Select Board recap: February 10, 2026
(7-8 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, February 10, 2026.
Watch the full meeting here on RCTV’s Youtube page.
Review the full Select Board packet.
Key takeaways
CPA Committee presentation
The Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee presented its findings and strongly recommended adopting a 1% surcharge to fund projects like open space, recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing. The proposal would go before Town Meeting in April, followed by a potential town-wide vote in November.
MMA Fiscal Resolution dispute
A dispute emerged over a vote cast at the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) Annual Meeting, with several Board members questioning whether proper authorization was given. The Board ultimately voted unanimously to send a revised letter clarifying that the vote did not represent the full Board.
Town Manager review results
The Select Board reviewed performance evaluations of Town Manager Matt Kraunelis, revealing a divide between strong praise from staff and more mixed feedback from some Board members - particularly on visibility and communication.
Ethics disclosure [0:21:45]
Town Manager Matt Krauneslis presented an ethics disclosure following consultation with Town Counsel.
The disclosure allowed Kraunelis to continue finalizing the FY27 budget while his contract and salary are still under negotiation.
The Select Board voted 5-0 to approve the disclosure, ensuring continuity in budget preparation ahead of Town Meeting.
Liquor License expanded for Post 1917 [0:24:02]
Post 1917 owner Jason Carron received approval to expand the restaurant’s footprint into the adjacent space formerly occupied by DiBiasi’s Office.
The new space will include two private dining rooms with a capacity of approximately 56 people, designed for events rather than bar service.
The Board unanimously approved the license modification.
Carron also inquired about downtown valet parking, with staff noting that regulations are still under development and will include a public input process.
CPA Committee presentation [0:31:07]
Members of the CPA Committee presented a comprehensive report outlining how adoption of the Community Preservation Act could benefit Reading. The Committee’s report begins on page 33 of the Select Board packet, and the presentation begins on page 79.
CPA funding could support projects such as Town Forest improvements, recreational upgrades, historic preservation, and affordable housing initiatives.
The committee highlighted a significant need for affordable housing, noting that about 30% of Reading’s households are cost-burdened and waitlists for assistance can span years.
A proposed 1% surcharge, paired with exemptions for low-income residents, seniors, and the first $100,000 of residential value, would generate approximately $1.05 million annually, including a state match.
The average cost to homeowners would be about $97.79 per year.
Board members expressed a mix of support and concern:
Karen Rose-Gillis and Karen Herrick voice strong support and appreciation for the committee’s work.
Chair Chris Haley, Vice Chair Melissa Murphy, and member Carlo Bacci raised concerns about timing, particularly given potential future override considerations.
Committee members and residents advocated for moving the proposal forward to allow voters to decide.
Discussions surrounding MMA Fiscal Resolution [1:29:31]
The Board discussed whether to send a formal letter to the Massachusetts Municipal Association regarding a vote taken at its January conference.
Members Haley, Murphy, and Bacci questioned whether Herrick had proper authorization to vote on behalf of Reading.
Herrick stated she had historically been authorized and sought clarification from MMA staff before voting.
Public comment reflected both procedural concerns and broader political tensions.
Ultimately:
The Board approved a revised letter (5-0) stating that the vote did not reflect the full Board’s position.
Haley indicated that he would drop a proposed censure discussion if there were a unanimous vote before the Board formally voted.
Town Manager Review [2:20:14]
Employee feedback (Page 120 in the packet)
Town staff overwhelmingly praised Kraunelis for:
Strong leadership and collaborative management style
Effective communication with residents
Supporting major projects like the Killam School and the Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL)
Encouraging grant-seeking and maintaining fiscal discipline
Some feedback noted:
Challenges in Select Board communication stem from internal Board dynamics rather than Town Manager performance
Concerns about balancing cost-cutting with new initiatives like a digital sign or Town app
Overall ratings from staff skewed highly positive, with most categories rated between “Exemplary” and “Proficient.”
Select Board feedback (Page 178 in the packet)
Feedback from Select Board members varied significantly:
Rose-Gillis and Herrick provided detailed evaluations with praise and constructive recommendations.
Haley and Murphy cited concerns about leadership visibility, communication consistency, and proactive management.
Bacci offered limited feedback, often attributing progress to other staff rather than the Town Manager.
Key themes included:
Differing expectations around leadership style and visibility
Debate over the Town Manager’s role in large projects and negotiations
Recognition of strong staff performance across departments
Public and staff support
Several department heads spoke in support of Kraunelis:
Police Chief David Clark emphasized the importance of understanding leadership delegation and urged the Board to offer a long-term contract for stability.
Fire Chief Rick Nelson and Chief Technology Officer Kevin Furilla echoed support, highlighting the Town Manager’s positive influence on staff culture and operations.
Meeting discussion
Board discussion reflected broader tensions:
Rose-Gillis and Herrick emphasized collaboration, trust, and effective delegation.
Haley, Murphy, and Bacci reiterated concerns about visibility and leadership style.
Staff testimonials underscored a strong internal perception of effective leadership.
Image of the February 10, 2026 Select Board meeting from the RCTV Youtube page. Pictured (left to right): Board members Karen Rose-Gillis, Karen Herrick, Melissa Murphy, Chris Haley, Carlo Bacci, Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman, and Town Manager Matt Kraunelis.
