the August uh 26 select board meeting to order. It's being broadcast today tonight on RCTV as well as recorded on Zoom. And we will first start off with the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. All righty. I'll briefly go over the agenda. 705 public comment for any items
not included on the agenda. If you want to speak on any agenda topics, you can do so during um the time in which they brought up. Uh 7:15, town manager report. 7:20, community spotlight. 7:25, discuss and vote on overdose awareness
proclamation. 7:35 annual update from the Reading Ice Authority. 8:20 discuss potential override budget review with the fire department uh permit and ambulance fees. 8:50 update on charter review committee and discuss public
hearing. 905 select board leaison reports 9:15 future agendas and 920 discuss and vote to approve meeting minutes from August 5th. And with that I will start off with public comment.
I just name and address and two minutes. Two minutes. Thank you. We kind of are a group two minutes for the whole group or well I'll be quick. Thank you. I mean Hi, my name is Katie. Hi. How are you? I'm just going to pass this. That's what I'm just going to be. Is microphone green by the way out
there? Just for people at home. Um do this. No, there's no green. Okay. Thank you. Give them a moment. Hi. You okay? Um, get right up to that microphone. Right up to the microphone. Okay.
So, everyone can hear you. Okay. Hi, good evening. Can you hear me? Okay. Yes. Member of the select board. My name is Katie Omeira. I reside with my husband Mike. Wave at 17 Selfridge Road. We are here today regarding the plans
for the parking lot at Austin Prep. Note, I have provided the um the plans that I'm going to reference um to the members, specifically the omission of any perimeter boarding border for the protection of the residents of 17 and 11 Selfridge Road. We have serious concerns
regarding the level of noise, car emissions, and car lights from the seven parking spaces which I've highlighted where there's no perimeter border. Uh quality of life, health and safety will be affected. In addition, since the commencement of the parking lot
construction, there has been at least four trees cut down, further reducing the visual boundary between the residents and the school. Note that I did reach out to Mr. Weber, the CFO at Austin Prep, via email, and his response was there's nothing that they can do at
this time. We are requesting modification to the site plan at the location of the seven parking spaces which are bought our property. um um to include a perimeter border such as a solid fencing to mitigate the noise,
lights, and emissions that will be uh byproducts of the parking. Thank you for your time and consideration. Thank you. Thank you. Hi, my name is Barbara Williams and I'm at seven South Beach Road and my issue is very different from theirs because the parking lot doesn't
quite affect my yard. But it's all the dirt from the construction site has destroyed my deck, my pool, and all my furniture and the whole backside of my house. This is just every day I have to go out there and clean the whole thing down. It like sometimes you can actually
see a wave of brown dirt just floating through your yard. So, every day I have to go out there and this I have a little table by the pool. This is just one day's worth of dirt all over a 30-inch round patio table. It's all on the bottom of my pool. It's floating on the
top of my pool. It's all over my screens. It's all over my deck. My handrails are all covered in dirt. So, every day I'm out there trying to get rid of all of this so I can actually use my pool, which I have not really been able to use the whole month of August. So, I've been backashing my pool every
other day. I usually do it about three times in the summer because my pool's usually really clean. With that, I've had to keep adding water to replace the water that's brown and black coming out of the back wash tube. And all the water that I use to hose down everything all day long. And I just don't think it's
acceptable that my backyard should look like this because they're putting in a parking lot. And I'm not sure. I've called the town of Reading. They did not get back to me. I called um Cork Construction who owns the company that's doing the construction work. They never got back to me. I called Austin twice
and they called me back once because what I asked for was if they could have a water truck and maybe just hose down a little bit of the dirt pile so it's not all blowing around. And he said um that they can't because it would just make a big mud puddle out there and that they
do have hoses that they do hose down. But I actually went over and talked to one of the construction workers and they have no hoses out there and they're not doing any of that. And I actually called the writing police to see if they could help me at all. It's just a little unsettling that this is what my backyard looks like and I don't even know what's in the start. Like I don't even know if
it's safe to go in my pool. I put more shing in pure chlorine now. So I don't know what can be done but um you know because they said the project's going to go on till November. Thank god my pool won't be open that long. But you know it's ruined the whole month of August for me
and my family. So thank you for your time. Thank you and I concur as a as a major. Hi, I'm Peter Nesker. I live at 11 Sage Road. So, Austin Prep is directly behind my house, okay? Where you're about to land. I
think I'm getting the worst of it between the dirt and the grit on my porch. You can just throw your hand out every morning and just it's all covered. My pool's the worst it's been in over 40 years. I have an old pool in the ground pool. The dirt my automatic vacuum every
day. My kids clean it at least twice a week and skim of course every day. It's a rotten shame that something shouldn't have been done for more protection. Um I am a disabled vet. I just went upstairs got I got my 100%. I showed them um I have asthma. Um so I don't think we're
being treated very fairly. Thank you. Thank you. Yeah. Michael Merrick Katie's husband just wanted to also add what she had is property similar to what Nate said. You can see all the dirt and everything on our back shed and so forth. I didn't
want to get into that. But I'm also concerned about the visual because there's a lot of trees and shrubs that have been removed. Look out my backyard. Now I see the parking lot used to be all trees and shrubs. One of the reasons we bought the property was we have this Boston Park land. Now it's going to be a parking lot. So I'm concerned about what
it even does to our resale value. We'd at least like to have the trees and shrubs replaced put back in there so we don't have to look at that parking lot and the cars and everything every day that we have the natural woods that we were looking at when we first bought the house. I think that at least should get replaced back to where it originally was
because now it's like wide open. It's been so much removed and that's that's concerning as well. Thank you very much. Thank you. Just one addendum. Um in terms of the lights and the noise and all that, we have experienced that over we we've been there 30 years. Um Barbara, how many
years? 34 Pete's like 50 years. Um but so they several times during the year Austin Prep prior to this parking lot situation they have functions where they use that back field. So we have experienced the lights the noise all of that you know
gra for graduation for prom for senior this you know there's several several things. So um so that's why we have experienced it. So we just don't want to do something about it. So thank you. Thank you. Typically we don't respond to public comment but I know Matt um has a
meeting set up with Dr. Hickey right already. So no promises. I will broach the subject and you know we'll see what we can do. Thank you. Thanks. When is the meeting? I'm curious. Um I believe we're setting that up currently. So he's just back on vacation. So
Okay. Is it okay if I email you? Yeah, email me and and I'll discuss it with him personally for sure. Thank you very much. Thank you. Anybody else? Nancy, Nancy, Dr. uh Pearl Street, precinct one meeting member and I guess I'll be coming to all public comment comments
for a while until there's some type of plan to address transparency. Um the school department revealed this past month that the budget for the fieldhouse came in under budget and that money was
then spent on their wish list which I wish they could not do because their wish list was not anything that was in the warrant at town meeting approved. This isn't the first time that town meeting funds have not been used as they
were voted on. A few years ago, the police department asked for renovations. Part of the renovations were to move the health department into that building uh citing the need for more space uh particularly for the public health nurses for confidentiality. The health
department never moved to the police department. I believe that was $200,000. That's never been addressed. Um, come to find out, town meeting also approved for the tennis courts to be repaved at some point. That money was never used to
repave the tennis courts. Now, there may be reasons why things were done differently, but they've never been discussed. They've never been explained to town meeting or to the taxpayers. And transparency um is required through trust. I don't know how I am going to as
a town meeting member address the budget next um cycle when I'm not quite sure what people are really doing with taxpayer money. So I would like to know at some point between the town the
schools incom and the select board what's the resolution. This is very concerning. We have two very large projects. We have recal and we have the killum. That's taxpayer money. I'd like to have some transparency for what is going on with
taxpayer money because when town meeting approves money, it should be used for what town meeting has approved it for. If you would like to have a different form of government, then you should petition that and send it to the voters. Thank you, Linda.
Thank you very much. I had a couple of things. One is just a huge thank you to the select board and the town for the green community status. That took a lot of work and you guys made a lot of progress and I just wanted to thank you for that. I also wanted to say thank you
to the Coalition for Prevention and Support. I've been on that board, I know it's on the agenda, but um I'm just saying a huge thank you. I've been on that board for over a decade and have seen all the work that they've done. My kids have been ambassadors for them and
it's impacted them and their friends lives. Um I've taken their trainings. I have um been so impressed by the crisis intervention team and how that works. I recommend people learn about all that's happening. You can reach out.
You can get the notes from our weekly our monthly meetings. It's just been so amazingly impressive and helpful to our community. As the liaison from the school committee I got, I just was thrilled and I saw the relationship
between that organization within our town and the schools. Um, so thank you to Erica Merlette and her team and um and the police department for collaborating on that. The third thing I wanted to say was just to ask for an
update on the RCTV status of the contract. Um, I hope that the select board will be listening to so many of the residents and to the school committee about the value of RCTV and
all they've done. I know as a town organizer, they have always been there for me. I don't need to repeat what I've said before, but um RCPD has really been there to try to get the good work of our volunteers, our town, our students
um to support the good work and to get the word out to our town. So, thank you. I know your job is very taxing and I appreciate every minute you spend on it. Thank you very much. Thanks. Oh, Beaver Road. Sorry, Linda. No,
doctor. We will update you. No better. Anybody else in the room? Anyone online? Is it Maddie tonight? Yes. Playing. I'm not seeing any hands on Zoom. Perfect. Well, we don't have to use the
fancy music anymore. Well, maybe it's the Oscar music. Yes. All right. So, we will now move on to the uh town manager report. Okay. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, as was just mentioned and a lot of people know by now, we are a green
community. So, I wanted to thank everybody that attended our event that we held on August 21st on the town common and thank everybody involved for making that happen. We got a nice certificate from signed by the governor and other state officials as we reached this major milestone for our community.
I brought it with me tonight. It's on display up front if anybody didn't get to see it last week. Um, and we will hang it proudly in town hall. A reminder that the fall street fair, I can't believe it, but it's just a few weeks away. Uh, Sunday, September 7th. I
understand this is the 17th annual fall street fair. So, it's been a long time going. Um, and I wanted to thank the Reading Rotary Club for sponsoring again this year this exciting. We put him right to work because we have a lot a lot of issues going on. um and he he joins us with a lot of experience from
another town as does um next week our new collector Richard Ara um will start on September 2nd. Uh he joins us with 16 years experience from another town. So again, two highly trained professionals joining our team here in Reading. One
sort of semi um employee update is that our K9 dog Tango turned four today. The chief reminded me. So happy birthday to Tango. uh he's done great service for reading over the years. Um I wanted to move on to an NBTA turnback track brief update. Um so we
had a meeting yesterday, Jane and I, um with MBTA officials, um and both our fire and police chief and our fire chief is here tonight. Um the meeting was mostly focused on gate closings and times um and they reviewed all the
questions that the chiefs had. The MB MBT had data that we reviewed. we had questions for them. So, I think it was a productive uh meeting. They are planning um some sort of public forum in midepptember. It was supposed to be a little earlier in September, but they're
going to move that to a date in midsepptember working on either the library or the Pleasant Street Center to have that meeting. We'll finalize the date and get it out there as soon as possible. We've also asked again as we've been asking all along for uh the MBTA to meet with a smaller group of
residents in abutters that Jane and I and many of others um have met with um and and address their concerns um head on and they're strongly considering doing that. They didn't have a committed date on that yet, but we continue to urge that to happen. So, I know that it
was brought up at public u participation about RCTV and I have planned just a brief update tonight. Um Melissa Murphy couldn't join us tonight and so she asked me to give a little update on the negotiations. She's part of our team as is Jane. Um we've had a total of six
negotiation meetings so far with RCTV. Um and there's another one planned for next week. So that'll be seven. Um I can report that we are making progress. RCTV has taken the concerns of the select board very seriously and we're incorporating that feedback into the
agreement that we're working on. Um, so we'll have more later. Um, I know people want specifics, but the negotiation team on both sides, RCTV and the town agreed that, you know, we didn't want to get ahead of ourselves. Things still have to be reviewed by legal and whatnot, but,
you know, we we will have a draft in September. And I wanted to emphasize because I've gotten a lot of emails, too, um, that, you know, and the emails are saying that we might possibly lose our peg channels and lose our coverage. And I could say that even if we were not able to come to terms with RCPV, we
would not let that happen. We would not let gaps in coverage like that happen. There are other things we can do. And I'm hoping it doesn't go that route, but I just want to let people know it's not going to be we go dark at the end of the month or the end of the summer. And that is my um my update. And I think
Jane might have one update as well. Go ahead, Jane. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, so briefly, we're continuing to work on the rubbish and recycling uh contract that will be up in uh July 1st, 2026. Um, we've met with several of the vendors that sent in
proposals. Again, we had five proposals that we received. Um, we've been battling with staff and vendor vacations as we ask them to sharpen their pencils and get back to us. A particular piece that we're really asking vendors to uh
sharpen their pencil on is blended value. Blended value is our recycling mix. Okay. So, um under our JRM legacy contract, we do not pay for recycling and as we all know those days are over.
