All right, it is 7 o'clock. I will call the Tuesday, February 24th select board meeting to order. The first item on the agenda is the Pledge of Allegiance. I aliance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic
for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> All righty. And we'll go over the agenda. 705 public comment for any items not on the agenda. 7:15, town management report. 7:20, report and discussion
about cabin improvements. 7:35, community spotlight. 7:40, a public hearing to discuss and vote on an alteration of premises alcohol for an all alcohol restaurant license to Park Restaurant Group LLC DBA Post 1917
located at 136 Haven Street Unit two. 750 discuss and vote approve the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority MWR borrowing for phase two of the lead service project. 755 discuss and vote on inclusion of a
ballot question on the 2026 annual town election to consider the charter amendments approved at the special town meeting in November of 2025. Notice to town clerk 8:00 discuss and vote on distribution of proposed charter changes to the voters. 8:05 preview town meeting
warrant. 8:20 discuss the usage of Robert's rules of order as select board guidance. 8:25 discuss snowshoing program. 8:40 leazison reports. 8:45 future agendas. 8:50 approve prior meeting minutes of February 27th and
sorry January 27th and February 10th. 855 an executive session for purpose two to conduct strategies session in preparation for contract negotiations with non-union personnel to manager Matt Pronellis and then we will return to open session and then in open session
execute contract with Mr. Carnellis and in the event a contract other than a new employment agreement is executed discuss and vote on appointing acting town manager and next steps in filing the town filling the town manager position. Uh then after that back into executive
session for purpose three to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation against the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority. And lastly, executive session purpose 7 approve and review for release minutes of the February 10th and February 17th
executive sessions meeting uh compliance with TL 38A section 22. And that is it. Uh so first item is uh public comment. Anyone in the room? Carolyn
name and address two minutes. >> Thank you. >> Carolyn Johnson. >> Is there a green light? >> Oh, there you go. >> Carolyn Johnson. Uh Thornike Street. The longest serving members of this board, Heric, Bachi, and Haley, have at
times each used poor wording, engaged in unproductive exchanges, or exercised imperfect judgment. That comes with public service. We all have bad moments. What concerns me is not that mistakes
happen, but that the responses appear to depend on who blundered. Here's an example. On the February 10th agenda, Chair Haley suggested censuring Miss Heric, a serious step. But on September 16th,
2025, when Mr. Bachi went on a profanity laced rant, berating a longtime volunteer because he disagreed with her criticism. There was no intervention from Chair Haley. He literally sat there and let Mr. Bachi rant. At a subsequent
meeting, Mr. Bach's apology revisited criticism of the resident and offered explanations for his conduct rather than fully taking responsibility. There was never a proposal for censure or formal consequence from Chair Haley
or Vice Chair Murphy for Mr. Bachi. When one member faces discipline and another does not, it begs the question, is the chair applying standards and policy evenly regardless of personalities, alliances or political
convenience? We need select board leadership that resolves disagreements impartially and applies standards consistently, not selectively. So the focus stays on serving writing residents and not on
personal grievances. Thank you for the opportunity. >> Anybody else in the room? Nancy. >> Two minutes have an address. >> Nancy, Dr. Pearl Street. Um, are you allowing comments uh as you review the
warrant or not? >> We usually don't respond to public comment, but it's >> No, no, no. I'm not asking for response. Are you allowing public comment after your discussion in the warrant? >> On every item we do, yes, >> you will allow comments. Thank you.
>> Anybody else in the room? Angela. >> Two minutes. Name and address. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. I'm not going to be here later, so can I make public comment about article now? >> Any item that you want as long as it's not duplicated. >> Thank you. Um, Angela Bendo, Orchard
Park Drive. Um, I looked at the warrant preview and I have to say the creation of a stabilization fund for unified sports to the Burbank Ice Arena rent payments that go into free cash. Numerous things are
just plain wrong with this article. This is not the best way to pay for unified sports. The town has not uh to date, I don't believe, explored other better options.
Most disturbing though is that the town does not have a signed amendment contract to to um to the pickle ball leasing issue. It appears that you're putting the cart before the horse. This is this
is a condition for uh a uh a condition for an agreement, but the agreement has not been decided upon yet. It appears that the Burbank Ice Arena Authority is holding the town hostage and that is really ugly.
Pickle ball went before a town meeting and we were not told that there would be any issue. We were told that parking was not going to be a problem, that there was a verbal agreement that we would be able to have parking. In July 2025, Miss
Wellman said that there was a simple amendment to the lease about a shared parking exchange. About four or five months ago, Mr. Pronella said the contract would be signed before town meeting and that this amendment or this
warrant article was not dependent or that the contract was not dependent upon this article passing. That doesn't appear to be the case any longer. Burbank's board should be unacceptable to all and it should be involved in how it they should not be involved in how
Don spends its money. The select board needs to serious act. why you're okay with this. Thank you. >> Anybody else in the room? Anybody online? I don't see any hands at the moment. Give it a moment.
We don't see anybody, Maddie. Right. >> I don't see any hands raised. No. >> All righty. So, we will move on. Next is town manager report. And Jane, you are going to be taking this. >> Yes. Yes, Mr. Chairman. Thank you. Just really briefly a couple of brief
highlights tonight. Um first we have launched the present street center survey that uh that's launched tonight. Um we will push out via social media the town manager minute and a variety of other newsletters uh tomorrow morning. We'll also have paper copies available
at town hall, the library and the president street center. This is an important step in gauging the temperature of the public for what the future of the president street center can be. and that will be final portion of our road show which we will be presenting our results on March 17th.
Okay. Um secondly, just a really great moment last week um with the Reading Pickle Ball Players Association when they presented a donation for $225,000 to offset um the cost of building the pickle ball courts. Um as previously
announced the construction uh estimates uh bids rather for that project came back at 1.15 million and that is for the seven courts and the light the fully lighted uh courts. So that is you know absolutely when coming in under a budget like that um to the RPA their
involvement dedication and remarkable generosity really shine and I'm grateful for them that is all tight Mr. sugar. >> It's a little warm. >> Melissa's kind of square that way.
>> Perfect. >> Was that it, Jane? >> That was it, sir. >> Perfect. All right. Uh, then I guess back to you for report and discussion about Mata Cabin improvements, page five of the packet. >> Thank you. So, um, I thank the board for
allowing us to put this item on here. The reason it's on here tonight is to gauge your appetite for putting an article in the warrant, which will not be discussed. It's not in here now, um, to see if we want to fund um, a deeper
code review. So, where we are with Matic Navin is uh, there was a preschool that wanted to go into that space. We looked at that and years and years ago, I think it was 2009, um the use the building occupancy
for that building does not match how we've been using it for years. So, we're out of compliance with our own rules. Um through that process uh we kind of studied it and we looked initially with um DNAP our house chapters architecture
firm to see what would it take to bring it up what are the minimum things that we could do that would be the lowest cost for us to put that building back into use. We then gave that information to our new building commissioner who started in mid January. Um he came back
to us last week so after about a month here um and he had done a permit analysis which is a technical thing to do where you look at how much work has been done on the property in a certain amount of time and does the amount of
work trigger a higher uh requirement bring would we would it require us to bring the building fully up to code? So that would require both the entrance both entrances of the building to be fully accessible and so forth. It could
be considerably more expense. So if you want the material cabin to be back open to the public for public usage, rentals and so forth, educational uses, whatever it might be, we may have to go to a much higher standard to bring the building back up.
If we were to leave it um to board and committee use, uh town staff use, something like that, so J's committee could meet there, um we would still have to do some upgrades, but there would be less. But in order for it to be public, um there's more. So, you're currently
discussing the memo that's in your packet is from Andrew McNichol, our community uh development director, and he's gone into some technical detail in um concert with our building commissioner um Brendan Mino and to try
and explain sort of what's going on here. Do we have some questions that we want we need to answer? Like does that 30% cost metric um are we really triggering what we think we might be triggering? Um does the value of the
labor contribute to that 30% because a lot of the work has been done by volunteers uh generously donating their time to the community. Um, we would then also need them to draft permitting plans and provide construction cost estimates
and then we could come back in November with a the real plan for how to bring this building uh forward. So, that's kind of the timeline and and kind of how we've gotten here. Um, and so I know that we have I think Chuck is online. I
do I know we have a couple of members from the conservation commission here who may want to speak on the matter um and uh support um doing this. We're hoping to have a value I was hoping to have a value back today from GANAP. They're working on a scope of service and then they'll price the scope of
service that we approve as staff. Um but my my wish tonight is to find out what's the appetite of the board at this time. >> Okay. >> Thanks Jane. Did Brian, Martha, anybody have anything before we discuss it? So
we hear your stuff first. >> Brian Boer Lane, also chair of the conservation commission. Um, I'm here primarily to support doing something and get a better idea of what that is. I think uh getting it in too much detail
right now doesn't make sense because of the questions that Jane talked about. Uh we don't know how much or what what capabilities that would be given. I do know that in general it is used. Uh it's a facility that we use. Uh it's a
facility that brings in some income. Certainly not tons of income but some income and times like these income is good. That income doesn't come to the commission, by the way. It goes to the general fund. Um, so I I'm anxious to
see what the outcome of uh the the um survey and what have you is. Um I do want to see it put back in service. Uh for town use is one thing better still would be uh if it were for the public in
some uh some capacity. I know there been conversation about up to 40 people. I don't know how real that is. Mar and I have not been part of the ongoing conversation that's been staff only. So I've heard uh some pieces of it, but um
it'd be good if we could get it back to 40. Obviously, it'll depend on what the cost is and the time frames. So this is just to say I support it, which is obviously don't yet know what it is, but I would like to see it open. Thank you.
Thanks, Brian. >> Um, Chuck, did you have something before we >> So, I don't know where you're at. I just came back from another meeting. >> Sorry, it's on Mater and the >> I just kind of summarized where we were that was in the memo.
