Select Board recap: January 6, 2026

Jan 19

(5-6 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, January 6, 2026.

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

Review the full Select Board packet.

Key takeaways

The Select Board voted to remove an associate member from the Council on Aging at the request of the committee, following ongoing attendance issues and interest from another resident willing to serve.
An All-Alcohol License was awarded to Dion’s Fine Wine and Spirits, which will open on Walker’s Brook Drive in part of the former Staples location - marking the final such license available under current state limits.
Board members discussed the proposed charge for the newly established Commission on Disability, raising questions about board size, membership requirements, and statutory obligations.

Associate member removed from Council on Aging [0:40:08]

The Select Board voted to remove associate member Tony Lionetta from the Council on Aging after the committee formally requested his removal for lack of participation.

The Council on Aging voted 5-0 at its December 8, 2025, meeting [1:19:20] to seek the removal, noting that Lionetta had not been attending meetings and that another resident had expressed interest in serving. Residents interested in applying for the associate member role are encouraged to contact the Town Clerk’s Office for application details.

All-Alcohol License awarded [0:42:32]

The Select Board approved an All-Alcohol License for Dion’s Fine Wine and Spirits, which will open in a portion of the former Staples building at 36 Walkers Brook Drive.

Owner Joseph Dion described himself as a fourth-generation liquor retailer, noting that he and his sister operate six stores across Massachusetts, including locations in Woburn, Newton, Waltham, and Natick. Dion said he is drawn to communities with strong local character and expressed enthusiasm about becoming part of Reading.

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis explained that this license represents the final All-Alcohol License the town is permitted to issue, with recent population growth allowing a fifth license. Economic Development Director Kevin McCarthy added that a separate license is statutorily tied to 26 Haven Street, the former Pamplemousse location, and that any change to that license would require legislative action from Beacon Hill.

Commission of Disabilities charge discussed [0:56:54]

The Select Board reviewed and discussed the proposed charge for the Commission on Disabilities, which was adopted by Reading Town Meeting on November 17, 2025.

Director of the Office of Equity and Social Justice Albert Pless explained that the charge was developed in accordance with the language approved by Town Meeting and aligned with the state statute. Board members debated whether the commission should consist of five or seven members, while also voicing concerns about the town’s ability to recruit enough volunteers to fill the seats.

Town Clerk Laura Gemme noted that Reading’s General Bylaw requires three associate members when a committee or commission has five regular voting members - bringing the total to eight individuals serving on the Commission. Board members also questioned the statutory requirement that members include individuals with disabilities or a family member of someone with a disability. Pless clarified that this requirement comes directly from state law and was incorporated as part of what the Town Meeting approved.

Those interested in serving on the Commission should contact the Town Clerk’s Office.