Yeah, it's actually seven. >> Actually, I think that slower. >> Oh, you're right. It did. >> Okay, we are live and the mics are on and it's picking up what I'm saying right there. Perfect.
call the June 23rd select board meeting to order. We are being broadcast tonight um on RCTV um Expinity channel 9 and BIOS channel 31, also on Zoom and live on RCTV's YouTube channel. We are going to have Troop 702 lead us in the pledge
of allegiance. Tonight >> 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. >> Thank you very much for that.
Tonight's agenda, we will have public comment followed by our town manager report at 7:15, community spotlight at 7:20. At 20 7:25, we will go through the consent agenda. 7:30 we'll have our Eagle Scout
recognition. 7:40 public hearing to discuss and vote on amendments to section 3.2.2.14 2.14 of the select board policy to increase the h hours of permitted sales for section 12 licenses to allow sales
between 10:00 a.m. and noon on Sundays and certain holidays as authorized by GLC 138 subsection 33B. A list of all section 12 licenses is appended to the agenda. 7:50, another public hearing to
discuss and vote on amendment to select board policy section 4.6, solid waste recycling, collection and disposable rules. 8:10 discuss and vote on volunteer appointments to the community planning and development commission CPDC. 8:20 discuss town building
projects including pickle ball and high street. 8:45 discuss cabin. 9:15 liaison reports and 925 future agendas. Do we have Karen online by any chance? Okay, >> she's done. >> She's coming. >> Oh, she is. Okay. Y All right. Um, we
can start with any public comment here in the room. >> Mr. Bachi, name, address, you have two minutes. [snorts] >> Okay, it's on. Kabachi Main Street. Uh, first off, I want to thank the parking
clerk for waving a ticket that I received on Green Street right next to my house for overnight parking. I've been there for 17 years. Um, don't normally park on the street, but sometimes I have in the past and never gotten a ticket. So, I was quite
surprised when I got a ticket for overnight parking and uh know about the I know about the overnight parking ban in the winter and I guess it's enforced year round. It's at the chief of police discretion. So, unbeknownst to me, they
can give tickets whenever they want. And yet, I've never gotten a ticket or any of my kids have gotten a ticket for overnight parking. So, I'm hoping the board and the town manager can address this because downtown is the most congested area in town and sometimes
people have to park on the street. I understand in the winter it can be a problem, but in the summer, spring, and fall, I don't see it as a problem or a safety hazard for public safety. So, um I'm thankful for the parking clerk to take care of that ticket. I'm not aware
of other people that have gotten tickets, but maybe they have. So, overnight parking is allowed, to my knowledge, in the rest of the town and on the treeine streets, but in downtown, I guess we're not allowed to park overnight with very strict parking. and
some people have no driveway. So again, thank you. I hope this gets addressed. Uh I didn't receive any notice. Communication, as you know, is a key to let residents know what's going on. So it would have been nice to know. By the way, we're enforcing this now and maybe I wouldn't have parked on the street,
but I just thought I was going out and I didn't go out and I left it there. So thank you and thanks for letting me speak. Thanks. >> Thank you. Do we have any other public comment here in the room? Any public comment online that you see? >> No hands are raised.
>> No hands are raised. Okay. 7:15 town manager report. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. So, a few things I want to review tonight for the board and the community. Um, first, I want to invite residents and business owners to come to my office hours on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Um, we will be
having lemonade on the common, weather permitting. I hear it's going to be quite warm. And um I really enjoy doing these office hours. I do them once a month at the Pleasant Street Center and then once at town hall. Um and it's a great way to connect with folks directly and help solve problems and I get good
ideas too. So I think that's fun. Come out for lemonade. We'll do lemonade also in July at the Pleasant Street Center on the patio. That is the best time after the office hours hanging out on the patio with folks. So that is that is a good time. Um, second, tonight in the consent agenda is the budget for the
boards that um, this commit the board took up last time. Um, I have funded the full request, but there's an important note here. The conservation commission's request included $2,000 for a new bench, which we talked about at length last time. We have three Polywood benches in
the Mlets Morgan uh, area that have failed. As you may remember, um, we are not going to replace any of those benches. two have been through the warranty process and the replacement parts have been received. Um the third is completing that um warranty process.
So, we're going to replace the benches. We have I fully funded the request and some of that funding um the balance of that funding will be used to pour concrete pads to put the benches on. Uh we're going to relocate some of them to reduce um heat stress on the benches
which you think may be a contributing factor but Polywood has not given us any information as to why these might be failing all in the same sort of way. Um so I just wanted to let the board know that we aren't buying new benches when we're facing an override. We're using
all of our resources to you know maintain our facilities and so forth. Okay. Um, and I also wanted to just mention that we do have a conservation gift fund where residents can make gifts to defay cost of projects and equipment. And there'll be some more coming out on that
uh soon. Um, third, as part of our website redesign project 5 years ago, our service agreement included a 5-year refresh. So, we are about to hit that mark and we're going to start having those conversations in the weeks to come. That's included in our service
agreement. So, it's not an additional cost um to my knowledge. We are looking uh for new photographs to put on our website. We have a lot of amazing artists and photographers in the community who we used on the present website. We'd like to refresh some of
our photos. So, we are accepting new photos um to capture the beauty and character of the community and I ask that they are sent to town manager at readingmma.gov. Um June 17th, the governor signed the updated town charter uh which passed at town meeting. So constituent services
officer is now a real thing. It's no longer ombbedsman plus all the other work that the bylaw committee did um in the charter review committee. So I want to congratulate all of the people involved in that work. Um and uh and that that's here that's ready to go and the town clerk's going to start sending
those charters out. Um so this is an interesting piece of good news. We received notification from Mass DOT that the reconstruction of Walkers Brook Drive project is eligible for federal highway funding um as part of the transportation improvement uh plan. So
program that is called the tip. You maybe have heard us talk about want to get a project on the tip. Um it's been years since we've had a project on the tip. I think the last one was West Street. Um, so the town is responsible for costs associated with design,
rightway, any right-of-way acquisition and environmental permitting. The funding would be up to $6.285 million. And it includes bid items, police details, construction engineering, contingencies, and reimburseable utility locations. So, relocations rather. So,
that is great news. That's several years out. There's a lot of work to be done coming up to that. um tip projects don't happen fast, but they are federal dollars that are not funded by the community. So, that's exciting. Um staff will be meeting in the coming weeks to
flesh out local obligations and plan future work um including community engagement opportunities. And we can bring this back to the board for more information um down the road. So, it's great news. It will improve traffic flows to that corridor and it will allow people to finally take a left-hand turn
out of Market Basket. So, that's great. Um, and then finally, the next episode of uh, Reading Between the Lines is up as of earlier tonight. It's titled Reading for the Revolution, and this episode um, highlights Allen and Ace Folds and historical perspectives on how
Reading navigated the early days of the Revolution. Um, it's a neat 22 minutes as the community and everywhere are getting ready to celebrate our 250th anniversary of independence. Um, we have two future podcasts that are already recorded and they're being edited. Those
include a second revolutionary roots sort of podcast and then one that will be where I met with um Chris Cole, the director of DPW, and uh we talked about the new rubbish and recycling contract so people can kind of listen to it and not have to try to digest a lot of
written information. So, it's a great way to reach people where they are and different modalities of sharing information. Um, and I also want to extend my thanks to RCTV for all their work on their project, and I want to congratulate them on a successful fundraiser last night. Um, the executive
director told me she has fundraisers plans, I think, for almost every month of the year, which is great news. And so, it's a great way for people to um, you know, engage with RCTV. And they're doing this to augment their peg income uh, from the town. So, more information
on Facebook and on the website and on RCTV. Those are my uh that's my town manager report. Madam Chair Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Uh and thanks Jane. Um so you said we have
to mail the charter out to everybody. >> Not the town. No, no, no. Not just state agencies and c certain places. Yeah. >> Okay. >> We'll post the charter. >> I I was concerned again. >> Our budget for postage is scrapped. So we're not mailing it. >> Okay. Perfect. >> Perfect. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you. Great question. Okay, >> great. We can move on to committee spotlight. >> So, I want to I have a couple of brief things to highlight here. Um, the let grow independence challenged launched on Sunday. Um, this is sponsored and
planned by a number of departments including the school department, the coalition for prevention and support, writing recreation, the public library, and the police department. um let grow which I corrected in the press release to be let's grow it's not that it's let grow as in let them grow
let the children experience independence so this is um a way to build age appropriate independence while staying active and engaged throughout the summer kids complete challenges submit challenge slips at locations around town for prizes and there's an entry for some grand prizes to be drawn at the end of
the summer so um shout out to Jacqueline Palusi the inclusion specialist for Reading Public Schools along with Erica Mlette for the coalition and Jim Sullivan for writing recreation for spearheading the initiative. Um information is on the town website. It's a great thing for parents to get their kids involved in
the summer and teaching you know deliberately um how to live into independence with kids. So it's it's a great thing builds confidence. Um the Reading Lions Club held their friends and family day. So we want to congratulate um them on a successful day. And I also want to congratulate
Albert Ples um and all his volunteers and his team for a fantastic Junth celebration on the common. Um I could not attend due to family obligations. We all know it's a busy time of year with graduations, weddings, mothers and father's day celebrations and so forth. So I was sorry I couldn't be there but I
understood it was very well attended and um just a a fantastic um you know another year of gent in the past. So sorry I couldn't be there this weekend. Um, Bunrady uh, Tavern celebrated 11 years in business over the weekend. They
posted that on Facebook. So, that's very exciting. Uh, Cornerstone of our community. And then I want to remind people not to forget about Porchfest coming up on Saturday. Allan and Acefolds wore their Porchfest t-shirts to the podcast recording last week. They're fantastic. Um, check out Reading Porchfest.com
uh, for a schedule of locations and times and that is all free and it's all done by volunteers. So >> fantastic. >> Yeah. Thank you to Allan and Ace for spearheading that. >> Great. >> Thank you, Madam Chair. >> Thank you.
>> We will move to 7:25 um consent agenda. Um Karen, I got your note on that. Uh did I don't know if you realized that the one thing that the Bass committee didn't agree on, we have on the agenda later. So did you still want to remove
that? There was only one um board and committee that S and Karen didn't agree on. >> And which one was that? >> Uh CPDC. So we already have that scheduled as an agenda item. Everything else they had agreed on. >> Yeah. So um I made a I I requested that
we pull the consent agenda out. pull this out of the consent agenda because you guys are a subcommittee, which means that you're helping us do the work of the board, but we also need a chance to talk to you about how it went and have comments. When you put things in a consent agenda, there is no discussion.
>> So, we always as a rule um approve things in batches, but we cannot discuss things in a consent agenda. So, we should still take it up in the same order, just not have I want to have discussion. >> So, you would like to remove it from the consent agenda, please. >> Okay. All right. So we will um remove
the uh appointment of volunteer boards and committees um and just add that to have a discussion on the full um VAS process just before we discuss CPDC in particular. And if everyone's okay, we will move forward with a vote on the
remainder of the consent agenda items. Does that work? Okay. >> Do we have a motion? Move to approve the consent agenda as amended. >> Second. Seconded by Karen Rose Gillis. Um any further discussion?
All those in favor? 5 Z. Okay. We will move on to our Eagle Scout recognition. Just fill in wherever and then when I call your name, you can step up. Cool. You guys can spill that way. Make some room. Hi guys. >> Hi guys.
>> All right, so uh first things I'll introduce myself. My name is uh Ian Nelson. I am actually the charter or rep right now for Troop 702 here in town. Um first off, I want to start by thanking the select board for the opportunity to come in front of you guys. I want to thank Jane and all her staff for helping us uh get up here in front of you guys.
Um I want to thank all the town employees and the volunteers, some of which are sitting in this room that work with the scouts throughout the course of the years, many years now. Um how excellent they all are. I'd like to give a specific shout out. So, this year I'd like to shout out Amy Lannon and her uh library library staff. This is the
second year in a row that we've worked together on the Arbor Day planting uh back in April with her. She's great to include us in all that. She's also now working with one of my scouts for uh an eagle project uh who will hopefully be in front of you guys next year. Um I want to thank the adult volunteers in the troop for anyone that are watching.