>> Okay. Well, I think that's >> If you don't have anything, you don't have to. we can move on to >> so like I said I was um good evening select board I appreciate the opportunity to talk um so yeah m cabin
is um is uh probably u you know an important asset to this community I think that we proved that by putting $800,000 into it originally through grants and town meeting votes and I think that we would like to continue
it's historic use that uh has been carved out since 2009 uh for birthday parties, um meetings, hips river water association, uh TUS University and various schools
that come by. So, it would be great to understand where we're at. I understand town staff is going through that process now and to um you know get I think a foothold on
how to get this thing um moving forward and that's all I would ask. Uh you all know um you know what we've uh what we've done since 2009. We finished the inside, working on the
outside, community garden, pavilion, all that. That whole area there is what uh we're talking about here when we say the the material cabin. It's um it's a great piece of property. It's kind of the hub of Bare Meadow. And uh as we're working
more and more on Fair Meadow, I think it will become more important to not only people here in this community, but elsewhere. Um, only have to stay unless there's any questions. >> We might have something after everyone else. Thanks,
Walter. I think. Yes. >> Yes. >> Was it Walter? >> Will. >> Well, that was close. >> Conservation of quorum. >> I don't think so. >> Three of us. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Will Finch, 51 Mil Street. Um, I've been involved in the trails
committee since inception. Um I've been an integral member of that group and a lot of supervision and training of other volunteers in town. Um so it's I feel really strongly that this
is a vital asset to the town. Um it's it's really too bad that the permitting is just messed up, you know, probably from the beginning. I'm assuming no one's no one person's
fault. Um but you know I I'm up there, you know, quite a bit just um since, you know, we store all our trails um materials in the garage. Um quite often I overlap with groups that um that are
having an activity there, Girl Scouts, um there are weddings there. Um and often um especially one um event that I'm thinking of is some
girl scouts were um identifying plants and animals and and I was able to participate and help them um with that activity. Um, so it's just a a real wide variety of activities that go on up there and and
as Jack said, the cabin itself is is um vital to what happens there. The uh the garden club or whoever's involved at the uh community gardens is storing some of their tools in the garage also. Um so
it's I think any way we can get this done and certainly we got a lot of volunteers help um make some of the modifications that may be needed um I certainly encourage you to go forward
with that and take it seriously. >> Thank you. >> Thanks Jeff. >> Good evening. Uh Jeff Lson Timber is chair of the town forest committee just here to lend some support. We're also very dependent on our deep relationship
with the trails committee and all of the activities that are based out of Matera cabin. We have a number of tools in the garage that we can't access. Now you know the town forest being one of the crown jewels of reading uh through our you know partnership and support from
town meeting and yourselves. uh with all the funding we have, we have uh you know, community buckles planned for every second Saturday starting in April through October. And we we can't do that without the tools that are in the garage there. Um, and you know, we've we've
several of us have all been in in intercom committee meetings that have been hosted at Mata Camp and it's a invaluable resource to the town and I I can't see a a Reading 27 new resident not being able to get out of its own way in reopening such a important uh
facility. So again, just here to provide some support and uh appreciate the close partnership between all the committees. Thank you. >> Thanks. Anybody else before I open to the board? public comment. >> Uh, well, I'll do public comment afterwards. I'm still gonna I kind of
went past some board members here. So, um, anyone from the board have any questions, comments? Melissa, >> thank you. Um, so I'm just trying to understand, and this is, and these questions aren't to point fingers at anyone, but I'm just trying to understand
what what may have happened or where the misstep may have happened. I mean, I didn't realize we put $800,000 into Material Cabin over the time that we've had it. How do we know how we got to where we are today? >> I don't know if Chuck wants to speak to it. Um,
>> I'm not trying to point. Is there anyone? >> It seems like a legacy issue. So, I think this goes back to at least 2009. >> Okay. >> So, we haven't been able to go through and find any occupancy permits that match the usage that we have. I think
it's still listed as um residential. >> Am I making that up? I think that's correct. >> We bought it at Trump as it was a home at one point. >> It was a home that Yeah. And that we accepted I believe as a a gift. >> Yeah. >> Um and so money has been put into it. Um
and you know with any with any gift there's a responsibility that comes with it and you know you have to understand what what that is. So um this is something that we discovered our professionals were looking back. Can this preschool locate here? Well, that's an educational use. And so what we find
is that we can't permit it because it doesn't meet code. >> And so we can't in good conscience open it up to the public when it doesn't meet code. It is not accessible in the ways that code requires. And we are requiring we're holding ourselves to this
standard. Um and the uh building commissioner does not prescribe the remedy. An architect has to prescribe the remedy. and stamp it so it is certified and we know that it's structurally sound and all of that and then they approve the
permit to do the work um is a process issue. So this is before my time before the time of most people um in town employment. >> Okay. Yeah. No. Um I think it's um a no-brainer. We it we collectively made a
mistake and we need to fix it now. So, I think as a town, we need to fix it and, you know, put it on the warrant to get the funds to do what we have to do to get it back up and running. >> Um, I wish it could move quicker than I think it's sounding like it's going to move because if we're waiting till
April, wait, is this going on April or November? >> I would put this on April. Okay. Um, if the money comes back from DNAP in the estimate to do the work that builds on previous code review that they did last fall is short money, we don't need to go on the warrant, right? We might be able
to find that >> in a in a unspent budget at the end of the year for example, but a lot of our excess really not excess is going to snow and ice deficit. Okay. So, you know, Sharon been working on that and it's that's a big deal. So, um, you
know, if we want to fund that that that work, which could be I don't know. I'm making up a number. Actually, I don't want to make up the number, so let me not take it. But we should have that number soon. Um, normally I wouldn't bring something to you like this in this sort of, you know, without all the
detail, but because we're trying to get it on the warrant, the warrant closes next meeting, we need to work. >> Absolutely. So then if then that that analysis would tell us estimated construction costs and then we could put that before the town in November and say
this is what we think it will cost. Um I know that um you know Chuck has been just amazing at finding volunteers to do work in that cabin um over the years and a lot of the work that's been done in that cabin is done by volunteers. So, it's valuable work, but it's not costing
the town a lot of money. And and so Chuck and the volunteers that he's done have really just done a tremendous service to the town, but we don't know the extent of what's going to be needed >> to bring the building up to code. And because we think that the amount of work that's been done is triggering that 30%
threshold that requires that. And so, we need an architect to say yes, you do or no, you don't. You can do it for this sort of use. you don't need an elevator to the second floor of there because we're not gonna open that park to the public, right? So, we've decided we're
not doing it now. We're not putting an elevator in, but there are other accessibility issues that will have to be addressed. So >> would it be an option um with the warrant article to put like an up to amount so Chuck and conservation in the
town may have an opportunity to make the repairs before having to go to November town meeting because if we wait that means material government is going to be out of commission for a whole year. So we could say I'm sorry. >> Yeah. No. Yeah. So I'm wondering if in
the warrant article where >> if we put this on if we agree to put this on if we can also put on there like an up to >> so spend X dollars on the code review and plans etc. And then construction
estimates and then uh we could construct to a certain amount of money >> a certain amount have to come back to town meeting for November. I wonder if You know, I if we could word it and bring it to Tom Media and then see what they say just because then other
otherwise, you know, we're g they have to wait more than a year, >> but they could start work, you know, in the summertime in FY 2027 starts some of that work and that might be able to keep them going. >> Exactly. And I feel like Chuck's history of how he's been able to do work with
volunteers and stuff would show. I mean, some of it may not may have to source. I understand that, but I think that, you know, showing his history of being able to do that with volunteers when possible that maybe town meeting would be okay with that. >> Well, I think it's it's worth um exploring. Sure, we can. I'll talk to
council and they can see if that's if that's up to if the board similar appetite. >> Did you say summer of 27? Not >> 28. FY 27. >> I'm sorry. 26 >> is a year 27. >> No, no. If you approved it in April,
they could start work on it this summer. Summer of 26. FY 27. The budget is for FY27. >> Yeah. >> Carlo, >> I guess I'll ask Chuck. Oh, sorry. >> I'll ask Chuck on the on the
mechanicals. Do you know how old they are? So, so uh during uh Bob Lashor's um time here, he turned the material cabin over to facilities and I believe all the mechanical
plumbing and drains and all that uh are looked at regularly and there to me it looks like a fairly modern uh you know heating system uh on the second floor which has never been used for regular people. It's always been employees. As a
matter of fact, the second floor is um only has like a five or six foot ceiling. >> Yeah. >> And it's filled with um facilities, equipment, and recreation things. Storage. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. As I said, that was needed.
>> We all help each other. So, they they needed space and they're just >> Okay. Thanks. Anyone else? >> I just think we need to get it done. And I think timing is a big thing because a lot of people used it and it ties into a
lot of different things. So I don't know. >> She would support putting it on a warrant when you get a article together. Okay. >> Okay. >> Karen. >> Yeah. I am really really disappointed that we have gotten this far and we we
have gone through um one two this our third building inspector and the initial building inspector that created the occupancy permits that has been lost is still here at town hall and I am I can't Mr. Lameson kind of phrased it
appropriately. We cannot get out of our own way. Um the kinds of repairs that have been done to that um building either through volunteers or or facilities are things like painting the exterior, repairing
falling down decks. Um there there have not been large enhancements. I mean, anybody who's been in that building knows that it's what it's essentially the same as the way it was in 2009. So, we need to get out of our own way and
this needs to be open and I would be fully supportive of making it fully handicapped accessible, >> but we need to get it open. >> Okay. >> Um, so I mean, Kilm School is not up to code. We have not shut down Kilum school. The Burbank Ice Arena is not up
to code. We have not shut down the ice arena and this is and this is why um you hear some frustration from and because we have very smart people on staff and we're all concerned about safety and what does happen when you leave buildings empty is they catch on fire and burn down which we recently saw on
Summer Avenue. So in addition to that there's a loss of use by the community. We we didn't mention uh porchfest is over there um individual um group events. I have gone on walks the coalition against substance abuse which
is now over at RPD. They have hosted events there. >> Um I always wanted to be used more but we got to get it open. That's that's the bottom line. And um I would be happy to hear a phased approach to get it so that it's good to go. um because we there are
disabilities grants now and a lot of the work we need to do to our some of our older buildings relate to making them accessible for all. So that's where I am. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um so my question is uh coming down to
money as it always is. So a rough estimate that you are not held to and I know Ryan is online as well. Are we talking under a hundred grand, over a hundred grand, half a million? Like what ballpark are we in? Because
all of us seem to be under the mindset of let's do it and then it comes back at 2 million, which it's not going to, but comes back at 2 million and then we're all like held to a 2 million standard, which seems kind of silly. So what are we blocking?
>> So um if memory serves, it's things like we need a mop sink put in some plumbing work. We need we need to uh redo the entrances. So that's some landscaping regrading and require um ramps in the
back potentially uh to the to the deck which is recent brand new actually. I think it was built last year by volunteers. Thank you. Um but it has stairs and so if both entrances need to be accessible that is complicated to get
a ramp system um with the you know the incline. So um so that's that's a question we would need to separate off that second floor and the stairwell we can't go up there. Um things like that. Uh so
I hate to give a number and be held to a number that have in the dark. Yeah, I would probably say under 100,000, especially if some of that work can be done by volunteers. Um, so >> so we're not talking sprinkler systems or anything crazy.
>> No, we would reduce the utilization. So we if we're going to hit a sprinkler threshold, I think we would reduce the number of people in there. The initial code analysis said we could do that. if we trigger that higher threshold. That's part of the question that we have um
because the sprinkler system is expensive and it's because of this change of use that's driving closure. It's not um that something in the building has happened. It's certainly not condemned. You know, it's operating. So,
>> so then my followup to this is that the the board does seem amendable to expediting this and putting it on the warrant. Um, but to uh quote a previous speaker, it seems like we're putting the cart before the horse since we don't know the actual
amount. >> Correct. >> Yet all of us are going to be okay with that. >> I I >> think that if we we don't have to do that. It was a suggestion because if we don't put an amount or an up to amount,
we're going to hold them hostage to being able to get money to do the work until November town meeting. >> Yeah, I was under the mindset of sprinklers or something crazy. When I hear the little stuff that James mentioning, this seems more tangible
than what I had thought. So, >> yeah, it's >> we should learn more. we'll get the scope of services sorted out in the next day or two. Um, and then they'll price it for us. They're Gab's really good about getting this information back to
us pretty quickly. So, I'm a little disappointed we haven't gotten it yet, but they are working on it actively every single day. So, once we have this understanding from our building commissioner, our new building commissioner, like, okay, we need to move as quickly as we can, and that's what we're trying to do. So, I appreciate the board's indulgence. I
will get the a draft of that article to you. Um, and you will be able to um approve that language hopefully amount in the uh at the next meeting. Um, so it'll go on the close run, but I >> Is there a number that you would just be
able to do it like you had mentioned and find money somewhere else? Is it like 35 grand or like I know it's hard to just make money up here somewhere. can't make money. No, let me disabuse anybody's idea that there is money floating around in the system. Um, and I would not do that to
our CFO. Um, she would come down here and have words with me right now. Um, so she's working very hard on managing the snow and ice deficit. So I don't want to um speculate. >> That is true. >> Out of respect to colleague,
>> any other follow-ups? Melissa, >> can I just ask one quick question? Is there a possibility we can talk to the building inspector to figure out how we can allow trails and bars community to get their tools? >> Yes, I wrote that down. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Does that seem silly if they're not
entering the building and they're just going in from an outside access so they can access their equipment? That would be great. >> Yeah. I Is it in the shed or underneath the building? >> Yeah. Yeah. We'll work on that. >> Yeah, we'll work on that right away. So that just seems silly not to.
>> No, 100%. >> Karen, >> so a point of clarification. Um, we are not closing down the community garden and the rest of the property. We're just unable to let people in the cabin >> into the building. Yeah. >> Okay. So, they can't use the bathroom. >> That's correct. >> Yeah.
>> The community garden also uses it for storage. So, there are some things they can't freeze. We just got a shed last year. Um, donated and then uh so some stuff will go in there, but some of the stuff that can't freeze is stored up in the second floor
also. And sometimes you have to get that. It's mostly for the sprinkler systems, >> the outdoor sprinklers. Yeah, >> we facilities can go in there. Our conservation administrator staff can go in our own building and get stuff out, right? Okay. >> Yep.
>> Good. That was simple. >> You can do that. Thank you. Thank you for the questions. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Anything else? Anyone from the public? Nancy, >> two minutes addressing. >> Yes.
>> Nancy, Dr. Pearl Street. Um, besides Karen Herrick and probably a couple of members in the audience who are town meeting members, we do remember when this was brought and the very argument that Mr. Brown made was
this. We don't have the funds to support this. I happen to have voted for this, but part of my voting for buying this or approving the property was that the town the town manager said that there was going to be some type of reaching out to
corporate at the time. I think he quoted REI that was actually going to be in partnership with the town that was going to support the use of this. So, I would like those notes brought up because these are questions you're going to come up before town meeting and we would like to know what did the town do about those
corporate partnerships. That was part of what was sold to town meeting. So, I'm not the only one who has that collective memory. >> So, if it if there were notes and that didn't happen, that's fine. But if no one has done that, I think you better
hurry up and do that now before you come to town meeting. Okay. Thank you. Anyone else? Anyone online? Maddie, >> not seeing any hands raised. >> All right, Jane, you have your marching
orders from >> I do officially and we'll go from there. >> Thank you very much. >> All right, 7:35 community spotlight. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um, so first some big announcements. I want to send
congratulations to Austin Prep's competitive cheerleading team for their historic achievement in winning the 2025 fall Massachusetts state championship. Their coach Elizabeth Dgerro reached out to the town to highlight this victory. Um and it marks their first ever state
title in Truly which is fantastic for Western prep. Um she says and we agree that these young women demonstrated extraordinary dedication, resilience, teamwork and perseverance throughout their season. Their accomplishments not only represent athletic excellence but also highlight the strength, discipline,
and leadership of our female student athletes in our community. Uh because the select board uh the next select board meeting is after International Women's Day on March 8th, I'm taking this opportunity to celebrate their achievements and contributions tonight. Uh the town of Reading proudly celebrates and supports the
accomplishments of its female athletes and recognizes the importance of the role they play in our community. I also want to highlight the RMHS boys winning their 14th Division 3 indoor track title. Uh but it's their first since 2013. Um congratulations to Ryan Pulk in
particular who won three events. Um the boys did an amazing job coming together as a team and showcasing their athleticism, teamwork, and commitment. It was a great night for Reading athletics. Um and finally, the boys and girls RMHS hockey teams will both be playing in the opening round of the
state tournament starting tomorrow. Both teams had great seasons. The varsity girls are playing tomorrow 7 p.m. versus Grafton and the boys are playing Thursday at 7:45 versus Brainery. Both games will be played on home ice at Burbank Arena and we wish them luck as they start their playoff journey. And
then finally for staff highlights, I just want to take a moment to um highlight the incredible work of our Department of Public Works water and sewer division led by Peter Disbel. Uh these are the people that like other members of DPW staff show up to plow all
night. Uh then clear sidewalks, parking lots, then they come back in overnight to remove snow from those same lots and throughout the downtown. Um the Peter's crew also repair water main bras and sewer backups and they do this whenever
it happens. So it's in the middle of the night, it's very cold, it's wet, they're standing in a trench. This is dangerous work. It is skilled work. And these are the guys that do it and they do it really well. Uh they are so dedicated to the sound and I am proud to consider
them among my colleagues. So to all of the DTW but tonight especially the water department I want to say thank you. Your work is valued and appreciated particularly by me. >> Thank you. >> Thanks Jane. All right. It is groundhog day. We will
have a public hearing on the discuss and vote on alteration premises all alcohol restaurant license or post karen do a >> I do >> to the inhabitants of the town of reading please take notice the select board of the town of reading will hold a
public hearing on Tuesday February 24th 2026 at 7 p.m. in the selected meeting room at town hall 16 LOL Street running last also available remotely on Zoom to act on an alteration of premises application for an annual all alcohol
restaurant license located at 136 Haven Street unit 2 running mass for Park Restaurant Group LLC DVA Post 1917 a copy of the proposed documents regarding this topic will be in the select board packet on the website at
www.writingma.gov All interested parties are invited to attend the hearing in person or remotely via Zoom or may submit their comments in writing or by email prior to 6 PM on February 24th, 2026 to town manager at readingmma.gov
by order of Matthew a cornelis esquire town manager. >> Thanks Karen. Jason I guess uh we'll charge you some rent soon enough uh the amount of time. Did you have anything you wanted to add to this? Yeah.
