🏛️ Select Board 5-27-25 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.

---

Pledge of Allegiance

Pledge of Allegiance (1:35–1:49)

• Speaker: Chris
• Summary: The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Chair, following a request for all willing and able to rise.
• Outcome: No formal action; ceremonial start.

---

Meeting Overview

Meeting Overview (1:58–3:30)

Location: Select Board meeting room at Town Hall (with Zoom participation)
Co-Chair: Christopher Haley
Key Participants: Select Board Members (Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose Gillis, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci), Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, Matt Abrahams (The Abrahams Group),various residents, and RCTV board members.

• Speaker: Chris
• Summary: Chris outlined the agenda, noting it was recorded by RCTV (Rob as videographer since 2016). Key items included procedural updates, public comment, town manager report, community spotlight, high school field improvements, water rates, FY26 compensation plan, Arbor Day proclamation, liaison assignments, RCTV contract, Pleasant Street appraisal, communication policy, retreat, liaison reports, future agendas, and minutes approval.
• Outcome: Agenda set; public informed of structure.

---

Procedural Updates

Procedural Update from Chair (3:30–12:17)

• Speakers: Chris, Karen Herrick
• Summary: The Chair announced changes to meeting procedures:
  • All motions included in packets.
  • Public comment allowed after board discussion for each agenda item (except public hearings), limited to 2 minutes with a harp sound timer.
  • Presentations limited to 10 minutes.
  • Liaison reports moved to end of meetings.
  • Alternating meeting leadership between Chris and Melissa.
  • Emphasis on transparency via email communications in packets.
• Karen challenged the Chair’s unilateral decisions, citing Robert’s Rules and board policy. The Chair defended the changes, leading to tension.
• Outcome: Changes implemented, but Karen’s objection noted. Discussion on communication policy deferred to next meeting.

---

Public Comment

Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items) (12:17–24:59)

• Speakers: Angela Binda, Nancy Docktor, Bob Holmes, Linda Snow Dockser, Taylor Gregory
• Summary:
  • Angela Binda (13:47–15:55): Promoted Reading Pride event (June 7), suggested Laura Wilson for community spotlight.
  • Nancy (16:09–17:43): Thanked Karen Rose-Gillis for tree planting, praised DPW and Tree Warden, urged RCTV membership support, and criticized lack of advance notice for VAST interviews.
  • Bob Holmes (18:50–20:04): Announced his last meeting covering for the Chronicle, reflecting on 5+ years of reporting.
  • Linda Snow Dockser (20:31–23:34): Praised RCTV’s 27-year service, accessibility, and school programs; urged contract renewal.
  • Taylor Gregory (23:49–24:47): Supported RCTV’s vital role in transparent governance as a news media owner.
• Outcome: Public input received; no immediate actions.

---

Town Manager Report

Town Manager Report (25:06–33:42)

• Speakers: Matt Kraunelis, Jayne Wellman
• Summary:
  • Matt reported on Memorial Day success, announced Police Department open house (May 31), unveiled Harriet Tubman portrait, updated Green Communities progress, and apologized for recycling event issues with new pickup dates (June 7, 21).
  • Jayne announced MBTA Communities 3A compliance, trash/recycling RFP progress, and building committee meeting schedules.
  • Discussion on bulk pickup options (stickers, fees) to manage costs.
• Outcome: Updates provided; no votes taken.

---

Community Spotlight

Community Spotlight (33:42–36:12)

• Speaker: Matt
• Summary: Highlighted EMS and Public Works Weeks, thanked departments, and announced new business (Presence and Company) opening June 16. Thanked Bob Holmes for his reporting.
• Outcome: Community achievements recognized; no formal action.

---

Short-Term Debt

Short-Term Debt for High School Fieldhouse (36:12–49:16)

• Speakers: Diane Marabido, Chris, Melissa, Sharon Angstrom, Karen Herrick
• Summary: Diane requested approval for $3M short-term borrowing (bond anticipation note) for fieldhouse bleachers/floor, approved at prior town meetings ($1.7M April 24, 2024; $1.3M November 12, 2024). Maturity date: March 13, 2026, with $94,333.33 interest. Discussion clarified short-term need due to project timeline and bundling with future borrowings (January 2026). Concerns raised about free cash use and interest costs.
• Outcome: Motion to approve short-term debt passed unanimously (49:11).

