October 21st select board meeting to order. Um, tonight is being broadcast on RCTV on channel 9 through Xfinity and channel 31 on BIOS. It's also on Zoom and live through RCTV's YouTube channel. Um, let's start with the pledge of
allegiance, please. To the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Thank you,
>> All right, we'll review the agenda first. At 7:05, we'll have public comment. And just a reminder, we're going to limit public comment for now and on any agenda item to two minutes. In the room, Jane will keep time. And online, is it Maddie? >> Mattie.
>> Maddie will keep time. Thank you. Um 7:15, town manager report. 7:20, community spotlight. 7:25, our fiscal year 26, tax classification preview. 7:55, vote to close special town meeting warrant 8:00. discussion and potential
vote to support the local initiative program application for local action units to be submitted with the executive office of the housing and livable communities by BLVD Reading LLC for a lot of land at 258 to 262 Main Street
Reading. Discuss and vote on amendment to select board communication policy 1.4 addition of social media and cell phone sections. Uh nine o'clock review and vote on finance committee's request to receive a free review of town town financial policies from the division of
local services financial management uh resource bureau. Uh 9:15 discuss and vote to instruct town manager to explore Friday and Saturday only valet parking license agreement. 9:30 select board leaison report. 9:35 future agenda
items. 940 approved meeting minutes from the September 9th, September 16th, and October 7th meetings. And 9:45 will enter into executive session for purpose two and three to conduct strategy discussions in respect to co I'm sorry,
discussions with respect to collective bargaining and collective bargaining with the facilities union. Hopefully, we stay on time. Um, do we have any public comment here in the room tonight? If you could just state your name and address.
Nancy, Dr. Pearl Street. Um, >> is that on? >> Yes. No, it is. Sorry. Nancy, Dr. Pearl Street. Um, my comments are uh referencing the meeting minutes that you're going to be voting on. Meeting minutes are to reflect um an accurate
summary of what goes on in the select board meeting. I think it's a disservice not to include Mr. AI's remarks. Um, it's a disservice not to acknowledge that he made a public apology and it's a
disservice to the town not to have that in context for Chris's earlier remarks about a code content. So, I would like to um give Mr. B credit and I hope the meeting minutes actually reflect that. Thank you.
Hi folks, Gila Mineski, three Herman Avenue. Um, the town meeting members for precinct 7 coordinated and scheduled a room in the library for a public meeting. Um, I have this irrational fear
of always getting the date wrong. It will happen on Thursday, October 30th from 6:30 to 8:30 um in community room A and B. The p the the purpose of the public meeting is for
the town meeting members who can attend to engage with the residents of precinct 7 and hear their feedback comments really focusing on the up andcoming votes that the town meeting members will
be making at the up and cominging town meeting. Uh so different articles will be discussed and I'm encouraging all residents of prison 7 to attend that meeting. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else in the room have public
comment? >> Anyone online? Maddie, >> not seeing any hands on Zoom. >> Yep. >> Okay. Thank you. Just a few uh reminders and announcements. So, the downtown trick-or- treat is coming up on Tuesday,
October 28th from 4 to 5:30 in downtown Reading, including town hall. Um, it's always a fun event for parents and kids. So, we hope for beautiful weather again this year for downtown trick-or- treat. Also, on October 28th, it's our connected reading event from 5 to 7 at
the library. Um, this is now a community open house. It used to be just for new residents. Now, it's for all residents. Um, so we ask people to come out, meet town departments, local nonprofits, schools, and other community organizations. We'll have refreshments
there, and I'm told the fif the first 50 residents will receive welcome bags with um gifts from local businesses. So, it should be a really great event that night. It's going to be a busy couple weeks though because also on the 28th the at 7:30 right after that event is
over the bylaw committee will host another public forum regarding the proposed snow shoveling bylaw that will be discussed at town meeting this year in November. Um the forum is Zoom only. So you can only view it online um and participate online via Zoom and the link
is on the town website. Um, our Eastern Gateway community meeting is scheduled for Monday the 27th at 6 PM and that's at the Reading Public Library. So, you can come and get an update on the project plans and also share your opinion with the advisory
committee. Also, that night uh at 7:00 um so people can go to both of these if they wish. Um, on Monday the 27th, there'll be a special select board meeting at the high school performing arts center and this
is to hear presentations and to discuss the proposed MBTA turnback track. There will be public comment to be accepted that night and we're expecting a large turnout and we encourage residents from the entire town to attend. This meeting is not just for Butters, it's for the
entire town. So, please make an effort to attend if you can. Um, a quick note on on my professional team. We held a professional development team building day for town management staff last week at the library. We had segments on leading a multi-generation
team, strengthening team trust and coach leadership. It was an excellent day. Um, I'd like to thank our healthcare company, Maya, uh, for putting that on and for the group transformative leadership strategies for leading the discussion that day and putting together
an excellent training. So, I think my team, I got a lot of good feedback. We got a lot out of it. Um, and so we're planning to do it again next year. And then looking ahead briefly to November, I won't cover everything in November, but one thing I wanted to talk about was our Veterans Day ceremony. It
will again take place on Veterans Day, November 11th at 11:00 a.m. at Memorial Park. It's an outside event. Um, so please plan to attend and honor our reading veterans. >> Thank you. >> Does you want to do your community or
Jane? Do you have anything to add? >> No. No. He took all my good stuff. >> I'm sorry. >> It always works out that way. Um, >> community spotlight. Yeah. So, I have two spotlights tonight. Um, I'll start with an employee spotlight. So, our public health nurse liv
started in Reading just about a year ago and really hit the ground running. We had changed up that position, reclassified it so that she had both public health duties and duties at the senior center with our senior population. We weren't sure how that was going to work. I remember discussing it
with the select board and saying, "We're going to try it." It's worked out great thanks to Liv. Um the transition couldn't have gone more smoothly and uh it it works very well a year into it. Um she is now a valuable asset to both departments and I'm pleased that I
receive so much positive feedback about the work she's done and the people she's helped and I have gotten a lot of feedback from people regarding Lou's work. Um, every time I see her, she literally has her hands full with supplies and, you know, things for the flu clinic and the blood pressure clinic
and all this helpful information and and tick tick removal kits that she gives to residents, you know, to keep people healthy. So, she is um really really uh 100% giving her all to reading. So, I'd like to shine a light on Liv and thank her for her hard work this year um and
let her know that it does not go unnoticed. And one business spotlight, uh, Whitland Books in downtown Reading will celebrate its eighth anniversary in early November. I can't believe it's been eight years already, but it has. They've really become the cultural hub of
downtown Reading, hosting book clubs, book signings, poetry readings, and story time for kids. Um, the store also had hosted many community meetings and events for us there. And I really appreciate that. I'm a frequent customer. I was just there last week to
visit with a local author and the place was packed. It was really standing room only. So, congrats to Liz White Lamb and her team at Whit Lamb Books. We hope for many more successful years and I could not imagine writing without you. So, thank you. >> Great.
>> Quick question for the town manager's report. Um um is there an ETA on getting a material cabin open? We have residents asking. Maybe that's one Jane could actually. >> And if it's gonna come up later, that's fine. >> Um, not tonight. It won't come up later.
Um, it's a great question. Uh, no, there is no ETA on the the Terra cabin reopening. I'll give you a little bit of background. Um, we did a code review to see what we can support in that building, how many people with what we have, and then what needs to be changed.
That code review came back with some recommendations. None of them are lifealtering. Um we now have we've sent some questions back to the engineering firm. We've gotten them back and then we're going to do an internal review um probably next week or the week after.
The fire chief's not available until the week after next week. Um and our building commissioner is not available right now. So we those are the two most important people to review that. And so then we will come up with okay, what do we need to do? And then what is the budget it's going to take to make those
changes? Can we make them in house? Um or do we need to hire somebody? Do we need to put in a particular kind of sink? What do we need to do? And so once we have those answers, then we'll be able to present what that budget would be, if we can do it in house or not, and we'll bring that back to you in terms of
either a recommendation or um a blessing or whatever. So we'll have a plan, but we have to kind of work that piece out. So, it's it looks good. It won't be closed forever. Um, but I don't know the um the budget impact yet. So, >> thank you. >> You're welcome,
>> Carl. >> Thanks. Just a clarification. You said an engineering firm. Did you need an engineering department? >> We're hiring someone for this. >> We have We have um an an engineering firm on call on call service. So, yes, we paid
for code review. We cannot review ourselves. So we have to we have to send it out and then they tell us and we can't review ourselves. You have to have that check and balance. Does that make sense? >> So just like we review other
architectural plans and so forth, you know, we don't make it up. We have to do it the right way. So this is heard >> short money. >> Yeah. Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Um I just want to touch on what Matt had briefly mentioned um
about Liv um and just share my own um story. I know my wife is here also who will probably want to speak for less than two minutes but um uh for me myself uh so Amanda got sick I don't know a
week or two ago at this point um and I ended up having to go in the shower. I shaved everything. I came back out and she was still on the phone with somebody and it ended up being Liv, the public health nurse. They end the entire time
just talking her through all these various things when um the whole thing got reported to the state because of what uh transpired and everything. So, it's good to see somebody actively involved um in following up because if not, it would have just gone unnoticed
and then we wouldn't have known how it all happened. And so thank you to Lip and all I got. >> Okay. Do you want to make public comment? >> Oh, wait. I'm sorry. Karen, did you have anything to add in before I ask for public comment? >> If anyone has public comment,
>> name, address, and two minutes. >> Perfect. Uh, Amanda Haley, 71 Tennyson. So, to um piggy back on that as well as my husband, um a couple weeks ago I became very ill. um was hospitalized for 3 days. I knew it was serious. I had a
bacterial infection um but I didn't realize that it was reportable to the state until I got a phone call from Liv probably about 3:00 the day before I was paying to go back to work with the news that you work in healthcare. You're not allowed to go back to work until you have a negative test. Um so this was
shocked me because my employer didn't know and there's a lot of stuff to do before the close of the day. Um and she said, "Don't worry about it. You're taking you're dealing with enough. him and take care of it. She contacted the state epidemiologist. She contacted my occupational health department. She contacted
um the my TCP to get some orders in to kind of talk to them about what had been going on. Um I didn't even know we had our own public health nurse here in Reading. Um but just it's just absolutely incredible. And without her going through my history of where I had
been, in two days, less than 48 hours, they they found the source of the infection and close the establishment down into further notice. So it prevented probably a lot more people getting sick. Um so kudos to Liv. She's
just absolutely incredible. I had no idea what her role was, but um she went above and beyond in a time that I really needed it where I couldn't really do those things myself. Thanks. >> Anyone else have public comment? >> Victor, it's your turn.
>> This school year 26 class uh classification preview. Before Victor presents, um I'm going to uh due to the appearance of a conflict, I'm going to recuse myself from this discussion, but
I will be back to vote at a later date. >> Uh same for me as Chris. Thanks. >> Okay, >> sorry to interrupt. We do have a hand raised on Zoom. I'm not sure if it was public comment for the last thing. >> I apologize. Maddie, you can let them
speak. Sorry, Victor. That's my fault for not asking. >> Okay, it's it's Angela Binda. So, Angela, you can unmute. >> Angela, did you have public comment on the um town manager report? >> I did. >> Okay, you have two minutes and just say your name and address, please.
>> Thank you. Angela Binda um 10 Orchard Park Drive. Um I was just wondering it it wasn't stated. Is there an update on when the um the Burbank um will will the um the contract will be
signed? I saw that there was approval by CPDC. So when it is there is there any date or expectation on when that will be signed. Thank you, >> Angela. It's public comment right now. We can get that information to you afterwards. If you want to reach out to Jane or Matt, they can get that to you,
but we're not going to do that right now. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Miss will reach out tomorrow. >> Do you need to take a vote to open public session or anything? >> Is this a public hearing? >> No, the hearing is the hearing. The hearing is next time. >> This is the preview.
>> This is just the preview and then you're doing the hearing next time. >> I was going to say I didn't think so, but >> Okay. >> We'll make next time quicker hopefully. >> But I have all my numbers. >> I know. >> There's no need to just go right through it and take a vote. I got to come back
two weeks later when I have two other classification hearings in other towns. But hopefully cover >> we'll work with what we have. >> Thank you. >> Okay friends, welcome to uh fiscal year
2026 classification hearing. Um if we can go to the next slide please. There are four actions required by the board. First and foremost is the selection of a minimum residential factor. Next is a selection for an open
space discount, the granting of a residential exemption, andor the granting of a small commercial exemption. I'll go through each of these as I get through the presentation. Next, please. Minimum residential factor. Um,
over the past several years, to coincide with our groundbreaking and innovative form of senior tax relief, reading has adopted a slight split tax rate. But when you calculate an MRF, if you
have an MRF of one as an assessor, that means you're not shifting anything. You would take the total tax levy, which is a little over $91 million, divided by the total value of all real estate personal property in the town, which is
just under 8.3 billion, and you arrive at a single tax rate, 1102. That would be our rate. Next slide, please. Reading senior circuit breaker uh credit details. This year we had 217 seniors
apply for the exemption. 203 were approved. The reason why some people aren't approved, they may own property elsewhere which would disqualify them. Some may have things like an irrevocable trust where they have no beneficial
interest in the trust and we can't grant it. Uh total amount of the circuit breaker um received and the amount will be shifting within the residential rate is just a little over $416,000. The
maximum amount for qualified seniors was $2730. The lowest one we granted was for $101. The average being just slightly over $2,000. Um
the with this exemption what would happen is as I described the single tax rate would be 1102 but because we do this form of senior tax relief that other taxpayers do pay for it is shifted within the residential
portion of the tax rate. It creates a higher residential tax rate and a lower commercial rate. In this case, um the average cost would be about $47
on the average single family home to help over 200 seniors age in place remain vibrant in our community. Um I based my analysis on a shift of 1.10 10
where with this exemption the anticipated tax rates would be about $11 for residential and $1212 for commercial. Without the shift you see the residential rate would be 5 cents higher at 1107.
Next please. Average single family value for fiscal 26 $944,000. The table below and on the subsequent pages illustrates
at the chosen shift level, the CIP shift level, if you look at 1.10, you'll see a minimum residential factor, those six digits after the zero and decimal point. It shows you the residential share of the tax burden that
would result by picking that shift interval and the anticipated tax rate and tax obligation for fiscal year 2026 of the average single family home being just under 10,400. Next page, please.
This just continues the calculations all the way up to our maximum shift level. Next page, please. of 1.50. Now we'll move on to the next slide. This shows the average single family tax
bill, the changes uh that have occurred since 2008 up to what we anticipate for fiscal year 2026. Um the reason I started 2008, I can't fit anymore up there. So next year we'll we'll start from 2009.
