Good to go. >> All right, everybody. I'll call the Tuesday, January 27th select board meeting to order. First item on the agenda is the pledge of allegiance. I aliance 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. >> All righty. This meeting is being broadcast on RCTV and Zoom tonight. Uh first item on the agenda now is the
overview of the meeting. So, at 7:05, public comment for any items that aren't on the agenda. Um, you're allowed to speak on agenda items as they come up. At 7:15, town manager reports. 720 community spotlights. 7:25 links corner
restaurant 50th anniversary recognition. 7:35 discuss and vote on in-person early voting and vote by mail for April 7, 2026 election. 7:45 a public hearing discuss and vote on an all alcohol restaurant license for Tanino
Enterprises DBA Delazi food and drink located at 42 High Street. Uh 750 Leo sign report 755 future and 8:00 approve prior meeting minutes from January 6th. And with that I will open it up to
public comment. Anybody in the room? Anybody online? Maddie, >> it's Mattie. >> I don't see any hands raised online. >> I don't see any either. All right. So, we will move on then to town manager
report. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, we had our annual MLK Day celebration. That was Monday the 19th um at the performing uh arts center of the high school. It was very well attended, a very well-run event. I'd like to thank
Albert Ples and his team for making it making this event possible this year as we do every year. And thanks to DPW and facilities because of course it snowed a little day before, but the roads were clear and the pathways were clear and didn't have any issues there. So thank
you to all that made that event uh successful. Um also a big thank you to our fire department. As many of you know, um we had a a major fire last week at James Road and our department responded right away, minimized the
damage and injuries. Um I also wanted to thank the police department who responded, the health department responded, public services department responded. Um and also fire personnel from other uh towns came as part of mutual aid. Fortunately, one firefighter
was injured. Um not seriously, I hear. So, it was it was quite an event and we hope for fewer fires coming in the future, but the one that we had, I really want to thank the department for a great response. Uh, many of us attended the MMA conference over the
weekend. It's called Connect uh 351, 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. Um, it was informative, a lot of great workshops, interesting speakers. Um, and it was good to speak with leaders from other communities and talk about the challenges we're al while while facing
mostly financial challenges. So, it's good to hear that that reading is not alone as we look uh to the future and what the future financially that might hold. Um, I wanted to give a a brief MBTA update because people had been asking. I
did speak with the MBTA last week. Um they currently don't have any plans to bring back the turnback track um issue at another location, but they haven't ruled out pursuing it. So there's really no big update there. They also told me that they're going to pursue a federal
grant of 80 to $100 million um to try to install double tracks from Reading to Hil from the on the Haver Reading line. So if that were to happen and be successful um that would alleviate the need for a turnback track. So that might be something that we're interested in in
the future. It could also speed up plans for the new reading depot. So they didn't have much on that. It's still in the works. Um but in obviously with federal dollars, it's not guaranteed, but hundred million dollar 100 80 to$100 million federal grant would be would be
something. So So that's the brief update there. Um this Thursday we are going to have the financial policies workshop. Uh, the state is actually coming to host that here in Reading at our request. That's going to be at the library starting at 9:00 a.m. You did have to sign up in
advance for that. Space is limited. We also have several members of other communities joining us. There will be several members of the Reading community, um, professional staff and some board members. Um, and I'm hopeful that, you know, at the end of that meeting, we'll have the tools we need to
really take a good hard look at our financial policies that could use some updating uh in the future. So, that's the way the state handles it these days. They don't just come in and write them for you. They teach you how to write them, which is even, I think, better for our purposes.
Um, and people know, the word is out that Trader Joe's, um, officially has been announced coming to a writing location. Um, I've been working on this behind the scenes with with Kevin and Andrew and other staff, um, for some time. Um, it wasn't public information
until recently, but I'm happy to have it public. Um, we'll have more updates on that soon as ter in terms of openings and locations, but that's something that people really wanted and I'm really happy to announce that they are coming. And also Kevin McCarthy would like to know when his parade is going to be that
Carlo promised him. Kylo's not here tonight, but he did promise him a parade if his trader draws ready. So, and that's what I have for report tonight. >> Yeah, Terren, >> just wanted to ask a follow-up question. Um,
so thank you for the update on the MBTA. That's awesome. I would love us to keep now that we're attending regularly you and I don't know if anybody else is going with you. >> I' I'd really like to I don't know how the board members feel. I'd really like to push them on minimally restoring our
service to precoid. That was one of the my big shocking takeaways from the community meeting that you know that hasn't been restored and that you know that doesn't >> require new tracks. It doesn't require an upgrade to the station. It doesn't
require anything >> other than them providing the services they need to provide us. They're also our regional transportation authority and um maybe that's something we could talk about at a future meeting. >> Okay. And could I ask a question for
next time? Could you um >> could you follow up with MWR? >> I know they haven't rushed back to get back to us. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I could I MWR um I can give you a brief update on that. You know, we did write that letter back over
the summer and I've been pushing for a response ever since then. Um, and I've been working with Paul, you know, and working with staff here and hopefully, I mean, they they've been saying we're looking into it. We're gonna get back to you, you know. So, um, I'm hoping to at least if they can't give me any
response, then put it on for the next, uh, board meeting that they have so you can talk about it there, you know, and really push the issue. But it's been it's been longer than I expected. I mean, it really was over the summer when I sent him that letter and it was pretty strongly worded. So, I understand it's a
lot of money at stake and that takes time, but you know, I'm really hoping for a response soon on that. >> Do they meet monthly, quarterly? >> I think they meet a little more than monthly. I mean, a little little less than monthly, but not quite quarterly. Um, so I have to find out when exactly
the next meeting is. I think we have a meeting coming in February, though. So, >> as long as we don't have to wait till next summer, that'd be >> No, no, no, no, no. We wouldn't wait till next summer. >> All right. Thank you. I appreciate that. >> Okay. Thank you. Jane, did you have anything?
>> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Uh, just really briefly, I attended the U. Martin Luther King Jr. breakfast, which is well done, and um the MMA conference with our staff members as well this weekend. And um those experiences and learning opportunities were very valuable uh to
myself and our departments. Um and secondly, you may be seeing us on the Pleasant Street Center road show. We're calling it a road show. It's highly entertaining. Um Katie Gabriella, the director of operations and myself are visiting a variety of boards, committees, and commissions to talk
about the future of the Pleasant Street Center. Um and give those boards some time to think about it, give us their ideas, their information. We went to the historical commission on the 14th. Got some really good uh feedback from them and some insights that we did not know. And so that's sort of our hope is what
do we not know? Um and then we'll also be um in front of the school committee this coming Thursday. We're supposed to be at recreation yesterday, so we'll have to reschedule. Um, housing authority February 2nd, finance committee February 4th, CPDC on the 9th and then we'll bring that back here.
We're also going to launch um a survey probably next week just for the community to kind of weigh in as well and we'll leave that open for a little while and give you preliminary results when you meet. But um yeah, just to this is part of our procurement process with the uh with a public building that we're
going to be doing something with. um and kind of set the table as how it works and get feedback from the community and then we'll bring that back to you to help inform any decision- making for the board. >> That's our process. Thank you. >> I think that if if Rob is listening back
there, if he could maybe uh record some of these meetings with uh you auctioning off and appraising some antiques, >> this would be a highly watched show on ICTV. >> I mean, I I can do it. >> I can do I can't speak that fast, but I can.