Uh a lot of the adult volunteers make this uh troop uh churn along as well with the uh scouts behind me. And lastly, a special thanks to uh Andrew Ryan who's hiding in the back there. He's the new scout master for Troop 702. He's taking over for me. Um he's doing a great job. And uh he was going to come up here, but I asked if I could uh get
up here and speak in front of you guys mostly because these scouts behind me, these guys were my core leadership when I was a scout master for the troop. Uh these guys did all the hard work and I just sat in the back and watched them do what they uh what they did amazingly. So, so he was great about um letting me
do this. So, normally I come up here and I try to talk a little bit about the state of uh scouting here in Reading, which has always been strong for over 100 years now. I'm going to um kind of gloss over it and get into it and uh talk about something else instead. So, we're doing excellent. We have a over 80 scouts uh right now, 60 of which are
showing up every Thursday night at our various locations throughout town, going on monthly trips, doing all that stuff. Um instead, I realized I've been here before and I've uh haven't described to you guys exactly what it is to become an Eagle Scout. I know some of you guys uh or most of you all attended the uh most
recent Eagle code of honor where you get a kind of a lengthy lecture, but for all the people watching and uh anyone who doesn't know what it takes to get to be an Eagle Scout, um it's a long process. It's a hefty process and uh I want to kind of go through it with them. So,
let's see. Um just off the top, the cut and dry. You have to do 161 requirements. Uh these requirements are as simple as tying a knot and then they get more complicated like cooking meals and they get complicated about explaining what the rights and roles of responsibility of a United States citizen is. Uh there's all types of
different requirements they got to get through. They have to earn 21 merit badges. Those 21 merit badges all have their own set of requirements. So they have to demonstrate working knowledge of such a variety of topics. Uh you know most people think of scouting as outdoorsmanship and I think about a third of it is outdoorsmanship. We talk
a lot about citizenship. There's three legal required citizen uh ship merit badges. Citizenship in the community, citizenship in the nation, and citizenship in the world. And that's when they really learn what it takes and learn how government works and uh a whole bunch of um aspects to it. Um they
have to have donated at least 16 uh months of leadership back to the troop. When they get into the high school point, um they start giving back. The troop runs because the older kids teach the younger kids. Uh they show them how things are done. They also show them how we do things in the sense of the culture
behind it and uh really deal with a lot of um you know they they deal with everything and and like I said the adults kind of stand in the back and we're there to maybe drive them places and pay some bills and stuff like that but for the most part these kids behind me and all the eagles that have come before you before they're the ones who
give back and and lead. Um they have to do an eagle board of review. What is an eagle board review? That's the absolutely coolest thing in the world. They have to go and basically do an oral board. something you might see in the job world later on something uh if you if they go into a branch of military service when they go to any type of job
they have to sit down in front of people they have no idea and they have to answer questions they go through practice board of reviews the whole time but the eagle one's a real big one they spend about 45 minutes talking about their scouting career and explaining to it a lot of parents when they see what a board of review is they kind of buy in the system and realize that this is
something this is something different this isn't just a sports team or another activity but uh it really challenges the kids. And then last is a service project. And that's what I want to get into now. So they have to do a service project. Um so in I'm going to use each of these
scouts behind me to kind of talk about a different aspect of it. So in no particular order, if um Marcus, you step up here real quick. Uh Marcus Iel, he graduated Austin Prep this year. Um he played varsity soccer. He was the captain of the varsity track and field team. He's a member of natural national
honor society and he was the president of the sports analytics club as well. So many scouts, how do they choose their service project? Well, many scouts tap back something that might have happened in the past, something they enjoyed. Marcus really enjoyed the passport system for the DCR, the state uh park
system in which you would visit the various locations, you would get a passport, you'd stamp it, and you go forward. They had moved away from that project, and he wanted to bring it back to life. Well, unfortunately that was a un unachievable uh goal for him, but instead he worked with DCR and he ended
up doingformational signage throughout the Middle Sex Fels um state park. So he was able to work with them, go back and forth and it was a lengthy process and in the end there were signage throughout there that he was uh that he installed helping educate the public and uh allow them to learn from uh from his hard
work. Uh Marcus is headed to Brown uh for in the fall for applied math and science. Thank you very much, Marcus. Thank you. Next, Caleb McGonagal. Caleb. All right. Caleb graduated Reading Memorial High this past month or a month and a little ago now. He's a member of
National Honor Society and he was the president of the ski club. All right. So, let's talk a little bit about what is a scope of an eagle project. Sometimes we have an issue with um kids shooting the moon uh or not being enough where it's just you know it's a it's a volunteer type project. Um so his um
Eagle project was at the Hospice House on Havil Street, the Sautel Hospice House. He um went spoke with them and realized it was a quality of life type project improvement that needed to get done. In particular, their parking lot uh there was a um just a pathway through
there that froze all the time in the winter time. So whenever the people wanted to go and see their loved ones at the hospice house, they had to navigate the uh ice field that was down there. So instead, he went there, he met with them, they mentioned that and he said, "I can do that. Not a problem." Not only in the scope, and that's right in the
wheelhouse of what we do. We build bridges, whether they're in the town forest or in the hospice house, whatever the case may be. Perfect little scope. Um the scouts have to fund raise and do it. The beneficiary, the benefactor for this was stunned. She thought it was going to have to come out of her operating budget. instead part of the process is a scout has to raise the
money in order to get this stuff uh these things funded. So he went there uh we constructed the bridge, put it in place and uh hopefully no more ice issues. Uh during the process we also learned that there was a subp discharging water right into that path of course causing it a disaster. So we did some landscaping and some driveway
repair at the same time. [laughter] So um that's kind of the scope uh of of what a project is. Uh Caleb's headed to UMass Amherst for civil engineering in the fall. Thank you very much, Kayla. >> Next up is Abigail Nelson. Abigail Nelson graduated Reading High this
spring. Uh she was the Best Buddies secretary, member of National Honor Society. Uh she enjoyed being a student teacher at the Kllum School and she was the captain of her dance team. So the Eagle Project is all about management. These kids are told they have to do something from an idea all the way to
completion. Most kids, 16, 17 year olds have never done anything like that. A lot of par a lot of adults have never done anything like that. So they have to sit down, fill out their work workbook and figure out everything. They have to do things like come up with the plans. They have to draw plans. They have to meet with individuals for structural
concerns, whatever the case may be. They have to come up with itemized lists. They have to come up with uh budgets. They have to meet with the stakeholders. So what Abby uh did was she installed a sun shade over uh at the Christian Cooperative Preschool at Old South uh Methodist there. the their play
structure is out by that white fence on the uh by Main Street and the kids would go out there and cook. So, uh it was requested that she put up a sun shade. So, she had to figure out how that whole process worked. And then when it came time to get it done, she had some management u issues and challenges
because uh you don't pour concrete in the winter time. And with the calendar coming and the calendar turning away, uh we had to figure out she had to meet with stakeholders and there's all types of oh jeez there's all types of problems like hitting the microphone uh that take place um during it and these kids have
to overcome and figure it all out. Abigail's headed up to Endeott to uh learn elementary education uh in the fall. I will also take a moment and I'll point out Troop 702 is over 111 years old about 8 n years ago. um females were allowed into scouting and were able to
earn the um uh eagle rank at that point. Uh and Abigail was the first female to come out of troop 702 uh as an Eagle Scout. So, congrats to her represented well. Thank you, Abigail. All right, Thomas Cochril.
Thomas graduated Reading Memorial High School this past spring. Uh he is a member of National Honor Society and he was also the varsity swim team captain. Um Thomas participated in the town forest restoration rejuvenation project. Uh if you'd like to know more about that, you can go on to the reading uh
reading ma.gov website under the town forest committee and learn all about it. But long story short, about 100 years ago, scouts went out there and planted a bunch of red pines um all in neat little rows. Well, 100 years later, there's been a problem with some of that. And the town forest committee is working really hard in order to bring back the
bring back the health of the town forest. Um Thomas uh joined in on that. He wanted to give back and handle that. So we talked about management, the scopes of the projects, how it all gets done. Well, then leadership happens. And leadership can be very hard for some of these kids. Uh they get up there, they
got to come up, uh they got to instruct all of them volunteers, what's necessary to do. They got to keep the project on task. His in particular, not only were they putting saplings on the ground, but then they were putting cages around to try to protect it from the wildlife and stuff like that. So he had to explain all that whole process, organize it, keep them going. Do you remember how many trees he planted total?
>> Uh 140. >> 140 trees went in the ground that day. Um he went through it and he's got to lead adults and he's got to lead little scouts and he's got to lead um uh older scouts. Uh one of the common questions get asked at the Eagle Board of Review is who's harder to lead, the adults or
the scouts? And I will tell you the good news is about a 50/50 answer. Who's uh harder to lead? Uh Tom Thomas is headed to WPI in the fall where he's going to be studying computer engineering. Thank you, Thomas. All right, last two. Jack Goodfellow. All right, Jack Goodfellow also
graduated Red Memorial High School this spring. Uh he was a varsity lacrosse academic all-American, varsity wrestling. He was an officer in the ski club and a member of National Honor Society. All right, so scouting is great because it touches on so many different aspects, parts of the community. What um what
Jack did was he built a storage container for the Masonic Hall on Haven Street for the Reading Food Pantry. Uh it's a whole bunch of different organizations, different stakeholders that here had to reach out. Um it's because of the our involvement on so many things, whether it's the annual um
uh flower sale out on the common or doing the flags out on the um flags on Memorial Day. We touched so many aspects of of Reading community and Jack was good enough to connect two of them uh to the Masonic Hall is really a strong supporter of the food pantry which is
out of the old South Church and the problem was is it was out of control down there. So he came up with a way to organize it to store it and then be able to make regular deliveries from Haven Street over to Salem Street and make that all work. Um, so yeah, so we we
touch so much of it and we get support from every aspect of the community that it's really um something awesome, something to see. Jack is headed to Babson in the fall to study finance. >> Cool. >> Thank you, Jack. >> All right, last but certainly not least, Zach Lazot. So Zach graduated uh Reading
Memorial High School as well this spring. He is a member of National Honor Society. Uh I want to take a moment to talk about generosity. Uh, so the community is very so supportive of us. Every time we ask for something, we basically get it. Whether it's Chris Cole and his team giving us the anchor
we need to put our monkey bridge up during friends and family day, um, or whatever it is, the people always answer the call when we ask. Um, sometimes it's financial. So, Zach installed bat boxes down at the Reading Rifle and Revolver um, club, which is
our new chart or rep. uh he put these bat boxes in because as we all know bats control mosquito populations very well. So not too far from where recal is where the pickle ball courts will be or where the soccer ball and baseball fields are there are three bat boxes put up there to help control the mosquito population.
Um so he had to raise money like I talked about. He opened up um his GoFundMe and less than two hours later he had to shut it down because he had hit his target. Um, when we asked, they answered. Um, and then for the remainder of the 24 hours, he was constantly
getting emails saying, "Hey, I would like to continue to donate. I'd like to continue to donate. How can I do so?" Um, what we learned out of that is we needed to do a suggested donation because we had some people give a lot of money, which was fascinating. So, there's a lot of generously uh people
out there that give to the troop. Um, I also want to take a mention uh would take a moment to mention uh the Reading Rotary Club, the Masonic Hall, and the Public Safety Associations. They're all as regular donators to the um uh Eagle projects around town. So, uh with that,
oh, Zach is headed to the Savannah College of Art and Design to study film in the fall. Um so, now with that, I hope you guys understand a little bit more what it takes to become an Eagle Scout, what an Eagle Scout project is all about. And other than that, just say thanks again for letting us come up here and talk for a bit.
>> Thank you. >> I'd like to give you all our [applause] go. >> Yeah. Um, congratulations to all of you. You're all graduates this year. Uh, what are you going to do with yourself next year? You gonna >> Oh, I'm sure there's plenty of things for me to [laughter] do.
>> But really, really impressive. And um I'm also one of the board members of the Reading Scholarship Foundation. So I was paying attention to all your majors and um you may have already applied and you got four years of college bills, but four years we want you applying to the Reading Scholarship Foundation. Super
easy. No essays check box. List down that you are lacrosse lacrosse player, your major. Anyway, well wishes to you all as you head off in the fall. Um and thank you for all your service to the town and the community. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Okay.
Congratulations to all of you. My son's an Eagle Scout and I know that your parents probably had nothing to do with it. However, they probably in the back of their minds were trying to drag you over the line as we all do. Um, I think I cried at your ceremony at the
church because it was so touching and it brought back so many beautiful memories when I was a Cub Scout lead or a D lead or a treasure and all of it. And I've made some great friends through the parents. So shout out to all the people listening that it's a great way to give to your community, get your kids involved. It's a super diverse group of
kids that are usually involved and it's a wonderful experience. So thank you very much for all that you've done because you've done a lot. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Uh and thank you to all of you for all your contributions back to the town. Um, I know that uh when I
went to the Court of Honor, I didn't hear about the no cop, no stop scenario in in your speech you just gave now. So, you know, I just thought I'd bring that up again. >> Thanks, Chris. >> Um, I I say it every time I come to a stop sign now. So, you know, you you had
a brief uh impact on my life um in that short time, but uh no, thank you for all your projects. I could go on, you know, over, you know, how are these bat boxes actually working and all these other questions that I have, but you know,
people aren't here to listen to me. So, just thank you all for everything that you've done and what you'll continue to do. >> So, just like congrat congratulate all you guys, you know, um have a hopefully you do good in college. Um it's amazing
accomplishment. Uh, thanks for giving back to the community and good luck. >> Yeah, I just want to say congratulations to all of you. It was years of hard work to get here. I know that and thank you for the explanation of what it took to get here. So, you all should be very
proud of yourselves and that you've accomplished it and you know going on to college next year. So, and thank you for all you've done for the community with all of your projects because that's huge. >> And we have something here for you >> for each of you. Do we have um
certificate Caleb? >> Thomas, >> you're welcome. Thank you guys. I know. I have so many questions too about the bat boxes. Jack, >> thank you. >> Marcus, >> thank you.
>> Thank you. Congratulations. Zachary, >> thank you. [snorts] >> Congratulations, >> Evan. >> Uh, they're unfortunately >> everyone else. No, >> did everyone get them?
>> All right. Congratulations, guys. >> Thank [applause] you. I think we actually forgot one thing. Congratulations for being the first woman for to graduate as an Eagle Scout. >> Yeah, >> I think we're going to take a board picture. >> Y
think over there is the best or should we do? >> We can do it right here. Right here is always the best. >> [snorts] >> dispersed amongst them. >> You guys are going to have to get closer. >> Yeah, we might all have to squeeze a little bit. We might have to do >> friendly.
>> Jane, why aren't you on the end? [laughter] >> I want to be on the end. >> Well, come in here then. >> You don't need You're good. I'll be fine. Hold on. Now I got to be in it and wreck it. Now we got >> good to go.
>> Joy of summer ladies. Great job. >> Great project. >> I didn't want to say anything about that. No comp. >> Congratulations. >> Boy, I heard that a lot. >> Congratulations. >> Congratulations. Good job. >> Thank you.
>> Thanks, Andrew. >> It's like the best night. That is so awesome. >> It's good. It's good times. >> Yeah. >> So, right on time. >> Yeah.
>> All right. We will move on to 7:40 public hearing. Discuss and vote on amendments to section 3.24 of the select board policies to increase the hours of permitted sales for section 12 licenses to allow sales between 10 and noon on Sundays and certain holidays
as authorized by GLC 138 subsection 33B. A list of all section 12 licenses is appended to the agenda. Um, we probably have a motion to open the public hearing. >> Yep. Hang on a second. Sorry.
And is somebody ready to s you ready to jump in? All right. One second. >> All right. >> I'll move I'll move to wave the reading of it. >> Okay. Okay. To the inhabitants of the town of Reading. So, thank you.
>> Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Karen Rose Gillis. Um, any discussion? All those in favor? Open the meeting. And do we have just what's in our packet, Jane? I >> Yep. So, this is um if you approve this
tonight, this is the >> the brunch bill was passed at town meeting. Now tonight you're amending your policies and if you approve this then we will the town manager's office will notify each lency. We'll send them an amended license with the new hours.
It's no cost to them and they'll get it automatically every single uh one of them. In your packet I think on page three Maddie is that correct? Is a list of the um impacted businesses and there's 21 section 12 licences. So you
can see there uh who they are. Um and uh we did send notification out to the establishments notifying them that they will get a new license if the board approves this. And my understanding is that our economic development director also went and spoke to all of the licences today. >> Yes. >> And updated them as well. Just be aware.
Okay. Thank you for that. He was not asked to do that. So I appreciate that. Um so that is what I have for you right now. Um, great. >> Karen, I was just gonna ask, um, is there any feedback you want to share
incidentally that you might have gotten, um, while you were talking to them and and thank you for doing that. >> Absolutely. Yeah. Um, to to clarify, I did Hi, Kevin McCarthy, economic development, uh, senior planner. Um, I didn't go to actually all of the licences as I see the complete list now.