All good. All right. So, this is just a formality domain of what we're doing. >> That's correct. Um there was um when the information went over to the ABCC, they asked if the abuters had been notified. They had not been notified oversight. Um we apologize for the oversight, but that
has been corrected and um we are grateful to post to uh for coming back tonight and um doing this and getting it complete. >> Perfect. Uh, anyone in the public want to speak?
I don't see anybody here. Anyone online, Maddie, that wants to speak on this? >> Nobody online. >> I don't see anyone either. All right. Can you get a motion to close the hearing? Darren, >> move to close the public hearing regarding the alteration of premises
application for an annual all alcohol restaurant liquor license for Park Restaurant Group LLC. DBA post 1917. Second. >> Second by Melissa. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? 5 Z. Any other discussion on this before
we move on to the vote? >> All right, Karen. >> Move to approve the alteration of premises application for an annual all alcohol restaurant liquor license for Park Restaurant Group LLC, GBA Post 1917, located at 136 Haven Street, Unit
2. Second. >> Thanks. Seconded by Karen on that one. Uh, any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? 5. >> Thank you, Jason. I >> All right, Melissa will turn the second
heat off in here. >> All right, we are on to 750. Discuss and vote to approve the MWR borrowing for phase two, the lead project, page 31 in the back end. train was too. >> Um, sure. Well, I guess I'll start out.
So, we have the town treasurer on tonight. Diane Morbido is joining us online. She will um unmute her um microphone and be able to speak to this a little bit more. But if you have questions about the lead um service
placement project, Brian Pel is also with us to explain why this is a great program, why this is a really good uh borrowing opportunity because it's 0% loan and it's a 75% grant. So, I don't know if Ryan is available to correct me
if I'm wrong. >> Ryan, did you have something? >> Uh, no, that's that's correct. I I actually think it might be reversed. It might be a 75 uh% loan, 25% grant. >> Sorry about that.
>> Yeah, really up. >> Thank you, Ryan. >> Z, >> but it is a 0% over 10 years. That's correct. >> Board members, any questions? Karen, >> um I've been seeing some things around
is already a law in Massachusetts that we have to get rid of all the lead lines we identify or is it under discussion? Okay. Is that why we're doing this? Aside from the fact that we shouldn't be drinking lead in our water. >> It's bad. I hear it's bad. It's supposed to drink the lead. Not good. Um I'm
going to defer to Ryan if that's a law that passed. >> Um that is correct, Karen. That is a EPA mandate that we are required um in the next 10 years to remove all of the lead services out of the town of Reading. And I believe that took place in October
2024 and just was withheld upheld. um by the courts again. Um so that 10-year mark is correct. >> And and could I just ask I did notice it um talks about residential as well and I don't know I don't have any familiarity
of the process the town went through um and determine where the residential issues were. I I I trust that the municipal stuff you got under control. >> It's fascinating actually. I don't know Brian if you want to take a minute just to describe it but um how you guys have managed this part.
how we managed to get where we're we are and where what we know we have in our system. >> Here it is. Yes. >> Um so uh this goes back uh 10 maybe 10 years or so now. Um we completed a whole uh audit of our system. Um there was
over 16,000 uh water tie cars that we went through, old ones and recent cards and abandoned cars that we went through and we we came up with a list that we had. And then we also sent staff out whom uh Jane spoke very highly of the water department. They went out and also
trim that down. Uh we've sent out everyone in town, excuse me, everyone in town has been seeing letters that go out um roughly around November time frame. Uh we have to send those out by law until the lead services and galvanized services are removed from the ser uh from the the premises. That also
includes um services that we we just don't have record of just because you know we we we have a gap in the in the record keeping. That's very low, very small amount, but uh a very tremendous effort. We're down to just a few hundred
services left. So, not a lot at all. >> Okay. Thank you, >> Karen. >> Just a quick question. If you sent the information out to the households and you didn't hear back from them, do you follow up with them? We do we have to by law we keep sending
them out. Um sometimes we have some re residents that um you know it's too good to be true sometimes that we're replacing the services for free to the meter. So we have to educate them on that. Um but it is true the program's great. We do it on a first come first- serve basis. We also prioritize the ones
based on lead galvaniz and what we have for unknown. So, I do encourage anyone who received the letter that did not send it back, please fill it out uh the right of entry form and that gets you on the list that so for our next phase, we're going to have uh some two or three
sub subsequent phases through the MWA. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Just a quick question. I obviously support this, but was this planned borrowing >> or is this something that we didn't have on the books?
I would have >> Did Sharon have this in her numbers? Do we know? >> I want to say yes. But >> yes, I this >> was in uh planned capital. Yes. >> Thank you, >> Carlo. Anything?
>> I'm good. >> Um yeah, I remember this from a year or two. the select board finding out oh actually RPA I think on the ARPA committee I found out about the 0% with MW and encouraged us to take out the loan every single year the million
dollars that we can do because it's 0%. >> So it's foolish not to. Um so with this same thing take the money grants fantastic um but yeah no I'm good with it as well. >> Thank you Mr. Chairman. So, um, our
Thank you, Ryan. I appreciate that. Um, Diane, um, is on. If she can guide us through what you need to do to take your vote, you have it in front of you. And then there'll be some documents for folks to sign. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Diane, did you have a >> You are still muted. >> You're still muted. All right. Hello. >> There you go. >> Oh, we got you. >> Can you hear me? I just hopped on. I'm sorry. >> No worries. >> Yeah, we're just going over the
borrowing. Um how we're voting on it. >> Yeah. Can you just walk us through the borrowing? >> Um so they they um do the motion. I think you have a motion. >> Do do you want me to do my presentation? >> Do you want the presentation? >> I don't think we need a presentation.
0%. All right, >> they're good. >> I'm good. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Move to authorize the borrowing of 1,125,000 as authorized under article 15 of the May 8th, 2025 town meeting for phase two
of the MWR lead service replacements project on the terms and conditions presented today and to direct the treasur and town manager to execute any and all agreements necessary to secure said funds. >> Second. Seconded by Karen Herrick. Any discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor? I zero. >> Thank you much. >> Thank you. Thank you, Diane. >> Thanks. >> All right. Moving on. 755. Discuss and vote on an inclusion of ballot question
on the 2026 annual town election to consider charter amendments. Page 54 of the packet. Laura, did you have something? or somebody anybody >> well I didn't plan to but >> Oh whomever wants
>> this is question one will be going on the April town election ballot >> um to accept the changes that town meeting approved um right now the town clerk's office is in the process of um making copies uh to
get mailing out to mailers out to voters so they can see the changes um going forward uh to to the election and um then it will go as a home petition. That work is already underway with uh Brad
Johnson's office. >> You agree? >> I'm good. I agree. >> Um anybody else have any questions for Lara on this? It's two separate items. So the next one is its own separate question. Correct. That's why it's a
separate Okay. Board members, anything? Seeing nothing. Anyone from the public? Anyone online? Maddie, >> can't amend this. >> Nobody online. >> All right, Karen, did you have a motion?
>> Move. Pursuant to GL chapter 54 section 42C to direct the town manager to send written notice to the town clerk that ballot questions shall be added to the 2026 annual town election to consider the charter amendments approved at special town meeting in November 2025 as
prepared and before the board today. >> Second by Melissa. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor? 5-0. All right. Next one is semi- similar
discussion vote on distribution of proposed charter changes to the voters. Page 100 in the packet. >> That's right. And that is the discussion to actually distribute those changes to our voters in town. So that is a project the town clerk's office is working on
right now. It's a mer. >> Okay. >> It's going to be mailed to everyone correctly. >> Every household with a registered voter. Okay. >> Um, and it the charter itself will be mailed um as as presented to the
attorney general's office. Um, so it'll be the actual charter, not a red line copy and then the uh letter as you see on the screen will come from my office. >> Do we have any idea on cost for printing that? That seems like a lot of money.
Um, so I've been doing some calculations on cost. If we do it inhouse, it's going to be approximately $30,000. If we send it out to a printer, it'll be about $42,000.
The postage alone is uh just over $24,000. >> Added to that or that's included? >> That's included. Melissa, >> is it necessary to send it to every household or could there be an option to
see it online? >> Uh, according to the way that the law is written, we have to send it to every household. It's a Massachusetts general law. >> Thank you. The interesting thing is just um um 10
years ago when we did this it cost about the same about 30,000. >> Yeah. >> I know this didn't because we sent out a lot more information 10 years ago. It has to do with the weight. >> Oh yeah.
>> Kyler, you add something? >> I just have a general question. If uh this doesn't pass for some crazy reason, >> you're just keeping the old charter. >> Correct. >> Anybody else? Anyone from the public? Anyone online? Maddie,
>> not seeing any hands. >> All right, Karen, do I have a motion for this one? Move, pursuant to general law, chapter 43b, section 11, to direct the town clerk to distribute to each residents of one or more registered voters a copy of the charter amendments
approved at the special town meeting in November 2025 and which are the subject of the 2026 annual town election ballot question. >> Second. >> Second by Melissa. Any discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor?
5. Get all this signed. Thank you, Laura. Hopefully we find some forever stamps somewhere. >> We do have some leftover from last election. >> Okay, good. >> Take them out.
>> Good investment. All right. Uh 805. Uh preview the town meeting warrant page 103 in the packet. Okay. Are you ready? Uh, would you like me to just go through these one at a
time and if you have questions, >> we'll think because a lot we won't have questions. >> Yeah, a lot of these are standard. We've seen these before. Okay. So, article one, as you know, is election on April 7th. Um, that's standard. Uh, question one
will be the ballot question. That'll be in a warrant that'll have already happened by the time I get to town meeting. Okay. Um, article two is the state of the town report. I imagine uh the board chair will be doing that report.
Um, we don't anticipate there'll be any other reports at night um at this time. Article three is um the instructional motions. Article four is our capital improvement program um that will be presented.
See, I know Sharon also is online if you have questions for her. >> Article five are the FY26 budget amendments. Those will be the budget amendments that um the CFO brings forward to amend the current year's budget.
Uh article C's the prior year goals. It's just a routine uh item. I don't know that we have any right now. I don't believe we have any right now. Article seven is OPED. um and that will be presented by the CFO. Article eight uh are the revolving fund
limits that have to be amended every year. That will have to go to the bylaw committee as well prior to town meeting. Um so that's routine article. Article nine is also um housekeeping.