>> Thank you for that vote of >> All right. 720 community spotlight. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, there are two things I wanted to mention this week. Um, two spotlights I'd like to shine. First, congratulations to Reading
Varsity Wrestler and senior captain Will Merkel, who recently achieved his 100th career win, which is about 99 more wins than I had when I was wrestling. Um, so for those of you that don't follow high school wrestling, 100 wins is a huge achievement and one that few wrestlers
across the state ever accomplish. So, a big congratulations to Will. And also, um, we go from 100 wins to 100th birthday. Um, I'd like to wish Ron Winsow a very happy 100th birthday. And
Ron Winslow has been a Reading resident uh, since the 50s. He and his brother opened a place called Winslow's Variety on Haven Street in the 1950s. I don't know if anybody remembers it. >> Yeah. You remember? Oh, great. Yeah. Yep. Um and that was in business several
years. Um he was a selectman. He was a town meeting member. He was a finance committee member um and a member of other boards and committees. So, he'd been very involved to say the least. He's also a veteran. um in the 1970s. I
apparently he was an assistant superintendent of schools here and business manager until he retired. So his 100th birthday was on January 21st. So Jane, Will, and I uh were fortunate enough to go to his party at residence
at Pearl Street and I got to speak with Ron for a while and I really enjoyed that. So I told him I'd mention it here tonight. He was thrilled. So a big congrats to Ron on his 100th birthday and hundred more. So, >> thanks, Matt.
>> Thank you. >> All right, so moving on to 7:25, Last Corner Restaurant 50th anniversary recognition. Um, there are more people in the room here than in past meetings, which is always good. On a positive
note, um, so Matt has a a plaque that we had prepared for last corner. Um Paul and Bell I don't know if you want to say anything first or you know your few words usually but you know
Chief Rick Nelson would like to speak on your behalf then for those that don't know me Rick Nelson fire chief um I can't not say a couple words to you guys um 50 years in business I'm 52 years old at two years old my dad was traing me down to their store in one of those
little papoose things and bringing me I grew up at their store, played video games in their store. I then met my wife, juiced my wife to down Paul. We then grew up together, grew up grew through our marriage and time going down there all the time. Then I had my kids.
Anytime we drove near there, we going to Val. We going to Val. Sorry, Paul. You're nobody. But we going to V. And now my kids are young adults and and they love that place. and and 50 years of anything is
amazing, but 50 years in a community serving the community. They will come in early and feed public safety, DPW during storms. July, we had that massive fire. One phone call 5:00 in the morning and we had like 70 sandwiches.
We had 70 sandwiches for troops on the ground that was starving and just couldn't couldn't eat enough of it to be quite frankly frank. So, I'd be remiss if I didn't take a few minutes to say thank you for everything you've done over the last 50 years on a personal
note and on a public safety in a town. You guys are special. You'll always be special. We appreciate everything you've done. Congratulations on 50 years and you can't retire yet because I still get hungry in the morning.
Thank you. Thank you, Chief. Thank you. Thank you, Reading. I just said that they're not customers. Everybody's family. >> I love that. >> You just want to get up because people can't hear you at home. >> I'll cry. >> My kids were up there. Um I thank my
kids because 50 years they could have grown up and been terrible because they grew up and grew up to be good people. I left $5 on the table. And I said, "Make sure you get yourself to school. Make sure you eat." And and I have a nurse. I
have a teacher. I have an attorney and a writer. And And I'm very grateful. And I'm grateful to everybody in writing. When I got sick, they were there. They all helped me. And Nancy and Carol, they all they all pitched in. when I had
brain aneurysms, she just stepped right in and and worked for me and everything. I'm so grateful to everybody in in Reading. I love everyone and I thank you all. If I stand up there, I'll really cry. So, I'm sorry,
>> but thank you. >> I want to say, you know, >> to all of you, even >> in inside the room, you make the decision to honor somebody. I really, me and Valerie, we worked very hard through
the years, >> but everything pays off. >> We fought hard to stay there, too. >> That's right. >> We fought very hard to stay there. And we're not going anywhere. They'll probably mount us and put us on the wall, though.
>> We're not leaving until God takes us. >> And I love everybody. And thank you so much. >> It's unbelievable how many people they love the last corner. and Valerie. I don't know about you. >> Like I said, we're not fancy. We're not
fancy pants, but we try the best. >> Whatever we do, I do with love. >> Yeah, >> I do with love, >> you know. And whatever. I love all the children. I love all the old people. I love everybody in between. I love everyone. They're like my kids,
>> you know. They're like my kids, too. He tells me sometimes, "Will you stop?" You know, but >> I can't help it. That's just how I am. I I love everybody. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Thank Thank you very much.
>> So, I have one question for you. >> Yeah. >> How did you come up with the name Last Corner? >> Well, we were It was an empty building when we got there and it's a corner and so he first had it said he was going to
call it Paul and Nicks. There's Nick. There's Paul. And then he said, "When you're leaving Reading, it's the last corner." >> So that's how we got it. >> You said to me, "Why you don't say the
first corner?" >> That's true. >> I see the last corner better. >> It depends on what direction you leave in writing. when we were going home to Wuburn because we lived with my parents because I was I was 21 and he was 26. We
had nothing. We just got married. So we were living in Wuburn. So when we were the first time I left the red writing to go home to Wuburn, I got lost because I didn't know how to go. But that's how we left. So that's the last corner to us. That's how we got it and just
>> sounded okay. >> And you want to know how we got the pen burger? Sure. >> We went on our honeymoon to Pennsylvania. >> The Ben. >> Isn't that
>> That was the shortest explanation ever. >> Restaurant and >> they were called the Texas Burger. So, we couldn't contact that. >> So, cuz we've been married 51 years and we had the restaurant 50 years. So,
>> thank you. And we didn't get divorced yet. >> Yeah. Last year we celebrated the 50 years anniversary. Mary >> and this year 50 years >> my daughter's 50 years birthday couple
of months ago. And my youngest daughter, who is my youngest daughter? Oh, there he is. >> She She was She stayed away. >> Yeah. She only came at night and unlocked the doors and made hot dogs.
>> But um No, we're a great >> I don't think so anybody knows my little daughter. She never goes there. >> And we're Thank you, Ready. >> Thank you. Thank you for all you do. >> Thank you to Ready >> board members. before I open it up to anyone else. Karen,
>> so I just would like to say thank you because my two boys, one lives lived in Louisiana and lives in Missouri and the other one lives in Montana and they come home and the first place they go is to your place. And I actually think they spend more time with you than with me when they come home. So I guess thank
you. I'm not sure. But um they no one in the entire country makes food like you. People they say why you're in change little B say every time somebody comes out of stay after all those years they feel like a home it's like you go to your grandmother's house
>> and everything there and you feel >> yes >> the same thing oh my god >> oh my god you see the you still the same thank you >> yeah no they they they text me a lot no place like that here you know they charge $20 for an egg sandwich blah blah
blah thank Thank you very much. >> Thank you for your kids, too. They say something nice. >> I let them know. >> And >> that's it. >> Anybody else? Melissa, >> I just want to say thank you guys for 50
years of, you know, warm food. You know, you are the quintessential place that brings residents together. And every time I'm in there, it's always kind of the same people and everyone's talking to each other. I love all the groups that come there and meet weekly. It's
incredible. And you know, just thank you for everything that you've done for Reading and the, you know, your dedication to this town. We, you know, we are all clearly so appreciative and clearly the generations of family members that have come and, you know,
spent time there, eaten there, and come back when they're here back in weddings. So, thank you so much. We really appreciate it. I'm so glad you fought so hard to stay. So glad. So, thank you. Karen, >> thank you. Um, so I just I can't say it
better than my colleagues have said it. Um, and I did my dad owned the restaurant for 10 years and I did help him on Saturdays and I I have a small inkling of how hard of a business it is. And so all of them are congratulations and being married.
