Select Board Recap: September 16, 2025

Sep 27

(8-10 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, September 16, 2025.

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

Review the full Select Board packet.

Key takeaways

Trash & recycling contract - After reviewing five proposals, the Town chose Waste Management as its next service provider, citing the best balance of quality and cost. This decision comes as communities continue to face rising costs for solid waste collection.
RCTV Agreement Extension - The Board approved a 90-day extension of the RCTV grant agreement. Officials said negotiations are close to completion, but more time is needed to finalize terms.
Burbank Ice Arena lease talks - The Board discussed reopening Burbank’s lease and parking arrangements tied to ReCAL and new pickleball courts. However, members could not agree on who should represent the Board negotiations, delaying next steps.

Update on trash & recycling contract [0:36:42]

Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman outlined the review of five proposals for trash and recycling services. Waste Management came out ahead in both technical and financial evaluations.

Reading’s strong “blended value” recycling rates, especially in cardboard and plastics, were highlighted as a positive factor.
The new contract represents a 25% increase in solid waste collection costs. Recycling will shift to biweekly pickup; weekly collection would add $400,000 annually (43% annual increase).
Extra recycling barrels remain free to residents, and the DPW will provide dumpsters for cardboard drop-off. Residents will need to schedule and pay for bulk pickups directly through Waste Management.

DPW Director Chris Cole will provide a more detailed presentation in the coming weeks.

RCTV contract-extension approval [1:07:14]

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis presented updates on the RCTV grant agreement, noting changes such as annual audits, expanded meeting coverage, and continued funding for the teaching position at RMHS. RCTV also requested capital support during future cable provider negotiations.

RCTV has undergone leadership changes, reconfigured the Select Board meeting room equipment, and formally ended its relationship with The Reading Post.
Some Select Board members raised concerns about RCTV’s management, while residents expressed support for the station and contract extension.
The Board approved a 90-day extension through December 31, 2025, by a vote of 3-1, member Carlo Bacci was the dissenting vote, allowing negotiations to continue.

Rule of Necessity & closing the town warrant [2:28:13]

Because three Select Board members own property in the area affected by the proposed Snow Shoveling Bylaw, they were unable to participate without invoking the Rule of Necessity.

Town Counsel clarified that the Board must place the article in the warrant since it originated from the Bylaw Committee, though the Board is not required to discuss or make a recommendation.
Member Karen Herrick invoked the rule, and Chair Chris Haley and members Carlo Bacci and Karen Rose-Gillis disclosed their conflict.
The Bylaw Committee held a public forum on the proposal at the Reading Public Library on September 24. Watch the full forum on RCTV’s Youtube page.

Negotiations with Burbank Ice Arena [2:49:24]

Assistant Town Manager Jayne Wellman reported on ongoing work to create a formal parking agreement involving the Burbank Ice Arena, Reading Center for Active Living (ReCAL), and proposed pickleball courts. The Town is also pursuing a variance for five parking spaces to ease congestion.

Multiple members volunteered to serve as the Select Board liaison, but no candidate gained majority support, with only four members present.
With no liaison appointed, negotiations remain on hold until the Board appoints a liaison.

Board member behavior

Tensions among Board members surfaced throughout the evening, with disagreements extending beyond policy discussions.

RCTV discussion [1:38:29]: A resident criticized the Board for inconsistency in enforcing rules of debate. Mr. Bacci responded with profanities and name-calling and then dismissed the criticism.
Burbank negotiations [3:02:30]: Ms.Herrick argued Mr. Haley overstepped his authority by making unilateral decisions about the agenda.
Montessori School update [3:18:51]: Mr. Haley raised concerns about Mulberry Montessori listing Mattera Cabin as its location despite the facility being closed. Ms. Herrick objected, calling the agenda item a misuse of Board power. The exchange escalated into heated arguments, including Mr. Bacci telling Ms. Herrick to “shut up”.
Meeting Minutes [3:43:01]: Ms. Herrick requested that prior remarks from Mr. Haley be included in the September 9, 2025, meeting minutes, leading to further exchanges before adjournment.