So, we did an audit in the spring to assess what our mix of recyclables are in reading. The results of that blended value are in the RFP that we put out. Um, and Reading, you may be interested to know, recycles very well. We we do a
good job as a town and we have a a valuable mix. What's valuable is car uh cardboard, paper. What's not valuable is glass. We have a high volume of cardboard and paper that we recycle in town. So, that's advantageous to the town. um that blended value is what
helps us reduce our costs for recycling because the value of what we're recycling is higher and so it has it has um a market. We track what recycling value is on the market. So this is a whole new world from the way the old JRM
contract was done. So that is what we're working on. Um we're very encouraged and our goal is to bring back a recommendation to the board. Um we'll have a detailed memo and lots of information for the board in September so that we can have that decision made
and then um it'll be uh ready for the finance committee and for um uh oh my gosh uh accommodated costs portion of the budget as we go forward. So that's that first piece that we're going to be looking at. And so we really want to nail this down um early in the
fall. And additionally, um, if a vendor needs to procure, um, automated trucks to fulfill the agreement that that's the requirement in this new agreement, um, they'll have time for the supply chain to to be able to do that. So, that's our process. Um, that's a little bit more
detail maybe than you wanted, but um, the blended value is very important um, as we go forward to put us in the most advantageous position, and we feel that we are uh, getting traction there. Have you opened the pricing already? Yes, we read all of the proposals and
we've opened the pricing and now we're negotiating position or a not so it will be more expensive than it will be more expensive than it was which we all knew it would be. Um but I'm very encouraged that we're not going to blow
the budget. Okay. Okay. Seems like you have it handled. Thank you. Yeah. So, we will now move on to 720 community spotlight. Okay. Thank you. Back to me. Um, tonight
I'd like to spotlight two dedicated reading police officers with work anniversaries. So, Lieutenant Detective Rich Abati and Sergeant Ian Nelson both hit their 20 year mark with the department just last month. Um, if you know Lieutenant Detective Abide, he was
our first school resources officer way back when and he's been leading our detectives for several years. Also, many of you might know Sergeant Nelson from his work with the Eagle Scouts, and he comes before this board from time to time with scouts to talk about all the good work they do. He's also the brother
of our fire chief, Rick Nelson, who's here tonight. So, I want to congratulate both of those two dedicated employees for 20 years of service to the department uh and wish them well in the spotlight. And then just a followup on a um spotlight he did last time I spoke
about Marathon Sports uh as a business highlight and the good work they do. And they've been here for one year and I said that they were planning something. I've uh since been informed the one-year event will take place actually this Saturday, August 30th at 6 p.m. and they're going to begin with a group run.
Um and then a party at the store afterward and everybody is welcome to that. So um if you're up to the group run, join the group run, but the group walk, I guess. So and um and that concludes the uh spotlight.
Thank you, Matt. Thank you. All right, so we'll move on. 7:25, discuss and vote on overdose awareness proclamation. Erica Good evening everyone. I am Erica May, the director of the Reading Coalition for Prevention Support at the Reading Police Department. Um, I've been here
for 17 years and I came here a year after the coalition was founded in response to local losses from opioids. And the work that we do with the coalition is to try to prevent, intervene, and address issues related to substance misuse and mental health. So tonight before you you have the
International Overdose Awareness Resolution or Proclamation, which is a way to acknowledge the work that we still have going on in the community to address these issues. And it's also an opportunity for us to let you in and the community know that this is the kickoff to our event in September. We are
hosting a time together here at town hall on the lawn right outside here where we will have our community exhibit which gives people an opportunity to look at some of the stories of people we've lost in reading whether it's to substance misuse or mental health. There's also an opportunity to celebrate
recovery for those who are thriving in recovery as well as to support the families that are dealing with challenging issues. Um, one of the things that is a difficult task that we have every year is reviewing the death certificates of our residents that we've
lost. And Laura is very helpful in letting us have access to those. And in the last 15 years, we've lost 105 reading residents, 24 to suicide, and the remainder to substance misuse. So, when we come before you and talk about statistics, for those of us that have known those folks, for the families that
continue to pray for them, this is real. And we hope that the community will come out for a time together. And we also invite everyone to check out our information on social media to get involved in our reading poetry prize contest which is part of the event for young people to share how they feel
about creativity and mental health. And with that, I'll turn it back to the board. Thanks, Eric. Board members, any questions, comments? [Applause] Nobody. I guess um
uh for me, Eric, I've been going this since, you know, I got in on the select ward. Um it's always a a good event that you and the coalition and um everyone else has put on. Um, one of the first
emails that I got um or messages I forget either way um was from a resident um Connie Posterino who um had a unfortunate loss um regarding um the
situation. Um, and you know, her and I have chatted here and there over the years and uh she always wanted to see about uh like having an international overdose awareness day. Um, and then um
she mentioned it I think a month or two ago somewhere on Facebook. I randomly saw just like everything else unfortunately. Um, and you know, I said I'm the chair, co-chair either scenario. And I said, you know, I I think that,
you know, it's finally time to get a proclamation on the books here in Reading because for something like this, it doesn't pick political sides or whatever. It it, you know, it chooses everyone equally, unfortunately. Um, in
my own family, I've had, um, family members, uh, unfortunately, you know, just like everybody else. Um, and brought back from the dead, I think, two or three times, which is crazy to think that those kind of things can happen.
Um, but, you know, it's obviously a learning experience. He's doing a lot better now, so, um, that's good. Um, but not everyone is is that fortunate. So, I'm just really happy to be able to
propose this. Um, and then Connie couldn't make it tonight. So, um, she just prepared something for me to read instead. Um, so she said, "On this International Overdose Awareness Day, we remember the lives lost in families impacted at the
hands of drug poisoning or overdose death. 286 a day die from overdose. August 31st is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, the world's largest annual campaign to end overdose. Remember those who we have lost to an
overdose acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms. Um so thank you Connie for that and thank you for you know inspiring not just me but you know everybody else in
town to just come together for the event in September. Um, is that on here what you just gave us? Do you know what? So, September 17th, you should all have gotten invitations. U purple envelopes. Hopefully, you saw them. Yes. And, um, the information is also on our social media and website. Um, and I do
want to also mention um, the week leading up to the 17th, the exhibit will be up for the community. And for our families that have lost loved ones, sometimes they prefer to go on their own and walk through the exhibit, experience it um, for themselves rather than come to the event. We want to let folks know and families know that that's an option
for them. For those that would like to come to the event, it starts at 5:30 on the 17th and we will be ending the event with the candlelight vigil, which a lot of folks um do like to come and honor someone that they've loved. So, thank you. Anyone from the public?
Where is it located? Right here, right outside town hall. Yep. It'll be out in the lawn. Yeah. Anyone online, Manny? No one online. All righty. Karen, do we have a motion? Honey, I'm gonna read it first.
Yes. August 2025, Overdose Awareness Day in Reading. Whereas the select board determined that substance use disorders were profoundly impacting the town and our residents such as they helped establish the reading coalition for prevention and support in 2006 to
improve community collaboration, reduce substance misuse, and promote mental health. Whereas, we must encourage relatives and friends of people with mental and/or substance use disorders to implement preventive measures, recognize the signs of a problem, and guide those
in need to appropriate treatment and recovery support services. Whereas, the purpose of International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st is for remembering loved ones lost to overdose and those working with the community to reduce the risk of drugrelated deaths.
Whereas the town acknowledges that the people affected by overdose are deserving of our compassion and support. Now therefore, we the select board of the town of Reading by virtue of the authority vested in us by the laws of Reading, Massachusetts, do hereby proclaim August 31st, 2025 as
overdose awareness day. In witness whereof, we have here her unto set our hand this 26th day of August in the year 2025. the reading. Thanks, Karen. Move that August 31st, 2025 be
recognized as overdose awareness day in the town of Reading. Second. Seconded by Karen. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor. 4 Z. Thank you, Erica. And thank you everyone. I really appreciate
it the time. Thanks. Yep. Hope to see everyone on the 17th. I will be there. It's a prime number. Thank you. Thank you. September 17th. All right. Right on time. 7:35 annual update from the Reading Ice Arena
Authority. And Carl is here. Anybody else? Carl? Nope. Just me. Just you. Is that okay? Of course. Can we ask Can we ask who was invited? Um Matt, who did you invite the entire board?
Um, at the uh at the event last week when we had the tour, I inv I invited obviously Carl and I forget the man's name, but the chairman, the board that was with him, I said the board members. Welcome. What was his name again? Dennis Hughes. Dennis, I'm sorry. Yeah, Dennis Hughes.
Thank you. All right, Carl. Good. Yes. Thank you. Um, Carl McDre, your representative on the Burbank Ice Arena board. as uh Matt just stated was uh last Tuesday, I believe, Tuesday, Wednesday, uh the
board was able to come into the rank, do a tour of the rank, ask Jim Brown um who's been working 25 plus years at the board to go over all the different uh aspects of of the rank and um hopefully answer most of your questions. I'm here
to answer anything or at least get information to you of any questions that I can't answer tonight. Uh just a quick background. Uh Nelson Burbank donated the rank in the finance of sport 30 plus years ago. Um presently the uh the rink
has given almost $3 million in direct and indirect uh revenue back to the town. Um as well as we have no debt on the ring. Um a replacement ring. I know Belmont's building something similar for roughly $40 million. I don't know if the
rink's worth $40 million, but to put up if anyone want to put up a rink now, pretty big pretty big deal, shall we say, there. Uh, from the financial aspect of it, I know you guys are going to be building pickle ball courts down on Simmons Way next to the Range Road.
Um, and I know from the profits that the town's the rinks donated back to the town, I believe it's 150,000ish uh has been appropriated from the funds from the rink. uh to that project which is you know it's great that uh that's something that obviously Nelson's wish
is you know for recreational type of activities I'm sure he's looking down very happy about that. Um presently uh from the financials um we have between the two bank accounts $270,000
in in our checking and savings account. Um, next year we're anticipating because we had to uh replace the roof as you know last year which cost $285,000 and we had to uh pull down off the reserve account and typically we're
looking to turn back to town $85 to $100,000 a year ballpark. Uh it would take three years to replenish um the funds that we use for the for the roof. Um looks like we're going to be able to actually do it in two years. So 50%
faster than we had anticipated. Um this year we actually had record revenue. We did over a million dollars in revenue. Um which you know area towns are like for instance stone does about 600,000 and we're doing
a million40 I believe. Uh, one of our big expenses that's come up, unfortunately, is RMLD's uh, increase about a 20% increase to our, uh, electricity bill. Um, so that that's a a
big nut for us uh, coming up there. Uh, the positive on the operations, the rink is fully booked. U, raining youth hockey is exploding, which is exciting. and uh there they are seven days a week, but unfortunately they have so many kids that are participating that they're actually going to have to go out of town
uh because we just don't have enough time available to them. Uh the Northshore Skating Club, uh one of our other big tenants is we're actually in the process of signing a long-term lease with them uh because they're trying to get away from um Hockey Town and Sagas on Route One uh to
come towards us. So, they're obviously very happy with what we have uh provide them over the many many years and uh hopefully we'll be signing a long-term lease with them. Uh some of the things that I know you guys are aware last year um unfortunately there's actually a board member for Jim List that had heart
attack on the ice and um we're very fortunate that Ed and his staff were trained and um actually the equipment was up up to speed. Um and Jim Brown, we actually dragged him off the ice, put him down there, had the defibrillator,
uh brought him back to life. The fire department came down and you know, we're able to save him there. Uh what's amazing is every two years they knew the training, but in another town, um similar type of situation took place. The defibrillator did not have it
battery was not charged up, so it didn't work and the person ended up passing away. Uh, so fortunately Ed and Ed and the staff are always constantly monitoring everything, making sure if, god forbid anything ever happens, you know, that they're ready to go off of that.
Um, you know, from that, they've received numerous awards from the CPR to the Boston Bruins. Um, Ed received the Northshore skating club president's award. Um, in 2022, excuse me, uh, the ice ring industry, the Benton will cox
award for excellence and management. um was had and won that award which is the most prestigious award that you can receive in the hockey ice management um world I would say. Um with that I open it up to any questions you may have. Um I know a lot of your questions were
already answered last week hopefully. So okie dokie board members any questions? Karen, thank you Mr. Chair. So um he was not able to answer this question for me when he gave us a tour of the ice making machine which I fascinating and it
sounds like from the dinosaur time. Um, and I wanted to ask him, but it's so noisy. What are you going to do if it breaks? And he says that you've been not bandating it over the years, but at some point, what's your plan B? Typ typically with in the Zambonia, the
compressors compressor. The compressors with everything, you know, we have backup parts that are there. Ed works, you know, we're fortunate that we're able to Yeah. He's always checking it. He works essentially seven days a week off of that. Um that is, you know, a
disaster that that could end up happening. I don't want to say anticipating a disaster, but you have something lined up that if it does fail and you've got the funds set aside in order to fix it or or replace it, you know, right? Well, that that would be out of the reserve account, which we're anticipating
um June of 26, whatever, nine months from now, 10 months from now. Uh we'd have over $300,000 in that account to be able to have something like that. How much would that cost to replace? Depends on what breaks. You know, it's kind of like your car, you know, transmission goes, the brake go, you know, you just
It look pretty antiqueish. The ring's 30 plus years old. I mean, it's there. But, um staff, the biggest thing is that we're very proactive. Um, so something that down the line may be a major thing if we can, you know, nip it in the butt early and then the cost won't be as much.
