi, Chris Haley, Matt, Jane
• Summary:
  • Melissa (23:50): Congratulates Karen, thanks Chris and Tony, and acknowledges voter turnout.
  • Karen Rose Gillis (24:26): Thanks voters and expresses enjoyment in running.
  • Karen Herrick (24:39): Praises election process, notes technology use, and mentions contacting Rep. Haggerty and Senator Lewis about MBTA pricing concerns. Attended Killam and Recal meetings.
  • Carlo (26:05): Reminds about May 13 election with debt exclusions, thanks election staff, and notes forum by Reading Recap and town committees.
  • Chris (27:14): Thanks Laura for election management, shares anecdote about kids playing without devices, and mentions social media deal with daughter.
  • Matt (28:52): Welcomes Karen, congratulates candidates, and highlights AV upgrades, Zoom forum on April 16, arts and culture event, and rubbish/recycling totter distribution (10% complete).
  • Jane (32:16): Supports town projects and staff, promotes April 16 Zoom meeting.
• Outcome: Updates provided, no formal actions taken.

---

Liaison Assignments Discussion

• Time: 32:35–40:09
• Speakers: Chris Haley, Karen Herrick, Melissa Murphy, Carlo Bacci, Matt
• Summary: Discussion on assigning liaison roles, with feedback to be sent to Matt for finalization at the next meeting. Questions raised about eliminating redundant assignments (e.g., Recal, economic development) and BAS committee terms.
• Outcome: No assignments finalized; board to submit preferences to Matt by May for next meeting (May 27 or 30).

---

Appointment of Fire Chief

• Time: 40:16–51:13
• Speakers: Matt, Greg Burns, Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci, Karen Rose Gillis, Richard Nelson
• Summary:
  • Matt presents Richard Nelson as the town manager’s choice for fire chief, citing 28 years of service, high assessment scores, and leadership vision (40:16–42:51).
  • Chief Greg Burns endorses Nelson, noting his leadership in technical rescue and scouting (43:13–43:59).
  • Board members express gratitude to Burns and support for Nelson (44:04–46:22).
  • Motion by Karen to ratify Nelson’s appointment, unanimously approved (46:29–46:43).
  • Nelson speaks, thanking family, staff, and expressing commitment (47:18–48:46).
  • Badge presentation and photos follow (49:04–51:13).
• Outcome: Richard Nelson unanimously confirmed as Fire Chief.

---

Early Voting for May 13 Election

• Time: 53:38–56:39
• Speakers: Laura, Karen Rose Gillis, Melissa Murphy
• Summary: Laura proposes early voting dates (May 3–8) for the May 13 special election, noting coordination with the board of registrars. Motion by Karen to approve the schedule, seconded by Melissa, unanimously passed (55:24–55:57). Laura clarifies vote-by-mail process (56:05).
• Outcome: Early voting approved for May 3–8, 2025.

---

Town Forest Rules and Regulations

• Time: 56:46–1:13:55
• Speakers: Matt, Jeff Lamson (via Zoom), Tim Kirwan, Karen Herrick, Melissa Murphy, Chris Haley
• Summary:
  • Matt introduces updates to town forest rules, aligned with recent bylaws (56:46).
  • Jeff explains changes: dog limits (two per person), invasive plant management, group permits (20+ people), vehicle access limits (57:31–1:03:57).
  • Karen Herrick asks about signage and funding (1:04:04–1:06:01); Jeff confirms funding and 30-day installation timeline.
  • Tim discusses committee transitions and dog waste bag placement (1:06:15–1:08:17).
  • Melissa asks about bylaw acceptance (confirmed) and enforcement (advisory, reliant on self-policing, with police/fire support as needed) (1:08:25–1:09:55).
  • Chris raises enforcement concerns, referencing animal control contract (1:10:34–1:12:42).
  • Motion by Karen to approve rules, unanimously passed (1:13:28–1:13:42).
• Outcome: Updated town forest rules and regulations unanimously approved.