---

Water Rates Preview

Water and Sewer Rates Preview (49:35–1:13:56)

• Speakers: Matt Abrahams (The Abrahams Group, via Zoom), Chris, Karen Herrick, Matt Kraunelis (Town Manager), Sharon Angtrom
  • Matt Abrahams presented the FY26 water and sewer rate study, analyzing enterprise funds with a 10-year projection (50:29–51:46).
  • Water Fund:
    • Historical context: FY24 introduced a four-tier rate structure; FY25 rates increased 3.75% (52:24–52:46).
    • Retained earnings: $5.5M (62.5% of expenses, above 30% town policy target) (52:52–53:23).
    • Expenses rose 7% annually over five years; MWRA assessment up 5.4% (54:32–54:58).
    • Projections: Expenses to increase 5.9% in FY26, 4.6–6% later; no rate action leads to deficits by FY29 (55:37–57:20).
    • Options: 2.5% annual increase (recommended, keeps retained earnings near 30% target by 2033, ~$17–26/year for average residential user), 1.75%, or 3.25% (58:02–1:01:04).
  • Sewer Fund:
    • FY24: Four-tier structure; FY25 rates up 3.3% (1:01:29–1:01:40).
    • Retained earnings: $6.84M (93% of revenue, above 30%) (1:01:47–1:02:02).
    • Expenses up 1.2% annually; MWRA assessment down 0.5% over five years (1:02:27–1:02:40).
    • Projections: Expenses up 5% in FY27, 10% in FY29; no rate action sustainable until FY32 (1:04:02–1:04:37).
    • Options: 2% annual increase (~$13–19/year for average residential), 1.5%, or 2.5% (1:05:14–1:07:02).
  • Discussion:
    • Chris questioned high retained earnings and rate burden, requesting 0% and 1% increase scenarios for the public hearing (1:07:15–1:10:36).
    • Abrahams noted 0% is the baseline scenario (1:10:55–1:11:47).
    • Questions raised about MWRA volume usage (572M or 617M gallons, unanswered) and potential MWRA refunds (to retained earnings or free cash, TBD) (1:11:59–1:12:37).
• Outcome: No vote; further discussion and public hearing scheduled for June 10, 2025, with requested data (1:13:09). The water/sewer rate discussion emphasized long-term sustainability, with the board cautious about immediate rate hikes.

---

FY26 Non-Union

FY26 Non-Union Classification and Compensation Plan (1:13:56–1:18:26)

• Speakers: Karen Herrick, Matt Kraunelis, Carlo Bacci, Chair (likely Carlo Bacci).
• Summary:
  • Public hearing opened to approve FY26 non-union compensation plan (page 14 of packet, 1:14:25–1:15:09).
  • Matt outlined two changes approved by Town Meeting:
    • Added Volunteer Coordinator (part-time, permanent, 20–29 hours/week, eligible for benefits, previously ARPA-funded at Senior Center) (1:15:43–1:15:56).
    • Renamed GIS Administrator to GIS and Database Administrator, reflecting expanded role, with increased budget (1:16:04–1:16:23).
  • Carlo questioned part-time benefits eligibility (confirmed for 20+ hours/week) (1:16:36–1:17:09).
  • No public comment (1:17:40–1:17:47).
• Outcome:
  • Motion to close hearing passed unanimously (1:17:48–1:18:02).
  • Motion to approve FY26 non-union classification and compensation plan passed unanimously (1:18:10–1:18:26).

---

Arbor Day

Arbor Day Proclamation (1:18:26–1:00:35)

• Speakers: Matt Kraunelis, Karen Rose-Gillis, Chris
• Summary:
  • Matt requested a proclamation for April 18, 2025, to support Reading’s Tree City USA application (40th year), despite the late timing due to meeting schedules (1:18:41–1:19:04).
  • Karen read the proclamation, highlighting Arbor Day’s history, tree benefits, and Reading’s commitment (1:19:23–1:20:56).
  • No public comments or questions (1:19:11).
• Outcome: Motion to proclaim April 18, 2025, as Arbor Day passed unanimously (1:21:03–1:21:23).