Next page, please. This is an awesome note. I haven't had a note like this in my classification in over a decade. The fiscal 26 uh debt exclusion amount is zero. This adds zero to the tax rate, zero to
the average single family bill, and zero to the average commercial property. Next slide, please. Um, a lot of people don't understand, uh, as an assessor, we are historians. We rely on a complete and full year of
sales to value every stick of real estate in the town. The tax bills you'll see at the end of December were the values you see in there were derived by a review of all sales during calendar year 2024. So when you open
that up, a lot of people go, "I'd get more of my house than that." Or they ask us, "How much below market do you assess?" I don't know what market is. The market hasn't shown itself yet. You know, so we have a whole year to analyze that. And
then we change assessments accordingly. Raise what we need to raise. Change what we need to change. Change descriptions on homes when properties sell to pick up things like extra bathrooms, things of that nature. because we're not just changing values on the properties that sold. I have to have correct information
on those sold properties so I don't mistreat the properties that didn't sell. So everybody's at the same level. But we had more sales in 2024 than we did in 2023. The days on market went from 34 to 26. The interesting thing,
the average sale price down a little bit. Uh I I I don't know why that happened. It was probably due to simply the available housing stock that was prevalent over the period. That's the
only conclusion that uh I come up with with that. Next, please. The average commercial property valuation slightly over 2 uh $2 million for fiscal 26. And like we did with the
residential, for every shift interval from no shift of one up to 1.5, you see what the minimum residential factor is, the commercial, industrial and personal share of the tax levy, the
anticipated rates and the anticipated tax bills. We can go through the next slide and even the next one. Okay. median commercial property the valuation
fiscal 26 is 8 almost 888,000 um reading has shown for my 14 years here and I've been doing this over 30 years reading has shown uh
a sensitivity to the small business owner in the best way I could show the impact of any uh tax shift implications that this board may entertain is by keeping an eye on them. These are the small businesses in town, the
restaurants we frequent, the shops we go to. And it's also representative if a place is in a much larger building and they have a triple net lease, you know, so they're not paying the entire tax on a building, they're paying their fair share. This kind of to me looks like the
people who usually come to this room is small business people. And this is a way to kind of view the impact of any decision that we would make. And you see if we did a shift of 1.1 um the tax rate would be approximately
$1212 and yield the tax bill slightly over 10,700. And we can go through the next two slides. that they just bring it out to 1.5. And for the median
uh tax comparison, last year's shift was 1.11. So there's the tax rates at where we would be the anticipated tax rates, uh the values that we had and the estimated amount of taxes.
Next, please. This graph just shows the distribution of commercial properties throughout the town. Um 65 properties under $500,000, seven properties above 10 million and the rest of the distribution right
there. So next page like we did with the residential. Here's the average commercial tax bill from 2008 to 2026. I squeezed that 26 in there. So next year say goodbye to 2008.
onto discount for open space. It's not visually going out and look at a property that has nothing on it. Discount uh open space is defined under Massachusetts general law right there. It's land that isn't otherwise taxable under
chapter land. Chapter land is usually for agricultural or outdoor things like a golf course, what have you, maybe subject to uh a chapter land valuation and then when they decide to sell or something like that, we are able to go back and tax
them for a certain amount of years. But we have no property in town that falls under that legal definition for open space. So in this case as we have done all these years it would be no uh the
vote would be uh no open space discount because there is none. Next please. Residential exemption. You could do that. Uh the amount will be about 35% of the average assessed value of all residential properties including vacant
land. uh when you adopt a residential exemption, this would significantly raise the residential tax rate and it applies to all residential properties for the exemption. Tried and true, the distribution here,
if you did it, the top third valued residential properties would fund the exemption for everybody else. It's only in a handful of communities, and I lived in two of them, including Boston and Chelsea. The reason it works there, they have a lot of residential
investorowned properties. So in Chelsea for example, you had 60% residential, 40% commercial. But if that's 60% residential, 60% of that was investor own. It's your apartment buildings, everything. Two families, three families, six families,
four families, things of that nature. So those are the ones that fund the exemption. In a large in a community like this where it's mostly single family, mostly owner occupied, there's I could see no valid reason to entertain
uh a residential exemption. Next, please. Small commercial exemption up to 10% of the property value for commercial properties only. No industrial or business personal property. Total property value has to be less than a
million dollars. Not more than 10 employees as certified by the Department of Employment and Training. One business in a building of several would qualify only if all the other businesses qualify. The exemption goes to the real estate owner and not necessarily the
business owner. And less than a dozen communities in the Commonwealth have adopted this. Um, I'm going to refer again to our groundbreaking senior tax relief. I like to think as a community when we think about tax relief, we think about broad.
At least that's what drove me to entertain and create that type of exemption because previously we have a senior statutory exemption and only 30 people a year would get it because the income limits, asset limits were so low.
In thinking about this, you want to go for the same class, but you want more people to qualify and to benefit. So that's why we developed this. If I were to go through all the information I get from the Department of Employment Training, I might find one or two
businesses that could qualify, but we already throw a lot at our tax rate. visa v the shifting for our senior tax relief shifting relative to residential versus commercial
a third shift in the tax rate again so few communities in the commonwealth have adopted this and something that I would recommend we do not entertain next please neighboring communities here's what
everybody else did and I work in two of these so I did them Um, but this gives you an idea of what the tax rates were and more importantly the shift capacity in other communities. Uh, Lynfield, for example, maximum shift uh is 1.67.
They're a little bit limited. Eventually, we'll get to the point where we'll be back up to 175, but that was their max. They did it. North Reading, they can go to 150. They stay up one. Stone, Wakefield, Wilmington, Wuben, all 175 without batting an eye. and reading
keeps it nice and tight. Last year 1.11 next page okay we can scroll slowly as I have no intention of going through these individual slides they're purely pabum
thrown in there from past boards past committees that want to see what reading looks like compared to all these other communities. And then the next one we have the Middle Sex League. When are the softball nights? Is it Tuesday or Thursday with the Middle Sex League? I
don't know. But that's the Middle Sex League. And then the next one, largely residential comparable. This is what we put together for your benefit for you to peruse. And if you have any questions, you know, feel free
to ask. More Reading Town comparisons. I I have to laugh because my first year here, someone gave me a list and there's literally 50 properties on it. Why don't you just go to the DOR website and look it up yourself? But again, I
don't even put it all here for you to look at. And the important terms, I think I beat these to death, but just something to kick around. If you don't understand the terms, turn them to the back. And here it is. Anyone have any questions at all? Anyone
have any questions for Victor? Questions, comments? Cara, >> I met with you last week and I want to say thank you so much for explaining this to me. >> You're welcome. >> Was delightful. I recommend highly to anybody has any questions to ask him. He knows everything.
>> Thank you very much. >> You made it make sense. >> Well, I'm like a broken clock. I could be right twice a day. Sure. >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Um this is my sixth preview. Um this is
the first time I've noticed um that the senior circuit tax breaker um that shift of $400,000 plus dollars is shifted only to other residential taxpayers. >> Yes. >> Okay. I think that's really important to
repeat. I think everybody in this room is is happy that we do this. senior circuit breaker, but we also need to understand that that could be shared across all tax classes, including commercial. >> No, it can't. >> Well, let me finish before you interrupt
me. >> Okay. >> Okay. Because and you can and then I'm going to come up with a a thought and then you can tell me whether I'm way off base. So, um let me let me finish. The other thing I wanted to um share was that so I have been a member of the MMA fiscal policy
committee policy committee and I've been meeting with them all year and um so there is concern all around about getting less and less from the state government and trying to trying to keep our communities running. So the topic of classifications came up because they
haven't changed in years. So at that point I did bring up the fact that we would love to have a small commercial exemption that was actually a workable exemption. So I was joined by a number of communities who all said the same thing. They try to look at their communities and do everything they can
and it just doesn't work. So um you know we've asked the MMA to to to make that a priority um within the classifications. Um and then so and just generally as I'm speaking to
residents who um supported both the school and the um recal debt exclusion overrides and then are now pretty concerned about hearing about an operational override in 26. Um as a preview I think our select board
would be well served by thinking about how we can provide some relief for the residential taxpayers. So correct me if I'm wrong in understanding that when we shift we we increase the shift of the classification of the MRF. You already
like lost me once we get past that. Um >> that is an indirect way of sharing the the burden. Okay, that's where I was getting to because I didn't realize that >> there is no legal way for me when I sit down and do that first calculation
>> at 400,000 in Wakefield it's 500 whatever >> it can only like the residential exemption >> legally it can only be shifted within the residential class as the first time we went for a shift years ago some of you may have been here some not I
recommended a shift of 1.02 2. >> Mhm. >> Why doesn't kill the business class because we're still leaving 48% on the table, >> but it makes our rates line up. We have a commercial rate that is slightly higher than a residential rate. Okay,
that's standard in any community. That's the way it should look. All 351 cities and towns. Winchester is the only one where you'll find something different because they do something hanky with water that's written off through I I have no idea how it works.
Even the assessor can't explain to me this how my numbers come up. >> Um but that 1.02 shift, you are absolutely correct. It's an indirect way of spreading the cost of senior tax relief throughout the entire tax base. But then again, we only do a small shift
here, which is fine, you know, but again, you can't do shift it. >> You just can't take that one component throughout the entire town and do it. It has to be just residential, >> right? So, I think that's important for people to know. And then every year, I'm always >> shocked.
It's great that we have this senior circuit breaker, but if 30% of our residents Oh, what is the circuit breaker? When does it kick in? 62 65 >> 65 >> 65 All right. Let's say let's say 28% of our residents. I don't know what the number is. That's a lot of residents.
That's thousands of residents. So, let's say it's 4,000 residents and and only 200 are able to qualify for this. I think people need to understand that for whatever reason, this is not solving the
problem. I I would hazard a guess that and you did a great job of um identifying some reasons why somebody might be disqualified, >> but I'd hazard a guess there's a lot more seniors who could benefit from this and either they're not well, they're probably not applying. That could be one thing. I don't know. Yeah, I guess
they're not applying, but it's just not helping that many seniors, which always concerns me in terms of sheer numbers relative to our 65 and over population who's struggling to pay the bills. I agree with you.
>> You ready for some reasons why? >> Sure. >> Okay. Um there's if you go to the state DR website, I think it's in the DLS, it might be in press releases, you can
actually Google circuit breaker usage. I haven't done it in a couple years here, but what it does, and it's a few years behind. Last time I checked, there might have been 700 seniors that received the circuit breaker income tax
credit. So, while there may be 4,000 people who were 65, >> in the 30 years I do this, I get people that come to my account, I'm 65, what do I get? I I just don't know how to answer. Well, do you have no money? Do you Are you a widow? A widowerower?
Sometimes it's funny. My wife just died. What do I get? Okay, settle down, buddy. But um you know you you go through this. So when I started this there were about 650 people in those years that received this. Doing my research I figured about
a third qualify for this exemption because we have local qualifiers own occupied for 10 years. Co-licant has to be at least age 60. No other significant assets like owning property and you have to own the property.
>> Right? So that's going to limit some of that population. Now the reason why we only got this, what happens is on average we get about 250 people a year. About 60% of those
depend on this form of tax relief. They are the people that consistently pay more than 10% of their income towards local property taxes and have to water and shore. Those people always qualify the other 40%.
H they might get it one year and if they got the max 2700 when I take it off the tax bill this year, guess what they can't claim next year on their taxes? Their tax bill minus $2,700. So you know what that does? Throws them
beneath the 10% threshold. So they don't qualify. Those people I refer to as to get their toe in the water. one year, next year they can't, >> okay? >> Following year they can't. So, there's reasons why that happens. And >> myself, Michelle, uh, by the way,
Michelle Cohane, my assistant assessor, get to know her. Rising star. And when I'm dead and buried, she'll be here. If things didn't go right tonight, she'll be there tomorrow. But there's reasons why that happens. We are intimately familiar with the
finances of our senior populations. We make this easy for them. We put letters in every tax bill spring that goes out. Everybody that applied the season before, granted or denied, gets a letter to remind them individually. So, in a lot of cases, people are getting two
reminders plus whatever we put on the website, throw in newsletters and dog and pony show at the senior center. We're out there doing it. But there are reasons why people can't qualify. And it is, like I said, it's a program that was wide. >> Get the same 20, 30 people every year in
the state program. Well, let's do what you hope to do, which is make make it available to more people. Well, we, you know, already did that and still actively looking for ways to increase that if we can. I hope that answers your
question and kind of brings you up to speed in the things that we see, the technical reasons why people qualify versus don't. So, >> no, I appreciate that. Um, thank you. >> You're welcome. >> Thank you, Victor. I appreciate everything you've done and, you know,
totally support the senior tax breaker and hopefully we can come up with some ways to help our seniors out more. Um, I just wanted to point out that while I agree the concern is real for an override, I do think that we need to be
cautious of what we discuss at whatever point of what the split should be between residential and commercial. Our commercial in town is only 6.2% which is pretty small. Um, so I do worry that and most of those are small businesses. They're not big businesses like
Burlington has like the Burlington Mall and all those large corporations. So I do caution us on when we start to discuss what we think the split should be to be careful that we don't overburden our businesses because we do
have some debt exclusions come up like recal and schools but you have to also understand that our businesses don't benefit from those either. So they don't um and you know their taxes still pay for the schools but they don't benefit from those. Um, so the one question I
did have that you mentioned, Victor, is you said that other towns don't do a split except Winchester, but I saw on the list at least I know North Reading doesn't do a split either. Correct. >> North Reading doesn't, but just the communities that I had listed that are kind of close to us, that first bunch,
those people that touch us, they're they're close to us, not like that far-fetched list of 87 communities where we're I'm comparing heading to Marshfield for some peculiar reason. >> Okay. Yeah. No, I just wanted to see if that was the case. And so, you know,
look, I did look through all your charts, so I do really appreciate you putting them in there. And I will say that for the percent of businesses that Reading has, we are in a good spot. The only outlier that has um less businesses than us is
Melrose. Um and their rate is higher. They're the only outlier of that chart that I saw. >> They go close to the maximum shift. >> They do. But I would I would argue that they have a much busier, bustling downtown than we do to
support that um right now. And I'm hoping that won't be the case always. But so those are just my cautions on um when we go to look and have the conversation and vote of what the split should be between residential and commercial.
>> May I just add one thing just food for thought? Yeah. Um, you do have this precious moment to decide what people's share the tax burden will be.
I will tell you this, drastic changes to that don't always work out well because it say somehow you wanted to go to 130. It's too much
that would trigger an effect where you're going to croak the business community. All right. You're going to drive up abatement applications which you know I'm pretty good but I don't win them all. Okay. And which will cost the town money on that
side. And then next year you go, "Oh, that was terrible. Let's go back to 1.1." They're going to upset the residential class of property because you gave him a benefit one year and took it away the next. Any decisions regarding changing the
shift rate? Slow, steady, slow and steady. Nothing wild, nothing big. You move one or two points either way, it's barely a blip on the radar,
but it's absorbable for either class of property. Anything beyond that, you're going to create a tremendous discord within the tax base. That's just my 30 plus years experience. >> I could not agree with you. I know people who are no longer municipal
leaders for doing such a thing. >> I couldn't agree with you more. >> Sure. >> Just a quick question though the and fair enough um gradual is good and that's what we've been doing for years. I think last year correct me if I'm wrong. We moved like 0.01.
Okay. So Lynfield went from 111 to 15. I forget what the chart said, but they didn't take 40 years to do it. Well, that's because they built what I currently value at 270 million Market Street. >> They built Market Street.