>> I know that's hard. >> Working together, living together. Hey girl, that's fun for life. >> He threw a sandwich at me, but that's about it. It's not bad. >> 50 years. That wasn't bad. >> No, no, no. Was the sandwich I pushed the sandwich on the counter and it fell.
>> Yeah, it just fell. >> Okay. Well, thank you. >> Thank you. >> And I guess for me, uh, before I was a twinkle in anyone's eye running for selected, my dad was going to the last corner for years here.
>> Yes. Um, and I think you like them more than me, which is okay. >> I love your dad. >> Um, but just know that the cash that is getting to pay for all that food is coming from me. So, um, but no, like you really have been a
cornerstone here in Reading doing all the coffee with the clubs or uh, you know, various things for candidates. Um, like Chief Nelson said, everything with the fire department, DPW, all of that over there. So, it's good that you're
still here, that you thought to stay here. Um, and you know, we'd like to see another 100 50 years, but who knows uh how that'll go, but >> that pushed me in the >> 77 and I still walking. I don't know.
>> I don't know. You have a couple kids that might take over over there. I don't know. I'm seeing lots of guesses. shaking the wrong direction. >> Your daughter. >> Maybe that. >> And guess who's the favorite? >> Who's her favorite?
>> We're very fortunate. We have a These are all my family. Everyone here. >> Oh, yeah. >> I love you. Does anybody else from the public have anything to say that hasn't already been said for the
most part? Um, anybody online? Maddie, I don't see >> no hands raised online. >> Someone Laura, >> I just want to say thank you for welcoming me to reading when I moved in and also for the best roast beef sandwiches I've ever had. >> Hey. >> Yeah.
So Matt has a plaque that we'd like to present to you. I'll talk to Jeppy and Frank to see if they can mount it outside for you kind of thing. If you want it out there, I think it would look good right under the circle hanging sign that they put up. >> Um,
>> so I wanted to have this plaque made of solid gold in honor of your golden your golden milestone, but it wasn't in the budget. in celebration of of their of their golden milestone, 50 years of commitment, care, and connection in the Reading community. Presented by the
Reading Select Board, January 27th, 2026. >> Thank you very much. Now, we typically take pictures this direction with the full board, >> but I think it's best if you turn it around and take a picture with everyone. >> Yeah.
>> You want to take >> Yeah. Sure. But you want to be in it. >> Get over here. >> Get over there. >> It's fine. It's okay. It's okay.
>> Oh, they director's gonna do it. >> I already focused it. It's perfect. >> Okay. I'll try not to mess it up. >> Come on in, >> J. You want to be next to your favorite? She does that. >> She left me. >> She does that to me.
>> Yes, that's why she's next to me. >> One of my >> All right. Big smiles, everybody. There we go. Okay. Okay. We'll take one. We'll take two. We'll take three. Hopefully, everybody has the right. >> Thank you. >> Oh, yeah. >> Whose phone do I have?
>> Pull this out of the way. No. Godfather. I'm hungry. >> I know you didn't bring any food. Carlo branch truck. >> All right. Don't be shy. All righty.
One, two, three. >> Smile. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you so much for everything you do. We appreciate it. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> Thank you for everything.
>> That's amazing. Amazing. >> You guys are amazing. 50 years of a restaurant is a >> I love every moment. Thank you. >> Yes. Thank you so much. >> Thank you. >> Right now, I can feel it too.
>> Never met my baby daughter. >> No, I haven't. This is Jamie. Hi. >> Jamie, my youngest daughter just turned it off. >> This is Jamie. Nice to meet you. I'm just
here. It is. Nice to meet you. probably. >> All righty. Moving on to 7:35. discuss and vote on inperson early voting and vote by mail for the April 7, 2026 election. Laura,
>> hi. >> Hello again. >> Position moved. >> Yeah, it's actually way better there. But can we not keep it because then we can see everyone in the room when it's moved over. We can't walk. >> I think you on TV either there. >> We can't see Karen. Can they see her
now? >> As long as I can't see TV, guys. >> Of the camera not getting messed up. Yeah. Yeah. >> Are we good? Can you hear me? Okay. So, it's that time of year uh here for the April election for the in-person early voting and vote
by mail. As you may remember from last year, um Massachusetts law requires that if we're going to have in-person early voting for uh a local election that the select board must vote to opt in. Um, if
you're going to have vote by mail, then the selector doesn't need to do anything. If you don't want vote by mail, then you would um vote to opt out. In the past history, we have always done in-person early voting for the one week
during town hall hours. Um so that for this year if you choose to do in person early voting um it would be March 28th through April 2nd during the regular normal town hall hours. Now March 28th
is a Saturday and that um I am required to be open 9 to5 on March 28th for the last day to register to vote. So by doing in person early voting that day we'll get reimbursed for some of the
cost of having to be open. So that would be the reasoning behind doing that Saturday as well. The board of registars are supposed to um take a vote on what they would like to recommend to the select board and then
the select board chooses at that point as to whether or not we're going to opt in or opt out to vote by mail. the board of registars. We posted a meeting for January 15th um but we did not have a quorum so we could not take a vote. I
did however get a feel of the board of registars via email which we had did this last year as well and um the feel of the board is that in-person early voting two members would like to have uh inerson early voting one would not for
vote by mail all three would like to hold vote by mail. So now it's up to you as a board to decide if you want to opt in for in-person early voting and or um and vote and keep vote by mail by not
doing taking a vote. Did that make sense? >> So we don't vote >> for in for vote by mail. If you want to hold vote by mail, then you don't do anything. If you wanted to hold in person early voting, then you have to vote to opt in
>> to inperson early voting only. >> Correct. >> So that means if we want both, then we're only taking a vote on in-person early voting. Correct. >> Okay. Board members,
>> a clarification question. I got the part about um all day voting on the 28th because you'll be here for voter registration anyway. Do we have in the past the feedback you've given us is that it's been fairly slow. Do we have to have a set number of in days for early voting or can we be totally
flexible? We can be totally flexible. Um for local um election, you're only allowed to do it May March 28th through this April 2nd. We can't do anything more beyond that. Um the during the week
it's pretty slow, but on Saturdays the busiest, believe it or not. It's actually so in the past um I mean I've been here um almost 17 years. This is going to be election number 49
for me. Uh and since we've been doing in person early voting um I'm sorry I started I lost my train of thought for a second. Since I've been here we've had to be open for the last day to register to vote. Um, and for 49 elections, we've
had two people come in to register to vote during that last day. What's happened with the inerson early voting being on Saturday, that's what's bringing the people in to to vote to register to vote. They they can come and register and vote in the same day.
So, um, if I look at the calendar, do we have two Saturdays? Like the 28th? Oh, no. The se Okay. Nope. Not even. So, it's Saturday through >> the second, which is a Thursday. >> Correct. >> Okay.
>> We could do Friday, but I'm not suggesting that we do Friday is that's typically for several reasons. One is it's typically um a day that we're closed and it's also the last day that we can get things finished up and wrapped up. Usually, the staff is here
working on Fridays to get ready for the election on on the Friday before the election. So, I prefer not to do it that day, but totally up to you. >> Um, just for uh the public. So, if we do
early voting all that week, won't be Sunday, but it'll be like Monday through Thursday as we might have done in the past. You have to staff all those days. We have to pay them and buy them lunch. I mean, so there's not it's not insignificant cost and there's
management that needs to be done. So for the in-person early voting, the thing the the part that um an advantage to that is if we don't do inerson early voting, we are going to be doing so we still have vote by um absentee voting.