I did go to the restaurant ones. Um, uh, focusing on the ones that would probably target brunch as a just for those, >> right? Because the Knights of Columbus is on here. >> Exactly. >> So, you know, clubs, things like >> And there was a couple that I did miss. Actually, I didn't get I didn't get to
Lisa. Denian Moon. Um, um, couple of them expressed their intent to join us via Zoom tonight. So, I'm not sure if they're on, but they certainly said they did, and I would defer to them for their comments. I know that they were all almost universally very happy
uh with that decision. Um so they were looking forward to it. Um >> good. That's great to hear. >> I think that's they several of them mentioned that you know our our neighboring towns almost all of them open earlier on the weekends than than we do and that you know it does have a
slight impact on their business. So that this should be a net positive for them. >> Even with this new change they still open earlier like they're they're drinking at 6 a.m. on Sundays. Well, several of them open at 11 on Sundays. So, they open the doors at 11:00 and people are coming in. And now this this
would just enable them to actually people to have that drink if they wanted open at 10. >> I think it's 10 to 12, right? >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Um, do we have any public comment here in the room? Any public comment online?
>> Not that I see. No hands raised. >> Any board input? >> Thanks, Melissa. So, this goes into effect after we vote on it, Jane. So, tomorrow there's no 14-day waiting period, nothing like that. >> My understanding it's it's in effect
once the board changes. Okay. And we send out the licenses. >> No, this is just one of those things that, you know, that we can do that just seems like a no-brainer to maybe, you know, strum up some additional business for
um the ones that you mentioned here on the weekend. uh well at least on Sunday. Um so I think it's just a win-win especially with other communities have already been doing it. I don't see why you know that we couldn't but it's good
to see that this change moves in the right direction as opposed to other bylaws that typically look to restrict um uh small businesses in reading. This is doing the opposite. So it's good to see this for a change. Mhm.
>> So, >> this will just be included the regular license. There's no additional applications or anything. It's just >> not at all. No, no additional applications, no fees. They will receive an amended license in the mail that they can post. >> Sounds good. >> Y >> any other board comments?
>> No. >> If we have a motion, we can close the hearing. There's no one else online, right? That we must and no one else in the room would like to speak. >> Okay. Move to close the public hearing regarding the amendment to section 3.2.2. 2.14 of the select board policies.
>> Second. Seconded by Karen Rose Gillis. Any further discussion of the board? All those in favor of closing the hearing. Perfect. And then Karen, if we have a motion to make the changes. >> Yeah. Move to amend section 3.2.2.14
as presented. Second. >> Seconded by S. Any further discussion? All those in favor? 5 Z. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> We will move on. >> There's one more piece. >> One more motion. >> Oh, I apologize. >> Two pieces. Sorry, I didn't
>> I'm a little confused about this. >> Um, we moved Okay, we moved our policy and now we're going to move to amend the liquor licenses themselves. >> Okay, got it. Sorry about that. >> Nope, that's all right. Move to amend the 2026 liquor licenses for all section 12 licences to allow sales between the
hours of 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. noon on Sundays and certain holidays as authorized by general law C138, 33b. >> Second. >> Seconded by Karen Rose Gillis. Any further discussion? All those in favor?
50. Okay, we will move on to 7:50 public hearing discuss and vote on amendment to select board policy section 4.6 solid waste recycling collection and disposal rules. >> Madam Chair, yes, while they're coming up here, just a proforma note.
>> Um, we normally don't do public hearings for changes to board policies and I don't want to set a precedent by doing that. The reason we did today is because we needed to set the public hearing for the alcohol uh policy that you just approved. >> And because we had this coming up right
on its heels. >> Got it. >> Um with the changes to another board policy, we felt that we didn't want to uh put our thumb on the scale one or the other. So we notified for both. >> Okay. Okay. So that's that's just the explanation. >> Communication's better. But >> Sure. Good to know. >> But it's not a requirement and it's not
a future requirement for a public hearing. So >> fantastic. >> Thank you. >> So good evening. >> One second. We just have to officially open the public hearing. Um >> to the inhabitants of the town of Reading, please take notice. >> Move to >> dispense with the >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Do we have a second on that?
>> Second. >> Second by Chris. All those in favor? 5. >> Okay. Good evening. >> Thank you, Chris. >> Um so I will actually be deferring this presentation tonight to the assistant public works director, Mike Kesman. Um Mike has been very instrumental in getting this contract and the changes to
it across the finish line. So, I figured it'd be well suited for Mike to present that to you. And um take it away, Mike. Thank you. >> Fantastic. Thank you. >> Hello. Michael Kessman, assistant DPW director, uh here to make a presentation on the
changes to select board policy 4.6, solid waste recycling collection and disposal rules. >> Next slide, please. Um, so the purpose of these revisions is to align the select board policies with the new trash and recycling contract which takes
effect on July 6th of this year. Next slide. Um, I would also like to take an opportunity to talk about the contract a little bit, highlight what's staying the same and what's changing. Um, so we have some some points here to to discuss. Um,
the collection days are staying the same, so there's going to be no change to the day your trash is collected. The roots themselves are staying the same in terms of the layout of the route, but you might see a change to the time that your collection occurs. Um,
and um, considering that, I would like to mention uh that you guys everybody should have their carts curbside by 6:30 a.m. on the day of collection. Um, if the cart is not out at the time that the street is serviced, the location will not be collected until the following week. So it is very important that
everybody have their carts out by the time the uh the trucks come down the street. Uh weekly trash collection is stay staying the same. Uh weekly recycling collection um will remain for now. Uh but in the future if the select board uh decides to you have the option
to vote to change to bi-weekly. >> Um curbside leaf collection in the fall and the spring. Um, this contract includes six weeks total of leaf collection, two in the spring and four in the fall. And the fourth week in the fall is a change up from three times
under the current contract. Uh, there will be no change to curbside Christmas tree collection which will occur for one week every January. Uh, we are going to continue to have two hazardous household waste events uh, a year, one at the Reading DPW and one hosted in Wakefield.
And we are also going to continue to have two recycling events at the DPW facility. Uh, next slide, please. So, some things are changing here. Um, beginning July 6th, residents must utilize their townissued carts or they
will not receive service. Um, we have options for second carts and overflow bags. Uh, overflow bags are now available for purchase at Market Basket and at the DPW Town Hall office. We also [clears throat] expect bags to soon be available at other local vendors
including Stop and Shop, Walgreens, and CVS. The bags are sold in rolls of five for $15 a roll. They're not available to purchase as individual bags, only by the roll. Um, I would also like to take a moment to mention that the use of
overflow bags is not going to be allowed in conjunction with the use of a second cart. And our intent uh the intent here is to help reduce the overall volume of waste that is being generated and disposed of in the town. Uh second trash carts are available through the online
uh open gov portal. Um this contract includes a change to automated equipment. Republic has been transitioning to using the automated equipment. That transition is almost complete. Um so that's that's been going on. A big a big change here uh comes to the bulk
disposal costs and scheduling. Uh beginning July 6th, residents must call Republic to pay for and schedule the bulk collection. This does include scrap metal collection. There will no longer be a dedicated week of curbside scrap metal collection as we have had in the past. Um and the new fee schedule is
posted on the website. Um, one important thing to mention here is there is going to be a change for some residents in terms of cart placement on dead-end streets and one-way streets. This is important to mention here. Um, it's going to affect oneways and back down deadend streets.
So, what we're calling a back down dead end street is a street that has no turnaround. Uh, where the truck must back down and then pull out in one direction. On these streets, all of the carts must be placed on the same side of the road. that side aligning with the side of the truck that has the automated
arm. Um, we sent out letters two weeks ago notifying every impacted household in town that this change would be occurring. Um, so everybody's notified of that change as far as we know. Uh, we now have a cardboard only dumpster at the DPW facility. Um, it is available
for residents during staffed hours and also beginning on Saturday, July 11th. And all Saturdays going forward, the recycling center at the DPW facility will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to noon. And this includes cardboard, styrofoam, and recycling. Um,
I'm sorry, electronics recycling. [snorts] Uh, and we also are going to be hosting two bulk drop off events at the DPW facility. Uh, the details are still being worked out, but these events will take place at no additional fee to the residents.
Um, and lastly, you're going to see Republic utilizing rejection stickers at times. Um, as they fully transition to the new contract, they will be using the rejection stickers to notify residents who are not following proper putout procedures. In these cases, Republic
will not be returning to collect these tagged carts until the following collection week. Um so it's very important that we all put our carts out correctly and uh work with Republic to understand what we need
to do. Um next slide please. [snorts] So in your packet you have a redlinined version of the document showing the changes to the policy uh as well as a clean proposed final version and the chart below summarizes the changes se section by section. And I
would also like to mention that town council has reviewed these changes and uh we incorporated their comments into the policy. Um so you have section 4.6.1 purpose that includes general grammatical changes the addition of food composting mattress and box spring
disposal and textile recycling to the program. The next section definitions includes includes uh [clears throat] revised policy definitions of the various categories to align with the current uh contract and industry
standards. Uh section 4.6.3 collection schedule has a mention of the DPW director's authority related to schedule. It mentions util uh the utilization of townisssued carts and the revision of the holiday schedule to include Junth.
Section 4.6.4 approved household rubbish and recycling containers has been changed to align with the mandatory mandatory use of the new townissued carts. There's now a section on additional carts that has all the details of how to
obtain a second trash cart and recycling cart. The next section is bulk waste collection. This section has been revised to align with the bulk waste collection under the new contract. The next two sections uh have grammatical changes only TVs and CRTs
and electronics. The hazardous waste section includes grammatical changes and a revision to the list of items that will be accepted. Section 4.6.10 10 recycling mentions the mandatory use of town issued carts and the addition of the cardboard only
dumpster at the DPW facility. The yard waste section includes grammatical changes. And the next three sections um mattresses and box springs textiles and food composting. Uh they're not part of the public contract, but we have arrangements with outside vendors to
handle disposal of mattresses, textile recycling and food composting. So these sections have been included um with those those protocols and uh the last section enforcement and severability has some grammatical changes as well as revisions to
rejection criteria for the carts. Um so that is a summary of the changes. Um and again you guys have the redline version and the final version in your packet. And uh if you have any questions, Chris and I are here to answer them.
>> Uh thank you very much. Thank you for all the negotiating you did for this. It was a big call. Um oneway streets that are kind of narrow. Uh snowbanks. Is this something we can revisit once we have like our first storm to see
how you know because as it is now some of them will be putting them in the middle of the not the middle of the street but if the snowbake is huge we can revisit this. >> Yeah. Some of the most narrow streets like Lafayette for instance you know streets um that are just very narrow as it is. We're going to have to pay some
special extra attention to streets like that while we're doing our snow >> okay >> clearing and snow removal activities. you know, if necessary, the DPW will be prepared to go widen some streets to make room for the carts. Okay? >> You know, we're understanding their carts are probably going to wind up in the street. We're not expecting folks to
go shovel out a place across the street to put their carts. >> Okay. >> Um so, we're just going to kind of have to, you know, >> wait for the first storm >> and see how it goes and deal with it as it comes. >> It's never going to snow again. >> Wow. >> Um and my other question is, uh well, I
have two more questions. the rejection stickers. Is it going to tell the people why it was rejected? >> Yeah, there's about 12 different items on the sticker. And the intent here is that the card is not going to be rejected the first time. >> They will take the card. You'll be notified as to why.
>> Okay. the um it's considered to not be in compliance and then if it happens again >> but they'll tell them why it's not in compliance because >> sometimes I used to see a sticker with the red buckets and you had no idea why they were being rejected. >> Yeah. The the sticker will um
>> say why >> say why and then I expect we'll get phone calls. We'll be in communication with the area supervisor. We'll dig a little deeper if necessary and find out what the issue is and communicate that back to the residents and >> and everybody. Is there a charge for disposing of mattresses?
>> There is a charge. Yeah, there's two different fees. One to drop off at the DPW and one to have it picked up. >> I'm not sure exactly what the fee is. I apologize. >> 33 for >> say 66 for >> Yeah. >> So, is there going to be a list
available for us to see either online that just lists every single thing we could possibly want to get rid of and how much it will cost? >> Yeah. All of this information is available on the DPW website and um one of the next big items on our agenda is to revamp the website to streamline
[clears throat] the information and >> clearly. Yep. >> Fantastic. Thank you, Chris. >> Thanks, Melissa. Um so, how many deadend streets are we dealing with
>> roughly? 20 100 like ballpark. How many angry people are going to be in the winter? Um I I I know how many letters we sent out. >> How many letters? >> We sent out 500 letters total to both sides of the street. So there were about
250 impacted households on both dead end streets and one-way streets. >> Okay. >> And I received a very small amount of phone calls compared to how many I planned on receiving. >> Okay. Um, and then the bulk events, I know you don't have any scheduled and
it's TBD, but I think the majority is going to be with people wanting to get rid of their existing barrels or something like that that won't be utilized anymore. So, I would think that we'd want to have something relatively soon, like Augustish. Now, the actual barrels, um, they can be
disposed of at the, uh, fall recycling event that we'll be having, which is October, I believe, the first week in October. >> I think that a lot of people aren't going to want to hold on to things until then. You know what I mean? It's just going to be taking up space, the old
barrels. That's just my opinion. Um, >> we can discuss it. Yeah. >> Yeah. Like I said, it's TBD, but I think a majority of people are going to want to get rid of them sooner rather than later. Mhm. >> So >> um and then the last question is when
did the second barrel with no overflow bag scenario happen? Is that in the contract or did you come up with that yourself? >> No, that that is in the contract. Um okay that it's it's one or the other. So
if somebody has a second you utilizing a second cart that week um they cannot use an overflow bag >> you know as it is um if someone has a second cart um it's actually 128 gallons which is more than they're currently
allotted now on the current contract. They're allowed 120 gallons in the current contract right now. >> Okay. So, as long as it's in the contract, because I know during trash discussions, uh, that did not get brought up, but it's not the hill I'm going to die on in terms of if it's in
their contract and you didn't make the decision, then it is what it is at this point. Um, and then what was the other thing that I had? I should have wrote it down. Oh. Um, just a PSA for the public that we um
negotiated with the uh with Republic who was here back in the fall to negotiate down the bulk collection rates that we have. Um that you know we didn't negotiate all of them down. Um, but some of them did come down from their number
that they had, but there was no scenario that we were ever going to end up continuing the free bulk pickup that we've always had. There was no part of any of the proposals equations. It was going away. It was great while we had
it. Um, but it is what it is. And you know, we're all in this together. I'm going to have bulk stuff that I'm going to have to pay for in the future, but we negotiated down a couple items, but not everything. And unfortunately is what it
is. But that's why that recycling is also continuing and it might go bi-weekly as well. And that might be part of the override discussion going forward. But that's why we had the bigger recycling carts um just to uh if
we have to go that that route that might be a manageable um scenario that we can do. But um we tried everything and it's just the way that the trash is going. We were in a very favoritative contract that ran out um in other communities are
in the same boat. So thank you >> Sure. Thank you. Um, [clears throat] yeah. I'm glad to hear you have you have a bulk event scheduled for the fall. Um, I'm wondering if we could have a metal dumpster for collection if it's just an occasional thing. I mean, some other
that's very recyclable. I I mean, maybe we get paid for it, maybe they take it for free. It's going to get dumped in the trash and hidden. And it's right now in town, we hire this great guy, Tony, I think, and he comes and does it for $10. Like, can we just like rent a dumpster
for that one event? It would probably cost the same. >> Do you mean having a a a scrap metal dumpster at the recycling events at the DPW? >> Yeah. >> Permanently or just on the deal? >> Well, I mean, I understand things cost money obviously. So, you're making a special effort for this one day event. I
think even this one day event would be great >> and everybody says, "Yep, I will keep my medal together and I'll bring it that day." And we do that annually and that could take the curse off it. >> Sure, we can look into that. >> Thank you. And also, I mean, cuz we're paying by weight, so when you're like, "Oh, I could call Tony for 10 bucks or
you could just toss it in the trash." We're all paying for that. So, it might work out to our favor in the end. >> Yeah, I think we could have room to house a scrap metal dumpster during the event. >> Great. And then the other thing, uh, so I've been a a Black Earth composting subscriber for a while, which which reduces the weight, and I don't have a
large family in my home, but, um, you know, for some families could make the difference between one cart and two, I think. And are there any more carrots and sticks we could um do to encourage adoption? >> I forgot to mention that um we are going to be hosting a community compost bin at
the DPW that will also be available during regular staffed hours and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to noon for folks who aren't able to come down during the week. >> Awesome. >> Um so we're going to have that community uh food scrap in >> later this summer.
