Select Board recap: 10.7.25

Oct 15

(6-7 minute read)

For residents looking to stay up to date on key town matters, this recap highlights major takeaways from the Select Board meeting held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.

Review the full Select Board packet.

Key Takeaways

Commission on Disability proposed
Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice (OESJ), Albert Pless, discussed his dual role as the town’s ADA Coordinator and introduced the idea of creating a Commission on Disability (COD).
The proposal received strong support from both the Select Board and residents. The commission would serve in an advisory capacity to ensure residents with disabilities have a voice in town decision-making and would help develop an ADA Transition Plan to improve accessibility across Reading.
Trash & recycling contract discussion
DPW Director Chris Cole presented two proposals for the upcoming trash and recycling contract, which will take effect July 5, 2026. Vendors Waste Management and Republic were the leading contenders; however, Republic’s counteroffer came too close to the meeting for full review. The Select Board will reconvene on Thursday, October 16, to vote on the final contract after both vendors provide revised proposals.
MBTA Turnback Track concerns continue
Representatives from the MBTA presented an update on the Turnback Track project, following their Notice of Intent submission to the Conservation Commission. Select Board members and residents expressed ongoing concerns about the project’s noise and environmental impact, as well as the accuracy of the MBTA’s data. The discussion continued during the October 8 Conservation Commission meeting.

Italian Heritage Month proclamation [0:43:40]

The Board discussed a request by member Carlo Bacci to proclaim October as Italian Heritage Month. Several residents spoke in favor of recognizing Reading’s Italian American community and their contributions.

The proclamation passed by a split vote - Haley, Bacci, Rose-Gillis, and Murphy in favor, with Herrick abstaining - an uncommon outcome for typically unanimous proclamations.

Commission on Disability [0:56:07]

Albert Pless outlined the purpose and structure of the proposed COD, which would include 5-13 members, including an elected official and the family member of a person with a disability. The commission would advise town boards, review accessibility in development projects, and be eligible for grants and donations.

If sponsored by the Select Board, the proposal will become a warrant article for the April Town Meeting for a vote. Neighboring communities, such as Natick, Arlington, Wakefield, and North Reading, already have similar commissions in place.

Trash & Recycling contract [1:41:26]

DPW Director Cole reviewed the details of both vendor proposals, including options for bi-weekly recycling pickup, bulk item collection, and potential cost increases for weekly recycling. Cole noted that Waste Management is currently the leading contender due to its strong service transition plan, local dispatch, and inclusion of recycling event costs in the proposal.

Select Board members urged that the new contract include weekly and bulk item collection. A final decision is expected following the October 16 meeting.

MBTA Turnback Track discussion [3:09:20]

The MBTA presentation covered updates on the project since 2024, including a track pan below the proposed location of the locomotive and noise mitigation vegetation buffers near Maillet, Sommes, and Morgan Conservation Land. Despite assurances, Board members remained concerned about incomplete data and transparency. Residents echoed those concerns, calling for the MBTA to revise its sound and environmental studies before proceeding.

Read more about the MBTA’s proposed Turnback Track project in our coverage of the September 15 Public Forum. The MBTA did note during the October 7 Select Board meeting that the 5dBA change was noticeable to humans, where they previously claimed it was barely noticeable.

Update on Burbank Ice Arena [2:46:21]

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis updated the board on ongoing negotiations with the Burbank Ice Arena, noting the process following a CPDC meeting on October 6. Member Karen Herrick raised questions about communication between the Select Board and liaison Carl McFadden after McFadden announced at the September 10, 2025, School Committee meeting that a portion of the arena’s rent payments to the town would fund Unified Sports programming - a decision that had not been formally approved by the Board. The negotiation team no longer requires a liaison from the Select Board, as negotiations are nearly complete. The funding announcement relates to a May 2025 Town Meeting motion urging the town to fund expanded adaptive recreation opportunities.