Um if we don't do inerson early voting, we're going to have a lot more absentee and the absentee has to be done by the staff whereas in person early voting can be done by the election workers. The advantages to that is there's a lot more paperwork on absentee
and with inerson early voting you can get reimbursed for the cost of the staffing. So um it there it also allows us to get reimbured for the cost of being open on that Saturday. >> Okay. So not just Saturday but every day
we do early in we can get reimbured. >> Correct. Okay. >> Yep. And we and with vote by mail, we can get reimbursement postage. >> Great. >> Anybody else? >> Um, yeah, I think both are obviously
fine. Um, it's good that we can get reimbursed for it as well. Um, and you said it's March 28th. >> Yes, that's Saturday. Yep. 9 to5 on March 28th and then that Monday through
Thursday would be the same hours as town hall. >> Okay. So the 30th, 31st, 1st and 2nd, >> correct? >> Yep. Good Friday's holiday looks like anyway on that Friday. So probably couldn't do it anyway, but who knows? Um,
anybody else? Nothing. Any public comment in the room? Anybody on the line? Maddie, >> no hands are raised online. >> I didn't see anyone either. Um Karen, do you have a different motion or with just
the one scenario? >> Motion to opt into in-person early voting to be conducted 32026 through 42206 during town hall hours. >> Second. >> Do we need a clarification on that?
That's fun included. It says town hall hours. >> We don't have hours on Sunday. >> I would just for me it seems as if I would imply because you're opening on a Saturday, you're not open then anyway. So Sunday
would have been included as my thought. >> Okay. Motion. >> Do you agree? Laura >> excluding Sunday. >> Excluding Sunday. Yeah. >> Read the whole thing over again. >> Yes. Motion to opt into in-person early voting to be conducted 328 2026 through
42206 during town hall or town hall hours excluding Sunday. >> Second. >> Second by any discussion seeing none. All those in favor 4. Thank you Laura. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks Laura. >> All right. Moving on to 7:45 public hearing. Discuss and vote on an all alcohol restaurant license for Tarantino Enterprises LLC DBA to Blazi Food and Drink located at 42 High Street. And before that, I am a directed butter to
the Delazis right over there. I'm at the corner of Two Haven. Therefore, I must refuse myself from voting on this. So, Melissa, we take you over. >> Okay. Do we have a motion to open the public hearing? >> To the inhabitants of the town of
Reading, please take notice that the select board of the town of Reading will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, January 27th, 2026 at 7 p.m. in the Select Board meeting room at Town Hall 16 LOL Street Reading Mass or also available remotely on Zoom to act on a
new license. Nope. Oh, that is I'm sorry. My god. Um, new license application for an annual all alcohol restaurant license located at 42 High Street, Reading, Mass for TanTino Enterprises LLC, DBA Delassis Food and
Drink. A copy of the proposed documents regarding this topic will be in the select packet on the website at www.revingmma.gov. All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person or remotely via Zoom or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6 PM on
January 27th, 2026 to town manager at writingma.gov by order of matthew a cronellis as fired to the manager. >> Great. Do you have something you'd like to share with us? >> Yes. Hi, my name is attorney John Masharelli. I am here on behalf of
TanTino Enterprises LLC doing business as uh Delasi Food and Drink application. I'm here with the two owners of Delazi Food and Drink. Ryan Patterson, lifelong resident of Reading. Greg Magazini, also
a Reading resident and has been in the food industry for over 30 years. Um, thank you for consideration of the application. The site uh location is going to be the Old Green Tomato as well next door to the dry cleaners location.
It's going to be primarily as a family restaurant. Um and we believe that the establishment will be a great addition to the Reading community as well as Reading Center. >> So great questions. >> Yep. Do board members have any questions?
>> Karen, >> yes. could um we take alcohol licenses very seriously in this community. I would love to hear from one of the partners um about how they intend to um uphold what we need to do in that area. >> Sure. No, thank you for the question.
Absolutely. We take it very seriously as well. Um all of our employees will be tips certified training. Um and really the alcohol is a companion to a food first approach. Um, so it's intended to complement the menu that that Chef Greg is creating rather than being sort of a bar or a nightclub, if you will. Um, so
it's really a place for families to gather to support the community. Um, and for folks to go on a nice date night. Um, but we're going to take it very seriously. Um, we'll always have a manager on duty. Greg and I are going to be very present there. And as I said, everyone will be tip certified to ensure we're doing safe service and responsible
service. >> Okay. While you're up there, could I ask you about the Founders Club? I'm not familiar with that kind of a financing mechanism. >> Sure. Yeah. Thank you. And and thank you to our founders who have participated. It's sort of like a GoFundMe, if you will. So, we have a great surrounding
community of friends and family. Uh as as John mentioned, I've been in town my whole life. My parents grew up in Reading. Um and I really wanted to work with Greg to bring a place to reading that the community could enjoy. Um and so what we did was we raised an opportunity for friends, family, local community to contribute to the startup
of the business. Um and in doing so joining our founders club. So they get a mug with their name on it. They get their name on a plaque that says founders family and they donate a small amount of money which we intend to pay back um after the restaurant becomes profitable. So it's sort of a way of being on the ground floor and part of
the founding of the restaurant and we had an awesome turnout from the town which we were very grateful for. Great. Awesome. Um um Matt, I just I need to So I I'm not a founding member, so I'm I'm
comfortable um weighing in on this decision, but I just I Do you think the select board members all need to just say no, we're not founding members. I'm a worried about a potential conflict even though it's a small amount of money. >> It's it's up to the board member if they have a conflict to disclose it. Um
>> I don't know yet. I'm not a founding member for anyone. Okay. So, we're okay then, I think. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Darren. >> I guess I just want to find out what it's going to be like and what are your hours and all that kind of detail. How many seats? >> Yeah, thank you. So, it's intended to be
about 40 seats, uh, family seating as well as a small bar. Um, and the food is Italian-American comfort food as well as takeout items, uh, including some healthy options, which we hope, uh, will bring some options to the town. And Greg is an amazing cook. And the reason I'm
here is to support Greg and get his food closer to home. So his other establishment is is in Everett and we've been jealous for many years. And um that's really what we're all about. >> Thanks. >> Great. I just want to add I'm really excited for you guys. I'm a Malden girl,
so I love Deazi and I love when I can get it back here in Reading. Um so I'm really excited for you guys. Wish you the best of luck and uh looking forward to another great establishment here in Reading. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Where do you think you're going to open? >> Uh hopefully April, May.
>> Oh, okay. Great. Thanks. >> Great. >> Great. And I think we can close the hearing now and then we'll see if we have any public comment. >> Move to close the public hearing regarding the annual all alcohol restaurant liquor license for TanTino
Enterprises LLC DBA Delazi's food and drink. >> Great. Do we have any public comment here in the room? Maddie, do we have anyone online? >> No hands are raised online. Right.
>> So, if we have a motion, >> move to approve the annual all alcohol restaurant liquor license for TanTino Enterprises LLC, DVA Delasi's Food and Drink located at 42 High Street. >> Second. >> All those in favor?
>> 300. Thank you guys. Appreciate it. >> Congratulations to it. Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Thank you. >> All righty. Moving on to 750 Leaison reports. Karen Rose, did you want to go?
I'd be delighted. Thank you so much for calling on me. >> Um January 14th, we attended we I and others attended the Walker Brook Drive forum. Um Talin staff and consultant presented update on plans for the Walker
Brook Drive area. It was very well attended and it was really good presentation. Um a lot of good questions from pros and cons from people. uh the consultants here taking comments and working on things moving forward. Uh
January 21st council on aging met um working group update and discussion with Jana Jenna. They gave excellent feedback um to recal. They're going to present um you guys are going on the road and going to present to um them on the 29th.
