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.
Contents
- 🗣️ Co-Chair’s Remarks & Meeting Conduct
- 🗣️ Public Comment Highlights
- 🧑💼 Town Manager Report
- 🌟 Community Spotlight
- 🇮🇹 Italian Heritage Month Proclamation
- ♿ Commission on Disabilities Discussion
- 🚒 Fire Department Updates
- 🍷 Liquor License – Reading Forno, LLC
- 🗑️ Trash & Recycling Contract Review
- 🅿️ ReCAL & Burbank Ice Arena Parking Agreement
- 🚆 MBTA Turnback Track Update
- 🏠 32 Lincoln Street Roof Repair
- 🧑🤝🧑 Recreation Committee Appointment
- 🗓️ Deferred Agenda Items
- ✅ Key Summary
🗓️ Reading Select Board Meeting Summary
Date: October 7, 2025
Duration: ~4 hours 30 minutes
Format: Hybrid (in-person + Zoom)
Co-Chair: Chris Haley
Board Members Present: Melissa Murphy, Carlo Bacci, Karen Herrick, Karen Rose Gillis
Main Topics: The Select Board focused on the MBTA turnback track proposal, trash and recycling contract negotiations, the Italian Heritage Month proclamation, and the establishment of a Commission on Disabilities.
🗣️ Co-Chair’s Remarks & Meeting Conduct
⏰ 00:06:51
- Co-Chair Christopher Haley emphasized respectful conduct and adherence to speaking rules.
- Public comment limited to 2 minutes, strictly enforced with timers and music cues.
- Carlo Bacci issued a public apology for inappropriate language at a prior meeting.
🗣️ Public Comment Highlights
⏰ 00:11:41
- Turnback Track Opposition: Residents voiced strong concerns about MBTA’s proposed turnback track:
- Noise and air pollution
- Emergency response delays due to gate closures
- Lack of transparency and raw data
- Impact on property values and health
- Burbank Ice Arena Agreement Concerns: Questions raised about financial transparency and proposed allocation of rink revenue to unified sports.
- Support for Commission on Disabilities: Residents and SEPAC members voiced strong support for establishing a formal commission.
🧑💼 Town Manager Report
⏰ 00:37:25
- Reading Coalition Event: Successful remembrance event for suicide and substance misuse victims.
- Budget Season Kickoff: Financial forum scheduled for October 8; FY27 guidance vote on October 15.
- Fall Beer Garden: October 11, hosted by Reading/North Reading Chamber of Commerce.
- Trash Contract & MBTA Turnback Track: Updates provided during regular agenda.
🌟 Community Spotlight
⏰ 00:41:41
- Reading Police Officer Kayln Balbo named Employee of the Quarter.
- Crossing Guards Honored: Tina Lance (31 years) and Cindy Asci (30 years) recognized for service.
🇮🇹 Italian Heritage Month Proclamation
⏰ 00:44:35
- Presented by: Carlo Bacci
- Approved: 4-0-1 with Karen Herrick abstaining. October declared Italian Heritage Month in Reading.
- Public Support: Residents shared historical and cultural contributions of Italian-Americans.
♿ Commission on Disabilities Discussion
⏰ 01:06:00
- Presented by: Albert Pless, ADA Coordinator
- Proposal: Establish a 13-member advisory commission.
- Benefits:
- Access to ADA Improvement Grants
- Support for transition plans and grievance policies
- Advocacy for disabled residents
- Next Steps: Town Meeting vote in April 2026.
🚒 Fire Department Updates
Special Municipal Employee Designation
⏰ 01:20:40
- Approved: Firefighter David Ferrer designated to assist with fire alarm system maintenance.
Permit Fee Schedule Correction
⏰ 01:23:30
- Approved: Added fees for commercial fire alarms and flammable liquid storage; corrected labeling error.
🍷 Liquor License – Reading Forno, LLC
⏰ 01:25:29
- Approved: Annual all-alcohol restaurant license for Tuscana Forno at 45 Walkers Brook Drive.
- Owners: Parina brothers, Reading natives with successful restaurant history.
- Opening Target: February 1, 2026
🗑️ Trash & Recycling Contract Review
⏰ 01:39:26
- Vendors: Waste Management & Republic Services
- Key Issues:
- Weekly vs. bi-weekly recycling
- Bulk item pickup costs
- Fuel surcharges and market-based recycling fees
- Decision Deferred: Board requested updated pricing from Republic for weekly recycling before final vote.
🅿️ ReCAL & Burbank Ice Arena Parking Agreement
⏰ 02:44:03
- Lease Amendment & MOU: Town negotiating parking access for pickleball courts.
- Revenue Proposal: Burbank suggested allocating rink rent to fund unified sports.
- Board Discussion: Mixed views on appropriateness and transparency; no vote taken.
🚆 MBTA Turnback Track Update
⏰ 02:59:10
- Presented by: Sharon Cranston, MBTA
- Concerns Raised:
- Noise study methodology questioned
- Emissions impact on children and residents
- Lack of raw data and transparency
- Public Comment: Over 20 residents spoke in opposition.
- Next Steps: MBTA to appear before Conservation Commission on October 8.
🏠 32 Lincoln Street Roof Repair
⏰ 04:26:05
- Approved: Renovation plan endorsed by Historical Commission.
🧑🤝🧑 Recreation Committee Appointment
⏰ 04:28:49
- Appointed: Giuseppe Fodera as full member (term ends June 30, 2028)
🗓️ Deferred Agenda Items
⏰ 04:30:43
- Select Board Communication Policy Amendment
- Liaison Reports
- Future Agendas
- Approval of Minutes
✅ Key Summary
- MBTA Turnback Track dominated the meeting, with extensive public opposition and calls for transparency.
- Trash contract decision postponed pending updated pricing for weekly recycling.
- Italian Heritage Month proclaimed, and Commission on Disabilities proposal received strong support.
- New liquor license approved for Tuscana Forno, a local family-owned restaurant.
- Burbank Ice Arena parking agreement discussed; revenue-sharing proposal for unified sports raised concerns.
- Town Manager and staff praised for community engagement and budget planning efforts.