Uh, can I ask another question? Of course. Um, solar, you have the new roof. Did any And it may have been discussed in assignment. So, sure. Has that been discussed? uh years ago we met with RMLD
and um the decision you know they did an analysis to see what could work nine yards and it wasn't economic economically viable um I believe two two three years ago this board asked us to take another look at it um and I I don't
believe he's the general manager anymore um stated that you know this new RMLD so we was very optimistic that we could and it ended up coming back that it did not make financial sense to pay back something like 20 plus years off of that. So that's unfortunate.
Yeah. Yeah, it is. As well as if we put solar panels on top of the roof, that was that would nullify the warranty on on the roof. And I know the previous fire chief um had not concerns but just to be aware that it would require um
like we have to build almost like a shed type thing where the batteries from there and you know there's some fire codes or or something like that that they were you know not against it just please be aware that that's an additional cost that you would have. Thank you.
Anyone else? I have a lot because I appreciate the tour you guys gave us last week and and I didn't get a lot of answers to the questions I was asking, but Jim was doing a lot of the tour and um and and Ed was unable to be there, the general manager. So, um, so, so tonight's update
is great and I appreciate you coming to talk to us, but I would really like us to have the operational annual operational meeting that we call for in the lease, which is like a room when we see board members coming, not just our our hardworking design to come and talk
to us. Um because as you made comments earlier, it is a 30-year-old building and I'm sure you have concerns about which pieces are end of life and what they're going to cost to replace, who's going to pay for that, how you going to pay for that. So, um I'd like to we
can't really have an operational meeting in a 25m minute select board presentation, but the the update is awesome. Um I have something you might be interested in. I'm happy to provide it. It's notes from the town meeting um warrant articles in 2011
and um where they talk about um Nelson Burbank offering to give the indoor ice rating ice skating rink to the town and the town and then leasing was it four and a half acres of town property. So So um
you may have already read the lease. So the town owns all of it now. Nelson was incredibly generous, gave us the funding and um was a very successful and savvy businessman and never wanted it to be a burden on the town. So these town meeting minutes talk about how no less
than annually um there'll be contributions to the town while at the same time, you know, meeting all the needs of the sports and recreation and public skating that um you know, Burbank is charged with. And if your schedule's full um I guess you're doing that, which
is awesome. Um, so I did the reason you might be interested in this because you do refer to that $300,000 investment you made a while ago. And um, it looks like the girls locker room was a $15,000 component of it, but a lot of work was done back then. This is 2011. Sound
system, scoreboard, granite countertops, deep rink dehumidification, Zamboni monitoring system, painting the interior, rink lighting replacement. That all came to $300,000. It says the improvements for the girls locker room was $15,000
approximately. So, I can I can share that with you all. And um this is this is helpful. You know, I was on town meeting at that time and um you know, there's a lot of talk about Mr. Burbank's intentions and um again, he
was incredibly generous with the town of Rading donating that project combination. supported the construction of the new YMCA in addition to the ice skating rink on a town where we barely had two nickels to rub together. So, we're eternally grateful. Um,
but there's no I want to be very careful. Rent this is a rental situation, a lease to the board, and we appreciate the hard work you do. And it is a rent situation, and town renting counts on rent coming no less than annually as specified here
in this um town meeting update. So, so one of the questions I sent you an email on um May 7th, which I haven't gotten an answer yet, and if we don't have time tonight, that's fine. I I think we need to have an operational meeting. I I'm asking honestly about how can we
forecast revenue going annual revenue going forecast um 2023 fiscal year, fiscal annual year, very generous payment. I don't think there was much before that for a few years and there was nothing this most current
year. So, our auditors are scratching their heads. They don't know what to do with that. And we you I'm sure you've heard that we're we are being forced our alarm has been raised on the finance committee about um the potential need for an override. So, so that's a lot of
pressure on members of the select board and and the community if we really have to do it. So you'll hear the board every week, every two weeks talking about what do we do to make sure the revenue is coming in? What do we do to make sure our expenses are under control? Um things like that.
Can I just ask you a follow question? Did you say your auditors questions? Did I say auditors? I thought I just said I could I think I said finance committee. No, you said auditor. Huh. Okay. I I think that was I was regardless
whatever it is. I I know I've um reached out to town staff and um have tried in the process of uh connecting um Sharon Instrom uh I was going to call her I don't know I apologize Sharon Instrom with our u
accounting firm to to go through to make sure uh because you know you look at audited financials whether it's acral or cash basis you know it well speaking it's like anything in terms of you know accountants 1 plus 1 equals three you know that's how they do that stuff. So that's why we're trying
to get them to um you know set up a meeting or call or something like that. That would be great. I understand your tax firm, your long-term tax firm got acquired by another firm. I don't know if that's good or bad, but one of the concerns that members of the community have raised is that when it is a it is
the same tax firm doing the auditing and saying we're providing you the auditing books, that's like Sharon doing the auditing of the town's finances. There's no separation there. So, it's not really an independent audit. Another alternative is that in the lease, the
the town of Reading can can do an audit, but um so that's been a concern, but I do wonder if your new accounting firm is big enough to create some separation so that it really is an independent audit.
I mean, as you know, whenever with the audited financials, they have to give u a letter stating that it was independent. um otherwise they get you know they lose their CPA designation as well as you know philosophies can be
applied to them so they're independent but that's I think that's a great question that Sharon should ask because they could talk about what you know whether or not how they do it how they do the auditing aspect of it and whether or not she's happy with the standards
that they do she may sit there and say to your board um you know I'm not comfortable with this or I thoughtful with this and then we'll make the adjustment and we have an audit committee as well and so she should do it as could be and and you'd be okay with that. No, okay. You know, that's a great idea. I appreciate that suggestion. Okay.
um because some of the things are a little wonky. Um and I would probably be curious to to attend um an audit meeting where that was discuss discussed because um salaries are kind of high compared to local ranks and um
yeah, I know you have long-term loyal staff and the rank keeps operating and we depend on that. Um but it is it's coupled with an inability to provide the town of writing any rent payments on a regular basis predictable. That's, you
know, a great question, but as you know, you're in uh the business world in terms of compounding. You know, that's how Warren Buffett made all this money was compounding. When someone works for you for 32, 33 years in terms of if Matt um is with the town, I don't think he got
32 33 years. But if you did, his salary just by compounding would be5 $600,000 just because he's there and the race and there we do it. I mean that's how compounding works. The way we do it is we we did hire a
consultant and we made offers to our town managers couple in the last few years commiserate with what other towns of equivalent size are paying their town managers. Stonem is paying their rank manager half of what less than half of what we're paying our
rank manager and we have an assistant general manager as well. So a lot of salary. Right. So, let me ask you this. Um, from a from a business standpoint, would you rather o pay someone a little bit more to be open 12 months a year
versus 10, which is as well as I believe the town has done, correct me if I'm wrong, J, have you got is your pension liability completely funded? No, it's not right. So the Stonem rank manager, secretary, assistant rank
manager, all our town employees of Stonem, the town of Stonem based on actuarial tables have to earmark, they're anticipating almost $3 million in pension liabilities because when those people retire for the next 25, 30 years, hopefully they live that long,
the storm has to keep paying them. So they actually have a pension liability of almost $3 million where when Ed or Jim walks out the door, good luck. They're on their own. So we look at it from a long-term perspective is really some physical policy.
Yeah, it's very unusual, I think, to hire employees for that long these days. Um certainly we we do know that um municipal employees have pensions and some municipal employers are and our GM over at RMLD gets a matching contribution to his 401k I think. So
there's so that would be great though. I think this is why we need to have an operational talk about it. We would love to understand and and again it comes down to helping you make sure that rank stays open. Yeah. as it gets older. Yeah. And also um being able to count on rent and
and the nice thing in reference with uh Ed, I mean he's received numerous awards. I mean the Boston Gardens always trying to steal them and college tried stealing them. Middletown complex the developer of that was actually one um one due to development behind the
Burbank Arena the sports complex. He's always being tried to be stolen. His loyalty is to the Burbank family and we're lucky that we're able to keep him. One additional thing is if you look at if you actually look at from a pure business model in terms of
hypothetically say the compressor goes breaks down as you mentioned earlier Karen 99% of the time Ed's the one able to fix things. So, if we had to outsource that and have a person come in who knows may take a day or two to get there and
they're coming in, it may cost us $5,000, whatever the number is, five grand, Ed's able to do it basically with the salary in part. So, we're actually saving money in the long term uh because he has that expertise to be able to do that. So, just another bonus. I mean, if anyone's seen that around the rink, I
mean, he's announcing the the hockey game so that we're not paying an announcement or, you know, 40 bucks to announce announce the game and stuff. So, he's always doing stuff. He's doing the concession stand selling the pizza and the cookies which are phenomenal by the way uh to drive additional money. So
he he doesn't just sit there and you many many hats say nobody nobody would ever say that it doesn't work hard over there and is a man who wears many hats. Y it's just getting back to um how do we
get some revenue from Burbank which was always the intention so that we can count on it. One additional thing because I know you did bring it up and I did have some success. Eastern Bank um that uh I know you had reached out to them and we're the branch manager. I've
been reached out to him. We finally um decided to figure out who our neighbors are and we're very fortunate. One of the top people at Eastern Bank lives in the town of Reading. reached out to her and within five hours each the person to fix the the scoreboard um because they want
to actually change their logo um is um coming out to do that and then exit while you're here um if you want to stay on the board you need to pay us more money or pay us money actually because get out from that wait what do you mean what board
advertising school board school board oh I'm sure he asked him for lately. Of course you do. Um, and you're probably aware the select board, one of the ways we've been talking about how do we help increase um, cash flow. I don't want to call it revenue because
sure, we're not in it to make a profit. We just have to pay our bills. We are definitely talking townwide about sponsorships and being open to sponsorships and I'll let other select board members, you know, kind of comment on that because we talked about that briefly and um
are you looking to advertise? Um I'm not talking about me. I'm I thought I thought you were asking because you wanted No, right. I thought I thought that's what you're asking. I apologize. Sorry. I'm sorry. But we um talked about the difference between well we might colleique we'll call it advertising but the mechanism that we
seem to be in support of as a board was more of a sponsorship. Yep. And that way unfort that way if there's some um I don't know if there's somebody we feel like we can't allow we have some controls was if you're an advertiser apparently you got to let every which I'm sure you're well aware of it
that there's it's kind of a slippery slope you go down because there are certain companies that you may not want to have advertising in something that's primarily designed for children. Um, I mean I I think advertising on the fire
truck, Chief Nelson would would be all in favor of that, right? Um, but but you know, if you if it's something that makes sense, financial sense, we we certainly would be looking to do that. Okay. Well, I I would this is a great start. I think it's important to have
your other board members in the room with this board and I would so if if you wouldn't mind um a capital plan. Karen's asked about capital. I would like to to see where Ed thinks like the expenses and the
greatest risk are and what's going to cost us. And um we did talk about some increased disability and accessibility in the stands and that's another thing that costs money. that would be helpful to know what your plans and thoughts are. And there's an AGO filing every
year that um sort of discloses salary for the top employees. And um I I can't find anything um very recent and that would be great. I' I'd love to I don't know the rest of the board members. I think that would be wonderful if you can connect Sharon and um I can
follow up with her afterwards if if to to speed things up. Um, maybe you can generate your questions to Matt that we can send whether it's financial like the accounting firm or operations to Ed. Maybe that that speeds things up
for everyone there. I know one of the things uh that dispatch to the recycling bins, garbage cans, you know, you guys, you know, we gave you the parking lot to be able to do that. And the ones that are broken, you know, you touch more in the parking lot to have
those fixed. You're great. Uh it's an exciting time for writing between uh the retail center as well as uh the pickball courts. You know, we're very excited to work with uh the selected town so that those projects don't get delayed because
when they get delayed, they cost everyone a lot of money. As a taxpayer, it cost me more money. Um, so I know I believe Karen it was you um may have mentioned that about getting like a working group together because we do have to make an adjustment on the lease
uh because I believe was it CPTC last night. Um had whatever want to know what the status was because it may hold up things. Um so yes, you know a couple board members from here, a couple board members from the ice rated to bang through these things. I mean, we have an
attorney on staff uh or not on staff on the board of the rink that may speed up the process so that you guys aren't delayed um and anything there because I know uh access to the parking lot is is a big thing that needs to be resolved um
for both of those projects. You are you are correct and um Jane was talking about that at the tour. So, yes, I I raised my hand and I said this like needs to be involved in that some way. So, I appreciate you bringing that up. Um, I'll I'll let I'll let my colleagues ask questions. I just had I wanted to
