All right, everybody. I will call the April 14th uh writing select board meeting to order. The first item on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Hi there. The room is still muted. The select boardroom. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Maddie. >> Perfect.
All right. Uh, overview of the meeting. Uh, 7:05 public comment. 720 select board vote to reorganize. 7:35 town manager report. 7:40 community spotlight. 7:45 discuss and vote on uh, BAS application deadline schedule. 7:55
discuss and vote on Arbor Day proclamation. 8:00 discuss and vote on parkland acquisitions and renovations for the community's park grant for pickleball courts to be located on Simon's Wave Range Road and designated of said parcel
available for active recreational use. 810 discuss leazison assignments. 825 discuss and vote on board ethics and protocol signing. 8:35 discuss 2026 select board retreat agenda. 8:50 leazison reports 9:00 future agendas
9:05 approve uh March 10th March 23rd and March 24th meeting minutes 9:10 executive session purpose 3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with all bargaining units pursuant to public employee committee
PEC agreement and then to return to open session if the PEC agreement is executed uh announce an agreement and general description of terms in open session. And that is it. So, first item is public
comment. Anybody in the room? >> I assume that's you, Kendra. >> Two minutes. Name and address, please. >> Yep. >> Kendra, you might just want to put your microphone on. There's a button if it's not green. >> Oh, it's green. >> There you go. >> Yep. Can you hear the echo? Okay. Yeah.
Uh, I wanted to bring to your attention. >> Just name and address. Sorry, we can restart. just name and address in the beginning. >> Oh, Kendra Cooper, 20 CVY Hill Road. >> And I wanted to bring to your attention um what the board of health and s must I would assume you know this the board of
health's new regulation which is called section 26 feeding of wildlife and that then the process that they went through to to create this in 2025 and only revealed to the public when it was a public notice. Um it was it was put in
the reading chronicle in February 11th of 2026. Uh the board of health minutes um that so that was the legal notice and also on February 11th that's when they released to the town clerk all of their minutes for 2025. So nobody would know
anything about this thing this regulation until that happened. Um some residents have been told to take down their bird feeders while others have been told to at having a bird feeder is okay. Nobody knows what's going on exactly. And in March 26, citizens began
receiving cease and desist letters with fines of $50, $100, $150 for allegedly violating section 26. That only became public on the 11th of February of 2026. Um section uh section 26 did not appear
in the town bylaws and regulations, the website until March 16th of this year. um when after I complained that people couldn't find the regulation. Um and I've had a bird feeder since the 1980s when we first moved here. I've recently found myself subject to a $50 fine for
allegedly um you know feeding feeding the the wildlife. And this is the picture that they included. It shows in the snow with all the the snow that we had the beginning of March. And um and that just shows turkeys on my neighbor's fence. So, it's it's it's been very
frustrating to get something like this. And I have requested since the 10th of March a public hearing which I just got noticed today around 3:00 from a day that uh that the hearing is tomorrow uh by Zoom at 7:00 and you know we've been
asking and we've written and we've had specific questions that we had but I'm I'm aware that these residents have been fined and um you know and they're they're I encourage people to read the text of section 26 because now it is online if they If they they can't that's
otherwise but I trust that the board of health you're going to be appointing people I'm assuming because now you're here and um you're situation I'll I'll make sure that this gets handled Kendra because I have no clue what you're talking about. >> It's kind of an unknown group of people
and I did get this this thing in by certified mail which says that they were unable to obtain a signature. we were home, you know, I mean, so we we don't know what happened exactly, but we are very concerned that people are having >> Shane will definitely follow up and we'll be okay.
>> Okay, let's get all right. Thank you. >> Anybody else in the room? Anybody online? Maddie. >> Oh, wait. Sorry. Going back into the room again. Two minutes. Name and address. >> Bruce Cooper, 20 Cover Hill Road, Reading Mass. I just want to point out
that uh I don't think there was a real effort to inform the public of the uh regulation that was approved in an August meeting. Um they could have uh done more by publishing it in the paper,
writing an article about it, sending out with your water bill, uh just doing various things like that to make people aware that it's something to worry about. you know, we didn't have any worries. Uh, in November, we were on
seek click fix for our property being a a known feeder of wildlife turkeys basically. Uh and then in December 3rd, we received a notice in the mail uh a little kind of a um kid notice um that
said Mass Wildlife does not uh approve of feeding birds, feeding uh wildlife and and that kind of thing. And and yet they could and Kendra took that down and said, "Is this really from the board of health?" And they said, "Yes, it is." And but the thing is they could have
given her the regulation because it had been approved August 14th. So you know that was another missed opportunity to let us know about it. Uh so really when when we got the notice and the cease and desist that was the first time I was aware of the regulation 26 uh and just
feel it was poorly communicated to to the town. Thank you. >> Thank you. Anybody else in the room? Anybody online? Maddie, >> I don't see any members of the public with their hand raised, but Karen does
have her hand raised. >> Uh Karen, I was going to give you an opportunity after I had finished, but if you want to go first, that's fine. >> Um I just wanted a a moment of personal privilege if that's okay to thank the staff. >> Yep. Yeah, I I was I was getting to
that, but yes, you can go ahead. >> Thank you. Okay. Well, I'm just pleased to um thank the staff and all of our volunteers. I know they're paid in some respects, but really they're volunteers. Um these elections are a lot more
complicated than they used to be. I was out speaking to a lot of people and people did know the election was coming. So, I just want to say kudos to staff for all of the outreach, the social media, the various forms that went out there. I do believe the message was heard. Um I believe results were up this
year over last year a bit and and that's always good news and again with the the early input person voting had to be staff for the week the mail and ballots growing every year and then the day of the election itself and our newly refurbished fieldhouse and all those volunteers and all that coordination by
staff just just kudos and thank you. Thanks Chris. >> Thanks Aaron. Um anybody else online Maddie? That's it. I don't see any hands raised. >> Okie dokie. Um yeah, and uh as for me,
it was my last meeting as chair, I just want to thank um all the candidates that ran this year. Um Tony Dzo, he put himself out there. Um obviously Carlo as well. It's hard for anybody to do six minutes up here. It's
hard enough to do six years like he did. So, um I appreciate him and every other volunteer that volunteers their time, even if it's for a meeting or two, a year, 20 years. Um I truly appreciate that. Um and then obviously we have a
new member, Sal Braante. Um I'll give him a moment just to introduce himself to the public to all of you if you don't know him yet. So S, if you have anything. >> Thanks, Chris. Yeah, I mirror what Karen and Chris said. You know, I appreciate all the all the town support and all the
um all the people who put on the election. Um takes a lot of work. I really appreciate everybody who puts themselves out there and run. It's not an easy thing to do. I learned firsthand, you know. Um I really have a lot of confidence in this board though
that we're going to have a great three years for me and whatever everybody else has left. I'm going to put my 100% in to change things that have been going wrong and work together with everybody. Thank you. >> Thanks, S. Um, and then last, I want to
also thank Karen Herrick um for um she got reelected and um uh her three years upcoming here on the board and offer you an opportunity. Karen, if you had anything else you wanted to say regarding or are you all good with what
you already did? >> Well, um thank you Chris. I I'm pleased to be back. I'm looking forward to um the next three years and the year in front of us and working with you all. Thanks. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. And last but not least, this is Jane Wellman's first
meeting as town manager. She will tell you technically it's tomorrow for some bizarre unknown reason, but today uh you know, we're bending the rules. So, thank you Jane for for your potential next three years as well. Um, and with that, I will turn the gavvel over to you for
reorganize. >> All right. Thank you. >> All right. You've given me the gavl, you poor people. Okay. So, um, I would like to open uh nominations for the chair of the
select board. Mr. Haley, do you have a nomination? >> I would nominate uh Melissa Murphy. Do is there a second? >> I'll second. >> Okay. >> I would love to nominate uh Miss Miss
Karen Rose Gillis. >> Thank you. Nominated by Miss Herro. Is there a second? >> A second. >> Okay. Seconded by Okay. Are there any further nominations for the spud chair?
Hearing none, I will ask for a motion to close nominations. >> Motion to close nominations. Chair, >> is there a second? We're being really formal. >> That wasn't written down. >> No, I know. I I jumped in with an extra motion there for you. Sorry about that. >> All right.
>> Seconded by Melissa. >> Yep. Seconded by Melissa. All right. Uh, we're going to roll call to close nominations. Karen, how do you vote? Karen Rose Gillis, how do you vote? >> To close them. >> Just to close nominations. >> Yes. >> Okay. Melissa, >> yes. Christopher Haley, >> yes.
>> Mr. Berante, >> yes. >> And Miss Heric, >> yes. >> Thank you. Okay, we're going to take a roll call vote on these two nominations. When I call your name, please state the candidate that you're that you would like to vote for.
>> Okay. >> Mhm. >> All right. Um, Ms. Heric, for whom do you vote? >> So, we're going to do two votes at once. Point of order, port of information. >> Yeah. Yep. We're going to go right
around and you'll vote for either Ms. Murphy or for Ms. Rose Gillis and each person will vote for whomever they want and we'll have three votes at the end of that. Is >> okay, that makes sense. Okay. Um I would I I have appreciated the work that um
Karen Rose Gillis has put in as secretary. Um um and I think that she would be great um performing as chair this year and um so I would love to cast my vote for Karen Rose Gillis. >> Okay.