>> That's great. And on on a teeny bit of a tangent, are the schools like going to be doing the composting this fall? They get that they get their act together and we're all set. >> Yay. >> Yes, we are currently talking to Katherine Franetti at the schools about implementing a program like that.
>> Okay, this is all good. Okay, thank you. >> So, is there going to be any outreach to residents to say what's recycling, what's not recycling? I I feel like there's a lot of confusion in households that you know even in my own household what you could put in the recycle and what you can't put in the recycling.
>> I'm sorry. Can you repeat that question? S I couldn't quite hear you. >> Could you repeat that for me? >> Oh, sure. It's going to be outreach to the uh community just to say what's recycling, what's not recycling. Yeah, there's plenty of information on the website and um >> we sent out a uh a mailer to every
household in town that has some information on all the special events and some more information on what's acceptable and not. Um Chris has reached out to the senior center several times, done some presentations over there to educate folks. Um if we can think of
anything else. >> I heard I heard you mention um styrofoam too. So styrofoam would be at the DPW. Yeah, styrofoam regularly is not um intended to be recycled in your bin. >> Okay. >> Um but we do take it at the DPW
facility. >> All right. >> Only white styrofoam. >> Only white styrofoam. >> Okay, great. Thanks. >> Yeah, Karen, uh Republic did do a mailing. >> They did. >> I got a mailing that listed a whole bunch of information kind of giving us a heads up and it looks like junk mail, so
be on the look for it. But it had a lot of good information, >> so they're trying. >> Yeah. Thanks, >> Chris. >> Um, on that note as well, perhaps a two-minute video just showcasing what can be recycled and what can't because I
had some weird foam stuff that I put in there that I thought was good that they left in my um blue bin thing that I had. So, apparently it's not and it's supposed to go in the trash. >> Well, like white white was right styrofoam as opposed to black styrofoam. Like I didn't
>> I'm sure you have a couple. You know, you don't have to get every single item available, but whatever the DPW has and what you can scr up from people, twominut quick PSA, whatever. >> I I believe there's a video on the DPW website specifically about how to recycle
>> already. >> I just saw it when I went on there. >> Oh, great. >> The pictures of the items themselves. >> Little I didn't watch the video >> just now. >> I like pictures, James. something like a picture >> cuz it's easy to say plastic or or white styrofoam.
>> What is No, I I understand like polystyrene. What even is that? So, yeah, >> but actual pictures of the actual items and not AI generated. >> We're always we're always arguing my house about what goes in the recycling and what doesn't. So, >> because you know, like I said, I was
wrong and put the wrong stuff in my recycle. So, I'd like to avoid that in the future. >> Well, I think this is actually this is good fodder for a little good fun. um and we can uh we can have a little bit of fun with this and we do love questions um you know into into the
podcast or into our FAQs and so forth. So if you have if you have questions send them in and then for people who are having um a missed pickup or a question they can still go to Cclick Fix. Correct. >> Absolutely. Uh Cclick Fix will still be available for residents to report any
issue, trash related issue, a missed pickup, uh issues with carts, um anything like that. They could always pick up the phone and call the DPW garage or the DPW office here at Town Hall. >> And they can call Republic too. Directly. >> And they can call Republic directly. Yeah. They have a customer service
center, the 1-800 line. Um, and in certain cases, we've had Republic staff reach directly out to residents, too. Um, where a little bit of special assistance was needed. I I would like to say that I think Republic has been doing a really great job trying to step up. You know, they've really proved to us that they want to stay here. you know, I
mean, they're here, but they've been working really hard to transition. We've been working really closely with them, and I'm I'm feeling really good about moving forward with them. >> And who picks up the other trash around town in the various black communityish,
like out on Haven, there's a bunch of all the trash bins. Is how does that get handled? Because obviously there's no arm. >> Yeah. the um the Main Street barrels, Main Street Haven Street down by the depot. All of those are included in Republic's hauling contract. So, those uh in those cases, they have to actually
get out and manually handle the barrels. >> Um we've increased the frequency that those barrels are supposed to be collected, particularly in peak season. Um we've had some communication with them very recently. There's been some issues with doggy bags winding up in
between the insert and the cage and Republic staff has actually been going in and removing that dog waste. So, if folks could try to get your dog bags into the barrel itself inside of the decorative enclosure, that would be helpful. >> Um,
in terms of the parks and all of those barrels, the DPW staff handles those. Um, but the downtown barrels are are part of the contract. Yeah, because I have seen some of the ones on Haven overflowing for multiple days and I'm like I don't know what they're doing over here. But yeah, there's certain
locations that I guess we could say are problem locations that we are pinging them on pretty regularly and um I'm expecting to see uh the quality improve in the downtown with the with those decorative barrels. >> Thanks. >> Great. I have a question slash comment.
Um I was speaking with other residents recently and I'm wondering is there any adjustment they can make to the arms because the barrels in particular the recycling are not emptying completely and I thought it was just me. I have a
lot of we have a lot of people and a lot of stuff but then talking to other people it is a consistent problem that they're not fully emptying. It doesn't seem to be that big of an issue with like a trash bag. >> It's like the stuff that's loose in like a recycling. It's just sitting on the bottom.
>> Yeah, we can definitely talk to him about that. I think they have the ability to kind of like shake the arm or maybe tip it twice or something like that. >> Yeah, it just doesn't seem to be fully emptying always and there's always consistently stuff left on the bottom. >> We will definitely talk to them about that. >> Awesome. Any other board members open to
the public? >> Anyone in the room have any input? Maddie, anyone online? >> Nobody online. >> All right, I think we can close the hearing. Thank you. >> Thank you so much. I appreciate it. >> Move to close the public hearing
regarding the amendment to section 4.6 of the select board policies. >> Second. >> Seconded by cell. Um any further discussion? All those in favor 50. And if we don't have any further discussion, do we have a motion on the amendment?
>> Move to amend section 4.6 as presented. >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris. Any further discussion? All those in favor? 5 Z. Thank you very much for the presentation tonight. We appreciate all the information. >> Thanks.
>> Um we are going to move on 810. So we are going to start with well let's start with the CPDC. Um if everyone's okay with that, we'll discuss a vote on the um community planning and development commission. I think that was one of the ones out of that there wasn't a
consensus on. So, if we want to start with that and then we can go through the other ones if that works for everyone. >> I think that was the only one, right? >> Yes, I think so. [clears throat] As far as I know, >> do you guys have any input? >> Um,
as you can see, the the there was a discrepancy on who we wanted to be the full member and um there was also a discrepancy on who we wanted for associate member. >> Okay. Um, do you want us to just go over our reasons or >> Yeah, yeah, if you don't mind. Um, do
you want to go first, though? I don't >> Yeah, I mean, I just, you know, I just basically looked at the qualifications. I I know Tom's obviously been on the board a long time. >> I feel like, you know, he's been voting a lot, too. I I almost feel like,
you know, it's almost interchangeable in my in my opinion. But the, you know, obviously Robert is a, you know, he builds, he builds home and build builds homes and Jerry is in the construction business and engineering. >> I just thought they had a little more
experience. That was it. Basically some new blood in there. That's all. >> Okay. Karen, did you want to give or why don't we let Karen go first? >> So, I wanted to move Thomas from
associate to full. um for several reasons. One out of respect that he's been an associate member for several years and has had a great record. He's gone to all the meetings. He's been pulled up probably 70% of the time to be a a full member. Um and I think
attendance is very important. And in this particular group, I think that there's not a problem with attendance, but I think that there's some conflicts that make the board not full. And so that's why he gets pulled up as much as he does, which is great because it's given him a lot of experience on the
board. Um, as far as experience goes, his prior experience being on the planning commission in Connecticut is kind of a no-brainer for me because I think that's a very important part of the CPDC as far as >> his prior experience. Um, and I think him being on the board for the last
three years, he has a lot of historic intrinsic knowledge that's been going on. And since there's a lot of things in front of them right now, I would like to see it continue with the same person that's been there the entire time as opposed to moving to some new I agree new blood is always welcome, but I think
that he deserves um to be moved up to the member position. Um, I also think out of respect for all the time that he's put in that it would be disrespectful for his time um to move someone ahead of him to the member
position um that has not served on the board yet. So that's another reason. Um >> and that was that. >> Okay. Thank you guys so much for that. Um anyone else have any >> I just had a question. Um, so the the
new new member is that Mr. McSeffrey, I think they're both Benady and McH. >> They're both new. Um, >> oh, Thomas is the one who's the >> Thomas is the returning. >> Okay. So, um, I wanted to ask because I haven't seen their applications. Are
they building in Reading or are they bringing the builders? But there's what I want to avoid is conflicts of interest. >> Yeah, I think to Thomas was mostly built in Burlington. So, Robert McShuffrey does um >> he's uh been a Reading resident for 26
years and he does um home builds. Um he has done them in Reading. >> Um Jerry Bennady, I'm sorry if I'm mispronouncing your name. Um he's had 20 years of experience in construction industry, including being an operating
engineer um in the union. Um use site work, civil engineering, and construction operations. Um he also owns and operates his own construction and property management company. So his experience seems to be a lot broader on a larger scale as opposed to just developing homes. >> Yeah.
>> I mean I don't know if you had a chance to ask um Mr. McSeffrey how much of his business he may not want to have conflicts either. If you have a client you can't weigh in. You're an associate member. It's much easier for you to like participate in the discussion but you're
not voting. So it seems like it's a a lower threshold. I don't know if he does. >> I know they're quick interviews. So >> yeah. Um >> I don't think we really >> he I didn't I just wrote Bill's homes, but I remember him saying that he has done some in Reading, but I don't think that they're all in Reading. So >> I thought I thought he said mostly in
Burlington, if if I remember correctly. >> But not all here. It's kind of all over the place, >> but I'm I'm not I'm not because it's homes. It's not the same as having an apartment building or or multiuse. I didn't he doesn't do that kind of construction.
>> Mr. Inady is just uh more uh not necessarily residential homes just more general construction experience >> part of a larger firm or something. Is that what he said? >> So he owned his own construction. He's
an operational engineer and or something. He had more of an author engineer background. >> Yeah. >> Civil engineer. >> Did both Mr. Bennady and Mr. McFrey ask to be uh full members? >> Yes.
>> Yes, they both did. Okay. I I would like to say that I I having served on board other boards and committees, I I agree with Karen that as long as the member's willing to be the full member, we should credit time
served and really um put them ahead and and the other two, it's it's a challenge of having lots of well-qualified applicants. It's not that easy. We had a lot of applicants want to be on CPDC, so we kind of narrowed it down.
Um, and we were able to place them in other boards. >> So, um, >> it's a very popular group. >> I apologize for >> I'll give kudos to Karen. She >> really placed them pretty well. >> Got it. >> Scared people the right way.
>> I'll just put whoever Are we We don't have a spot for everybody here, right? >> We do. >> Oh, you do? The people here I think more beyond that. Yeah, the people here we have a spot for everyone. I think there were Yeah, there we go. There was >> Yeah, >> right.
>> But they all they own other places. >> We all We put them on the other place. >> Okay. Other committees. >> Okay. And so these two individuals just asked desperately needs help and that's not that different especially for like a residential home builder could be really good on ZBA. >> Yeah. >> I don't think there was any more ZBA.