Let's see. This is um article 9 is a housekeeping and Sharon can correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that um an a debt authorization was approved and um
they had to go back and approve um something else with it. Bond council found it. And Sharon, I'm going to ask you to jump in and clear this up, but basically what ended up happening is there are two loan authorizations out there and one needs to be rescended. So
what had happened was back in um April of 2015 um we had an MWA loan grant offering um and maybe was the first one where it was loan in grant um and so 75% of the money was going to be grant and
25% was a loan an interest free loan um when we brought it to town meeting we erroneously only authorized the um loan portion but it would work similar to like an MSBA project where you have to authorize the whole project even though some of it's coming to you from the
MSBA. Same sort of situation. So when we when we submitted the articles to our um bond council, they were like, "You didn't do this right. Go back and fix it at the next town meeting," which we did in November. However, um when the motion was written, um they put um the loan
portion in there, not just the grant portion that was missing. And so they duplicated the authorization for that $422,000 of loans. So once we issued it, it still sat on our books because, you know, when we anything we wrote at town meeting
goes to our bond council and bond council had the certified article like you never rescended this. And we didn't realize that that I didn't realize at the time that we had authorized the loan portion twice. So when we were reconciling with bond council and our bonding agent, we recognized that this
is a an item that just is sitting out there that needs to be rescended because it was a duplicate. >> All righty. >> Amazing. So it's really just a housekeeping piece. >> Okay. Um article 10 is the will be the FY27 budget. That'll be the long
conversation. Um article 11. So, I'm just going to take a moment to stop here and explain this one because this is challenging and a little bit confusing. Um, first of all, there's not any language in here for you to look at. So, that is still looking back and forward with IRA. Um, we received an
award for a park grant for to defay up to $100,000 worth of cost from the pickle ball program. When we applied for the park grant, we told them that we have a shared parking plan for shared parking. So, the pickle
ball um parking will be behind Burbank as we're all aware. Um in order to have the park rent, they want to have parking deed to the parson and that is done in
perpetuity. So it all is dedicated to recreation in perpetuity. So if the state says if you accept a park grant of any kind, that land has to be recreation forever and it has to have some parking attached to it. So uh that just because
there's parking attached to it doesn't mean it's where we will be having the pickle ball players park. But if in 50 years something happens that's all recreation and there is parking next to it. So some of the internal conversation we're having is how do we subdivide this
parcel to make that work and that's up to time meeting and the select board to see if you want to do that because it's sort of these are my words a bit of a golden handcuff from the park grant in order to take the $100,000
we have to do this sort of thing which is administratively possible it's not really hard to do Um, so that's part of the conversation we've had. Uh, we don't recommend putting the whole recal recal parking
lot and pickle ball parcel into uh, recreation uh, conser, you know, forever because for $100,000 we' basically be saying we could never develop that land 50 years from now, 100 years from now, whenever. Imagine 100 years from now something
will change. Um that's what the restriction that's what taking is. So the in order to have the park ramp we have to put the pickle ball courts dedicated to recreation in perpetuity and we would subdivide that little section of parking there. It's just on
paper you wouldn't notice it in real life. That would be >> piece or not? >> No it's not it's our recal parking lot. So it's just it's it's immediately adjacent. But when we went through CBDC and all that, we said our parking for pickle ball will be in the back of that
Burbank lot there. So that the getting into the the details of what the warrant article is, you know, I just wanted to give you a sense of what this is all about right now. So,
um it's uh it's we apply for grants to see if we can get grants and if they make sense, we we accept that gift. Is that a recommend is that a a restriction that we're comfortable with? That's fine as a community. Or if we're not, we can reject that and say, "Thank you very
much, the state. This does not suit uh what Reading's looking for. It's $100,000. Our budget came in um our construction budget came in low. um we can afford to do this project um within our within our budget uh within what's
been approved and with the generous gifts and other funding sources that's already been previously identified. >> Carlo, >> so just so I understand the pickle ball courts and the parking
or just the parking for forever recreation >> just a section of that parking. So what we would do is we'd bring a plan before a town meeting to subdivide the lot. And so on paper that first strip of parking that's immediately adjacent to the
pickle ball courts would forever be attached to the pickle ball courts as parking for our use purposes. Our plan which we were very clear about with with park is that we would have our pickle ball players park across the street >> right
>> cross range road. 20 years pickle ball dies and we want to put a fire station there. We can't >> can't put it on the parking spaces. >> We we can't put it on if we wanted to tear down the courts, which we would never want to do. But if we wanted to
No, I no future use it would it would always be recreation. So that would that would be the agreement is that the courts and that little section of parking there would always be for recreation. It's it limits what we can do. Is is it
worth 100? Is our town engineer is fond of the term is the juice worth the squeeze? That's the question that's before the board and it's on no warrant right now. It can come before the board or you can say no, we we don't we don't want to pursue this and or you can let
Tammy make your decision >> and you don't have to decide tonight and if you have more questions we will go I will answer those for you. >> Would be nice but I don't know whatever. >> What' you say? >> A poll of us would be nice because I don't want it on there but that's just me.
>> Anyone else have any feedback? Karen, >> um, recreation is very popular in this community. Um, and um, you know, I don't have a problem with that. I am I am we're hearing tonight that Mata Cabin is closed and we don't
have the money to open it up and um, so I'm comfortable with this. Could you you talked about the pickle ball project was approved up to a certain amount, but you talked about other identified funding sources besides >> right which were what again? So, we had
$100,000 from the recreation uh capital annually, um $200,000 from the Burbank fund, and then $225,000 from the RPPA uh donation >> and and the project um bid came in at
>> came in at 1.15 million. So, I think it works out to something like $663,000. >> The lights, without the lights, >> with the lights. >> With the lights in the seventh court, and they're all accessible courts, but one is like wheelchair accessible. So,
it's got bigger margins. >> And And to go back to the recreation 100,000. That's that's one year. >> That's that's just one year's budget for their capital improvements. >> Yes. That's like Okay. I know. I know.
Tell me did that and I respect them. I don't hope nothing else breaks for an entire year. Okay. I'm still fine with this. Um that whole area is is recreation um
uh oriented with the ice arena and the ball fields in the back and the walking trail we're talking about. But that whole front part, if in the future people decide there's a better solution for recals and seniors, that whole that's still a big chunk of In my opinion, that's a big chunk of property
that the town could do something else with. >> Sure. >> Anyone else have any feedback on this? >> Um, Jane, so if we take the 100,000, are we able to give them back 100,000 in the future or once we get it? That's it.
>> I think I'm speculating here, but part of our conversation was in the future you might have to pay them back if you if you violate some portion of the grant. >> Okay. Well, >> give it back. >> Well, with interest >> right now. >> Five spaces are holding something up.
>> I I I don't >> No, no. Well, I I believe that the um the administrator who's in charge of Parkin came to view it as a Reading native. So, doesn't live here now, but grew up in town. So, very active. >> Oh, the
>> the administrator at Park Yeah. who came. Um, so >> we're building a 50-year building. Can you promise these courts are going to last 20 years? >> They should last 20 years. >> This is It's a 50-year building. >> I guess I like the fact that we could
potentially pay it back if you ever want to do I don't know something else there. You know what I mean? So, >> I'll inquire into that with council. >> You could just >> I'm happy to. Happy to. Yep. >> Can I ask a question? >> Yes. Wouldn't the spaces also be used at
recal? I mean, recreation goes on at recal. So, even >> Yeah. Yeah. So, no, the spaces can be used for >> I know they may be used, but can we under the premise of it's either for pickle ball, but if we're not using it for pickle ball, there's a recreation in
the building. So, can we kind of There's a huge flood and the pickle ball courts, you know, melt away and we don't rebuild them. We can still keep the money because recal is technically recreationbased. >> I see where you're going with it. Um,
very creative. Um, >> I like it. >> I like I like it. Uh, and we did talk a little bit about something like that, right? But those those spots will always be used in that space, but if we had to divide it for whatever reason, you would have to divide with those those parking
spots going at an accessible parking spot going through the courts. >> Okay. >> Okay. Um, or we could make the whole parcel dedicated to recreation, but I think it really limits what the town can do. And I don't know that it's great to handcuff a a town 50 years from now for
ever being able to change that. >> Trying to avoid giving the money back. >> I Yeah, it's it's not for the size of this project, it's a good grant to get, right? Um, in the grand scheme of things, giving up our right to maybe do
something in the future. I don't know that the town would want to do that whole parcel, but the portion of the courts, you know, maybe >> we can put the pool in there next time. >> Goes out of style, we can build that pool. >> We can we just Yeah, I love that.
>> Okie dokie. >> All right. Thank you. So, I will I will find out that for you, Council, Mr. Haley. I'll get back to you on that. >> All right. So, thank you for taking some time to go over article 11. Um, article 12. This is so that we can um have liquor sales on Sunday beginning at
10:00 a.m. It's the brunch question. Okay. Right now we can sell at noon, but we can't go earlier than that. Uh, so this will allow that. Uh, there was some appetite from a previous restaurant who was before the board. So that's what this is. So >> is that the one to adopt the language
that we could have done a decade ago or is this something separate? Because I know we had to adopt some language first. It's accepted provisions. Okay. >> So, yeah, I think that's correct. Yep. Which was >> and then after this gets then the selector will be able to vote on this one way or the other to be able to enact
what is accepted. >> Correct. >> Or not. >> That's right. >> Okay. >> Yep. That's correct. >> Okay. Uh so that's article 12. Article 13, this is the Community Preservation Act.
And so um we this is what could be coming before the board and then I think the plan is to have that on a ballot in the fall. So this is to um accept uh the laws
related to the community preservation act um which would I think uh based on the last presentation they were looking at a 1% search charge. If I could just ask a clarifying thing on that the loophole
mindset that I'm always under. I would strike this selectively from mention being mentioned in the beginning of that. >> I thought you would ask that question. >> I anticipated this. I I anticipated that. >> Um so we could uh the the the CPA
committee that ad hoc committee has the right charter to put something on. So we could change that to say the ad hoc CPA committee if you guys are fine with that. >> I'm fine either way. >> Okay. >> I want to make sure they have the credit for the amazing presentation that town
meeting is going to get they've done. >> Okay. Let me just make a note of that article 13. Maddie, are you getting that? >> Yep. Thank you. >> Okay, perfect.
Okay, article 14. Um, this is the uh stabilization fund for the unified sports. And so um in here it talks about what the purpose is. And it says um that these this stabilization fund would be
used to provide unified sports within the town but providing funding for the coach, athletic trainer, support staff, officials and referees, transportation and equipment expenses. I spoke with the superintendent of schools last week to
get the details of what they're looking for in funding. Um it's important to note that stabilization fund is is a mechanism for funding unified sports. It is maybe not the only or the highest or the best, but it is a mechanism to do
that. Um and we have um brought that forward for the uh for the warrant and your discussion. There's also um under section three it says you can dedicate no it says to dedicate no more than 50%. That was part
of the conversation with the arena authority. Um, but we were told by council that it can be uh any number. It could be 100% of their lease payments. It could be 25% of their lease payments. The select board can amend that if they wish. It can also be amended on town
meeting floor. >> And then just really briefly, I know it was brought up earlier. Where do we I know I somewhat know where we stand with the Burbank agreement if I have asked me that. Um just where we're at. So if you want to just
>> give an update for everyone else. >> Happy to. Um so we it's slowed down over the winter going back and forth between council and so once council talks we don't talk to each other. Council talks to each other and that's appropriate. Um we are very close. Uh we've been going
back and forth. Um we I spoke with Iria today about this topic because I want to land this plane as soon as possible. Um it is her belief that we will bring it back before you on March. >> I would say that's the only way that it would get brought back. It has to be
done before we go ahead and just move this to town meeting. >> I appreciate I don't want town meeting to happen and it happens the day before. >> Yep. >> It's like if it's not done in time here, I don't know what to tell you. That's just my opinion.
>> I would I appreciate that direction. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Oh, Karen. >> Um, I was anticipating this to hit town meeting in the fall. We had discussed that. I'm not sure why it's here. Um,
and it seems premature given the rest of the contract. Um, we haven't seen it. There's no drafts. The board hasn't come and talked to us. The Riverbank board hasn't come talked to us. And I did finally get a chance to um review the writing Ice Arena
Authority numbers which were provided to us um mid January. And um there's no rent payment coming. So um this this why why are we doing this? And I would love us to have a better discussion maybe
with Fincom as part of the upcoming financial forums. What is a good way to fund um uh the sports programs that our our community needs? And um this and we made these comments
last time, but um we are due to have an operational review with them. Um and and we've had comments that from a number of select board members that this is may not be the best way to do this and as you also alluded that so I I I don't
want to see this it's premature to put this before a town meeting and and what that means is we put something before town meeting before we've really baked it or thought it through and means we'll spend a whole night talking about it or we could at the last minute um decide to
table I mean, that's an option, too. But it it I was expecting November, and there's I don't see why we would rush to put this on here now. >> So, Jane, I know that we brought this before the select board previously with
a draft agreement that was outlining everything and that's where the potential 50% number came from. Yeah, I think that >> what is the difference between now and then? Because to me it seems as if this should have taken
like 10 minutes after that. Like are we going to get like 19 new pages? Are we talking words going to get changed? And it's always lawyers with being lawyers. >> Um our lawyers our lawyers are good. Their their attorney is is good as well. Um it's it's some pieces of it. Um where
the accessible spot is for pickle ball is in a bad spot for where they access the rear of their building and so it shouldn't go there. It needs to go somewhere else. So we understand they have a gate in the back that they would like to keep and we have tried to
negotiate that out. We've also working on the term of the how long the agreement will last before we renew it. we have pushed for a longer term. Um because for example um if we were to do a shorter term like a one year the recal
wouldn't be open by the time that were to end. So just pickle ball would be open. So seeing how that shared parking agreement would work. So it's it's little things like that but they're important things that need to be ironed out. I mean so that's where the negotiation is going back and forth. But no matter what, we need an agreement
from Burbank to be able to move forward with recal or kickball, right? Like there's no take axis. We need something in writing to be able to move forward. >> We do. >> Okay. >> Y we're very close and very encouraged.
