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.
🗓️ Reading Select Board Meeting Summary
Date: October 16, 2025
Duration: ~2 hours 19 minutes
Format: Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
Co-Chair: Chris Haley
Board Members Present: Melissa Murphy, Carlo Bacci, Karen Rose Gillis
Board Members Absent: Karen Gately-Herrick
Main Topics: The Select Board held an in-depth discussion and vote on the town’s next trash and recycling contract, focusing on service levels, vendor comparisons, budget impacts, and community expectations.
🗑️ Trash & Recycling Contract Discussion
⏰ 00:04:50
- Vendors Considered: Republic Services and Waste Management
- Key Issues Debated:
- Weekly vs. bi-weekly recycling
- Inclusion of bulk item pickup
- Cost comparisons over 5 years
- Operational efficiency and truck logistics
- Customer service history and penalties for missed pickups
- Republic Services Proposal Highlights:
- Weekly trash and recycling service
- No bulk or metal item pickup included
- 5% annual increase cap on fees
- Improved service record and penalty enforcement
- Waste Management Proposal Highlights:
- Slightly lower base cost
- Additional charges for extra carts
- Option to switch to bi-weekly recycling after year one
- Strong customer service reputation
💰 Budget Considerations
⏰ 01:22:00
- Weekly recycling would exceed current budget projections by ~$416,000 annually.
- Finance Committee approved use of $6.75 million in free cash to balance the FY budget.
- Board discussed the impact of contract costs on potential future override votes.
- Concerns raised about equity in service levels and cost burden across household sizes.
🧑🤝🧑 Community Input
⏰ 02:12:29
- Public Comment: Taylor Gregory supported bi-weekly recycling and praised the board and staff for their work.
- Board members shared feedback from residents, noting a split between those prioritizing cost savings and those wanting to maintain current service levels.
✅ Contract Decision
⏰ 02:17:05
- Approved Vendor: Republic Services
- Service Level: Weekly trash & recycling, no bulk or metal item pickup
- Cost: $2,289,279 annually, with 5% annual increase
- Additional Fees:
- Burnable bulky item: $30
- Small metal item: $40
- Future Flexibility: Option to switch to bi-weekly recycling after year one, pending budget and override outcomes
- Vote: Unanimous approval (4-0)
✅ Key Summary
- The board approved a 5-year contract with Republic Services for weekly trash and recycling, excluding bulk and metal item pickup.
- Cost and service trade-offs were heavily debated, with concerns about budget constraints and resident expectations.
- Republic agreed to match Waste Management’s pricing on bulky item fees and committed to improved service and accountability.
- The board emphasized the importance of maintaining core services while preparing for a potential budget override in the coming year.
- The contract includes flexibility to transition to bi-weekly recycling after the first year, depending on financial conditions and community feedback.