>> We had two openings. We had two >> um one opening. >> Well, the other option is that uh you know desperately thank you for raising their hands because you never know when people have to resign and we want to have a short list to go to. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Well, I appreciate your hard work
on this. >> Any input, Chris? >> Thanks, Melissa. Uh and thanks Karen and S. Um, I think that, uh, just seeing the, you
know, experience and everything. I mean, I could go either way on this, you know what I mean? Um, I just I don't want to say that boards and committees sometimes need
shakeups all the time kind of thing, but sometimes, you know, uh, they kind of do, but I don't know any of the people that are applying here or anything like that other than Heather obviously um, getting reappointed as a member. Um, I know she's been there forever and as
chair and all that. Um, so it's good that that she's staying. Um, but I mean, I could go either way, but I I'm fine with how S uh um spelled it out. >> Sounds good. I have a silly question
that I'm not Oh, go ahead, Karen. >> You go ahead. >> So, my only question is is do we know what the makeup of the current CPDC is? Like, I can think of some members. I know we have an engineer. I know we have um
do we have a residential home builder on that board already or committee? >> So, right now there's um >> one issue is that someone's stepping down and she's an architect and so I think that what is kind of going to be missing is the legal part of it and that
where Thomas pops in is he has that experience. >> Okay. >> So, I think that >> he was an architect or an engineer. No, but he is familiar with um >> how they make decisions. >> So, he served as a chair and a member of the Avon Connecticut Planning and Zoning
Commission and vice chair and member of the pollution control board. Um he worked on the completion of Avon's 10-year master plan. >> Avon Mass or Avon? >> Avon Connecticut. >> Okay. >> Which that's a pretty important town in Connecticut, honestly. >> No, I'm not saying it isn't. And just
they could be different laws though. It's Connecticut versus >> but he has experience you doing a master plan. So if we're expecting them to do a master plan in the next couple of years and I think that there's some concern that the the conflicts are causing I don't want to say an attendance problem but if if you one of
the members has a lot of conflicts and that will cause an associate member to be pulled up and so you run the risk of whoever's in construction which could potentially be the two that we have that I have as associates that could continue to cause a problem if there's if you've
got two potential that we'll have conflicts more often. often than not, then you're really running short staffed on the CBDC. >> Yeah. But I thought I my understanding is we're hoping to fix the attendance problem by
replacing who we have. I know there was an attendance problem, but I I I think we're we're fixing that with this. >> The person with the attendance problem is not stepping down. >> Yes, they are. They have. That's why we have two three uh full
members and one's only partial. See the bottom? The partial expiring June 30th, 2028. >> I think one person resigned. I don't know who that was. >> Yeah, exactly. Was that the one? >> That's the partial one that's on the bottom. June 30th, 2028 partial term. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. So, that was the attendance issue. >> Um I'm just I just want CPDC to be well-rounded. That's all in my mind I'm trying to think. So I'd like to see someone from each of you know construction um both residential and
commercial. Um so Gana mention isn't he in construction? >> He is but I think he's commercial >> but I don't understand how a residential person would have higher qualifications than someone that's been on a planning board already. >> Yeah, they really don't. >> I'm not necessarily saying that they do
have higher qualifications. I'm just looking for a well-rounded board that has opinions from various people. I'm not saying that they are not qualified in any way, shape, or form. I'm just saying >> to be well-rounded is helpful. That's all.
>> Okay. Um, with that being said, um, I don't want to lose Thomas and any like I don't, you know, I want to I app we appreciate all his hard work, his attendance, and him being there. So
that's why I was just trying to think of what what the other members cover between Mr. Benady and Mr. Mcoffrey that are current members. Do you understand what I'm trying to say? >> Um that's all. >> And and I'm sorry. Did you say like So
Mr. I see one permit pulled for 37 Winslow Road for Mr. McSeffrey and and did you say there are um I guess I'm leaning to more of the planning experience because this is such a unique discipline and making sure Heather has the backup that she needs on this committee.
>> Yeah. Um, >> is is that his own home? >> I don't know. It's his building permit state. That's his address. That's his address. That's his personal address. >> Yeah. I don't think this is a full um list anyway, but I'm just saying um I
could see uh Yeah. So, um >> did you say he signed up for more than one committee? >> No. No. The people that this group has not signed up for more than one committee. Anyone that had signed up for more than one committee, we were able to place them someplace else
>> so that we didn't lose the volunteer. >> Yeah. >> Chris, >> did Heather weigh in at all or not? >> She microphones off. >> Uh, she did send us some emails um strongly um encouraing encouraging
Thomas Armstrong to be moved up. >> Okay. But nothing regarding any of the other two in any form or fashion. >> No, she only provided input on and she
um I can't remember if she was she she was going to try and attend the interviews. I can't remember if she did now that I'm cuz we interviewed her, but I can't remember if she attended or not. >> Um but she wanted to try, but she had a conflict with one of them. But um she did not weigh in on the others, but she
spoke very strongly in support of Thomas. Okay. Um can I ask one more question before we vote? Um, is it if so the new people McShuffrey and
Jerry Benady um was there any consideration of putting Jerry into the associate spot >> or No, >> we didn't discuss that. >> Okay. I'm just trying to figure out what >> Well, Karen, what was your suggestion? the um
>> uh my my opinion was I felt that um his experience being part of a union and part of his position as an engineer would bring a different you I understand your comment about someone being a home builder and someone being in in construction. Um I thought that his
experience as an engineer would be more important than someone that just I don't mean just I'm not belittling building houses. It is an incredibly difficult thing, but I thought that it would bring a different skill level. >> Mhm. >> And and really, we're not talking about Oh, sorry. >> I was going to say we're not talking
about they're all going to be on the committee. They're all going to weigh in. >> Like, having served as an associate, you do everything but raise your hand. And if you're a busy professional, then guess what? I'm I can't make it that night. The pressure's off. But you're still weighing in. Like, so it's not >> That's what I kind of I mean, I kind of feel the same way. Like,
>> yeah. Well, in the board of health associates, they, you know, were in the conversation to me. I, you know, it it's 50/50 because everybody will be talking in the meetings and if Thomas is there all the time, I just >> I see it as a win. You know,
>> give the new guys a little experience. But that's what I voted. So, I'm not trying to sway anybody. >> I do feel I'm Can I say I feel that the associate positions are really good. what's the word? >> Initiation.
>> Well, it gets you used to the whole process. And so I I think because he's been doing it for several years, he can just go and run with it. Um and he has been and I think we really want to encourage people of all skills to volunteer. And I would not want to have
people um be discouraged to volunteer so that if they put in the time as an associate and they're re and they really wanted to be a member and they do all this work to be an associate and attend >> and then have us not support all the work that they've done. I don't want that to be something that may
[clears throat] eliminate volunteers in the future. >> Totally ag 100% ag. So I um I don't know what our motions look like. I'm wondering if anyone would
entertain a amendment and to make um Thomas and Robert Mcaffrey uh full and put Jerry Benady as a associate. Um for me, it's like I already had said before, I'd like to see a well-rounded
committee. Um I love that we have two new names that we've never seen or I've never seen before. So, I love that we have volunteers stepping up, but I also completely understand why the right thing to do is to put Thomas as a a full
member just because he has been dedicated to this board for several years now, if not more. >> Does anyone have any input on that? >> I'm okay with it. >> S you sat in those meetings, so >> Was that your original Was that your
original um one? I forget now. I can't say what my original thought was because >> it was a long time. I don't want to say it was a long time ago, but it was a lot of meetings. [laughter] >> It doesn't say what you were trying. >> Um I just I think um
>> Oh, so you had you had Robert as an associate, not Jerry as an associate, right? That's what it says there. >> Yeah. >> Karen Royce Gillis. >> I can't hear you. >> Yeah, Robert. You had Robert as an associate. >> You suggested I did. Okay. I did. And I suggest Thomas. >> Yes.
>> Okay. Um I would entertain that motion. >> Say that one more time. >> I'd entertain that motion. Yeah. Sure. >> Okay. Would you be amendable to Oh, Karen, you want So we um lost a member of the Council on Aging, unfortunately. Um so sometimes they do kind of take it
personally. Then we lost a really good volunteer. Um, so >> maybe whoever we vote, would you guys want to be willing to reach out to the associate member and just explain how hard this was for us and how valued they are just so that >> Sure. >> literally the the person very highly
skilled, very yeah, very important person. He would have been great whether he was associate or full, but he only got an associate and felt like the committee and we were not respecting his skills and and just didn't even take the position. That wasn't a good thing. >> Yeah. No, we wouldn't want that to
happen either, especially because these are new residents stepping up to volunteer. So, we don't want that to happen either. Um, if everyone if that works for every I don't know. >> So, she's saying Jerry as an associate. >> Yes, that's what but you guys were in
the interview. So, >> I'm just suggesting that I would take your feedback >> of what your thoughts are on that. >> Obviously, I think it's I don't think I don't think there'll be any hurt feelings. Okay. You know what I
mean? I think that that um Robert is just trying to do what's best for Reic and I don't think that there'll be any hurt feelings. I apologize if I'm misspeaking, but I I got the impression that >> most if not every volunteer just wants to help. And so sometimes they're just
trying to find where they fit. And I think that >> um hopefully they'll fit. And if not, then >> that'd be going against what you said. So just so you know, like >> at some point we're going to go against what I said. So which I'm, you know, going against I'm not going to go home
both of us. [laughter] So >> yeah, and that's why I'm not trying to step on because you guys put all those days in. >> I think I'm I'm I'm passionate about Thomas being moved up and I think the other two will be wonderful wherever they're placed and I think that it will
give them the opportunity to step up to full if the opportunity presents itself. So you know, provided it's a good fit. >> Yes. Thanks, Melissa. Um, yeah, I I think I would want to keep it as Jerry being full and then if you want, we can move
Tom up. Um, because I do understand the the reasoning that that you've given. Um, you know, like I said, could go either direction, but I think I'd still like to see Jerry's fault.
>> Good. We can keep it how it is then. >> All right. So, you want to make a motion? Why don't you make your motion officially? We'll second it. We'll vote on it. See if we get three or more. >> Uh, so we have to >> I guess do one person >> or actually. Okay. So, all right. This
is the easy one, I think. Move to appoint Thomas Armstrong as full member of the community planning and development commission term beginning July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30th, 2029. >> Second. Seconded by Karen Rose Gillis.
Was it? Oh, wait. That's associate was 27. Okay. >> So, we're moving him up. Just one person moving up. >> It's different than what was written here, but yes. >> So, um seconded by Karen Rose Gillis. Any further discussion?
None. All those in favor? 5. Second. Move to appoint Robert McShuffrey as a full member of the Community Planning and Development Commission term beginning immediately and expiring June 30th, 2028 partial term.
>> Second. >> Seconded by S. All those in favor in moving uh Mr. McFrey to a full position three. All those opposed? Two. So that moves forward.
Appoint move to appoint Jerry Benaki, excuse me, as an associate member of the Community Planning and Development Commission term beginning immediately and expiring June 30th, 2027. Partial term. Partial term. Okay. Um,
second. Do we have a second? >> Second. >> Second by Sale. All those in favor? >> 5. We have to do Heather too. Um Karen >> at the move to appoint Heather Kush as a full member of the community man planning and development commission term
beginning July 1st 2026 and expiring June 30th 2029. Second second by Karen Rose Gillis. Um any further discussion? All those in favor? 5. Okay. Now we can move on to the full list which um I
believe Karen and S agreed on all of the other um boards and committee volunteers but if you have if anyone has any input >> I do just um appreciate all the hard work and um I see there's still lots of openings um
>> um okay so I appreciate you going through all that um I I do want to talk about the um select for designate to the Burbank um ice arena. >> Um so maybe maybe change is good. Um we
have two new liaison. Um we have new challenges for our relationship. We have new amendments to the contract and um I sent you guys a document which we can put in the packet. I I feel like I feel like board relations and and
cooperation have not been great with our current appointee who I have appointed twice in the past. And I appreciate all of the work he's done and uh I actually have no doubt that if we don't appoint him tonight, uh somebody else will potentially step down the board and
he'll just be back on the board anyway. He's very involved. But our options, and I understand that we only had one applicant, and you know that can happen. He's been serving um since 2010. If you call him to town hall, you're like, "Is
there really room in the bank Ice Arena?" You might not get the impression there's really room. Um our our options could be, you know, just reappoint them again. Our options could be um appoint them for partial term. Um,
our another option could be we revertise and we really emphasize to people that we are looking for a new voice on that board that hasn't changed very much. Um, uh, the the board, why might some people
not be advertising or applying? Because they might think there's no, you know, that's his position for life, which it isn't. And um, or they might think, okay, the members of that board, they're mostly men. They're mostly white. Apologies. Um, they might think that doesn't look like me. I'm not going to
feel comfortable. Um, I also think that board is mostly full of hockey folks. It's probably a lot of hockey talk. Um, I'm concerned that there's only one there's only one board member who represents skating. She doesn't even live in town. Okay. So, there's nobody
representing the skating club. So maybe an applicant could come in and be a current active participant in the Northshore skating club which provides 50% of the income or a member of the public because there are lots of members of the public that are really interested
in public skating. I've talked to a number of them over the years. I think we could get some fresh ideas. Um so I I am not really you know you know given some of the the public comments and I I put this in the the
notes that I forwarded to you because I think it all happened s before you were even elected so you wouldn't even have been aware of it and I'm sure you didn't talk about it in the interview but you know coming to a select board meeting and um
calling out select board members for for asking questions on behalf of residents isn't isn't cool for any design and I can't think of another example that's ever happened and I don't think it's a good president it's not precedent. It's not a good look for our board. It it
really isn't a good look. So, you know, we have two new liaison and and I put lots of my concerns in there. You have and now I can do this in a public forum to say here are the things that have concerned me. I've been a leazison for a number of years. So, now you now you know some of the things that have concerned me. So, if you get invited to
another meeting, I was never invited to a meeting. um you can you can ask them about those kind of things and we can we can start fresh and um but it would be great if we could also you know have a a select board designate who brings a fresh perspective and maybe brings more
diversity to that board and that's why I wanted to talk about it. So thank you. Um I just have a quick comment. I think we want to be careful in saying that town hall is going to make it sound like the board's full when a volunteer is up
um and there's positions open. Also, we didn't get another volunteer. So, I would support him to stay on as liaison. I think that there was um a
personality clash to be quite honest and it's my understanding that Chris went to a meeting already. So I'm hoping for a better set communication and you know I think this is something I would consider if it doesn't go well when the liaison is up the next time then then we could
have that conversation. But I think for some time there was a personality clash that I'm hoping that we've moved past that and we can have better communications with the town because I think both this board and their board realize that that is something that needs to happen.
>> Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Um yeah, I think if we start going down this route that we're going to just mention that you know Sally Hoy's been on the council on aging forever. Uh thank you for your time. and we're taking you off. Like, absolutely
not. Or Brian Bose's here. He's been on conservation forever and doing a great job. It's the same thing. Like, why would we just go ahead and do that when there's nobody taking their place, a mythical figure that doesn't currently
exist? People apply to apply. There's various boards and committees that, you know, there more popular ones than others. Um, but it is what it is. It's hard to find volunteers. It It's hard to find
um volunteers that actively give back um to the town uh various events and everything else that goes on. Um but yeah, I I went to the uh last Burbank Ice Arena meeting.