So >> Melissa, >> so just a clarifying question. You believe we will have a final agreement with Burbank before our next meeting and before we have to
approve a town warrant. >> That is the discussion that Avery and I had today. >> Okay. >> So, if the boards if that can't be secured >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I I do agree that that agreement needs to be a done deal before
this gets put on. >> So do I. >> Okay. >> So do I. >> Carlo, >> no. Just to Melissa's point, so we have a meeting in March. Oh, to Melissa's point, we have a meeting in March, early March. And I know future agenda is on
here. We closing the Mar that meeting or the next meeting? >> I think next meeting. >> The next meeting on the >> Okay. So that would be discussion the five of us on the amendment. Vote it vote it not vote on it and then
the warrant. Okay. Okay. Anything else? >> I thank the board for their clarity. Oh, >> I do. >> Okay. >> Um, so I just I made substantive um requests for the contract. Um, and I've
had long conversations with um, our town accountant, our CFO. >> They need to pay us rent. There should be a line item in their budget that says this is their lease payment to the town of Reading.
I can't I can't expect to see a contract back that only talks about the stabilization fund and only talks about parking. That That's just not okay. And so what we haven't seen since we had
a substantive discussion and we made a number of us made several comments about what needs to change in that lease. None of it's come back. I haven't seen anything. So um it's not just lawyers like you know and I realize there'd be technical issues. Got all that on the parking and
and I'm fine with that. And this really shouldn't even be here. We should just be negotiating a parking. It is our property and we can have we can come to a wonderful um collaborative agreement to allow them to have overflow
and us to facilitate the pickle ball without having to have the Burbank Ice Arena come in the board come in and decide that they're going to tell the town how they're going to spend their revenue which they don't pay us anyway
two years running and they have no commitment. It says right in there um it says right in there um audited results the lease is fully variable and contingent on revenue letters. No roou right of use asset and lease liability
were recorded on the accompanying ballot sheets. They're not paying us any revenue. So what this is just silly if they make a commitment. I mean I I I just as a select board member I need to see more than just Burbank wants this so
we're giving it to him despite them despite the fact that I've been a leazison for three years. I've I know the lease inside out. I read their financials every year and and they are residents for the most part and
we are responsible for bringing revenue into the revenue so into the residents to deal with our fiscal crisis. So I just this is >> okay. >> I would really like to see some concrete action in this contract where they start
paying us rent and and then town meeting can if this goes forward and again I was expecting it in November. Um but then town meeting can have a similar debate and we're going to hear it. We heard a public comment tonight. We're going to hear town meeting members say,
"What does the ice arena have to do with how we fund this important program in the town?" We should have um a discussion about how do we fund unified sports in on a reliable source of revenue. Wreck wreck, for example,
wreck's fabulous at generating revenue. >> Okay, maybe that's these guys are not fabulous at generating revenue and they don't work well with others. But um okay, I'll just get off a little topic. That's it. >> Yeah, I I think you got way off topic
there at the end. It is crystal clear in their lease that you just mentioned. They do not have to pay us rent ever. Zero dollars have to come to this town. Do I agree with that? No. I think we should get something. But the fact of the matter is it's in their lease that
they signed and the town signed and we can't just go ahead and be like, you know what, now you're going to have to give us money. That's going to have to come from somewhere. But we could take >> that is not mischaracterizing. They're not required. I absolutely have to mischaracterizing. >> I am not they not required to give us
any rent money, Karen, ever. it's over a certain amount that they have to that they have to turn back after they already have their expenses and their um uh cush the cushion that they have built in.
>> So the bread bank arena can't like from a pure business standpoint. >> Okay. So >> I do not signed one-sided agreements. Me personally or anybody in the for that matter or whatever is the name onesided agreement. Not just let's be good
neighbors. You win everything and I lose everything. That's what that would turn into if we decided to just blow this whole thing up. I I don't think that is the right approach at all. >> Karen, did you add something? >> So I guess am am I confused in the sense
of the stabilization fund. Are we gonna are we going to fund it in other ways in addition to the Burbank money? Because if we're just going to fund it with the Burbank money and we're not getting any rent payments from to begin with, we're
funding it with zero. So, >> we absolutely should have a discussion going forward about how we can add additional money to >> That's what I'm talking about. So, I think it's very >> it's very confusing on the senses. If we're going to vote on this at town meeting in a in, you know, a month or two months, I don't think we have enough
information on how we can say if we get nothing from Burbank, we still have to pay a coach, we have to pay this, you know, is that putting You're shaking your head. So, I feel like I'm not understanding a lot of this. >> Okay. I apologize. >> Oh, it's not your fault. It It just
could be me and I'm having a a >> No, your fault. No, no, no. I think I think you're asking important questions and you know the public benefits from the discussion right >> so um >> so there's three provisions to this article the first one is to create the stabilization fund and the purpose for
which monies can be expended from it which I read earlier coach etc um then we have to um accept particular paragraph that talks about what kind of fund it is and then number three is
where we're dedicating funds from these lease payments, a portion of those funds to this stabilization fund. Um, I don't want to guess as to can we put other things into it. I think we can if people want to write a check to the stabilization fund for the purposes of
unified sports that could happen. But um, what this really does is it creates a mechanism for these funds to be put aside for expenditure. It is not an appropriation. Town meeting would decide, okay, we want to we want to use
$25,000 from the stabilization fund in fiscal 30 and if there's money in that stabilization fund until meeting approves, then that money would go out. So, it's it would it's not automatically spent that way. >> It seems confusing and I thank you for
the explanation. I think it's very because I know we all want more unified sports and I think it kind of makes it sound like this is going to be great. We're gonna funds are going to be rolling in, but in reality, how is it going to continue moving
forward if the fun if the stabilization fund is not funded and and Burbank is not profitable next year? Where are how is unified sports going to continue how they're going now? Do you know what I mean? No, I totally understand what
you're saying. Yeah, and that's really a question for the school committee, I would say, and to the school department for right now, I think they're relying on the $25,000, I believe, that they're funding it with person, you know, the school committee is funding it with and
then um donations that they're receiving. >> Okay. >> So, I think that's how it's funded right now. And so what they're looking to do is create the stabilization fund that takes some of the pressure off those donations and allows the program to expand because it they want to be able to expand it. So they've really
throttled it because they they can't you know make it better right now. >> So the town has to have the stabilization fund. This can't be something that the school school department can do. >> Burbank pays the town. >> Thank you for reminding me. >> These are very good questions for town
meeting that we can have. answered in advance because >> yes, I agree that 0% of zero is still going to be zero. We all agree on that and if there's other avenues that can get explored like you said if you have to have a joint meeting with the school
committee or whatever we can do absolutely we should be doing that but like what's before us is before us and where bank has given back millions to the town over the course >> back millions Chris you're mischaracter >> over the course of their the whole term
of their lease >> well I'm sure I'll be I'm sure I'll be fact checked on that >> I I vaguely recall it being two million but I could way off. Um so but yes, it would also incentivize more ways for
Burbank to raise revenue knowing that this would be going towards something that you know they wanted this created kind of thing and it's a a great um partnership for the town to have and it just makes it feel like your money is going towards something rather than just
sitting in some fund. So, I could kind of see them coming up with potential new and unique ways to to raise revenue over there. Um, >> not in this contract though. It's a great Yeah. No, I >> we have to have a discussion with them
to say, are you going to commit to the fundraising? I mean, we could scratch Burbank Iserena out of here and still create a stabilization fund if we really think that's the most the best financial tool to do this. >> We still need the parking car. >> Yeah. I I I I I
>> that's the being held hostage. Yeah. >> Well, it's we're the ones that decided to put the building and not Burbank. So, they're not holding us hostage. We decided to go ahead and move >> they are us hostage. >> You say so. >> We are because they are getting benefit
out of it. Am I Am I wrong? because I thought that the other parking benefit like we could have a strictly parking agreement and that's what this was intended to be where I understand that they want to use recal for overflow if they need it. >> We've offered that and so that is where the licensing agreement comes in. Yep.
And I'm not sure they're going to there is mutual parking benefit. I'm not sure that Burbank will actually need to utilize it and they've switch um so but we have we have done that. Thank you >> Carlo.
Thanks. I I I you know this is the lease is a whole different discussion than the parking agreement in this and the the simplest way I can put it article 14 is right now there's three tools in the toolbox and this is tool number four and
whether you need the tool or use the tool is just another tool. So right, there's always going to be money needed for all sports, but unified sports is usually unfortunately at the top of the list. So this is just another mechanism,
like Jane said, another tool to say, okay, this year there's 30 grand ads, next year there's 60, next year there's 20 because we spent whatever I just did math on. So it's just another tool in the toolbox and this will be a big
discussion at town meeting. uh because of what else is included in the language, but the parking agreement we knew from the beginning for these two projects was going to have to be an agreement agreed by both parties. And if
we want to put this on the warrant, it was on the warrant and now meeting gets to vote on it. So, um you know, I want to see it on the warrant. To me, it's a tool in the toolbox and that's as simple as it is. Anything
else on this one? >> Should we take a vote on this one? >> Just a preview. >> I think we will be >> we don't have a vote on our >> Yeah. >> What will happen Karen for then I'll see the future but we've we've done your
scenario in the past. So um I'll talk about it then. >> Article 15. >> Yes 15. I'm sure it's limiting. Thrilling. It's the Parker Turf Field. Very important. >> Not the roof. >> Not the roof. The turf field. Um, so
this is uh this is an article to uh as you can see here, full replacement of the turf field installations and bleachers, upgrades to the ADA compliant access, improvements to and new site amenities and costs incidental and related there too. That's the language.
Um, we're looking at an estimate of 1.7 million >> to be done >> raised and appropriated to be done. >> What? >> Yeah. Yeah. To be completed. Yeah. >> Just curious. >> A certain date. >> Yeah. >> It would happen sometime in FY27.
>> Yeah. >> Melissa, >> is this on our capital plan? >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yep. This is in the capital. Was this someone we argued over turf and real grass or is that another field? We did this like
>> No, it was this was it about it. >> It was because um Sharon got surprised by how passionate people were about grass and church. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um any any questions related to that?
>> Okay. Um, article 16, this is the MW borrowing for the SCADA system. So, this is Joseph Way sewer station and Brewer Lane sewer project. Um, it's so it's not just SCADA, it's the design, the improvement and the installation of new
pump stations, gravity sewer electrical SCADA and the pavement and all the cost and so forth with these two sewer pump stations. This is on our capital plan. Uh, we're looking at 3.1 million. We do recommend that we keep our sewer systems working
well, my friends. So, >> right, >> this is this is what we do. This what we have done in the past. >> That's right. >> Did one other one since I've been on the board and they found arsenic in the ground and that stop. >> That's right. I will say that um Brian
Pinsell is available online. He's unmuted if he wants to if it's the board's pleasure to have him uh give some color on these articles. Does anyone want anything or we're all good with it was in the plan? >> Um, sure. I would love to follow up on
that question. We've done multiple pump stations. They don't all have arsenic, but I remember the half a million dollar arsenic one. >> I killed them. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, um I >> I'd love to know um how far engineering has gone, what their feelings are, whether they've done any testing yet or if it's this is all to even just get
started. >> Sure. Right. >> So, Ryan, did you have something? >> Uh yeah, great question. Um this is actually uh about 90% designed already. We we uh we asked for design money previous town meeting. We're looking for construction money to replace the
station. Um during the design we already did some test borings to identify the types of soil and we also did some environmental sampling as of which we have no um no understanding of anything that could be there that's contaminated.
Uh that's not to say that we don't have a pocket of something there. Um but we have a really good understanding of uh the borings that we took and there's nothing present at this moment. >> Good news is >> how many do we have left, Ryan?
>> We have we have 12 stations total as of today. We have replaced one two three four station five stations including Longwood. This would be se uh six and seven. And then we only have about three
left. Uh I'm sorry. We're I might have missed a few there. We have 12 total and I think seven remaining after this after these. >> Thanks. I >> think we're all good. >> Thank you very much. Article 17 is the
last article on the warrant right now unless we add piece. Um and so this is an act to increase kennel safety. This is Ali's law and we would be adopting uh the requirements of that. Um I believe that
town clerk Mayor Jem has brought this forward. Um because she is in charge of uh dog licensing and kennel licensing. Um so this is a really interesting um thing that more people are Go ahead Laura. >> Yeah. If you want to just explain what
Ali's law is. This is the first I'm hearing of it. >> So, Ali's law um passed in September of 2024 and uh went into effect January 1st of 2025. Um it was put into place to protect dog.
It was called Ali's Law because he he was one that was mauled and mangled at a kennel because of not having enough um uh security and uh safety placement and they had too many dogs in the kennel
which hence caused this law to be passed. Our Iowa law needs to match need to change to match the new law. So, there'll be a few changes dealing with kennels only um to just match the numbers of how many
dogs you're allowed per square feet, how many employees you're required to have per number of dogs and that sort of thing. >> Do we have any kennels in Re? >> We have two commercial kennels. >> Really? >> Yes. >> Doggy daycare type places. >> Yeah. Huh?
>> K9 >> Canyon and um Eden and Biscuit. >> There's one of them next to Bagel World over there. Is that okay? >> K9 performance. >> Okay. >> Um and then we also have several residential kennels part of kennel
terminology of residential is anybody that has five mill dogs. They have to be licensed as well. >> And did they get notified about this or will they? >> Yes. As long as the notification goes out, too. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, our bylaw doesn't match
the number of dogs and that sort of thing. So, that's stuff we have to change. >> Okay. >> Anyone else have questions for Laura Karen? >> Um, does our bylaw say you can have up to three dogs? Currently,
>> our bylaw says four or more and it needs to say five. >> If you have up to three, you're not a kennel. If you have or a kennel. >> Correct. >> So, we're actually um So, then residents can now have four dogs and not be a kennel. >> Correct.