share some feedback. So, a couple years ago, you're probably wear the high school schools closing times changed and shifted back back an hour rough. Yeah. So, so it's creating a challenge for anybody trying to get over the rank by 3:00, which is like a traditional start time based on like high schools to
get out at what 2:10 and 208. Yeah. Yeah. Right. So, so what what that means for local reading skaters is that they cannot get on the ice at 3:00 and it pushes like and I I assume a lot of the
um Northshore skating club which I used to be a member when it was in Lynn is is from Reading and we would hope that but there are community members from Lynfield and other towns that haven't changed their schools. So what it means in practice ice skating can be very dangerous when the ice is full. So what
it has turned into is that reading skaters and not just the high school at other levels can't get on that 3:00 session but Lynfield can it ends to be a um less crowded session which is great for Lynfield kids not great for reading kids
and then the sessions after that if it's at 4 if it's at 5 it's after mostly I'm talking about I know you have some other sessions too u but it's after school and I don't know what the process was but you know what the feedback I got was that even adjust Adjusting that start time by 20 minutes
would allow a parent who's doing the bus driving to get the riding kid over there and they run in and they put their skates on, they get on the ice and it's safer and yeah, two things to that. One at our board meeting reference uh 3:30 start
time for some of the high school teams and then the Northshore skating club because he's making some adjustments to the girls program. Um, and I don't know the other thing is I don't know if you saw it the other night was actually I believe the commissioner of education. Um, actually he's going to push for I believe it's a 2728 school year of
making it mandatory all schools go back to like an 820. What meeting was this? It was on the news last night. The commissioner of education where you know what reading and this area talked about kids getting more sleep, better performance nine yards that um,
two things. One, they took the latest cell phones out of the schools, which is great. Uh, that starts tomorrow. And then the second thing was they're trying to make it, excuse me, uh, mandatory all schools start at high school at like 8:20 roughly. So that would pushfield
back in this particular case. So we'll have to make adjustments on that. Thanks. Thanks, members. Did you have anything, Carlo? Oh, no. I'm good. Carlo is good. Um,
I guess for me just a a couple things. I I put this on the agenda for 45 minutes because I think that it warranted a longer obviously discussion. I kind of anticipated it. Uh, what I did not anticipate is any future meetings with
the ICE arena this year. Um, obviously we have other things that we have to get to. Um, but that's kind of why I put this on the agenda for this time for 45 minutes. you put it on as an update and what the lease says is we should have an operational meeting. So, we're limited
here and you've got to have public comment and the board isn't here and that's not an operational meeting. Um, and I appreciate you getting this on schedule. I know you have a lot of things you're trying to get through. I think I'll I'll talk offline with Matt
to see if there's a technicality or not, but I just basically put this off. I mean, there sort of contests. If you read the lease, it's very clear about this and and who would be violating the lease? That would be me. And if I decide
to do that, then so be it. Um so, um couple things. Um I know that during the discussion that we just have right now, uh the big takeaway for me
from the entire thing is that it was all about money, money, money, money, money. And I agree I'm all about money, too. Uh except the town of Reading does not pay a single penny to the Burbank Ice Arena. Nothing. Zero. We're going to spend a
million and a half on pickle ball, 20 something million on retail, $140 million on a killing school, and the ice arena is zero. I'll take the zero dollars every day of the week and nobody will tell me different. That's just the
way that it is. I'm a businessman and that's what I would do. So to hear that we're not getting enough money from them um or that uh salaries might be too high, that's getting into the area where we'll get 65 different emails from
residents concerned that we're trying to make um changes to staffing at a place that we don't have control over which I I I vaguely recall this being an issue. So, for me personally,
um I know that uh from uh following the Burbank Ice Arena on Facebook, it is non-stop updates from whoever's doing it, whether it's Ed or somebody else over there. Um and for me, it's always the little things that I pay attention to. There's
all massive things that things happen and all that. It's the small stuff that I pay attention to. And nonstop every other day, there is some post on there. So, as you're going through saying that Ed is fixing this and he doesn't have to do that, guess what? It's on Facebook. He's
replacing parts and these large machinery things that are on there. He's up on a scissor lift changing stuff. You know what it's going to take to get me on a scissor lift? I started my company a decade ago not to go on a scissor lift. So, like these are the things that
I see that I don't know Ed, you know, I I know who's been there for 30ome years. Everybody loves him. Um, so I'm not saying this that I've had meetings with him or or anything. I just know a lot about him because of what I see put out there. He's a landscaper during the
summer. Like he's out there with some kid. Maybe it's his nephew. Who knows? Out there doing yard work. Like he's doing everything over there. Chris, is this a way of you saying that Ed doesn't have a life? Well,
that's why I was surprised that he wasn't there last week because it seems as if he lives at the rank and I thought we were going to see a bed there. So, maybe they didn't take us to the bedroom, but it it's he's scared of the Freddy Krueger in the compressor as
No, it just seemed like it reminds me I always try to equate things back to my own life and Ed reminds me of my business partner in Rhode Island. He will do anything. We can do elevators illegally if we had to fix elevators in Massachusetts because of my business
partner. He can do all this kind of stuff. He's the maggyver of it. And I I'm the ying and yang in this scenario kind of thing. Um so the long and short is that if I had a u community spotlight, you know, Matt puts people
on. I don't give any feedback. Um I I would have mentioned um at least Ed for this meeting because he does a lot more than people give him credit for and I would hate to lose him to somewhere else because eventually that day is going to come and we are going to lose because of
it. So um and then lastly you brought up projects. I know that um last night I I did watch CPC as well because Kellum was on there. Um, and the whole thing was about parking, parking, parking, parking. They're not going to approve
the plans because parking, parking, parking. And I'm just sitting there thinking like, if Burbank doesn't do this, what are we going to do? Because it's not up for us. It's up to Burbank to do this. And I think that a little bit of uh partnership and cander uh
really goes a long way in these kind of scenarios that makes it where Burbank of course is going to do this. It's not expected or automatic, but that's the kind of relationship that we have. And I wouldn't want to see something jeopardize the way that things have been
going over there. What did you ask to get for the barrels for all that stuff being out there? Any modification to the lease? Any money from the town? We do. How much would it cost for us to rent out some spot in Reading, Massachusetts to do that? Yeah. Did you come up with a figure? Not just
that in terms of base booths and soccer, they use our parking lot all the time for games because there'd be no parking in there for them to do that. But yeah, I mean we take pride because that's obviously Nelson's vision we always had. Uh one of the things that did come up and I uh and I I do credit Miss Herrick
because she brought this up uh I believe a year ago of we really did try to take a look at the reserve amount because it's tied to CPI which everyone knows that's the that's the number you can play with shall we say there. Um, and
the board actually talked about that we should maybe take a look at over time increasing that because everything goes up and if the compressor um, as Karen mentioned ever went, we want to make sure we're never coming back to the town because Nelson was adamant about not having the be quoteunquote white
elephant. Um so I think is it this is the right time to to sit down and you know update upgrade um the um so um Chris I believe these women want us Oh no they they definitely have time
like I said I get this for 45 minutes we got like 20 I think we're good we have a game plan going forward. Yes. Yes. Absolutely. Thanks. Thank you. So, public comment, name and address. Thanks.
Um, so my name is Jackie Gagnet. I'm the president of the Northshore skating club. Actually, my address is in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Um, so good evening members of the select board. Um, I'm, as I mentioned, I'm the president of the Northshore skating club here in Reading, which is an honor. And I'm here to just share one
simple but important message to the select board. We are happy. We're happy with our relationship with the rank. We're happy with the support we've received from the town. And we're proud of the positive collaborative spirit that's defined our presence over the
years. Recently, we've heard that a member of the select board expressed some concern that our club might be dissatisfied. And I want to be very clear. We're here tonight to set the record straight, not with frustration, but with gratitude.
The rink has been more than just a facility for us. It has been home. It is where skaters of all ages, from beginners to national competitors, lace up, fall down, get back up and grow. It's where coaches mentor families chair and lifelong friendships are formed.
It's where coaches mentor, families cheer, and lifelong friendship with them. The staff at the rink have been responsive, professional, and genuinely invested in our success. We could not ask for better partners. We especially appreciate the ring
support in hosting major events that mean so much to our club and to the broader skating community and to reading. Each year we produce the annual ice spectacular, a three-day show that brings together skaters, families, and spectators in celebration of the sport. We also host the Nora Open, a 4-day
competition that draws athletes across the region and showcases talent and dedication of our skaters. These events require coordination, flexibility, and trust. And the rink has consistently stepped up to make them possible. Just like we were talking about in some
of these examples, the staff coming in for whatever it takes to make these events happen for us. They also supported us in securing the space we need to grow. Our club, which serves as a primary, as an off ice training space, was created into response to requests from our members and coaches. It's a
vital part of our programming and we're grateful that the rink has worked with us to make that happen. I'm aware that there's been some comments suggesting we would like to use the club room as a changing area which is not accurate and I'd like to be clear that US figure skating has strict guidelines regarding changing spaces and we take those very
seriously. We're fortunate to have access to locker rooms when needed and we ensure our practices align with national safety protocols. In addition, the risk management and the board have been open and responsive to all of our requests, such as collaborating with us to evaluate our sound system, an
improvement that's currently being evaluated and underway. This kind of partnership makes a real difference in the quality of our programming and the experience we're able to offer. We also want to thank the town for their continued support. We know that maintaining public facilities takes
effort, resources, and vision. And we've seen that vision in action. From scheduling accommodations to infrastructure improvements, we felt heard and supported. Of course, like any long-term relationship, there are moments that require communication and adjustment. But we've always appreciated these
moments with mutual respect and a shared goal to make this rink a thriving space for the community. And that's exactly what it's been. So tonight, we simply want to reaffirm our appreciation. We're proud to be part of this town's skating legacy, and we appreciate your time.
Thank you, Stephanie Solano, North Shore Skating Club treasurer and coach. Um, I know mentioning before about um 2023 was the first money given to the town in a while. Um, I know as the Northshore skating club
treasurer for the last six or seven years, CO was hard on us and we were not able to do a lot of sponsorship for our students. Um, we had limited ice time because of CO restrictions, so I'm sure the Reich couldn't make as much money as
well. Um, as far as ice times as a coach, I do have skaters from Reading on those sessions. The sessions can be busy at 3:00. As a skater, kids need to learn how to
navigate. So, I don't think moving anything a certain way, our sessions work out. Yeah, we cap the number of We cap the number of skaters that we have for safety issues. This is not the um also as a national coach, I travel to
many ranks. I just came back from DC and Atlanta this past weekend. DC the previous weekend. Comments that I've received from other coaches and parents that have visited our club at our um Excel competition,
which is a national competition as well that see me at these other rinks, they tell me, "You guys have such a beautiful ring." of the rinks that we go to. I was at the Panthers practice
center for sectionals, which is a major US figure skating competition. The bathrooms were flooded. You had to walk through water in Florida to get to the bathroom. Ed makes sure our rinks are clean for these events. Our rinks are
clean all the time. Every time you walk in the rink, it smells like clean fluid. It's always clean. We don't have to worry. We were there last week. It looked good. So, we get comments and praise from all
skaters at these competitions how beautiful our rink is, how well it is, how much parking we have. We don't have that at other ranks in the country. We should be very lucky that we have this ranking and reading. And as far as ranks management,
it's hard to find good a good rank manager. Ranks are going under. They're hard to find and it costs a lot to build. So, I mean, any issues with the Northshore skating club should be addressed to us. We're very happy. We do
have accessibility to um disabilities at our Northshore skating at our ice spectacular. We set up a ramp or actually Ed sets it up for us for wheelchairs for anybody that's has an a disability.
they have accessibility to watch the show. So that's our comment. Thank you. Thank you. Anybody else? Nancy Nancy Dr. B. I'm still here because I'm really waiting to see what these guys are here for. But this is kind of
interesting because I vaguely remember something coming up at last town meeting about verb. And so I find it really helpful for some clarification in the future about the board and about the relationship with the town because I'm
hearing this discussion and I heard you mention that you gave money to pickle ball but I'm vaguely remembering town meeting the issue coming up about whose money who gets to decide who gets that
money if that's the town money that you are donating. Is that perfect? So again, all I'm saying is I would really appreciate some clarification as a resident. What does the board this board do? What does this board do when it
comes to revenue just going forward? I would like clarification at some point. That's all. Thank you. Thank you, Nancy. And typically we don't respond to public comment again, but I specifically because this dealt with me, I specifically made the suggestion that
the Burbank money be used for the pickle ball courts and Jane explored the option and that's what happened. It was me in a public meeting sitting over there probably. I think the question was whose money was it? Was it Burbank's money? It came from the Burbank. No, it's the town of
Reading's money. So I just want to make sure the bank funds break our policy and respond during public comment. We should just at least address the comment that was made. That's all. Carl, you can address the comment in the future for the whole I would like clarification in the future.