All right. Uh S Berante, who do you vote for? >> Um you know, this is a hard decision. Obviously, I think whichever way we land, we're going to be two strong leaders, but I vote for Melissa Murphy. >> Okay. Christopher Haley, how do you
vote? >> Uh, Melissa Murphy. >> Melissa, how do you vote? Um, I really would like the opportunity to be chair, but I also know that Karen would also be a strong leader, and I'm
hoping that, you know, maybe she could be vice chair, but I am going to vote for myself. but also I'm hoping that in the future Karen can be and will be chair because I think she'd be a great leader for this board. >> Thank you. Um and Miss Rose Gillis,
>> I'm going to vote for myself. Um I I also repeat what Melissa just said. So, you know, I think the town's in really good hands regardless of what direction we go in. So, >> okay, >> there we go. >> Thank you. Uh, with that, uh, I would
like to, uh, congratulate Melissa Murphy as the next chair of the Reading Select Board. And I shall turn my brief session of the Gavl over to the There you go. >> Thank you very much. I appreciate it, everyone.
>> Don't you want to bang the gavvel now that you have >> bang the gavvel? >> I need to do that. >> Hopefully to do it often. >> Get it a good a good moment. >> There you go. If we could just do a acclamation motion of support
>> for Melissa Murphy as chair. >> Is there you want to explain that? >> Yeah. Basically, it's it's just, you know, even though the vote may or may not have gone one individual way, um we can vote potentially in unison of support
showing, you know, that um that this board fully supports the board's decision in in Melissa Murphy as chair. >> That's all. So, another opportunity. It it got done in 2021. Um it may have been done since that, but that's what I would
like to do. Okay. So motion for acclamation vote for Melissa's chair. >> Second seconded by Cameron Skills. Um we can just do a hand. >> Yes. Chris. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Karen Herrick. >> Yes. >> And I'll vote. Yes. Thank you. Thank you everyone. I appreciate it. >> Thank you. Um, now we will do any um >> I want to say open. >> I know. I want to say recommendations,
but that's not what I'm nominations for vice chair. Does anyone have a nomination? S >> I'd like to nominate Cameron Gills. >> I'd like to second that. Do we have any other nominations for vice chair?
All right. And we will do a roll call vote. Um Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Uh Smante. >> Chris Haley, >> yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. Melissa Murphy, yes. >> Great. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. We appreciate it.
>> Looking forward to it. >> Yes. >> I think we have good things coming, Karen. >> Um and now we will move on to town manager report. >> Secretary. >> Secretary. Oh god. >> Any nominations for secretary? I would like to nominate Karen Heric for
secretary. >> Okay. Do we have a second? >> I'll second. >> S second. >> S. >> I'd like to nominate S. >> Okay. >> Should we give reasons or are we not there yet? >> Um whatever you want.
>> Second for S. Um we could um why don't we vote? Uh Karen, do you have any um input on your nomination for secretary or s that you'd like to add? >> Um I'd be happy to do the job.
>> Okay. And s >> I'd be happy to give the job. >> Okay. >> Did you say you'd be happy if Karen did the job? >> Karen the job. >> Okay. Declining the nomination. >> Do roll call vote like um Jane just did
earlier. I think it kind of speeds the process up. So if we'll just go around and say who we are supporting for secretary um >> then we'll do roll call vote that way. So >> what did you think? >> I was going to do
>> I know but I think it's still nominated >> because the nomination >> No. If he declines the nomination you don't have >> declining the nomination. Okay. So roll call vote for Karen Herrick as secretary then? >> Yes. Karen Mgillis. Yes. Christopher Haley. >> Yes. >> Salonte. >> Yes. Karen Herrick,
>> yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes. >> Okay, so now we have three women leading the charge. Isn't that amazing? >> Perfect. >> Sounds like a good year. >> It's going to be a good fa
I'm going to scoot closer. You can come down this way now, Melissa. >> No, it's fine. We don't need to move anywhere tonight. But thank you. I appreciate it. >> Okay, >> we are now going to move on. >> So, I have to give up the secretary position now. >> You do. Maybe not tonight considering Karen's not here and you have everything in front of you. I mean Karen, that's
totally up to you with you. >> If you want to email me quickly, I'll just open them up and I'm happy to do it. It's up to you. >> We can have Maddie. Maddie is online. Um Maddie, if you can email um Karen Herrick the motions. Um we'll be good to go. >> All righty.
>> All right. >> Thank you. >> Maddie, can you just confirm? >> Yep. I will do that right now. >> Thank you so much. It's hard to like run the meeting and also do things at the same time. So, I question Maddie does a great job. >> Thank you, Maddie. >> Um, okay.
>> All right. On to town manager reports. >> Thank you. Um, so first of all, congratulations uh to Karen on your reelection and welcome S um to the board. I look forward to a very productive year ahead. We have a lot of work to do together. Um so, a few
highlights I'll take you through. Uh last week I signed the contract with Republic Services. It's a 5-year contract and staff started working today um on the automated collection that they begin in early July working with the vendor. They came in. They had a they had a long meeting today um working out
um the operation side of how that will look. Um and then last week several of us visited the new uh municipal recycling facility in PBD. Um Maddie, can you pull up that slide? I I now I have visual props for the town manager
report. Um so I'm sorry in advance, but um we um we did post this on social media the other day. This just takes a moment to pull up. There we go. There it is.
And next slide, please. So this is uh their facility. It's all indoors. It's a threestory machine. The machine is three stories tall inside this building. This is where your single stream recycling goes. Um, if you do look on our Facebook page, you
can kind of zoom in a little bit on the pictures, but on the on the right hand picture, there's a gentleman standing on the right hand side. That's your single stream recycling. It's kind of ground down a little bit, but um, it goes through conveyor belts. They have AI
scanners. They have little puffs of air that they shoot off thousands a minute to separate the recyclables into different different types. Um, and then if you look the picture on the left, it's hard to tell, we're standing in front of cubes of that have been
compressed and then those cubes are um are sold. And so when we talked to you about the year-long process that we did to to work on our contract, one of the things we talked about was the value of of Reading's recyclables. And the the the product that has the most value is
paper, our cardboard and um cardboard, which is called OC, old cardboard. Um and then there's uh old box board. Um, so anyway, I don't make up the three letter acronyms that were
used here, but it was a very interesting day. Um, it was great to see this new facility that was just recently reopened. It was incredibly clean, and apparently they really worked hard to clean it. Um, even though it's brand new, it's been in operation for a few weeks. Um, most people don't rinse their recyclables, we found out.
>> You don't have to, but they love it when you do, >> just so you know. Um, I also forgot that I'm afraid of heights until I got up on the third floor of this machine. And um, so that was really very very exciting moment for me. Um, so I've learned my
lesson, but it was really fantastic um, to see kind of where all our recyclables go and how they're handled. Really, really fascinating. Um, last week I had the privilege of serving lunch at lunch lunch at the Kllum School with several of our police officers and Deputy Chief Amandola. The look on the kids' faces when they walked
in and the police officers that are all there was absolutely fantastic. And then they went and sat with the kids while they were eating lunch at each of the lunches and that was just super cool. Um I did do a little of that. I was not nearly as impressive because I was not in a cool uniform. Um and then after
that I attended the pre-bid sitewalk um for our contractors that will be uh bidding on the Kilum school project. So that was very exciting. Um, speaking of our projects, if you can change the slide. This is your first look at the recal and
the pickle ball site. Our contractors have been working on tree removal to prepare for construction. And so, this is what it looks like right now. They have been taking down a lot of trees. So, it's really something. Can you change the next slide? There you go. That's um looking down
Range Road with Burbank on the right hand side. Um, there's a and you can see a crane there. So, they're getting the site ready to prepare for construction. They've been doing a great job and um the contractors are getting along just fabulously. They're really
collaborating. It's it's a really nice group of people that we have there. Um we are on Monday, um the YMC held a meet and greet for myself, um Chief Clark, and assistant chief Kio joined me, as did Melissa, um to meet residents over coffee. We had a great turnout, and
I'm grateful to the Y and John Fudo for their generosity. We are hosting an information session for the property tax worker abatement program on Tuesday, April 21 from 1:30 to 2:30 at the Pleasant Street Center for those who would like to join the ranks of this
program. Um, today I recorded my first podcast episode at RCTV. You will see if it's worthy of releasing. Uh, the working title is Reading Between the Lines because who doesn't love a pun? Okay. >> I like it. >> I like it. Yeah. Um the podcast is meant
to be a short unscripted conversation format of what's going on in local government. The first episode is general just introducing this topic. Um future future podcasts will be topic driven. Um I'm very thankful to RCTV and particularly Angela and Rob for making
it so easy and fun. Rob was there. Um he was great. Angela sat with me and inter sort of talked with me. Um they have sound effects. We deployed some sound effects. >> I touched nothing. Angela did it all. Um
and it we recorded it so it'll be on YouTube and it's meant to, you know, it's meant to be light, but we will get into um topics that I'm I'm asking the public if they have, you know, sort of mysteries of town hall that they are looking to like what really happens when we, you know, clear the sidewalks of
snow or whatever. Um, we I'll bring in the experts and we'll and we'll uh we'll give people the the all the information. Um, and if people have ideas, they can email me at town manager readingmma.gov. Um, and then finally, um, as part of
this whole transition process and, you know, being available and accessible to residents, I set up office hours for folks to come meet me both at Town Hall and the Pleasant Street Center. Um, town hall will be the last Thursday of every month except for next month, May, which will be the third Thursday because I'll
be out of town. Um, and these are up on the website and in the town manager minute. Um, the Pleasant Street Center will be on Tuesdays, Tuesday, April 21st, May 19th, and June 16th from 1:30 to 2:30. So, that is a town manager report. Thank you.
>> Thank you. And do we have community spotlight? We do. I'm sorry, Karen. Can I see that your hands up? >> Thank you. Before we move on, um I I had I met with a group of residents um last week and um they asked me to about the
availability of the urgent texts on trash and snow and things like that that we send out to people proactively, >> whether it's possible to have those in different languages. This is a group of folks that English is not their first language.
