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.
📅 March 3, 2026 Select Board Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:03:00
⏰ Meeting End: 01:27:21
💻 Format: Hybrid (In-person with remote access)
👤 Co-Chair: Melissa Murphy
👥 Attendees: Christopher Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose-Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick (Zoom)
📋 Summary
The Select Board convened and entered executive session to conduct strategy discussions related to contract negotiations for the Acting Town Manager position. Following executive session, the Board unanimously approved a contract appointing Jayne Wellman as Acting Town Manager, effective March 4, 2026.
The Board then held an extended discussion regarding the process for appointing a permanent Town Manager. Options reviewed included an internal appointment, a Board-managed external search, or hiring an executive search consultant. Considerations included costs, timelines, confidentiality, Open Meeting Law requirements, and past practice. Public comment later in the meeting reflected both support for Jayne Wellman as an internal candidate and calls for a broader external search. The Board ultimately authorized Co-Chair Christopher Haley to conduct a limited, exploratory conversation with Jayne Wellman to assess her interest in the permanent role. No decision was made on the final appointment process.
📑 Agenda Overview
| ⏰ Start Time | Topic |
|---|---|
| 00:03:00 | Call to Order, Pledge of Allegiance, Agenda Review |
| 00:04:33 | Executive Session (Purpose 2) |
| 00:40:48 | Vote: Acting Town Manager Contract |
| 00:43:18 | Discussion: Town Manager Appointment Process |
| 01:20:28 | Public Comment |
| 01:25:08 | Vote: Authorization for Co-Chair Outreach |
| 01:27:01 | Adjournment |
🗣️ Public Comment
⏰ 00:04:25 – 00:04:33
👤 Presenter(s): None
No in-person or remote public comment.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Executive Session Entry
⏰ 00:04:33 – 00:05:06
👤 Presenter(s): Christopher Haley (Chair)
Overview
Motion to enter executive session under Purpose 2 for strategy discussions related to contract negotiations with the Acting Town Manager.
Vote
✅ Approved
Vote Count: 5–0 (Roll call)
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Execute Acting Town Manager Contract
⏰ 00:40:48 – 00:43:18
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy (Vice Chair)
Overview
Consideration of the negotiated contract appointing Jayne Wellman as Acting Town Manager.
Key Discussion Points
- Contract terms reviewed following executive session.
- Opportunity for Board and public comment (none offered).
- Administrative steps discussed for execution and signatures.
Vote
✅ Approved
Vote Count: 5–0
Effective Date: March 4, 2026
🗳 Discussion – Town Manager Appointment Process
⏰ 00:43:18 – 01:25:08
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy Ivria Fried, Board Members
Overview
Discussion of potential approaches for appointing a permanent Town Manager.
Key Discussion Points
- Options reviewed:
- Internal appointment.
- Board-managed external search.
- Hiring an executive search consultant.
- Confidentiality considerations under Open Meeting Law.
- Prior consultant use (Community Paradigm Associates):
- 2023 cost: $10,900.
- Estimated current cost: $13,000–$15,000.
- Typical search timeline of approximately three months.
- Charter requirement to appoint within 180 days.
- Differing perspectives among Board members regarding continuity versus formal external process.
- Consensus to gather additional information before deciding.
⏰ 01:20:28 – 01:24:59
👤 Presenter(s): Angela Binda; Karen Janowski
Themes Raised
- Support for Jayne Wellman’s performance and institutional knowledge.
- Calls for transparency and fairness through a broader external search.
- Concerns about repeating past hiring outcomes.
- Emphasis on clearly communicating the Town Manager selection process.
Vote
No vote taken.
🗳 Discussion & Vote – Authorization to Discuss Interest with Acting Town Manager
⏰ 01:25:08 – 01:27:01
👤 Presenter(s): Christopher Haley (Co-Chair)
Overview
Consideration of authorizing a Select Board member to have an exploratory conversation with Acting Town Manager Jayne Wellman regarding her interest in the permanent position.
Key Discussion Points
- Outreach limited to gauging interest only.
- No discussion of contract terms, compensation, or commitments.
- Any next steps to return to the full Board.
- Preference expressed for the Chair to conduct the outreach.
Vote
✅ Approved
Motion: Authorize Chair Christopher Haley to discuss with Jayne Wellman her interest in potentially serving as Town Manager of the Town of Reading.
Vote Count: 5–0
🔑 Key Summary
- The Select Board entered executive session to negotiate the Acting Town Manager contract.
- A unanimous vote approved appointing Jayne Wellman as Acting Town Manager, effective March 4, 2026.
- The Board conducted an extensive discussion on options for appointing a permanent Town Manager.
- Internal and external search processes, consultant costs, timelines, and legal considerations were reviewed.
- Public comment reflected both support for Jayne Wellman and calls for a broader external search.
- Chair Christopher Haley was unanimously authorized to hold a limited, exploratory conversation with Jayne Wellman regarding her interest.
- No final decision was made on the permanent Town Manager appointment process.
- The meeting adjourned following a unanimous vote.