---

52 Sanborn Street Renovations

• Time: 1:14:00–1:16:17
• Speakers: Matt, Rick Lynch (via Zoom), Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose Gillis
• Summary: Matt presents renovations for 52 Sanborn Street (schoolhouse condominiums), requiring select board approval due to deed restrictions. Melissa clarifies restriction involves historic commission and board approval. Motion by Karen to approve, unanimously passed.
• Outcome: Renovations to 52 Sanborn Street unanimously approved.

---

Renewable Energy Trust

• Time: 1:16:24–1:17:34
• Speakers: Matt, Karen Rose Gillis, Melissa Murphy
• Summary: Matt notes this is the final step for Reading to become a green community. Motion by Karen to authorize the town manager to execute the agreement, seconded by Melissa, unanimously passed.
• Outcome: Renewable energy trust membership agreement unanimously approved.

---

Charter Review Process

• Time: 1:17:40–1:19:45
• Speakers: Matt, Chris Haley, Laura
• Summary: Matt updates on ongoing charter review, with Laura working on changes and drafts. Chris confirms both original and updated charters are online. No formal action needed.
• Outcome: Charter review process continues; updates to be provided.

---

Master Plan Committee

• Time: 1:19:52–1:33:57
• Speakers: Matt, Carlo Bacci, Melissa Murphy, Karen Herrick, Chris Haley
• Summary:
  • Carlo urges starting the process, suggesting outreach to boards (e.g., Housing Authority, CPDC) and questioning the inclusion of Greater Boston Board of Realtors (1:20:18–1:21:16).
  • Melissa proposes posting for three resident members and adding Affordable Housing Trust representation (1:21:29–1:25:35).
  • Karen Herrick suggests reviewing housing representation and proposes Chamber of Commerce member (business owner preferred) (1:25:47–1:27:58).
  • Chris emphasizes manageable committee size (13–14 members), professional planning focus, and long-term commitment (1:28:20–1:30:29).
  • Discussion on integrating facilities master plan and staff-led approach with consultants (1:30:43–1:31:54).
• Outcome: Agreement to post for three resident members, include Permanent Building Committee, and continue refining committee structure.

---

Future Agendas

• Time: 1:34:09–1:48:01
• Speakers: Chris Haley, Matt, Karen Herrick, Melissa Murphy, Carlo Bacci, Jayne
• Summary:
  • Cancel May 13 meeting (election day); placeholder set for May 20 (1:34:14–1:38:08).
  • Proposed items: master plan committee, short-term debt for fieldhouse (May 27), RCTV contract, Pleasant Street Center appraisal (by April 29), ice authority update, net zero committee, Arcadia parking, Eastern Gateway liaison (1:38:19–1:47:55).
  • Eastern Gateway discussed as staff-led; Karen Herrick confirmed as liaison (1:45:06–1:47:23).
• Outcome: May 13 meeting canceled, May 20 placeholder set, future agenda items listed.

---

Approval of Meeting Minutes

• Time: 1:48:01–1:50:24
• Speakers: Chris Haley, Karen Rose Gillis
• Summary: April 1 minutes reviewed; no amendments needed. Motion by Karen to approve as written, unanimously passed.
• Outcome: April 1, 2025 minutes approved.

---

Key Outcomes

1. Leadership Reorganization: Chris Haley elected Chair, Melissa Murphy Vice Chair, Karen Rose Gillis Secretary.
2. Fire Chief Appointment: Richard Nelson unanimously confirmed as Fire Chief.
3. Early Voting: Approved for May 3–8, 2025, for the special election.
4. Town Forest Rules: Updated rules (dog limits, invasive plants, group permits) unanimously approved, with signage planned within 30 days.
5. 52 Sanborn Street: Renovations approved, addressing deed restrictions.
6. Green Community: Renewable energy trust agreement approved, finalizing Reading’s green community status.
7. Master Plan Committee: Agreement to form with ~13 members, including three residents and Permanent Building Committee representation; process to start with postings.
8. Future Meetings: May 13 canceled, May 20 placeholder set, agenda items identified.