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.
Contents
🗓️ Select Board Meeting Summary🔹 Opening & Executive Session🔹 Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)🔹 Town Manager Report🔹 Community Spotlight🔹 Gift of Land Approval (Waverly Road)🔹 Archive Room Dedication🔹 Bill Russell Commemoration Committee Update🔹 Town Manager Goals Discussion🔹 Board & Committee Appointments🔹 413 Main Street – Sidewalk Easement🔹 Select Board Liaison Reports🔹 Future Agendas🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes🔹 Adjournment✅ Key Outcomes
🗓️ Select Board Meeting Summary
Date: June 24, 2025
Duration: ~2 hours 35 minutes
Format: Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
Chair: Chris Haley
Main Topics: Land gift approval, archive room dedication, Bill Russell commemoration update, town manager goals, board appointments, and RCTV board representation
🔹 Opening & Executive Session
🕒 0:43–3:37
- Meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance
- Executive session held to discuss collective bargaining and health insurance agreements
- Voted to reconvene in open session at 7:00 PM
🔹 Public Comment (Non-Agenda Items)
🕒 30:50–36:18
- Residents raised concerns about:
- RCTV contract and board influence
- Burbank Ice Arena management and financial oversight
- Transparency and fairness in board appointments
🔹 Town Manager Report
🕒 36:23–39:13
- Thanked Reading Lions Club and Albert Pless for recent events
- Final rigid plastic drop-off completed; curbside pickups scheduled
- Porchfest scheduled for June 28
- Welcomed new hires: Veronica Boré (DPW), Maddie Baptiste (Executive Assistant), and Officer Adam Elmore (Police)
🔹 Community Spotlight
🕒 39:25–41:20
- Jim D’Entremont honored with DPW First Responder Award
- Empower Café and owner Nick Face recognized for receiving a small business spotlight grant
🔹 Gift of Land Approval (Waverly Road)
🕒 41:29–47:43
- Conservation Commission and donor Cheryl Surette recognized
- Land near Birch Meadow Drive accepted for conservation use
- Unanimous vote to accept the gift
🔹 Archive Room Dedication
🕒 47:57–53:23
- Historical Commission requested naming the archive room after Virginia Adams
- Adams recognized for decades of service to Reading’s historical preservation
- Unanimous vote to name it the Virginia Adams Historical Archive Room
🔹 Bill Russell Commemoration Committee Update
🕒 53:42–1:07:50
Speaker: David Monahan (Select Board designee to the committee)
- Monahan provided a detailed update on the committee’s work to honor Bill Russell’s legacy and address past injustices experienced by the Russell family in Reading.
- The committee participated in Friends & Family Day and the Juneteenth Festival to engage the public and gather input.
- A statement of intent was read at the Juneteenth event, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging past harms and promoting inclusivity.
- The committee is exploring future initiatives such as:
- Educational programs
- Scholarships
- Community events
- Outreach to the Russell family (planned for a later stage)
- Public input is encouraged through meetings and the town website.
- Monahan shared community feedback and examples of how residents are inspired by the committee’s mission.
🔹 Town Manager Goals Discussion
🕒 1:07:57–1:21:39
- Town Manager Matt Kraunelis requested board input on new goals
- Board emphasized:
- Fiscal responsibility and budget tightening
- Communication improvements
- RCTV contract resolution
- Exploring a town app and digital signage
- Grant tracking and transparency
🔹 Board & Committee Appointments
🕒 1:21:48–1:44:36
- VASC Subcommittee Report: Melissa Murphy and Karen Rose Gillis conducted four days of interviews with applicants for various town boards and committees. They reported a smooth process and were impressed by the number and quality of volunteers.
- RCTV Board of Directors:
- A split vote occurred over reappointing Chris Cridler. Karen Rose Gillis supported reappointment, citing continuity during contract negotiations. Melissa Murphy and others favored new representation to bring fresh perspective and improve communication.
- Chris Cridler’s reappointment failed (2–3).
- Ron Powell was appointed to the RCTV Board (5–0).
- Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA):
- Karen Herrick raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest for Anthony Fodera, a new appointee with ties to a construction firm.
- The board confirmed that Fodera had disclosed his background and would recuse himself if necessary.
- The appointment was approved with acknowledgment of the concern.
- All Other Appointments:
- The board unanimously approved all other committee appointments as presented in the meeting packet.
🔹 413 Main Street – Sidewalk Easement
🕒 1:44:45–1:47:50
- Town voted to accept a small land gift from McDonald’s via friendly eminent domain
- Ensures full access to sidewalk area
- Unanimous approval
🔹 Select Board Liaison Reports
🕒 1:47:57–2:03:07
- Melissa Murphy:
- Reported on the Permanent Building Committee’s new project manager for the Active Living Center.
- Board of Health discussed MBTA sound study and new rodent control program.
- School Committee recognized long-serving teachers and completed the superintendent’s evaluation.
- Her husband attended the Police Department open house with her son.
- Karen Herrick:
- Attended the farewell for Fire Chief Burns and the grand opening of Presence & Co.
- Reported on RMLD leadership changes and infrastructure projects.
- Participated in the MMA Fiscal Policy Committee meeting, highlighting state budget updates and potential funding for culverts and education.
- Carlo Bacci:
- Attended CPA meeting; discussed potential funding levels and outreach plans.
- Walked the newly developed Maillet, Sommes & Morgan Land site.
- Shared a personal update about his daughter’s rowing achievements in England.
- Karen Rose Gillis:
- Met with the Food Pantry and Reading Housing Authority.
- Engaged with local students on civic projects and voting age advocacy.
- Participated in the Eastern Gateway Steering Committee and Council on Aging meetings.
- Attended multiple community events including Pride Day, Juneteenth, and the Lafayette reenactment.
- Held her first office hours and attended the Town Forest Committee meeting.
- Chris Haley:
- Attended the Lafayette reenactment and MWRA meeting (noting a likely $2M reimbursement).
- Participated in the ribbon cutting for Presence & Co.
- Attended Juneteenth and Lions Club fireworks events.
- Participated in Killam School security and access planning meetings.
🔹 Future Agendas
🕒 2:04:01–2:09:12
- Topics suggested:
- RCTV updates
- Senior water/sewer bill relief
- MBTA infrastructure and funding
- Barrows tennis court project status
- Overdose Awareness proclamation
🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
🕒 2:09:17–2:21:11
- May 27 and June 3 minutes approved
- Discussion over use of “co-chair” in minutes; no changes made
🔹 Adjournment
đź•’ 2:21:19
- Meeting adjourned by unanimous vote
âś… Key Outcomes
- Land Gift Accepted: Parcel off Waverly Road added to conservation land
- Archive Room Named: Town archive room dedicated to Virginia Adams
- RCTV Board Change: Ron Powell appointed to replace Chris Cridler
- Bill Russell Committee: Progress shared; public encouraged to participate
- Town Manager Goals: Board emphasized budget, communication, and modernization
- Board Appointments: All committee appointments approved
- Sidewalk Easement: Town secured legal access to sidewalk at 413 Main Street
