Below is a summarized version of night two of Town Meeting (Special + Articles 8 and 9), 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.
🗓️ Town Meeting Summary
Date: November 13, 2025
Duration: ~3 hours 26 minutes
Format: In-person (RMHS Performing Arts Center)
Chair: Alan Foulds
Members Present: Town Meeting Members, Select Board, Finance Committee, Charter Review Committee, Bylaw Committee
Staff Present: Town Manager, Town Clerk, Town Counsel, Finance Director
Main Topics: Senior tax exemption renewal, Commission on Disability creation, capital fund transfers, charter amendments, recall petition standards
🔹 Opening Announcements
🕒 17:19–18:25
- Chair outlined plan: finish Special Town Meeting first, then resume Subsequent Town Meeting for charter changes.
- Reminder: speak clearly into microphones for accessibility.
- Quorum confirmed; pledge of allegiance recited.
🔹 Article 1 – Lay on Table
🕒 18:50–19:02
- Motion to lay Article 1 on the table carried unanimously.
🔹 Article 2 – Senior Property Tax Exemption Renewal
🕒 19:13–28:41
Background:
- Program first adopted in 2016; provides relief tied to state “Circuit Breaker” credit.
- Must be reauthorized every 3 years; no changes proposed.
Discussion Highlights: - Victor Santinello (Assessor): ~225 seniors benefit annually; 60% qualify consistently.
- Issue raised: trusts complicate eligibility; veterans exempted under Hero Act.
- Some seniors cycle in/out due to income thresholds; overall net benefit remains positive.
Committee Reports: - FINCOM: 9–0 recommend.
- Bylaw Committee: 3–0 recommend.
Action: Motion carried.
🔹 Article 3 – Establish Commission on Disability
🕒 29:00–50:36
Proposal: Accept MGL Ch. 40 §8J to create local commission.
Presentation:
- Albert Pless (ADA Coordinator): Commission would advise on accessibility, review projects, apply for grants, and coordinate with state agencies.
- Membership: 5–13 members; majority must have disabilities; includes municipal staff for compliance.
Discussion: - Clarified advisory role vs. enforcement; no permit authority.
- Funding sources: grants, gifts, parking fine revenue.
- Public comments strongly supported inclusion and accessibility.
Committee Reports: - FINCOM: 9–0 recommend.
- Bylaw Committee: 3–0 recommend.
Action: Motion carried.
🔹 Article 4 – Transfer Remaining Capital Funds to Killam Project
🕒 50:43–58:27
Purpose: Move $198,681.73 in leftover borrowed funds from completed projects to reduce Killam borrowing.
Discussion:
- Funds cannot revert to free cash; must go to similar-term capital projects.
- Explained why split between Killam and RMHS was dropped (interest savings rationale).
- Questions on Birch Meadow lighting design funds from 2015 clarified.
FINCOM Vote: 9–0 recommend.
Action: Motion carried.
🔹 Adjournment of Special Town Meeting
🕒 58:32–58:45
- Motion to adjourn carried. Subsequent Town Meeting reopened immediately.
🔹 Charter Review – Articles 8 & 9
🕒 59:06–3:43:02
Overview:
- Article 8: Gender-neutral language, terminology updates, procedural clarifications.
- Article 9: Substantive changes requiring legislative approval (majority vote definition, recall process, town manager qualifications).
🔹 Section Highlights
- Majority Vote Definition:
- Proposal: change from “majority of full membership” to “majority of those present and voting.”
- Extensive debate on fairness vs. practicality; motion to revert to old definition failed.
- Town Manager Qualifications:
- Reduced required experience from 5 years to 3 years; severance pay clause removed (to be handled by contract).
- Acting Town Manager (Long-Term Absence):
- Amendment adopted to clarify Select Board authority if no letter filed under §5.4.1.
- Recall Petition Standards:
- Affidavit must allege breach of sworn responsibilities; amendment adopted for clarity.
- Debate on signature threshold: proposal to revert from 20% to 10% pending vote Monday.
- Other Sections: Mostly housekeeping (gender-neutral terms, committee names, posting requirements).
Meeting Adjourned: Motion to adjourn until Monday carried.
✅ Key Outcomes
- Approved:
- Senior tax exemption renewal (Article 2).
- Commission on Disability creation (Article 3).
- Capital fund transfers to Killam (Article 4).
- Charter Changes:
- Majority vote definition change retained (boards/committees now majority of those present).
- Town manager qualification and severance provisions updated.
- Acting town manager language clarified.
- Recall affidavit requirements tightened; signature threshold debate continues Monday.
