Reading Select Board Advances Kill School Project and Celebrates Community
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/21/2024
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Recording Published:
05/21/2024
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Duration:
166 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Reading
- Meeting Overview:
The Reading Select Board’s recent meeting addressed community projects and initiatives, including the advancement of the Kill School building project, the recognition of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) week, the appointment of new members to various town committees, and the acknowledgment of Pride Month. The board also deliberated on the appointment of a new member to the Retirement Board, considered the upcoming Friends and Family Day event, and discussed the selection of new members for the Volunteer Assignments Subcommittee (VAS).
A primary focus of the meeting was the presentation on the Kill School building project, a significant undertaking in the town of Reading. The project manager from Lavali Brensinger Architects provided an update, detailing the collaboration with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) and the project’s alignment with state funding mechanisms. The feasibility study phase, public involvement through community meetings, and the educational visioning process were outlined. The team also presented their evaluations of the existing building and site conditions, including a traffic survey, sustainability objectives, and the creation of design alternatives. Board members inquired about the timing of a separate election for the project, traffic implications, cost estimates, and the coordination with various town committees to address potential infrastructure needs.
The meeting moved on to recognize the value of the town’s EMS system, with board members sharing personal experiences and highlighting the high care level provided by EMS teams. This was in conjunction with the proclamation of EMS week, which underlines the critical role of emergency medical services in the community.
Another moment in the meeting was the reading of a resolution recognizing June as Pride Month.
The appointment of new members to town committees also took center stage. The board conducted interviews for the CPA Community Preservation Act study committee. Multiple residents expressed interest in the committee, with one new resident, Elanor. The board noted the importance of diverse perspectives and community engagement in the decision-making process for CPA-related issues.
The Recreation Committee also saw a new member selected after the board deliberated on candidates.
The Retirement Board’s composition was subject to debate, with calls for broader representation and diversity, particularly for non-union retirees. After deliberation, a motion was passed to appoint Richard Abade to the Retirement Board.
Addressing the involvement in local events, the board decided to sponsor a banner for the upcoming Friends and Family Day event. This decision was made after considering the effectiveness of previous participation and the potential benefits of increased visibility through sponsorship.
The board also discussed the possibility of hosting a retreat to review select board policies and code of ethics. Furthermore, discussions included the potential rescheduling of the annual election to late April or early May and its impact on town meetings. The board contemplated an extension of the Permanent Building Committee’s timeline and flagged the topic of a potential extension of recall as a placeholder for future discussion.
Public engagement and appreciation for community service were evident throughout the meeting. The recognition of two Eagle Scouts, Nicholas Bellos and Jeff Longs, by scout master Ian Nelson, accentuated the importance of civic responsibility and education. Bellos was honored for creating little libraries for an English as a second language program, and Longs for overseeing the removal and replacement of a trail bridge.
Matt Kraunelis
City Council Officials:
Mark L Dockser, Karen Gately Herrick, Carlo Bacci, Christopher Haley, Matt Kraunelis (Town Manager)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/21/2024
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Recording Published:
05/21/2024
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Duration:
166 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Routine
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Middlesex County
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Towns:
Reading
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