---

Liaison Assignments

Liaison Assignments (1:21:39–1:37:13)

• Speakers: Chris, Karen Herrick, Melissa Murphy, Carlo Bacci, Jayne Wellman, Virginia Blodgett (public).
• Summary:
  • Reviewed proposed liaison changes (page 96 of packet, 1:21:39–1:22:09).
  • Confirmed Karen Rose-Gillis as liaison to Town Forest Committee, supported by the new chair (1:22:23–1:22:55).
  • Removed obsolete assignments: RECAL Committee (sunsetted), Economic Development Committee (replaced by staff liaison), and Walkable Reading (defunct, per Virginia Blodgett at 1:32:59–1:33:17) (1:23:12–1:26:08, 1:33:22).
  • Karen Herrick requested assignment to Permanent Building Committee (1:24:06–1:24:18).
  • Debated adding Reading Food Pantry liaison; Karen Rose-Gillis volunteered to attend informally without official designation due to its non-town status (1:30:04–1:36:50).
  • Eastern Gateway Committee kept off the list, pending transition to a formal committee (1:26:20–1:30:04).
  • VAS (Volunteer Appointment Selection Committee): Confirmed quarterly meetings (if needed), with Melissa and Karen Rose-Gillis, ensuring one new member annually (1:36:50–1:39:23).
  • Noted missing Cultural Council liaison (no volunteer) (1:39:42–1:41:06).
• Outcome: Assignments updated; Reading Food Pantry and Eastern Gateway not added; further VAS policy clarification pending; no formal vote.

---

RCTV Contract Renewal

1. RCTV Contract Renewal Discussion (2:31:30–3:21:00)
   • Speakers: Melissa Murphy, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci, Chris, Jeff (public), Ace Foulds (public), Bob Beckman (RCTV board), Everett Blodgett (public), Peter Robertson (public), Matt Sullivan (RCTV board), Bruce Cooper (public), Linda Snow Dockser (public), Kendra Cooper (public), Steven Crook (RCTV board).
   • Summary:
     • Board Concerns:
       • Melissa criticized RCTV’s lack of election night coverage and outdated delivery (no live TV streaming, reliance on YouTube) (2:31:30–2:32:34).
       • Karen suggested town promotion of RCTV services to boost engagement, noting competition and volunteer challenges (2:32:48–2:34:19).
       • Melissa and Chris criticized Executive Director Phil Rushworth’s leadership, citing unresponsiveness, lack of innovation (e.g., no candidate forums despite available space) and not attending tonight’s meeting (2:34:26–2:35:54, 2:39:11–2:44:02).
       • Chris compared RCTV unfavorably to Wilmington Community Television (WCTV), which offers podcasts, drone footage, and live web streaming despite similar funding (2:45:41–2:50:23).
       • Chris provided analytics: RCTV has 3,500 subscribers vs. WCTV’s 1,400, and 4,100 videos vs. 2,300, but only 8,000 views in 30 days vs. WCTV’s 15,000 (2:47:46–2:48:29).
       • Chris disputed RCTV’s excuse for election coverage failure (Castas device/Wi-Fi issues), noting school committee meetings streamed normally (2:50:36–2:52:39).
       • Chris quoted Phil saying election coverage “wasn’t a big deal,” highlighting leadership issues (2:52:46–2:53:19).
       • Chris opposed contract renewal without leadership changes (2:54:24–2:54:52).
     • Public Comments:
       • Jeff supported renewal, emphasizing RCTV’s role in transparent meeting coverage (2:58:13–2:59:54).
       • Ace Foulds noted cooking shows can be done elsewhere (3:00:09–3:00:35).
       • Bob Beckman (RCTV board) defended RCTV’s fulfillment of contract obligations and extra efforts (e.g., school programs), urging discussion of new ideas (3:00:45–3:03:12).
       • Everett Blodgett questioned the “roast” tone, highlighting RCTV’s history and community value (3:03:48–3:06:08).
       • Peter Robertson criticized the Chair’s prejudgment, urged support for RCTV’s programs (e.g., summer camps), and expressed discouragement (3:06:14–3:07:29).
       • Matt Sullivan (RCTV board) welcomed feedback, noting ongoing fundraising discussions (3:07:42–3:08:11).
       • Bruce Cooper defended RCTV’s extensive programming, suggesting Phil may be unaware of complaints (3:08:30–3:09:41).
       • Linda Snow Dockser noted competition from other media (implying a Select Board member’s involvement), praised RCTV’s school work and downsizing (3:09:57–3:11:41).
       • Kendra Cooper emphasized RCTV’s reach to non-online residents, volunteer efforts, and budget constraints; urged volunteering to understand challenges (3:13:10–3:17:08).
       • Steven Crook (RCTV board) clarified Comcast outages were unrelated to RCTV, apologized for poor board communication, and committed to improvement (3:17:27–3:18:50).
     • Additional Notes:
       • Chris clarified RCTV’s contract doesn’t require election coverage, but past efforts set expectations (2:54:12).
       • Chris raised concerns about RCTV funding Reading Post ($6,000) without Select Board oversight, creating a separate board (2:56:51–2:57:38).
       • Reported Comcast/Verizon channel outages happening during this very meeting (3:18:56–3:19:10).
   • Outcome: No vote; discussion to continue at June 10 or 24, 2025, meeting, likely with a 6-month extension option (3:03:17, 3:21:00).