>> Okay. Um the languages that would there would be a lot of interest in in writing would be um Brazilian Portuguese, Spanish, Mandarin, and Haitian Creole. >> Okay, that's great information. I will u
I will follow up with staff and see if we have that availability to do that. and if we don't, we will follow up on that and see what we can do to provide um multiple languages. So, I think that's important. >> I think they would appreciate that. Thank you. >> Yeah. No, thank you for that. That's a that's a great point. Um I don't know if
our system code red has recently upgraded um and they were bought out by another company. Um we are we are using that that's up and running. We've all been trained on it. Um and it's better than what code red was before. So, I I'm hopeful that there's a language component as well. But thank you for
raising that. That's fantastic. Okay. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Okay. >> Any other >> um community spotlight? >> Yes. >> Um so I just have one tonight. Um and uh this was uh someone else's idea, but I
thought it was fantastic. Uh tonight I want to highlight um Eileen Barrett who organizes and manages the rotating art exhibit in town hall. So tonight we're highlighting a volunteer. Um she's been putting up art in reading since 2018. Uh first it was the art walk, then the downtown reading art walk. Um and she's
been putting art in town hall now for nearly four years. It started under um Fidel uh Maltz's uh leadership. Um the latest art exhibit that went up um just a few weeks ago is now the eighth one that she's done here in town hall. Um
she organizes all of the information to take them down, bring them up, contacts the artists, arranges for the pieces. um and she works with another person, Karen Samadus, to help her with um all the hanging. And so we happen upon them as staff when they're when they're doing
it, and we admire um the the artwork. It's um located for folks at home between um in the in the corridor um between sort of this side of town hall and the other side of town hall near the building department. So, um it brightens up that that area. It's really
fantastic. She brings in about 15 to 20 pieces depending on the size. Um, and sometimes the pieces are available for purchase as well. And I just want to say that I'm grateful for her work. Um, and to all of our artists who participate because it brings so much color and creativity to town hall, especially on
gloomy days. It's nice to look at the new artwork and that sometimes it's textiles, sometimes it's quilts, sometimes it's different kinds of painting and drawing. It's fantastic. Um, if folks are interested in participating as an artist, they can contact Eileen directly at draw01867gmail.com.
Fantastic. Thank you. >> All right, we are going to move on to 7:45. Discuss and vote on volunteer appointment subcommittee vas application deadline schedule that I know um I believe Jackie and Jane worked on. We
did. So, this is a request um I need to make this bigger so I can see it. And Maddie is on on here and she worked with Jackie as well um to come up with this. But this is a an effort to streamline our vast process and eliminate last
minute scheduling chaos. What tends to happen is um we we put out a call, we get applications back. Um Jax works with VAS to schedule all of their appointments. It's lots of people. It's a lot of time. And then um we get last
minute applications sometimes and then that messes with VAS the schedule for VAS volunteers. So the um the request here is to uh tighten it up and and basically have a deadline. There is no deadline right now. So that's always the
question is well do you have a deadline? Well no. So then it just kind of elongates that process. Just tightens it up a little bit. So the proposal um Maddie if you can if you can uh increase the size of that image. It's
totally impossible. Sweet. There you go. Um the application period that we normally have the annual application period is in the middle of the chart that is April 1 to deadline she's proposing for May 31st that would allow interviews in the first two weeks of
June and then the select board could do their appointment uh the appointments in the second meeting in June. Um, then we would have two months of the summer and then there would be another application period for open seats that would go for the month of September and then you'd
have interviews the first two weeks of October with appointments at the second meeting in October and then the winter application period would open. So you'd have November and December with no application period and then you'd have a new application period January 1 to
January 31 in the same process. first weeks in February, you'd have your interviews and then you'd have the appointments at the second meeting in February. So that's the proposal for the board's pleasure. >> Any input from board members?
>> Karen, I can see your hands up. >> Um, thank you. Yeah, I'm I'm a big fan of having a deadline. And then the other component of it is just um just keeping in communication with our chairs and committees. Um I believe an email went
out to all the volunteers recently and um so they I feel like the committees are not always aware when things are coming and and and people that are thinking they want to reup or they don't want to reup or they want to make a move. I think accompanying you know firm deadlines you know we do it so many time
x many times per year and here's the deadline for the applications will definitely make staff's life easier but then also just sharing this calendar with the boards and committees will also help >> Karen skills
>> um I really like this schedule I think that uh Jackie's a rockar for organizing the way she does and I have had great year of doing this committee and um I'll do anything she wants because she is phenomenal. Um super organized, makes it
so easy. I think that one candidate, >> I agree with Karen about the communication. We had one candidate who applied and he had been accepted by CPDC maybe and he hadn't been told that he was on it so he'd missed a couple of meetings. He didn't really know and then the Yes. >> permanent building committee.
>> Thank you. That's right. It was one of the one of those. >> And so that kind of tightening up that communication part I think would be super helpful. Um >> so I'm really excited about this. I think it'll make a huge difference. >> Okay. Great suggestions.
>> S Chris I'm a huge fan of deadlines. I like the structure here. >> It's really good. I think it set us up for success, you know. >> Chris, anything? >> All good. >> Yeah. No, I agree. um as well doing bass for the last two years. Um Jackie is a
rock star when especially the June time frame when we get all we have to do all the interviews and getting those all organized and sometimes having late applicants it does make it tricky. So um I love this idea. I think it will be great um just great communication for
all the boards and committees like Karen said and um and for us in the town you know for everyone residents now know there'll be a deadline and it may take a session or two for everyone to get acclimated to it but I think that this will make it much more streamlined and easier. >> Can I ask something?
>> Yeah, sure. >> Is this graphic going to be on the website because I think that that might be very helpful. >> Yeah. Yeah. If you if you want to vote to adopt it. Um, can we do that? >> Yeah, there is a vote. >> There's a vote. Yeah. So, if you vote to
adopt it, we'll I'm sure Jackie will be pleased to put it up tomorrow. >> Yeah. >> And we'll also push it out onto social I'm sorry. We'll push push it out onto social media, too, just to let folks know, hey, if you're looking for an appointment this June, reappoint, or to join a committee,
>> now's the time. The window is open. >> Yeah. >> Agreed. >> Question. If I may interrupt really quickly, Jackie is actually online and her hand is raised. So, I think she has something. >> Oh, I'm just gonna One second, Jackie. I'm just gonna let Chris speak. Go ahead, Chris.
>> I was going to say if we do um put it online, just crop the photo so it's it's more legible instead of the zoomedaway version. But other than that, it looks great. >> Of course, >> Jackie, sorry I did not see your hand raise very
All right. Um, thanks so much. >> Oh, there you go. >> Um, I just wanted to say that yes, I do plan on putting it on um the website, on the volunteer page, on the fast page. Um, and I was also going to So, I'm actually working with Laura right now to
revamp the um application um to make it, you know, digital with the ability to print it out. So, it's going to be a lot more versatile. It's going to be a lot more streamlined. Um, and I will definitely put the um timeline so that anyone applying will know um when the
deadlines are. >> Fantastic. Thank you, Jackie. I appreciate that. >> So, I was just I was just looking at it and I don't know if we wanted to try and put a week between the deadline and the the first interviews. Kind of seems a little >> um I guess >> I I don't know. I'm just suggestion.
>> Jackie, how do you feel about that? Because you're the one that's scheduling it. So, it's really on you. um a week between the deadline and >> the first interview. >> Yeah. So actually even for the annual ones the the interview window is
actually May 15th through June 15th. Um got it. So I can start things you know in May. But as long as I have the deadline of May 31st then I can wrap everything up and everything can you know be consistent in June. Um so that
way there's no last minute additions. So there is it is a tight timeline but it's um >> I'm just yeah I'm just suggesting just for you makes no difference to me >> but it it's also for you know vast member availability um applicant
availability so trying to accommodate everybody as much as possible. I do appreciate it though. >> Okay. >> Um if we have no further um discussion on this, will I have a motion? I guess I
should have said one additional thing um tonight. Um I don't know if it will be on the next agenda or not, but I would like to pause public comment after agenda items for right now until we can have a board discussion about that going forward. So, I am going to pause that tonight and then I'm hoping to have that
on the next agenda so we can have a board discussion about how we all feel about uh public comment after each agenda item. Um, do you have a motion? >> Am I reading them? >> Yes, I did. >> Oh, I apologize Karen. I apologize for that. >> That's okay.
>> Not at all. Um, move that the board approve the volunteer appointment subcommittee application deadline schedule as presented. >> Second. >> Seconded by Karen Rose Gillis. Do we have any further discussion? There's none. We'll do a roll call vote. Um Karen Herrick, >> yes.
>> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. >> S Bantei, >> yes. >> Chris Haley, >> yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes. >> Perfect. And now we will move on to um 7:55 discuss and vote on Arbor Day
proclamation, April 24th, 2026. Karen, do you have the proclamation? I'm just scrolling through the packet. Okay. >> If it's in the packet, I got it. I have >> page what? >> Page seven. Seven. >> Okay, that's easy cuz my links aren't
working. Okay. All right. See this back. Okay. Okay. Whereas in 1872, J. Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for the planting of trees. And
whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska. And Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation and the world. And whereas trees reduce the erosion of our precious top soil by wind and water, cut heating
and cooling costs, moderate the temperature, clean the air, produce oxygen, and provide habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper, wood for our homes, fuel for our fires, and countless other wood products. And
whereas trees in our town and increase property values, enhance the economic vitality of business areas, beautify our community, and wherever they are planted are source of joy and spiritual renewal. And whereas Reading has been recognized
as a Tree City USA by the National Arba Day Foundation for the 41st consecutive year and deserves to continue its tree planting ways. Now therefore, we the select board of the town of Reading, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim April
24th, 2026, as Arbor Day in the town of Reading, and urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands and plant trees to gladden the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations.