>> Yeah. But our bylaws say that they are we have to just raise it to five. >> We have residential kennels in town. But that's Sorry, were you >> I was gonna say >> sometimes we can be more strict than the
state laws when it sounds like right now our bylaw is more strict than the state law. >> That is correct. >> Is that correct? >> And we we can leave it um at four if if we choose to. We we have to either match or be more restrictive.
But um I mean town meeting town meeting needs to decide do you want to match the law or be more restrictive. I think we might want to talk about that because um I think tell me members we want them to weigh in on whether we're okay with
people having four dogs not being a kennel because as a 30-year re re 30-year resident um I don't you know that was a thing when we when we decided that um so people have feelings about that but we probably just want to be
clear that I mean I I support this if you think this is a good thing I just um that little difficulty where now we're going to have allow four four dogs where we've historically said in Reading we allow you to have three dogs, three
pets. I it just be >> so the only purpose between the residential um kennel license is that it allows the uh animal control officer to go and make sure that the dog that the
dogs have room to run that they have the appropriate food and water inside and outside um and that there's no hoarding going no animal hoarding going on. Um it It's been determined that by state law
that if you have five dogs, then you need to be inspecting. But >> has the board of health um had a chance to look at this? >> Um they're aware of it. Yes. Have they had a chance to look at the changes that we're making? No. Because we we have to go through and actually do the change
and determine what we're going to suggest. So, um I'll be going through the file while I'm making the changes. It'll go to the board of health, town council and all that and bylaw committee. >> Yeah.
>> Anything else? >> RPD. You want to talk to RPD, our dog officer? >> He's part of >> Okay. Thank you. >> I think we're good. Jane, I >> think we're good. >> Thanks, Laura. >> Thank you, Warren. >> Yep. >> Thank you, Laura.
>> And 18 is just removing vacant time meeting members. >> I think that's correct. Yes. >> Yeah. >> Um question um to our earlier discussion um >> um the park grant and the designated as
recreation land. has the recreation um committee um been made aware of this and it it would be helpful to have them not raise their hands later and said you didn't even ask us about designating this and and maybe they have an opinion and they'd like to provide it to town
meeting and usually go through the related committees. >> It's a great idea to the >> park grant >> and permanently designated new area as recreation. Thank you. >> Thank you. recent meetings. I don't
remember being discussed, but I don't know. Jim would know. >> I don't I don't know that he's discussed it. Um like officially he may have mentioned that we got a park rain or something, but I think >> yeah, I don't think they brought it up for discussion. I mean, it's up to the you know, it's town meeting to vote
these things or you know, select work to say yes or no, we don't really want to we don't want that money or whatever and take it off. So, um, but I don't think it's bad. I invite them into that conversation >> meeting article and we had members of the conservation commission saying, "You
missed us. This is part, you know, this is what we do for a living. You missed us. It didn't go well and I, you know, I want a town meeting to go well." >> So do I. >> I love that. That's I think it would be worthwhile for them to potentially take
a p position on it. >> Probably before we vote on it, but if not when do they meet? At once a month. >> Once a month. >> So maybe at their next meeting if they're able. >> Yep. I'll talk to Jim tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Anyone have any public comment on town
meeting? Nancy >> Nancy doctor Pearl Street precinct one meeting number um I'm very concerned that you're putting article 14 on the warrant the instructional motion was what are the options that town and
school are exploring to fund unified I have yet to see any of the options that are presented any of the rationes for why they're being rejected I don't know where that discuss discussion is um who was in the room I've asked this back last year. Who was in the room with
Burbank directors when this deal was made? I would like some transparency because obviously there's some deal and Mr. Bachi alluded to tonight that this parking issue with Burbank was a known issue. How come it's never been brought
up in any of the public forums for any of these? They were in double digits. This is in fact unacceptable for the Burbank directors to hijack
town meeting and tell us what to do with taxpayer money. This is not acceptable. There are so many issues that smell in this. This should not be on the warrant. There's so much that has not been disclosed to the public and you are going to set yourselves up bringing
article 14 before the public. I asked you last year, was this incompetency or corruption? Because that's what article 14 looks like. This should not be on the warrant. You have not done your due diligence to present to the taxpayers.
And it's not about unified sports. It's about the process. I happen to have grown up in Wisconsin. I like to know how my sausages are made. This is not being transparent. Thank you. >> Anyone on Zoom? Maddie, >> I do not see any hands raised.
>> I don't either. >> Can I make a comment? >> Yep. Uh just for full disclosure, I have not been invited or been aware of any uh board meetings and I did not take place
discuss anything to do with the parking nature. >> So if you're insinuating that I had something to do with this. >> Okay. I just want to make it clear tonight. >> I don't know. I forget what I said, but I'm just making it clear for the record that I have not talked to anyone about
the parking agreement or have been or been to board meetings that this was discussed. >> Thanks Karen. >> I'd like to make the same disclosure and I actually see that as a problem. But I'm also a liazison and I have been involved in no conversations, invited to
no meetings, see no minutes recently, nothing. >> Thanks Karen. Uh I would also make the same disclosure uh with the one caveat that every single one of us out here is always expected to do the right thing
anyway. And if someone is not just specifically the prior speaker or anybody in general can always file an ethics complaint regarding anything but I believe all five of us that is all five of us for the record are doing
everything that we can to be the most ethical and upstanding uh board members up here. So any insinuation otherwise until it's proven um with actual evidence is just completely unwarranted
for all five of us. Anybody else? I forget where we are. I think we're moving on a second. >> I think we ended the warrant public comment. >> Perfect. >> Yep. So >> all right. So preview time meeting warrant. what you're going to do for the
next meeting. That's when we're going to vote on it >> and um hopefully have some things tied up on that. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Y >> All right. Uh 820 discuss the usage of Robert's rules of order as select board guidance. Uh Karen, you requested this.
The Flumer is yours. >> Um thank you. I actually requested discuss and vote. So if you'd like to table this and just take it up another night, I'm fine with that, too. >> It is on the agenda for tonight. >> I I requested discuss and vote. This is a five minute discussion. We could be done with this, but I mean you don't
have vote on here. So, do you want to just table it and do it next time? >> I would prefer to just handle it now. >> So, if you have something back, >> so I have to make a new request back. >> If the board wishes to take a position
on it, then yes, we would be uh voting next time around. But the um instinct that I have is this was already discussed during our selected retreat that you refused to come to and I feel
as if um we went through it then and I don't see the need to have it go forward but you want it on the agenda much already telling you that we already discussed this back then but here it is. So, here is your time to make your case >> to the Bible.
>> I'd like to make a motion to table this article, please, or table this um agenda item. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> I will take a vote. All those in favor to table it opposed.
The motion does not carry. So, continuing Aaron, what would you like to discuss? Robert is we could stay on topic. >> Okay. The retreat has nothing to do with this. Neither does my attendance or non-attendance at the retreat. I would
we have been asked any number of times um multiple times, three or four times specifically to go ahead and adopt please adopt Robert's rules of order and please abide by Robert's rule of order. So I would like to I would like us to adopt Robert's rule of order. And that's
really it for the discussion. We can't vote tonight. I asked for a discussion vote. Um, so as I said, we brought this up during the retreat. You were not there. The member of the public making the request was not there. It was open to the
public. Anybody could have attended. We had an wonderful retreat and discussed policies, procedures, and how to operate the board meetings. And how to operate the board meetings. Karen, >> we're off topic. and uh >> running into open meeting law violation territory.
>> If you say no. Um I disagree with your point of order. So I've ruled on that. Um so in terms of discussing this I feel as if like I said we've discussed this and I did my own independent research on
this and surprisingly the MMA which I know you're familiar with the position that they take on this whether or not we should adopt rules Robert rules of order is what they're in. What does the MMA say on adopting rules of Robert's rules of order for select boards?
>> You have the floor Mr. Chair. Why don't you continue? Well, uh because you don't know the answer to it, it is simply the MMA's um guidance is to follow the open meeting law, which is what we have been following since uh May of 2025
when I first started this. Is there any other discussion, Karen? So, I guess um I don't have a specific item or or rules that anyone's asking for us to follow from Robert's rules. I think that may be
a good discussion, if not tonight, at another time, is >> what is it that they they would like to see us do better or what do they think would change with us following the rules? Do you know what I mean? Like it's >> I I do understand what you mean. And to
be frank, the change we would like to see is me not speaking right now. So for that, I would say we had a retreat. We discussed this. Karen, you were there. You you participated. Um it was fantastic. We had a great time. But like
any suggestions anybody makes, people are just going to counter it. I'm going to say I disagree with this. Someone else is going to say that we should do this. We should just operate um within the open meeting law. And if someone wants to adopt something and use a different style in their chair, be my
guest. As long as we are following the open meeting law, we're good. And being respectful and, you know, allowing everybody the input that they should have. That's it. Like other than that, it's a public meeting. The public gives their comments. I've allowed more public
comment than anyone else ever has. Like, and that can change. Someone can change that. whoever is the next chair here. >> Has any other chair um run the meetings that way before? >> No, it's within the purview of the chair on on the discretion for public comment.
If I allow it to one person, I have to allow it for everybody. So, like I can't sit and play favorites, but I can offer public comment, you know, for two hours during the beginning of the meeting. But it has to be open to everybody. That's the requirement under selectable policy
as well as open meeting law. Thank you. Melissa, >> let me Melissa can go. >> Thanks, Melissa. >> I actually don't have any issues adopting Robert's rules of orders for our board policies and procedures. I
just um would like to um dive into those topics at times like our retreat and make changes to our board policies and procedures then and not at general meetings. That's all.
Anything else? Anyone in the public? Nancy again. Two minutes still name and address. Nancy doctor Pearl Street precinct one. It's on the agenda because I have come before this board numerous times requesting it because of the behavior of
the select board. I don't believe we run into the same problems at town meeting that we see on display here. That is why I've asked you to consider it. I was not aware that you are willing to discuss it because I did not go to the board retreat. I didn't realize that was the
only way I could introduce this. I thought I could come before the select board and request it and I would like to see a discussion. I wasn't at the retreat. I don't know if it was filmed. I don't know if I can find it on RCTV, but I'd like to hear the discussion among the board members
of why you would or would not adopt labor rules of order. Thank you. >> Thanks, Nancy. Um, it wasn't recorded, Jane. I think in the future, especially a retreat that's in that space probably should have been
televised because it's their studio. So like >> but like for next time if we do it that's something just to take note of. >> Sure. >> Anybody else public comment? Anyone online? Manny,
>> I do not see any hands raised. >> Okie dokie. Next up is 825 discuss snow shoveling program. We are going to discuss the snowshoing program. So Jane, did you have anything
prepared or >> So um I understand that you had sent something from Wakefield. It's the snow angels program. >> Yep. >> So we did look into that. Um, I have some information here from Chris Cole,
which I'm happy to give you a little bit of color on. Um, that might be helpful. >> Is there something you could share, but does Maddie have it already? >> Um, I'll send it to Maddie right now. >> Do you know what this so the public can say? >> Yep, I will. And we'll put it in the um
in the meeting minutes to be approved um so folks can see it. But this is this is justformational purposes. So, uh, in Wakefield, this is Snow Angels program. It's based around the Youth Council, which are high school student government group. Um, the program allows the youth
council to recruit additional teens, uh, 13 and up for the program, and then it is all volunteer. Um, seniors may, um, tip students, but payment is not required. The program pairs senior citizens up with teens, usually located within walking distance only. Um, the
program does not shovel sidewalks. It's only for shoveling walkways to maintain emergency access for first responders students to get service credit hours for National Honor Society. This is what I'm reading to you right now. Um the current program has about 20
seniors enrolled. One drawback of the program is that sometimes maintaining a commitment from student shovelers um if they're away on vacation or they're just not available um and so sometimes the leadership and the youth council has to fill in for them. So, that's a drawback.
Um, Somerville also has a teen shoveling program. This is a matching program, similar, matching teens with seniors and homeowners with disabilities. Teens and homeowners are paired for the whole winter season. After each snowstorm, homeowners contact their assigned teen
to request one or more of the shoveling services that's available. Um and so and they offered sideway blocks and steps $25, driveways for $25, counter lots are $60. Um participants are 14 to 19 years
of age. Participants 18 and older have to do an application form and a quarter form. Um shovelers have to participate in a brief in-person informational session with the youth services program prior to being matched. Shovelers have to bring their own shovels. Uh shovelers will be assigned one or more homes and
the homeowner will contact them after each significant snowfall. Um shovelers can match with multiple homeowners based on their capacity. Shovelers may not use snow blowers because there could be a liability issue there. Um clearing off cars is a homeowner's responsibility and
so um the teens are paid for the program. Um we're not entirely sure the funding mechanism there. So, um, first sent the call into the Somerville folks to get some more details. I did, um, reach out to Elder and Human Services
interim director at Kerry Valley and Jim Sullivan, our recreation director, um, administrator rather, to have them have a conversation. Would what is this appeal to? And so there is some, um, some traction there. We did used to have
a program of this. was the um high school hockey team that worked with and was matched with some of our elders. So, it faded away. Um and so it's in order to bring it back at some point uh the previous elder and human services
administrator thought about bringing it back, but there were some liability issues that were raised at the time and so it wasn't reinstituted. So, I've asked those parties to get together and have a conversation and we can, you know, we'll find out among those managers what that what that risk is.
