MassVoter.com← North Reading Select BoardNorth Reading Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
October 20, 2025
9 recorded votes, 5 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF)
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Present: Stephen O'Leary, Vincenzo Stuto, Nicholas Masse, Catherine Morrin, Richard Wallner
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): (9/12/2016, 9/19/2016, 10/3/2016, 10/12/2016, 11/7/2016, 9/15/25, & 9/29/25)
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): (9/12/2016, 9/19/2016, 10/3/2016, 10/12/2016, 11/7/2016, 9/15/25, & 9/29/25) MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. MORRIN AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Wallner)
Place in Nomination the Following Names for Appointment to the Community Planning Commission for a Term to Expire at the May 5, 2026 Annual Town Election. (1 Opening / Roll Call with the Name...
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE AT THE MAY 5, 2026 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION. (1 OPENING / ROLL CALL WITH THE NAME STATED). WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. EDWARD SHEEHAN
This was a roll call in which each member named the person they chose ("MR. STUTO EDWARD SHEEHAN MRS. MORRIN WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. WALLNER WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. O'LEARY WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. MASSE EDWARD SHEEHAN MR. PEARCE WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. GRIFFIN EDWARD SHEEHAN MR. COSTE WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. RUDLOFF EDWARD SHEEHAN"), not a yes-or-no vote, so we show the result only.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO PLACE IN NOMINATION THE FOLLOWING NAMES FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM TO EXPIRE AT THE MAY 5, 2026 ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION. (1 OPENING / ROLL CALL WITH THE NAME STATED). WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. EDWARD SHEEHAN MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER VOTED BY: MR. STUTO EDWARD SHEEHAN MRS. MORRIN WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. WALLNER WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. O'LEARY WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. MASSE EDWARD SHEEHAN MR. PEARCE WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. GRIFFIN EDWARD SHEEHAN MR. COSTE WILLIAM CANNELL, JR. MR. RUDLOFF EDWARD SHEEHAN VOTED: 5 for William Cannel and 4 for Edward Sheehan. Majority of votes for William Cannel. After roll call vote William Cannell, Jr. was appointed to fill the unexpired term until May, 2026. Everyone congratulated Mr. Cannell. Next order of business. Public Notification: Harmony Vale Cemetery, Park Street Cemetery, and Riverside Cemetery Historic Grave Marker Cleaning Updates provided by the Town Administrator- Volunteer effort led by Historical and Antiquarian Society to clean historic grave markers in three cemeteries. Practices outlined by the US National Cemetery administration. Cleaning begins October 26, 2025. Public encouraged to contact DPW at 978-357-5227 if they wish to opt out of cleaning of specific markers. Chairman O'Leary mentioned that all the volunteers are going to be trained appropriately. Mrs. Morrin updated that she is also volunteering as a liaison to the Historic Commission. She updated about the cleaning process, tools and materials to be used and those have been procured through donation or fundraising. She mentioned about conservation efforts, conservation expert to train volunteers; documentation of damages but no repairs to be made at this time. She confirmed the start date Sunday October 26th at 1 pm at the Park Street Cemetery. Chairman O'Leary appreciated and acknowledged this terrific effort. Next order of business. Public Hearing: All Alcohol Off Premise License/Change of Category: Divyaansh Inc, D/B/A Christopher's Market, 2 Washington Street Mrs. Morrin read the Public Hearing Notice at 8:07 pm. Alex Bourgeois, Esq. from Demakis Law Offices was present at the meeting and she represented the applicant Divyaansh Inc, D/B/A Christopher's Market. Prashantkumar K Patel- Manager on record, Treasurer, director & 50% Shareholder and Bhikhabhai Patel - other 50% shareholder of Christopher's Market were present. Attorney Bourgeois explained that the applicant is seeking to change their liquor license from Wine & Malt Beverages to All Alcoholic Beverages License for off-premise consumption. She stated that Christopher's Market has operated since 2017 with no violations and changing the category in this license would serve the public needs as there are no All Alcohol License on that side of the town. Also, there was a Petition with 300+ local signatures submitted in support. It has been clarified that store layout concept remains 50% convenience; additional aisles for liquor to create a