We'll take two seconds. Um believe it or not, it was discovered um Sharon had been putting the money every year over whatever 10 15 years whatever uh into a separate account. She it was never a part of free cash calculation. She just
put it there and I believe Chris asked where the money was and turns like oh I have it in this account and it was roughly $460,000. We give the money we have nothing to do with it once it's there. So it was in this account and then you know people find key money
different organizations it wasn't lost the finance committee knew it was there. Everybody knew that. If you're a town meeting member, you knew that we had an account that we created to just put that money in there. But nobody ever used Well, whatever. No
one ever about it. So, it's not found money. Let's just be clear. It wasn't lost. It wasn't found. But you're No, it wasn't there. There was a separate thing that I mean I would think I'm not going to get into it in terms of there was an account that had $460,000 in it from the in lie of lease payments
to the town. The town had it town meeting which I believe you're a member of made the decision to uh earmark it through the pick courts. So and nothing to do with us. We we gave the money and then over the years you've had it and then the town decides to do
with it. Anybody else? Anyone online? Maddie? Nobody online. Okie dokie. Final thoughts? Anything? Once twice. All right. Thank you, Carl. We'll be in
touch. We are ahead of schedule by 3 minutes. Thank you. Thank you. Thanks, Carl. All right. 8:20 discuss. I was waiting to give you guys like a lodge or something. This is for your civic class. Well, then I'm leaving.
Oh, I was waiting for them. Thank you. You'll be here as long as I am. Well, next time you come, I'll come back for you. All right. 820 discuss potential override, budget review, fire department permanent ambulance fees, a reoccurring discussion
on money. Good evening. Nice to see everybody again. For those that don't know me, I'm Rick Bellson fire chief play Burns. Still trying to figure out how to put his shoes on. Um so, uh Matt approached me a
couple weeks ago and asked me to take a look at um the methods that the fire department takes takes money in. Um so with that, the two methods we can take we take money in is through our perming keys and through our ambulance um
collections uh for service and transport to the hospital. Um, so I have two different I can go over the two different memos if you'd like and just kind of give you the high points on them and certainly ask questions. U, do you have a preference on ambulance versus permits or Okay. All right. Whatever.
They're both fascinating. Yeah. Okay. So, I see ambulance on the screen. So, ambulance as is. All right. So, when uh when Matt approached me, what I did is I reached out to other metro. So, around the Boston ring uh we have a regional um organization. I
reached out and I got data from nine of the um departments that also have transporting ambulances so it have kind of a reference point to see what other departments are doing. Um I also went back to uh a study that uh Chief Burdens had done um in the beginning of 2024 to
see what he had found. Then I used that to compare where we were. I also reached out to our billing company. So we have a billing company we talked about it before, New England Medical Billing um that takes care of our ambulance billing. and I called them to find out what they what they have what's their
trends with their billing uh across their departments. So um the first recommendation is that we uh we move over to what's called a bundled billing system. So currently we have what we'll call an alakat system. So there's a base fee for transportation
and then depending on the interventions you get whether it's a cardiac monitoring or oxygen you get additional money added onto it. Uh the trend right now is to go to a bundled system system. So what it would be there would be three rates. A BLS rate, an ALS one, so kind
of a medium treatment and ALS to the really sick patients. And what that does is one single bill going out to the insurance company. Okay? And there's a couple things that happen when we go there. First of all, insurance companies are looking for every reason to not pay bills. When you
give them line items, it's more targets for them to refuse paying. So generally what the billing company's seeing with a bundled system, you get a more consistent payment structure out of that. Okay. Um the other advantage of that is Massachusetts allows what's called balance billing. So for instance,
if if you're transported and it's $2,000 for the transport insurance cuts a couple line items out and only pays a,000, you the patient would then receive a $1,000 bill to be paid from your pocket. if we move this bundle billing system,
what they're telling me is generally that's not happening because it's one bill and the one bill is getting paid. So it saves that patient from getting kind of an extra bill if that makes sense. Um so the first recommendation is to go to this balance bill. Now how much
money? So um if we go to let's go to page two if we could on the screen. So there there's a a chart that I put together and it shows the average average billing across the nine departments the highest pay the highest
billing the lowest billing where we fall and then I have two recommendations. So my recommendation is that we do a Medicare rate plus 250%. Matt, can we get page two on the screen please
in the packet? Yep. Sorry one second. So, while she's putting that up, so um I'm recommending Medicare plus 250%. That puts us on the high side of the middle range of those nine departments
in this area. Now, as a discussion point, the billing company said that in general they're doing Medicare plus 300%. So, I didn't include that. That's the option B when when we see it up there. The result of that would put us on the top tier billing of those nine
departments. you know, this billing company bills deals with many, you know, larger area than just those nine departments. So, we could certainly do the Medicare plus 300%. They actually said some some um providers are asking for Medicare plus 350%.
The 250% gets us, you know, in in a in a in a more competitive or more closer to the average of what we're having in this area. So just a couple a couple last notes I'll go through just so you kind of understand how it works is that in 2024 we transported um 1624 patients and 52%
of them were trans um transported at the ALS level. Now it's under it's important to understand that this change would only affect private billing so private insurance companies. Medicare has its own fixed rate and those are in the
packet that you can see there. Um last year 57% of our transference were were private private insured u patients. So I ran the numbers if we so last year 20 I'm sorry FY25 actual collections were
about $970,000 is what uh we collected as revenues. It's about 48% collection rate of what's built out. If we took those same um same calls and we had the new bundled system, we would
have collected about 1.2 million. So about $250,000 increase in uh in money collected over with that same collection and people would have paid less typically is what you said too. So yes, so with a bundled system what
the what they're saying is they generally have to do less of the balance bill billing. So generally people are getting less follow-up bills that secondary bill for the unpaid money because it's just one line item insurance companies paying. Does that make sense? Yeah. So it's it's not that we're
sticking it to sick people in renting. We are now potentially benefiting them financially as well as us. Yeah. When I started this conversation, I was kind of rightly happy to hear that because I think it potentially will actually help our correct our residents as far as what they're going to see as a
bottom. So, so my recommend my recommendation is go the last page if you know if you wanted to get into the data I included all the data but we we can skip that tonight. So my recommendation is we do Medicare plus 250% I think it about it's about a quarter of a million dollar extra money we would
have collected last year under under that rate. Um you know it's a guess so could go either way. Um I guess I'll take any questions on that if you want to stop there Carlo. I know this is out of your control, but I just get, you know, I have friends in the medical field who
rely on insurance for payments. And to see these numbers is just laughable for Medicare. And I know you can't do anything about it, but is there any legislation out there that you know of or federal? Like this is federal, but
it's like what? $500 for the BLS1 compared to even the lowest amount. Um, it's hard to see it in print, but it it's I know you can't do anything about it. I'm just asking if you're aware of
anything to to get those numbers higher because, you know, inflation and cost and everything just keeps going up. But the insurance company, I have chiropractor friends, they get 30 bucks for a treatment. It's ridiculous. I know that's off topic, but just an example compared to
this. It's not 30 bucks, but it's hard for me to understand, but anyway, I'm venting. Yeah. No, I I I understand the frustration. Um I love my chiropractor. I have to pay more than 32. No, that that that's a fixed number set set by them based the rate. I I'm not an
expert on it because I kind of came into the game late this year, but there was there was a bill that was going to affect how we could collect Medicare and it was going to have a negative effect on us and it was um the state got rid of it. So, the good news is that we left Actually, that's good news for us, but it didn't change
worse than this. Yeah. Oh, yeah. I can't give you the details. Surprised me though. Yeah. Yeah. So, that's so that's my that's my suggestion as far as ambulance billing. Um approved. There's no Okay, no. There's not really a vote on this. We
can just do this under guidance of the select board. If if you like what you see here and you're happy, we we can make this change pretty quickly. Cameron, thank you. Um, did your billing company say anything about the insurance companies bing at the um, bundled
system? You saying, you know, I don't it's easy to build one line as opposed to 10 lines. Do they do any kind of reduced things on them after the fact? I mean, yeah. So, when I had the discussion with with our agent, she told me that again that it's generally a better collection
rate on that. So, you know, it's possible that our 48% collection rate could actually go up a few percent could be even higher. I just went with the stat just so we kind of see what it looked like if we stayed the same. So we, you know, a year from now or two years from now, we'll have a much better
idea where we stand and we can if we can see how it's going and I can do a year look at it again and we could always make another adjustment, too. So just be curious to see how it's working. Yeah. Yeah. I'll find out. Yeah. Karen, anything good?
No, I'm always happy to hear from the fire department like grants, money raising, revenue raising. Good job. Thank you. you you'll keep trying as hard as possible long grant surv those ambulance bills and you need to
have good insurance and if you don't you're buming. So, but so actually there are these people that um don't have the best insurance because they may work for a small company and they're not on those other programs where you're obligated to pay whatever the negotiated rate is.
They fall in the middle. Are they going to be um really Small businesses often have crappy insurance plans. Um, yeah, I guess that's the really only concern. That's a really that's a really good question that I didn't specifically
asked the answer to. I know they don't collect 100%. So that leads me to believe that there's a there's a place where sometimes we we don't get to collect from people. Um, I I don't have a really good technical answer for you though, so I apologize. But that's a great I'd have to ask ask
that question. Yeah, ask about crappy insurance plans. There's a lot of I mean, you're a startup company, you're getting a crappy insurance plan. You're an independent business person, you're getting a crap, you got you guys y'all have it really good. When I worked for a corporation, I have it all really good.
My husband's a great company. I have it good again. But we've seen the other side and it's not pretty. Thank you. You're welcome. I value good insurance plans. It's important. Uh just lastly for me, this is the definition of why I decided
to have the reoccurring financial um item on the agenda um every meeting going forward because to hear that we could potentially be getting 200,000 and saving residents money as well in the
process is the entire like full suite of the best case scenario that something could come up with. And I want to give Matt credit for this because I didn't come up with this particular item on my own. Matt somehow came up with it and
this is a damn good idea. Um and if we could have more of these kind of discussions every week getting 200 grand, it would be fantastic. But um it's good to see that you're up on top of this too because um how else would we have known about it
as well? So, you know, you had mentioned Chief Burns had looked at it before, but it's good to see that things are moving in the right direction. So, I think if you need guidance, you probably have the guidance, but you know, message. I think it's a win-win for everybody.
Message received. Yes. Yeah. We'll work to make the change. Anyone from the public? Anyone online, Maddie? No hands online. And briefly, just because I said I I pay attention to the small things, I noticed that you
listened to what I said in the meeting and put it up full screen originally. So, thank you, Maddie, for for that. Um, all right, part two. Hey, part two. Sorry. So, part two is permanent.
Wait, there's more than 200,000 here. Don't go full to the prize. Um so um the second part of this Hi guys come in come again. Thanks. So uh the second the second part of this
is uh the other way that we we bring money in is through permitting. So uh by the fire code there are certain things we need to permit. Um there are uh we have to do smoke temper inspection and the sale of the home and there's a number of things. So the last time this
was looked at was 2010. That's the last time you can do an adjustment on this. There have been some changes in the code. The state has adopted a different code. There are changes in technology that required us to permit things that weren't on the schedule, and we'll talk
briefly about those. Um, just just for for your knowledge on this one, um, permit fees by Mass General Law do require a vote and the select board would have to set that. Um, so if if at the end of this we're happy with it, I'd be happy to come back with a finalized
one, you know, to present for your consideration vote. Um, there is also a maximum fee for permits of $50. So we can't and anything that's done inspection, but any permits can't be higher than $50 with the exception of smoke detectors. And uh you'll see
there's a chart there for single family home can be up to 50, two family up to 100. And then there's there's a couple other numbers there, six or fewer and seven or fewer that get up to 150 and 500. But everything else is going to be a hard hard stop at $50 as far as permits. So the state I'm sorry to interrupt. The
state put a limit of $50. Yeah. Mass journal law chapter 148. Yep. Okay. I have to I I have seen it's I have seen that reading has remained very economical in terms of the smoke inspection fees, but I feel like I've seen a wider range for other communities, but I'll just pay attention if it's state law. Okay.
Kind of curious. Okay. Excellent. Uh yeah, I'm not going to delve more much more into that, but if you I'll be happy to share that with you, you know, um you know, an email helps you out. So, okay. So, as far as permit fees, um I I asked around through uh some other communities. I got
feedback from eight other communities, put all their data together and and and looked at to see where we fall and we were considerably lower on a lot a lot of our fees. And there'll be a chart that we can review very briefly. So, I'm not going to recommend anything being increased above $50 with the except of
one permit. Two family dwellings, I'm going to recommend that we go up to the maximum of 100. Um, just to touch real quick. So, since 2015 when the new fire code was adopted, um, there are some new permits. Some of the things that would now been permitting as code requires,
there was a kind of a wildcard fee of $15. So, every time we created a new permit, we could only go a maximum of $15. So you'll see that reflected when we go over the chart. Um and so we're looking for two things. Change in perma fees. So an increase on some of them,
not all of them. Some work just fine. And also adding some keys or perma fees to the actual fee schedule. So some new fees. That's the two things that we're looking to do. To give you the punchline before we get into the chart, in 2024 we issued 698 permits. The revenue was um
almost $16,000. Um, I ran the the information under this new permit fee, we would have been just over $30,000. So, it would almost double the the the permit fees that we we would have collected last year. Okay. So, if we look at if you look at the chart
here, what I did is um on the right hand side is what I'm proposing the 2025. Anything highlighted in yellow is a change. Um, the 2010 is just for your reference. you'll see anything yellow in that 2010. That's that that wild card fee of $15 here that we had to use. Um I
also pointed out existing permit fees versus versus new fees. And there's a couple of lies that we can we can talk about a little here. Um the stuff in blue um I'm just this is a little bit of a language change change here. It was called special under the permit. I'd
like to re rename that as general fire to kind of as as a catchall. And also uh it was called welding and cutting on the old permafy structure. The current language in the code is hot work. So it' be much more accurate to call it hot work. So that that's what the blue is.
