Select Board Recap: December 2, 2025

Dec 13

(6-8 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, December 2, 2025.

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

Review the full Select Board packet.

Key takeaways

RCTV Grant Agreement requires further review
Select Board member Melissa Murphy presented proposed changes to the RCTV grant agreement, but because Board members received updated materials only hours before the meeting, the Board agreed that more time was needed. A follow-up discussion and potential action are scheduled for Thursday, December 18, to allow for a more thorough review.
ACE Committee seeks more time to honor Bill Russell
The Select Board received an update from liaison David Monihan on the work of the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment (ACE) Committee. The Committee formally requested a one-year extension of its sunset date to continue public engagement and finalize recommendations honoring Bill Russell.
Town may join class action lawsuit against Oshkosh Company
Resident Kevin Mulvey outlined a potential class action lawsuit alleging artificial price inflation and delivery delays by fire truck manufacturers. Town officials expressed interest in joining the lawsuit, which could allow Reading to recoup some costs related to delayed fire equipment.

RCTV Grant Agreement discussion [0:08:41]

Melissa Murphy summarized major revisions to the RCTV grant agreement that have been under negotiation for the past six months. Key proposed changes include:

An 18-month contract with an option for a two-year renewal, allowing the agreement to realign with the fiscal year and coincide with the end of RCTV’s current building lease.
A mutual commitment: the Town will seek additional PEG funding, while RCTV will pursue fundraising and grant opportunities.
Annual reviews and budget audits, including submissions of RCTV’s Attorney General report, upcoming fiscal year budget, and quarterly updates to the Town.
Updated language allowing RCTV operations to continue if Zoom meeting capabilities are removed by the State.
A new Material Breach section, including a 21-day cure period.
The addition of equipment setup and power-down checklists for various municipal spaces.

Board members also discussed expanding public access by uploading all Zoom-recorded meetings to RCTV’s Youtube page. RCTV Board member Bob Beckman agreed this was feasible and committed to a one-week upload timeline for recordings.

RCTV Executive Director Phil Rushworth, Board President Kathi Crook, and Board member Bob Beckman emphasized their commitment to improving operations and maintaining strong service to the community. Several residents spoke in support of RCTV, highlighting its impact on local students who begin with summer programs and later pursue interests in film and media.

ACE Committee update [1:29:09]

The Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment (ACE) Committee was formed to honor former Reading resident Bill Russell, recognizing both his civil rights legacy and his impact as a basketball legend. The Committee includes residents representing multiple town boards, with David Monihan serving as Select Board liaison.

Mr. Monihan outlined several upcoming engagement opportunities:

Continued public outreach at town events, including MLK Day on January 19.
Launch of the Game Changer Series, a mixed-media book and film discussion series beginning January 22 at the Reading Public Library. The first book will be Go Up For Glory by Bill Russell.
Ongoing conversations with the Russell family, facilitated by Albert Pless, Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice, with interest in deeper engagement in the coming months.
Exploration of a Game Changer Award for a resident and the establishment of a student scholarship reflecting Bill Russell’s values.

Mr. Monihan requested the Committee’s sunset date by one year to allow time to finalize recommendations and identify potential funding mechanisms. Select Board Chair Chris Haley noted that while no vote was scheduled that evening, the item will return for consideration at the December 18 meeting.

Discussion on Peer Communities [2:09:34]

Chair Haley raised the topic of “peer communities,” a term frequently used when comparing Reading’s water rates, transit access, and other metrics. He referenced a list adopted by the Finance Committee in 2013, based on a 2008 Stone Consulting study, which defined communities deemed financially and statistically similar to Reading.

Haley noted that several towns on the list may no longer reflect Reading’s current population, demographics, or amenities. Board members agreed that the list may need updating and discussed whether this work should occur during a future Financial Forum or with the assistance of a consultant.

Potential lawsuit against Oshkosh Corporation [2:24:50]

Resident Kevin Mulvey presented information about a potential class action lawsuit involving Oshkosh Corporation and other major fire truck manufacturers. He previously met with Town Manager Matt Kraunelis and Fire Chief Rick Nelson to discuss Reading’s experience with delays and cost increases related to a ladder truck ordered in 2022.

Mr. Mulvey explained that three manufacturers control roughly 80% of the fire truck market, with prices more than doubling over the past decade and delivery timelines increasing from 12-18 months to 4-5 years. A lawsuit was first filed in August 2025 in Wisconsin, with at least two Massachusetts municipalities, including Chelsea, already participating.

Chief Nelson detailed Reading’s ladder truck timeline:

Ordered in 2022 with an expected 1.5-year delivery
Later delayed by four months, along with a $178,000 cost increase
Former Town Manager Fidel Maltez negotiated an extended warranty, delivery deadline, and a $100/day in damages if missed.
Ultimately delivered on December 5, 2024 - 1,134 days after contract signing - roughly double the original timeline

Chief Nelson also noted that a pump truck contract was signed on November 14, with an anticipated 4.1-year delivery, raising broader questions about long-term planning and procurement timelines.

Select Board members and town staff indicated support for further exploring participation in the lawsuit. The matter will be placed on a future agenda for additional discussion and potential action.