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.

📅 July 14, 2026 Select Board Meeting

🕒 Meeting Start: 00:01:15
⏰ Meeting End: 02:38:57
💻 Format: Hybrid
👤 Chair: Melissa Murphy
👥 Attendees: Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose-Gillis, Karen Gately Herrick, Sal Bramante, Christopher Haley, Jayne Wellman, Madeleine Baptiste, Amy Lannon, Christian Cappy Popp, Patrick Egan, Kelli Bacon, Andrew Gregory, Monette Verrier

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📋 Summary

The meeting began with a joint session between the Select Board and Board of Library Trustees to fill a vacant Library Trustee seat. Two candidates, Jason Clark and Brenna Sullivan, were interviewed regarding library governance, budgeting, community engagement, and service philosophy. Following interviews and voting by both boards, Brenna Sullivan was unanimously appointed after Jason Clark’s nomination was unsuccessful.

The Select Board then resumed its regular agenda, receiving updates from the Town Manager on major capital projects, transportation infrastructure work, staffing controls, and economic development. The board recognized volunteer service, honored Reading Fire Department personnel for a cardiac arrest save using new Zoll equipment, heard the announcement of the Police Chief’s planned retirement in 2027, approved election-related actions, reviewed a proposed policy for naming town facilities, discussed potential Proposition 2½ override approaches, reviewed election outreach ideas, and received liaison reports.

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📑 Agenda Overview

⏰ Start Time	Topic
00:01:15	Joint Meeting – Library Trustee Vacancy Interviews
00:23:31	Nominations and Appointment Vote
00:31:43	Select Board Reconvenes
00:35:34	Public Comment
00:37:25	Town Manager Report
00:41:04	Community Spotlight
00:41:45	Consent Agenda
00:42:01	Fire Department Recognition – Zoll Presentation
00:51:27	Police Chief Update and Retirement Announcement
01:04:03	State Primary Election Warrant
01:06:07	Naming Policy Discussion
01:22:44	Override Discussion
02:18:24	Election Outreach Signage
02:24:15	Liaison Reports
02:35:28	Future Agenda Items
02:38:40	Adjournment

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Library Trustee Vacancy Appointment

⏰ 00:02:06 – 00:29:45
👤 Presenter(s): Christian Cappy Popp, Melissa Murphy, Board of Library Trustees, Select Board, Jason Clark, Brenna Sullivan

Overview:

The Select Board and Board of Library Trustees conducted a joint appointment process to fill a vacancy on the Board of Library Trustees. Candidates Jason Clark and Brenna Sullivan were interviewed regarding their qualifications, views on library governance, budgeting, public service, and community engagement.

Key Discussion Points:

• Candidates discussed the library’s role as a community hub, educational resource, and safe public space.
• Questions addressed budgeting challenges and potential future financial constraints.
• Discussion covered trustee responsibilities versus staff and director responsibilities.
• Candidates described the perspectives they would bring to the board.
• Candidates addressed prior library book challenges and intellectual freedom issues.
• Both candidates indicated willingness to seek election for a full term.

Vote:

Jason Clark Nomination:
❌ Denied
Vote Count: 3-7 combined vote

• Board of Library Trustees: 1-4
• Select Board: 2-3

Brenna Sullivan Nomination:
✅ Approved
Vote Count: 10-0 combined vote

• Board of Library Trustees: 5-0
• Select Board: 5-0

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🗣️ Public Comment

⏰ 00:35:34 – 00:37:18
👤 Presenter(s): Nancy Docktor

• Urged the town to maintain water rights protections and continue funding related obligations.
• Encouraged broader long-term planning regarding water resource management.
• Requested additional discussion and agenda consideration regarding public comment procedures and open meeting law concerns.

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🏢 Administrator / Manager Report

⏰ 00:37:25 – 00:41:04
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman

🏗 State / Regional Policy

• Killam School project mobilized with contractor setup beginning on site.
• Reading Center for Active Living construction continued with steel installation and framing progression.
• A time capsule is planned for placement at the Reading Center for Active Living.
• High Street roadway reconstruction entered a new construction phase with paving scheduled.

🚆 Transportation / Infrastructure

• Staff continue coordination and public communication regarding downtown construction impacts and roadwork.

💼 Economic Development

• The Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission approved an all-alcohol restaurant license for Bean and Barrel.
• Reading currently has 21 issued all-alcohol restaurant licenses with 7 remaining available.

• A FY27 hiring freeze was announced for most municipal departments.
• Certain vacancies will remain unfilled, including Assistant Town Engineer and Volunteer Coordinator positions.
• Public safety positions remain priority hires.

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🌟 Community Spotlight

⏰ 00:41:04 – 00:41:45
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman

• Recognized Tim Kirwan for five years of service on the Town Forest Committee and additional service on the Trails Committee.
• Highlighted volunteer contributions to the community.

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Consent Agenda

⏰ 00:41:45 – 00:42:01
👤 Presenter(s): Select Board

Overview:

The board considered the consent agenda, including routine administrative actions.

Vote:

✅ Approved
Vote Count: 5-0

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🏅 Recognition

⏰ 00:42:01 – 00:51:27
👤 Presenter(s):  Corey Frerichs, Reading Fire Department

Zoll Medical recognized the Reading Fire Department as a “Pioneer in Patient Care” for early adoption of advanced cardiac monitoring and defibrillation technology.