Somebody's presenting recal. Is it Jenna? >> Huh? Yeah. on the 29th. Um the 21st the Affordable Housing Trust met and we had a guest speaker Shelley Goring from the Mass Housing Partnership. She provided a lot of information to help us understand
the priorities and suggestions on how the town can move forward with ways to utilize trust funds and what other communities have done with both no additional funding and with CPA funding as a source. Um, I had the pleasure of attending the MMA
conference and uh got to know the staff a little bit better and um attended a couple of workshops, met a lot of vendors which was very fun. Um I attended one two particular workshops that were really good. One was
keeping your cool when the public is losing theirs. And another one I attended um the DPW guys were gracious enough to let me attend one with them hired to hire public works recruitment, retention and succession planning which was very interesting because um we're
having a hard time uh retaining people and so um it was pretty good. Um the main part of the event was the keynote speaker was Timothy Shrivever who gave an unbelievable address. Um basically focusing on building skills for
dignified disagreement which is very timely both locally and nationally. It was really really well. And I have handouts. I thought you were going to talk about it more but they gave these great handouts that I literally took like 10
of them. Um, and I wish I had had it when my children were younger. Like, it's a really nice outline of how you can um, treat everybody with dignity regardless of what your issues are. And, um, I recommend highly that we all refer to
these when we're pausing and taking a moment. Um, it was basically important to address the issues and not address the people and their beliefs. And so if you can take the personalized part out of it, it makes it a lot easier to deal with people that you're on another side of.
Um it was really really good. I was kind of hoping it was taped, but um I don't know if it was or not. And uh the food pantry, they recently had a volunteer appreciation brunch for many, many volunteers. Um they had a day of service on MLK day sorting through donations and
combing through to check expiration dates. You have to be careful when you donate to the pantry, make sure they're not expired. Um, they were also able to share a lot of overstock with the Lazarus House, which is a large food pantry in Lawrence that serves up to 2,000 people each time they're open, which is a really large. Um, and just a
reminder that you can drop off at Stop and Shop and Market Basket and at the food pantry at Sale Street. And you can also visit the website if you want to make a monetary donation through Venmo or um see their newsletter and um see what kind of things they're looking for that month. That's it.
>> Thanks, Karen. Karen, >> thank you. Oh, sure. Um, this was a crazy month. Hang on. Sorry. Computer's being difficult. Um,
okay. I held office hours on January 8th at the Pleas Pleasant Street Center and that was also the New Year's celebration. So that was a good turnout. And um I also attended the Walkersburg redesign and I appreciated uh Andrew's work on that and the consultants were
terrific and and I walked out of there thinking that everybody already had the dignity index in their hands because we had a very civil and polite hearing of different sides of the same um area of that neighborhood. And I also walked out
learning a lot more about the residents and what they want. the ones that live on both sides of the neighborhood. Um those closer to Main Street and those um over by the where the 40B is being developed in John Street. So that was that was a
great meeting for a number of reasons. I agree. Um, so I volunteered and attended the MLK um, day and I I concur with Matt Albert plus um, from our office of equity and social justice and his team
of volunteers deserve a round of applause. The performances were amazing. RHF students um, students of color and allies SOA were serving as MC's. I believe it was the Epson River Community Chorus who uh came and performed and um
the breakfast was provided by Reading Public Schools catering service which is and it was delicious and it was one of the um options that I know is being considered for the future pleasant street center um in order to deliver highquality meals and um yeah do it at
in a cost affordable manner. So that was that was wonderful. Well done. Um let's see the also attended the council on aging meeting aging meeting as liaison. They now have a working group focused on
the recal project um and they shared a document of some concerns they have um related to the project and um they have the council on aging has representatives on the permanent building committee. um they do not have a specific council on
aging representative on the operations planning committee and then they have this workg group. So, um, you know, it's good to talk with these members of the Council on Aging and hear what they're thinking about and what they'd like to see at the center and and hear their concerns and and I appreciate that. Um,
staff was at the Council on Aging meeting as well, also listening. Um and you know I I do encourage folks that are excited about you know how they might be using the future um recal center in just
a very short time to attend this um coffee with Jenna the director of elder and community services. Um as you said it's on the 29th and I noted it that starts at 2 and I bet our interim elder services administrator Carrie Valley will be there as well. And so I would
definitely encourage people to go and have coffee with Jenna and and bring bring your feedback. Um um let's see. Okay. So that's for that. Um I also attended the permanent building committee and they are pretty much
focused on this recal project right now, but they are talking less about form and function and more about getting um contractors qualified or pre-qualified and bids going out. out and there was a small delay in the bids going out but they will be going out in um February.
Um we've had a change of the council on Asian Asian representation on that committee. Uh Nancy Zmlac we thank her for all her hard work. She has stepped down and Ron Powell has um volunteered to fill in so the committee welcomed him
there. Um we also talked about there are some things in this new building that will be common to um other buildings. Um, building security is one example. And so we had our procurement one of our procurement offices there to really talk about, you know, making doing more with
less less staff and less resources and being efficient. It means that we want to try to have the same kind of building security systems whenever possible. And there are some um we learned that there are some um shortcuts that we can take via procurement that Jay knows all
about. um not and and I mean that in a good way, meaning we we it may condense the process. We shouldn't have to work so hard. We'll get the same state negotiated funding. Um sorry, it's not my expert area of expertise, but I'm glad to hear that we are, you know, because having the same software across
all these buildings will obviously make it easier to for Joe and anybody in his team to manage um the building. So, that's all good. Um let's see. And in terms of the project itself, um I believe they presented that they have committed about 10% at this point and
expended about 5% of the total bud project budget and um the chair loves to tell us that they are on time and probably under budget at this point. Um, I also attended a book discussion co-sponsored by the Reading Neighbors
Network and one of the library groups um um last week and this is a group of 60 plus residents. Reading neighbors network was formed to make up for the for what a perceived lack of programming and social support that was being
delivered by the current Pleasant Street Center and and the group's been in um formation for a number of years. So this you know predates even co and um their motto is socializing with a
purpose. So this club I I hope there are some there is some overlap with the counseling aging and and the the residents and and participants of the Pleasant Street Center are actively engaged. But if you go to readingn.com
club and you look at the list of items that this group gets together and does, you're like, "Okay, this whole group is going to be operating out of recal when we've got that project up and running." So, so that's really exciting because what happened was this book discussion at 3 p.m., they always have them at 3
p.m. was incredibly successful. And what it meant is that because there were 30 people in their room, there was no parking anywhere at the library. So, not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but it just it it demonstrates that we do have things going on and to have more room to spread them around. I mean, it
will just make easier for library patrons and staff, not necessarily attending special events and will also make it easier for the, you know, the reading neighbors networks to be able to say go over to recal and they're just going to spread things out. So, we can
see that. Um, I also wanted to mention that the Reading Scholarship Foundation, this is the time of year, all you parents of seniors out there and all you parents actually of former um, Reading High School students who have not yet
achieved their undergraduate degree and you're still writing checks, the Reading Scholarship Foundation application, it is up. It is takes 20 minutes the first year to take even less the next four years. Um the deadline, this is a non-negotiable deadline. The application
needs to be returned um on or before March 6, 2026. And um this is a great program. I've been serving as a director for a year years. Last year, um Reading Scholarship Foundation awarded 219 $475,000
to 80 deserving reading students. And then since 1970, the Writing Scholarship Foundation has awarded 5,22476 um dollars to 6,080 deserving writing students. So the numbers on the
scholarship are unbeatable and parents and students, you don't want to miss this. Don't miss the deadline. Okay. M MMA conference, I also attend it. Um I was really happy to see lots and lots of staff there and I appreciate the effort. um staff members coming on a Fridays and
Saturday when town hall is closed, you know, to take part in this annual event. Um and let's see. So, um, since I've been serving as, uh, a director of the women elected officials, um, organization
known as WEMO, this year, we hosted the annual WEIMO lunchon and we also, the message was sent home, this dignity index that Karen um, shared with us all. the other half of the dynamic duel that crafted this presented to all the
attendees at the Wimo lunchon and and talked about and gave us examples of implementing it and how you might use it. So, so that was well really wellreceived. Um it was a lot of fun. I was able to connect with some of the elected officials including our take town
Wakefield council chair and previous chair um chair of the select board um I'm sorry Sudbury select board and I met with the chair of the Sudbury select board to get a handle on what they have been doing with the disabilities commission because I'm so excited about this and that is her area of focus.