>> Thank you, Karen. Does anyone have any input? Karen, >> I just wanted to do a promotion for our Arbor Day tree planting event that's happening April 25th. Um, flowers flyers should be online for at the
library in a sign up in two-hour increments to kind of spread out the joy as they say. Um, bring a shovel and pray for sun. >> Great. >> Anyone else have any? >> Good. >> Great. >> Karen, do we have a motion? >> Yes. Move that the board proclaim April
24th, 2026 as Arbor Day in the town of Reading. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris Haley. >> And if any further discussion, >> we'll do a roll call vote. Um Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Salmoni, >> yes. >> Chris Haley, >> yes.
>> Karen Ngillis, >> yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes. >> And I um Karen, are you okay if um they stamp this or would you rather have them wait till you can sign in person? We have a >> stamp is fine. Thank you. >> Can I just ask a question about what's
in the packet? >> Yeah, sure. >> The Tree City USA application checklist. >> Oh, >> it's justformational. >> Informationational. >> We Those are all the things that >> out Karen. >> Yeah, those are all the things. >> Well, I want to say I was checking things off to see if we could.
>> I did not. We're applied. We're We're very proud to be a Tree City USA, one of the earlier municipalities in Massachusetts to be. >> Interesting. Um, and our tree warden is takes it very very seriously all of the tenants of um, of being a tree city. And
you know, he's remarkable. If you ever get a chance to go for a ride along with Mike Hannerford, it's an education because that man knows every street tree in town. He knows he knows exactly where they are. He knows the last time he inspected it. He uh, he tests them when
people have complaints or they're worried that their tree isn't healthy. He tests them. Um they'll take down trees that aren't healthy. They'll replace them. Um we have an amazing forestry department >> to give tours. >> I mean, you know, he might you can come with me and we'll get a tour. No. Uh but he is he's really he's really
fascinating. He's done a lot of work with the emerald ashbor taking down trees. It did a lot on Memorial Park last year. He always tells us in advance so we can warn residents because sometimes it's alarming when a whole swath of trees gets cut down. and he waits as long as he can with those emerald ash borers until they start
shedding branches and then they have to come down as a public safety issue but um yeah so we take it very seriously in town >> that's great >> as some people may know >> okay all right thank you very much for >> yeah no problem thank you
>> oh um I'm sorry miss madam chair one item on that we are having a tree planting um in honor of Arbor Day with Nesco which is the organization that we signed with 15 years ago to do energy savings in our public buildings. That's why we have these energy saving lights
in town hall um in all of our public buildings. Um they will be putting some banners out the and the banners will move around to different public buildings to schools and and town buildings um that highlight the savings that reading has achieved over 15 years.
And um they're going to do a tree planting over at the library and um our tree warden has worked with the library director to schedule that. So, I think that'll be coming up on the um on the 24th, that work day. The 25th is Saturday. Okay.
>> Um but I'll finalize I'll get the details for that and I'll let folks know. So, it's cool. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Yeah. Thank you. Lots of tree uh tree planting happening around town, which sounds good. Um 8:00 p.m. discuss and vote on a
parkland acquisitions and renovation for communities park grant for the pickle ball courts to be located on Simon's Way Range Road in designation of said parcel as available for active recreational use. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, thank you, Madam Chair. So, we
have Andrew McNichol with us tonight. There he is on screen. Thank you, Andrew, for joining us. Um he was uh teaching a class earlier today. Is that correct? And uh so he is not here in person because he went home right from the class.
>> Yeah. So he's super cool. But this is uh we received a $100,000 parkland park grant. >> And um this grant if you if you scroll through the packet. This is the agreement we're going to ask you to vote on and sign tonight. Um it still has to
go to town meeting. Um but uh town meeting does get a vote, but this is this is one of the boxes we have to check. Um, accepting this grant of $100,000 does require us to um do a couple of things. Um, it requires us to separate
this parcel of land, subdivide the pickle ball courts from the recal parcel. Um, so right now it's kind of all one one big piece of town land, but we're going to separate that. Um, and it will be um kept as recreational use in
perpetuity. Um and then part of that requirement is that um a a piece of that parking lot will be subdivided to go with that that parcel of land for parking. Part of the requirements of the park grant is you have to have some parking that's um kept in the parcel
with the recreational item if it's courts or trails or whatever it is. It doesn't change our operational plan to have pickle ball parking in the Burbank lot. As we all know, we've gone through um that working through that agreement with Burbank. This has nothing to do with how we will operationally manage it. When people
book their courts, they will be directed as to where they're supposed to to park their cars. This is so that in the future, if the recal center were to be um sold and that that that part of the parking lot would be sold, the pickle ball courts and the adjacent parking,
it's identified here, would be kept in perpetuity for recreational use. So even if you can even imagine the day when pickle ball is not played and I block your ears, Mrs. Janowski. Um if that ever were to happen, it would still that land would still would have to be used
for some other recreational purposes. So that's what this is seeking to do. This organiza that the state is saying you can take our money but you have to keep it in recreation forever. You can't just turn it over in a few years. So that that money goes um further goes longer. Um and so I'll just turn over to Andrew.
That was my intro. Uh if you can uh make clear anything I got wrong, that'd be great. Start with that. Um >> uh no, you nailed it, Jane. Um good evening everyone. Just a few additional things of note for what I'd say are
conditions of the grant um award is that future changes to the property, even if they are outdoor recreation based, right? If you want to change that to another type of court system or trail system or other, you do need approval through the secretary of the EA to do
that. Um, the land must remain publicly accessible, thus the parking Jane was mentioning, including to non-reading residents. If there are fee structures for the park, um the EA will review the
fee structure and there are limitations and upper limits to the differences you can charge to non-reading residents. I believe that upper limit is about no more than 50% increase than what reading residents would pay. So for an easy
example, if the fee was $10 for reading residents, you could not charge more than $15 for non-reading residents. um 50% increase it. So otherwise the CPDC did endorse the subdivision plan last
night so that there is in fact a parcel if necess if town meeting votes to approve. There is a specific parcel and lot line for town meeting to vote on um for that outdoor recreation in perpetuity. So we would record that
along with this project agreement at the registry. So, all is on file with the address and the property itself going forward. >> Thank you, Andrew. Any questions? >> Karen, do they have a requirement for
how much parking you have to provide for the lot? >> There's not a hard count. They look at reasonableness. Um, and the parking we had proposed and where the lot line was was acceptable to them. Yeah. And then um
>> can you expand the the plot so that maybe in 10 years from now we decide we want to expand the plot and get more grant money >> or is that >> um too much? >> You'd virtually be looking to seek another grant and dedicate another
parcel and even if it's in common ownership, you'd be doing a similar process in terms of establishing a new lot. Um, a lot of that back area is of course the wetlands. Um, but you could expand to the west potentially one day
and seek park grants and then similarly >> put it in perpetuity. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Is this going to April town meeting? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we're closed the warrant and this was part of it. I vaguely recall
this. >> Yeah. What article is it, Andrew? Do you remember? >> 11. Yeah, I think you're right. 11. >> Okay, that's it. >> Thank you, Chris. Anyone else? Casselle, >> so if if pickle ball was to go away someday? I know nobody wants to go away,
right? >> But it What size is this lot like? Could we put in a baseball field? Could we put what what could else could be put in that lot? >> It's about 1.1 acres. Um, so it could be outdoor courts. I don't know if you could fit a full baseball field in
there. I would doubt it, but potentially anything like lacrosse walls um or other if the school system had a need for that, something like that that maybe you could convert to that type of use, >> right? I just I just want to know I I wouldn't want to be pigeonholding to
just, you know, one one certain sport if it's >> No, no, not a certain sport. Just outdoor recreation in general. >> I meant more the size, you know, like a football field or you couldn't put a football field. >> No one, >> right? >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. >> Okay.
>> Um my only quick question is is Andrew, I assume the recck department knows that that fee structure and they're okay with that. >> So yeah, recreation um heard town meeting loud and clear. >> Um and they also um are aware of this
free structure. They've been right recreation applied for this grant with Andrew. I assume, but I just >> And I don't think it's too far different than what we've normally done for fee structures anyways in town, >> right? >> Perfect. Okay. >> Um Karen, did you have any questions?
>> Oh, yeah. Go ahead. Sorry. >> Um yeah, no, I was going to just make a comment. Um this um I'm in support of this and I hope town meeting agrees. And what's remarkable about this is that only a few short years ago um when we were first talking about pickle ball
demand in the town of Reading, the state was not wanting to fund grant fund these projects. There was a lot of controversy. So I don't know how many other communities have convinced them that we have selected a location that is not going to result in um chaos within
our community, a lot of backlash. But I I have to think that that it is remarkable that we were awarded this grant to begin with for pickle ball since some communities were getting grants and then the courts would go up and then the neighbors would be very upset and the courts would be shut down.
So, um, kudos to staff for for getting this done because this was just surprising, um, g, you know, given some of the concerns about not maybe a way to phrase it as um, not enough thought being into putting put into appropriate locations for pickle ball. So, I think
um, that's good. It's great news for reading. Thanks. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Um, Madam Chair, if I can just speak to that. Um, you make a great point, Merk. Um, when we did the sitewalk with the state for this project, I said, "I know because in the
past we were denied for the park grant and I said, I know you guys don't approve pickle ball, but we think this is really about general wellness for all ages." Like I was pitching hard >> for this for this grant, right? And Andrew knows that was I was bringing it strong, right?
>> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. And then she's like, "Oh, we're getting tons of pickle ball. We're getting tons of pickle ball applications here." I'm like, "What are you talking about?" So, um, yeah, they I I would say reading was sort of ahead of the curve. Um, we tried to put it in Birch Meadow, but we took it we didn't get the grant,
but also um we decided not to locate them there because of the noise. So, it really even though it's delayed us bringing pickle ball to Reading in in this sort of fashion. Um, the timing has been right and it's just great to have a grant to support this work. Um, and the
the donations that the RPPA have given as well as um the way we funded it locally. So, Yeah, absolutely. I definitely agree. This is the right location. >> Yeah. >> Without building it all and then having neighbors complain. >> Yeah, 100%.
>> All right, Karen, do we have a motion? >> Um, yes, we do. And it's rather lengthy. Let's see. Um, okay. Move to find that an approximately 1.1 acre portion of zero east of Haveril
Street as shown on the definitive subdivision plotting plan dated March 20th, 2026 is surplus to general municipal purposes and available for dedication by town meeting as recreational land and further to authorize the town may execute a grant agreement with the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts under the parkland acquisitions and renovations for communities park grant program relative to such parcel. Hello. >> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris Haley. We will do a
roll call vote. Um Karen Eric, >> am I sound on? Uh yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. >> Chris Haley, >> yes. >> Sal Bonte, >> yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes. Thank you. And we have a document to sign. Karen, are you okay if the town if
we stamp it again or town staff stamps it? Obviously. >> Andrew, do we need a wet signal? We'll hold off. We'll make sure we don't need a wet signature first. Okay. If if we >> Yeah, I can confirm that quickly tomorrow. >> Yeah. Thank you. So, we'll Maddie, we'll just hold off on the stamp until we know for sure.
>> Uh, thank you all. Jane, see you tomorrow. >> Thank you, Andrew. Thank you. >> Have a good night. >> Thanks, Andrew. >> Okay, whatever. >> Perfect. >> Then you just sign in the in the there's like in the blank space. I sign my name.
>> Yeah. Yes. Thank you, Taylor Swift. >> Thank you. >> Good night. >> Thank you. Would it be known >> 810? We are going to move on to discuss liaison assignments. >> Um so we're just going to discuss and go through what um
we have and you know if anyone's looking to make some switches if S has some interests in any of the um various boards and committees. Um I do think that we should add one. Um I do think that we should add a liaison to the disability commission.
>> The commission of disability. I did talk to Albert about that. So I do think that that's one we should add >> to our list which I do understand. Um I think I counted it's between like 48 and 57 cuz some of them have one and two um
liaison. So I know uh assignments. So I know it is a lot of work that we all put in um to these various assignments. But I think if we each can do between 9 and 12, it kind of spreads everything out so everyone's kind of doing their fair share of work um and keeping up with all
the boards and committees. Um but if anyone wants to start on any thing they would like to continue with, they would like to pass on to someone else or anything like that. >> Oh, and just one thing, Madam Chair, you you mentioned adding the disabilities commission. So, thank you for that.
Albert's aware of that. Um and he's grateful for that. Um, two other pieces. The CPA study committee is almost wrapping up. So, I don't know if you want to Yep. >> how you want to handle the leazison. >> Charter review. >> Yeah. Um, and then exactly charter review and then the RMLD commissions and
CAB that has one liaison right now. Um, I spoke with Miss Heric. She can obviously speak for herself. Um, but >> uh she said that really should be two people. Okay. Or it's kind of the same thing. There's it's kind there's some repetition there. So, it's a lot to sit through for one person, but it's
educational. So, however the board wants to handle those those two pieces. >> Um, I just wanted to bring that to you. Thank you. >> Yeah, no problem. So, do we know if CPA will sunset? No, because it will depend on what happens at town meeting. Correct.
>> Yeah, in November, right? Well, no, they're meeting their meeting right now with um town meeting is coming up and then the vote will be in. >> Yeah, the vote would be in November depending on what happens. So maybe we should keep someone on that. It should be a pretty light lift after town meeting, I would think. But >> I would think so. >> Um
>> I'm happy to step up for that if you I wasn't sure whether we wanted to continue it, but I'm happy to do that. >> Yeah, I think we should just keep someone on it just until it sunsets. Um >> CPA. >> CPA. Um but if anyone has any they want to step down from or that they would
like to join, um please feel free to speak up. I have a few highlighted. >> You have a few highlighted. Go sell. >> So I have RMLD. >> RMLD. Yep. Is that the RMLD? Commissioners and CAD. >> Yes. >> Okay, perfect. >> I had um Reading Ice Arena.
>> Reading Ice Arena. Yep. We can put two. So we'll put you >> at Animal Controls. The Pale Commission. >> Animal Control. Yep. >> Committees met once in 10 years. >> That's a light left. And I didn't know that it was just
>> um moderator and town meeting rules committee. >> Perfect. >> That's a thing. >> It is. It is. >> Yeah. >> Um board of health. >> Perfect. Uh board of health. Where are you? >> Recreation committee. >> Recreation.
Board of health. Where are you? >> Now I don't know what the cust is abbreviated for. Of soldiers and sailor graves. custodian. >> Custodian. I was going to say that, but I didn't want to. >> Um, CPDC.
>> Yep. >> Historical and permanent building committee. >> Permanent building committee. Yep. >> That's all I had. >> I'm um So, I am happy to take myself off that if you want to >> Sure. put yourself on that, but I have
to um anyone else have Chris, Karen, or Karen have any changes that they'd like to make to what they have currently? >> I'd like to do Vasque for one more year, but somebody has to replace you. >> Yes, that is um yes, I need to step down
from Vasque. Um and so Karen Gillis will stay on for a year just cuz that's I think that makes sense how we um >> yeah two years at a time I think works well. >> Yeah. Would anyone like to step up for Gris? >> I would recommend that S consider it. It
is um a great >> opportunity for a new select board member. A lot of us start our first year. >> I think it was a really nice way to get in and meet people and >> I'll I'll definitely do it. Do you mind too? >> Great. Thank you. >> I was going to offer because I'm coming
off of charter, but if you want to do it, I'm fine with it. >> Okay. >> Okay. Cool. >> So, okay. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. Yeah. Know, it is I agree. It is a great um way to get to know a lot of the uh boards and committees members
or chairs and just kind of what they all do. Um so, it is a great starting point when you get on the board. Um >> um are you going to stay on RCTV? >> Yes, I will definitely stay on RCTV. I feel like I've
put some >> Karen. Um are you interested in staying on climate advisory? >> Um I am. >> Okay. >> But um we could have two there if you like. >> Yeah, >> it's fine. Um
I was going to also suggest if um Chris has a little bandwidth that um Oh, what was I just thinking? I have a hard time making the library trustees meetings. I can't make them very regularly because they're at the same time as the council on aging. So, if you wanted to split, do
that with me. That would be super helpful. They are short meetings. >> Are they Zoom or No, are they only in person? >> They're on Zoom. >> They are on Zoom. >> Yeah. >> Yes, they're zoomed as well. >> Do they start at 6:30 or 6 or am I
misremembering this? >> No, they start at 7. Console on aging starts at 6. They never wrap up by seven. So last night I was like starting at one and finishing another and it just isn't a good look even though it's a good reason. And so because there have been more going on with the council on
aging, I've had a hard time making the library trustees meetings. Albert presented last night. It was it was a good book meeting. >> I >> Yeah, I'm fine with going on that then. Chris Haley,
>> do we only have um S on recreation committee right now? Because it says one or two. >> I believe we do only have one on there right now. >> Okay. So, I'm interested in adding that. >> Yeah, sure. Um
and I'd like to stay in the housing authority. I'd like to stay on the housing trust. Mhm. >> Um I'd like to do disability commission. >> Yep. >> I'd like to stay on town forest and food
pantry and pair. I think they're going to start back up again. >> Pair on. >> Are there any that you'd like to come off of? >> Um >> that's an easy way to do it. >> Did you sell Did you want to do council
on aging? because you and I had talked about it a little bit. I Yeah, I mean, you're on a lot. I don't know if that's something that you're interested in doing because I I do enjoy it, but I don't >> Is that one or two? >> An eight, nine, 10. >> It's two. It's with Karen Herrick, but um I think it's a really important
group. >> I didn't do because you two were on it, but if Karen wants to >> give it to me, I do it to you. Or are you trying to get up yesterday? >> I was just Yeah. >> Yeah. No, I know. I mean, I'm I'd like to have you get involved in the community and you know, as much as it
breaks my heart to give things up, I'm certainly a team player. >> Yeah. >> So, um >> Karen loves her leaison reports. >> That's true. I do love them. >> You can come. You can come whenever you want. >> So, it's hard for me to give it up. >> Um yeah, >> but I wanted to kind of It's a really
wonderful group of people and they're very active this year with um >> Sure. So, I'm not sure which ones I'm getting. So, I mean, I could, you know, definitely work one of those in. >> Okay. So, I guess Melissa will be a good judge of what's too much, what's not enough. >> Yeah, we can count them after we um I'd like to go on finance committee if
that's okay. >> Um >> so typically the the chair is kind of by default. We did it differently last year. So yeah, I mean I believe it's in our policies or it's stated somewhere. Maybe it's in our policies. >> Oh, okay. Perfect. So that works out well then.
>> Um Karen, do you want to stay on Burbank? >> I'm sorry. Yeah, I've I'd love to be invited to a meeting. >> And then S's also going to be on. >> That'd be great. >> I was going to um offer myself up for
Burbank as well with S. >> Totally up to you guys. >> It's actually up to you. >> Oh, well, who's I mean, it it is a light lift for the most part. Um if Karen, do you want can Chris go on
Burbank? I I would love to be invited. I would love to um move forward with the writing Ice Arena Authority. Um I think we can we can do a better job, but I'm going to need some help from them. >> Help me understand what you mean. I'm
sorry. >> They don't invite us to their meetings. >> Can't we just show up? >> They don't publicize the meetings. >> I don't think >> we can try again. We should just ask again and and >> I would say Sal and me.