>> I know. >> No, they had that revenue source in there. >> Yep. >> That was absorbing all of it. >> The few standalone mom and pop places. Yeah. They probably got sidelined by it, but
they did it to raise the revenue on that one huge property there that funds a discount for the residential side. So, Lynfield can be an exception, but you don't want to compare yourself to Lynfield. And if any of my bosses in
Lynfield are watching, please forget I said that. M I mean but there I just you're not proposing that we take 30 years to do this like I mean you can't be >> so but we've been working on this for what five four
>> like getting nowhere basically we're at 1.11 now just is that correct because it was highlighted in some of >> 1.11 last year >> and it's taken like four years to get here. Well, >> it's it's uh >> our first shift was six eight. We're
going for another round of senior tax relief. So for nine years, we've had a little shift. >> Oh, nine years. So >> So for nine years, >> less than two points for nine years. >> No, we went actually the first year was
abominable and it really didn't work out as the select planned at that time, but none of you were here from that time. So, it was very difficult, which is why we came to an agreement of 1.02 for a while. Take a look at it every couple
years. If you want to go up, move it a couple points, great. Um, but what we're seeing now is commercial properties, they are, I won't say tanking, but their
valuation profiles are changing. Their rents aren't what they are. Their costs to rent are more. Their cost for services, everything that gets lumped into a commercial. >> So, how is that different from
residential? >> Um, >> well, okay. Our values are still going up. That's true. So, our taxes are still going up. Yeah, our taxes are still going up. What you've always told us every year, they're still going up exponentially. And maybe not exponentially, but they're going up
significantly more. But everything else you just commented, we're all in the same community. We're all seeing the inflation and the the we're all dealing with it. >> But what I'm seeing is I don't like to give money back. What's how you issue an assessment? I hate to see commercial appeals. >> Yeah. >> And that's when you have to roll up your
sleeves and really fight it out. I mean, they can match you with everything in a commercial uh appraisal. You know, they uh it cost $2.50 per square foot to lease the place. Really? Okay. You throw that in there instead of saying they just get like say
$26 a square foot. >> It's like leasing for $2 a square foot. People are >> This is what the attorneys This is what attorneys provide me. >> Okay. >> Under, >> right? Because they're filing a PO. Yes. Exactly. They're doing their job. Okay. >> And that increases our expens $20 at
least. You know, that's what people are getting. >> So, this is what I'm dealing with on the other end of what I'm seeing in the commercial market. So, again, my experience is >> Thank you. >> big shifts. Fair enough. >> I just want to end off with or unless
there's public comment, but um Lynfield's uh commercial split is uh 11.1% reading is 6.2%. And I feel like Reading is a good spot right now with almost all of our business fronts occupied and I would like to keep it that way and especially a couple of the
big ones we have. So I hope that we can be mindful of that when we have that discussion. Um Karen or Karen if you don't have any more I'm gonna open it up to public comment. Is there any public comment? Name, address, and two minutes.
>> Carloing Main Street. I'm speaking as a resident taxpayer. Maddie, if you can pull up a slide for the commercial values from 25 to 26 that Victor prepared. Um I think it was about $1,000 increase the same shift.
And so I've been coming to this meeting as a resident for 15 16 years. And the split for the senior tax break was great. And I echo all the comments that Miss
Murphy said because it's coming because the business community as many spots that we have full and we have some new businesses coming. It's a very difficult climate out there and no not yet. Uh God somewhere.
So, I'm hoping the room is full next meeting with the small business owners and small landlords because if we go to a bigger shift, which I hope we don't, uh, and know it, it was just two two lines. Maybe it was above that. It was
about a $1,000 difference at 1.11 because the values were um changed. Maybe right. Yep, there it is. Yep, right there. That's it. So we got 2025 and 2026 at 1.11.
Tax rate went lower, but the median value is higher and we have pretty much 11,000 and 10,000. So by doing nothing, the taxes are going up $1,000. So as a resident, I would advocate no further shift. I would like to go
backwards, but that's not a thing we do. So I've never advocated for a big split as a resident. So, I'm hoping that the board when this comes to a vote will keep it at 1.11 given that the medium value of property owners is
going up $1,000 already. So, to burden them more would be a disservice to our downtown. Thanks. >> Anyone else? Name, address. Two minutes, please. Thank you, Melissa. Chris Haley, 71
Denny Road. Um, the last half hour's worth of discussion could be summed up um if I had my phone with me. uh could essentially be summed up with that all the mom and pop shops and actual small businesses in this town
would greatly benefit from the small commercial exemption which is on page uh 26 in the in the packet. Um but unfortunately nobody can take advantage of that exe uh exemption because of no more than 10 employees as certified the
department that Victor mentioned in one business in a building of several would qualify only if only all the other businesses qualified which makes it impossible. So that's why none of these have happened. The Lynfield marketplace example and then screw in the mom and pops um if they could use the smile
commercial exemption that would not have happened. So, a couple years ago, rather than me complaining about uh lots of things, um I actually decided to take some action and reached out to Senator Lewis, uh Rep Hagerty, and Jones, and I'm happy to report that unfortunately
it's Massachusetts and things go slow. Um that the joint committee on revenue is holding a public hearing on November 7th regarding the small commercial tax exemption. Um so this way here if we can actually get that passed not just for
reading um it would be for all the communities in Massachusetts and then you could absolutely um shift the burden more onto commercial properties because those would be the traditional non um small commercial
properties that would get the exemption and that would seem fair and balanced to me that Home Depot would pay more and Fat Larry's Jimos etc all would pay uh less. because they're small businesses because that makes sense. So, like I said, November 7th, we'll see how that
goes. Um, and I appreciate their work on this as well as the boards. Thank you. >> Anyone else with public comment? >> Maddie, do we have anyone online? >> Yes, it looks like Angela Binda has her hand raised.
>> Sure. Name, address, and two minutes, please. >> There you go. Thank you, Angela Vinda, Orchard Park Drive. Um, can you go to the slide? It appears that residential uh or commercial property um taxes are
projected to go down in 2026 if there's no shift. Is that correct? I saw in one of the slides that it would be going down. The result would be Is that right? Yes. Oh, no. at the bottom
um right there 2026 estimated the average commercial tax bill history from the present. So it is expected to go down. Is that correct?
>> That's the way the numbers fell. Yes. So I don't know any residential property owners whose bill is expected to go down and I don't want to overburden small commercial properties
but I do think that there should be an adjustment so that there is some rise um to commercial property taxes. I don't think it's fair that residential taxes
will see a big increase and commercial property taxes will go down. >> Thank you. >> Victor, can I ask you a follow-up question to that? So, um, that's the average, not the median. But if you go to your page 21, um, median commercial,
which is really what we're mostly concerned about, the small businesses, 2025 to 2026 will show you what those tax bills will look like. And I think that's probably a more accurate view for our small businesses, and they will increase by almost a thousand dollars.
>> I just want to make sure I'm correct. Yeah. And the other thing with that that I'm talking globally, okay, down 1.4%. But that's also taking into consideration changes in the tax base. >> New construction here, you have a
project here that's adding partial you might take from this ledger over there. But these slides that I put together, the individual ones that show the individual from 1 to 1.5 is a better indication of just the broadbased.
>> You know, this is the overall. For example, you're building uh say you build a condo complex. >> Well, that gets put into my apartment building category until a master deed is filed and I can legally break them out. Now, when I submit to the DOI, they go,
"Oh, where'd you get all that apartment building money?" Oh, whoa, whoa. That's just a holding place. >> So, again, in some instances, some of the stats look a bit distorted because of the way I'm required to account for them. That's all. >> Thank you. Thank you for that explanation, Maddie. Do we have anyone
else online? >> Not seeing any other hands. >> Thank you. All right, I think everyone Karen and Karen are we get to move on to the next agenda. Okay, great. So, we are going to move on to vote to close
special town meeting warrant. >> Okay, thank you. And and Victor is actually going to stay around for this one because one of the articles concerns uh something that he fought very hard for which was the um the senior property
tax exemption. So um after we closed the subsequent town meeting warrant um I found out that the um legislation that we have is needs to be renewed and it needs um expires at the end of the fiscal year. So I consulted with Victor
um we had some time if we were going to put it on in April but we felt that you know once we do that in April town meeting generally goes to May things have to be certified. it didn't give the legislature much time to deal with the home rule petition from May to the end
of the fiscal year. So, we felt the best way to deal with it is to deal with it now at this town meeting. Um, it's the same exact thing that we have, but apparently it does have to be renewed. Um, and that should give the legislature enough time to deal with the home rule petition. Um, get it back uh to where it
needs to be before it expires at the end of the year or at the expiration it would start a new. So, um, if you the the the wording is there in the warrant. If you have specific questions, Victor's really the expert on this and he's the one that brought it to my attention. Um, but it's
as simple as that. I don't want it to expire. Obviously, people count on it. It's a lot of work going into it. Uh, so we want to go back for a whole new petition and have that done in time for the end of the fiscal year. >> I just have a quick clarifying question before we open up to questions. Um so is
it four articles that will be on the specialt Okay so the um >> first one's always reports by charter >> so this one would be article uh two >> two okay >> um and then article three and I'll get to the rest of them but I wanted to
focus on this one while Victor was still here to to talk about. So >> okay um does anyone have any comments or questions on article two? Okay. All right. Thank you. Um, so while we were opening, you know, having the special town meeting, um, we had last
time Albert plus came and gave, um, a very good, um, PowerPoint presentation on, um, the need for a commission commission on, thank you, Victor, on disabilities. Um, and the direction from the board at the end of the meeting was
if we could do the work in time to have it on for the special town meeting, let's have it there. if not it could wait till April. It's a very simple acceptance um of a state statute. So you you can see the article itself is only about you know three sentences long. Um
so that wasn't a big heavy lift. Um if it is accepted then we can work on the construction of the committee afterwards and whatnot. Um but to accept the statute is really the first step. Um so I figured we'd put it on there and discuss it at town meeting. So there it is. Article three
>> and then article four. So this is one and I don't know if Sharon is still on but um we had talked about this. This was actually I believe it's article five on the subsequent town meeting warrant um and it's just basically we have a lot of this money hanging around from
different capital projects um that have to be used on a like project. So some of them like the library renovations have sat around for over 10 years. Um, and if you remember when we talked about it, when we were talking about the subsequent town meeting warrants, we had
so I think Sharon had kind of equally divided the new purposing um, for the Kllum project and recal. Um, there was concerns raised at the FINCOM meeting that really the best way to do it is to have it all go to Kllum because Kilum is
the larger project and there's more of a savings in the borrowing if we did it that way. Again, we're only talking about less than $200,000, but it's something. Um, it was too late to go back and reopen the warrant. Um, so we came up with this solution where what
would essentially happen at town meeting is we will when we come to that article five, the old article, we will then um I guess table it or whatever, however Allen wants to deal with it. It wouldn't be dealt with in the town meeting. We would then bring it up. It's the same
exact article at the at the special town meeting with the only change being kum uh being the new purposes for all of this money. So hopefully I explained it well. It seems to be the only thing we can do if we wanted to deal with this in November. Um and I did consult with
Ibria quite a bit on this. So, so those are the articles for the special zone meeting which would and I think what we'd probably do it's up to Alan Fols obviously but we would have this all scheduled for the first night of town meeting and then we could open it and then continue it to a date certain which
could probably be the third night of town meeting I would say. So >> So that's that's where it is. >> Does anyone have any questions or comments on any of the articles? >> Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Um so article 4 um I was
at the fincom meeting when Sharon and Matt well online anyway um when this was discussed and the reason that it's all going to kill them like this it was originally broke up between Killum and the Pleasant Street Center because um Sharon wanted to spread around uh the
money. Um, and then it was pointed out that, you know, financially it makes more sense for everything to go to kill them because it's shorter borrowing terms. So therefore, they're going to save um more money on interest with that. Um so if you actually unpack that
and and realize uh what's transpired in that entire scenario, it's more along the lines that um that when I hear comments in town being made about certain projects and people start secondguessing themselves, we end up
having to have a special town meeting because of it. And that's just my opinion. Um, but you know, uh, when you're wanting to to try to not upset the apple cart, I can kind of see where
where that would have made sense originally. It all dubtales back to if you look at the library renovations, it's $93,000 that we've had sitting down, it looks like, for, you know, 12 years at this point because we have to be able to fund something with similar
borrowing terms. and that's why it sat around for that. Um so uh for me I would rather have um as an example on a uh kind of borrowing project kind of
scenario I would rather paint the walls inside of uh Reading Memorial High School than sit around for 12 years on the money that was going to be just left there to go for something else. So that's just me because it makes sense
and that's all I got. >> Thank you. Um do we have any public comment on special meeting articles? Maddie, anyone on line that would like to speak? >> Not seeing any hands on Zoom.
>> Right. Do we have a motion? >> Move to close the special town meeting warrant consisting of four articles to take place on November 10th, 2025. Second, Karen seconded. Um, any discussion? Further discussion?
All those in favor? 5. >> Thank you. I have a warrant for you to sign that I'll give to Laura in the morning. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Thank you very much. And now we are on to um discuss a discussion in potential
vote to support local initiative program application for local action units to be submitted with the executive office of housing and livable communities by BLVD Reading LLC for a lot of land at 258 to 262 Main Street Reading. Andrew,
>> thank you. Good evening. Reading select board town management. Andrew McNichol, community development director for the town of Reading. What you have before you is really an application. It's almost akin to a triparty agreement because there's three parties involved. It's the town, a developer, and the
Office of Housing and Livable Communities, the previously DHCD. This application is to support what's called a local action unit um application for the previously approved mixeduse project on Main Street at the
corner of Maine and Pineville. So about a year or so ago at this rate um the CPDC approved that special permit for 30 total units 7500 square ft of commercial. 10% of those units are to be
deed restricted affordable units per our local zoning bylaws. This application is really to submit with the developer the application to ELC for those affordable units and start the process to get the regulatory agreements in place. So
that's what keeps them in affordability capital A affordability in perpetuity and the town's a party in that. And so because they're local action units, we help the monitoring and um the long-term viability of those units. So that's this
this project specifically. It's two one-bedroom units being affordable and another two-bedroom unit just given the unit breakdown in the total building. Um and it appears to meet all the qualifications. There's some back and forth between ELC that we're having. Um
but we've laid out the units with the development. um in theory which units will be affordable and looking to move forward from there so that they can get towards the building permit process and I'm happy to take any questions on
affordable housing local action units this project. >> Great. Does anyone have any questions or concerns? >> Thank you. Um so um what's challenging is sometimes the administration of the affordable housing units. Do you know where this
entity is going to be located when the project's done? >> When you say administration, you mean like the monitoring of the units and making sure the tenants are eligible to maintain the units >> like the turnover. Um, what's interesting and this is this is awesome
and this is terrific. But what's funny is that so it's not the town of Reading keeping the well we may hopefully we keep an inventory so we know which ones you're supposed to turn over >> but when they get posted that they're available it could be like oh somebody's out in Marshfield or or the
>> so that always >> so we can support um the awareness of this actually because this is a local youth action unit the town will play a direct role in the annual monitoring of these units and if there is tenant turnover over. We can support through
our local regional group um the marketing and awareness of that unit and then its future hopeful tenant selection and certification >> if that answered the question. >> Oh no, I was wondering where the developer is going to be located.
>> Oh, the developer um their property management will work with us. This is a rental building, so I would expect the third party property management to be involved. Um but in terms of the regulatory agreements of the building that is with the development and the land itself.
>> Thank you. >> Anyone else have any questions? Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Um so Andrew for this how does this play into the whole 40b scenario? We're breaking even because it's because it's 10% it's affordable. Yeah. >> So we're not gaining or losing.