Everybody was fantastic there. Like I mentioned, um, Ed Padudo was super active and engaged in everything. Um, I didn't see anything out of the ordinary that doesn't happen here. Um,
kind of scenario. Uh, I just, you know, I felt welcome when I was there. I didn't think that I was getting rushed out and I had to leave, I forget, for kill him or something else after the fact. Um, but yeah, it is what it is. Sometimes we have personality
conflicts and all that and you know hopefully we can we can move past them. Um it's pretty much it but I thank Carl McFaten for his his volunteering. Um and I will be voting to reappoint him to the
Burbank Ice Arena. >> Any other input? Um I think uh we have a lot of needs on a lot of different committees and we have a new timeline for interviewing uh volunteers. So if someone else wants to volunteer for the next round, great. I don't think
that this is a situation where we need to do a special round and recruiting. I think that that has already taken place. Um, I think with the two new board members as part of it, they're going to have an eye on what's going on. I think
that I think there's a lot more attention on the board now between the different lease negotiations and the parking and recal going over there. So, I'm thinking pretty positively on of more communication between the town and them. And so, I think I'm I'm I'm happy to
have him do it again. And I thank all of them for their service. And if someone else wants to step up for whatever, you know, I I'm hoping that people are not um turned off to apply to things because they feel uncomfortable or they don't feel like it's their thing. Um I encourage everybody to volunteer for
something even if you don't think it's your thing. Um but we have a lot of other committees that could use some people as well. So um I hope that the next time we do interviews more people will step up. >> Great. >> Any further discussion?
>> Karen? Yeah, I want to I want to be clear. This um designate came to a select board meeting and made false statements and said Miss Herrick never even came to a meeting. I was never invited. I asked
respectfully. Carlo was invited to one meeting. Chris was invited to one meeting. This isn't a personality conflict. This is something else. It's not okay. So, um, there were other false statements
that were made. I think, um, I was kind of hoping that this board would have a little more concern for, um, our representatives, our design coming to the board and and being hostile. And in one example,
you know, the entire board was criticized, not me, but I've been called out, you know, singly, but the entire board was criticized. I mean that's just not a good working relationship with the designate. So um that's that's really the point of this that I can think of no
other example. I can think of one example certainly not Sally Hoy doesn't come to public comment and attack the board the very board that appoints her and Brian doesn't Brian comes and he's very diplomatic and ask questions and listens and we all try to do our best.
So those aren't really good um examples. I can think of a select board member who was threatening to sue rec committee members and it really did concern the rest of the board at that time and that select board member decided to just step away for their from their liaison
responsibility to cool things out. Well, I've done that and I think it's great to get new people asking these important questions and holding this board accountable because that's what I was doing. I I don't think it's okay for a select board um design to come here and
make false statements and and target individual board members or the entire board. So, I just want to make sure there's recognition that that's what happened. >> Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Uh resident Carl McFaden
came and gave public comment. Not our liaison did not give public comment. He he listen I if I'm I'm reappointing people that have been in this batch of people
reappointing uh someone specifically who's been massively overcritical of me and I am voting them on. I am not letting it um get in between the way that we're supposed to do things. We're supposed to
put our differences aside. It's not always like that Karen. I understand there's times where I haven't and it's very difficult. It all is for all of us up here, but like sometimes there there's not hills to die on and this is not one of them. There's nobody else. I
could understand if there was someone else you can make an argument, but not in this case. like there's a lot of people that you know that that don't like me unfortunately and it is what it is and I reappoint them anyway and I
thank them for volunteering and you know hopefully I can change their mind in the future probably not but like you know like we got to agree to disagree so I just I just don't see it in in this case.
>> Okay. All right, Chris, I'm gonna Can I speak one more time? >> Yep. I'd really rather not continue the back and forth and just go to >> No, I don't I don't want to continue the back and forth either. Okay. >> Um, but it is clear in that statement that you can't just say, "I'm speaking as a member of the public and then go on
to speak on board matter matters." That's a problem. You need to recognize that. I am really glad you went to one of their meetings. But what we need as a board is more than just Ed's a great guy. We need hard questions. I've been asking hard questions. I've been getting
nowhere. You guys are up. You guys, you get to ask harder questions because now we have kids depending on them. So, thanks. >> I'd like to move on to the motion to approve the um Basque
Committee volunteer if we have one. >> Actually, we may not have one because it was in a consent agenda, right? >> Right. >> Oh, yeah. Okay. So, >> um vote on it >> move. So, last year and the year before I checked actually um we just voted all
the ones that you guys agreed on. We just voted on as one whole. Um so, if we could just Karen, do you want to attempt a generic motion to approve those? Um I didn't >> I don't think we have a motion for all
of them because it was in the consent agenda. >> Understood. I just want to ask are all of the um I think all of the positions that were filling are in the packet at least. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. Well, so I'd like a I'd like to separately vote on the um the Burbank
leazison, but >> we could um let me pull the pack. What does it say? >> So it be moved to vote on the appointments of the volunteer boards and committees. >> Um without
>> as presented without the Burbank 62326. >> Yeah. Without can take >> Ice Arena authority. >> Yep. >> So moved. >> Do you want to say so moved Chris? >> So moved. >> Okay. >> Get that. Sorry. Thank you.
>> Um any further discussion on that? >> All those in favor? >> Wait. Second. I second it. I apologize. S second. Um, no further discussion. All those in favor? 5-0. >> And then uh a second motion.
>> Karen, do you have a second motion for um Reading Ice Arena? >> Move to appoint um Carl McFaden as the select board designate for the Reading Ice Arena Authority. >> I think we need a date. >> Um >> June 23rd.
>> No, June 30th. Oh, June 30th, I'm sorry. >> 2029. Is that right, Maddie? >> It'll it'll So, it's beginning July 1, 2026, expiring June 30th, 2029. >> Okay. >> Move to appoint Carl McFadden as the select board designate for the Reading Ice Arena for a term beginning July 1st,
2026, and expiring June 30th, 2029. >> Second. >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris. Um, any further discussion? All those in favor? Four. All those opposed one.
Okay, let's move on to 820. Discuss town building projects including pickle ball and High Street. Thank you. Um so in your packet you have some information on the pickle ball project update and you have some information on High Street and then I'll
take you through some information that we have recently on Kllum um regarding the bid which is kind of the most recent great news uh update. So um the reading pickle ball project continues on schedule. Uh completed work so far includes site clearing preparation that
was done in March and April. Um the musco lightness the uh the lighting infrastructure um was put in and the electrical systems were installed. That was early on in the process because it's embedded. Um fence post and pickle ball net posts are installed. Um the cult storm water drainage storage system is
completed. That's part also of the recal site. So all of the storm water from the street, from the gutters, from the site goes into this uh cult underground storm water retention system and then it slowly goes into the groundwater. Um so
that's done. The post engine concrete courts are poured and they are currently curing. It's about a month-long process for them to cure. Um the perimeter fencing posts have been completed and concrete curbing around the courts were completed last week. Um, next up for
that contractor, that's Quirk. Um, they did the Birch Meadow phase two project that recently opened, just to give people some context. Um, they are going to complete the remaining concrete work, including the shade pavilion area and the shade shelter footings. The footings were included in the project from the
beginning, but Reading Pickle Ball Association is funding the shade structure separately. Um the rough grading of the front walkway area will be completed and then adjacent areas will be prepared for paving operations. Um
landscape planting is also coming up. Ex Essex Horiculture is a specialty contractor um as part of the project and they'll be tagging plant material um in the coming weeks that will be planted on the site. And then um the court servicing is scheduled for late July.
Um, so it's the painting, the colors, the surface goes on top of the concrete once it's all finished, just like the basketball surface you've seen down at uh, Birch Meadow. Um, so it says here, depending on the status of adjacent construction activities, any
approved change order work, the surfacing schedule may be adjusted to mid August to ensure optimal installation conditions and protect finished court surfaces. Um, so right now it's on track to open in the fall and so that's great news. Um, any
questions on pickle ball? >> Yeah, the money. Can we talk about the money? >> Okay, >> the project budget. >> You want the project budget? All right, hold on. >> What's expended? >> Okay. I don't have what we have expended so far. We can
>> pull it up in munus. I suppose >> we were under budget on that as well. >> We are. Yeah. Yeah. >> And um I understand Sharon um had to go out to bid and so >> Sharon had to go out to bid. >> Sorry, not out to bid. Sharon had to do
the borrowing. Yeah. >> Yes, we did first trunch of borrowing. That's correct. >> Um for all of the projects is that what are you looking for the finances for all of the borrowing? So, I understood that she might have done a separate borrowing
for this project, and I just want to know whether we're going to have to reapply um capital that we have borrowed for to another project. >> No, I know what you're saying up to this one. >> You're you're talking about um if we overborrow for projects, sort of like the library project.
>> If you think it's going to cost a million, you borrow a million and then it only cost 800. You know, it happens sometimes. >> So, no, I understand. So she did not borrow all of the money for all of the projects. She borrowed enough money in the first trunch to manage cash flows as we go forward. And then that way when we
get to the end of the project, we don't have leftover funds. So all of these projects were put into one trunch. Um a portion of it I think it turned out to be $68 million. Um >> yeah, I wasn't sure this was wrapped in there. >> I think it was.
>> We'll see her on Thursday. I can clarify. >> Sure. and I'm happy to get that for the for the board and we'll send that separately. Um, so then we'll ban this has been, you know, discussed previously, but we'll ban some of the borrowing as we go through so that at the very end when we're ready to close
the projects, we'll only borrow the the amount that we need at the end and that way we won't overborrow. So, and have money that sits around for a while that we have to pay interest on. So, it's a great question. It's an important question. So, I thank you for asking that. Um but yeah, we are under budget
on that one. All right, moving along. Um the High Street downtown improvements phase two. That's the High Street project. Um we have this week um some utility excavation work that's going on
on Chute Street. And this work identified um a water mane that was looking not great. It's pretty old, I think. Did you remember the age of it? um it's old and so there was a decision that was made to replace that water man
um under controlled shutdown so that um there's dentist officers salons down there having an accidental water man break is going to disrupt a lot of people. So the intention is replace that while we're already there doing the work
and then um we we don't disrupt businesses in the future. staff are trying very hard to be considerate of businesses. This is a disruptive project. Um we understand that um the uh updates so let's see um all updates to
this project are on the town website um that is being managed um by um our engineering department particularly Meg Anderson is writing those updates and uh working with staff to get the information out as there are like unexpected changes um and to keep people
informed. So phase two of the project includes the traffic signal installation at Wuburn and High. FA phase three is paving. That's anticipated July 15th to 17th right now. Again, weather permitting. Uh phase four is curbing and sidewalks. And then phase five is the
raised intersection. Um and the intention is to if they have to shut down sidewalks, the roads are open and you know, Brandy Court so people can get into the businesses. If if the roads are closed, the sidewalks are open so people can still access. There will be a period
with um the sidewalk being done where businesses will have to keep their doors open that day because there'll be a bridge that goes from the street over the sidewalk to get into the building and to get into that entryway. If the business wants to be open, they'll have to leave their door open. So,
engineering has been working on this and they'll be talking about this these implications with businesses. >> Is that going to happen? >> This summer, this soon. >> Not November. >> No, no, no, no, no, no. I don't know if that's better or worse, though. >> The fall might be better, but I know we can't push it, >> right? Because of air conditioning. Air
>> condition. Exactly. Um, but that should only be just for the duration of the waiting the sidewalks to to cure, >> which would be how long? >> I think it's like a day or it's one day. So, when they want to be open that the opening hours that day. >> 48 hours tops probably. >> Oh, okay.
>> Okay. Weather permitting. The humid it's going to take longer to cure. >> Chris, did you have something to add? I just wanted to mention that um a little um addendum from what is written here in the memo, the water man replacement is actually now going to happen tomorrow night. >> Okay.
>> Um because there is one business that actually is going to be open on Sunday and so rather than disrupt that one business, we are now doing it overnight tomorrow night. So we've already talked to all the um the abutters and they are on board with it. So >> Okay. Okay. Thank you.
>> Yeah. Thank you for working around the businesses cuz I know they're kind of >> well and that's changed since the packet was issued. So these things are changing regularly on this project. So >> um we're trying to >> keep a pace of it and make sure that we're doing the best we can to let folks
know. >> Okay. >> Okay. Because it does impact folks. >> Um moving on to recal progress updates. >> Oh, can I just ask one question? Um phase five raised intersection. >> Yes. um that's in front of the depot like come at the end
>> that's going to be paved. >> It's um it is a raised I think it's stamped concrete >> stamped stamp so it'll look like the cobblestone area but not cobblestones or bricks >> but not cobblestones or bricks. >> If you dig deep enough on Haven Street you will find cobblestones under there.
>> Yeah. It's just not ideal for many reasons. >> That's right. >> In New England. [laughter] >> That's correct. >> And for people in wheelchairs or you know plowing and all that stuff. So that's great. Okay. So, as a raised intersection, it'll that whole area will
be will be raised up and there'll be I believe there's a a half wall that goes Yes. that's included in the project says welcome to Reading facing the train depot and on the other side. And um so you go up and it's sort of like a an elongated speed bump. You know, just you
come up and then you and then you go down. Um great. So, >> it'll be it'll be a really great spot. Um, okay. You have in here um Jenna Wood's presentation that she gave the lunch and learn um about recal. And if
you go to the end, there are some current um pictures of the construction. >> Oh, great. >> That's just why we put this in here. And it's just a good reminder of like what what's going on at the site. But I'm going to share my screen on Zoom.