Notes: The RCTV discussion dominated, revealing tensions between board expectations and RCTV’s performance, with public comments split between defense and calls for improvement.

---

Pleasant Street Appraisal

Pleasant Street Center Appraisal (3:21:15–3:32:16)

• Speakers: Matt, Chris, Karen Herrick, Jayne
• Summary: Appraisal valued the center at $965,000 for sale, $96,000 gross rental income. Board questioned the low valuation, historical property constraints, and comparables. Options (sell, lease, keep) to be explored via a working group.
• Outcome: No vote; further discussion planned.

---

Select Board Policy 1.4

Select Board Policy – Communication (3:32:22–3:32:56)

• Speaker: Chair
• Summary: Discussion deferred due to incorrect policy in packet and need for better advertisement.
• Outcome: Postponed to next meeting.

---

Select Board Retreat

Select Board Retreat (3:33:03–3:39:44)

• Speakers: Jayne, Chair, Melissa, Karen
• Summary: Proposed retreat at Lynnfield Marketplace with a facilitator (retired town manager) to set shared goals. Alternatives like Richardson’s ice cream/mini-golf discussed humorously. Doodle poll planned for scheduling.
• Outcome: No vote; planning to continue.

---

Liaison Reports

Liaison Reports (3:40:43–3:50:33)

• Speakers: Karen, Melissa, Carlo, Chris
• Summary:
  • Karen Rose-Gillis: Attended Korean Ambassador Peace Medal Ceremony, tree planting, and Memorial Day.
  • Karen Herrick: Noted Lafayette anniversary and RMLD substation in North Reading.
  • Melissa: Reported on CPDC meeting (Birch Meadow Phase 2), fire/police promotions, and town meeting successes (Killam, Recal).
  • Carlo: No updates.
  • Chris: Attended community cleanup, Memorial Day, badge pinning; updated on Lafayette event planning.
• Outcome: Updates shared; no actions.

---

Future Agendas

Future Agendas (3:50:49–3:59:03)

• Speakers: Chris, Angela Binda
• Summary: Proposed items: Airbnb status, sports fence bylaw, budget discussion, Pride Proclamation (before June 7). Angela urged more packet detail and time between discussion/votes for transparency.
• Outcome: Items added; Doodle poll for Pride Proclamation meeting.

---

Meeting Minutes

Approval of Minutes (3:59:09–4:00:24)

• Speakers: Chris
• Summary: April 14 and 28, 2025, minutes approved as presented.
• Outcome: Motion passed unanimously.

---

Key Outcomes

• Approved: $3M short-term debt for high school fieldhouse improvements (unanimous).
• Deferred: Communication policy discussion to next meeting due to packet errors.
• Planned: Pride Proclamation meeting (before June 7), RCTV contract discussion (June 10/24), Pleasant Street Center options, and Select Board retreat.
• Water/Sewer Rates: No vote; public hearing set for June 10, 2025, with 0% and 1% rate scenarios requested.
• FY26 Compensation Plan: Unanimously approved, adding Volunteer Coordinator and renaming GIS Administrator.
• Arbor Day Proclamation: Unanimously approved for April 18, 2025.
• Liaison Assignments: Updated by removing obsolete committees; Reading Food Pantry added Eastern Gateway not added; VAS assignments confirmed.
• RCTV Contract: No decision; strong board criticism of leadership and innovation, balanced by public support for RCTV’s community role. Further discussion planned for June 10/24.
• Pleasant Street Appraisal: Not detailed; likely deferred.