Um the wild card one of the wild card ones is the reinspection fee. So we currently do not uh have a reinspector in smoke. So we go out, we do an inspection, it fails once, twice, whatever it is, it's the same fee. There
are some communities out there um that do charge when you fail because now we're going out again a reinspection fee. So the $50 fee is is is what other some some communities are charging more than that but the that's a $50 fee. So
that's a little wild card for your discussion tonight ask about. Um and then the other kind of wild card I'll talk about is the certificate of occupancy inspection. Um we do for some of um some of the preschools have
licensing, some of the churches that have preschools and have licensing. Um we go out and we do fire safety inspections required by the state. We have to sign off on a saying that they're compliant with the fire code and safety and that gives they turn that in
and they and they get their license. Um many departments are charging a fee for that. We don't charge anything. So again, I show you that, but I wanted to call that out, you know, for your discussion. Um, so you'd understand what that is. Um, the only other thing I'll call out is you'll see there are some
that are changed to zero, especially in a plan review. Specifically in a plan review, what's happened there is we were charging a per a fee for plan review. Plan review, we do it. We basically work for the building department. We work
with the building inspector's building code. We're an arm of them. They're already paying a building permit fee. So we were double billing them for the same fee and we learned a while ago that that was not good practice. Um so we ceased that probably
eight years ago if not a little bit longer. So those would be struck out. We just take we just take that off the plate because we're not doing it now. So without pouring too much more I will open up to any and all discussions and questions. Tara.
Yeah. I have a question. Um, I I learned recently that when residents and anybody is looking to put solar and batteries on their home, there is a the fire department weighs in for a design process and has comments. Are you guys
doing that for free? Is that something that's starting to change in communities or how maybe doesn't happen often? I don't know. So, what happened was is something else you guys do. Yeah. So two codes ago there was a change in this other code. So we start
with battery storage systems. So battery storage systems you know people at the solar they put in Tesla wall or some some anchor is another one out there. They put in this product and there are some real hazards that go with those. These go sideways. There's there's been some studies where they're very very
dangerous. So there are codes now about that like putting in a garage. It's hard to put the fire out, right? It's hard to put the fire out once it starts. So it's hard to put the fire out and the way they react, they gave off a very hazardous gas that's explosive. So it's it's it's very quickly dangerous to
anybody in the structure. So with that, there's some codes, you know, code trying to catch up with technology. So now we review all that because if it's going to be in the house, there are certain things that the code now requires such as potentially putting all hardwired smokes in the house, having the proper fire ratings if
they're putting in a garage, it can't go in certain areas because it just wouldn't be safe to be there. So there's now in the fire code. So we permit that new. So that was um if that's on page that's the bottom of the the first half of the chart. All right. Fourth lineup energy storage systems.
So we were charging the $15 uh that wild card rate. I'm recommending we go to 50 because that's general practice around around the area, you know, because that involves time for fire prevention as far as permit review, then on street time do the inspection. So it takes some time to
do this the right way. Um solar. So there are solar now requirements as far as installation. Now there's no actual permit. You can see that on here because they haven't added that to our code yet. There's no permit. But because there's regulations, we work hand inand with the
building department to review those to make sure they meet fire code um items. So there's no there's no permit fee. There's there's nothing here that's going to be eaten up by the by the building department stuff. Okay. Yep. Thank you. Yep.
Carlo, of the 698 that is on here, is it I'm just trying to understand. Is the majority of that smoke and car smoke and carbon monoxide permits or am I off on that? Nope. You are correct. And I actually
brought those brought that data because I thought you might ask. Got smart. All right. So um for smoke detector inspections there was uh out of that there was 290
and those are for sales correct for transfer of ownership. Correct. Okay. So in in the in the 12 12 month period there's 290 of those and then on top of that um there was like one for a low voltage system but
yeah a majority you know a good chunk of those the next closest one uh well that we don't actually charge that the next closest one we charge for is has to do with oil tanks every time there's an oil tank taken out or installed or both there's there's a permit there's a permit that that's the next busiest
permit after that and the single family accountant conduct Oh, is that is that condo part of like a single family? Yeah. So, the structure the structure on that is Yeah. If you're selling a condo, you get charged for the single family home. Absolutely. Yep. Okay. Yep. Um
I heard there's talk of the reinspection fee maybe by Chief Burns. So, he kind of teed it up a little bit maybe last year. Um or I heard it from a a builder or something. But there's So, I my I guess Oh, sorry. My I don't want to use the
word concern. It's 2010. It's 15 years later, but for the residential portion, I I I hate turning down money, but I'd like to go a little not as high as you recommended. U me personally, you know,
I don't know what the board thinks, but uh I'll let everyone else speak on that. And everything else is to me is more commercial um and not related to a homeowner, per se. And and I know we have to keep up
with the times of course. Um and I don't know how many food truck inspections we do in a year, but I think we have like two last year. Say under five probably. Yeah. But um yeah, that's all that's all the comments I have right now. The reinspection fee, I don't know if 50 bucks 50 bucks is the
right number or it's a gradual. you know, we come back once, it's this amount, we come back again, then we whack them harder because something's wrong and they can't figure it out. But I I have a little bit of a concern about the first three. 15 going
to 50, 25 going to 50, 50 going 100. Not a major concern, but it is a lot all at once, and I know it's 15 years worth, but that's my two cents for now. Yeah, that that brings into the line with out of the eight communities, seven out of the eight. Just just
No, I totally get it. Yeah. A quick funny s we get checks from realtors or oil burner people for $50 or $25 permits and then we have to spend time mailing them back to them because they expect that fee. No, no,
I get it. I get it. It's just, you know, like anything, you don't do it incrementally. It's a it's a bigger number. It's not a huge number, but it's just Yeah, that reinspection fee if you know we could certainly delete it off of this round and we could revisit it. We could drop it to another fe I'll take I'll
take guidance obviously and what what is the main reason I guess for a reinspection? I mean, I know the failing part, but why are they failing? Is it is it you know what's what's the why you know not to be wise it's incorrect installation. So, you know, so whether I don't know if they're just not doing
their homework to to understand what it is or you know what it what it you know we a lot of times on the tricky tricky ones we'll get phone calls and we'll go out and kind of coach them through help right yeah before we even get this we try to prevent yeah with the reinspections because they don't
want it we don't want it could cause a delay of a sale of a home right um so we try every every avenue unfortunately some people just don't put any effort in potentially and they're not ready for us I get it you know and then we have to go out and it takes some time and then we go back on again no no I get it thank you
Terrence I'd love to, Carl. Thanks for bringing that up. Um, yeah, I have to say that um you I don't know if you found Did you find one other town that charges 25? Because I I don't see any anymore. So, I don't I don't think we're I don't think we're blowing anyone's mind for a single family $50 inspection
fee cuz $25 is just Yeah, I just don't see it anymore. It's great. I don't want I wasn't going to say anything, but I'm one of the ones that putting smoke detectors every single home is different. The state fire codes does one thing. Your department and your fire
inspector has the can have an opinion which differs from the what is written in the book and distributed to consumers. I'm always calling fire departments and I'm like this is what I got. You guys come out and look at it or or I'm like I'm too busy for this. I
call an electrician and the electrician does the same thing that I would be doing. So it's kind of gotten to the point where residents are frequently calling electricians to deal with this. It is it because of that opinion factor and because it is more complicated now because you get when was the house
built, what kind of detectors do you have? It's uh it's not as easy as it used to be 23 years ago. It used to be fairly straightforward. I don't disagree. So I do appreciate I'm like sweet talking like every fire department in the area. Can you please help me? I
don't want to screw this up. or or who in your fire department knows how to do smoke detector updates because I have a client who needs one and that way it get guess what it gets done you hire sorry you hire the fire doesn't the department it gets done the first time no need for
a reinspection fee or they don't or you don't get charged it because they're very sweet okay that's been my personal experience I guess for me uh my lunch costs more than some of these numbers today And
just I I can't fathom you showing up to my house for $15. Well, on what? Why would I pay you $15 to show up to my house ever? You know how much money you're making and you're showing up to my house for 15 bucks even at 50? So I
semi disagree with Carlo over here. Uh you're you sometimes show up to these, right? Whereas sometimes have sometimes have to fill out sometimes you do. Absolutely. And I I'm losing money by having you show up to here. Not
revealing things, but it doesn't take a genius to know 50 bucks ain't um cutting the bank on this. So, for me, I'm I'm happy with the numbers that that you have on here. Um you know, I if my
smoke detector scenario is all good for $50, sign me up. like I I'd rather know that things are working the way that they're supposed to than uh the unfortunate happening. So, um I'm kind
of good with all these numbers. I I'm shocked that people are showing up for these things before. Um and one other jokey question, how many cannon or mortar firing permits have you issued uh this calendar year?
This none. I have I have issued one. Okay. You personally? Yes. The range as chief? That's fire prevention. Oh, probably 20 might right after CO 2021. They had they had a big event down at the range and they brought some cannons in.
Oh, so yeah. So they paid the fee though. They didn't just So they called up. They had to submit paperwork. There's code that they had to follow and they they were great. They had a great session. Yeah. That's why like when I see the open burning for 15 and you're not going up on that, I think people would if you
went up on that, they'll just burn anyway. So, at least we get something out of it is my mindset when I see that. Yeah. And and that and that for us is is is a relatively it's a light lift. It's some paperwork. It's obviously done online. There's no We don't have to go to an inspection.
Correct. Online $15 thing. It sounds reasonable. You showing up for $15 is just ludicrous to anything ever. like even showing up here. How much like Yeah, Carlo,
you brought up the um maybe I missed it on the you were piggybacking on building permits and you that wasn't right. So, is it an occupy permit, a building permit?
No, the the ones that we do are specific to the fire code there. So there are some state legisl some legislative and some some of the licensing agencies require the fire department to go out and do a fire safety inspection. So that that's independent. Okay. Does the all of the plan review and all
of the inspections we do under the building department. So the new building 459 Main Street, we've probably had 10 or 12 inspections out there. We're going to probably spend four or five hours when they're ready to open. And all of that's covered by the building fee.
We're not charging any under your perview. Okay. Yes, sir. All right. Thank you. I guess not to complicate itish, I guess. Um, I would say I don't want to give a a package deal discount to people doing more than one option at once to
kind of ease the burden of transitioning from 15 to 50. But if someone was getting a smoke detector and a oil burner or something, maybe you could do something where it's $10 off or something, unless it complicates it in some backend thing. I think if if you're
going out for one trip and doing multiple items, it seems fair that you know they that someone should get a discount off that as opposed to having you come out four times for four separate things if something can be done at the same time. So I don't know if you
can hash something like that out if it's too complicated. It is what it is. So with the open gov system that we use for permitting for all of all town departments the backend design is like a fixed fee. So you apply for an oil tank
it just tells you if you say two oil tanks it just tells you you know two times that number there's no algorithm to say if you do this and this you know it's kind of just it would be it would be difficult to to do that. That's why it's kind of you know it is
what it is unfortunately. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, two things. I think the increase is great and I cannot I don't know why it takes us so long to raise fees in this town because we were going over something a while ago and I'm like 2008 like why?
So, I feel like people that are building new houses and doing these fees, it's not like you're getting charged every year. You're getting charged once. So, you know, every time you move, unless you move every two years in town, yes, it'll get expensive, but you're not getting charged that much. So, I I think I like
the fees. My next one is kind of a personal one. Um I had a a a above ground storage tank replaced and the people that replaced it said, "Oh, the fire department will call you, but I haven't heard from anybody." So, so can I get it at 25 before you're
because I'm should I just come on down and tell you what to come to my house? How many other Karen scenarios exist? We have to close this loop. Oh, right. I'm like, "No, they should call you." I'm like, "Okay." Then I guess I've waited I haven't waited that long. It hasn't been that
long. At $50, that's a that's a a violation. So, you've done it. So, it's the normal course that the resin is supposed to go to you and have you come out? No. So, we get when it when it gets processed, when the installer is done,
they let us know. Okay. And then and then it gets assigned out to our lieutenants who who work on the trucks. Okay. And sometimes they get busy. So, They will they will they will 100% find you eventually. You show your installer. Remember to
actually call them because something on top. They need to see this. You know, I'm sure it did because it was covered by my insurance and everything. So, this is pretty savvy with it. So, yeah. It's just it's a it's a matter of again, they're working on one trucks.