>> So, Madam Chair, >> yes. Um, sort of answer to this part of the conversation. >> Yeah. >> Um, I'm going to ask um Maddie and Jax. They don't know I'm going to ask them this because I haven't told them. Sorry, Maddie.
>> Uh, sorry, Jax. Um, once you decide on the appointments and you let everybody know. >> Yep. >> We will um send a notification of everybody's liaison. So you'll have a list for yourself. >> Okay. >> So you don't have to rely on just this list is it's a lot. >> Yeah. >> Um we will also notify the chairs of all
these committees who their and the staff who their liaison are that they're to work with that they should let them know their meeting schedule and so forth. >> And then I talked with it today to see if we can somehow automate >> so that we ensure that you're getting the notifications and the best way to do
that sort of through the website. So you can subscribe to notifications for your different boards. today. I I want to make sure that is working the way we want it to be working on the back end. So, I'm going to peek at that a little bit. Um so, we'll do that, >> which I think will be awesome. >> Yeah. That way, it's just a little bit
easier when some of these meet some of these don't meet very often. >> Yes. >> Right. Um but you don't want to miss it if it's once in a while. Yep. >> Um but I will tell you s that um with the animal controls appeal committee, you'll get a call if we have to convene that one. >> Yeah.
>> I don't think it's often though, right? I think we've had it once in 10 years. >> I'm excited. >> It's never good news. S >> did you say once in 10 years? >> Yeah, in 10 years >> because you have to have an issue that has to be managed by that. It's sort of
like a hearing kind of thing. >> Okay. >> Karen, I Oh, sorry. >> That's okay. I was just going to ask, so um how often does the RCTV board of directors meet? Generally, >> RCTV meets once a monthish. >> Okay. So Burbank has told me they meet
four times a year. So >> Okay. Yeah. They don't meet every month. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> So the um Karen Heric I thought I was the liazison for the ACE committee. So I've been going all year. >> Oh >> I had no idea I wasn't. Um so
>> who is that? >> Surprise. >> It's the Bill Russell Celebration Group. >> Oh, okay. >> So I'm going to continue going. >> Okay, that's fine. >> Is that all right with you? >> It's not It's not a quorum. I have gone to some of the ACE events and the ACE meetings, but um I think Wednesday
nights is a busy night. I think they conflict with the permanent building committee meetings and that's >> they might I used to have a conflict with Eastern Gateway but we sunseted so it's no longer a conflict. So >> no, that's fine. I cannot make every meeting that that >> Thank you very much. >> Yeah. >> Um
there was one more. I'm sorry. I feel like I'm taking up all the time. >> Yeah. No, don't. Um, zoning board of appeals. It says one or two. Do you think it needs two or is one enough? >> Um, I do think it's one's fine. It's pretty low maintenance. Their meetings are fairly short and pretty quick. Okay.
>> To the point. And it's usually more um, you know, residential stuff that I don't really ne I don't think you report here. Okay. >> Unless they were doing like more town stuff, my opinion, I would report residential stuff. So, >> and then historical says one or two. Um,
I'd like to jump on that one with S if that's okay. >> Yeah. >> And there's actually two different historical >> Right. Who's got the other one? Chris looking. Okay. >> Yep. He's got the district commission. And then let's see. So, was there any
missing >> board of registars? >> I don't think they meet that often. I can take that on. >> Yeah, that's that would be with Laura. >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. I'm happy to take that on. And then um bylaw committee,
I can take that as well. I think we've gotten them all covered and I can go over this list with Maddie or Jackie and then we'll bring it back to our next meeting for a vote. Um if anyone does anyone else have any
other changes or comments? I don't think so. >> Good. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you very much. Appreciate it. Um, now we will discuss and vote on our board ethics protocols and signings. This was actually an idea that was brought up by Jane. I think it's a great
idea just for all new board members each year when they come on to the select board to, you know, have this review it and then, you know, we're just all agreeing to it. tonight. I don't think I wasn't going to go into um any changes we may want to
make to this. I was thinking that maybe that would be something we could approach or talk about at our retreat. Um but if anyone has any feedback, I wasn't going to read it if everyone's read it. Um but any feedback?
>> I thought it was a good idea. I think it's really nice for us to revisit every year. It's >> like taking an oath again and I think it's important. >> Agree. Anyone else? >> Yeah, know it's a great idea and I'm glad that you brought this up, Jane, and
you know, I look forward to more discussion at the retreat. >> Thank you. >> I thought this would be a nice way for the board to come together after the right after the election. Um, just reaffirm your belief in this uh protocol. It was written um a while ago.
It was updated in 2021. Yeah, I think we we started this work before the pandemic um to create this. So, um and for the public, it's available on the select board um page uh of the website, so folks can can dig into it if they want to.
>> Great. Um Karen, do you have anything? >> Nope. Looks fine to me. >> Great. >> Fantastic. So, we'll pass this on. Oh, we do have a vote. Yes, please. Thank you. >> Move that the board acknowledge and sign the select board ethics and protocols as presented.
Second. >> Seconded by Chris Haley. Any further discussion? We'll do a roll call vote. Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Karen Gillis, >> yes. >> Uh Chris Haley, >> yes. >> S Bante, >> yes. >> All right. Thank you. >> I'll come in and sign this one um in
ink. Wet. Sign it. >> Perfect. Thank you. I was just going to ask you that question. Okay. So, we are now moving on to 8:35. We are going to discuss our 2026 select board retreat and agenda.
Um, did you have anything to add? We >> I think you reserved a date. >> We reserved a date May 2nd. So that's right smack in the middle of town meeting. It's a Saturday morning. Yep. >> Um, we are going to be in Lynfield at um
their location where they have their um PEG access television station. Um and that is approved through uh Rob Dolan who is the town administrator. He's great to work with. We'll bring in breakfast and lunch. Um the public is welcome to come. It's a public meeting.
Um but it's off-site which is the novelty is nice for board members to have something a little offsite. Um and so the discussion that we're asking for tonight is to come up with some broad strokes on the agenda. These are broad topics. >> Um one of the things we want to talk
about as staff we'd like to talk about with you is FY28. Even though we're going to town meeting to approve FY27 um in a couple of weeks, we are looking ahead to FY28 and our financial future. Um and our department heads are already
starting to look at that. Our CFO Sharon Angstrom is starting to look at that with us. So, we want to put the select board kind of position you ahead of that whole process so that you have a chance to kind of ask for information. Um you know, dig in on what you want to do. Um
and then if there and then if we need to take any action in the future, what that might be um as we're getting ready to put our budgets together for FY28. So that's one um one item that could be looked at. U board goals, goal setting for the board is something that we've done in the past. Um that's really sort
of how I have a methodology I've done personally, but we do have Jeff Nutting, who's a retired town manager, who will be the the independent moderator. Um and he's he's great to work with. Um so we could do some goal setting for the board. you could do goal setting for the town manager. Um, that's one thing that
can be done too and we can bring examples of what other what other towns do for goal setting there. Um, so those are just three items. They're not they're not the FY28 is the one I think is really important for the board to to get involved with. So, but the board may have other ideas.
>> I agree. I agree that FY28's definitely an important one for us to discuss. Um, anyone else have any input on potential uh or you know things that we should be discussing at the retreat?
>> So Karen, um I have a few things. Um you covered one of them. Um, and I think that the board ethics and protocols cover some of the things, but I feel like we might get into a deeper dive on on this document and maybe talk
about the policies and >> tone of meetings and um, I do hope that we can have kind of a fun portion of getting to know our select board members better. >> Oh yeah, we can do that. >> I think that would be a really nice way. I think if we're all in a good mood,
discussions open up organically. And I think it uh I think it's just a good way to kind of get the discussions going because we are all people and have families and some of us know a lot about people and some of us know nothing. So, I think it would be a nice way to
reacquaint ourselves with each other. Um I think that maybe a discussion about how to get town residents more involved that are the quiet part of town. You know, we always hear from the loud superengaged group, which is fabulous, but there's a lot of people that are in
the middle that are not as engaged as. So, I don't know if we can have some brainstorming sessions on getting more information out to people, getting more engagement, getting more people to vote, that kind of a topic. >> Okay.
um social media policy discussions thrown in there just >> we all know I'm not on it but I know it's a big part of our world and so I think that there's some plenty of places to talk about that
>> we're actually developing a policy it's almost done >> so that would we could we could bring it to you to to review it's for staff >> um so you may want to have one for the board >> or not but we have one for staff and We can we can >> good place to start.
>> Y >> um communication was a thing for me between board members, town manager, staff, committees to kind of avoid the miscommunication. It kind of came up with the fieldhouse work and
>> some things got disseminated before town manager knew. Do you know what I mean? Like I'd like to kind of have like a really understood chain of command of who disseminates the information when so that we are all under the understanding that if if I get information first, I'm
not going to go run to my mother and say, "Oh my god, look at this. I should be running to you to tell you and then you can decide who gets to hear about it when." >> Run to me. >> I'll run to you. >> I like it. >> That That's pretty much all I got. >> Great. That was good.