>> Yeah. So we set that in 2019 at 10% exactly that to maintain at minimum 10% affordable units in developments of size. I think in this bylaw and I should know this off the top of my head but I believe it's about at 10 units or more
in a project uh triggers the affordable requirements. So not every project has affordable units but those of size do get us towards that 10%. Um and then obviously there was a a big
uproar regarding this project. Um obviously at CPDC and everything uh back then. Um so this is just a formality or how is this being handled? Because in theory if if the property had come before me to vote on it, I would not be
supporting this at all. It was done in a cut through somebody's yard over there in between two houses. But this so this so I just need some clarification on what I'm actually agreeing to with this. >> Yeah. So that design did change. All
driveways are on Main Street. The building is centrally located on the lot. This is to approve what is the local requirement of the three affordable units um in the project. And so the site plan and special permit,
this was a special permit process for mixed use on South Main Street, approved the totality of the pre-development, 30 units, 10% to be affordable. This is specific to those three affordable units. >> Okay, thank you. >> Y
>> I just have a question. I'm I'm I'm guessing when the uh when the proposed rent schedules, is that statemandated or the developer comes up with those rents or what where does that come from? >> Maximum rents are set actually at the federal level through um fair market
rents for the region. We fall in surprisingly um to me is still the Boston Cambridge area. So we're in that region and the maximum rents are set annually at the HUD level housing and urban development.
>> Okay. Because there's a just there's a big disparity over two bedroom the two different units as affordability. I mean you know when we call affordable housing this is this is a joke. This is not affordable housing. Yeah. This is
the term that we use in the state. So, it's kind of sad in that sense, but 2400 to 2,800. Okay. 26 and change to 38, you know, much bigger gap, but it's just a percentage value. >> And then um so that answers that
question. I'm just curious. I know we're just approving the uh the three affordable units, but as I'm reading this, what does MEPA have to do with this? Because like what is their role in this? I don't quite know their
direct role in it, but I think again at this in this project at the administrative level, they look at the affordable units to on the fair market level, at the federal level and state level of qualifying for fair housing law. Um, which this seems to meet in all
regards. >> Environmental. >> Yeah. So, there is some environmental on the property um but that's still through the local level um in our local conservation. So, I don't know MEEP's direct role, but they do give it the blessing as well.
>> Okay. All right. Thanks. >> I just have a couple quick questions. Um, one is, will these units fall in with our affordable housing trust uh committee that we have? Yes, because they are SHI eligible and
maintain for those making 80% of the area median income, the housing trust could support them in different ways at one time. >> Great. Awesome. And I I fully support these um affordable housing units. I wish like Carlo pointed out the value or
the rents would be lower because I agree that's not really affordable. But the one thing that I will say that was shocking to me when I read this is that and this isn't I know this isn't you're doing but the fact that Meepa has anything to do with this and we're
talking to the MBTA about diesel trains sitting next to conservation land and residents homes and Meepa has nothing to do with that is just utterly shocking to make with the state. >> Um kind of disgusting actually. But
that's my only comment. Um, if no one else on the board has anything, I'll uh ask for public comment. Daddy, do we have anyone online? >> Nobody online. >> Um, do we have a motion? I believe we
do. move to support the local initiative program application for local action units to be submitted with the executive office of housing and livable communities by BLBD Reading LLC for a lot of land at 258-262
Main Street Reading and to authorize the town manager to sign application and any other documents necessary to support BLDD's application for the local action units. >> Second. Seconded by Karen. Do we have any further discussion?
None. All those in favor? 5 Z. >> Thank you all very much. Enjoy the rest of the night. >> Thanks, Andrew. Have a good day. >> See you tomorrow. >> All righty. We are on Oh, I finished. >> Yes.
Um, we are going to move on to discuss and vote on amendment to select board communication policy section 1.4 4A and cell phone sections. Um, we do have something in our packet, but it was Chris that worked on um these edits or
additions to our policy. So, I will have Chris um move forward with that. >> Thanks, Melissa. Um, so yeah, I went over these with um uh with Tom Council in advance. I sent her over both the
cell phone and the social media. Um, and surprisingly, uh, she had no comments on the cell phone one, which is good for me, I guess. Um, and then the cell phone one, she kind of tweaked it a little to be, you know, to not remove anyone's, uh, kind of rights or,
um, you know, not make it open for interpretation as, you know, that our select board policies are just our policies. You know, that there's no penalty for violating them other than elections and so on and so on. Um, so this is more of just a in the spirit of
nature that I thought that we could um adopt these. I know that prior boards tried doing additional things and I'm sure there's some extra stuff that we can put in here um regarding other things like the school committee has representatives only posting on Facebook
once a month. They go through a round table on that. Um, and then I believe RMLD has something else, but this is more of, you know, uh, brief and hopefully that we can, um, agree to these and just move forward essentially.
So, that's all I was kind of looking for with this. I know that, um, you know, I respect people uh, wanting to use cell phones and I completely understand things come up. Carlo had something come up uh, you know, like a meeting or two ago.
Um, and that that's why it's in there that, you know, if if we have to step away, you know, just please excuse yourself, walk out of the room kind of scenario to not disrupt the meeting. Um, and then the same thing for uh social media. It's not restricting anybody's
rights or anything, but it's more just letting it um just kind of be in print that uh you know that the select board values everybody's opinions and um we shouldn't seek to silence them and if there's a anything open for
interpretation, it can get sent over to IRA and we'll go from there. Um so that's it. I'll be happy to take any questions, but like I said, there's no examples. This is just as of today moving forward. Thanks.
>> Does anyone have any comments or feedback like to share? >> I do. I guess >> um since I'm not on social media, um I probably shouldn't be the first one to talk.
>> Okay, Mark. >> What did that mean? Well, if you watched our meetings, you know what that means. >> Okay. So, I don't know what that means. Um, I think this is complicated and I think I don't know if I have a good view of
this because I'm not on social media and I understand freedom of speech. I understand it can get nasty on there. I understand that um a lot of people take their frustrations out on there because it's easy and it's faceless and I think
that we as a board um I don't know if we should be discussing matters related to the board on social media because how do you not run into um public meeting violations? And so I I
think that it's a very treacherous thing to deal with because you you can't tell. And so I don't I agree we need something. >> I just don't know how detailed or should we be super detailed. And so in this one, you know, and and we've received
comments from people on emails about social media can take all different if I decide to have a blog, you know, then it's it's out there online, you know, and and other platforms that people prevent, you know, writing observer, all these the posts or
all these other writing recap, you know, it's it's very hard to put the genie in the bottle, as they say, as far as how to monitor um what goes in, what goes out. And so I don't, you know, the the the sentence of this includes decisions to block individuals
or restrict access. I'm not quite sure what that means, but you also run into the freedom of speech issue. So if if if Sam has a a a Facebook page being >> shut off,
do not disturb. It's not Sorry if it's literally on do not disturb. I apologize. >> That's okay. Kind of keep going. >> Lots lots of big. >> It wasn't even my kids that time. I don't know why I ran through. I apologize. >> Perfect timing. But starting today
moving forward. I always do not disturb the phone call went through. >> Yeah. >> You know, so how do you, you know, Sam has a site and somebody's, you know, harassing him, he has every right to shut somebody down for whatever reason. So, you know, or if somebody's texting me on my phone and I don't know who they are, I have every right to block them.
even though you know just because it's your right to be able to say I don't want to hear I don't want to hear this or you're offending me you know without getting into a big back and forth kind of a thing. So, I'm kind of really It's very big and I think that it leads into and I
know this is the elf in the room of the Reading Recap and and who's at the helm and and for all of them, you know, we had a real big thing with the Reading Post and and I think that they're all similar and I think that if we're going to dive into social media, I think it
needs to encompass the bigger picture of it as well, you know. But now am I taking it way out of what it was meant to be? Do you know what I mean? So it's kind of >> I'm struggling with it a lot. And so um
and I don't I I the paragraph I I have a problem with the town council reference because I think a lot of the stuff that goes on social media is personal and we shouldn't be using town counsel as our personal attorneys. And so I think you have the right to seek counsel, but I
don't think that we should be using town counsel for something that's on a it was on the town website, that's one thing, but if it's on your personal Facebook page or whatever your thing is, I don't think that we should be asking town council whether we're violating something or not. That's something that
we would do personally. >> Yes, sir. >> No, I'm just trying to not to you to speak after you. Sorry. >> To speak after you. Thank you for calling me, sir. >> You're welcome. Um, so I mean that's
just my thing, you know, if I decide to have a TV show on, you know, RCTV is that I am a Slipboard member, but it would be personal, but just that suck it in there as well, you know. I don't know. >> Oh, thanks. >> Yeah. So I I
so count you and I think a lot believe it or not as far as like using town council and not using town council and and I can definitely understand um how you're reading this or interpreting it because it's open to interpretation and the reason I called you Mark Mark Dwell
is not on also not on social media. So whenever we talked about social media, he, you know, played that card and it was true. But the way I read this, it maybe has to be more deliberate, is that most of us have or had, depending on
when we're running, campaign pages that are to the public. Those, to my understanding, are treated differently than our personal pages. We're allowed to have personal pages. We're allowed to um communicate things on our personal pages like I do. I advocate for small businesses in town. I advocate for my
business on my personal page. But when I have my campaign, when I've had my campaign page and I'm campaigning, I don't block residents. I don't make rude comments. I I'll answer a question if asked. And that's how a campaign paid
should be where we're we're campaigning to the whole town, not just our base. So that's the way I interpreted this. And I'll give you one quick example. A few years ago, I was extremely frustrated over some construction. We had
construction gate and this spilled over to the chocolate truffle where the chocolate truffle is. Fidel was a town manager and I went ballistic and I posted on social media and I tagged a few board members. That is not
what we're supposed to do. And thankfully I, you know, I was infuriated and a resident who I don't agree with politically pointed that out and I edited it. So that's a case of what I did because I was so mad and wanted to
tag my some of my board members that I was Facebook friends with that I shouldn't have did, but it was in the heat of the moment and I corrected it. That is different from posting that on my campaign page. my frustration and me having a back and forth with somebody
and then me blocking them because they're disagreeing with me. That's a lot different than our personal pages, our our private meetings, whatever. Our campaign pages, I I could be wrong, are kind of more rigid and
more specific because it's open to the public, everyone. >> Can I respond? Absolutely. >> I complet I didn't look at this separating Facebook personal and Facebook um campaign. So I think if we're going to narrow it down, I think
that that would be some because I just assumed everyone's resp, you know, as naive as I may be um if you're running and using it as a campaign, of course you're going to be respectful. So a lot of this to me is just common sense. But I think if you that didn't come across
to me in this paragraph or two paragraphs as far as the difference between personal I look at this because it's very hard. So that might be where my confusion is is that I was not looking at it as a campaign type page which is public and
and I get you know what I mean and then your personal ones because >> you know I get it and and I guess thank you and and I I agree with you and and the problem is we can we can comment as residents whenever we want on anyone's page that we're allowed to. Right. So
because you're not on social media you don't see some things that a lot of us see. So that's not a bad not to uh make you feel bad or anything, but there's a lot that's going on out there that's good and bad, >> right? But over the my almost six years
of doing this, it's personal pages and then our campaign pages. Those are two separate buckets for for me personally. I don't know how others feel, but we've had people on boards that have
not done the right thing on their campaign page. So, that's the way and if we need to reward this, I will I will side with you and we need to be more specific because our personal rights and our constitutional rights are way beyond our policies. This is just a policy.
>> Yeah. No, I get it. >> It's a guide for us how to behave. I think it's tough though because if you're running and you're not on the board, you wouldn't be reading the policy. So for me this year, I I wouldn't even know what the policies were for. Do you know what I mean? So,
and I know I'm making a minutia details, but that's usually what policies. >> No, no, but you're right. So T and I are up this year for re-election if we choose to run. Correct. >> So, uh, my account got hacked. Let me finish. My account got hacked. My whole
account got hacked over a year ago. Facebook got shut down. So recently I revived or not revived, I started a new campaign page to get ready if I'm going to decide to
run. Okay. Uh that'll be my public page. That'll be for announcements, for uh meeting with residents, whatever it is. Then there's my personal page. That's my personal stuff, family stuff, whatever. So yeah, this year if I run the campaign
page will be active as I'd imagine Karen's will if she decides to run and then after April it goes dormant. So I I am I'm you know me and you have been taking the floor and I'm okay like to hear what the other guys think but I
think I agree with you that it can be more specific if you wanted to be. Before I I'm just going to throw one caveat in there to make this a lot more difficult because there are a couple cases sitting in the Supreme Court right now, which makes this even more difficult. It's not just um personal
pages versus uh uh political pages. There's some wording and and they haven't made a ruling yet, so we don't know what where this is going to come, but there are some rulings that say that if a uh person that's elected or um in a
public position uses their private page for town, city, state stuff, then it becomes a very gray area of is this public or personal. So those are things that are sitting in the Supreme Court right now. we don't know where they're
going to go, but that makes this situation a little more difficult because it's not just your campaign page versus your personal page. So, there is some potential uh right now it's gray and we just have to wait and see what
will happen. And I, you know, that's unknown on timing, I'm sure, but that could be um another piece of this. >> So, we might have to change it. >> Sorry. We might have to change it depending on >> we could. Yeah. Yep. It's been in the
Supreme Court for some time. So, okay. I don't know. You know, those are kind of unknown dates, but just wanted to throw that out there. >> Um Karen or Chris, if you had any comments. >> Chris, go ahead. >> Thanks, Melissa. Just a followup to what Karen had said. Um,
the only time in three years that writing recap has ever been brought up by me is uh on Tuesday, October 21st at 8:32 p.m. That is the first time I have ever said those words in this room. You do not
lose your personal rights because you won a popularity contest. You don't. It's already been discussed ad nauseium. That's why we can give public comment uh on issues before the board that we may or may not be conflicted with. Um you do
not lose your uh personal and private rights as as a resident. You're just as um willing and able as anybody else. Um so yes, to your point that you know if people were doing XYZ,
great, they can do it. That's not in front of us right now. this is simply just social media. Um and then obviously social media can kind of somewhat dubtail to that kind of uh scenario as well. But um if you decided to do
something tomorrow um I don't know perhaps open your own newspaper uh surprisingly you won't have any conflicts because they don't exist. They haven't. I got reported three years ago twice and have already been thoroughly
investigated and this will not be the first, nor will it be the last time that this comes up because people on Facebook think they know better than the attorney general and everyone else uh that got involved with this. So hopefully that puts it to
bed. I highly doubt it. Uh I don't expect it ever to be. Uh people can disagree, but like I said, I won a popularity contest and I can still do whatever I want to do. That goes for all of us up here. I I don't get special
rights that uh anybody else does not. So, this is more uh in line with the spirit of um you know, to Carlo's example, I'll give one as well that when I ran in 21, I blocked one person ever
on Facebook dealing with a water tower. I'd like to make part three on that, but anyway, dealing with the whole water tower scenario. And I blocked this person and then I went to bed and then I woke up, changed my mind, unblocked them. Uh is what it is. And now we're on
speaking terms. We see each other at at events and everything. Uh it's, you know, as if nothing happened. And that's the way it's supposed to be. So in my example there, I learned from that. And you know, I don't want to say I'm friends with this person, but I could
probably have an hourlong conversation with them and there will be no ill will or anything. And compared to 2021, Chris Haley, I did not think that that would be remotely the case. But that's about living and learning and growing. And
that's just my example. Kylo had his. We're all guilty of doing kind of this stuff other than you because you're not on Facebook. But it's more the spirit of just not blocking and silencing opinions. I don't know if we could summarize this in one sentence if we wanted to. Um I understand harassing and
threatening. None of us wants that. I do not uh advise anybody to threaten or do anything with any board members, people in general. nothing. Do not say any stupid stuff. People have said stupid stuff to me and believe me, I want to block them, go to the police, do
whatever scenarios. Um, unfortunately uh everybody knows about the crazy person that actually went somewhere uh with that. But it's more along the spirit of uh we shouldn't be silencing other people's opinions. And if you don't want to if you don't want to abide by that,
you don't have to because these are just select board policies. Um, it's more of the spirit of doing it. We'd love to abide by everything that's in this list, not just these items, every single thing on here, but sometimes we don't. And it
is what it is. And the only time you pay is during election time. And do I think that's right? Probably not. But we don't have any penalties. And we already reviewed on the charter about penalties and every said it's impossible. And you know, there's no violation for breaking
the charter either. It is what it is. This is more of a spirit. Can we all agree to this and move forward? >> So, I don't I don't personally I I don't think there's a conflict for someone that wants to have a blog, a website, or
whatever. That that's not what I'm getting at. So, please don't think that that's where I'm going with this. Um because you're you're right. I could open a newspaper. I could do whatever. That that's not where I'm going with this. I think that it just it shows that it's a much larger
issue. I know that this is very focused, but I think we as a group, we might want to, if we decide on this tonight or another night, we might want to look at it in a much more global thing because it's just getting bigger as far as social media and everything that's out
there. And it I don't think it really matters if I'm on social media or not because it's still out there, whether it be on emails or whatever. So, I think it it it it's around more in different places than you imagine. So, it's not that I think that there's a conflict. I
don't that's not you know, do you know what I mean? >> I do, but I only said it because >> No, I >> because you referenced the email and the email obviously references more than what you're expanding upon, which I appreciate, but that's why I mentioned
it. I think um in reference to the email, I think that it's important that we are open and transparent and I think that we're doing a pretty good job about that and but I do think we can get better. Um especially in this kind of a venue and
so being super super cautious with with social media I think is incredibly important. And to Carlos own admission, we got to keep our hats everybody cool and count to 10 or do or or type your email and hold it for overnight and then you know what I mean? But I think that I
would expect that from everyone, not just the board. So a lot of this behavior is what I would expect from my own children or whomever. So I think you know the board tends to get very heated on things that that's not that's the minutia stuff that doesn't really
matter. So I I appreciate us trying to organize it and and come to terms on it. I just I would like us to really think about it in a much bigger place as well. So if we have to start here and then once the Supreme Court comes then we might modify it a little bit but you
know I don't know which direction to go. So I think that's just my comment. So my question to you Karen is when you are saying start here are you saying that um are you looking to expand it beyond
social media? Are you looking to ex just open transparent across the board? Like what do you know what it is that you're trying to >> um probably not only because I think um we've had some other comments about some things code of ethics and so I think
that it would be a good idea to go through the document and if we're only talking about which we are as only social media and cell phone I think that is very specific and we can always change it or modify it later. Um, but I do think that we need to if we're going
to discuss it just these two paragraphs or two topics, you know, I think we need to take the town council part out. Um, and we can go through it, but it's not that it's a bad statement. It kind of makes sense. Do unto others if you would do unto them. Do you know what I mean?