Um at the Reading Select Board Association meeting, we sat at a round table and discussed fiscal challenges. Everyone's got them. You know, people talked about having Wakefield happened to be at that table. So, they just
passed a 13mon million dollar override, which I did not know this was their first ever override ever. So, so they got that done. Um we talked about regionalization and of course, you know, we were there, so we were Yep. We we share our assessor. He's wonderful. It's
it's working very well. Other communities um have regionalized their health department. Other communities have regionalized dispatch. Um I guess Wakefield needs a new DPW facility, too. And um you know, there's
that lovely piece of land over at C Curtis Guild. So, you know, and there were comments about like we we talked about firet trucks and how they don't last long and they cost a fortune and, you know, regionalization. We haven't talked about that in a while um
seriously. And with the financial constraints that we have, maybe we're going to need to we should take that up again. But Wakefield has a new town administrator and her the counselors are very excited about that. So, we already have a good working relationship with them. Perhaps there's more. Um let's
see. So, at the MMA business meeting, we heard from Governor Healey. We heard from um Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll twice. We heard from both of our senators, Senators Marky um and Senator Warren. And then um on Saturday the
annual business meeting took place and um it involved a discussion of an FY2027 fiscal resolution which um expresses the desire of the MMA to have a um how did
we phrase it? Um a terrific financial-based partnership. always asking them for more chapter 70, more chapter 90, funding for our schools, funding for our roads, um and and referencing the fact that we're all feeling the pinch. All communities are feeling the pinch because the opera
funds have been well spent, but they're going to be gone. Um so this year, the fiscal resolution Oh, and and and in general, we are encouraged the governor to restore um unfunded general government um funds.
I didn't get that acronym right. But this year also um the resolution also included support for Governor Healey's municipal empowering act which while it does not directly provide more funding, it does provide all communities with the flexibility to address local revenue
options. Examples of that would be the meals tax which reading has adopted which adopted number of years ago. Um hotel taxes for those communities that have hotel taxes. Um it also provides options for property tax relief for seniors and for lower income residents.
Um so the resolution was passed unanimously and um that will just go to the governor's desk and and I'll probably be shared with the legislature as well. They are um they're they've been in session. Um so finally I did um
join actually one session of the mass state senate hearings on 115. The senators were discussing a number of bills including the Massachusetts senior circuit breaker tax credit. Um so Senator Lewis was the sponsor of this
bill with um our own shared assessor Victor Cent I'm going to thank you. I'm going to butcher his name. So the great news with that was that um the legislation passed and it is going to move on to the House of Representatives.
Um, so everybody's pretty um excited about expanding the senior circuit tax breaker as as best we can. So we owe Victor a lot of uh we thank him for his service and continually fighting for the seniors. Okay, I think that's it.
>> Thanks, Karen. I just had one quick followup. Did the town of Reading take a position on the vote that was cast at the conference? Um, I attended as a member of the select board and the MMA
authorized me to vote on our behalf and and that is the way it has worked for the past two years. Anyway, before that, I believe Jackie I accompanied Jackie her first year or I believe Jackie might have voted one year when I was chair. I attended in person and voted as chair.
>> But to clarify, there was only 351 votes at the MMA meeting. Did Reading answer that question. What? >> So, you voted on behalf of the wedding
to sign on to the resolution that you just outlined. >> You asked me and I I told you yes. >> Okay. I will uh handle the followup to that in future agendas. Then, do you have anything?
>> I do. Um, I listened into a couple of school committee meetings. It's our last meeting. Um, couple of points from those meetings is that kindergarten registration is open until the end of January. So, you have a couple more days for those families that may be listening
in, haven't registered yet. Um, school choice, currently there are 79 students and they're projecting 100 next year and that revenue is used very aggressively to balance their FY27 budget. um which is a little concerning to keep
them and maintain their uh budget. Um two major naming proposals have been introduced for the um new fitness center and the announcing booth. Um and they'll go through the steps of that and then the superintendent search time is aggre
has aggressively been accelerated to conclude before April election. Uh board of health met on January 8th. We have a new inspector and I don't want to pron can can Matt can you pronounce their name so I don't butcher it. I
apologize. >> The new health Brendan sorry Brandon works for me. Brandon Vignol. >> Okay. Thank you. >> He's the building commissioner. >> No, health inspector. >> Oh, the health inspector. I beg your pardon.
>> Oh, yeah. >> I was listening. >> Zuran. Zorahan. >> Yes. >> Okay, perfect. I just didn't want to follow him. Um he was the former health inspector in Medford, I believe. >> Um so we're excited to have him join uh the town of Reading. >> They were discussing a community fridge
concept which I thought was fascinating. Um and they're looking to do it at the F first Baptist church um which it's a um community fridge and they'll install an outdoor fridge that will combat food insecurity and reduce waste.
>> Yep. And they'll put it at the First Baptist Church. There are some concerns that the board of health is working through. I think they're going to reach out to other towns that do it. You know, obviously food safety and liability implications and all that stuff, but they were talking about that at their meeting. Yeah. Um CPDC met on January
12th. Um the they were talking about the new ADA ADU bylaw and updated um they're targeting to update our policies here writing by uh town meeting of November of 2026. um east right eastern gateway zoning
discussion was advanced and the um consult will attend their February meeting as far as I know conservation committee discussed the DCR trail grant that they're going to apply for which will help with the design process for the trails behind recal
um they um were still having issues with the terra cabin and they're still hoping to get um those resolved with volunteers and then they'll probably have to hire their contractors to do some of that work as well. Um there was a discussion
on a proposal of a $20,000 line item for conservation and trails to be added to town budget. Um which I know in these this time with fiscal you know constraints and our concerns of the future. I you know I don't disagree
with this um for many reasons all of the fees that conservation gets go into free cash and then they still have to come to us and ask for money. So, you know, I don't know if $20,000 is the right number right now, but I do think that that should be something we really consider because those fees that they
collect don't go to them in any way, shape, or form. They're just going into free cash. So, um I did listen into a little bit of the Walker's book Zoom. Unfortunately, I had to jump off earlier than that. I did um listen back and I am happy that they went with the wider um
>> lanes >> lanes for both bike and walkers were just a bike lane because that failed very quickly in Wakefield and I drive mad fairly frequently with the kids so that didn't go well. Uh RCTV meeting was on January 20th.
