Select Board Recap: June 24, 2025

(3-4 minute read)

For residents looking to stay up to date on key town matters, this recap highlights major takeaways from the Select Board meeting held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

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

Key Takeaways

1. Conservation land donation accepted [0:43]

   The Select Board voted to accept a gift of land from resident Cheryl Surette, located off Waverly Road in the Birch Meadow area, to the Reading Conservation Commission. This vote was the final step needed to make the donation official and record the deed. The land is now designated as Town-owned conservation land, helping preserve natural space in Reading.

2. Goal setting for the Town Manager underway

   With a new contract recently started, Town Manager Matt Kraunelis asked the Board to begin outlining goals for the town and his role, noting the need for clear, measurable priorities ahead of his annual review in December. The current goals date back to the previous Town Manager contract and need updating.

3. Dozens of volunteer appointments made

   The Board voted to appoint or reappoint 53 volunteer positions to various boards and committees, based on recommendations from the Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC). All but one of the appointments were unanimous. A discussion ensued over the one contested appointment to the RCTV Board of Directors, highlighting differing opinions on leadership continuity versus change.

Town Manager's goals discussed [1:07]

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis led the conversation, requesting updated goals for his new contract. He emphasized a shift from personal performance goals to town-wide objectives, noting that his current contract requires goal-setting by July 11 and a review in December.

Board members offered the following input:

• Chair Chris Haley suggested adding tangible goals, pointing to the improved road closure tracking on the Town website as a positive example of recent progress.

• Karen Rose-Gillis recommended keeping existing construction goals but refining language to match current timelines.

• Carlo Bacci emphasized improving email tracking systems to ensure resident concerns are addressed and noted it should be a two-way street between staff and the Board. He also advocated for positive direction with RCTV and better internal communication.

• Vice Chair Melissa Murphy and Karen Herrick voiced concerns over the town budget, given the pressure from two major capital projects. Both noted the importance of tight fiscal management, pursuing grants, and delaying the need for an override.

• Mr. Haley also mentioned researching a town-wide communication app and potentially replacing the Town Common’s static signboard with an electronic one for real-time updates.

Kraunelis said he welcomed the Board’s input to ensure the goals were collaborative and achievable.

VASC appointments and RCTV Board discussion [1:21]

The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee (VASC), led by Ms. Murphy and Ms. Rose-Gillis, held four days of interviews and recommended appointments for 53 positions. The process was praised for its inclusivity and energy, with VASC members expressing appreciation for the many residents who applied.

The only contested appointment was to the RCTV Board of Directors:

• Ms. Rose-Gillis supported reappointing Chris Cridler, citing his ongoing leadership during contract negotiations and past contributions.

• Ms. Murphy favored a new appointment, referencing the need for a fresh perspective and recent changes within RCTV leadership.

• Mr. Bacci agreed with appointing a new resident, citing communication challenges and a sense that the RCTV Board had become stagnant.

• Mr. Haley reminded the Select Board that they are appointing a representative to the RCTV Board and not the other way around. He supported appointing Ron Powell, citing a need for new direction and improved communication.

• Ms. Herrick defended Mr. Cridler, acknowledging past tensions but crediting him with critical contributions, including navigating the lease exit and relocation efforts.

Ultimately, while views varied, the Select Board approved Ron Powell to serve as the Select Board appointee on the RCTV Board of Directors.

Image of the June 24, 2025 Select Board meeting from the RCTV Youtube page. Pictured (left to right): Board members Karen Rose-Gillis, Chris Haley, Carlo Bacci, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis. Members Karen Herrick and Melissa Murphy attended via Zoom.