🏛️ Select Board 1-27-26 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.

January 27, 2026 Select Board Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:04:44
⏰ Meeting End: 01:36:18
💻 Format: Hybrid (In-person Select Board meeting room & Zoom)
🙍‍♂️Co-Chair: Chris Haley
👥 Attendees: Melissa Murphy, Karen Herrick, Karen Rose-Gillis
Absent: Carlo Bacci

📋 Summary: The Select Board received updates on MLK Day, public safety, MBTA planning, and local economic development, recognized the 50th anniversary of The Last Corner, voted on early voting logistics for the April election, approved a new restaurant liquor license, and heard extensive liaison reports on planning, housing, ReCAL, and regional issues.

📅 Agenda Overview

⏰ Timestamp	Topic
00:04:44	Meeting Called to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
00:06:16	Public Comment (items not on agenda)
00:06:34	Town Manager Report
00:15:01	Community Spotlight
00:16:52	Recognition: The Last Corner – 50th Anniversary
00:33:25	Discuss & Vote: In‑Person Early Voting (April 7, 2026 Election)
00:42:40	Public Hearing & Vote: All‑Alcohol Restaurant License – DiBlasi’s
00:49:30	Liaison Reports
01:19:58	Future Agenda Items
01:35:45	Approval of January 6, 2026 Meeting Minutes
01:36:12	Motion to Adjourn

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🗣️ Public Comment

⏰ 00:06:16

• No in-person or remote public comment on non‑agenda items.

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🙍‍♂️ Town Manager Report

⏰ 00:06:34

• MLK Day Celebration: Well-attended Jan. 19 event at RMHS PAC; thanks extended to Equity Office, DPW, Facilities, and volunteers.
• James Road Fire: Major fire successfully managed with mutual aid; one firefighter injured but not seriously.
• MMA Conference: Staff and board attended; discussions focused on fiscal pressures facing municipalities statewide.
• MBTA Update:
  • No current plan to advance Turnback Track at another location.
  • MBTA pursuing $80–100M federal grant for double-tracking the Haverhill Line, which could remove need for a turnback and accelerate a new Reading Depot.
• Financial Policies Workshop: State-led session scheduled Jan. 29 at Reading Public Library.
• Economic Development: Trader Joe’s officially announced for a Reading location; further details forthcoming.

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🌟 Community Spotlight

⏰ 00:15:01

• Athletics: Reading wrestler Will Merkel celebrated his 100th career win.
• Community History: Ron Winslow honored on his 100th birthday, recognizing decades of civic service including Select Board, Town Meeting, and Finance Committee roles.

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🍽️ The Last Corner – 50th Anniversary Recognition

⏰ 00:16:52

• The Select Board formally recognized The Last Corner Restaurant for 50 years of service.
• Remarks highlighted the restaurant’s role as a community hub and its longstanding support of public safety personnel.
• Owners Paul and Val shared reflections on family, community, perseverance, and gratitude.
• Plaque Presented: > “In celebration of 50 years of commitment, care, and connection in the Reading community.”

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🗳️ In‑Person Early Voting – April 7, 2026 Election

⏰ 00:33:25

• Overview: Board voted on whether to opt into in‑person early voting (vote‑by‑mail continues automatically).
• Schedule Approved:
  • March 28 – April 2, 2026
  • Town Hall hours, excluding Sunday
• Benefits Discussed:
  • Higher Saturday turnout
  • Reduced absentee ballot workload
  • State reimbursement for staffing costs
• Vote: ✅ Approved to opt in to in‑person early voting.

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🍷 Public Hearing & Vote – All‑Alcohol Restaurant License

⏰ 00:42:40

DiBlasi’s Food & Drink – 42 High Street

• Applicant: Trentino Enterprises LLC
• Concept: Family‑oriented Italian‑American restaurant with alcohol served as a complement to food.
• Owners: Reading residents with extensive food‑service experience.
• Responsible Service: TIPS certification required for all staff; management present at all times.
• Founder’s Club Explained: Community‑supported startup model; no board conflicts identified.
• Recusal: Chair recused due to abutter status.

Vote: ✅ Approved all‑alcohol restaurant license (3‑0).

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🧭 Liaison Reports – Highlights

⏰ 00:49:30

• Walkers Brook Drive Planning Forum: Well attended; strong civil engagement and feedback.
• Affordable Housing Trust: Guidance from Mass Housing Partnership on trust fund use.
• MMA Conference Takeaways:
  • Emphasis on dignified disagreement, fiscal stress, and regional collaboration.
  • Support for Governor Healey’s Municipal Empowerment Act.
• Council on Aging & ReCAL:
  • Active engagement on operations planning and shared‑use concerns.
  • Targeted August 2027 opening; bids expected this February.
• Permanent Building Committee:
  • ReCAL project on schedule; early budget commitments noted.
• Education & Scholarships:
  • Reminder of Reading Scholarship Foundation deadline (March 6, 2026).

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🗓️ Future Agenda Items

⏰ 01:19:58

• Follow‑up on MMA voting authority and related correspondence.
• Additional policy and governance discussions pending legal and charter considerations.

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✅ Meeting Minutes Approved

⏰ 01:35:45

• January 6, 2026 Minutes: Approved as amended.

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🔑 Key Summary

• Community & Public Safety: Successful MLK celebration and effective response to a major residential fire.
• Transportation: MBTA pursuing major federal funding that could eliminate need for a turnback track.
• Economic Development: Trader Joe’s confirmed coming to Reading.
• Civic Engagement: The Last Corner recognized for 50 years as a community institution.
• Elections: In‑person early voting approved for the April municipal election.
• Licensing: New all‑alcohol restaurant approved for downtown Reading.
• ReCAL Project: On track with bidding underway; operational planning emphasized.
• Next Steps: Monitor MBTA grant progress, advance ReCAL planning, and continue fiscal policy work.

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