they um had a great um outcome of applicants for executive director there. So they're going through that process. Um the team at RCTV has worked really hard to re repair some fiber network issues that they had um throughout the
town. So at the path the high school and they created a new connection at Burbank. So they shouldn't have any more issues of live streaming games there. Um and they are going to reschedule their open house at their new space. um in the near future. I think they're hoping to
get their new executive director on board first. Um I have listened in to Council on Aging and on to recal um just mainly trying to you know listen to the feedback on the new recal um recal PBC meeting just to get some feedback on
that project. I know we've talked about this before and I'll mention it again. I really want them to come and have a conversation with us about their, you know, what they're thinking, the operational plan. I read the feedback that um council on aging gave on um the
operation of the building and you know I've been seeing this for a long time and this is one of my concerns of this bigger building and this bigger concept is that you know the voters voted for a building that was multi-purpose and not just seniors
and I a little concerned that um there's a little bit of a um we just need to be really aware of how that building was voted on and I'm a little concerned that there were people getting upset but the building was voted on by all the residents of this town to
be shared and we have to remember that there is a you know point that we're trying to the 60 plus community had some priority but it's not a building just for the 60 plus community so we need to remember that um and so I would really
love for you guys to present to us so we can have a convers about that. >> Vanessa, >> thanks. >> I think Jane might add to my >> Go ahead, J. >> No, that's a that's a great point. I appreciate that you made that point. Um,
I'm going to draft a memo back to respond to some of the items in there and um, you know, really thoughtfully and I think it's it's a wonderful conversation that we're having with the Council on Aging. Um, and you know, their leadership has been wonderful. So, you know, we really enjoy that. Um your
your point is well taken and we agree. Um so we have an operations plan um which is policies about how we operate the building like how we schedule things things like that and then um you would also express interest in the financial the financial aspects and operating
costs that we understand what what they understood. So we're in that piece of it now um with the budgeting and trying to um outline that in a makes sense way. are also working looking at FY27 and FY28. And so, um, I have not forgotten
your request to come before this board with with those two pieces of information. Um, which we are happy to do. I'm going to ask that you let the, um, operations committee complete that financial package and then we'll bring both pieces before you. They're draft documents. There's, you know, they're
they're up for discussion. It's not it's not parked into. So, um, so we can have that conversation, but I just wanted to just say we haven't forgotten you. We will bring that this forward to you for sure. Thank you very much. >> Yeah. No, thank you. Appreciate it. >> And just to follow up on that, I think I
heard you say it's the building is slated to open August 27, >> right? >> It was originally May or something, but then like things got bumped to August. So, it's good that the time is being taken now. We still have time. Obviously, you don't want to wait till the last minute, but you know,
>> 100%. Some of our peer communities who have done something like this have not presented operations plans, certainly not this far in advance. Um, some of them open and they're they're they're working through, you know, and I think we will also work through any growing pains and and we'll discover them as we
as we do them, as we live them. But we're trying to anticipate um and give ourselves policies and thoughtful ways to um to manage any conflicts that we see. But we're we're very encouraged. Um it's going to be a great building um for a community. And yes, uh it was
originally soft opening was slated for May, but when um the permitting was pushed um through through our permitting process last fall, we didn't put out the bids um until December and they're due February 5th. So I all day long my filed
sub bids have been coming in and I'm watching the filed sub bids uh notifications that they're coming in and so that's so that the general contractor will know the cost of all the sub pieces and we should get that next week. So it's very exciting time. >> Fantastic. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks Karen. >> Just add on. So um I met with um one of the select board members from Lincoln. Her name is Jennifer Glass. I guess they have a senior center community center >> which sounds like it has a very similar model to ours. Now I think link
Lincoln's smaller to us but that might be a good place for us to figure out what's work ahead of time. Y >> tell us what mistakes they made so we can avoid all of that. >> Absolutely. We love aha moments. We don't need to reinvent the wheel. Thank you for that. I will follow up with that. Thank you. >> All right. And then for me, um, I also
attended the MLK, um, celebration at the Performing Arts Center. Once again, they put on an excellent, um, program there. Um, I'm I'm glad they
didn't take the political route that I've seen other communities or whatever go down that kind of avenue and they kept it, you know, the way that it should be on focused on MLK and what he stood for. Um, so I'm very proud that that is the the angle that everybody had
went over there with Albert and and all that. So very appreciative on that. And I also did attend the Walkers Brook drive meeting thing. My big takeaway out of that is a left out of market basket. I'm all for the left out of market basket. I do it anyway. You can just
mute that part regardless even with the police here. Um, and everybody does it anyway, so might as well. >> You want to make some easy money, go down to >> also this stop sign that everyone blows on Haven Street that you could be making
money off. >> Um, but that's the big takeaway that hopefully at least that can come out of it. Melissa mentioned, you know, the bike lanes getting scrapped and making wire lanes. I'm all for safety in that area. I I do agree that bike lanes to nowhere are really going to nowhere
especially with an overpass there. Um and then with the trader geo scenario that Matt had brought up earlier, who knows what's going to happen with that. It's going to be a nightmare. Um but you know safety is obviously a big aspect over there, but also we don't want to
um end up going back on something that you know a Wakefield ended up doing. So it seems like they know what they're doing over there. They have multiple options and they if I had to pick that would have been the one that I picked as well. Um I'm not sure that I fully agree with everything that they're doing but
at least a left out of market basket is to be appreciated by everybody. Um and that's it. All right. So moving on to 55 really future.
Does anybody have anything for future? Can I ask about August >> of 20 26 August? >> Well, we have it scheduled and I'm going to be away. So, I wanted to know if we
can switch the date. We shrank it to one >> meeting in August. >> So, I was hoping we could switch it to a different >> Aren't we? Do you know what I mean? >> Yeah. No, I know. >> Ask it. >> I think that is if Yeah. If it's fine
with everybody else, I don't see why because if we did do the one meeting in August, I mean, unless there's a reason that Matt knows why we did whatever, then you know, you can go over that. >> Okay. >> I don't think we have to have it as a future agenda, though. So, >> just heard the word agenda and I thought
I'd better >> I heard August and I'm like, I don't know. Once you're talking about August, it's it's January and snowy outside. >> So, no. >> Sounds good though that you're thinking ahead of your vacation in August. They planned like a year ago. So I will
>> I do what I'm told a day beforehand. So that's how did you have anything else? Listen thing. >> Nope. Jane knows mine, but it will get here when it's the right time. Promise.
I I have full trust in you, Jane. >> Um Karen, did you have anything? >> No, I sent one out yesterday. I'm good. Thank you. All righty. Um, so the other items to add on there, um,
for the next meeting, Matt, would end up being a letter to the MMA rescending or unauthorized vote that took place uh, based off the town of Reading, if you could add that on there. And then a
censorship resolution regarding that. And that's all I got. >> Okay. So, I did send in a future agenda item. So, they're going to go on as well, right? >> If you want to make it known what your future agenda items, I can answer that right now.