one-stop shop. Mr. Masse left the room at 8:08 pm and returned back at 8:10 pm. Public Input: Multiple residents from the community were present to support the applicant- A couple of residents spoke in favor, citing convenience and trust in current ownership. Comments noted improved store conditions since 2017 and benefit to the community. There were a few online questions seeking clarification on difference between current license and proposed license. The Town Administrator clarified that the establishment currently holds a license allowing the sale of beer and wine alongside other products. They are now seeking a license that permits the sale of all types of alcohol, including spirits, for off-premise consumption-something not allowed under the current license. Residents details who spoke in person- 1. Charlene Crouch from Peabody Court 2. Michael Correale from Park Street, North Reading Zoom participants who commented- 1. Michaelangelos Tsaparlis & 2. Nicholas Tsaparlis from Cobbler Lane, North Reading. The Select Board discussed and commented whether it would be a good addition to the community since there's no hard liquor available on that side of the town. They clarified that there is only one license available and two separate applicants for it. The Board has the option to issue the license, hold onto it or not issue it all. They mentioned that the second applicant will have their hearing immediately after this one. Board members praised the store for being clean and well-run. But they expressed their concerns on safety regarding minors visiting the store after school. Applicant proposed mitigation: Hard liquor placed at back of store. Use of gates restricting access to 21+ section. Continued monitoring of youth presence. Public Hearing closed at 8:20 pm. Next order of business. Public Hearing: All Alcohol Off Premise License/New: N. Reading Liquors, 72 main Street, Unit 3 Mrs. Morrin read the Public Hearing Notice at 8:20 pm. Vipul Patel- President, and Kiran Patel- manager of N. Reading Liquors were present to represent their application. The Applicant requested for a liquor license to be exercised at 73 Main Street, North Reading, next to Walmart Plaza and Dollar Store (currently vacant) and the proposed business is for Full liquor store (no convenience items or other products). Vipul Patel shared that he has 25 years of experience in liquor business since 2000 and owns multiple locations (Chelmsford, Billerica, two in Lawrence, one in Marshfield) and no violations at any location. He also shared his manager's 7 years of experience in managing a liquor license. Manager is TIPS certified and his Hours of Operation will be: 9 AM - 10 PM, seven days a week. Public Input: No questions from public (online or in-person). The Select Board discussed and there was concern regarding the saturation of off-premises liquor licenses.” (Motion: Morrin, second: Wallner)
Approve a Change of Category from Malt & Wine to All Alcohol for Divyaansh Inc, D.b.a Christophers Market, 2 Washington Street to Expire December 31, 2025 and Subject to All Regulatory Department...
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE A CHANGE OF CATEGORY FROM MALT & WINE TO ALL ALCOHOL FOR DIVYAANSH INC, D.B.A CHRISTOPHERS MARKET, 2 WASHINGTON STREET TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2025 AND SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS; AND TO DENY AN ALL ALCOHOL OFF PREMISES LICENSE FOR N. READING LIQUORS, 72 MAIN STREET, UNIT 3A, BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT: 1. Desire for geographic diversity of all-alcohol off premises licenses in the town. 2. Existing three all-alcohol licenses on Main Street are sufficient for the public need. 3. Additional wine and malt beverage licenses exist along Main Street. 4. Three all-alcohol licenses on Route 28 within two miles meet public need.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE A CHANGE OF CATEGORY FROM MALT & WINE TO ALL ALCOHOL FOR DIVYAANSH INC, D.B.A CHRISTOPHERS MARKET, 2 WASHINGTON STREET TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2025 AND SUBJECT TO ALL REGULATORY DEPARTMENT REQUIREMENTS; AND TO DENY AN ALL ALCOHOL OFF PREMISES LICENSE FOR N. READING LIQUORS, 72 MAIN STREET, UNIT 3A, BASED ON THE FOLLOWING FINDINGS OF FACT: 1. Desire for geographic diversity of all-alcohol off premises licenses in the town. 2. Existing three all-alcohol licenses on Main Street are sufficient for the public need. 3. Additional wine and malt beverage licenses exist along Main Street. 4. Three all-alcohol licenses on Route 28 within two miles meet public need. MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. MORRIN AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Wallner)
Approve Water Use Restrictions for the Town of North Reading as Follows: and to Declare a Level 1 Mild Drought
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE TOWN OF NORTH READING AS FOLLOWS: AND TO DECLARE A LEVEL 1 MILD DROUGHT.