>> Anyone else? >> S. >> Yeah, I really like the team building, you know, exercises. >> I agree. >> I think if we, you know, build a strong team, the board, >> we can get a lot of things done. >> At the MMA conference, um, I don't know if Karen was at the session with me or not, but they had a whole bunch of
people at on the stage and they were having a chicken wing competition eating thing where it was the hot wings. It was really funny. >> I'm in. >> No hot wings for you. No hot. >> It was really fun. It was really >> because when you're in that moment of
hot, you just aren't thinking about what you're talking about and it was but there was great information given because they were just trying desperately to get the milk or whatever. But it was it was fun. It was really engaging. >> Yeah. No, I think that's a great idea. >> I would recommend just having like a red
bones in summerville eating competition if if you want to do that instead of chicken wings. Red bones. Yes. >> It could be cupcakes, you know. Who knows? Whatever. >> Have you had Red Bones in Smallville, Karen? >> I have. >> Pretty good. >> Okay. Well, I didn't expect that answer.
>> I surprised you. >> That is surprising. >> Karen Herrick. >> Yeah. Um I I'm concerned about the state. This is a very busy time of year for me between family and work engagements. I've said that before. Um,
I I I need I I need to know the time on this retreat and I need it to be as compact as possible. And then aside from that, I I'm I'm asking if this can be on Zoom. some some uncomfortable discussions have
happened in previous select board retreats and we are going to be discussing um business of the town and I I'd like it to be recorded on Zoom if possible. I I um I I'm not comfortable attending a closed door meeting at this
time. If we get through this one and we can all be really civil then then it'll be different going forward. But this is a not a great time um for me. I have responsibilities. But second of all, just the um transparency of recording it
on Zoom. It is a huge priority for me in order to participate. >> Okay. Um I believe last year it was 9 to 12. >> I want to say if I'm just basing you start at 8. We started at 8 and and we had lunch.
>> Yeah. There was breakfast when you came in. >> Yeah. Um, and then we had lunch. And lunch was sort of a casual conversation. It wasn't like, >> yeah, >> you know, and I could also invite maybe the new superintendent to join us or we could have some special guests come. We also have a new director of RMLD, so I
don't know if they want to come out on a Saturday, but we could invite them to join us for lunch, something like that. Um, but I don't I don't see the Zoom component as a as a problem. And also if it records it, we can have the um the sparkle notes on and we'll get the AI.
We'll take minutes as well, but we'll have you know more of a transcript available. It's not usually the typical thing that's done in a retreat, but I think if it enables it for a member um to participate and um you know Karen, if you have something come up, you can at least you can come on and you can pop
off and come back in if you need to. >> That's true. I could catch up. That would be that would be great just to be able to accommodate as many people as possible. >> Yeah. >> So, we we can make that happen. I'll figure out how to I don't know if they have a Zoom room like we're accustomed to here, but we will we will do
everything we can to make that >> possible for for a member to come on Zoom. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Um I don't think so. So, we just had a Does anyone else have any input on just uh
topics for our um retreat? No. Okay. Um I just think that I was the only thing I kind of piggybacked on a lot of what um Karen said already. I think the only thing I would add that maybe we would like to discuss although
you know it may be too cumbersome but not only our board ethics and protocols but maybe our select board policies if anyone wants to look at those ahead of time and maybe if there are any changes or suggestions that we want to bring to the agend to the um retreat that may be
a good time to talk about those two. >> So proposed changes in advance and we'll put that in the packet. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah. that just cuz I feel like it's it's a topic that I think we've all talked about at times of, you know, things that should be changed or added
or taken out and regular meetings that just doesn't really end up getting on the agenda. So, I think it would be great to be able to discuss that there as well. >> We can discuss that. I think that's great. And and we can also talk about structures that enable these things to happen with less friction. So it might
the board may want to create school committees have this all the time but the board doesn't have a policy subcommittee but you may want to create a policy subcommittee that you have two people who are working on board policies to >> we're doing this with um valet parking right now and so by the way we need a
new person appointed to valet parking but um >> um >> so yeah so we can do that as well but we'll we'll discuss that at the retreat. I think that's that's a great idea. Yep. >> Does anyone else have any input on that?
>> Okay, let's move on. Right. Great. >> So, we've captured that and we'll follow up on that for you. >> Yep. And then um we will do liaison reports. Um >> Karen, would you like to start? I'd >> love to. Thank you so much. Um March
26th, I attended the women in leadership um conference that was held by the office of equity and social justice at the library. Um, thank you to Albert Plus. It was a really great evening. Um, great panel of speakers including our very own Jane Wellman. Uh, chief deputy
chief of police Christine Amandola, Liz Whitelam, owner of Whitland Books. Um, Pastor Mary Kuru of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Sarah Samuels, a partner at NEPC, and Alyssa Spanali, who is the community leader and currently
vice president of the Women's League of Reading. Um, great discussions, great questions. um a poet laurette that was I wanted to cry at the end. She was fabulous. Um from Lynn, I do not recall her name and he got her at the last
minute. So I I'll have to ask him. Um and a wonderful um chist, young man who was so great, too. Albert found wonderful people to help with it. Um April 1st, we had our first working group for valet discussion with um staff
and police and fire departments. um very animated discussion. It was a lot of questions went back and forth. A lot of information was exchanged. Um I assume that everybody's working on their parts and whatever they're doing. >> Um April 6, Town force Committee. I already talked about our big Arbor Day
planning. Um we discussed recent birdwalk event that was very well attended and Dave Williams has added a few more dates during the migration season. Um please refer to the town website for updated list of dates and reservation spaces. Um, April 11th was
the first invasive species removal day. Um, the event it will be take place the second Saturday of each month from 9:30 to 11:30. I showed up at 12:45 and missed it, so I clearly did not read my notes very well, but um, anyone can
remove invasive buckthornne at any time while walking through the woods. um just contact any member on the town forest or even me and I can figure out um talk about how to do it if you're just walking through the woods. There's a lot of it and they'd love help removing it. Um on April 7th, I attended a meeting
here at town hall with the store owners regarding the upcoming Haven Street landscape project. It was a really good meeting. Town staff was fabulous in making the presentation to store owners. Um really good questions from the store owners on how it's going to impact them and lots of discussion of how to make
very little impact on them. So um I think we're off to a good start on that. Um town election, thank you incredibly much as we said earlier to Laura Jee and her staff and the volunteers for the service that day. It ran smoothly and it was great. Um I think we all attended
the virtual hearing on the 9th of the I95 improvement project which was a lot of information. Um, I'm looking forward to it since I have been rear ended in that section of 128 myself. Um, looking forward to it smooth up the road. Um,
council on aging meeting last night, a really deep inepth discussion about the PBC updates, the room divider, use of common spaces. Um, they discussed trust funds, the original intentions of and how they're being used now and in the future. Um, update on programs. They've
got a lot of participation that just keeps increasing every month. Um, and over 300 people have registered using the new system which is really really great. Um, tomorrow I'm attending a seminar through the MMA on the top 10 wish list of the internal customer. So
basically talking about staff and I think it would correlate to everything. So I'm looking forward to that. And that's it. >> Thank you very much. >> Chris, you want to go? >> Yeah. I feel like saying ditto, but
you know, um I did attend the uh the 95 uh meeting as well. There was lots of good questions asked on there. Um so hopefully, you know, I'd like to snap my fingers
and have it happen, but you know, I'm sure it's going to be a nightmare while they're doing it. So, um I also was at the commissioner of trust funds inaugural meeting of this year kind of scenario. Um we discussed um that we
have to switch vendors that were holding the accounts from Wells Fargo to somebody else because they're getting out of the um town government municipal aspect of of doing trust funds for whatever reason. Um but the bigger thing is going
over the hospital um trust funds and seeing potentially how we can um go forward with that and ask for another whatever that word is. What's it not special act but >> home rule petition >> something that will enable us to broaden
the the hospital trust funds. Okay. the currently what they are um beyond the current scope because we can't burn through the interest as fast as we can spend it. >> So something along those lines and that's going to be an IRA and then trust
fund discussion kind of scenario >> and who pays for it and all those fun things. Um there was an election. Yes. So thank you everybody that um that obviously ran and all the volunteers that uh put the election on. Um, here in
Reading, it goes without saying every time that, you know, we have the most efficient, safe, secure elections in Massachusetts here in Reading. And I have full confidence that Laura handles them the way that they're supposed to be handled. Um,
so that's my aspect on the election. And then, uh, April Fest is on Thursday, two days from now. So hopefully it's not raining. I don't know. It's currently raining, but the weather currently for Thursday is
I shouldn't have mentioned it. So, yes, come to April Fest on Thursday. Um, and bring a poncho. >> Off to you, S. Let's >> S. Do you have anything? >> I don't have anything. Nothing. All right. >> You You will. Don't worry. Quickly.
Karen, >> you're on mute, Karen. >> Okay. Yeah. Got it. Um, so I also attended part of the council on aging meeting last night. Thank you for covering that, Karen. Um, and um, I wasn't able to attend the 95
lane edition and but I did already get a call from a resident asking, you know, what is that going to do? Are we trying to draw more people into the Eastern Gateway area? How are we going to balance that? And actually the key question was are we feeling like the
state is keeping us in the loop as they move on these plans or is it are we the last to know? Um so that was from one resident. Um I was able to attend the library board of trustees last night where they had an ACE committee update.
Um and so ACE the ACE committee has one final event in May before the Junth event and um so I encourage everyone to um attend that. They've been terrific. This next one is going to be um
I forget if it was a book or a movie discussion that the past ones have been movies and documentaries about the relationship between Red Hourbach and Bill Russell. Um, the Office of Equity and Social Justice also updated the library board of trustees and they were
reviewing their mission to make sure it supports all residents. Um, Albert explained to the library board of trustees that he has now taken on the ADA ADA coordinator responsibility and it did not include a pay raise. It was pretty funny. And um, Yep.