>> Send an email to the entire select board. Did you not get it? >> I did, but I'm not here to debate you on it. Nor am I here to >> No, you just need to put it on the agenda. >> Well, >> I don't want to debate it either. There's reasons why one of your items can't go on the agenda because the
charter hasn't been approved by the voters yet. Therefore, we can't add. So, >> that's one of their agenda. >> I want to encourage um >> I'm just saying you want you want your two items that you want to add to the agenda is the charter for the majority vote for the selected
>> talk about it. Actually, we can ask about a future agenda item. >> Well, that is a future agenda item you wanted. >> Wait a little bit. Any idea how long I need to wait? >> It all depends. Matt and I meet and we'll go over things. It's, you know, it really depends on the meeting. Almost canceled this one, but the Delazi
happened. >> Charter hasn't been accepted yet. When might that is a 90 days after the first of the year type of thing or >> Yeah, it has to go through the the voters. So all the the charter has to go through the legislature and the voters is the next step. So until that happens, there's no changes to the charter. It's
exactly as it is now. So >> that is correct. and Matt. >> Okay. And the other item >> I thought we weren't discussing, but if you wanted >> on the agenda, >> so the other item that you requested um sent to the entire select board is about
the select board adopting a policy based off uh adopting Robert's rules as the meeting uh that we governed. Um and to that I would say we had the select border trait and you did not attend where that would be brought up. Now, we're not we if you want to have this
conversation, we just put it on the agenda and then you can say whatever you want. >> I I'm not going to >> ask for an agenda item based on what a resident has been asking us for. We owe it to the resident to respond. >> Residents can ask us anything and everything all the time. There are
things that come up on a day-to-day basis that you and I are privy to that Matt and I and Melissa end up meeting on that things have to get bumped, things change. The early voting thing was not on this agenda and got added at the last second. things are constantly in flux
the way it's always been and it will always be but I'm chair you Karen Melissa whomever is that's the way it works in writing >> any other features >> it's going to be on the next meeting agenda then >> is there any other
>> saying that you're not going to allow me to request agenda item >> you can request anything you you didn't want to make the request I then had to say what the request was and you able to make whatever request you want. >> I did. I made the request and I'm
waiting to hear that it'll be on the next >> Matt just told you that one of them is not legal. So, I'm not sure why >> say that. So, you're mischaracterizing what he said, >> but he explained it better than you did. So, but let's talk about putting my other agenda item request
>> on next on our next meeting. Or I what I asked specifically for was a February agenda. So, can we just pick one? I will work in coordination with select policies with Matt on crafting the agenda and adding things to them um when
uh time allows. That's how we >> I don't think you're following select policies and >> that is that is verbat for an agenda item last November and you refused to take it because you said it was written and it needs to be asked in public. So
>> that Karen you're mischaracterizing and you are now opening it up where I have to now combat your uh mischaracterization of the scenario. >> All right. So >> there is policy went to >> this agenda item that says 755 future
agendas. Future agendas has been on every single select board meeting other than maybe one or two here and there where there's special meetings. Ever since the select board was established. you or anybody else doesn't have to email the full select board agenda items
24 hours before the meeting starts. You could have requested it then you requested it yesterday. I'm not sure why you think that's okay that it's going to open us to an OML when someone's going to reply all by accident like these scenarios have never happened before.
They don't have to. future agendas get brought up in future agendas. Unless Matt, me, Melissa, Jane, whomever coordinates something behind the scenes with Lara. Any one of these various things can pop up. There will be other items added here.
>> Sounds like we're done with this meeting. >> We still have to approve priorities. >> Yeah, there's no way for to we need to adopt Robert's rules. Robert's rules has a mechanism for centering body members if you so otherwise you can't do that.
We haven't adopted Robert's rules. It's not in our policy. We have no procedure for centering around. I agree with you. It's a great idea. >> It is a great idea. >> Okay. You need to take my agenda item and put it on the agenda and then we can put think about putting your agenda on a subsequent agenda. But it all fits
together. >> I appreciate your feedback, Aaron, and we will move on to approving the prior meeting minutes from January 6. Maddie, did you have any updates? I know I had since Um,
two more. >> Yes, I had a couple. I will pull them up now. >> Did you want me to share who made which edits? >> I sent in one edition.
Oh, sorry. >> So, the first red and bold line was sent in by Chris and the red underneath that's not bolded was um an edit from Karen Heric. >> Either one of those is fine with me.
>> Yeah, either one. Obviously, mine's fine with me, but yes, current is also relevant. >> Yeah, doesn't matter. Uh, I don't know who both say the same thing. Karen says a little bit more detail. So, I'm fine with Karen said it.
>> Doesn't matter. Just get rid of the second one, Maddie. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Okay. And then Melissa sent in this first paragraph and Chris sent in the one underneath that's
bold and red. You know, Maddie, one question I do have or uh I'm not sure or if Maddie should answer this or Matt should answer this. Um, so I read from a statement. Does that statement need to be attached to the minutes? >> Usually we include if it's a statement,
we can include it in the packet. I mean, it wasn't it wasn't submitted. It was just you just read it orally. >> I just read my statement. It I could it doesn't matter to me either way. I just didn't know if it was if we should have it attached. That's all I'm saying. >> I don't think I mean you could we could
say that right from the statement and I think that's fine. But >> okay, that's fine. >> Yep. Good for me. So the way that it's supposed to work is any documents used at at or during the SWAT board meeting have to get added to the packet for that meeting even if at the meaning
passed the dis dignity index scenario that should be included for this because the public didn't get to see what all of us saw. You know what I mean? So that is kind of what we should be um doing with that. So to answer your question
>> happy to send it. I have not done that though. >> So that first paragraph, we need to be really clear that the views presented in that paragraph represent your views. >> Yes, I thought that I made it clear but feel >> but we could just maybe because
>> I'm pretty sure everywhere it made it clear that it was my opinion or my um thoughts, not the boards. But if you see some place where you feel that that's not the case. >> Maybe following the meeting she she believed >> the same residence. Something like that.
>> Well, I didn't believe it was the same. That's not an opinion. That's a fact. >> It's not a fact. It's what you're choosing to present the situation as. But it's okay. I just wanted to show that I don't agree. That's a great That's an area where we agree to disagree. So, I just want to make it really clear. I don't agree with that.
>> You don't agree with what? I'm sorry. that statement that should have your be attributed to you as well. >> I think the entire section is attributed to her. >> The second the sentence um following the meeting Melissa added
something like that. It needs to be um it just it's an opinion. >> I guess that I would say what you just said. Following the mill following the meeting, Melissa added the same residence
and the resident. >> Yep, that's fine. Well, I thought Maddie did a wonderful job summarizing this and all for not. I guess >> I think dimminimizing 40 minutes of a meeting and dumping it down the memory hall, not that that was
your intention where it was other people's in the town's intention um is not warranted in this case. This has to be a strong firm and um you know welllaid out >> only for the residents or not for the select board members that were engaged
on the other side. >> Since this is seems like a bully pulpit, I'm going to be honest with you guys. I'm happy to add what I said to the residents when they came if you'd like me to. >> I think it was better the way Maddie
left it. Kept it very summarized. This is not this is not a highlight of um wonderful select board um actions. >> I agree. It is a very low light in the town of Reading that never should have occurred in the first place. >> You were involved in it. So where >> I can't control people leaving their
house and coming down and confronting the camera. I just sorry like it it it's not my fault because of public comment policy >> summary minutes >> if that is a summary believe me I read like seven uh paragraphs condensed so
one >> did a great job >> and all for not >> I'm happy you approved of uh her minutes this time >> was there any other changes other than those on this or >> I made another change would it get approved I can't get I can't get an
agenda item. >> Everybody submits changes in advance. It has I just get in. If it's Karen Herrick, they don't get >> I just I just said that I wanted your edits added into the beginning of the
minutes and you said no. >> On the minutes >> like it just said no two minutes ago. Is there any clarity in this section? Like I I don't even know what how this was brought up about
>> a financial issue. >> That minute failed to echo reflect financial concerns raised by members. Well, I attempted this is exactly what I'm talking about when I um attempted to edit the previous minutes, the ones that were approving here and I noted that um
they failed to accurately reflect financial concerns by members during the Burbank I mean a memorandum of understanding master license agreement discussion. So the way minutes should be done is that when you have a dissenting opinion, you should note why the opinion
was dissenting and and so um >> that's the reason that's in here. We the rest of this meeting minutes were all 50 or 40 or something. I'm fine with it, but typically what's happened in the past is when there's a motion and there's any discussion, that
portion typically is included in the minutes as opposed to just the reason why something didn't happen on a on a 41 vote. I'm just going historically. It doesn't have to always be like that, but I'm fine with that.
Is there anything else? >> No, that was the last edit. >> Do you have a motion? Um, hold on. >> Yes. Motion. >> Move to approve the meeting minutes of January 6, 2026 as amended. Second.
>> Second by Karen Her. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor? 4. Any other motions? No. You nothing. Oh, okay. Well, we'll just stay here all night.
>> Oh, a motion to adjourn. >> Well, Melissa beat you. >> Second. >> Well, now Melissa seconded Karen Rose Gillis's. Uh, all those in favor? 4. Thank you.