And so, um, >> see if this is something that can be brought forward for, you know, next year. Probably hopefully we only have one storm left >> next week. I hear this >> Wednesday I think with an inch unless you're coming up with some other >> maybe maybe 66 tomorrow, but um, next
week I hear we might get another storm. >> Wonderful. Mhm. >> So it looks like some if they can get away with this, my only catching like you mentioned is the liability. >> Yeah. >> If we're good on the liability standpoint, for me, I think that's
something that we should just definitely explore and and have discussions, you know, to have something in place by next year. >> Yeah. >> The reason why we're not talking about that then is that it's currently snowing now. So it's more you're in the zone. We
want to discuss this stuff in July, you know what I mean? So, >> um, just how you mention mentioning speaking with Terry, I know new superintendent is coming along. Um, but maybe just talk to Tom before, um, >> yeah,
>> he leaves and just get his take because it might be the football team or the hockey team or both. >> Just if there's something that we can do as long as we're not liable and it seems as if some of them can do it then I don't know why we wouldn't be able to. Looks like they hashed out a couple liability extra.
>> I think I think these are these are solvable problems. So, we just have to understand what that is. >> Carol and Melissa. >> No, I was just going to say two things. One, some has a bylaw that all sidewalks have to be shoveled by like five hours after a storm. So, I think they had to
come up with a solution for their elderly population. >> Malden also has a similar program. >> They do. Y >> and Malden also has that bylaw that you have to shovel. um that but I really like the idea of the elder service um director reaching out to all the sports teams because it could be any of these
sports teams and if these kids want to volunteer or get volunteer hours or um like you said the National Honor Society kids in town are looking for volunteer hours all the time. Um, and I think it's a great way to match them up with a
senior in town that might need a little assistance or anyone that may, you know, need some assistance shuffling. I think >> Sure. >> I think it's a great program. I a resident mentioned it to me that like the football team, the hockey team used to wear their shirts and go around town and do it for the neighbor or who needed
it. So, I think it's a great program and I really would love to see it uh come back. >> Great. Terrence, >> um I know the scouts do it a lot as well, but I think what's most important is um consistency and having a general place of registration kind of a thing
because if if boy or girl A can't do it, >> you have a call list have people that can fill in. So I think >> because the seniors depend on it. >> I might consider myself a senior next year um for shoveling anyway. >> I hear that. Um no, I think it I think
it's great. we will um I've already had staff working on it and I'm appreciative for the work they already have done. So yeah, it's a real need and and accessibility in our downtown is a really big thing and um it's we're really struggling. We are putting all
our resources into it, but with the volume of snow that we've gotten, you know, DPW is doing a fantastic job and it is by the way the water sewer division that does the downtown sidewalks and all of that, it's the same group. Um, but there's just such a volume that it's it's taking, you know,
days and days afterward to get to get through what we need. And so, you know, >> I do think it's it doesn't just have to be sports teams either. >> Sure. No, not at all. >> You know what I mean? There's a lot of kids that would like to do that. >> Recreation has a really good they're really good at creating programs, really
good at outreach. People are plucked into what they're doing and they're great at working with their school department. So, I think that, you know, Jim is just well positioned um to to to work with Carrie to make that happen. So, that's that's a goal that we'll bring forward. >> Great.
>> Backing off Karen's idea, it's I start thinking of it from the um brand standpoint that, you know, like um Reading Cooperative Bank gave a $500 grant to the you know, Reading Snow Angels program to shovel. Like, who's
not going to want to do that? You know what I mean? just to fund it. $500. That's 20 like you mentioned 20 for the other thing. So that's 500 right there. Um at $25 that rate. So I think there's lots of opportunities. Melissa,
>> I would like to see this to be volunteer >> without the kids. We may need money to work with the programming on our side. Like if we need someone to like uh be the director or manage it, okay, fine. But I would
like to see this being a volunteer thing. I think it's good for the kids to volunteer and help their res your your neighbors and you know residents of the town up. >> I just think that it in practice it sounds good. I don't want to say that seniors would take advantage of it, but
if we had like 300 as opposed to 20. That seems like a significant amount of outreach that we'd have to do. >> Perhaps at the end of the year we could have a snowball or a party and that's what that's true. You know what I mean? >> Yeah, that's what that's why we're
talking about this now and hopefully by next winter we have something instituted. >> I think it's a great idea. Um I'd like to volunteer at my house to have a snow snow shoveling class. >> Yeah. >> Bring your own shovels. >> Have to be careful with that. >> Why?
>> And I'll show you. >> I'm in trouble with the same language you're using now. >> Show you how. >> No, I think it's a great idea. Um, and I agree with Melissa. Um, we should always take care of our neighbors. You know, I live on I live on Main Street, so I
don't have any uh there are a lot of single family homes in my area, but uh I know when I lived in those neighborhoods when I was a young boy, we uh we helped each other out and show out the hydrants and just everyone was out there after a storm. Everybody, snowblowers, no
snowblowers, and we all helped each other in the driveways. So, I'm sure that's being done now, don't get me wrong, but I think I'd like to see it volunteers and any sport, National Honor Society, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, you name it. The fans, it doesn't matter.
>> Thank you. >> Um, and I just want to give credit. I forget who it was on Facebook that brought this up that I ended up seeing it. Um but uh in that aspect, Facebook uh sometimes get does good things and it's not a net
negative on society. So whomever that was gets all the credit for mentioning this unfortunately I'm not going to log on and look at their name. I should have done that prior to this, but >> there's no monopoly on good ideas. We're open to that. >> Okay,
>> perfect. Anyone from the public want to discuss the snowsho program? Nancy left unfortunately. I'm sure she'd love to weigh in on this. Anybody Mandy? >> I don't see any hands raised. >> Neither do I. All right. So, Jean, you
know the direction. >> Thank you very much. >> All right. Leaison reports in standing fashion. Karen, >> it fits on a stick. >> A sticky. >> What did you leave the country for part
of the month? couple of weeks. >> This is why quiet. I had two meetings canceled last night. That was by um >> 219 with everybody else. We did the RPPA pickle ball photo extravaganza
and um same day was mask interviews, which is one of my favorite things to do. Have great speaking with residents and they're all willing to volunteer and it's wonderful. So that's that's the end of my >> What? >> Awesome.
Thank you. Moving on. >> Whatever. >> Karen, go ahead. >> Everything. >> Yep. Okay. So, um, the climate advisory committee is hosting a composting seminar at the library on March 19th.
Um, we're looking to increase composting in Reading and thereby decrease our tax hauling, trash hauling fees, and and potentially do good when we turn it into compost. So that's what they are planning and that'll be at the library at 7 on March 19th. Um
um let's see. I visited the Newton recal building with a former resident. The recal of Newton opened in December. Um so this was during school vacation and it was hopping. They also have a gym with an elevated walking track and every
and the gym was full of pickle ball players and the walking track was actively being used and I I got some beautiful pictures which I'm going to share with the Council on Aging. Um the billiard's room was in use. A movie was playing. There were three
three sessions for adults needing tech device support which I was like, "Yeah, sign me up because who has time to sit down and do this?" Um, okay. And then, so I would say the age age range was generally easily 50 plus. And I saw one
team that I think that maybe came in with his dad or his granddad and he was in the billiard's room. Um and um and I understand from talking to um one of the pickle ball officials who I understand has played in Reading as well that their
recal opens up more broadly to the community after 5:00 p.m. and he shared a name of the people. So I think um the folks working on the design of the center, nobody's seen this yet and I was like, "Wow, ours is going to be the
bomb." I mean it was just awesome. So, um, that was a fun afternoon. Um, I wanted to congratulate Albert Plus, our director of equity and social justice on being honored by reps Hagerty and Jones for the Black Excellence Award that is
going to be presented at the state house. Um, I also attended attended the RPPA um, donation acceptance and photo opportunity and I I am truly impressed and grateful for all the hard work that went into um, gathering that donation.
um you know, I had a similar experience back when we built the first um accessible playground in Reading and we went through a similar scenario and um I really appreciate how much work goes into that and certainly as a resident I appreciate the donation.
Um the MMA has appointed me to serve on the energy and environment committee policy committee going forward uh based on my experience and interest. And I think that's it. Thank you. What's that? >> Um, I
replayed I shouldn't say I attended because I replayed and listened back to the school committee meeting of uh February 12th. The Kellum building project is on time and under budget. Uh, the superintendent search process is also ahead of schedule which is great news. I started uh Karen where Gillis
and I started our BAS meetings and we have two more sessions this week and um I was able to attend the our PPA donation. Um and I just want to thank them for that donation because that
really made I think a difference in being able to do go forward with this project. So thank you to all of them. >> Thanks Melissa Carla. Thanks. Yeah. Um, I was very impressed. I didn't know the amount until that day on the giant
check. So, I didn't think it was going to be over 200,000. So, 225,000 was very impressive. Um, I knew everyone on that board, played pickball with them for a number of years. And they did a great job um raising that money. And
unfortunately because of the new floor at the fieldhouse, they couldn't host their annual pickle ball fundraiser um which I always look forward to and volunteer at. And um should I should also mention that the Olympics are officially over. Want to congratulate
all the Olympians. Um as we know the Olympics were in Italy and um watching the men in women's hockey um which are very popular sports in this country and for reading was very exciting and um I didn't watch it as much as I wanted to
but I think it was just those two weeks u country comes together and it was great and um and also Winterfest is next week uh weather permitting I guess or weather not permitting I don't know what we're going to do >> going to some winter. >> Yeah. >> You sure it's going to be wintry?
>> Yeah. So, that's always well attended. The chamber puts that on and um >> could be. >> Yeah. I don't know. Maybe we'll move it. But thanks. >> Move it. >> The date or the location? >> The location. We use the comment. What are we going to do? >> No. The cobblestone will be
>> Oh, whatever. >> Anyway, next week. >> Okay. >> Biring a blizzard. >> Fireing a blizzard. Um yeah, once again, quiet week just like uh Karen had over here. Um just essentially thank you the
RPPA for their donation that um we were all at to receive the generous donation that that they had and I know there's other um items in the works. They've got a pavilion and nets and everything else that they're going to be donating in the
future as well. So it's good to see them continuing. Um, and I haven't been able to confirm this or not, but we believe the last corner stayed open during blizzard day, week, whatever, um, in that all of the, um, DPW and staff and
everything. So, if that was indeed the case, thank you. If it wasn't, thank you anyway because, um, I'm sure I was telling the truth. So, thank you for that. All right, >> Leison.
>> Uh, that was Leaison. Future agendas for page 110 in the packet. >> I'll go first. >> Well, we'll start at this end. >> Okay. >> Um, I really want to see a valet parking
agreement >> soon given the expansion of post and >> yeah, >> you know, it's we're in the heart of winter still. I know that's being worked on, but I, you know, hopefully next month or sooner I get to get a preview
released or something to review. Um, and again, another agenda item, but has the Bill Brown canopy issue been addressed or being addressed? >> I believe the ball is in the court of the owner. >> Okay. >> Of residents of Pearl Street.
>> Okay. Um, and then to Mr. Chair, where are we with the master plan committee? >> Uh, I brought that up last minute. Um, that was the your daughter's birthday
meeting that you didn't attend. So, we um had and I had a conversation about we didn't get the grant for it. So, it's a couple hundred,000 that we'd have to magically create. So, um, we're going to see about discussing it, uh, next time
that Andrew files the grant and goes that route. Otherwise, it wouldn't be coming back on our agenda or CPD seats until then. So, >> it's unfortunate, but >> you know, hopefully next time. >> Hey, I'm good. Thank you.
>> Anybody else? Karen, >> you have Okay. Um, yes. Um Karen Rose Gillis and I requested a uh discussion item on our communications policy. We just requested it last November. Our select board policies that two members
request something it goes on an agenda. So we're just still waiting to discuss communications policy and I requested again on 210 26. Um so maybe we should put these in the minutes because I it's hard to have to
keep going back to the meetings and watching them. We since I've been on the board, we put placeholders and you did so kindly. >> This is about future agendas, Karen. This is not about how we're going to be operating in the future. This is strictly future agenda. >> We are Let me get back to my point. So,
you have so kindly provided all the meetings in there. So, what I would like is to see the future denims that all of us bring up just put in place so they don't get lost. And then as we get closer to those meetings, then if there are um massively timeconsuming things
that the select board needs to do, we may alter the schedule. But the policy and procedure of this select board for the last six years is that we are making these requests so that they get on an agenda. So I would just like to say please let's put them on an agenda and thank you for putting that in the
packet. I will put them in the calendar and um schedule my vacations accordingly um to not conflict with our meetings. Um okay. So I would like an agenda item discuss and vote on dis continuing with
all due respect are our our valuable RPT officers being present at our meetings. Um I understand from town manager that we are paying overtime for your services. Thank you. Um I do not I would like to talk about whether we need to
continue this and that would be a discuss and vote discussion. Um every single meeting we're talking about money and how we don't have any and the room is empty except for us. So and I was not consulted when this policy
if you will which um was instituted but I'd like the board to discuss it. And then um it is the time of year that we would schedule uh the Burbank annual operations meeting. We have their financials now. We can invite them to come in and we should discuss the
operations. Um and we can discuss the financials. But this gives everybody a heads up to be able to look at the financials and see exactly why we're not getting any revenue. Um and I think that's it. Naming policy discussion because we brought that up last week. So, we should get that
started. Carla wants to talk about range. Um, >> so let's have a naming policy discussion and like the snow shoveling. I don't I don't expect this to be right away, but that's kind of it would be a snow like a survey of other communities.