So, they may plan to go out on Monday and then Monday doesn't allow them to go out. Let me get it. They can come in a year and I'd be fine. I don't know if we can vote on this cam. We have a conflict of interest on that one. Unless of course I paid for it by then. Then I'll be clean. Thank you very much. This is a lot of
information. I appreciate you. You're welcome. I hope it helped. Thank you for disclosing back here. You're welcome. You know, I might give you the 25. I'll give my own just because are we are we okay with the re
reinspection fee? $50 every time. He has to he has to come back. Well, ask we didn't discuss it. Yeah. No, I I'd be kind of like that's painful and it's it's painful. So, but it uh I want him to do it right the first
time. Correct. True. It can be tough. I I think like I think you should have the right to charge it if you have particularly discretion on discretion would be okay with me. You could tell when someone's honestly like having a bad day or bad issues versus
somebody who's like it's up to you. I I would I would do everything in my power not to pay re inspection fee. None of my clients 23 years have ever paid one. We try really hard and I'm telling you these things are complicated. Well, I think if you tell them in advance you're going to get charged one.
That could be an incentive for them to make sure they do it. Oh, sometimes hooked up ones. I had one in Tukesbury. They It took three trips cuz they just wouldn't talk to each other. The fire department was very gracious about it. But once again, that they're still
coming back out again. So, they came out. They just didn't charge the homeowners, the lovely older couple. They just didn't charge them. They were okay. Do you usually do things with discretion? Like, listen, I I'm sure stuff like this happens. I'm not like
not a warning. Gives you a warning. The fine line between discretion and equal treatment, but we do have discretion. Don't ignore my advice. If I come back here, I told you what to do. If you ignore my advice, I'm hitting you.
As long as you're giving people heads up and letting them know and you're having conversations with animal. Here's the other thing that could happen. I'm sorry to interrupt. You we could have two different fine firemen come to the same home and and discretion and opinions and then Chief Burn helped
me out a couple times, but I was like, I'm having disagreement among the staff. Can you pick like pick and tell me one way to go so that so that's where your discretion comes in I think right I mean you're managing a staff every house is different well
just we try we try really hard to only enforce what's in the code it is complicated so sometimes what happens is the smoke your statement was on point the smoke detector regulations are very very compar
to help help us make we get it right and um what happens is sometimes it falls in the wrong pocket gets interpreted wrong. Um so but we try very hard to only enforce what's in the code. Um you know but discretion is has to meet
what you know code requirements are. So, you know, that reinspection fee, you know, we could add in and when you apply, we could add a warning in that people would understand that they would automatically get notification that, you know, you know, please make sure you're ready and on that could be a reference
to um the guidelines, you know, to help them go to the guidelines and and understand what they are. Yeah. So, we could we could prepare that if if you chose to do this, we could make that some sort of warning. Yeah. I think that any kind of help that you would give to someone in advance to
kind of because we're not out here to screw everybody, but at the same time, people have to get paid for showing up for doing a job. So, anyone from the public? Anyone online? Maddie? All good.
No hands online. All right. Thank you. So yeah, just come back um either next meeting or whatever what works coordinate with Matt. Yeah, we'll put it on the agenda. Put on the agenda and I can have a final copy ready whenever you're ready to for you
to review and vote on. Okay. Nice job. Great presentation. Easy to read. Thank you. Glad you [Applause] all right moving on. 8:50 almost on time.
Update on charter review committee and discuss public hearing. So I thought Laura was here. She's gone but you have something. Yeah, I can give an update on that. So we um if you remember since you're the chair of the charter review, we were wondering if a public hearing was
required uh before the select board or the the charter review committee. So, our town council conferred with the attorney general's office municipal law unit and they determine no public hearing is required. What is needed is to place the item on a regularly
scheduled um select board meeting um and discuss the charter reviews the charter review committee's findings um with the opportunity for the public as you do on every agenda item uh to to comment. Um it needs to be done at some point before the warrant closes. The warrant has to
close by the 23rd of September. So, for your meeting for the 9th, I would suggest that we put that on as an agenda item. Um, Eva is working on the final language that we'll need for the warrant. Um, so she should have that to us by the end of the week, which I'll forward on to everybody. Um, and we
could take it from there. And then if you want to if you want to let the charter review uh committee know that we're doing this in case they want to I'm sure they'd want to attend um we can we can do that. So, that's that seems to be the best course of action right now. So, how um
I lost my question. I know the end, but I don't know the Let me Okay. Um I guess the long and short of it is is that I would still want to have more than one meeting. I think that because this is so significant, you
know, whether we call it a a public meeting or not, I think that, you know, oh, now I know when is the warrant close? So, I hope we're going to get to that later in the meeting tonight, but the warrant is scheduled. I have to close the warrant by the 23rd. We were supposed to meet on
the 23rd, but then we have Jewish holiday on the 23rd. So, we're suggesting we move that maybe even up, but at the meeting that we closed the warrant, it will be it's part of the warrant, so it'll be discussed there. Um, we could discuss it as a separate agenda item and as part of the warrant, whatever you want. But there'll be two
meetings. I think that's correct. Correct. Yes. So, I'd like to have it on the next two, then the ninth, and then whatever third agendas, we'll have it on there as well. Okay. Specifically, right? And then, um, we can advertise the email so people can send messages to the
charter at reading.gov, whatever it is. I remember that. Um, yeah, because we need more than one opportunity for this. Sure. Yeah. Okay. I assume everyone agrees. Yeah, we're running. I mean, for November, it's coming that tight. I didn't know. Well, we want it on for November and you know,
so No, I get that. Yeah, but and we're pretty and we're done. I mean, you're done. By having it on November, it allows us to have it on the ballot for April, which then saves us the money on a on an election. That's why we did it this way. Yeah, I have a question, Carla.
So, when we Oh, sorry. We I think you guys can hear me out there. When um when um when we have this in our packet, is it I know it'll be the whole charter, but the highlight reel will be the changes.
Correct. Correct. Laura's been redlining it. It's on the website. I think I had her put the original because that got removed. Um so the original charter plus the red light changes. So the public and us will be able to understand all the changes, all the word changes, all the significant changes.
about 90% I'll be able to explain from what I recall from back then. I mean obviously the rest of the charter will send out something after this meeting um to let them know about it. Um because we I believe we discussed at at the final
meeting on how we would want this. Do we want the select board running it or the charter committee? and I said, you know, we have to bring it up to the select board, but I think it should be on on the charter to run it because it's, you know, we've handled it for a year and a half or or something like that. Like, no
offense, but no one's going to really know what's in there, like all of uh the members on there that have done a lot of work with. So that's kind of so we'll see about maybe quasi coordinating with them to see if they can make the meeting on the 9th or
the other one before the 23rd, whatever we come up with later, right? Um because I'm not going to be able to answer all the questions. I I think a majority I I'll know why we did something some way, but you know, um Jonathan Barnes did specific
updates himself. It's better for him to explain it than me. Yeah. So, and then Bill Brown suggested, he's not on there anymore, but he suggested a lot of things that nobody really wanted, so we didn't really do it. So, yeah. All right. Thanks. Okay.
Anyone else have questions on the charter? So, the ninth and then we'll go over another meeting at the end of the meeting. Um, anyone from the public online? Maddie times. Okie dokie.
So we will move on to 9:05 on Israeli 901 uh select board leazison reports and Karen favorite part of the meeting isn't it? Yes. Make sure you always go first so we don't lose. Very kind. Would you like to switch? Should I should we? No, you can go.
Um I had office hours on August 11th. Uh I also on August 11th had a town forest committee meeting where they're engaged. um talked about the new science in the town forest that they're advertising on the town website.
Actually, there was a good CPA update from the CPA group talking about um information sessions. I guess they're going around and doing that which was very informative. Big discussion on that one. Um reviewed the progress on invasive plant
removal and ways to keep on track. Um I did learn that I didn't realize that most of the invasives come in through the compost center. didn't know that. So, it's very unl weeding at home and I'm throwing it in a compost and I'm contaminating the
forest. Going to have to work on that. Um they discussed educational programming, upcoming town events, um discussed plans to decommission the former water treatment structure. There was big discussion about that. And then the fire road, there's some rocks on
some of it. They talked about that at length about the rocks and making it more pedestrian friendly. Um uh we met we I met with the council of aging. Very important meeting. Um it was a full full slate of people at the
meeting. They had a trust fund update. Uh one member is working on an update to the manual that they use. Um they encourage members to watch the permanent building committee meetings for updates on the progress and the design etc. for recal. There's going to be an upcoming annual conference for Council on Aging
that's coming up and a few people attended in the past that that was great. Um the big part of the meeting was the presentation of the operating plan for recal members came and explained the operating the inside of the building as opposed to
the outside of the building and the seniors were very interested in the programming part of it which was not part of the discussion but they're very excited to talk that to talk about that discussion. Um we toured Burbank on the 19th uh 21st went to the green community celebration
which was great was wonderful. Um went to the housing authority um visit on the 12th when the secretary Augustus came to tour the facility and it was a really good meeting. Um we're very lucky to have Katie as the director and she's
she's very intelligent and knows her stuff and we're very lucky. Um and then I met with the housing authority last night. CPA came there and presented their stuff again and um sort of finance issues and resident suggestions and stuff like that. So it
was good. That was it. Great. Thanks. Karen, sure. Um let's see. Um so um I did attend the RMLD meeting. So, they had an emergency meeting last
Friday. Um, they added an indemnification clause to the interim new interim general manager's contract. Um, he is getting a 401k match up to 17K. He is the new interim general
manager is not currently an RMLD employee. So, this is somebody coming from away. Paul um Hino I think um they're meeting again tomorrow and so I expect to attend that and and hear more and probably meet him and let's see um
okay um join the rest of the select board and the tour of Burbank which we discussed earlier um I was the only select board member in attendance at the school committee meeting um I understand the modular classrooms have been successfully moved from Kllum set up at
rise. Um there was public comment from comment from three town members, meeting members who are expressing concern about the issue that has come up at finance committee the last two meetings about um um out of scope spending on the
fieldhouse floor and bleachers project. Um yeah, it's um we got more of a list of the items that were um money was spent on and um I do believe the finance committee is going to be thinking about
some policies to tighten things up as we move forward with these further construction projects and then we'll be bringing it to the select board for for input as well. So we'll be working on that together. Um also at the school committee, sorry back to the school committee. So, the Malbury Forest School
who's presented to us and been approved by the conservation commission um did present and ask for an accreditation of the school committee and um so the stuff the school committee works on is pretty technical. I'll give them credit for
that. But they and they are focused on public schools. So this is a private school and not just a private school but a private Montasauri preschool you know coming to them and so they have two educators on that committee um and
couple of analytical types and a business own three analytical types. So anyway I could just feel their pain a little bit. It's hard to it's not their normal wheelhouse and it was hard for them to on the spot um absorb and understand everything. So they wanted to
take and also um the concerns they raised um would the school be requiring um transportation for any students that the that the school department would need to bear the cost of like under state law. There actually wasn't um a resolution whether that even applies but
Malberry was like absolutely we'll deal with that. No. Um they were asked do you have a place to go to lock down with the town yet? Do you have any sort of approvals in place? basically said, "Nope, we're working on it." And what was the other thing? Um,
asked them a lot about their credentials. And I that was the really tricky part because they're just you need to be like a monasuri ex expert to like ask these questions and um you know, so anyway, at
the end of the day, the chair proposed a preliminary approval and it didn't pass. It was 3 to three, but I and so they can come back. It's not like CPDC one done or anything like that. So, they can come back. So, I think that what they need to do then is just um get some of those
questions answered and if there were school committee members that still had questions, the chair asked them to put it in writing and just forward it to them. And this the accreditation for your information again, she has stated to us, I believe, and she continues to state that this pilot project she's
trying to get going. it is not dependent in any way on accreditation by the school department. She would just really she thinks it's important and it would be great and yeah, so she's going to continue to work on that, but they're two separate things um not required.