So, it's and it's unfortunate that we always have to remind people, but we do. And not just here, other places. So, I'm not I think that we could add more to this packet that we haven't really discussed yet. Does that make sense? >> Yes. And I agree with you actually 100%
because I would love for us to go through our policies and procedures and I'm hoping that maybe that can be part of our retreat that we might try to do because I think that would be a great time for us to sit down and do that because I think it's really important not only for these two items but for in
general. And >> I want to just touch base on one thing that Chris said is that, you know, I do find it unfortunate that our policies and procedures are kind of like thrown out. It's like why do we even have them? I really would love for our board and forward boards to really abide by them
because I think it's important. Um, when it comes to social media, I'm probably the extreme opposite of most other people. Um, when I ran, people told me I needed to like edit things on Facebook and like take things down and you know, and I'm refused to do that.
>> Scrub it. >> Yeah, scrub it. I guess that's a good term. And I didn't do that. And I will not block anyone. And I will have a conversation with anyone. And I had some not nice people comment on my things that I never deleted even though people told me to delete many times. Um, but I'm the complete opposite. I'm of the
opinion that you have to have a tough skin if you want to run for office in anything. So, and you need to try to work around those, you know, difficult conversations and move forward with people. Um, so, but I would love to dive
more into these because I do think they're important and maybe we add a little bit to both of them, but I do think like you said, we need to go through all of them and I think that maybe if we can get a retreat scheduled that would be a great time to do that. Um, Karen, do you have anything that
you'd like to add? Um the cell phone policy seems really obvious but it's a lot simpler. I don't have a problem with that. Um I use my cell phone for my notes for my liaison notes. I will be continuing to do that. I've done that for six years. That is my preferred device. So what I need to know is that
I'm not going to have select board members attacking me or making insinuating that I'm texting or violating this policy. And that really gets to the code of conduct which doesn't appear to be followed a lot. And um you know I'm just looking at a um
there was a post on October 13th by Carlo Bachi. Most people love Italians and underneath it he shared an article from the reading recap and um it talked about a vote that we took in a proclamation from which I abstained and
um one of the comments underneath it there only like 60 comments but one of the comments underneath it was what is up with this? It seems like it's designed, this honestly seems like a non-issue and worded to incite anger for no reason. So that is the kind of social
media work we as select board members or or statements and and actions we as select board members should not be doing. That's a great example. There have been others. They have been deleted. Um, and it is a very real concern of mine, having spoken to town
council in a number of instances, that um, select board members really shouldn't be commenting on topics that will come before us. You shouldn't be sharing your opinion. You um, you could
be in a forum with two other members and there's the chance that you're in an open meeting law violation, open meeting law violation situation. So, and and to the letter that the select board received expressing concern that we may have a select board member who
posts in a social media forum and then follows it up like two comments later with a sharing of a writing recap article that this this is, you know, nobody there's no honesty and transparency there. There really isn't. Um, but I'm going to stay
in the um category that we should never see select board members saying when when there's a reading parents network with a lot of people and people will go, "Oh, my trash didn't get picked up." And then there'll be a select board member that says, "Oh, don't worry. I'll call the town manager
about that and have it handled." Like that's not that's not what we do. This is we should never be doing that. That is not our job. You could say, "Oh, that's terrible." But see, clickfix can take care of that. There's there's a
lot of crazy things going on in social media that you aren't seeing. This tiny little paragraph is is not a policy and if we want to have a conversation about what we should what our role is on social media and how we will interact
with each other and how we will adhere to a co code of conduct, I think that would be a great start. Um, but I this paragraph I would also I haven't done it tonight. I would love to take a look at what the school committee has as a social media policy because they'll
freak they might comment on a decision that was made and they'll say I'm speaking as myself or I am I I'm the person this week who's authorized to to to speak um about what the select board decided much as you might do in a meeting where you clearly say this is
what the select board decided and that's factual and it's public information or you might say I'm speak this is one select board member speaking that's not what's happening on social media media. So, we could, you know, talk about codify that because you would think it would be obvious to people, but it but
it isn't. And there's a lot of hate spewing going on in social media and it and and there's the real risk in my opinion of open meeting law violations. So, so stay off of it. You're not missing anything. Um, so I'm not going to be voting for this. um for I would
make an amendment to only vote for the cell policy, but if you want to keep it as all or nothing, then I will not be voting for it. >> Does anyone else have any comments? Oh, sorry, Chris. >> No worries. Thanks, Melissa. Um uh in
regards to uh because I I said I wanted to move forward, but apparently uh we're we're not moving forward, we're going backwards. uh in in terms of my own comments where I see people commenting about trash or any one of the other things that I've seen on there or about
the pavings on the streets or whatever. Um when I see something and you know uh no resident maybe interjects or says they know or whatever uh will I get uh involved and reach out to Matt and and get an answer? Absolutely. That will
never change. No policy, no nothing will ever change me advocating for residents and getting answers to their questions because somehow that's wrong. Not for me it isn't. I've been doing this since day one and I will never change. I will
always advocate and try to help somebody out because I was in a position myself before where I thought the deck was stacked against me when I lived on Causeway Road and all that. And the same thing for the MBTA people and all that. They have the deck stacked against them and I am advocating for them and giving
them a platform to be able to make their case and then it's over. It's as simple as that. And that will never change for me. And to use that as a somehow as a negative is just baffling to me and it will never be the way that I operate. Um
so that won't change for me. But in terms of the article that was that was referenced, um it's always you shoot shoot the messenger. You don't argue about what actually is contained in the article.
The factual article in nature, non-opinbased. That's the problem why people walked out of the room for the third time in the last three months. It's just unbelievable. It's our our trash meeting went off without hitch.
Everything was fantastic and then here we are. >> Stay on top of >> Yes. Thank you. Um but that's essentially it. I'm I'm good for this. I had a variation that I gave over to I'm fine with removing the uh the town
council aspect out of this. I know that's what you had mentioned, Karen. I'm fine with with removing it, but I think we need to set a baseline and example here that we're not going to block people that we don't agree with and then uh delete the post and repost
it and block comments. Absolutely not. Yeah, you didn't get elected for that. Yeah, I'm okay with removing town council and approving it as written because we need to move forward. And like Chris said earlier, the social
media policy could have been summed up in one sentence. You know, maybe we could add campaign page. I don't know if that makes a difference. Um, >> I will add, sorry, >> but blocking blocking comments
and and doing what Chris said was done and making comments about residents, calling them rude, reposting the same post and then blocking comments is exactly why this policy is being written because
that's not cool on your campaign page. to go to a meeting and you didn't come to our meeting to go to another meeting and then to call them rude and then to block them and repost it. So, is that
right? I don't think so, but you can decide for yourself if that's right. >> Um, all right. Do we want to do these separately or Oh, actually, does anyone have Does anyone else on the board want to speak?
>> No. Do we have any public comment that would like to be given? >> Bob, >> Maddie, anyone online that would like to give public comment on this agenda item? >> Yes, Angela Binda has her hand raised. >> Angela, just name, address, and two
minutes, please. Is she on now? >> Yeah, she's seems to be on. >> Angela, you're on mute right now. Okay, thank you. Angela Bind to Orchard Park Drive at 7:33
tonight, PM tonight. During discussion on tax classification, select board chair Christopher Haley was using his cell phone again. 7:33 tonight, he was using his cell phone. He
picked up his cell phone and took several pictures. And while he may not have been sitting at the horseshoe, he is still expected to be doing only select board business at the meeting.
while Mr. Mr. Haley taking pictures. Was Mr. Haley taking pictures as part of select board business or will we see those pictures on reading recap? That is a violation of the rule that he wants to
enact. This is so hypocritical. Rules should apply to behaviors and not devices. When Mr. Haley got up for comment. He said, "Let me grab my phone."
I hope you do not pass the cell phone amendment and just encourage encourage require respectful engagement and focus on behaviors and not
particular devices, be it a phone or a computer. If you want complete engagement and transparency, put your computers down as well as your phone. And I'm asking Mr. Haley to
explain why he was using his phone at 7:33 when he was supposed to be completely engaged as a select board member. Do not please take your time and go through and
think about this. Do not approve this tonight. Thank you. >> Maddie, is there anyone else online that would like to speak? >> Not seeing any other hands raised. >> Great. We are going to move to vote and
see where we go with this. Um the social media policy I think we've already agreed that we are going to take the last sentence out completely to the extent blocking. Yes. With the removal
of the last sentence. Um do you have a motion for >> the whole last sentence? >> Yeah, I believe so. >> To the extent >> to the extent of board members. >> Oh, okay. We're gonna have the board member. So yeah,
>> because we don't I agree 100% with Karen the fact that we don't want to use town council as our personal >> Okay. >> Yeah, I totally agree with that. Um, in my opinion, and I'm one person, but I would like to vote on these tonight. Um, I wish it was just as simple as Angela
said that we could count on everyone's behavior. Um, but I also would like to get into more depth when we have our um, select board outing to discuss all of the policies. Um, I don't know. Do we have motions separate for these or are they just
>> Yeah, we have separate motions. Yep. >> Okay, let's do the first motion then. >> Move to amend section 1.4 of the select word policies by adopting a new section 1.4.3 4.3 entitled social media with the
removal of the last sentence of the >> post >> policy >> policy >> second >> seconded by Chris. Do we have any further discussion? >> Chris, >> thanks Melissa. Uh real quick at uh at
7:30 I was acting in the capacity as a resident. I recused myself for a half hour worth of board things. Um and I made the statement uh attributed to that. Um so I do not lose my personal uh
right to speak and which I did after that speaking as a resident. I did not mention that I was a member of the select board at that time because I was not allowed to and uh that is following the law and following our policy. So I
am ready to vote on this. Do you have any Karen? >> Yep. >> I'd like to comment that we have a policy of not responding to public comment and um the chair just broke that policy again. So, you know, policies only work if people agree to abide by
them, whether it's conduct or any other component of our policy. That's it. Thanks. Thank you. All those in favor of uh the motion in front of us for section 1.4.3 4.3.
Uh, all those in favor? All those against? That's four uh 41. >> Second um policy cell phone use. Do we have a motion for that? >> We do move to amend section 1.4 of the
select board policies by adopting a new section 1.4.4 entitled cell phone use as presented today. >> Second. >> Uh Chris seconded. Do we have any further discussion on the cell phone use policy?
No further discussion. Um, all those in favor of the new 1.4.4 cell phone use policy 5. We will move on to our next agenda item which is
>> which is >> Oh yeah. Uh review and vote on finance committee's request to receive a free review of town financial policies from division of local services financial management resource bureau chief. Sorry.
Um I see I don't know or >> Joe >> Joe do you want to speak or to Matt? Yeah, this this was a request from Fincom. So if Joe is to share fin, I think it's appropriate to speak on this. I I can um and I can introduce this for you, Cam. It's good.
>> It's uh I mean relatively straightforward. You saw my memo in the packet. Um you know, like other communities, we have a variety of policies relating to budget planning and uh you know, capital expenditures, things like that. Um the our policies
have not been reviewed in quite a while and the state offers a free service to review it with us. People have you know experience working with other communities. So uh finance committee would like to take advantage of this. Um but the request must come from the town executive which is you all. So that's
why we're here. >> Great. One quick clarifying question. Did the fincom vote on us at all? >> I should remember if we actually voted. I don't think there was any disscent. I don't know if my vote was taken. >> Okay. Just was going to add that to support. Um, does anyone here have any
comment or questions for Joe? >> No, just a comment. It's free. It's for me. So, thank you. >> It hasn't cost us anything. >> Anyone else question? >> No, it's a great idea. >> Great idea. Um, do we have a motion?
