Town of Reading

The general business meeting agenda includes several key topics for discussion and potential votes. Discussions cover the First Amendment to the Burbank Ice Arena Lease Agreement and Master License Agreement for the parking lots, the date for the 2026 Select Board Retreat, and a letter regarding the Legislative Audit. The board plans to discuss and vote on Volunteer Board and Committee Appointments. Furthermore, there will be discussions and potential votes authorizing the Acting Town Manager to execute certain contracts, including those valued in excess of $500,000 for the High Street Construction Project and the Reading Center for Active Living Project, as well as amending the Acting Town Manager's contract. A significant portion of the agenda is dedicated to the Town Manager Search Process, including updates on Jayne Wellman and next steps. The meeting also includes a Town Manager Report, Community Spotlight, Liaison Reports, and Future Agendas planning.

This document, a proposal from the Reading Community Preservation Act Study Committee, outlines findings and recommendations for the Town of Reading to adopt the Community Preservation Act (CPA). The proposal advocates for establishing a dedicated fund to finance projects in open space protection, outdoor recreation, historic preservation, and affordable housing. The plan aims to enhance community quality of life, environmental sustainability, and address housing needs by leveraging local surcharges and state matching funds, with surcharge collection anticipated to begin in July 2027.

The meeting includes discussions on various topics such as the Town Manager's report, community spotlights, an overdose awareness proclamation, an annual update from the Reading Ice Arena Authority, and a potential override/budget review focusing on fire department permit and ambulance fees. Also covered are updates on the Charter Review Committee, Select Board Liaison Reports, future agendas, and approval of meeting minutes. Additionally, there's a public hearing regarding the transfer of an All-Alcohol Liquor Restaurant Liquor License for Florida Coal Fired Pizza LLC, discussions on forming a Water & Sewer Rate Advisory Committee, and communication tracking methods.

The Select Board meeting included discussions on internal borrowing for school and active living projects, potential revenue increases through field advertising and short-term rental regulations, and a public hearing on transferring an alcohol restaurant liquor license. The board also discussed forming a Water & Sewer Rate Advisory Committee and communication tracking methods. The meeting also involved an annual update from Reading Ice Arena Authority, discussion and vote on side letter between the Town of Reading and Local 1703, Reading Facilities Maintenance Workers and Town Custodians, and discussion and vote on 32 Lincoln Street Renovations/Re-Roofing. Additionally, there was a discussion on the proposed Montessori School at Mattera Cabin, board & committee FY26 budget requests.

The Select Board meeting includes discussions on traffic amendments, specifically focusing on parking regulations in the Barrow's School Neighborhood and along Longwood Road. The board will also address the Eastern Gateway Priority Planning Update, a potential budget override, a proposed Montessori School at Mattera Cabin, and the formation of a Water & Sewer Rate Advisory Committee. Additionally, the board will discuss and vote on FY26 budget requests for various boards and committees, communication tracking methods, and future agendas.