Okay, so that was the school committee meeting and um RMLD I attended the permanent building committee meeting for recal and joined in on that. Um, and I am going to meet
with our board designignate Mark Doxer in September, in the middle of September. We'll talk about that going forward. The green communities event was fabulous. I'm getting emails from residents and texts. They're so excited. We're finally there. A lot of town meeting members, they know how long we've been talking about this. So, and
and the the event was very well planned and the DOER commissioner is very gracious and provided us with signs that we can post around town saying that we are a Greek community. and um the select board members um Karen and Karen um gave
one to RMLD as well that hopefully they might have at the meeting tomorrow. They probably want to do that. So Matt, thank you for thanking RMLD because I completely forgot and not one general manager but two and all of the boards for all five years for commissioners. So
I appreciate you doing that. Um and then the other great news that came out of green communities um related to recal and Kellum is that um there's been changes in Washington and and some of these wonderful uh
rebates for energy efficiency are going away but apparently the geothermal is not or not really. And so, um, MAPC was kind enough. I think it was MAPC. No, it was,
yeah, it was Dylan, MAPC, green communities. Anyway, they forwarded us information. So in in terms of the commissioner, those geothermal um tax credits that we had talked about in the project that were never mentioned at the final presentation, the taxpayers
approved the project as it was, those are very likely still going to apply and they could be several million dollars and as it applies to recal and I reached out to the chair of the permanent building committee because they're not done with their design yet. So again, it just you know we're making the right
decision. What's cost effective in the long term? it's going to cost a lease up front. So, that's really good for homeowners, municipalities. This is a direct a direct municipality type of rebate. We will need a tax provider. We
will there's some sort of like you send the plan to them, you get preliminary approval and then you fill out a couple tax forms and you get it just like a resident or like a consumer would. So, um anyway, so I don't know who on staff needs to understand that. I haven't had
a chance to look at it yet, but Pat Tomkins has it as well for the bill. So, thank you. And I think I think that was it. Thank you. Thanks, K Carlo. All righty. So, CPA met uh we reorganized. Joe remained the
chair. Joe Carneahan and Sarah Balakio remained the vice chair. There was a lot of discussion as Karen mentioned about presentations to other boards and committees in town. that is ongoing. Uh the flyer was finalized and
there will be a booth uh at the fall tree fair to spread awareness and um you know that it's coming to will be coming to a vote. And then last night was a packed agenda for the CPDC
uh with Kilum and the recal among a few other items. But the main takeaway is that, you know, as a town, even though it's our building project, we still play by the rules and going for permits and and waiverss. So, what came out last
night was a storm water permit was approved for Kilum. And a few other things are going to be ongoing. And for recal center, the main takeaways were the uh as we heard tonight, the
shared parking agreement with um Burbank and just ADA accessibility um what's going to happen to Range Road, how that's going to look and just that there's enough parking. CBDC shared some concern. Some members shared some
concern about parking over there with so much going on at once. Sometimes, not all the time. Obviously, pickle ball will not be played outdoors in the winter. Uh but hockey and Northshore use the parking a lot and so they just
had some concerns about that. Nothing serious and they're coming back again for for that. And then I don't know when the the parking agreement draft will be ready. So they're they're going to be waiting on that CPDC. Yeah.
Yeah. So and then I attended the Greek communities and toured the B bank with the rest of the the folks up here and it was uh it was very nice and learned a lot at both visits. Great. Thanks Carlo. Um yeah, I I toured the
Burbank. I certainly know with everyone here as well. Um I noted that it was indeed cold in there. So um it's an ice rink. Um and also the green community that was definitely um well put on out
there and the rain sort of kind of held off which was good and we didn't have to do it indoors. Um I just kept noticing the FedEx trucks always driving right by like while everyone's speaking. So it's kind of weird but you know is what it
is. Um, and then lastly, the uh I attended I know Carlo was there and Matt and Jane at the memorial for Michael Colman. Oh, cool. We got to talk about this. Yeah. So, it's um it was good like uh
Jane, you did a a wonderful um job speaking. Um it really put a you know punctuation mark on Mike's life here in Reading um and his contribution to the town. Um, and there was hundreds of people there. But majority pickle ball,
like it is what it is. Like he made a a massive long lasting impact on, as you could tell, one of the the was it a resident, the the guy that spoke after you or before you, the one with his daughter. He was here for like a year or something. Mike taught him at Memorial
Park. Like significant enough where even they were speaking at his memorial. Um so you know it's very unfortunate for the Colton and family. Um but the the event uh if if they have any solace the
amount of people that they saw come up to this should you know hopefully try to carry them through this time. So great. Thank you. Carlo did you have something? Yeah. Sorry I I I apologize. Um yes, the
the celebration of life was very uplifting. It was all about Michael Copman's life um from the early years from his childhood friends to his college friends. Learn how Judy and Mike met and just his life um you know
working for the Department of Transportation. then his second life of uh ultimate frisbee and pickle ball and that's how I met him and a lot of us that have met Mike that way, Mikey and Judy. Um, it
was just it was very nice and I can't say enough about the Coltman's and what they've done for this town. But and I probably wouldn't have met them the way I did meet them and got to know them and watch them form RPA and just advocating
and and volunteering and it was just a really nice night. And for about a half hour, it started to rain, not rain. Started to rain, not rain. And real were panicking, but it didn't. And it turned out to be a great evening. And Judy was
a trooper and and just talked to everybody that wanted to talk to her. It lasted well beyond the ceremony. And then a few of us went to commiserate at um Bunrad's after and it was just a lovely event. And I can't thank Michael
for what he's done for me personally and for the town of Reading and Judy I know will not stop advocating and um doing what she's been doing for the town. Uh and I've only known her for three years. So it was great and thanks thanks for reminding me. It was a very nice
evening. Thank you. All right. Anyone else? I just have one quick thing. Four minutes if you could just come up to the Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. [Applause] name and address. Thank you.
Ben Reed, I live at 972 Main Street right by Birch Meadow. I just wanted to thank uh Karen Heric. She's our leaison and um she's been very supportive. I've been part of the um committee for 12 years. Um, we work pretty hard but with
a lot of fun. And um, I hope that we have helped contribute some value to the town. And one of the things that we always try and do is um, look at the different communities, different neighborhoods, and see if there are sort
of natural ways that we can sort of connect the the town. And um I mean there are wonderful natural resources resources and I know we have a forest department as well. I did want to make it clear that there is a forest
department and a trails department. I mean they are different you know different people different budgets. um that we're all in in in this together in terms of uh you know ecology and you know taking care good care being
good stewards of uh of their natural resources of writing. Um so thank you Karen and uh and I hope that you guys see some of our work. Thanks. Which committee were you on again? Oh Ben
oh I'm sorry. Ven and trails. Trails. Okay. And I've been there 12 years. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. All right. We will move on to 9:15. Future agendas at 19. Does anyone have
anything for future agendas? I have one. Has one. And I regret not asking this when it happened two years ago. So, um, October is Italian Heritage Month and the state house acknowledges
distinguished Italians every year. And two years ago, uh, my uncle was honored, one of three people that night, and one was a Nobel Prize winner, just to give you what category my uncle was in. And I regret not asking for this last year,
but I'd like a proclamation to have October Italian Heritage Month um, in October or late September. Thanks. Anyone else? Um, yeah. Do you have anything? Okay. Um,
um, yes. So, it was, it's been, we've mentioned it, but the select board has not talked about it. We should have an agenda item to talk about renegoti renegotiating the Burbank lease and I would like to hear what staff is
thinking might be needed to make parking manageable over there. And um and that kind of feeds into, you know, what Carl suggested and and my an operational meeting and and a smaller um
potentially subcommittee from the select board to to participate in that. But um so the lease if we we we sign the lease, it is our board and their board. So we definitely need to um make a motion if
we want to do this. And um yeah, CPDC's never went to shark from saying you're doing this in the wrong order. Um and frequently I forget forget them. So I appreciate them doing that, but we need to talk about that. Um
um I'm Yeah. So let's just do that. And then we're going to either we do this with the finance committee or we do it on our own. Um, we're going to need an agenda item to talk about policies and protocol related to spending monies approved by a town
meeting. um because I've been getting calls from residents and um we having been a town meeting member for 22 23 years, we approve a lot of spending and we are told that not to
worry, we will only spend on this project and we will not borrow more than we need and we will take good care of your money. And there are a number of people that are very concerned about how um the fieldhouse floor and bleachers project went. So anyway, just um I will
belabor it. Can you please have a discussion discussion about a topic about that and uh we can try to coordinate with the fincom? I will um if you want I can I'm their leazison. So they'll be having a meeting and updating their members I'm sure. Yep. Yeah. Matt you can coordinate that.
Yeah. And I know finan's working on some policies as well. [Music] Anything else? Carlo, you have something else? Well, I just want to make it clear. We're not re renegotiating the terms of their lease. Karen, we're not renegotiating the terms
of their lease. We're doing an amendment to the lease. We haven't even talked about it. We're not going smack. We have to have that discussion, too. And so, we can't have it right now. It's not on the agenda. We have to have an agenda. Just talk about what we're going to do. I think we have to have something regardless because
CBPDC needs something from us. So whatever is required for CPDC to be happy with um the projects going on there is what we're going to have to do. Whatever it is. Okay. So you guys coordinate on the lease amendment
whatever neither nor however board members can comment on whether there are other things we should talk about at this time and even Carl brought it up tonight. So, it can be a little broader than that. We weren't given that opportunity when we signed it a couple years. We were told
and and the lease is written, take it or leave it, and they weren't interested. But it's in the best interest of for any number of reasons we talked about tonight, aging plant, what have you, need for revenue to talk about. I think we'll we'll see what
we just need the agenda item to talk about. Yes. Just an agenda item. Yep. discuss, not discuss and vote, just discuss. Just want to be really clear. We might have to vote depending on the time table. I'm sorry, this is Carlos. Is this This is mine or yours? Did you bring up this
is a future agenda item? I don't want neither one of you would have had to because no matter what it has to have to do something, correct? Well, we need to bring it up. I brought it up in the leazison report through CPDC. You did. I appreciate that. Right. But it was and it came up during our tour. It needs to be an agenda item,
right? But it was never discussed about lease renegotiations. They they were talking about when they renew their lease, it was their option to renew. That's it. End of story. That's not that's not a bilateral contract, right? We need to just have an agenda. I'm talking we're getting into the waters of
debating items. We'll Okay. Matt and Jane, they know what to do and we'll get whatever we need to be able to have projects happen. Okay. Are you guys going to do that on your own? Yeah, I think they were doing it anyway. We we're we're working on a lease right
now. You know, knowing that this was coming and I think it was mentioned at town meeting, we would need this for the parking, but we were intending to to obviously bring it to the select board for input and for ratification um working on that amendment. Okay. Yeah. So, it's in the works. That was
one of that's one of the reasons we were at Burbank a couple weeks ago. Yeah. So, it's important that it's important to me that it's not just Burbank telling you what they want and and it it not coming from you guys to us. That's all. I'm looking for more information.
Right. Yeah. Fine. Okay. I guess my one thing to add even though I am whatever is um and I know you brought it up earlier that about um post being the sponsor for Yes. False. The False Tree Fair. Um it was brought
to my attention that we do not have a valet permitting kind of system in town. Yeah. So for the next budgeting item or maybe the followup to that is to see um what we can do about um valet stuff. So
you're going to have to coordinate with um Yeah. I mean this this did come out chief open. Yes. The police department's involved, but we can look at it again. Sure. Um, so you can see what what you can do with that. Yeah, sure. Are we talking about adding stuff to the
budget? Adding expenses to the budget? No, this is us making money. Well, that's the general idea. It does. After hours parking though, that's after hours parking is the catch.
Anytime you can sell after hours parking spots, sign me up. Um, one more thing. We haven't had a preview on the tax rates and that's coming up. I brought that up to I'm talking to Victor about that. So, thank you. So, I'll have an update on that soon. Great. Y
anyone else from the public future agenda? Anyone not on Manny? Nobody online. We want to talk about moving that that meeting though. 23rd. Good point. Um so during the um agenda
setting Matt brought up that our 23rd meeting falls on the either first night of Rashana right right in the middle right in the while it's happening it is happening. So we're going to have to see about moving the meeting and we cannot move it
after because the warrant has to be signed. So, we need a meeting after the 9th and before the 23rd and it and it seems to be the 22nd. It starts at sundown on the 22nd. So, I don't know if you want to avoid that. You know, moving to the Monday would be
easy, but I'm not sure that that would be on the Tuesday before. The 16th. Yeah, we could do it then. Whatever you want. See if the room is available. This room is available. Okay. I mean, we could certainly make it available. talking.
Yeah. Yeah, that's where we're at. That date. That's not a problem. Okay. So, about doing the 9th and the 16th. The 9th and the 16th. Okay. I know the bylaw committee was going to have a um some sort of public hearing on their snowshoing, but maybe we can talk about
uh doing that another night. So, I think I mean the 15th, I don't know when the next uh permanent building committee meeting is or CPDC is on the 15th. I don't know if the 15th is an option for Monday. Um, permanent building committee. It's not. We're meeting on the the 10.
Was in the permanent building committee meeting on It's next Wednesday. The uh it's the third. Yeah. I'd rather have it on Tuesday myself. Okay. Okay. So, we'll look at the 16th then. I think it makes sense. And so, it'll be sort of back to back, but Okay.
Yeah. And that clears the holidays. Yep. Okay. Perfect. Thank you. All right, moving on to discuss and vote and to approve meeting minutes from August 5th.
I did not have any changes. I had one little word change in my leazison report. Where's the leazison report? Are you all set? Yeah, I'm all set. Okay, good. Okay. Um the part where we said
let's see um um okay uh the second paragraph a select word le on reports last sentence on the page she attended the RMLD audit meeting and discovered more information about kilowatt hour
numbers more like um I updated the select boring about kilowatt hour sales trending. Yeah. Uh yeah, we can just summarize it. That can just be an updated the select
board about um kilowatt hour sales. Thank you. Anyone else? Can I have a motion? Motion to approve the meeting minutes of August 5th, 2025 as present as amended.
Second. Second by Karen. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those in favor zero. Anything else? Motion to adjurnn. Second. Seconded by Karen. All those in favor, you're journ