So um and he talked a lot about the listening sessions that his office has conducted with the staff and how to with the goal being how to create a sense of belonging among um the staff and there were numerous sessions and 98
participants. So um I I was impressed that um people were willing and able and excited to participate in that. Um he mentioned that phase two would be the implementation coming up with department goals, individual department goals. Um
he also mentioned that our commission, our disabilities commission will be having their first meeting on 423. That's really really excited. And um Karen, to your point earlier, um Albert did um announce that pair will be being
relaunched in June 2026 and he's very excited to get that group re-engaged. um and they've submitted a grant to MAPC to help for some of the activities that they are undertaking in the office of equity and social justice. Junth will be
our fourth annual Junth community event will be held on June 20th. So you can mark your calendars. Um and he he updated them. I understand I was unable to attend the women's leadership event, but he reported that there were 70 attendees. So that's great. And uh thank you Jane for
participating. Um, yeah, the library board of trustees also updated some history room policies to protect the materials. Um, one thing of note, I didn't really realize that you can have food and drink through most of the library now. Um, I do a lot of online
borrowing, but but the history room in particular, no food or drink allowed, and they have more stringent policies for getting in there to protect the valuable materials. Um they're already starting to prepare for the FY28 budget comes really
quickly. Um the director's report included and this is a nice tiein with the COA in the library because Ma Jang has been very popular at the with the senior the Pleasant Street Center folks and they're running a course there and the library is also running one. So that's nice to
see that overlap and something um you know everybody should be aware of so that we're not just creating silos. um very popular. And I also attended um at the library last week uh an an English learner program that I referenced
earlier and that was a lot of um moms and adorable kids and I think one dad came and it was amazing and eyeopening because um the community the community makeup is changing and um we do need to
think about that more than we used to. Um, and the director also reported, sorry I'm jumping around a little bit. The director reported they had an event. Someone came and played bag pipes at the library and um, apparently first thing
the staff did was run around and make sure they didn't have a bag pipe event planned and so they did not. So then it was just asking them to please leave. Um, I understand they were, you know, kind of potentially first amendment right folks and maybe it's a Tik Tok thing. So I don't know whether the music
was good but eventually RPD was just called in and asked them to leave and um there were no incident. Um but um you know that's interesting to know. Apparently they were headed to Wuburn after reading. Um I was able to attend the RCTV open house. That was wonderful.
I appreciated them doing that and inviting us. I was able to uh participate in the Good Friday prayer walk which was hosted by I believe it was all of the town churches. There were about a dozen attendees and um it was a terrific walk starting at the Yuyu
Church on Summer Avenue and finishing on the Town Common in front of Old South. And one of the benefits of this walk u aside from meeting other residents and and um the worship leaders were um the fact that we could go into some of these churches and take a look at the
architecture. So that was that was great. I hope that do that again next year. It was lovely. And then I did um spend a half a day attending the WEIMO leadership conference in Sturbridge where which is the women elected municipal officials where we heard from former ambassador and former
Massachusetts speaker of the house Claire Cronin who is amazing and um you know she shared some of the things that would made her successful in her career. One of them is being like six feet tall. So that's not really going to help. But she also talked about um you know having
real conversations with people and not relying on social media to be an outlet for for getting needs and issues communicated. So um you know that was something she shared. It was terrific. It was a nice location. And then I also had a meeting with the MMA Energy and
Environmental Policy Committee. There's every five years as an environmental bond bill and it's coming up before the Senate tomorrow. Um things of no important for reading um would be a potential $500 million in MVP municipal
vulnerability preparedness program which as you all know helped to fund our Mallet Silms Morgan project. So it would be great if they refunded that because I'm sure there's other things we need to do. um also proposed 50 million for climate mitigation, adaptation,
resiliency and recovery needs including the modernization and reconstruction of facilities, infrastructure, equipment and capital investment. So part that's to me sounds like storm water storm water management. Um and then an additional 450 million for water infrastructure and water quality
improvements. um as well as 120 million to support investments in clean water and drinking water infrastructure and associated with PASES which a lot of communities are dealing with although we are not but we do have miles and miles of sewer infrastructure that we need to maintain
and let's see there is a measure to establish an extended producer responsibility for paint which would help capture and recycle leftover unwanted paint and provide municipal savings and there's they're also going to be talking about a new labeling
require requirement for non flushable white products. As you know, periodically, um I believe it's our sewer stations get jammed with people mistakenly putting um white products and you'll see the the town um electronic
boards telling people to please stop it. So, um those are the things they're working on. If anyone would like to reach out to their senator, you should do it tomorrow and en encourage them to um fund some of these important initiatives that we have to spend money on anyway. So, thank you. That's it.
>> Thank you, Karen. >> Um I was able to attend the Weimo Leadership Conference in Sturbridge as well. Um that was my first MMA event and it was a great one. Um like Karen said, Ambassador Cronin was fascinating and just great. I really enjoyed um her
little fireside chat. Um, I met with Andrea, Olivia, and Kevin to discuss Eastern Gateway, which I mean, I just think that it it, you know, it's a really long-term look outlook on things, but I think it will be fabulous for writing. Um, on April 6th, I was unable
to attend the um, RCTV open house, but I did attend their board meeting where they introduced their new executive director, Dearra Morales, and their new board member, Alicia Williams. Um, April 9th we had the state meeting with for
with Mass DOT um as most of us attended. Um, it was interesting to hear that the project will run just from 93 to north app. So, it's it is a big chunk of writing, but and like Chris said, it
will probably be um a little bit of a disaster why it's happening, but it will make I do think it will make a big difference in that area of um you know, making a change with all that traffic. So, that's great. Um last night, no nope, April 10th, uh
school committee introduced and just finalized the contract for with Dr. Henry Turner and his contract will go through uh July 2029. Uh I attended the meet and greet with uh Jane Chief Clark and assistant chief Kio
yesterday um at the Burbank. Um, thank you to uh, John Fudo for hosting that and elections which were, you know, ran very smoothly and I want to congratulate Karen and S on your win and I just wanted to thank take a second to thank
Carlo for his six years on the board. Um, you know, he was a big proponent for small businesses here in town. He did a lot for the water and sewer rates and a big proponent also for second water meters. Um, and he took a big role in negotiating the trash contract when, you
know, we really weren't all seeing eye to eye. So, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate his six years of service here on the board. And that's it. And if we don't have anything else, we are going to move to future agendas,
which if anyone we can go There we go. >> So, you don't have a meeting um >> that scheduled till May 12th right now. >> Well, we have two weeks of town meeting coming up. Maybe it won't be that long.
>> Does it should say May 2nd on here for the retreat, so we'll add that in. >> Okay. >> Um and we already have that information here. >> Yep. >> And what do you think? You think it was 8 to 1 or 8 to 12 last time? 8 to >> maybe it was
>> I think 8 to 1 >> 8 to 1 but that included lunch at the end. So like the substant wrap it up at lunch or did we talk after lunch? >> No, we did wrap it up at lunch and I actually don't think it actually went past 1. >> Mhm. >> I don't remember. No, >> I got >> I don't think it went past 1. I think we
were packing stuff. It was kind of done and there was a photo and then everybody went home. >> Okay, great. Um, does anyone have any suggestions for upcoming meetings for agenda items? Anyone?
May May 26 anyone? Okay. All right. I mean, if this looks good and if anyone has any topics or agendas that they would like put on, feel free to reach out to me. Um the May 12th meeting I don't believe I will be
able to attend. I will be away with my husband. Um so you will be in charge. Um all right. So let's move on to uh 9:45. Approve prior meeting minutes. I am
going to say I did not look at these beforehand but I will review them quickly. Did um Maddie, did anyone have changes that they may have sent you? >> Nobody sent me any changes. >> Okay, great. >> I have no changes.
>> I'm >> I read them, but I wasn't there. So, I'm not really sure. >> It feels very confident. >> I'm going to probably say >> I have faith in you. >> Um Karen, did you have any changes to any of these? >> No, I usually send them to Maddie. Thank
you. Okay, great. All right. So, if we have a motion, Karen, um for the minutes, that would be great. >> Yeah. >> Move to approve the meeting minutes of March 10th, 2026 as presented. >> Second.
>> Second in by Karen Rose Gillis. Any discussion? Uh roll call vote. Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. >> Uh Sal Rante, >> yes. >> Chris Haley, yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes. >> Okay. Move to approve the meeting minutes of March 23rd, 2026 as
presented. >> Second. >> Seconded by Karen Gillis. Um, any discussion? >> Roll call vote. Uh, Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. >> Chris Haley, >> yes. >> Bronte, >> yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes.
>> And last one, I think. >> Move to approve the meeting minutes of March 24th, 2026 as presented. >> Second. Seconded by Karen Rose Gillis. Any discussion? Um, roll call vote. Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. >> Chris Haley,
>> yes. >> Salonte. Melissa Murphy, yes. And I think we probably have a motion to go into executive session. >> Yes, we do. Move to enter into executive session under general law chapter 3A
section 21 A3 for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to collective bargaining with all bargaining units pursuant to the public employee committee agreement because an open session would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the board as declared by the chair to invite
the town manager, the finance director and the human resources director and the executive assistant to the town manager and select board into the meeting and to return to open session to continue on with this topic. >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris Haley. Um, roll call
vote. Karen Herrick, >> yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis, >> yes. >> Chris Haley, >> yes. >> Salonte, yes. >> Melissa Murphy, yes. We are back to open session. Um we had a very positive discussion and we look forward to ratification soon and we will
bring an update on that at our next um select board meeting which will be in May. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Do we have our last motion? >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> Seconded by Karen Gillis. We will do a roll. Any discussion on that? No. Okay.
Roll call vote. >> Um Karen Herrick. Yes. >> Karen Rose Gillis. >> Yes. >> Uh Chris Haley. >> Yes. >> Sumati. Melissa Murphy. Yes. >> Thank you everyone. Have a good night. >> Thank you.