• Reading was identified as one of approximately 20 organizations globally receiving the designation.
• Firefighter/Paramedic Ben Braz received a save certificate and challenge coin.
• Firefighter/Paramedic Doug Coutu received a save certificate and challenge coin.
• Board members congratulated the department and praised its service to the community.
• Zoll representatives described improvements in patient monitoring, CPR feedback, and diagnostic capabilities provided by the equipment.

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Police Chief Retirement Announcement

⏰ 00:51:27 – 01:04:03
👤 Presenter(s): Police Chief, David Clark

Overview:

The Police Chief announced plans to retire on May 10, 2027, after more than 32 years of service to Reading.

Key Discussion Points:

• Reviewed accomplishments including department diversification, comfort dogs, mental health services, drone and K-9 programs, outreach expansion, enhanced training, and modernization initiatives.
• Stated the retirement decision predated current override discussions.
• Recommended Deputy Chief Christine Amendola as successor, citing extensive military, law enforcement, leadership, accreditation, and statewide training experience.
• Board members thanked the Chief for his service and leadership.
• Town Manager and Chair indicated succession planning discussions would begin.

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Close State Primary Election Warrant

⏰ 01:04:03 – 01:05:40
👤 Presenter(s): Town Clerk

Overview:

The board reviewed and considered closing the warrant for the September 1, 2026 State Primary Election.

Vote:

✅ Approved
Vote Count: 5-0

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Naming Policy for Town-Owned Facilities and Properties

⏰ 01:06:07 – 01:22:44
👤 Presenter(s): James Sullivan, Jayne Wellman

Overview:

Staff presented a draft policy establishing procedures for naming or renaming town-owned facilities, fields, parks, buildings, and public spaces.

Key Discussion Points:

• Proposed consistent eligibility criteria and evaluation standards.
• Recommended a formal application process and public input opportunities.
• Discussed creation of a naming review committee or ad hoc review structure.
• Considered signage, funding responsibilities, implementation procedures, and possible future name removals.
• Board members raised questions regarding committee structure, duration of naming designations, and practical implementation.
• Staff requested written feedback from board members before returning with a revised draft.

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Override Discussion

⏰ 01:22:44 – 02:18:24
👤 Presenter(s): Jayne Wellman, Sharon (CFO)

Overview:

The board reviewed possible Proposition 2½ override structures and discussed financial conditions facing the town.

Key Discussion Points:

• Staff outlined three potential ballot approaches:
• Single override question
• Tiered override options
• Multi-year override structure
• Preliminary discussion centered on a potential $6.5 million operational override.
• Staff described structural budget deficits supported by recurring free cash usage.
• Discussion included long-term financial sustainability, staffing impacts, debt exclusion costs, and capital funding practices.
• Staff estimated that failure of an override could require reductions equivalent to approximately 74 positions across municipal and school operations.
• Members emphasized the need for simple, transparent public communication and extensive voter education.
• Discussion included debt exclusion timing, project borrowing schedules, Community Preservation Act impacts, and future tax implications.

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🗳 Discussion & Vote – Election Outreach Signage

⏰ 02:18:24 – 02:24:15
👤 Presenter(s): Town Clerk

Overview:

The board reviewed a proposal to improve voter awareness through reusable election signage modeled after a Wakefield program.

Key Discussion Points:

• Reusable signs would display election dates at key intersections.
• Staff will evaluate costs and determine appropriate locations with police input.
• Board members supported efforts to increase voter awareness and turnout.
• Vote-by-mail participation trends and state outreach efforts were also discussed.

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🔗 Liaison Reports – Highlights

⏰ 02:24:15 – 02:35:28
👤 Presenter(s): Select Board Members

• Permanent Building Committee
• Reading Center for Active Living construction updates, payment approvals, schedule reviews, and design discussions.

• Tannerville
• Community office hours and strong resident engagement.
• Positive feedback regarding PorchFest participation.

• Town Forest Committee
• Arbor Day planting success, invasive species management, bird walks, and planning efforts.

• Climate Advisory Committee
• Membership recruitment and potential rebranding discussions.

• Historical Commission
• Discussion of preservation issues involving local historic properties and Pleasant Street Center considerations.

• CPDC
• Eastern Gateway zoning and abutter outreach updates.

• School Committee
• Introduction of Superintendent Dr. Henry Turner and preliminary override discussions.

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🗓 Future Agenda Items

⏰ 02:35:28 – 02:38:40
👤 Presenter(s): Select Board, Jayne Wellman

• Development of Select Board goals for upcoming meetings.
• Pleasant Street Center update.
• Mattera Cabin restoration discussions with Northeast Metro Tech.
• Continued override and financial planning discussions.

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🔑 Key Summary

• Brenda Sullivan was unanimously appointed to fill the vacant Board of Library Trustees seat following a joint Select Board and Library Trustees vote.
• The Town Manager reported progress on the Killam School and Reading Center for Active Living projects and announced a FY27 hiring freeze for most departments.
• Tim Kirwan was recognized for volunteer service to the Town Forest and Trails Committees.
• Zoll Medical honored the Reading Fire Department as a global “Pioneer in Patient Care,” and two firefighter-paramedics were recognized for a cardiac arrest save.
• The Police Chief announced his retirement effective May 10, 2027, and publicly recommended Deputy Chief Christine Amendola as his successor.
• The Select Board unanimously approved closing the warrant for the September 1, 2026 State Primary Election.
• Staff presented a draft naming policy for town-owned facilities and requested board feedback before returning with revisions.
• Extensive discussion focused on possible override ballot structures, the town’s structural budget deficit, projected service impacts, and public education efforts ahead of any override vote.

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