Robert Collins

The meeting included an executive session, introduction of the New Town Engineer and Water Superintendent, and significant discussion regarding the Wastewater (Sewer) Project, resulting in the removal of the betterment option from the financial scenario. Key actions included the joint reappointment of Pat Lee to the Economic Development Committee. Departmental budget hearings for FY2024 were conducted for Community Planning Commission, Hillview, Parks and Recreation, Library, Town Clerk, Veterans, Elder Services, Youth Services, and Public Services Administration. The board reviewed the FY 2024 Revenue/Expense Plan and held a discussion concerning the allocation of American Rescue Act Plan Funding, specifically debating its use for capital projects versus reserving funds for the Wastewater project. Approvals were granted for a change of manager (Britony Wells replacing Mario Ruiz) and license renewals for Thomson Club Inc. and Golf Facilities Management, Inc. The meeting concluded with an update on various Town Intersection Projects, following a recent fatal accident, and appointments to the Cultural Council, Forest Committee, Veteran's Events Committee, and Transportation Committee. Legal bills for January were reviewed and approved.

The meeting commenced with an executive session to discuss strategy sessions for negotiations with nonunion personnel and to review previous executive session minutes from January, February, and March 2024. Discussions in open session included expressions of condolence for the late Director of Emergency Management, updates on the Swan Pond Improvement proposal meeting, and acknowledgments of recent commendable activity by the Public Safety Departments, including the welcome of a new Police Officer. The Board addressed public comments regarding Parish Park and the structure of public comment periods. Key actions included the introduction of a new Conservation Agent, the unanimous determination of the maximum useful life for financing Town Hall HVAC and street improvements, and the signing of the Regular Town Election Warrant for May 7, 2024. The Board also approved a change of manager for an alcohol beverages license for Eastgate Liquors. A significant portion of the meeting involved receiving and recommending the Fiscal Year 2025 Capital Improvement Plan Committee recommendations ($4.8M in acquisitions) to the Town Meeting. Furthermore, the Board reviewed the FY2025 Municipal Departmental Budget Recommendations, which necessitated reductions to accommodate urgent hiring needs for new firefighters. The Board also addressed the review of the Warrant for the June 10, 2024 Spring Annual Town Meeting, voted on granting a drainage easement for $1,900.00 at 0 Wilma Road, reviewed a Flag Policy, and made an appointment to the Youth Services Committee. Finally, the Board approved legal bills for March.

The meeting served as a budget hearing, although public comment was not permitted. The Police Department's budget request was presented, noting that pending union contract costs were not yet reflected and highlighting the priority of continuing funding for the expiring federal youth substance abuse grant. Discussion also covered ongoing mental health programming, the transition to regional dispatch (intended to free up personnel rather than save costs), and the need for four new positions to address issues with callback and station coverage in the Fire Department. The DPW Director presented budget requests including sanitation, fuel, and water enterprise. Key DPW topics included planning for a transition to automated trash collection (toters), the condition of roads, staffing needs for tree maintenance, potential historic headstone repair programs, and improvements to Damon Tavern and the Town Hall. Water enterprise discussions involved indirect costs, staffing, and anticipated rate increases.

The meeting commenced with the Board entering an Executive Session to discuss pending litigation strategy and to review numerous past Select Board Executive Session minutes. Upon returning to open session, the Board recognized the retirement of the Water Superintendent, Mark Clark, following 28 years of service. A proclamation declaring March 6-9, 2023, as North Reading Dollars for Scholars Week was unanimously approved. A significant portion of the meeting involved an informational hearing concerning a Warrant Article for a Special Town Meeting regarding a Citizen Petition to amend Chapter 25 (Assessments) of the General By-Laws, focusing heavily on abutter contributions and voting rights related to betterments for potential sewer projects. The Board decided not to make a recommendation on the Citizens' Petition article until the Special Town Meeting. Further discussions covered the Wastewater Discussion, including financial plans and future Q&A meeting dates. The Board acknowledged the release and non-disclosure of various executive session minutes. The Town Administrator reported on the Police Department's reaccreditation, apologized for delays in responding to public records requests, and detailed ongoing hiring processes for the Finance Director and the forthcoming retirement of the Police Chief. Finally, the FY2024 Revenue/Expenditure Plan was tabled, and the February 13, 2023, Regular Session Minutes were approved.

Key discussions during the meeting included the reappointment and contract ratification for the Town Administrator through June 30, 2028. The Board reviewed reports on local events, commission vacancies, and the results of a public transportation survey. A presentation was given regarding the Youth Substance Use Core Measurement Survey and opioid abatement funds. The Board recommended several articles for the upcoming Town Meeting Warrant, including amendments to the FY2025 Operating and Capital Budgets, appropriations to various stabilization funds, and recommendations concerning the Chestnut Street Bridge funding, which involved discussion on utilizing Pulte funds. Significant time was dedicated to discussing the proposed amendments to Zoning Bylaws related to the Lowell Road Multi-Family Zoning Overlay District and changes to Site Plan Review. The Board also voted to approve the first reading of a policy to amend alcohol license civil fingerprinting requirements to be every five years, approved a Community Impact Grant submission for website updates, and scheduled a future Strategic Planning Meeting.