For residents looking to stay informed on important town discussions, this recap covers key highlights from the Select Board meeting held on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. Below is a quick summary of the topics covered during the meeting, followed by a more detailed breakdown of each discussion. Watch the full meeting here.

Public Comment
Liaison Reports
Grey Coach Road Discussion and Vote to turn streetlight back on
Discuss/vote for in-person early voting for April Election
Discussion on logistics/process for holding Special Election
ReCAL cost update/discussion
Preview Town Meeting Warrant

Members - Present:

Carlo Bacci (Zoom), Mark Dockser, Chris Haley, Karen Herrick (Zoom)

Members - Not Present:

Melissa Murphy

Others Present:

Matt Kraunelis, Jayne Wellman

Public comment (0:02)

During the public comment portion of the meeting, three residents addressed the Board on various issues of concern.

Angela Binda spoke on the 2022 Town Meeting decision to approve the purchase of parking kiosks with the goal of changing parking behavior and encourage turnover downtown. She noted that several Town Meeting members had expressed support for the kiosks at the time, citing the value of the data they would provide and expectation that revenue generated would cover the cost within one to three years. Ms. Binda expressed her disappointment that the kiosks were scrapped after 2 weeks of operation.

Taylor Gregory raised concerns regarding the actions of Select Board members Carlo Bacci and Chris Haley, describing instances where their character was attacked and their public comments misrepresented. Mx. Gregory also addressed Mr. Bacci’s lack of disclosure regarding his role as a pickleball instructor when ARPA funds were allocated, as well as concerns about favoritism. Additionally, Mx. Gregory described how Mr. Bacci and Mr. Haley attempted to prevent them from serving on an ad-hoc committee as retaliation after they requested clarification on guidance received from the State Ethics Commission. The request specifically related to whether Mr. Bacci and Mr. Haley - both commercial property owners in Reading - had potential financial conflict of interest in participating in tax rate discussions.

David Caroll spoke about safety concerns in his neighborhood, advocating for the restoration of power to a streetlight at the end of his street. He detailed how poor lighting had led to hazardous conditions, citing an incident where a neighbor slipped, fell, and broke a bone. Mr. Caroll urged the Town to address the issue promptly to prevent further accidents.

Liaison reports (0:11)

Charter committee nears completion

The Charter Committee is finalizing its review of the town charter and is expected to hold its final vote the next two meetings. Once approve, the revised charter will be presented to Town Meeting in November 2025, followed by a voter referendum for final approval.

Reading Scholarship Foundation now accepting applications

The Reading Scholarship Foundation (RSF) is currently accepting applications until March 7, 2025. RSF awards nearly $200,000 in scholarships to around 150 students each year. Eligible applications include Reading residents who are high school seniors, pursuing their first undergraduate degree, or non-Reading residents who attended Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) for at least three (3) years.

Reading Pickleball Players Association fundraiser

The Reading Pickleball Players Association will be hosting its third annual fundraiser at the RMHS Fieldhouse on Sunday, March 16. The event will feature two sessions: 10:30 am - 12:30 pm and 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. Signups are available now on their website.

New podium unveiled in Select Board room

A new podium, crafted by Facilities Department carpenter, Richard Price, was introduced in the Select Board room. This new podium will remain in place, while the previous podium will be repurposed for town events.

New podium created by Richard Price. Photo by: Taylor Gregory.

Condolences for former Reading Police Officer David Savio

The Town Manager Matt Kraunelis shared news of the passing of former Reading Police Officer David Savio, expressing his and the town’s condolences and appreciation for his service to the community.

DPW recognized for snow removal efforts

Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman extended her gratitude Department of Public Works (DPW) for their work in clearing streets and sidewalks during recent snow and ice storms. DPW director Chris Cole also reminded residents to help keep catch basins clear to prevent flooding and shovel out fire hydrants to ensure emergency access.

Grey Coach Road streetlight discussion (0:23)

Director of Public Works Chris Cole provided an update on streetlights that were turned off in 1991 as part of an energy conservation effort. Within the transition to LED lighting, several of these streetlights have been restored in response to resident requests. However, the streetlight in front of 33 Grey Coach Road remained without power.

After the discussion, the Select Board voted unanimously (5-0) to restore power to the streetlight immediately.

In-person early voting for April election discussion (0:26)

Town Clerk Laura Gemme informed the Select Board that Vote By Mail is automatically enrolled unless the Board chooses to opt out. She shared that the Board of Registrars voted 2-1 in favor of holding in-person voting during normal Town Hall hours.

Ms. Gemme requested the Board to approve in-person early voting Monday through Thursday the week before the April 8 local election. If the Board were to decline this request, voters would need to complete additional paperwork to obtain absentee ballots instead. She also noted that in-person early voting requires additional staffing, with the Town Clerk’s office supporting four staff members for the process.

Logistics for holding a special election discussion (0:30)

The Select Board confirmed with Town Clerk Laura Gemme that she and her staff would be able to handle the logistics of the April local election, followed by April Town Meeting, then a Special Election in May for residents to vote on the debt exclusions for the Killam Elementary School and Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects.

Ms. Gemme noted she and her staff will still be certifying the April Local Election results when they begin sending out ballots for the May Special Election, which is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, May 13, 2025.

ReCAL update and discussion (0:37)

Project Manager Brian Hromadkn provided an update on the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) project, emphasizing the need for a modern facility that meets the needs of Reading’s seniors. The new center will be located on Symonds Way near the Burbank Ice Arena, replacing the outdated Pleasant Street Center.

Mr. Hromadkn noted that other towns that built senior centers without a gymnasium regretted the omission, while those that included a gym were pleased with the decision. The projected budget for ReCAL is $27.9 million, a figure approved by the Permanent Building Committee. The project team worked to keep costs below $30 million, factoring in contingencies for inflation and setting an optimal timeline to reduce expenses. The facility is expected to open in Fall 2027.

Select Board member Karen Herrick asked why the ReCAL building is being planned with propane generator, while Killam Elementary is not. Police Chief David Clark and Fire Chief Greg Burns explained that ReCAL will serve as an emergency shelter, requiring a generator to provide cooling in the summer and heating in the winter.

Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom reviewed potential cost impacts for residents based on loan terms of 15, 20, 25, and 30years, expressing reservations about a 10-year term while also financing the Killam project. The Town is developing an online financial impact calculator to help residents better understand how the funding of these projects will affect their households and will be available on the town website soon.

Select Board member Mark Dockser reiterated the importance of both projects, stating that Reading has a strong history of financial responsibility and early loan repayments. He emphasized, “The time is now - this is the right project and right scope.”

Preview of the Town Warrant (1:46)

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis announced that a Special Town Meeting will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, specifically to address the Killam Elementary School and Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects. This meeting will take place on the second scheduled night of Annual Town Meeting, ensuring dedicated time for these significant projects.

Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom provided an update on budget adjustments, noting that funds have been reallocated within the Capital Plan. Due to retirements within the Fire Department, the Town must account for vacation payouts and increased benefits costs.

Town Engineer Ryan Percival presented updates on the Haven Street improvement project, which will be funded by a MassWorks grant. The grant will cover upgrades such as pedestrian crossing enhancements, planting island to improve aesthetics and reduce asphalt coverage, and traffic signal improvements at Woburn Street. Mr. Percival also clarified that the project will not require additional borrowing, as funding will come from surplus funds from four previously completed projects.