MassVoter.com← North Reading Select BoardNorth Reading Select Board · 2024–2025 Board · Regular meeting
November 4, 2024
14 recorded votes, 1 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Vincenzo Stuto, Richard Wallner, Nicholas Masse, Liane Gonzalez, Stephen O'Leary
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Enter into Executive Session for the Following Purpose: Subsection 7 - to Comply with, or Act Under the Authority of, Any General or Special Law or Federal Grant-In-Aid Requirements (MGL Chapter...
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSE: SUBSECTION 7 - TO COMPLY WITH, OR ACT UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF, ANY GENERAL OR SPECIAL LAW OR FEDERAL GRANT-IN-AID REQUIREMENTS (MGL CHAPTER 30A, SECTION 22(F), (G) (2) TO REVIEW THE SELECT BOARD EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES FROM THE FOLLOWING DATE(S): 10/21/24 SUBSECTION 3 - TO DISCUSS STRATEGY WITH RESPECT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IF THE CHAIR DECLARES THAT AN OPEN MEETING MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE TOWN (NORTH READING FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1857) AND TO ADMIT ROBERT COLLINS LAURIANNE GALVIN CHIEF DONALD STATS
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSE: SUBSECTION 7 - TO COMPLY WITH, OR ACT UNDER THE AUTHORITY OF, ANY GENERAL OR SPECIAL LAW OR FEDERAL GRANT-IN-AID REQUIREMENTS (MGL CHAPTER 30A, SECTION 22(F), (G) (2) TO REVIEW THE SELECT BOARD EXECUTIVE SESSION MEETING MINUTES FROM THE FOLLOWING DATE(S): 10/21/24 SUBSECTION 3 - TO DISCUSS STRATEGY WITH RESPECT TO COLLECTIVE BARGAINING IF THE CHAIR DECLARES THAT AN OPEN MEETING MAY HAVE A DETRIMENTAL EFFECT ON THE POSITION OF THE TOWN (NORTH READING FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1857) AND TO ADMIT ROBERT COLLINS LAURIANNE GALVIN CHIEF DONALD STATS MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MRS. GONZALEZ VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: Gonzalez)
Proclaim November 2024 as Veterans Month in North Reading, and to Read the Attached Proclamation
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 2024 AS VETERANS MONTH IN NORTH READING, AND TO READ THE ATTACHED PROCLAMATION.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PROCLAIM NOVEMBER 2024 AS VETERANS MONTH IN NORTH READING, AND TO READ THE ATTACHED PROCLAMATION. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MRS. GONZALEZ VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: Gonzalez)
Approve and Sign the Intermunicipal Agreement for the Regional Housing Services Office
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT FOR THE REGIONAL HOUSING SERVICES OFFICE.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE AND SIGN THE INTERMUNICIPAL AGREEMENT FOR THE REGIONAL HOUSING SERVICES OFFICE. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Amend to a 5% Tax Shift from Residential to the Commercial Industrial
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO AMEND TO A 5% TAX SHIFT FROM RESIDENTIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO AMEND TO A 5% TAX SHIFT FROM RESIDENTIAL TO THE COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY Discussion points: The concern is that there are small businesses that are struggling and the Town has many such businesses. There are many closed businesses due to the tax burden and the expense of septic systems. It was also noted that the small businesses support the town in many ways including fundraisers. Deb Carbone- added that if you shift the rate it needs to go across the board to commercial/industrial/personal property. It can't be done by categories. Mr. Gilleberto said it would be good to add a commercial exemption but only 2 commercial properties would qualify. Chairman Stuto said it a risk but it was important to stick to the spread and hopefully one day soon be able to shift the rate, but not now. Mr. Masse withdrew his amended motion and Mr. O'Leary withdrew his second to that amended motion. The Select Board voted on the original motion. VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Not to Establish a Residential Exemption
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH A RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH A RESIDENTIAL EXEMPTION. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: Wallner)
Not to Establish a Commercial Exemption
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH A COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH A COMMERCIAL EXEMPTION. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: Wallner)
Not to Establish an Open Space Exemption
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH AN OPEN SPACE EXEMPTION.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE NOT TO ESTABLISH AN OPEN SPACE EXEMPTION. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: Wallner)
Recommend the FY2025 Property Tax Levy at $64,881,345.00 Which Is $36,089.90 Less Than the Levy Limit
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND THE FY2025 PROPERTY TAX LEVY AT $64,881,345.00 WHICH IS $36,089.90 LESS THAN THE LEVY LIMIT.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND THE FY2025 PROPERTY TAX LEVY AT $64,881,345.00 WHICH IS $36,089.90 LESS THAN THE LEVY LIMIT. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY Mr. Masse asked for clarity as to what it means to go under the limit. Deb Carbone replied that nothing is certified until it gets submitted to the DOR. We are below the full tax by $36K Laurianne Galvin added that it is a rounding issue. The difference of one penny means we are either over or under the limit, and we have to be under the limit. It is how the math works. VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Recommend to the Board of Assessors That the FY2025 Proposed Tax Rate Be Set at $13.06 per $1,000.00 of Valuation
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS THAT THE FY2025 PROPOSED TAX RATE BE SET AT $13.06 PER $1,000.00 OF VALUATION.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND TO THE BOARD OF ASSESSORS THAT THE FY2025 PROPOSED TAX RATE BE SET AT $13.06 PER $1,000.00 OF VALUATION. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Rescind American Rescue Plan Act Allocations for the Following Projects: Wastewater System Design $500,000 Downtown Sewer $1,640,208.89 Park Street Bridge Construction $1,400,000 and to Allocate...
