Public comments opened with Angela Benda, a town meeting member, who criticized the board’s decision to deactivate parking kiosks in the upper lot after only two weeks of operation. Benda recounted how the kiosks were approved in April 2022 after extensive deliberation, with the expectation that they would alter parking behavior and increase turnover. The former Town Manager had assured that kiosk costs would be offset by revenue within one to three years. Benda expressed frustration, stating that the abrupt deactivation negated the efforts invested in their implementation and breached the trust of town meeting members.

Following Benda, Taylor Gregory voiced concerns about personal attacks and alleged misrepresentation by board members regarding her public comments. She pointedly criticized a board member who is a paid pickleball instructor, arguing that the allocation of $887,000 in ARPA funds to pickleball lacked thorough due diligence. Gregory highlighted potential conflicts of interest involving board members who are commercial property owners, emphasizing ethical considerations when voting on matters affecting their financial interests.

Safety concerns were a recurring theme, as David Carroll addressed the board about a longstanding issue with a non-functional streetlight on Coach Road. Carroll, citing a slip-and-fall incident, urged the board to restore power to the streetlight, which had been without power since 1993 due to past energy conservation measures. The board later discussed reactivating a streetlight on Gray Coach Road, utilizing modern energy-efficient LED technology as a solution to the area’s safety concerns.

The fiscal landscape of Reading was another focal point, with updates on the Reading Center for Active Living project. The project manager presented escalating cost estimates, with the budget firmly set at $27.9 million—an amount negotiated to stay under $30 million, reflecting community feedback on tax impacts. The project, ten years in the making, aims to cater to the town’s growing senior population, which is expected to reach 30%. The board underscored the importance of financial prudence, incorporating contingencies for potential changes during the design and construction phases. Discussions also highlighted how the facility could serve multiple community purposes, including functioning as an emergency shelter and voting venue.

A contentious point during the meeting was the debate over installing a propane generator for the new Active Living Center. One participant strongly opposed the generator, citing environmental concerns and Massachusetts’ climate laws. They questioned the necessity of propane fuel, advocating for sustainable alternatives that align with carbon emission reduction goals. In response, public safety officials argued for the generator’s inclusion, emphasizing its role in maintaining operations during emergencies.

The meeting also covered the financial implications of future projects, including the Kilum School. Strategies were discussed to manage debt, such as using free cash to reduce borrowing needs and monetizing existing assets like the Pleasant Street Center. The board explored different borrowing durations, weighing the benefits of longer terms against the increased interest costs. The community’s evolving demographics and financial realities were central to these discussions, with a focus on transparent communication to foster understanding and support.

In addition to these issues, the board addressed logistical details for upcoming elections, including in-person early voting and the scheduling of a special town election. The possibility of overlapping election events raised concerns about staffing and financial resources, though assurances were given regarding adequate preparation.

Infrastructure and safety improvements rounded out the meeting’s agenda. A member shared insights from a Department of Public Works ride-along, emphasizing the challenges of winter operations and the need for community involvement in maintaining clear catch basins. The board also approved a motion to authorize a realigned traffic light at Main and Salem Streets to enhance safety after repeated accidents.