May 27, 2025, Select Board meeting

May 30

(4-5 minute read)

For residents looking to stay informed on town government, the May 27, 2025, Select Board meeting covered several key topics, ranging from an Arbor Day Proclamation to RCTV contract negotiations. Below is a summary of the most important discussions and decisions made, with added context for how they may impact the Reading community.

Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.

Click the links below to watch the specific agenda item on RCTV’s YouTube page; timestamps are noted in brackets.

Three key takeaways

Fieldhouse financing moves forward. [36:11]
The Select Board approves $3 million in short-term debt to fund Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) Fieldhouse improvements. This borrowing will be temporary and rolled into a larger bond package that includes Killam Elementary and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL) projects next January. Town Accountant Sharon Angstrom recommended using a bond anticipation note rather than drawing from free cash, especially after the Town allocated $6 million in free cash to balance the FY25 operating budget.
Water & sewer rate options introduced for FY26.
Consultant Mark Abrahams presented future rate structures for both water and sewer, projecting financial impacts over the next decade. While water expenses have grown 7% annually, sewer costs have risen by just 1.2%. The Town aims to balance rising Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) costs with responsible rate increases and fund stabilization.
RCTV contract renewal sparks extended debate.
With RCTV’s current grant agreement set to expire in June, the Select Board held a lengthy discussion on the future of the partnership. Residents and RCTV board members defended the station’s role in the community, while some Select Board members expressed concern over programming consistency and financial transparency.

Additional updates and discussion

Notable meeting dynamics

Missing Pride Proclamation
The annual Pride Proclamation, usually presented in May, was conspicuously absent from the agenda. Chair Chris Haley said he learned about it only on the day of the meeting. Its omission drew attention given the timing and past precedent going back at least 3 years.
Procedural changes and pushback [3:28]
Mr. Haley also outlined new procedural rules, including moving liaison reports to the end of meetings, allowing public comment after board discussion during the meeting, and allowing same-meeting discussion and voting. He suggested alternating chairing duties between himself and Vice Chair Melissa Murphy, and including email correspondence in the meeting packet moving forward. Board member Karen Herrick challenged these changes, arguing that such adjustments require full board approval. Mr. Haley redirected her to discuss offline, sparking transparency concerns for residents.

Water & sewer rates: long-term planning [49:35]

Water and sewer infrastructure funding continues to be a priority. The Town currently operates under a four-tier rate structure, with modest increases approved for FY25 - 3.75% for water and 3.00% for sewer. Town policy aims to maintain 30% in retained earnings for each fund, though current certifications are well above that: 62.5% for water and 93.2% for sewer.

Matt Abrahams of The Abrahams Group outlined multiple scenarios for FY26, with proposed water rate increases of 1.75%, 2.5%, and 3.25% and sewer increases of 1.5%, 2.0%, and 2.5%. These options included projected cost impacts on bills for average households.

RCTV contract debate [2:14:24]

The most emotionally charged topic of the evening was the RCTV contract discussion. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis sought guidance from the Board on how to approach negotiations, emphasizing that a grant agreement is essential for RCTV’s continued operation in the Town’s interests.

Board member Carlo Bacci questioned whether RCTV could consolidate resources with nearby communities, pointing to a drop in programming like a once-popular cooking show. Ms. Murphy criticized the lack of coverage of the April local election results and the absence of key RCTV staff at the meeting.

Board member Karen Rose-Gillis countered that it’s not RCTV’s job to make residents watch its content, highlighting a lack of awareness about available services. Mr. Haley compared RCTV unfavorably to Wilmington’s community access TV and pressed for more fundraising efforts.

In defense, RCTV Board Treasurer Kathi Crook explained their shift to a more cost-effective model, utilizing studio space at RMHS and the public library. She emphasized how the pandemic and the rise of Zoom meetings changed community needs. RCTV Board member Bob Beckman added that while RCTV may not cover every event, its contribution goes far beyond contract requirements. Several residents echoed those sentiments and voiced concern that the Select Board’s tone felt more critical than constructive.