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.
- 🗣️ Public Comment
- 🏛️ Town Manager Report
- 🌟 Community Spotlight
- 📊 FY26 Tax Classification Preview
- 📜 Vote to Close Special Town Meeting Warrant
- 🏘️ Local Initiative Program Application Support
- 📱 Communication Policy Amendments
- 📑 Financial Policy Review Request
- 🚗 Valet Parking License Exploration
- 📣 Liaison Reports
- 📝 Meeting Minutes Approval
- 📅 Future Agenda & Next Meeting
- ✅ Key Takeaways
October 21, 2025 Select Board Meeting
🕒 Start Time: 7:00 PM
💻 Format: Hybrid (In-person Select Board meeting room & Zoom)
👩⚖️ Chair: Melissa Murphy
👥 Attendees: Chris Haley, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci, Karen Rose-Gillis
📋 Summary: The meeting covered public comment, town manager updates, community spotlight, FY26 tax classification preview, warrant closure for special town meeting, affordable housing application support, communication policy amendments, financial policy review, valet parking license exploration, liaison reports, meeting minutes approval, and future agenda planning.
🗣️ Public Comment
⏰ 00:57
Discussion: Residents raised concerns about meeting minutes accuracy, upcoming precinct meetings, and transparency. Nancy Docktor emphasized including public apologies in minutes. Genady Pilyavsky announced a precinct 7 meeting. Angela Binda asked about the Burbank contract timeline.
Outcome: Comments noted; no formal actions taken.
🏛️ Town Manager Report
⏰ 07:15
Speaker: Matt Kraunelis
Summary: Updates on Downtown Trick-or-Treat, Connected Reading event, MBTA Turnback Track meeting, Eastern Gateway meeting, Mattera Cabin reopening timeline, staff professional development, and Veterans Day ceremony.
Outcome: Informational update; no votes taken.
🌟 Community Spotlight
⏰ 09:05
Speaker: Matt Kraunelis
Summary: Employee spotlight on Liv Bartolomei, the public health nurse, for her exceptional service. Business spotlight on Whitelam Books celebrating its 8th anniversary.
Outcome: Recognition and appreciation expressed.
📊 FY26 Tax Classification Preview
⏰ 16:21
Speaker: Victor Santaniello
Summary: Presentation on FY26 tax classification options, including residential/commercial tax rate shifts, senior circuit breaker exemptions, and small commercial exemption limitations. Discussion included fairness, business impact, and override implications.
Outcome: Preview only; formal vote scheduled for future meeting.
📜 Vote to Close Special Town Meeting Warrant
⏰ 1:00:08
Discussion: Four articles proposed for November 10 Special Town Meeting: renewal of senior tax exemption legislation, acceptance of disabilities commission statute, reallocation of capital funds to Killam project, and standard reports.
Outcome: Warrant closed with unanimous vote (5-0).
🏘️ Local Initiative Program Application Support
⏰ 1:08:00
Speaker: Andrew MacNichol
Summary: Request to support affordable housing application for 258–262 Main Street. Three units designated as affordable under local zoning.
Outcome: Unanimous vote (5-0) to support application and authorize town manager to sign documents.
📱 Communication Policy Amendments
⏰ 1:17:45
Discussion: Proposed amendments to Select Board communication policy, including new sections on social media and cell phone use. Extensive debate on free speech, campaign vs. personal pages, and appropriate conduct.
Outcome:
- Social Media Policy (Section 1.4.3) passed with removal of final sentence (Vote: 4-1)
- Cell Phone Use Policy (Section 1.4.4) passed unanimously (Vote: 5-0)
📑 Financial Policy Review Request
⏰ 1:56:47
Speaker: Joe Carnahan
Summary: Request for Division of Local Services to review town financial policies at no cost.
Outcome: Approved unanimously (Vote: 5-0)
🚗 Valet Parking License Exploration
⏰ 1:59:01
Discussion: Proposal to explore Friday/Saturday valet parking license agreements for downtown businesses. Post 1917 expressed interest. Police concerns noted.
Outcome: Approved to explore license framework (Vote: 5-0)
📣 Liaison Reports
⏰ 2:17:16
Details: Updates from all board members covering CPA, conservation, school committee, MBTA, Council on Aging, food pantry, town forest, and more. Highlights included Claudia Miksen-Fanaras’s $550K donation to RMHS fitness center and progress on Killam School project.
📝 Meeting Minutes Approval
⏰ 2:41:23
Discussion: Review and approval of meeting minutes from September 9, September 16, and October 7. Edits discussed and debated, including inclusion of public apology and context for remarks.
Outcome:
- September 9 minutes approved as amended (Vote: 5-0)
- September 16 minutes approved as amended (Vote: 4-1)
- October 7 minutes approved as amended (Vote: 5-0)
📅 Future Agenda & Next Meeting
⏰ 2:40:23
Next Meeting Date: November 4, 2025
Future Agenda Items:
- Recal operations update
- Composting program
- Water/sewer rate review committee
- Brunch policy
- Disabilities commission appointments
- SEPAC proclamation
- Parking amendment
- Retreat planning
✅ Key Takeaways
- FY26 tax classification preview sparked robust discussion.
- Select Board supported affordable housing application.
- New communication policies adopted.
- Special Town Meeting warrant closed.
- Valet parking license exploration approved.
- Liaison reports highlighted major community initiatives.
- Meeting minutes reviewed and approved with amendments.
