A notable part of the meeting involved residents Kendra and Bruce Cooper from 20 CVY Hill Road, who voiced their frustrations during the public comment section about a new Board of Health regulation concerning the feeding of wildlife. Kendra Cooper expressed her disappointment over the lack of prior public communication before the regulation’s implementation. She noted that she and other residents only became aware of the regulation through a legal notice in the Reading Chronicle on February 11, 2026, and it was not posted on the town’s website until March 16, 2026. As a result, many residents, including Cooper, received cease and desist letters with fines for supposedly violating the regulation without prior knowledge. The regulation’s enforcement, which included orders to remove bird feeders, seemed inconsistent, causing confusion and concern within the community. Kendra Cooper, who has been feeding birds since the 1980s, was fined $50 for having a bird feeder. Both Kendra and Bruce Cooper emphasized the need for improved communication and requested a public hearing, which was scheduled for the following day.

This matter highlighted the importance of transparent communication between local authorities and residents, particularly regarding new regulations that directly impact community practices.

Shifting focus, the board discussed the acquisition of a $100,000 parkland grant for the development of pickleball courts on Simon’s Way Range Road. The acceptance of this grant requires the land designated for the courts to be subdivided from a larger parcel of town land. The board emphasized that the land must remain in recreational use indefinitely, even if the adjacent properties are sold. The grant acceptance will require a vote at the upcoming town meeting, a necessary step to advance the project.

The board also discussed the operational management agreement for the pickleball courts, ensuring that the facility would remain accessible to the public, including non-residents. Any changes to the recreational use of the land would require approval from the Secretary of the Executive Office, maintaining the integrity of the grant’s conditions.

In addition to these primary topics, the meeting covered several other issues. The board reorganized its leadership, with Melissa Murphy elected as the new chair following a nomination and roll call vote. Karen Herrick was unanimously appointed as the board’s secretary.

The town manager reported on a five-year contract with Republic Services for automated waste collection, set to begin in early July. The town manager also highlighted recent community engagement efforts, such as a meet and greet organized by the YMCA and an information session on the property tax worker abatement program scheduled for April 21. The creation of a podcast titled “Reading Between the Lines” was announced, aimed at discussing local government topics with public input.

In a community spotlight, Eileen Barrett was recognized for organizing the rotating art exhibit in town hall, contributing positively to the community’s cultural landscape. The board also discussed efforts to streamline the volunteer appointment process by introducing structured application and interview schedules to improve communication with residents.

The meeting further addressed the need for improved communication among town officials, particularly in light of a recent incident involving the fieldhouse project. The board emphasized establishing a clear chain of command regarding information dissemination to prevent future miscommunication.

Lastly, the board began preparations for the 2026 Select Board retreat, scheduled for May 2nd in Lynnfield. The retreat will focus on fiscal year 2028 budget planning and goal setting for the board and town manager, with an emphasis on collaborative engagement and strategic planning.