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
December 18, 2025 Select Board Meeting
🕒 Meeting Start: 00:04:45
⏰ Meeting End: 03:01:30
💻 Format: Hybrid (In-person Select Board meeting room & Zoom)
👨⚖️ Chair: Chris Haley
👥 Attendees: Melissa Murphy, Karen Herrick, Carlo Bacci, Karen Rose-Gillis
📋 Summary: The Select Board finalized and approved the new RCTV grant agreement, discussed the Burbank Ice Arena lease amendment and parking agreement, extended the Ad Hoc Commemoration Committee sunset date, and set the Town Manager evaluation processincluding 360-degree feedback participants.
📅 Agenda Overview
| Timestamp | Topic |
|---|---|
04:45 | Meeting Called to Order & Pledge of Allegiance |
06:08 | Public Comment |
06:26 | RCTV Grant Agreement – Discussion & Vote |
1:44:10 | Ad Hoc Commemoration Committee Sunset Extension |
1:47:04 | Burbank Ice Arena Lease Amendment & Parking Agreement Discussion |
2:52:06 | Town Manager Evaluation Procedure & Selection of Direct Reports |
3:00:38 | Approval of Meeting Minutes (Dec 2 & Dec 3) |
3:01:13 | Motion to Adjourn |
📺 RCTV Grant Agreement
⏰ 06:26
- Key Changes from Dec 2 Draft:
- Removed “free of charge” language from lease option.
- Fundraising requirement clarified: must fundraise, but not a material breach; number of events removed.
- Term: Extended to 3.5 years (through June 30, 2029) for stability and alignment with fiscal year.
- Added 90-day notice for non-renewal.
- Posting Requirement: All recorded meetings posted within 5 business days.
- Clarified remote meeting handling; Town will provide Zoom recordings for upload.
- Added executive director change notification.
- Material Breach: Misuse of PEG funds and failure to meet programming standards; fundraising removed from breach clause.
- Core Events: Tree Lighting and Menorah Lighting added; language changed to “shall cover” annual events.
- Candidate forums clarified: one forum per election cycle covering all contested boards; wording tightened.
- Added outreach to youth sports for volunteer training and equipment use.
- Board Debate Highlights:
- Accountability vs flexibility on fundraising.
- Event coverage made mandatory with reasonable access and technical feasibility caveat.
- Grace period for new executive director: 90 days.
- Vote:
✅ Approved grant agreement (effective 11/26/25 – 6/30/29) and authorized Town Manager to sign.
🏛️ Ad Hoc Commemoration Committee Sunset Extension
⏰ 1:44:10
- Request: Extend sunset date to complete MLK Day participation, library series, and award program.
- Vote:
✅ Extended to January 31, 2027 (to cover next MLK Day).
🅿️ Burbank Ice Arena Lease Amendment & Parking Agreement
⏰ 1:47:04
- Discussion Highlights:
- Parking Agreement: Shared use between ReCAL and Burbank; term and termination rights under negotiation.
- Lease Amendment Changes:
- Capital reserve cap increased from $300K to $500K (reflecting CPI and aging infrastructure).
- Proposal to allocate 50% of net rent revenue to Unified Sports Stabilization Fund (subject to Town Meeting approval).
- Town Meeting retains authority to create, fund, or dissolve stabilization fund.
- Concerns Raised:
- Lack of capital plan and utilization data from Burbank.
- Transparency on financial reporting and rent payments.
- Insurance limits may need updating.
- Unified Sports funding stability vs alternative funding sources.
- Next Steps:
- Redline changes for clarity.
- Confirm insurance requirements.
- Prepare warrant article for stabilization fund at April Town Meeting.
🧑💼 Town Manager Evaluation Procedure
⏰ 2:52:06
- Process: 360-degree feedback from 7 direct reports (including 3 department heads).
- Selected Participants:
- Superintendent of Schools – Tom Milaschewski
- Library Director – Amy Lannon
- CFO/Town Accountant – Sharon Angstrom
- Fire Chief – Rick Nelson
- IT Director – Kevin Ferilla
- Facilities Director – Joe Huggins
- Police Chief – David Clark
- Vote:
✅ Approved participant list and authorized Town Counsel to compile composite evaluation.
✅ Meeting Minutes Approved
⏰ 3:00:38
- Dates: December 2 & December 3, 2025
- Vote: Unanimous approval.
✅ Key Summary
- RCTV Grant Agreement Approved: 3.5-year term, mandatory event coverage, improved posting timelines, and stronger accountability measures.
- Fundraising: Required but not tied to breach; quarterly reporting for transparency.
- Ad Hoc Committee Extended: Through January 2027 to complete commemorative initiatives.
- Burbank Lease Negotiations: Parking agreement and unified sports funding proposal under review; capital reserve raised to $500K.
- Town Manager Evaluation: Seven direct reports selected for 360-degree feedback; composite evaluation by Town Counsel.
- Next Steps: Finalize Burbank agreements, prepare stabilization fund warrant article, and monitor RCTV compliance.
