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
- 🔹 Opening & Public Comment
- 🔹 Town Manager Report
- 🔹 Community Spotlight
- 🔹 Point of Personal Privilege
- 🔹 Internal Borrowing Vote
- 🔹 Revenue Generation Discussion
- 🔹 Liquor License Transfer – Public Hearing
- 🔹 Water & Sewer Rate Advisory Committee Discussion
- 🔹 Communication Tracking Methods
- 🔹 Select Board Liaison Reports
- 🔹 Future Agendas
- 🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
- ✅ Key Outcomes
🗓️ Reading Select Board Meeting Summary
Date: August 5, 2025
Duration: ~1 hour 49 minutes
Format: Hybrid (in-person at ton hall + Zoom)
Co-Chair: Chris Haley
Board Members Present: Melissa Murphy (via Zoom), Carlo Bacci, Karen Herrick, Karen Rose-Gillis
Main Topics: Internal borrowing vote, revenue generation strategies, liquor license transfer, water/sewer rate committee formation, communication tracking, liaison reports
🔹 Opening & Public Comment
🕒 3:29–6:04
- Meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance
- No public comments submitted or voiced
🔹 Town Manager Report
🕒 6:10–15:28
- Green Community Designation Ceremony scheduled for August 21, 10–11 AM on the Common
- Financial Forum set for September 17 at the library to begin FY27 budget process
- MBTA planning public engagement session for early September
- Recal operations planning underway with COA and Recreation Committee
- Five proposals received for new trash/recycling contract; review in progress
- No update yet from MWRA; town preparing a response letter
🔹 Community Spotlight
🕒 15:34–17:48
- Recognized Next Step Ministries Volunteers for extensive conservation work including trail building, boardwalks, and cabin renovations
- Congratulated Marathon Sports on their 1-year anniversary in Reading
🔹 Point of Personal Privilege
🕒 18:02–19:24
- Carlo Bacci shared the sudden passing of community member Michael Coltman, a dedicated volunteer and founding member of RPPA
- Board expressed condolences and appreciation for his service
🔹 Internal Borrowing Vote
🕒 19:30–32:43
Presenter: Sharon Angstrom (CFO)
- Explained internal borrowing strategy to fund major projects before permanent borrowing in January
- Projects include:
- Birch Meadow Phase 2: $2.14M
- Killam School: $6M
- Reading Center for Active Living: $1.5M
- Strategy saves ~$50K in issuance costs and delays debt exclusion impact until FY27
- Motion passed unanimously (5–0)
🔹 Revenue Generation Discussion
🕒 32:48–53:04
Topics Covered:
- Field Advertising & Sponsorships:
- Legal and policy considerations discussed
- Potential for tasteful, limited sponsorships (e.g., “Adopt-a-Court” model)
- Concerns raised about aesthetics and impact on booster fundraising
- Short-Term Rentals:
- Town receives modest revenue via state-collected room tax (e.g., $17K in FY25)
- Potential to increase local rate from 4% to 6% via town meeting vote
- Additional 3% community impact fee could support affordable housing
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs):
- New growth from ADUs contributes to tax base
- Board interested in future planning and zoning implications
🔹 Liquor License Transfer – Public Hearing
🕒 53:09–57:52
- Transfer of all-alcohol restaurant license from Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza LLC to Florida Coal Fired Pizza LLC
- Ownership change due to bankruptcy; operations and management remain unchanged
- Motion to approve passed unanimously (5–0)
🔹 Water & Sewer Rate Advisory Committee Discussion
🕒 58:04–1:10:39
- Board discussed forming a small advisory group to improve transparency and public education
- Interest in creating a living document outlining future infrastructure plans
- Potential to reduce reliance on external consultants
- No vote taken; concept supported for future development
🔹 Communication Tracking Methods
🕒 1:10:46–1:27:04
- Reviewed legacy Excel tracking system (below) for resident emails
- Proposal to use SeeClickFix for better reporting and transparency
- Board discussed pros/cons of each method
- No vote taken; staff to provide examples and explore integration options
🔹 Select Board Liaison Reports
🕒 1:27:16–1:42:02
- Karen Rose-Gillis:
- Attended ACE meetings, office hours, Reading Housing Authority, COA, and Eastern Gateway Steering Committee
- Working on newcomer info packet and food pantry support
- Food pantry interested in future use of Pleasant Street Center
- Karen Herrick:
- Participated in MMA fiscal policy committee and MWR meeting
- Attended Finance Committee and RMLD audit meeting
- Advocated for bid savings transparency and master plan committee inclusion
- Attended local art show and Writers Collaborative event
- Carlo Bacci:
- CPA Committee reviewed flyer and discussed rate options
- Watched CPDC meeting
- Melissa Murphy:
- Attended conservation meetings and RCTV negotiations
- Apologized for misstatement regarding Austin Prep
- Attended MWR meeting
- Chris Haley:
- Attended MWR meeting
- Reflected on quiet summer and upcoming busy season
🔹 Future Agendas
🕒 1:42:09–1:48:50
- Add food pantry presentation
- ADU impact update
- Charter committee update
- Eastern Gateway meeting recordings and access
- Naming policy development
- Pleasant Street Center future use planning
🔹 Approval of Meeting Minutes
🕒 1:51:15–1:51:58
- July 15, 2025 minutes approved unanimously (5–0)
✅ Key Outcomes
- Approved $9.64M internal borrowing for major capital projects
- Discussed new revenue strategies including field sponsorships, short-term rental taxes, and ADUs
- Approved liquor license transfer for Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
- Supported forming a water/sewer rate advisory committee
- Explored communication tracking improvements
- Shared extensive liaison updates and future agenda planning