Um >> Oh, [clears throat] wow. We have a foundation. We do. Wow. >> Well, we have part of a foundation. >> We have part of a foundation. >> Pickle wall is like almost done. >> Wow. Okay. Those are not the pictures I want
to use. Hold on one second. >> Straight. >> There we go. All right. Um, okay. Let me share this. >> My pickle ball has all the lights up and everything >> there. Yeah, cuz they have to be
embedded in the the concrete. So, they went up first. So, this right here, this pink area. This whole this whole wall is called the stem wall and the pink is the insulation. And um
moving down here so I can move. If you these are pictures that are posted daily from our contractor um the black that's underneath it this is waterproofing. >> So this is all water this whole section of wall will be underground >> and the the little areas up here I don't
you see my cursor on the screen that are kind of sticking out like parapets if you will. It's not a technical term those the slab will be even with that. So that's where the floor is. So they will pour the slab. But before they pour the slab
um they have to um let's see I made some notes. They have to put the um steel in. And in order to get the steel in, they have to put a crane in where the gym will be. >> So they have built a ramp which is not uploaded to the photos yet. They they
built the ramp today. Um, and a crane will drive into they can't pour the slab because the crane would crush the slab. >> So, they got to put the crane in there and then start steel erection. And then when the steel is done, they'll take the the crane out and then they'll start wood framing. Um, so just a couple of
other pictures to take you through. Um, it's part of the cult system. That's the drainage I wanted to show you. Hold on a second. >> That's dirt. >> That's dirt. I have too many screens
open, so I can't move quickly here. There's a lot of dirt there. >> So, this right here is um >> this is the grease trap >> that is going to be in the kitchen. >> The kitchen will be poured on top of the grease trap effectively or around it. Um and then that will connect to another
tank outside. Um so that's where the commercial kitchen will be. Um and then this here is um plumbing and electrical fixtures um at the back of the building. So here's the road behind it. You can see Range Road. So this is the corner that's really close to Range Road and
there are some restrooms over here and the back uh the kitchen is sort of nearby. So um these orange and yellow these are um my understanding is those are plumbing fixtures and then that's some of that's rebar and then um you
have electrical down here. Okay. I am not I am not a construction expert. Um but I did talk to the project manager today. Um and those will also go under the slab as well. Um so the next big step July 1st begins steel erection and
then the elevator shaft will go in. So this is next week. Um and then once those are complete then the slab can be poured. Um that will take about three weeks for those PE for steel and the slab and the elevator shaft and then the
framing will start at the end of July and then about 2 months after that framing starts the buildings you'll it'll look like a building. >> Wow. >> Yeah. So the framing is about two months. So >> they'll be able to work all winter inside pretty much. >> That's Yeah. The idea to get the building envelope secure so they can
work inside. Um so that is what's going on. We are going to do a time capsule to put underneath the front door. So for folks if they have any anything they'd like to go into the time capsule, just let us know. They'll build us the capsule. So we just need to get them, you know, put the newspaper in there
with the passing of the whatever. We'll, you know, anything people want. If they've got ideas, bring them to the town manager's office and we will get >> the capsule, >> right? It's not that big. >> Not that big. I >> mean, it's a time capsule. It's going to go in like a >> So you can't put a mattress in there or
anything. You can't dispose of your mattress underneath the recal. It's not that big. No, I don't know why a mattress. But um no, just idea so that a hundred years from now or whenever >> they do a major renovation or take this building down someday, 200 years from
now, this building 300 years from now, this building will last. >> Are you going to post this in like manager's minute or something so people can start giving suggestions because it's very cool. >> Yeah. No, it's a it's a neat thing. I sent it out to the committees, the relevant committees as well. Um, and you
know, we'll take the information, we'll we'll put it in. It'll be a fun thing to do. That sounds fun. >> Yeah. And then I think there's going to be a topping off ceremony that, you know, all the relevant boards and stuff will be invited to. A topping off ceremony is usually done when the steel is done and they paint the steel and then everybody can sign their name on
the steel and it's in the building and it's there for it's a nice thing that kind of the community can be involved in. Um, and that we are probably going to do until when we'll wait to do that until the framing is done. And they they just lift the last. So everybody signs the beam, you take a picture with the
beam, whatever you want to do, and they lift it into place. It is just a nice ceremony. No word on hot dogs for that one. >> Will the hot dogs be there? Chris, >> I have no hot dogs. [laughter] >> I don't know. >> Um, I don't know anything about that. So about hot dogs. Okay, >> great.
>> Um, so then moving on to the killum. Um, we have a general contractor. The contract has been signed with Bateu Builders Corporation. They were a low bidder with a base bid of 75,233,800, which is approximately $14.8 million under budget.
>> Um, break came in with a low um add alternates one and two. So, add alternate one is road improvements, offside road improvements to Charles Street and add alternate two were road improvements to Haveril Street. And through the various stages of this project, we identified, you know,
traffic issues and parking issues on those streets. And it made sense to include these pieces with this project because if the project comes in under budget, this is better for our budget as a town than trying to fund it out of our
general paving budget or trying to find a complete streets, you know, grant or something. So, this is it's really worked out well. It was very smart to add these items into the project. So it was Haveril Street and Charles Charles right in front of >> That's correct. And Charles is number one. So if we had if we could only do
one, you do number one first. So Charles was a priority, but it's going to be great. So the total base bid plus add alternates one and two is 76,387,825. Um, so that's a difference of $14,816,48 from the approved construction budget
which was 91,23,873. >> So just to take you back >> digging deep when we brought the project forward to the community, we said $130 million for the total project and the construction price in our estimates at that point was
$101 million. Um, and that is part of our project funding agreement with the MSBA. As we went through our design, when we get to the 90% construction document phase, so we're deep into the, you know, the design, we have a really good idea how things are going to cost.
And through that process, we reestimate the budget from time to time. That's when we get to that $91 million. Um, so this comes in just $130 million, $101 million. Um, you know, PFA construction
estimate. We're $25 million under what we told the project told the public that project would cost. So, that's great news. >> It is good news. >> That is that is great news. Yeah. Um, so we're going the plan right now is to place some of these savings in our owner's contingency. We're not borrowing
the but the value is there in case there are unexpected surprises which happens. That's why we're very conservative. Um it does not mean we will be spending it. Um it also allows us to borrow less in the second trunch down the road. So um I think that this speaks to maintaining
conservative budgeting philosophy, working with listening to our excellent consultants, um designers and managers and following our budget process. Um so that is fantastic news. Now that the contract is signed, um we will begin construction on that site soon. They'll
be doing some prep work, site work, and mobiliz. I don't know the date on mobilization yet, but um I don't think we talked about that at the meeting last week. Um but it's coming up, so we'll let the board know. >> Can I just ask one question? So we're, you know, approximately 14 and a.5
million under. >> Yep. >> Do we know will that come off ours or out of what MSBA's reimbursement is? So, that's a great question. Uh, that that homework is being done now. Great. >> The MSBA has already emailed us saying, "Okay, this is this is the date that it's due and this is what we're
expecting." Um, so that work is being done. Our OPM is optimistic that we may realize a fair portion of that savings out of our obligation. So that would look something like um you know instead of instead of 91 or 86
million of the total project cost so $130 million 86 million is the town's responsibility. >> The it's starting to look more like 60 million is the town responsibility. >> So again these are very early numbers. We will come back to you with more
information as we do do our homework here. But it's great news. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, that's fantastic news. >> Very good. >> It's great news. So, um we have a great team and we have a lot of smart people working on this on our behalf. So, >> and what was the um the length of the
charge borrowing? Was that for 20 years, 25 years? >> Uh yes, I think it is 15 years for Recal and 20 years for Kllum. I think that's right. >> That sounds right to me. >> I think so. Yeah. There was discussion
about 10 and 20, but in order to make it um a little >> 50-year building, it'd be good if like residents over the course of 50 years that are benefiting from it shares in it and not and that helps affordability like right now. >> Yeah. >> By not going for the shortest even
though in absolute terms, you know, a lot of people can't afford 15-year mortgages. They're like they'd like to, but they can't, >> right? >> Um no, you're you're correct. So anyway, that is the project update. >> Thank you.
>> And I will um get the information more detail on the borrowing for you um visav how it breaks out for pickle ball and recal and kill. So great suggestion. >> Do we want to move on to mater? [clears throat] So, we're not asking for any decisions
tonight. Thank you, Chris. >> Thank you, Chris. >> Um, we're not asking for any decisions tonight. Um, this is just for discussion. So, what you have in your packet are two quotes from GANAP.
The first one has um an estimated range total all-in of 154,000 to 181,000 to complete the necessary um requirements in order to bring this building up to um
a commercial use and um it would be it would it would be for 20 people to be able to use this building >> at one time. >> That's correct. That would be the um the maximum allowed in the building. Um the
second >> Oh, [clears throat] did we only give you one? >> Maddie, did we give them one or the both? >> I'm always There's two numbers on this. >> One says 129 to 150. One says 154 to 181. >> No, there's two. There's two essence.
All right. So, I'll put the other one up on the screen. So, hold on a second. >> [sighs and gasps] >> So we went back to GANAP and we said um if we use our own contractors uh the contractors like that we still
have we currently have in our agreements rather than hire general contractor to do the work. Um, and you know, Joe is an OPM. He has the the requirements, so he could, you know, be in charge of pulling that permit. Um,
we said, I'm going to scroll down here to these baseline numbers. It drops the cost and it drops um some of the overhead. So if you look here, direct cost subtotals and the um the contingency like this estimating contingency kind of stays the
same, but some of these other ones drop from the previous estimate um because we're using our our own contracts. So it saves us money. So this one with a project contingency of 20% goes from a low of 121 to a high of 142.
Now I'm going to take you back through this estimate. These items that are highlighted on the screen are items that um I worked with the facilities and with the conservation administrator Chuck Tyrone to determine what are pieces that we can do in house
or with volunteers. As you know, he has a robust volunteer community. >> Um so some of the demolition can be done. >> Um some of this handrail work can be installed. We have to buy the handrails but we can install them. Um some of this
work for wood and framing on the like the deck on the back of the building. Um improving the joists on the front porch. Um some framing some of these items. We also believe that um our volunteers can do. They built the back deck. They need
to raise just the top rail of the deck. So you know smaller smaller pieces can be done. We don't want them involved in um any structural items. Um we don't want our volunteers to be doing any of the painting um moving any of the
plumbing or the electrical things like that. Um so there's very specific type of paint that has to be used inside because if you remember the inside's all wood and that is not to fire code. So a particular kind of paint >> it is not to fire code >> not for commercial. >> So that means as a finish
>> we're going to rip all this out right now. The whole wall. >> The whole wall. >> The whole wall. Doesn't matter. Wood is wood. Like, so you know, >> we are not proposing a change of use for this building. It is currently code. >> Well, I guess so. >> We are not changing it. >> We're covered. You're covered. >> Thank you. Um, and then we believe that,
um, DPW can do some of the earth work um that makes the grading and so forth more AD accessible. Um, under this, we have to have ADA accessibility in the front and in the back. Is that correct? >> Uh, yes. to the >> Why don't we come up here, Chuck? Thank
you. I put I asked him if I could put him on the spot a little bit. So, >> good evening everyone. Uh, thank you for having me. It's Chuck Terani, the conservation administrator. Um, that's as I understand it that there needs to be two handicap um entrances.
U, it it wasn't that way in in some of these reports, but this is the final report and that's what it asked for. Yeah. >> So, um just to go over a few of the things we looked at this and we felt that some of these things are like low-level
um you know re really just um homeowner type repairs that the volunteers could do and take some of the pressure off. A lot of the repairs that I agreed to and we talked about are outside and so it
almost separates the project. inside would be the contractors that the town hires or through facilities and the outside work would be the [clears throat] um the volunteers. Uh so one of the projects quite easy. It's just putting in new railings. So take
take out the railings non-structural and put in uh new railings with ballusters and uh it's very much similar the process that we did on the back deck. So, um, we do have the volunteers and,
um, they're willing to do it. Uh, you know, for this project, we're not talking about this summer. My, they come in once a year. Plus, we have volunteers throughout the town, a pretty strong group here in Reading. I was fortunate to come into a town that has a lot of volunteers already. Uh, we've
supplemented that with some uh, other groups. And um so I feel very confident that we can take on uh what we've highlighted and get it done in time uh for the contractor to start
>> right once we if if we hire a contractor and and move forward. All of that being equal. >> Yeah. I'm just giving you the vision. Jane will give you [laughter] you know the details, right? Yeah. No, this has to be approved of course. Uh that's why
we're giving you this first uh look at it now. Uh and uh you know helping and uh doing what we've always done. I mean material cabin has historically been taken care of by volunteers. It uh you
know what's happened this process if you understand what what went on uh was out of uh you know our control. But uh if it never happened, I don't think that um the volunteers would ever ask for anything um like this and I think they
can manage the cabin after this. So if we can get over this hump, I think we're going to have a lot of years of smooth sailing uh ahead of us. So we estimate that the town could save between 25 and 30,000 by doing some of this work ourselves, which brings this
cost, you know, down quite a bit. Um, additionally, I have, and I don't want to be premature about this, I've just set a phone call to talk to Northeast Metro Tech to see if this might be a project that their students are interested in taking on. Um, it's an
interesting because it's an adaptive, you know, reuse, bringing an older building up to code. Um, one of the things we have to do is move um the commode 2 in to bring it up to to make it accessible. And that's what has to happen. And
that's so and there's a number of things like that and and you have the plans in the packet not to go over it in detail but we have been over it in excruciating detail a couple of times. Um so I appreciate um Chuck and facilities and
um you know DPW for the participation and kind of working through this project and the select board for sort of giving us the time to do this work um and the permanent building committee for funding this work. permanent building committee thought that the plans were in in line that the estimates were in line um and
in appropriate. So they they felt that the for the most part but there wasn't a lot of discussion on at the permit building committee just a couple of comments were sent to us. So um so that's where we are right now. So, I have that conversation coming up with the regional vocational
technical school. >> Um, and we'll see what they want to do then and if they want to take it on, that would be really fantastic and we could work with them to make it match the curriculum of a variety of different trades. Um, and if they're not, then we'll be back before the board to see if
you have an appetite to bring funding. We'll have to fund materials, >> you know, we'll have to fund the materials. Um but we if we can do some of this with with um volunteers, it's not unreasonable to expect that we could do this for, you know, 85 90,000 in
materials and perhaps less if um Northeast um is helping us. I'm sorry, 90 without u with materials and labor outside labor. Maybe bringing that cost down even further if we're able to work with the school. >> Okay. I think that'd be great if we can
get that. It would be wonderful. >> Do we have air conditioning at the We don't have air like it's not really conditioned year round, right? >> Yeah. Uh, you know, it is uh, you know, solid wood walls. I mean, is a cabin, so it stays quite cold in there, but uh,
you know, there's been occasions where people had birthday parties or groups that come in for training asked if they could uh, bring an air conditioner. So, >> like the humidity is not great. >> It's been noticed. Yeah. >> So, and the only reason I bring that up is is like since we're planning for the
cabin, the heating system is 1990s error. It's gas >> and the green community's >> projects or applications are like twice yearly. And like here's another here's another one where it since it's shaped like a house, it's actually going to be
pretty easy to convert in my opinion >> convert to um >> some heat pumps. >> Heat pumps. Yeah. Because it's just like a res it is a residence. So it's not like trying to deal with Pleasant Street. So hopefully that means it's not that expensive. Maybe it's like a >> Well, everything's more expensive when
the government does it. But >> that's correct. >> Yes, ma'am. >> That should be that should be energy saving and it would get us off of some fossil fuel. There's too many trees over there for solar, though. I don't know if any are going to fall down any those pines. >> So we planned the pavilion to have
solar. That's right. Yeah. So, uh, if you can, uh, >> we could work something out with that if, uh, if possible. [cough] >> Yeah, we can try again. >> Yeah, HVAC repairs or replacements are not included in these estimates, but if it could be grant funded down the road,
that would be great. >> Yeah, thank you. This is good. This is I think this is mostly good news. I mean, [cough] you want it to be accessible. >> It needs to be accessible. >> Lord knows what else you're going to find that needs to be kind of cleaned up and it'll be in good shape. Like you said,
>> we're it's been that place has been gone over with a fine tooth comb. So, we're pretty confident in these numbers a few times. So, um I think we're I think we're in good shape. >> You know, it's a great it's a great spot. It not only does provide access for uh people in town at a very low
budget. Um our rates are very low, but it also houses the town uh trails committee that have like 17 or 18 miles of trails to take on. And they've used both sides of the garage. And when they have money, they fill it up with wood.
