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.

📅 June 23, 2026 Select Board Meeting

🕒 Meeting Start: 00:03:38
⏰ Meeting End: 02:42:29
💻 Format: Hybrid (In-person with Zoom)
👤 Chair: Melissa Murphy
👥 Attendees: Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose-Gillis, Karen Gately Herrick, Sal Bramante, Christopher Haley, Jayne Wellman, Madeleine Baptiste, Chuck Tirone

---

📋 Summary

The Select Board’s June 23, 2026 meeting included public comment, extensive Town Manager updates, formal recognitions, public hearings, and numerous votes on policy changes and board appointments. Key actions included unanimous approval of expanded Sunday alcohol sales hours for Section 12 licenses and adoption of updated solid waste and recycling policies to implement a new municipal contract.

The Board recognized seven Eagle Scouts from Troop 702, received updates on major capital projects (including ReCAL, High Street, pickleball courts, and the Killam Elementary School), and held detailed deliberations on Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC) appointments. The meeting concluded with liaison reports, future agenda planning, and a unanimous vote to adjourn.

---

📑 Agenda Overview

⏰ Start Time	Topic
00:03:38	Call to Order & Pledge of Allegiance
00:05:48	Public Comment
00:08:00	Town Manager Report
00:14:27	Community Spotlight
00:16:49	Consent Agenda
00:18:45	Eagle Scout Recognition
00:38:39	Public Hearing – Section 12 Alcohol Licenses
00:45:16	Public Hearing – Solid Waste & Recycling Policy
01:10:50	CPDC Discussion & Appointments
01:34:20	Reading Ice Arena Authority Designate
01:49:20	Town Building Projects Update
02:10:39	Mattera Cabin Discussion
02:30:02	Liaison Reports
02:39:54	Future Agenda Items
02:42:15	Adjournment

---

🗣️ Public Comment

⏰ 00:05:48 – 00:07:56
👤 Presenter(s): Carlo Bacci

• Raised concerns regarding enforcement of overnight downtown parking restrictions.
• Requested clearer communication and reconsideration of enforcement outside winter months.
• No additional in-person or remote public comment.

---

🏢 Administrator / Manager Report

⏰ 00:08:00 – 00:14:26
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman, Town Manager

🎉 Community Events

• Monthly Town Manager office hours and community lemonade events announced.
• Recognition of RCTV fundraising success.

🏗 Transportation / Infrastructure

• Walkers Brook Drive reconstruction deemed eligible for up to $6.285M in federal TIP funding.
• Conservation Commission bench replacements to proceed under warranty.

🏗 State / Regional Policy

• Updated Town Charter signed June 17, establishing a Constituent Services Officer role.

💼 Communications & Outreach

• Town website refresh underway; community photo submissions encouraged.
• New Reading Between the Lines podcast episode released.

---

🌟 Community Spotlight

⏰ 00:14:27 – 00:16:45
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman

• Launch of the “Let Grow Independence Challenge” for youth.
• Recognition of Juneteenth celebration organizers and Reading Lions Club events.
• Acknowledgement of Bunratty Tavern anniversary and upcoming Porchfest.

---

✅ Meeting Minutes Approved

⏰ 00:16:49 – 00:18:35
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy

• Consent Agenda approved as amended; volunteer appointments removed for later discussion.
• Vote Count: 5–0

---

🏅 Recognition

⏰ 00:18:45 – 00:38:35
👤 Presenter(s): Ian Nelson (Troop 702)

• Recognition of seven Eagle Scouts from Troop 702 for community service projects.
• Abigail Nelson acknowledged as Troop 702’s first female Eagle Scout.

---

📢 Public Hearing & Vote

⏰ 00:38:39 – 00:45:11
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman, Kevin McCarthy

Proposal: Expand Sunday and holiday alcohol sales hours for Section 12 licenses.
✅ Approved | Vote Count: 5–0

---

📢 Public Hearing & Vote

⏰ 00:45:16 – 01:10:43
👤 Presenter(s): Michael Kessman, Assistant DPW Director

Proposal: Amend solid waste and recycling policies to implement new municipal contract.
✅ Approved | Vote Count: 5–0

---

🗳 Discussion & Vote – Community Planning & Development Commission Appointments

⏰ 01:15:01 – 01:34:00
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose-Gillis

• Thomas Armstrong – Appointed Full Member (2026–2029): ✅ 5–0
• Robert McShuffrey – Appointed Full Member (partial term): ✅ 3–2
• Jerry Benady – Appointed Associate Member: ✅ 5–0
• Heather Clish – Reappointed Full Member: ✅ 5–0

---

🗳 Discussion & Vote – Reading Ice Arena Authority Designate

⏰ 01:34:20 – 01:49:15
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy

• Carl McFadden reappointed as Select Board designate.
  ✅ Approved | Vote Count: 4–1, (Karen Gately Herrick opposing)

---

🏢 Administrator / Manager Report – Town Building Projects

⏰ 01:49:20 – 02:10:39
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman

• High Street Phase II infrastructure upgrades progressing.
• Pickleball courts on schedule and under budget.
• ReCAL construction advancing with steel erection scheduled.
• Killam Elementary School project significantly under budget pending MSBA review.

---

🏢 Administrator / Manager Report – Mattera Cabin

⏰ 02:10:39 – 02:30:02
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman, Chuck Tirone

• Reviewed accessibility and compliance upgrades with cost estimates.
• Explored volunteer and vocational partnerships to reduce costs.
• No vote taken.

---

🔗 Liaison Reports – Highlights

⏰ 02:31:01 – 02:39:54
👤 Presenter(s): Karen Rose-Gillis, Christopher Haley, Melissa Murphy, Sal Bramante

• Updates on Juneteenth, climate initiatives, school projects, elder services, and Board of Health.
• Announcement of nearly $1M MassDOT microtransit grant.

---

🗓 Future Agenda Items

⏰ 02:39:54 – 02:42:15
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy, Jayne Wellman

• Charter-related items, senior tax relief legislation, and override discussions scheduled.

---

✅ Meeting Adjourned

⏰ 02:42:15 – 02:42:29
👤 Presenter(s): Melissa Murphy
Vote Count: 5–0

---

🔑 Key Summary

• Expanded Sunday alcohol sales hours and updated solid waste policies approved unanimously.
• Seven Eagle Scouts from Troop 702 formally recognized.
• Multiple CPDC appointments approved following extensive discussion.
• Major capital projects reported on schedule, with Killam Elementary significantly under budget.
• Nearly $1M in MassDOT funding secured for fare-free microtransit.
• Future meetings to address charter items, senior tax relief, and override planning.

---