>> Yes. Move that the board request a review of the town's financial policies from the Division of Local Services Financial Management Resource Bureau. >> Second. Seconded by Karen. Do we have any further discussion? I just want to add I think this is a great idea,
especially right now in the state we're in. So, thank you for putting this forward. Uh, no more comments or discussion. Um, all those in favor? >> 5 Z. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thanks, Joe. >> Thanks, Joe. All right.
uh discuss and vote to instruct the town manager to explore Friday and Saturday only valet parking license agreement. >> Do we have anything in the packet on this? I know that we had a discussion about this at our
>> Nothing in the packet >> October 7th meeting and at that time October 7th I right that was right. >> Yeah, October 7th meeting we had a discussion on it. Um, I know we got some feedback from um the police department,
but does anyone else have any feedback? Carl, go ahead. >> No feedback, per se, but I was the one that recommended to because there was a lot of discussion on this topic and what's fair and what's not fair. That Friday and Saturday,
if we could figure this out, it makes the most sense. We don't need this seven nights a week uh for the restaurants. Um, so that's I think why they say before us again and with nothing in the packet because we don't have anything written about this anywhere would be
town staff and PTTF would be uh writing something up that we would vote on. This is just something to put forward that any restaurant could apply for and I think have a parking plan and have not use public streets for the valet and all
that stuff. This was so this would come as an expense to anyone that would want that wanted to do it on top of the fee that we would impose. So I I know we received some emails that there's nothing in the packet and there's nothing to put in the packet other than
a past discussion on this. So, uh, I think it makes sense. I'll speak first if that's okay. I think this makes sense because this comes to an expense that anyone applying for this would have to incur. And if that's how they want to operate their business, you know, I
support it. I don't think many people will take advantage of this. This is just my opinion. I could be wrong, but we'll have we'll approve it on a case- by case basis. This is not a stamp approval for one or two spots for every restaurant. It's just not feasible. And for a lot of places it doesn't make
sense because we have municipal lots. So, you know, I will support the discussion of this in the Friday and Saturday only and then we'll leave it to town staff and uh police and maybe fire to give us their input and how we can
put this in place. >> Thanks, Melissa. Yes, I put this back on the agenda because it was brought up previously at the other meeting. The reviews were kind of mixed on it, but I think what we took away was let's see if the Friday scenario Friday Saturday
scenario uh will work. And I know Carlo had mentioned um at a prior meeting or Matt. >> Yeah. >> Um ended up speaking with uh Kevin and Jason over at Post to see if he was good with that. Um, and it's not specific to
just post. It's it's going to be before we expense the time, effort, and energy into this. Like obviously would have to get involved in writing something. Town staff would have to do all this before we went down that road. I saw how the
discussion went last time and to save us time and money. That's why it's like this. So if the board is amendable to uh exploring the Friday Saturday option, then Matt will work with come up with a license agreement um uh kind of
scenarios is they have to have off- streetet parking. They can't use our lots. They can kind of work these kind of scenarios out. So it's not going to be taken advantage of by everybody. Anybody who wants to use it is going to have to pay a fee for it to happen. Um but it's another revenue stream for us.
It's another way to give back to the business community even though a handful might only take it or none. Who knows? But it's more along the lines that, you know, we could have this in here and it could drive some more um people to our downtown. I don't have data on how many
that is. I know it'll be more than one person and it's up to the businesses to have a parking plan and everything else in place and whatever. That's kind of what a rough draft um uh that I've seen from other communities that they do. But it was
more of the temperature of the board to see because if you know if this failed 4 to one or something then agreements were all done for nothing and everything else. So I didn't think that it was right to to spend all that time and energy and money of course. So, that's
kind of why this is on here and we already discussed it previously and I understand the push back from the police. Um, and I agree with them to a point. Uh, but that's why we're kind of compromising here in just two days and the enforcement won't be the police. It'll the enforcement will end up being
on the restaurants, but they're going to have to handle it. Like, it all becomes hands-free. That can be worked into whatever agreement Matt puts. If the board wants it to, they could put in there that the police has to handle it. it's however we would get to that stage if we want to get there. Um, so that's
kind of where we're at and I just think that it's a nice goodwill gesture and see what we can do. >> Sure. >> So I guess I'm confused. Um, I thought that we had said that have you talked to the gentleman at the post about our
conversation the last time? >> Yes. So So we said to work through Kevin. So Kevin McCarthy's here. The gentleman >> you were sitting there Jason's here. Sorry. >> Yeah, I met you. >> So, through that connection, we we had found out that Friday and Saturday would
work at least for that one business. I mean, we want to we may want to consider issuing an RFI or something to open it up to the entire town or the entire downtown. There's a lot of options. Probably a license agreement is probably the way we'd handle it in the end as well. So, but I've talked to about it a
couple times just in general, but we don't have anything that we're ready to put in the package. Do we have any other restaurants or places that are interested in something like this? >> I haven't heard of any. I don't know though. I mean, there could be. Um, >> I just know M. Chris and I both know parking downtown. >> Yeah.
>> Love to talk parking. >> And Kevin's here. Maybe he knows if somebody else has. >> Does anyone else? >> Sure. >> Kevin McCarthy. >> Um, >> Kevin McCarthy, senior planner economic development. Good evening. Um, not to my
knowledge, but um, I'm still the new kid on the block here, literally. So, um, you guys would have much more knowledge about if pre of the restaurants had previously floated the idea or asked about it. So, not to my knowledge. Uh, so um, Jason would be the first. So, this would be somewhat of a a trial. Um,
see if we can get across the line. In principle, we should be able to get it done. Other communities do it, notwithstanding the concerns of the police department. But um I think this is a great opportunity for us to figure out the details of how this would work and then see if if uh other restaurants may put up their hand and go yeah
actually okay I think this will work for us too. So >> thank you. Any questions while I'm here? So, I guess what I'm saving time and money, you know, I had sided with the police thinking that it really wasn't, you know, the the the who's going to
manage it just seemed a little vague to me and if they're going to manage it, who's going to manage them managing it? Do you know what I mean? So, if you >> Yes. Sorry. So the way I understand it, and I could
be wrong, is they would lease from us one or two spaces that they would manage for a certain period of hours and that's it. So during the day, >> managing those spaces, let's say for that time frame, >> right,
>> from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 400 p.m., whatever we agree upon, they're public spots. at 5:00 pm, 401, 501, they become XYZ spots for them to manage, for them to tow a car if they're in that spot
with signage or valet spots. Just like when you go to Boston, >> y >> you go to Boston. Oh, you see some squads. Oh, see some guys with jackets standing on the sidewalk. I can't park there. They they paid for that service. The city of Boston. So, in this process,
um, the condo unit owners, are they going to participate in this discussion at all? I >> can he Jason, if you'd like to come up and add some information, that'd be helpful. Thank you. >> Hi, Jason. >> I'm Karen. Nice to meet you.
>> Uh, Jason Karen, owner of Post 1917. Uh, the condo doesn't have anything to do with what we're trying to do right now. I have uh a rental agreement with the gentleman across the street with the blank parking lot. So, the first two
spots closest to the condo parking lot would be the unloading loading zone and then they would park in the parking lot next door. >> I gotcha. >> So, we wouldn't take any public parking. It would be a nice service our restaurant.
>> Um so, how do you deal with the Lexington location? Do they have the same kind of setup in Lexington? >> There's so much parking in Lexington. >> No, there isn't. >> But it's all metered parking. Oh, but probably not at night. >> They kind of don't really do anything. >> Okay.
>> So, it's it's pretty well managed. >> Okay. >> Wink wink. >> So, and we wouldn't really actually I'm not going to tell anybody. I'm not going to call the police about a ticket. I just want the ability to have two spots
on a Friday and Saturday night. >> If you imagine parking in that lower parking lot, walking up with high heels in the winter through the streets and all that, it's not really fun. And people do get dressed up to come in the post. So, I'm just trying to provide a service. And
>> I'm not trying to, you know, go against the police. I know they have a lot on their plate, but I wouldn't really ask them for anything to be honest. I just want the ability to have those spots. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> Any other questions? >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> Um, any other input from the board, >> Karen? >> Yeah. Um, so the RPD raised some genuine concerns last week that I don't take lightly and um I'm imagining how much fun BTTF is going to be with the me the
the police chief or his representative who is a member saying I don't want to do this. So that's going to be interesting. Um um so what I hear this is a new line of business that the restaurant owner wants to start and um you raised the option
for us to make some money. So, I would see this the only way I I would see this would be worth doing if we make some significant money because we are starting to get residents come at this time of year and say I need or or when
there's a snow eminent or snow danger, you know, already saying I don't have parking. And so, um I'm a little concerned about putting um residents more out of sorts than they already are down there. Um
and and and the fact that no other restaurants have come forward. I mean kudos for being entrepreneur to being an entrepreneur. That's great. Um >> I I did try this last year and they you know they poo pooed and I I didn't want
to push it and it was brought up and I town managers have been trying to kind of work on it. So >> yeah. So the question was asked earlier. So, I've been on the board since March 3rd, 2020. I've never heard anyone else
ask for this. So, um it it it really seems like something that is very approp appropriate for Boston where yeah, good luck finding parking and it's quite expensive. So, if you're going to spend money on parking anyway and you can spend it because it's right there, but in writing, you're not spending any
money on parking. And um I mean there's there's I don't I don't see that there's a parking problem in in writing overnight. So I don't and I'm leerary about asking staff to take on more at this point when they are working on a major school building project. They are
working on a major recal project. We've asked them to get the MWR to get us money back. We have a a turnback project right now that is taking a lot of staff resources and select board resources and
so I always want to be careful about people request things for instance we've requested brunch and I think a couple of restaurants have requested that and that actually would bring people to reading I I don't agree with the argument that valley parking will bring people to
reading because I don't see it as a problem like but that's just me other people in high heels They may be wearing higher heels than I do. Um, but I worry about we have limited resources and is this what we need to be spending on them
on right now. That's it. Thanks. >> I want to thank Jason for coming and um I totally support this. This will not be on the police department to manage. Um they've made it clear that they cannot manage it. Jason's made it clear he's not looking for them to manage it. He
has a lease with a private parking lot. Um, it is a service that he's going to offer his customers if they would like it. And the caliber of people that I think are eating at the post frequently would appreciate it. And um, those two
spots won't I don't see being a problem as all the parking lots down there are open to the public at night. So the residents of the post itself have underground parking um, or out and back. So I don't think this is an issue. Um, I
do agree that the town staff does have a lot on their plate right now. Um, so I don't think this is like an urgent like ASAP thing, but I would like to see this get information on this so we can, you know, give it to Jason, give it to the other restaurants in town if there are any others that might be interested in
it. My only little caveat is I am a little concerned that could we feasibly do it for other restaurants that are in different locations? Um, that would be a little bit of a concern for me. um where they're located. Uh the post has
that spot that's quieter right out front in the evening time that makes it a little easier. But I would um support town going forward with this. Um does the board have any other input comments? >> Thanks Melissa. Yeah, just real quick.
It is it is it's not specific to post. It is going to be open up to the rest of the town. So perhaps other distances when they've moved here or look about coming here, I'm sure valet is on the very bare minimum of their list. If you're a restaurant, maybe they're not.
I don't know. But when you see that it's not offered, you think that uh what are the chances of me getting this changed in reading? Uh slim to none until now. I mean, it's just it's it's it's just another way to drive more
business here. Like I said, we're not uh shattering ceilings on this, but I do think that it's going to to improve and um based off that, especially with restaurants, the the meals stacks and everything else
that can come back to us. Obviously, that's even better. Um and then maybe Venetian Moon, there's two spots over there, super easy. Zuka, kind of annoying, but maybe something over there. That's not up for us to decide. It's up for staff area to come up with something and it's got to be open to
everybody. And then maybe other people will see this and think, you know, why am I going to do this? Oh, I have to get a parking arrangement at some other lot around some Okay, well now it's not costefficient or, you know, it doesn't fit in my budget. And then they make the
decision not to do it. It's their decision, not ours. We're just putting it in place. There's lots of other ways that we can raise revenue. This isn't a grand slam. Um, future agendas, Karen, surprisingly brunch is going to be on there because Matt and I went back and forward agenda,
>> please. >> Um, but, uh, I'm always looking to raise revenue here in Reading, whether it's $1,000 a year or, you know, $300,000 with uh, fire department. >> Okay. So,
are are we gonna So, I would ask if this passes, and I don't think I'm going to support it, but um uh or I should say I don't even know if we need a vote just to have to go get more information. That doesn't usually require a vote. Implementing it require a vote, but I would love to see some real
calculations. Um because these are two two municipal spots. We are not in the business of of selling municipal spots and this board has made decisions on that before. we were asked to give up spots behind CVS and it is very important to the residents that we keep
municipal spots for municipal use. So that would just be my feedback. Um and I love everything that generates revenue for the town, but I'm not talking about a $50 permit. We're talking about serious revenue, but but but based on reasonable calculations of throughput
and 52 weeks a year and you know, however many seedings you have and things. Uh, any other comment? >> Public comment. Maddie, any public comment online? >> Nobody online. >> Great. Thank you. Let's move to our
motion. Please >> move that the board instruct the town manager to explore Friday, Saturday only valet parking license agreements. >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris. All those in favor? >> All those opposed.
>> Okay. Thanks. >> Thank you. Thanks. >> We are moving on. Thanks, Kevin. >> Thank you. Um, select board liaison reports. >> Karen, do you want to start because I feel like you're going to have a really long one. >> I'm going to try and make it fast
because you only allotted five minutes for everyone, so I don't want to hug all the time. >> One minute each. >> Oh my god. Okay. Uh, can I go back to September? So, we had affordable housing trust. I'm going to try and really narrow it down. Um, affordable housing
housing trust meetings. I've had two. Um first one's still getting in the groove and how to move forward. The second one we had a presentation by the CPA committee members and discussion regarding how the CPA would benefit the town. Um discussed the idea of an action plan housing production plan. On 9:15 I
met with the board of assessors, very quick meeting as they always are. Uh discuss status of pending appellet tax board cases and uh he'll be presenting here today. Um uh 9:15 attended an MBTA turnaround meeting at the library. 9:24
um ad hoc commemoration meeting where they discussed debrief of the fall street fair, pros and cons, setup, etc. Um discussed other events in writing to spread the word such as a connected reading and to be held at the library. Um they discussed award criterion, relig eligibility.
Um update from Albert regarding office of equity and social justice. They're kind of in a restructuring mode. Um they're going to start planning for MLK day. Um and they discussed timing for reaching out to Bill Russell's family um which should be happening in the near future. I had office hours in September 27th.
106 town forest committee uh reviewed progress of invasive plant removal. Um discussed the new signs which look great. Um they are making a presentation to town meeting next month. Discussed upcoming events. Um they had a town
forest identification walk which was awesome. I went on that. was great. Um uh they had on the 18th a community buckthorn pulling event which um event was very well attended. They removed a lot of buckthornne from an entire section. Uh last weekend they had two
bird walks with Dave Williams that were very successful. They will be at the community event at the library on the 28th and on 111 there will be a barefoot hike through the town forest if anyone's interested. >> Oh jeez. >> Um hopefully it will be warmer. Um 108 you attended the finance committee
meeting. Um yesterday I attended the housing authority meeting. Representatives from the MBTA track turnaround local committee made a presentation to the group um and how it will impact the Chandville residents and council on aging. Um we met last night a presentation from Jenna John Sasso Emily
Sison and Chris Kowleski regarding operation plans for recal that they're be they're finalizing and moving on. That was a long debate. Um, food pantry recently purchased a commercial refrigerator, freezer, and a range with a generous grant from the Greater Boston Food Bank. Soon they'll be able to make
healthy, nutritious home-cooked food for neighbors to choose when they visit the pantry so they can turn all the boxes of donated zucchini into zucchini bread. Um, stuff like that. Uh, please consider visiting the food pantry's Amazon wish list, which lists much neededed items. Um, you can find the connection to that
on their Facebook page or their website and you can sign up to receive their newsletter which contains contains all their up-to-date needs and highlights of the wonderful volunteers. Send an email to writingfoodpantry@gmail.com to sign up. Uh, current needs are laundry detergent, canned potatoes,
instant coffee, and canned pasta. There we go. >> Very good. >> Great. Thank you so much. Cara, would you like to go now? >> Sure. Um, mine go back to September too, but like this is ridiculous. Um, so, um,
importantly though, um, I had two select board office hours at late August in early September, um, at the Pleasant Street Center. And I will be repeating that on November 10th from 12:15 to 1:15. And I appreciated the the the number of residents who came last time.
