The appointment of Chris Haley as chair emerged as the most noteworthy event of the Reading Select Board meeting. Haley’s nomination came after a competitive process where Melissa Murphy was also considered for the position. The board ultimately selected Haley with a majority vote, reflecting confidence in his leadership abilities. During the meeting, residents praised Haley for his past contributions, including his involvement in various community-oriented initiatives and his efforts to enhance transparency through the design of the town’s website.

Public commentary played a role in shaping the meeting’s agenda. Angela Benda, a resident from precinct five, raised concerns about the proposed pickleball project’s estimated cost of approximately $1.792 million. Benda questioned the project’s financial feasibility, especially considering the current economic climate. She urged the board to issue a Request for Information (RFI) to gather community feedback before the town meeting, emphasizing the need for transparency and public involvement. “People have been contacting me… and telling me that this number… is a crazy number considering where we are in the world,” Benda asserted. The board was urged to reconsider the project’s financial aspects and seek broader input from residents to ensure community consensus.

In addition to the pickleball project, Tony Dzo from John Street addressed inaccuracies in the background information for Article 17 on the town warrant, which pertains to a drainage easement. Dzo clarified that the easement aims to prevent basement flooding, rather than facilitating a road extension as previously stated. He requested the Conservation Commission’s consultation before the article’s presentation at the town meeting. These public concerns reflect the community’s active engagement and desire for accurate information and inclusive decision-making processes.

The board also navigated various internal appointments following the chair election. Melissa Murphy, despite her narrow loss for the chair position, was unanimously appointed as vice chair. Additionally, Karen Rose Gillis was nominated and confirmed as the secretary by a unanimous vote.

The meeting further addressed the appointment of Rick Nelson as the new fire chief. Nelson’s extensive 28-year service in various capacities within the Reading Fire Department and his top assessment center score were key factors in his appointment. The town manager introduced Nelson, acknowledging the large turnout in support of his appointment. Chief Greg Burns, who endorsed Nelson, lauded his leadership and community contributions. The board unanimously ratified Nelson’s appointment, expressing confidence in his vision for the department’s future.

Regarding ongoing projects, the board discussed the upcoming Zoom forum scheduled for April 16th, aimed at enhancing public engagement on the joint kiln and recal projects.

The Select Board also focused on the town forest rules, last updated in 2014. Proposed revisions address camping permits, mobility issues, and dog management, with particular emphasis on invasive species removal. The board stressed community involvement in these efforts and confirmed funding for new signage to communicate the updated regulations effectively.

Lastly, the board considered the formation of a master plan committee, emphasizing the need for diverse representation from various sectors, including affordable housing and local commerce. Discussions are ongoing regarding the committee’s composition, with a focus on ensuring comprehensive and balanced representation.