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE RESCIND AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT ALLOCATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS: WASTEWATER SYSTEM DESIGN $500,000 DOWNTOWN SEWER $1,640,208.89 PARK STREET BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION $1,400,000 AND TO ALLOCATE AND OBLIGATE $3,540,208.89 TO FISCAL YEAR 2025 OPERATING BUDGET - LINE 33 (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - HEALTH INSURANCE).
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE RESCIND AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT ALLOCATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS: WASTEWATER SYSTEM DESIGN $500,000 DOWNTOWN SEWER $1,640,208.89 PARK STREET BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION $1,400,000 AND TO ALLOCATE AND OBLIGATE $3,540,208.89 TO FISCAL YEAR 2025 OPERATING BUDGET - LINE 33 (EMPLOYEE BENEFITS - HEALTH INSURANCE). MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Ratify and Sign the Memorandum of Agreement Between the Town of North Reading and North Reading Firefighters, Local 1857 for the Period of July 1, 2024 Through June 30, 2027
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RATIFY AND SIGN THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF NORTH READING AND NORTH READING FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1857 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RATIFY AND SIGN THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE TOWN OF NORTH READING AND NORTH READING FIREFIGHTERS, LOCAL 1857 FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY Mr. O'Leary gave praised for the work done to make this happen. He thanked Matt Carrol, Matt Tannian, Jon Burt from the Union. He urged the Select Board to support. Mr. Wallner added that this contract will make the Fire Department of North Reading more attractive for the future. VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Approve the Regular Session Minutes for the October 21, 2024 Meeting
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FOR THE OCTOBER 21, 2024 MEETING.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FOR THE OCTOBER 21, 2024 MEETING. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
Place in Nomination the Following Name for Appointment to the Martins Pond Reclamation Study Committee for Terms to Expire December 31, 2026. (Roll Call) Julia M Spruance
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE MARTINS POND RECLAMATION STUDY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2026. (ROLL CALL) JULIA M SPRUANCE
Each member who voted named the same choice (Julia M Spruance), so they are shown as voting yes.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAME FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE MARTINS POND RECLAMATION STUDY COMMITTEE FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2026. (ROLL CALL) JULIA M SPRUANCE MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MRS. GONZALEZ Mr. Wallner stated that the have a full committee again and they are happy for it. Mr. O'Leary also reported that the pond is in the best shape it has ever been. VOTED BY: MR. STUTO JULIA M SPRUANCE MRS. GONZALEZ JULIA M SPRUANCE MR. WALLNER JULIA M SPRUANCE MR. O'LEARY JULIA M SPRUANCE MR. MASSE JULIA M SPRUANCE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: Gonzalez)
Adjourn
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN. MOTION BY: MR. MASSE SECONDED BY: MR. O'LEARY VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. GONZALEZ AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTE: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Masse, second: O'Leary)
From the North Reading Select Board’s official minutes in the town’s Document Center (Meeting Minutes, Select Board). We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: North Reading Transcript (Local Headline News) candidate headshots: Stephen O’Leary and Nicholas Masse (May 2024), Richard Wallner and Catherine Morrin (May 2025), Charles Tyler (April 2026).
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