And you know, that's uh another thing that this uh this building does for the community. Uh it just uh it's just a base for all conservation activities. It's a base for all uh the people that
don't do traditional sports. So, it's um >> yeah, >> I think it's becoming something very special out there. And um yeah, I can't wait to uh come back and uh hopefully uh talk about when we're closer to making a decision uh and
answer some questions that the board has. So I appreciate uh the time tonight. Thank you. >> Well, one thing I don't know what the board members think, but so it's a really big piece of property and you got these students looking to use their skills and if you can get a meeting and
they're over there like, do we need an out building? Do they want to build us an out building? I mean, just, you know, it' be great to like What else do you guys want to do over here that we actually might need anyway? >> Good to >> sign off on whatever hours you need. >> We'll keep it in the back of our mind. I'm sure Chuck has a list of projects
[laughter] back up his mind. >> I think we need to see what happens with the override first before we spend more money. >> No, exactly. My hope is that we can uh find a way to bring this in um very very low budget but between um the school and
our volunteers. And so really we're just looking at some of the materials. Um but we you know we have a plan. We're work to execute the plan, see what we can do because the override's a it's a big factor right >> or this becomes a talking point for the override. These are the things that we're being asked to fund that we can't
fund. That's why we need an override. We can put Yeah, that could be another conversation. It's not currently in the override budget that we're working on right now, but it could be. Did >> you have some? >> Yes. Thanks, Melissa. Um, so I vaguely
recall it being 40 50,000 back when we started and I didn't hold you to it then kind of scenario. So obviously it's a little bit more than that. >> But doesn't Town Meeting have to approve this? We can't just spend the money, right? >> That's correct. We're not in a place to
ask town meeting what that I'm hopeful that we can go down this other road with the regional school, the vocational school. >> And I swear I'm not nitpicking. I just happen to end up on page 112 randomly. >> And there is a drinking fountain for
$2,500. >> You better believe it. >> Do we need a drinking fountain? >> Yes. >> As opposed to an actual Poland Springs thingy and be done with it. I believe we have to have a drinking fountain that you can slide. >> I don't want to
>> I can ask. >> I'm just saying like [clears throat] it just >> requires. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Accessibility requirement. >> Yeah. The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board. I believe it's a >> has to have a drinking fountain. >> Yes, sir. >> We have one out that fall, I guess.
>> Well, I can understand like >> Yeah, but Oh, that's crazy because that's a building that's not used all that often. This is this is public building uh requirements. Same thing is true with you know the private buildings um that are open to the public have to
have all these accessibility requirements. >> So recall is going to have drinking fountains all over the place. >> Yes. Yeah. It's in the plans. >> That makes sense. So Kellum >> who I understand and I do understand Kllum and not like other buildings. That doesn't make any sense >> because Kllum has kids in it and kids
>> so it's not but what about the rest of us? >> Uh [laughter] like If I could save $2,500, I would save $2,500 and put a Poland Springs thing. >> Would the goal be to have more people using it so that we could make >> We can only use 20 people. That's what you said. >> 20 people's 20 people.
>> We can't squeeze any more than 20. >> I don't see us ever making the money back that we'd put into this, but that doesn't mean that we shouldn't do it. >> No, I agree. >> Yeah. Like for me, seeing it be under 100, 100, you know, seeing 180 or
whatever that said on there was just >> completely >> you should definitely ask a select board to come and volunteer. [snorts] >> Yeah, even the painting has to be a specialized paint. So this this is going to be the poster child for you know um I
don't know whatever the building code is because everything is going to be brought up to date. we didn't have the luxury of uh getting the benefit of any grandfathering with the use that we already had. So we're starting from scratch
>> and this is the minimum. >> Yeah, >> this was what is the least we can do to bring it to code. Um this is not these are there are no nice steps. This this reuses the existing countertop and puts it back in which we may not do
>> 30 years ago. This is ridiculous. >> I can buy it. I can go down to Home Depot and buy one less expensively. >> We haven't really done anything since it opened. >> Yeah. No, that's what I'm saying. I don't think we've done anything. >> Yes, that's what I'm saying. So, >> yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Have we open? They don't have a budget. That's why they need a budget.
>> Um, I don't think so. I think it might be it I think it the age of the building, but we there was a lot of activity around 2007 89. Yeah. Yeah. >> And that's when the, you know, we got a building permit in 2009 and there was all this remodeling when we first got
it. >> Got it. >> And it was turned into this use. >> Yep. Okay. >> And then we've used it this way for a long time. And then um all of a sudden we discovered we weren't uh we weren't on the right page and so that's why
we're here tonight. >> Great. Any other discussion from the board? >> How much how much money do we make like revenue off of this year? Do we have any right now? >> Virtually no. And even before that, it was pretty dimminimous. >> It's Yeah.
>> Yeah. It's not a money maker. It's it's it's something that, you know, every town uh benefits from a town forest. Every town benefits from conservation land. And when you I mean everyone's been somewhere, Massachusetts, New Hampshire. When you drive in and you see
that uh US uh forestry um building and uh parking spot, you know, you get excited about doing hiking. This is more of a concept um of what we're trying to do here. We'd like the building open so
we can start soliciting um groups to come in. We almost got a school here. We learned a lot of lessons through that. That school has been um you know has a great spot now. Uh Stonem has decided to revamp one of their buildings to to uh
have them uh stay there and um so we we lost out on that, but we learned some lessons when when we get our 20 people, which can work for a lot of organizations. We do have outside [clears throat] and we do have the pavilion. um we can start
shopping around and uh see if we can bring this up to date. But the first thing is to get it classified so we know what we're asking for and then um yeah, where where is the next spot like uh Bear Meadow and Matera Cabin? Does
Stonem have something like this? Does uh Wakefield? It's us. We have it. So, I think we should keep it and uh we should promote it. >> Winchester has the farm. I think that's the closest thing. >> Yeah, they have a farm. >> Yeah.
>> Um on the screen right now to answer your question. Um these are the reservations since April. Well, since January 1st, 2022. Um and it's, you know, some birthday parties. There's a lot of, you know, non the library uses
it a lot. um trails committee, community garden, um some small gatherings, and what it boiled down to from 2022 until we um closed it, it was only $3,700.
Okay. In that time, so it is it is not a money maker. >> Okay. >> All right. Thank you. Hopefully we'll get good news from the vocational school and we can use the kids to, you know,
bring this number down somewhat and then get that building back open. >> Y thank you. >> Thank you, Chuck. Y >> 9:15. Let's or it was supposed to be 9:15. Let's move on to liaison reports.
Who would like to start? >> Anyone? Anyone want to start? >> I can go if you'd like me to. It's >> a short and sweet one. That would be great. Thank you. [cough] [clears throat] >> Uh June 10th, I attended the East meeting. They did some final wrap-ups for the Junth celebration, which I
unfortunately was unable to attend because I was out of town. Um they did a debrief of the game changer series and working on that and some educational efforts. Um I attended the climate advisory meeting on the 11th. Um that's
another committee that's looking for people. Um, and I'm trying to well I did during BAS trying to recruit some people. So they discussed looking for engagement, discussed how to redefine their strategy and their purpose so they're more understood by the community um and ways to be more effective with
their goals and they had a goal setting discussion. And the other night, um, Eastern Gateway had a residential butter focus group, um, which was very well attended and the butters got to
chime in on kind of a butter issues and what they wanted to see and there was some really great questions and some really nice engagement. So, um, that was good. And then vask vasque interviews took up a lot of our time. And I have office hours on Thursday at the Reading
Housing Authority, Tannerville property from 4 to 5:30, 22 Frank Tanner Drive. Everyone, please be mindful of residential parking spots. >> Thank you, Karen. >> That's all I got. >> Anyone else want to go? >> I can go real quick.
>> So, just finished up Bask. Um, obviously that was a lot of work. Me and Karen put in few weeks of a lot of hours. Um, I was away last week, so I didn't really get to attend any of my other meetings, but that's it. >> Great. Thank you, Chris.
>> Thanks, Melissa. Um, yeah, I attended the uh Kllum School Building Committee meeting. Jean already went over that with the good news about the U bid coming in significantly less. Um, so that's very good news as opposed to
the alternative. Um, and then I also attended the Kllum kids groundbreaking um that they had over there with the little shovels and everything for all the kids in the grades that were over there.
>> Um, they were very well organized and everything. So, it's good uh to see that they got to participate and then we'll have a real groundbreaking uh in the future. But for them, obviously, they're the ones that are going to be enjoying it and seeing it and dealing with all the pros and cons
that's going to be going on over there. Um, so yeah, that was a a great experience over there. And then I attended the um uh the I wanted to say Shriners uh the
Reading Lions Club uh friends and family day. Um, that's great as always. Uh, that they put that on. And then the um, uh, the friends of Reading Wreck. No, the one that does the fireworks. Friends
of Reading Wreck. Yes, I believe so. Um, there's so many acronyms to get a hold of. Um, the fireworks at night were, you know, uh, one of the best around um, this time of year. uh and especially
with it, you know, being put on by them and not the the town, we don't have to pay for it. And it's, you know, 15 20 minutes of of uh pretty great work that they do over there. So, it's good to see um good to see that. And it's heavily
attended as well. So, uh and I think that's it. Thanks. >> Thank you, Karen. >> Yep. Um I attended the and participated in the Pride Parade. That was a a terrific event as usual. I believe it might have been the sixth event. And um
I suggesting to um Jane that she might want to ride with one of the police officers next year because it's it's really fun and every year there are more people out on their lawns. They know where they know people are coming and it it's just a total blast.
And then last weekend I participated in the writing town day and I think last year it rained so this year was lovely, a little windy and the grass looked phenomenal. Like DBW is doing a good job. And um then a lot of people made
their way over to the Junth celebration which is the 5th or 6th might be the same as the Pride. And so that was a really fun event and the weather got so much better and um lots and lots of new
reading faces and great food and the music was unbelievable and so that is just that event is taking off and the office of equity and social justice Albert is doing a great job of organizing that and I appreciate all the
volunteers and staff that um put that together. It was a lot of work, great results. Um, I also participated in the green community celebration at the Reading Public Library, which doesn't have anything to do with the grant program. It's just an event to find out,
you know, what we're doing in Reading or celebrate what we're doing in Reading to um, keep the climate green, keep the planet green. So, I had a great opportunity to catch up with the forest committee members, trail committee members, climate advisory, and the conservation commission. Um, and then they were all I guess that was the night
before town day and then they were all headed to town day the next day. So volunteers working really really hard and it was such a fun event and um they had ice cream which is good too. And then I was also invited to attend the
end of year celebration at at the Montasauri school that we had the opportunity to put into Matara before we had to close the whole facility down. Um, the Girl Scouts have been um, very happy with them. I understand they've offered for them to
stay the next year. I did hear they were potentially looking at a Stonem location, but I think they want to stay in Reading. And so this um, they didn't get anything or they didn't have a home and they didn't get this program underway until, you know, late September, very late. They had 11
students. So for their end of year celebration, it was a multicultural um artistic presentation and they have some really talented and award-winning faculty members and the facility is wonderful and it's such a win-win and
you know it's funny I told them we were working on Matier cabin um because you know they were very excited about that to begin with. So you know I think those you were asking about revenue so I think they we the discussions sent in around about $8,000. It's not like a ton of money, but it pays helps pay for work
that we need to be doing on a year basis. So, you know, Girl Scouts are great. They're great members of the community. Happy they're getting it. And um that was fun. And then one exciting thing, no meetings, but um our new elder services director, Carrie Valley, sent
out a great memo that made a lot of the 60 plus community happy, very, very happy this year. Um she said thanks to the generosity of donors and release of additional funding from the council on aging she was able to make enhancements to u transition from the opera funded
programming. So um Pleasant Center residents are able to once again register for classes on a weekly basis for $5 per class. Very affordable allows them to keep the instructors makes a lot of people happy. And then they even put in place um a refund pol
not a refund policy but a missed class policy which works for the town and for the elder services staff. So um you know kudos for Carrie and it was a great memo as well. It was very so many people have reached out to me. They're super happy that she was able to put that together.
That's it. Um I just have an update from the board of health. Um they spoke about a mass dot funded microtransit grant that they re received nearly a million dollars um and it will provide fair free
communitywide transportation beginning in July and also um health had some you know internal discussions about when they develop new regulations and how to properly communicate those to the residents. Um, so they're kind of going
through that process. No vote was taken, but they're just trying to figure that out. So next time any new regulations come forth, they, you know, have a better process so residents are made aware of things, >> right? >> And, uh, that was it. Um, I think we will move on to future
agenda items. If anyone has I know Maddie has some things listed for our upcoming meetings, but if anyone has any other suggestions, please let us know. I did have one question. Were we weren't
we waiting on the charter to be signed um by the state to add something to our agenda or am I misremembering? was the majority vote and one other thing. >> Do we have to vote on that now? >> The liquor thing that that was both.
>> So liquor. I don't know. >> Majority vote, but that's defined. I don't think I don't think it changed. >> It's a due item for that. I've been asking for >> I feel like word policy >> like I I felt like we were waiting for that charter to be signed to add something to our agenda, but I can't
remember. And I thought I had it on my list, but I don't. >> The alcohol thing was definitely >> I believe we have to adopt the rule. >> Okay. that was already >> booked. It's It's proof, so we'll go through it. >> Perfect. I'll just keep it on my future list so we don't forget it.
>> Yep. And then um we're still waiting for the senior tax relief to be signed. >> Okay. >> But the delegation has asked that the um that she signs an emergency declaration so that it goes immediately into effect and they don't have to wait 30 days after it's signed to be into effect,
which is typical. >> Okay, great. Um, does anyone have anything to add to her June July, I'm sorry, or August meeting? >> I think you're going to want to put
override discussions on this. >> Yes, I agree. Um, do you think that's better on should we put them on both? >> There's no reason we're going to be talking about this until a decision is made. >> Yeah. So why don't we have it um on both override discussion for both July 14th
and August 4th. Um just that way we have the flexibility of having conversations. Um anything else? I know discussions.
No. All right. I think we are good to go. Do we have a motion? >> Motion to adjurnn. Second. >> Seconded by Karen. All those in favor? 5. Have a good night. >> Thank you for your