>> Um, maybe we bring in this. Let's just do other How do other communities name things that they are going to name? New buildings, conference rooms, roads. That'd be great. Thank you. >> Thanks. Uh to address one of your points
real quick, the room was empty the last time there wasn't a police officer here and now there is a police officer here because of what happened after the meeting. So until that situation has uh run its course,
um the town manager as well as myself uh will continue to have a police officer present at every single meeting for the >> discuss this when That's why >> there's no discussion. >> You can ask all you want. It's the safety and security of people in this
room supersede any one of your your uh requests. Sorry. Um and she can put it in the meeting andative duplicative agenda items that have already been discussed before the board
at the retreat are not going on the agenda. about because like you're supposed to be >> you were asking about the communications policy we discussed >> the communications policy at the retreat >> Karen >> you can we're off the rails duplicative
items are not going on the agenda it's for me and the town manager >> continuing RPD presence at our meetings that's a that's an agenda item request >> I thank you for your request anybody
I would like for us to potentially put on um as an agenda item to take a stance on the audit that was voted on by the state in November of 2024. Just a little background, 72% of Massachusetts residents supported this audit and for
some reason the state is fighting it or some of the individuals in the state. So, uh, several other select boards around the state have taken positions on it and sent those letters to the state house and I would like to see us do the same. >> Anyone the legislature
>> say that >> the audit of the legislature brought forward by Diana. Okay. And if you can get the number for reading specifically, I guess on that if we end up taking it up just to see what
Reading's position was on that. Anything else? Jane, did you have anything that we might have forgot or all good? >> I actually was going to mention a naming policy. Okay. So um so I would yeah that's an important one that we should
take up and I'll do some research and bring that thank you for these question these future genetics. >> All right moving on to page 116 of the packet. Approve prior meeting minutes January 27th and February 10th.
I had no changes to either one of them other than a request just on the second meeting minutes, Maddie, to include the letter that we had all signed. Other than that, um I don't have any changes.
Anybody else have any changes for these two? >> All right. Can I get a motion? Karen Ross for both of them. Motion to approve the meeting minutes of January 27th, 2026 as presented. Second both at the same time.
>> Seconded by Karen Heric. Any discussion? All those in favor? 5 Z. Next. >> Move to approve the meeting minutes of February 10th, 2026 as presented. >> Seconded. >> Seconded by Melissa. Any discussion?
All those in favor? 5 Z. All right. 855 executive session rose skill. Do I have a motion? >> Move to enter into executive session under purpose 2 to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract
negotiations with non-UN personnel. Town manager Kronelis to invite Dria Freed Town Council into the executive session and to return to open session after the executive session to continue on with the meeting. is on the
>> Do we have a second? >> Second. Sorry. >> Seconded by Melissa. Any discussion? Roll call vote. Karen Rose Gillis. >> Yes. >> Karen Herrick. Melissa Murphy. >> Yes. >> Labachi. >> Yes. >> And Chris Haley. Yes. We are
Okay. >> And everybody's in Zoom. Jane or whomever was there before? >> Let me see. Looks like six participants. >> Okay. >> You see some other people, right?
>> Uh yes, I see Katie, uh Laura, Maddie, and RCTV. I don't see any non staff. >> No, just >> but anybody can rejoin the meeting that was here before. >> Yeah. And I assume Maddie is still the host, so she can facilitate people getting in.
>> You are actually >> um Ifa, sorry to interrupt. You're still the host, I believe. Let me double check. >> And is there any way you can restart the recording? >> Yes. >> Thank you.
>> Sorry. Can you direct me so what? But where that I would find that? Oh, under more maybe. >> Um, next to more. I might be able to do it. There's a button that says record next to more on my screen, >> but I'm not the host anymore.
>> Ah, I see. I have it. Uh, to the cloud, Maddie. >> Yep. >> Recording in progress. >> Thank you. >> Perfect. All right. I will call us back into order at 9:43.
Uh PM Karen Rose, do you have a motion? >> Move to execute the separation agreement with Matthew Krenelis. >> Second. >> Second. >> Second by Melissa Murphy. Uh any discussion?
Seeing none, all those in favor? 5 Z. All right. Um, I'm just going to read a a brief statement um that um
Matt and the board have worked on. Um, so Mr. Cornellis and select board um agreed to issue the following statement regarding his employment with the town of Reading. The select board and Matt Cornellis were unable to come to terms
acceptable both to Mr. Cornellis and the town court for continued appointment employment. Uh the board and Mr. Cornellis have uh determined is in the best interest of all parties to negotiate an amicable end to Mr. Cornellis's employment in Reading. The
select board acknowledges their gratitude to Mr. Cornellis for his achievements and contributions. The board wishes Mr. Cornellis well in his future endeavors. Mr. Grenellis has expressed his gratitude to the select board dedicated staff and resident
volunteers for the opportunity to serve the county of Reddit. >> So, thank you, Matt. >> Yes. Thank you. >> Did anybody else have anything or >> do we take comments from anybody? >> No, I mean >> Okay.
uh move to enter into executive session under purpose three to discuss strategy with respect to >> no we have to um >> yeah we have to discuss the remainder of the open session agenda item so that's
>> I don't have any other motions >> so if you want to just mention the next step in the process here >> yeah so there's um a couple steps that the board should consider so the first is um what's going to happen between now
and the appointment of a full-time town manager. Um, your charter talks about appointing an acting town manager. And so that should be kind of the next step in this in this puzzle is who is going to serve in that role while you work to appoint a full-time town manager. The
charter requires that you appoint a full-time town manager within 180 days. So, you should think about how that process is going to roll out. Are you going to seek to hire someone like Bernie who you have used in the past um to support the board in um moving
forward with the search or are you going to undertake the search yourself? Um you'll want to kind of start that process now. You may want to create a subcommittee to kind of review the applications like you did in the past.
So I would break this up into two steps is first you know what is the process you want to utilize to engage in acting and second what steps do you want to take to find um a full-time account manager. >> Okay. So in terms of openly meeting law
requirements and everything under this agenda item, we are within our purview to um discuss and vote on uh an acting town manager right now as well as next steps for what we think should be um uh
how to fill the position. >> So both. >> Yes. >> Yeah, I think so. But, you know, I do think that it may make sense to authorize someone to start a conversation with whomever you would like to serve as you're acting. Um,
there tends to be a negotiation as part of that process generally. So, um, you know, I I do think that designating someone to work with town council to to contact whoever you want to designate as the acting uh may make sense and then
you can bring it back to the board for a vote and that may require an executive session to discuss a contract. >> Okay. So, that's the first part and then next steps is just next steps. We don't have to vote on >> Exactly. >> Okay.
supporter have any feedback on what we would like to do with this? >> Um, >> yes, I do. I would like to um move the process of appointing and acting town manager as quickly as possible. Um, I
don't know understandably so there's going to be a discussion over a contract or, you know, whatever. I don't really know exactly what needs to happen, but I'd like to move that process along as quickly as possible so we're not in like a limbo
stage, especially right now. >> Absolutely. Yeah. And so right now, what's what happens just from a practical standpoint is that Jane would kind of serve as kind of this temporary stage town manager. Um, but you do want
to get an acting in place because you know these temporary town managers can't take the same level of action as an acting town manager can. So it behooves the town to get an acting in place as soon as possible. >> Carlo, so I guess pending
negotiating something, can we vote to appoint Jane as the acting talent manager tonight? >> So I mean we we haven't had conversations yet. I mean, I think under the open meeting law, that's arguably permissible. I do think it may make sense to have a conversation and if the
board feels like it's important to get that done quickly, we could have a special meeting within the next couple of days to finalize all of that. Um, if you don't want to wait till the 10th, >> no, I'm I'm not saying I'm not okay waiting till the 10th. I just want to I
want to put it out there that I would love to have Jane as acting manager. Melissa >> with um like you said if interim and enacting don't have the same authority
and with um town meeting coming up. I don't think that we should wait till the 10th. Um I'm also in agreement that I would like it to see it be Jane but I know that there has to be you know probably a some you know contract negotiations of
what's going to happen and what that looks like. So I I would rather not wait till the 10th to do that. So I don't know um what we I would like to see that expedited. That's all. >> Yeah. I think every are we able to make
uh an appointing an acting town manager tonight contingent upon a agreed upon agreement like uh between the parties or something like that where we can appoint somebody and then we can
um >> yeah the only thing is making it contingent upon you know agreed upon terms means that it's not effective until then anyways. So, what I would suggest is that if the board collectively feels like they would like
to make uh start negotiations with Jane that you authorize me to begin those conversations. And I would assume by, you know, Monday or Tuesday at the latest, we could probably get a special meeting on the calendar for either
Monday or Tuesday and hopefully have an agreement um in place that you can vote on. I guess my slight concern only with that is like your bills get paid in the interim. What is happening here? So are we are we appointing an interim town
manager right now then going with the acting? Are we skipping a step and then something happens three days from now and we're you know >> Jane is serving right now. I would say that well Matt hasn't resigned yet. He needs to file his letter pursuant to the settlement agreement, the separation
agreement. So that will happen. He'll be effective tomorrow. Jane at that point would become kind of like the temporary town manager. Um, and she could do limited things like signing payroll warrants and stuff like that. So, sort of that administrative function. Um, and
we would be able to kind of have the acting with that larger scope of responsibilities. Um, voted on Monday or Tuesday. It's not like the town would shut down um in the interim. Those types of administrative functions would still continue.
>> Okay. Karen or Garen, do you have any thoughts? >> Karen, anything? >> Um, we should um have an acting town manager as soon as it's possible. So to make that happen, by defacto Jane is interim
>> and then we should nominate somebody here to coordinate with you and um Jane to work on acting. Um I I guess do we need a position of the board if we want that to happen anyway?
Like I don't want to gohead just say Jane is acting and then like you know it's border one no Jane. I'm just not saying that's what it's going to be Jane. I'm just saying like >> you know we have to I I don't want to
you know I I don't want to say I want to have the steps all done in a row but we need like you know just to make sure that we're all good with this for now and then you know things will change in the future. >> Yes. So, um, you know, I would suggest
that the vote direct me to work with, um, Jane Wellman to, um, negotiate an acting town manager contract and to bring it back to the board as soon as possible. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Second. My move. Um, anyone from the
public? Nobody here. I'm off Zoom. So, >> uh, there's no one with their hand raised that I see on Zoom. >> All right. So second monissa, any discussion? None. All those in favor?
5. Thank you. >> And I would suggest um that we schedule a meeting for Tuesday with full hopes that we would be able to bring something to the board by that date. So if everyone is able to meet at 7 p.m. on
Tuesday, I I would say we just get it on the calendar. >> Okay. Is everybody >> I'll leave that to you, Chris, if if you want to schedule an alternative time. >> Third. >> Yes. >> March or early?
>> Yep. >> I'm free in case anybody wants lots of free time. >> What meeting are you gonna miss? >> I know >> nothing so far. >> I'm good. Uh just uh heads up, uh zoning
board is that night, so we just have to figure out the rooms if we're going to be in person. >> Yeah. >> All right. Um so then, um next steps, we can discuss that after that, is that what we should do or now? What's your
take? >> I'm sorry, Chris, you were going in and out. Can you repeat that? >> So next steps is also as part of this open session, do we we kind of already went over next steps? We're going to find out on Tuesday scenario. Is that pretty interesting? >> Yeah. And we can add it to the Tuesday agenda if the board wants to have a more
in-depth conversation then about do we want to start the search for a subcommittee membership, you know, put the the word out that we're going to create a subcommittee, what that subcommittee will look like, whether we want to hire um a consulting firm or whether we want to do the search ourselves. We can have that
conversation, but 180 days goes quickly. Um so we want to make sure we're moving that conversation along as well. Yeah. Know, I think it's good to have a just a dedicated meeting to that because obviously um we might all have various opinions on
what to do next. So, all righty. Anything else? I don't think so. So, Karen, do you have a motion for us to go back into executive session on a completely different topic?
>> Not return to session. >> Correct. We move to enter into executive session under purpose three to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation against the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority because an open session would have a detrimental effect
on the litigating position of the board as the chair declares to invite Freed Town Council and there's a space. >> Can we invite Jane into that or no? >> Absolutely. Yes.
into the executive session and under purpose 7 to enter executive session to comply with general law chapter 30A section 22 by approving and reviewing for release the February 10th and 17th 2026 executive session minutes to invite
only Ms. Freed to attend this portion of the executive session and to adjourn from the executive session and not to return to open session. >> Second. >> Seconded by Carlo. Any discussion? Seeing none. All those roll call. Kos
Gillis. >> Yes. >> Karen Herrick. Melissa Murphy. >> Yes. >> Carlo and Chris Haley. Yes.