Kevin Malvy, a resident and attorney, presented detailed information regarding the lawsuit. He explained that three major manufacturers are accused of artificially inflating fire truck prices, a practice that has reportedly doubled costs over the last decade. Delivery timelines, which once ranged from 12 to 18 months, are now stretched to four or five years. Malvy emphasized that these delays and price increases leave municipalities operating outdated equipment, presenting notable safety risks.

The lawsuit, which originated in Wisconsin and has seen filings in Massachusetts towns like Chelsea, seeks to address these practices by demanding injunctive relief to expedite timely delivery of vehicles. Malvy assured the board that joining the lawsuit would not involve upfront costs, as fees would be deducted from any successful settlement. The proposal to join the lawsuit was met with concerns about potential retaliation by manufacturers, though Malvy reassured members that such actions are unlikely due to the legal consequences manufacturers might face.

During the board’s deliberations, the Fire Chief provided insights into the town’s current fire truck procurement challenges. Reading operates on a 20-year cycle per fire truck, with plans for a new purchase in 2025. However, the procurement timeline has stretched to 1500 days, raising concerns about extending trucks’ operational lifespans beyond their intended 20 years. This was illustrated by a recent ladder truck order that arrived over 13,000 days past the expected delivery date, incurring additional costs for the town.

The board expressed a consensus to further explore joining the lawsuit, recognizing the importance of addressing procurement issues and the potential for financial restitution. The matter will be placed on a future agenda for a formal vote.

In addition to the fire truck lawsuit, the board discussed the renewal of RCTV’s contract. The proposed contract, resulting from six months of negotiations, aims to strengthen the relationship between the town and RCTV by aligning fiscal years, defining funding obligations, and setting operational guidelines. The contract includes a commitment to secure $100,000 annually from Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) funding and outlines RCTV’s responsibilities for fundraising.

Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of PEG funding, the alignment of contract terms with RCTV’s lease, and the clarity of public access to recorded meetings. The contract stipulates that non-live meetings be recorded and accessible, though specifics on availability timelines were critiqued. There were suggestions to make recordings available within a week, with some board members advocating for clearer guidelines to avoid public records requests.

The board also addressed the need for RCTV to expand sports coverage and engage in more robust fundraising. Staffing limitations were acknowledged, and there were calls for RCTV to uphold its obligations to cover community events, underscoring its role in promoting public engagement.

Additionally, the board approved a human rights resolution recognizing December as Universal Human Rights Month. The resolution was adopted unanimously.

In other business, the board discussed the Ad Hoc Commemoration Establishment Committee’s initiatives to honor Bill Russell’s legacy. Plans include events for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a library series, and a potential scholarship in Russell’s name. The committee requested an extension to continue its work, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and educational outreach.

Further, the board conducted routine business, including the renewal of annual liquor licenses and scheduling adjustments for future meetings. The board also deliberated on updating the list of peer communities for more accurate financial comparisons, considering a collaborative effort with the finance committee to refine the list.