The Select Board will be meeting this evening at 7:00pm in the Select Board meeting room at Town Hall and remotely on Zoom. The first item on the agenda after public comment and the Town Manager’s report is a discussion and vote on performance review and evaluation process for the Town Manager, include selection of direct reports to submit evaluations and individual to compile composite evaluation in accordance with Section V of the Town Manager’s contract. Matt Kraunelis was hired as Reading’s Town Manager back in March of 2024 with his contract through June 11, 2025. Per the contract, the Select Board has to complete a “360 assessment” review by January 8th, 2025. The board tonight will be appointing certain department heads to help contribute to that process.
The next item that will garner most of the meetings agenda is the discussion and vote on second water meter pilot program. This policy is to allow one secondary water meter to be installed in front of or before the primary meter for the purpose of outside watering use. Installation shall meet all State and Local
plumbing codes and require an approved plumbing permit and inspection. All irrigation systems
will be required to have an operable rain sensor switch as well as a backflow prevention device.
The board will be deciding tonight on the overall fees and number included in the example below. The numbers starting on page 26 of the packet are preliminary and subject to change:
- Owners will not pay sewer charges on the water used through the Secondary Water Meter; however, after 41 HCF units (Tier 4), your water rate will increase by an added conservation rate for units used in excess of 41 HCF units. Consumption from this meter will be charged a premium water rate only.
- Meter Cost: $400 meter plus transponder (Residential)
- Water Connection (Second Meter) Application Fee: $100.00 (residential)
- Plumbing Permit: $50 (Residential) $50 for Backflow Prevention Device (if needed)
- Tamper Fee: $300Tampering includes but is not limited to customers that received unauthorized,
unmetered water, customers that have intentional damage or tampering done to their meters, meter locks, radio readers, wires, or any equipment that is property of the Town.
The board will also have to decide if the second meter should be charged at a different rate. The packet provided the following examples, and yes Stoneham and Brooklines overall water rates, are not a typo.
The complete agenda is listed below:
- 7:00 Overview of Meeting
- 7:05 Public Comment
- 7:15 Select Board Liaison Reports and Town Manager’s Report
- 7:30 Discuss and vote on performance review and evaluation process for the Town Manager, include selection of direct reports to submit evaluations and individual to compile composite evaluation in accordance with Section V of the Town Manager’s contract
- 7:45 HEARING – Discuss and Vote on Safety Amendment 2024-10; the installation and maintenance of an official Right Turn Only Sign at the exit of 62 Willow Street parking lot onto Willow Street.
- 7:50 HEARING – Discuss and Vote on Safety Amendment 2024-11; the installation and maintenance of an official Left Turn Prohibited sign on the Northerly side of Willow Street across from the entrance to Maillet, Sommes & Morgan Conservation Area parking lot.
- 8:00 Discuss and Vote on 264 Ash Street Driveway Waiver Request
- 8:15 Economic Development Update
- 8:30 Discuss and Vote on second water meter pilot program
- 8:50 Vote to declare surplus item: Fire Department Vehicle – 2009 Ford Escape
- 9:00 Vote to approve Annual Liquor Licenses
- 9:15 Vote on amendments to Section 1.5 of the Select Board Policies; Volunteer Board and Committee Appointments
- 9:30 Edge Sports/ Symonds Way Update
- 9:35 Future Agenda Items
- 9:40 Approve Meeting Minutes
- 9:45 Executive Session Purpose 3: Discuss litigation strategy with respect to (1) Town of Reading v. Delphi Construction; and (2) Davenport v. Town of Reading.
The 7:00PM meeting will take place in the Select Board Room and Zoom. The public can attend virtually or watch via several options: via a broadcast on RCTV’s YouTube channel at this link or on the RCTV Government Channel (Xfinity ch 22, Verizon ch 33). The Zoom link for this meeting is: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85277895231