It was it was wonderful. and I had a challenge to wrap it up before I started um enc um encroaching on Senator Lewis's time. Um so that was good. So November 10th I'll be back at the Pleasant Street Center 12:15 to 1:15. And if anyone would like to also speak with Senator
Jason Lewis, he'll be in at 1:30. Um so that was terrific. Um attended the Senior Center ice cream social um recently which was lovely. And um the recent CPDC meeting where um the parking for the recal was
discussed. I met with our design Mark Doxer and took him over to the Wilmington recal um facility which is just amazing. He hadn't seen it and um I I'm glad he went and I think he was energized. So I have
attended a permanent building committee where they met with a um Joel I forget Joel. Jill's the designer and so things are moving along on that project as well. Um so that's good. And um most recently we spent a lot of time with the
finance forum, finance committee forum and we had an exhaustive conversation of um you know all of the different ways that we need to think about um the town finances and planning
planning for an operational um override and and I understand the town manager and I don't know who else but the town manager and finance committee chair have started some um initial discussions because uh yeah, that's um that's going to be a toughy and um but there are lots
of things we can do before then and we talked about making sure that we get all of the geothermal tax credits that we could get from the federal government and the process that's required to do that. Um let's see anything else.
Busy busy time. Um, oh, I continue to meet with the MMA fiscal policy committee. I mentioned one of those meetings um last night. I'm also still a director of the women elected municipal officials, and we have a mentoring session tomorrow
um that I won't be mentoring this time, but I will I will dial in and um and and see what's going on with our other PR communities. So, that's it. I know it's more than a minute. I'm sorry. Thank you.
Thanks, Melissa. Um, so the Kllum School Building Committee has met multiple times. I've lost track of where we are standing on that. I know we saved a half a million dollars by changing the generator out because retail passed. So, we don't need the shelter scenario,
which means we need less of a generator, which means now we're saving 500 grand on uh Kellum, which was fantastic. Um and then at the last meeting for the uh Kilum school building, we ended up having the
um the uh the scenario with the early package, whether or not we wanted to spend um I think it was $130,000 for an early package which includes something with um
tree removal and naming uh and uh what kind of species we have and um I know Matt is dealing with that portion because it was like seven or eight grand for some trees that are coming down anyway. Um so that got brought up with the uh the potential for the early
package. And then at the uh school committee they just uh received a generous donation from Claudia Mixon Banares I think is how you say her name. Uh she donated uh the first installment
for $200,000 for um redoing the athletic center in the fitness room that's over there. Um for a grand total of $550,000 when it's all said and done. Um and they hope to have it uh completely renovated by the end of the year. Um, so running
Memorial High School will end up having uh one of the most state-of-the-art athletic uh centers for high schools anyway uh in the whole state. So, thank you to Claudia uh for her generous donation. Um and we really appreciate
it. Thanks. >> All righty. Okay. I have in my notes that I gave a a CPA leazison report. So that was in October. So anyway, um
I watched a few hours of like a 4-hour CPDC meeting and the main part I watched was the primal school uh that was very heated and a lot of residents went to and the board um you know passed that because of the do amendment
unfortunately for the residents they didn't like that but it's that's going forward. And then I was excited that Albert reached out to me to um plan an Italian heritage Italian-American heritage month celebration next year. Um
so look forward to that for next year. Um I'm very excited that I am attending the Halcraftoft movie uh that is coming out. I was lucky enough to get a couple tickets to the Boston showing. I think there's only two showings, two viewings um coming up real soon. I'm going to in
November and um that's it for leazison and I have a few future agenda topics lot going on obviously we have the back track meeting that's lean report but a lot going on there >> go
>> you know just clarifying so who reached out to you with the Italian you said Albert so Albert >> Albert DI director sorry thanks >> um I have a bunch of stuff as Well, because we have not done reports in a while. Um, we've had numerous lengthy
RCTV negotiation meetings, uh, Jane, Matt, and I with RCTV and I think we are in a very good spot. So, I'm confident that that will hopefully come to our board shortly. Um, there were three conservation meetings. Um, I did not
attend all of them in person. Some of them I did listen back to for various reasons, but recal did get approved by conservation, which was some time ago. Um, we know Mater Cabin is still down and hopefully we'll get that opened quickly. Um, conservation was supposed to hear from the MBTA on their turnback
track tomorrow, but that got uh moved to their November meeting. Um at the last meeting though, conservation did ask the MBTA to come back with um some information cuz there was concerns about
the pan they were going to use for uh any oil and overflow, concerns about noise, vibration, wildlife habitat, and um pollution impacts. Um the commission requested additional documents, storm water checklist, MSDS
for absorbent maps, wetland data sheets, alternative analysis and a delineation peer review. Um but MBTA pushed that u meeting till November. Um the CPA committee uh went in front of conservation and
that vote failed actually um 3-2. There have been several board of health meetings um where they've discussed MBTA as well. Um they have also asked for raw data from the MBTA. They're asking them to hire an independent cons Oh no, the
board of health is going to hire an independent consultant to review the MBTA data. I'm sorry. Um and they're working along with um conservation on those items. What else do we have?
um school committee um school committee at one of their meetings their food services received a national recognition um on a program that they do over the summer I believe
um MCCAST data showed strong growth and achievement but there are gaps persistent among subgroups and specific schools that they are going to address. Um, touching on the donation, very generous donation that was made to the
high school. In total, it will be 550,000. Um, I one of the things that is incredible is that it's going to be the fitness center and the athletic training room, but the fitness center is open to all students, not just athletes, which is great. And in the training room, they're going to be adding um equipment
that will for medical and rehab equipment, too, which would be great. uh CPDC um approved recal and pickle ball and primar school. And then I did listen in on the financial form and fin. And like
Karen mentioned, you know, it looks like we are going to be in the beginning discussions of uh an override. Um but hopefully we can hold off a little bit with that and you know, do some stuff here in town to uh prevent that from
happening. Um, I would also like to do office hours for myself. I was going to offer to do them. Um, if this room is available for the 6 PM slot before our next meeting is I figured I'd just come in an hour early and if anyone would like to come in and chat, I'll be here. >> Okay, Jack. It should be though.
>> Okay. Thank you, >> Karen. Sorry, I forgot one item. Um, so on September 9th, I attended the um MBTA turnback track of letters meeting. We were notified about it. Uh it started before a meeting but did run long and so
I was detained coming to our meeting that night and that is in the minutes but uh it needs to be um recognized that that I was acting as a select board member and listening to the public and and not weaponized. So that's all. Thank you.
>> Okay, we're going to move on to future agenda items. >> Public comment. Oh. Uh, no, not on liaison reports. We're going to move on to our next agenda item is future agenda items. I apologize. Um,
does anyone have any items? Yes, Karma. >> Not really need to be agenda items, but I guess like an update on pickle ball. Sorry, an update on pickle ball where that stands in the process. And earlier someone mentioned, I forget who MWR
get an update on that. That'd be good to know where that stands. >> Y >> and um that's all I have for now. Those aren't meant to be agenda items, just kind of updates >> for the board. Thanks. >> Anyone else have any future agenda items
you'd like to add? Chris, sorry. >> Thanks, Melissa. Um so what I touched on earlier Matt um uh what got brought up prior meeting was the whole scenario with um the
not happy hour brunch scenario on Sunday. So Matt ended up following up and found um that it's actually in select board policies um which we already went over that as as ad nauseium. So, um, that's one agenda
item that will, uh, be looking forward in the future. So, I thought it was going to be a bylaw. It's not, um, so we may be able to change that or not. I found some other, I think, senator in Massachusetts is proposing the thing statewide.
Um, so it kind of, you know, goes that it's just not one crazy person's opinion coming up with this. It it actually has legs elsewhere. Um, so that's one item to add and I know there was another one, but I can always
add it later. >> Um, yes. So great. I'm really excited. The disabilities commission will go before town meeting. I anticipate there'll be excellent support there and then but um I'd love to have a placeholder to and we don't have to wait. Does it have to go to the state for 90 days and we have to wait like
months for them to review it? It would there'll be um well it's not a bylaw so don't it doesn't have to be reviewed by the attorney general. I have to check with the law. It won't be that much of a delay I don't think though. So >> well what I wanted to do was have a discussion or clarity on whether we are
going to appoint members to that board or whether it's going to go through VAS and and just get that scheduled. >> Thank you. >> I have a couple. Oh you >> I just I remembered it's the retreat scenario that got brought up. So, the
doodle Paul thing went out. Um, I believe four of us have already um submitted dates. So, if we could all get that put together, it's as early as potentially this Saturday. Um, so we
should definitely look to be setting that. And to Melissa's point, we can add on policies and whatever else to be discussed then as well, >> but we have to get that buttoned up hopefully by the end of the week. Um,
do we have a date when recal will be presenting to the select board? I know they've presented to other boards and committees, but I'd love for them to come to us. >> I think they've gone to wreck. I think they've gone to agent. >> Um, no, we don't have a particular date.
They asked at the last meeting um if they would like to have them come before. Yes, we pick that particular date. >> Yeah, I would definitely like that. >> Yeah, just a project update. Yeah, >> happy to. Uh, >> I kind of listened in on the wreck one, but I would definitely like for them to come to us. >> Sure. Yeah, we can set that up. Um, who
do you want to present because we pay them to come? >> Oh, wait. No, we can just do the Jenner and John Sasso. Oh, >> do you want the operations plan for recap? >> Oh, yeah. >> That's what they're working on. >> Yes, that's what I would like to hear is the operation plan because there seems
to be some um uh >> confusion. confusion and different thoughts floating around. So I would love for them to come to us. >> So they were at Council of Aging last night and operations. They're not completely done with it. They're done.
>> No, let's say half and then they're still working on the half and some of them may have to dig really deep depending on if it's elder services or whatever. And then after that they're going to do the planning, you know, where they're going to talk about >> I had better words last night.
programming, excuse me, where but not like a schedule of what's going to happen, but trying to figure out what parts of the building will be can phrase it better than I, but there's it's still in the works. They're not really close. >> Yeah. No, it's an iterative process. So,
it's these portions are being brought forward first. They're being brought to Council on Aging and to the Recreation Committees for review. Um, one at a time. John Sazzo and Emily Sison are both are helping staff with that effort. Um, but it's not done, right? So, this
is multiple pieces and we're getting great feedback and it's, you know, asking those boards to review it, give us feedback and so it's kind of that's what we're doing. >> Maybe we can give a little feedback then as well. I just um I know there was a a vote done. It's non-binding vote with
council of aging of how they would like to see things and yes >> I think we just need to rem remember how we advertise this project to the town to get it voted in. >> Staff is well aware >> but I think but it would be nice for us to give our opinion on that too.
>> Sure. Sure. >> Do you think maybe by December scenario like at least for before >> plan to be done? Yes. >> No, I don't think it will be done by December. >> No. If you want them to wait until they come back, I think what I'm hearing is
what would be useful is a sort of a an update. Here's where we are. This is a process for understanding. Here's some of the feedback we've gotten. >> Um board can share their concerns that you've had. It's just very clear that this is a community building. Um and that scheduling of that building is at
the purview of the manager. >> Yeah. Kind of is that >> Yeah. Yeah. And so it's just it can be quick. It's not doesn't have to be anything detailed and we definitely don't have to pay the consultant. That's >> if you're looking for like operations that staff. Yeah. And we can so we I will I will ask the operations team to
meet regularly um to find a a particular select board night in the next couple months before the new year. I'm guessing you'd like to have maybe not during the budget. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I think that's fair. Just um >> can I just go ahead? Sorry. Um, where
are we? I don't remember where we left off on a committee for like um, water and sewer rates review. Where did we >> You told me that I should start that thing. I mean, as a group, I believe I'm supposed to be looking into getting ball rolling and then presenting it to you or
>> Okay, I would love that because I would love to add um I think this that committee would be the perfect spot to add um some communities around us offer a um rebate or a discounted water sewer rate
or something for seniors. And I think that's something I would like to look into for our senior population. um and see how that works. I did a little bit of research, but it looks like it's kind of all over the place depending on the community. So, >> I think that could fall perfect into
that bucket. Um the other thing that was um brought up by a resident, which I think is a good idea and maybe at some point in the new year we can get on our um agenda to talk about is a um composting
spot for the community. So individuals don't have to do it. And if we could get that on our um I guess several communities around us do it. And I think >> Sorry, I don't. >> You mean the composting bins for community use? Really good. Great idea for um folks that live in apartments.
Yes. >> Um in condos and don't have their own space for a bin right outside. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> So I'm meeting with compost people next week. Perfect. What's the group? >> Writing compost. writing compost.
>> They're one of my favorite groups, so I'm meeting with them next week. >> I think the end of the year is going to be tricky for us to get it on our agenda, but I think early in the new year would be great and have a conversation about that, how we could do it, where it would work. >> Fine. >> Um, one more thing, but I'm blanking. I
didn't write it down. >> I'll go first. >> Okay. Go ahead. Yeah. Sorry. >> All right. More on the up the update agenda. How how we doing on the parking amendment? Is that are we going to see it or you guys going to do it for the for the pickle ball?
>> Oh, it'll be on it'll be on a future agenda. You'll have to vote on it. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, not next meeting coming soon. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Okay. >> And just so because I don't know what this acronym means. RC proclamation. What does that stand for?
>> Yeah, that that has to do with the um the fire department. The chief will be here. It's regarding our emergency management um regional team that we're on. It was we we're on that and and it was done before, but it has to be renewed. So, I think at the next meeting, Chief Nelson will be here to
talk about that. Sorry, we didn't spell that out. >> Okay. Thanks. >> I remembered one other thing, CPAC awareness month. So, I sent you that Matt for Okay. >> that Sean and the school committee approved. >> Oh, right. >> For November. >> Yep. So, the November 4th meeting for
that. >> Yep, that's right. I have that. I sent that to Maddie here. >> Okay. >> Okay. If we'll move on to um discuss and vote meeting minutes. The first set of minutes is September 9th.
Um I Oh, I was there. Um, were there any changes or edits sent into you? Oh, it looks like there were. >> Yeah. So, I I received a couple of suggested edits on all the sets of
minutes. So, they're they're redlined for you to look at. >> Great. Okay. >> Okay. >> Not that long. So, mine is the top and I'm assuming that Karen is the bottom. >> I have my glasses.
>> Sorry. Do you need me to make it bigger? >> A little bit if you can. Not much. I guess the school is that helps. So my edit at the top is a direct quote from what I said to Matt.
the bottom which I'm assuming is Karen edits is none and actually misconstr. >> Oh yeah, let's do the top part. >> So is that is that mine? Um, Maddie. >> No,
>> no, I believe the top one is is Chris Haley's and that bottom red line one is Karen Heric. >> And then Parn Rose Gillis, yours is down here. >> Oh, did I have it in the wrong place? I don't I don't think we need it three times.
>> I don't think it's going in three times. I think it's it's just one spot. >> Yeah, I just wanted to put everybody's >> Yeah, no, that's fair. >> That's fine. I defer to the two members that were here. >> Uh, and I defer to Chris because it's a quote.