Yes: Morrin, O'Leary, Stuto, WallnerNo: Masse
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE WATER USE RESTRICTIONS FOR THE TOWN OF NORTH READING AS FOLLOWS: AND TO DECLARE A LEVEL 1 MILD DROUGHT. MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. STUTO VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. MORRIN AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE NAY VOTED: 4-1 PASSED.” (Motion: Morrin, second: Stuto)
Appoint Jean Osborn and Meredith Burns to the Sustainability Committee as Full Members for Terms to Expire December 31, 2027 and to Waive Select Board Policy 3.2 (Appointment Procedures)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPOINT JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS TO THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AS FULL MEMBERS FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2027 AND TO WAIVE SELECT BOARD POLICY 3.2 (APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES):
Each member who voted named the same choice (Jean Osborn And Meredith Burns), so they are shown as voting yes.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPOINT JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS TO THE SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE AS FULL MEMBERS FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2027 AND TO WAIVE SELECT BOARD POLICY 3.2 (APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES): MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. WALLNER Mr. Wallner recommended Jean Osborn and Meredith Burns to be transitioned from Associate to Full member Mr. Masse inquired about the waiver. Mr. Gilleberto explained that the language was used because two associate members are being recommended for elevation to full membership on the committee without the standard 30-day advertisement period. He noted that while it is common for members to transition from one role to another, the language was included to clarify that there is an established policy, and the Select Board is choosing to waive it for this particular appointment. VOTED BY: MR. STUTO JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS MRS. MORRIN JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS MR. WALLNER JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS MR. O'LEARY JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS MR. MASSE JEAN OSBORN AND MEREDITH BURNS VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Wallner)
VETERANS EVENT COMMITTEE
Appoint Paul W Sanger to the Veterans Event Committee as an Associate Member for Terms to Expire December 31, 2026 and to Waive Select Board Policy 3.2 (Appointment Procedures)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPOINT PAUL W SANGER TO THE VETERANS EVENT COMMITTEE AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2026 AND TO WAIVE SELECT BOARD POLICY 3.2 (APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES):
Each member who voted named the same choice (Paul Sanger), so they are shown as voting yes.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPOINT PAUL W SANGER TO THE VETERANS EVENT COMMITTEE AS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER FOR TERMS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 31, 2026 AND TO WAIVE SELECT BOARD POLICY 3.2 (APPOINTMENT PROCEDURES): MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. STUTO Mr. Masse recommended Paul Sanger. VOTED BY: MR. STUTO PAUL SANGER MRS. MORRIN PAUL SANGER MR. WALLNER PAUL SANGER MR. O'LEARY PAUL SANGER MR. MASSE PAUL SANGER VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Stuto)
Approve Legal Bills for Kp Law for the Month of August in the Amount of $12,517.83 as Follows: General $ 11,386.83 Labor $ 1,096.50 20 Ems St 40b $ 34.50 Total $ 12,517.83
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR KP LAW FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,517.83 AS FOLLOWS: GENERAL $ 11,386.83 LABOR $ 1,096.50 20 EMS ST 40B $ 34.50 TOTAL $ 12,517.83
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR KP LAW FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST IN THE AMOUNT OF $12,517.83 AS FOLLOWS: GENERAL $ 11,386.83 LABOR $ 1,096.50 20 EMS ST 40B $ 34.50 TOTAL $ 12,517.83 MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. STUTO VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. MORRIN AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Stuto)
Approve the Regular Session Minutes for the September 15, 2025 Meeting
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 MEETING.
Yes: Masse, Morrin, O'Leary, StutoAbstained: Wallner
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO APPROVE THE REGULAR SESSION MINUTES FOR THE SEPTEMBER 15, 2025 MEETING. MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. MASSE VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. MORRIN AYE MR. WALLNER ABSTAIN MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTED: 4-0 PASSED (1-ABSTAIN).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Masse)
Adjourn
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN.
From the minutes
“MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO ADJOURN. MOTION BY: MRS. MORRIN SECONDED BY: MR. MASSE VOTED BY: MR. STUTO AYE MRS. MORRIN AYE MR. WALLNER AYE MR. O'LEARY AYE MR. MASSE AYE VOTED: 5-0 (UNANIMOUS).” (Motion: Morrin, second: Masse)
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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