>> So, my quote is, like I said, that is verbatim with what Matt said. And I never said for you to leave the meeting. So, I'm not sure why you put that in there. >> You know what? Enough. >> What? >> We're not going to speak out of terms.
>> All right. If we agreed to that one edit, is that it on this one, Maddie? >> I'm just checking the bottom. No, >> I think this is the last one. >> Okay. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Uh, do we want to do a motion for this one or go through them all and then do a motion for the mall? >> Probably for this one. >> All right. Let's do a motion for the September 9th meeting minutes. >> Move to approve the meeting minutes of September 9th, 2025 as amended.
>> Second. Seconded by Karen. Any further discussion? All those in favor? 5 Z. >> Okay. >> Let's move on to the September 16th minutes. >> I was not at this meeting. I have no
idea. Are we paying playing math libs on this one? It was probably me, I assume. >> I just Yeah, I just >> It's me. It's me. >> I love mention Friday, Saturday. >> Yeah. Who made that edit? >> Yeah,
>> Maddie. That >> that one was Aaron Heric, I believe. >> Oh, okay. I just don't know why it said me name. Okay, thanks. >> I believe there I think there's a couple more. Okay. Can I just ask again who these um edits
are from just so we're clear? >> That top one is from Karen Heric and the bottom one >> is me. >> Thank you. >> Yeah, sorry. There was a lot. >> Yeah, no, that's fine. I'm just trying to keep it.
So I guess if I could uh so where it says chair Chris Haley did not act to stop select board and botchi in any way from this policy. If I could add in there after seeing both Karen Herrick and Karen Rose Gillis
laughing. I did not feel it was appropriate. >> Yeah, >> I'm fine with that because that's why I didn't do it. >> We're not looking to implement. We don't care what was going on in your head. Really? >> Well that then how do you know that I did not act? ing fact. >> I'm stating fact too.
>> I think that actually I would I wasn't at the meeting but I did watch it. I think that the second line Chris chair Chris Haley did not act as stop board member is also opinion. So I think that we should take that out. >> What action did he take? >> He didn't. But it's also
>> take action. So he just said it so it can stay. >> It's a statement of fact. >> According to you >> it's a statement of fact that also >> No, I get it. Like if Chris Chris never gets be held accountable for anything. I get it. That's fine. Not accurate at all. >> That is super accurate.
>> He didn't didn't run the meeting. >> Uh, okay. So, I was hoping this would come up because I like that it wasn't in there any of it because if we're going to include this, um, which I don't agree with, we have to
include Angela Binda lying about me twice, which we don't need to do, but if you guys are going to put this in there, >> point of order, Point of order. We're doing minutes. >> Excuse me. We are not taking public comment now. Thank you.
>> This is not a public comment. >> You are calling me a liar. >> Angela, you are out of line and I'm going to ask you to please stop. Thank you. >> Go ahead, Kyla. >> Thanks. So, there's no context here obviously.
And if we're going to include this, which I don't want to, but I did say a profanity, uh, terrible person is not correct. It's horrible person if you want to be accurate. And there's no context. So, if we're going to include this, we have to
go back to her public comments that are twice that she lied. And that's why I said this. So that's the context because I wouldn't have said it if she lied in public and I said nothing. She lied. >> Angela liar.
>> Angela, I will m you on Zoom, please. You're out of order. >> So we can, you know, talk about this all night. What we want to include and not include. I'm okay. I'm okay with including this, but we need context. I
just don't blurt out that for no reason. Obviously, four of us were here. >> May I suggest select member Bachi was upset with a public comment and responded with >> that? That's context. >> No.
>> Yeah, it is context. You don't get to have an argument in the minutes. It's a summary statement. >> I I I disagree. >> I know you don't. >> It's fingers care. >> So, I believe we have to have it in the minutes. >> I wasn't speaking to you. I was actually
calling My apologies. >> We have to have it in the minutes because there's been public emails about it. So, it needs to be documented somehow. >> My sentence, I think, is I don't think it's necessary to put the swear words in there. I think it needs to be reflected
somehow. And I thought my sentence was very toned down to be respectful of all parties. I don't think we need to use it, this one's lying, this one's lying because none of us can prove that. So, it's not that it's opinion, but we don't need to bring that into the minutes. So, you
want to have a nice paper trail so that when people are looking at comments online or or letters to the editor, you want to have something in there to give some context that something took place. So, I don't I don't feel we have to get into the nitty-gritty of quoting. I
think we need to give some kind of statement just so that it matches what's been out in the public and the responses that we've gotten to the event. And anyway, Can I ask what your what your sentence was? What your addition was up there? I'm sorry. >> Mine is the second paragraph.
>> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. >> So again, I am okay with, you know, saying I use a profanity because that's what it was. We don't have to say the word. That's fine. But we need to give context.
I public comment. I said nothing about the same lie that's been told about me many many times and I stayed quiet because I know it's not true so I'm okay with it. But the second one, I don't know where
the resident got that from because I was commenting on the post that was dissolved and she mentioned the resident mentioned Allen Solds and it was I had no idea what they were talking about and was trying to put
me in my place for not being up to date. So I lost my cool. Yes. So, if we just leave that in there, then that makes it very one-sided and I'm not going to agree to it because I
have taken a lot on this board from this particular resident and it's not good for the entire board and the health of this board. So, I apologize for those who may call and that's it. If there's no context, strike
the whole thing. But we'll be here all night and we're not going to agree or we can vote on them. But I'm okay with profanity. Take the BS out. That's fine. I did it. Uh if you want to leave terrible person in there, that's fine.
Let's make it a horrible person. That's what I said. And we have to give context. That's all I'm asking. If we're going to be fair and allow that, there has to be context. Someone just reads that. What what does that even mean? Even Karen's your Karen Rose Guild's
comment doesn't really discuss or explain what what the person said about me. So again, what I don't want to be here all night and we fought over the minutes before and I usually stay quiet on most minutes
and don't make any edits. And when I saw the minutes that nothing was included, the comments about me and my response, I'm like, okay, maybe we'll leave it alone. But now here we are because people decided to come at me again and for things I said rightfully so. But
there has to be context and that's and that's fine, too. We have the context. I'm okay with that. What's up there? >> What are you looking for to add for context? Maybe that will be helpful for us to discuss what you're looking for to add. Well, the context is from public comment and then
>> are you g are you going to generalize something or do you have something to add there? Then we can probably discuss what is added. >> I haven't really thought about it because I didn't know anybody was going to edit this because we don't get pre, you know, previews to the edits. So, I don't have anything prepared. >> So, I'm going to recommend that we table
these minutes, everyone review them, and we'll bring them back to the next meeting to vote and discuss. Is that fair? Does everyone agree to that? it. >> Not really. No. >> Well, so this set only or what did you mean? >> Okay. Yeah. No, this set only.
>> I think I can somewhat wing the talk thing. Maybe that weaves a compromise between everybody, but >> we can attempt it. >> I wouldn't mind hearing the suggestion and then maybe we move on. I wasn't at the meeting so >> because once again I demonstrabably
disagree because you can't put what's in my head up here without um putting what actually took place and it's it's Rob give him credit zoomed right in on YouTube like immediately without delay
and it just so my edits to this would be select board member botchi call the resident a horrible person and use profan ity after being once again accused of an ethics
violation. >> I don't think you need to put once again, >> but it's it's goes to context. It was pre it's it's been mentioned multiple times. >> Can I just make one suggestion? Can we just add his edits and then discuss? Oh, yeah. Would that be okay? No, I'm just just for Maddiey's sake because she's
gonna be typing and deleting every second. So, let's let Chris put some um his edits up there and then we'll discuss. >> Yes. >> Because there's a remedy for an ethics violation. Somehow it isn't being utilized or it
has and we don't know about it. So, once again, an accused of an ethics violation is that see I think that's fair. We can put that it's unfounded. That's at that's opinion and everything else. But I think this
kind of weaves it. But like I said, my opinion thing, absolutely not. There's the reason why I didn't step in and stop it because first of all, I was caught off guard that it was happening in the first place out of the blue. And then second, I saw the reaction. So
there's no reason to say that I didn't stop. I think the whole sentence should be struck. >> I'm okay with Chris's edit. >> Any feedback? I'll compromise. Okay. >> Karen, any >> What's the compromise?
>> Well, >> well, Chris just added >> what Chris added and he >> No, I don't have a problem with what he added. >> I say that >> he added after being once again accused of an ethics violation. For Christ sakes, >> I feel like
>> if you were if you were paying attention, >> you weren't even paying attention to the minutes, Karen. You're on your computer. >> But as far as once again, >> it gives me the impression that it was once again in this meeting, not from a prior meeting. So
>> did it come up in this meeting more than once? Like when you say once again, I look at it as well where did it happen in this meeting as opposed to two meetings, five meetings a year ago. Do you know what I mean? Like that's the only reason why I'm saying that. >> We can put continuously if that's better.
>> It sounds like whining. >> I just think it's added detail that's not necessarily necessary. >> Well, it adds context without going into seven sentences of what Carlo wanted to put in. Like that's kind of why I just went this route.
That's >> and I mean it that's a gray area where he actually could be guilty of an ethics violation like it's open to interpretation. So it's not in his best interest to agree to this yet he is doing that in my opinion. Actually the the really important question is do you
understand that when things get heated it is the job of the chair >> to um get the meeting back on track. I I agree and when I see individuals laughing I think that everything is going >> well that's a good examp >> so in this instance
in the essence of moving us on let's just take Mhm. >> So then are we on the next part or we're striking the whole thing? Oh, because you >> because that was >> Yeah, I can strike that as well. And then I thought I saw other changes. Am I
wrong? >> Yep. There's one more at the bottom. >> Got it. >> Yeah, two paragraphs of one sentence. Pretty good. >> Less words is less expensive. >> Wow. So I added only and then that sentence
because there was >> was that side of the meeting. >> Yes, that is an exact quote. >> That's just arguing in the meeting minutes. Take it out of that is inappropriate. Take it out of there. >> Do you think I'm a king? >> I don't think you're going to take it out of there. You guys do what you want. I don't think you know what you're
doing. >> Do you think I'm a king? I think you're making a mockery of this whole board and it's >> really annoying and it's a waste of government resources and that is against >> Karen. Karen, it's something you said in the meeting just like it was something Carlo said in the meeting.
>> How can we shouldn't be quoting? We should be >> Let's take out my name. >> Then we got to go back and take out all the other things. >> What are you talking about? Such a hypocrite. It's unbelievable. >> In my opinion, everything that's said in a meeting should be in the minutes. I said do AI. Everything goes in. >> Call it a day. AI isn't very good.
>> Okay. But my opinion is always it should be in there. You can't have things in some people. >> We have sum these meeting minutes would be much quicker to get through if they were summary. >> But you are asking for specific things
on other people but not when it's you saying. >> And they all got crossed out, didn't they? >> No, they didn't. No, they did. They did not. >> The first head. >> You guys do what you want. Do what you want. Put it in there. Go ahead. >> Go do what you want. >> Do we have any discussion? >> Board. This is a kingdom. So enjoy.
>> So I am a king. Karen. >> We're going to move on. >> Does um Karen, Chris, or Ker, do you have anything else on this sentence? >> No. >> Okay. Do we have a motion for these uh minutes? >> Are they done? >> Sorry. Are we So we're striking that
sentence or >> No. No. The key wants it in there. >> Leave it in there. >> Thank you for admitting it. >> Thank you. One minutes. I don't even know what minutes we're on right now. September 16. >> This is leadership at its finest.
>> Move to approve the meeting minutes of September 16th, 2025 as amended. >> Second. >> Um, any further discussion? >> Really briefly. Um uh I once again would like to thank ST
town staff for putting together the minutes how they have um without any uh favor or influence or redirection at all. They do the minutes and then we edit them after the fact. Um and I think they've been doing a a spectacular job.
Things have evolved over the years. I agree. Um, but I think they've evolved into something that um is better o overall for the minutes compared to what they used to be. >> So, and that goes for four years worth
of minutes, not just tonight. >> Any further discussion? >> All those in favor of the September 16th minutes >> as amended. >> As amended, I apologize. Four Oh, sorry.
All those opposed, I apologize. one 41 October 7th minutes. >> So, I had an addition, but I didn't email them to you. >> Fine. >> I'm sorry. But maybe somebody else did. I don't know. >> I had no changes.
>> Were there any other changes? We can take that out. >> Yes. >> I couldn't read it. >> Said Karen Herrick arrived 10 seconds after the bell stopped to stop tolling cuz I was coming in the building >> and and somebody noted that I was three minutes late and I'm like really?
>> That's town staff has always done that for every single person. >> So can I add something? >> Yes, you can. So on towards the top um above when Karen Gaitley Heric arrived at 703 um as Nancy doctor said today I think
it's important that we insert Carlo's apology because it was a public apology and we received comments on it and I want to make sure that everybody is aware that you know it was a gracious thing to do as much as it was asked for and I think it should be in there.
>> Thanks Karen. >> You're welcome. I agree. So, I guess do you want the language? Oh, sorry. >> Oh, yeah. Um, Carla Bachi made public apology for previous meeting verbal behavior, >> which you know, feel free to edit it
because it's I'm I'm tired, >> I guess. I don't know. >> Apologize for throwing food. >> Karen, can we please? >> Hey, Mom. >> Sorry. Karen Rose Gillis, could you just repeat that last last part of that? Well, I'm sure we can make it fancier,
but she made public apology um for previous >> for disparaging comments at the previous meeting. >> Thank you. There we go. >> And profanity. >> I think disparaging is good. >> Disparaging is what I had in the last one. So, we'll put it here.
>> Input. I got it. Then we're striking the arrive 10 seconds scenario. >> I don't know where that came from. >> I didn't add that. Wasn't me. >> Did somebody add that or no? >> Were you paying attention? I said I
added it. You're not paying attention. >> I don't know. And I didn't hear you say it either. >> Okay. You know what? You don't need to butt in all the time. We're having a conversation. And you're not the mom. >> Actually, I'm the chair and I am running tonight's meeting. >> Okay. So, let's be respectful. >> Apply the rule consistently. >> Okay. Let's be respectful and not
>> We'll be And that applies to the chair as well. That's why point of order is for when the chair is not being >> Okay. Are there any other edits to the set? >> So, that's getting struck now here, right? >> Okay. >> Yes. >> But I have no edits at all. So
>> I think there's just one more to add monthlong in this sentence of issuing proclamations. >> That is fine by me. >> Any other edits? How doie?
>> I don't think so. >> No, just those. >> Great. Thank you. Um do we have a motion? Move to approve the meeting minutes of October 7th, 2025 as amended. >> Second. >> Seconded by Chris Haley. Um any further
discussion? All those in favor? >> Great. And now we have a motion to go into executive session. I believe >> move to enter into executive session under purpose two and purpose three to conduct a strategy session with respect
to collective bargaining and collective bargaining with the facilities union as an open meeting will have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the select board as declared by the chair to about time to invite town manager Matt Krenellis, assistant town manager,
human resources director Sean Donahghue, facilities director Joe Huggin, and executive cutive assistant Mattie Baptist into the executive section executive session and to adjourn from executive session and not return to open session. >> Second.
>> Seconded by Chris Haley. Any discussion? >> Oh, uh, thank you. Roll call vote. Carlos, >> yes. >> Chris, >> yes. >> Karen, Karen Roseill, >> yes. Melissa, yes.