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Reading Select Board
How the Reading Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. Vanessa Alvarado joined the board after the April 2018 town election and was sworn in on April 12, 2018; Barry Berman served as Acting Chair and Dan Ensminger as Acting Vice Chair until the board reorganized on June 19, 2018. That night a 2-2 show of hands for Chair was reconsidered and Andrew Friedmann was chosen Chair over John Halsey (3 votes to 2), Barry Berman Vice Chair over John Halsey (3 to 2) and Vanessa Alvarado Secretary (5-0), effective July 1. Spring 2018 Town Meeting approved changing the board’s name to the Select Board; the minutes use the new name from June 19, 2018, and on July 10, 2018 the Town Manager reported the change was official. Covers 23 meetings, April 12 to March 26, 2019.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
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Members
"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Reading Select Board minutes from January 9, 2018 through September 8, 2026: 219 meetings and 1,536 votes. The board was called the Board of Selectmen until spring 2018, when Town Meeting approved the new name; the minutes use “Select Board” from June 19, 2018, and the Town Manager reported on July 10, 2018 that the change was official. The town’s archive holds the board’s minutes back to 1980; MassVoter has loaded 2018 on. The posted minutes are signed, stamped paper copies scanned with a computer-read text layer, so quoted words may keep small reading errors; the five newest sets (June 23 through September 8, 2026) were posted as images with no text layer, and MassVoter read them with text recognition. Joint meetings with other boards (Finance Committee, School Committee, Board of Health, Library Trustees, Charter Review Committee and others) are included, but only the Select Board members’ votes are shown; votes the other board took on its own are left out. Not here: executive-session minutes; thirteen early-2018 notes saying the board attended another body’s meeting; meetings whose open-session minutes are not posted, including February 19, 2020, March 30 and September 28, 2021, March 22 and August 30, 2022, December 12, 2023, September 10 and September 24, 2024, and February 20, 2026 (all approved at later meetings), and the open session of July 31, 2018 and the packet-only dates October 5, 2023, March 26 and November 19, 2024, and July 22, 2026; and meetings after September 8, 2026 (the September 22 and October 6, 2026 minutes are not posted yet). Reading’s minutes give the mover, the seconder and usually a count (“approved with a 5-0-0 vote”, “approved by a vote of 5-0”); a count that matches the members present with no one opposed is shown as every member present voting yes, and “approved with a unanimous roll call vote” the same way. When members voted no or abstained the minutes name them (“approved by a vote of 4-1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed”), and remote meetings in 2020–2022 and many 2025–2026 votes have a roll call by name. When the count is short because a member recused, stepped out, did not vote, arrived late or left early, as the minutes say, the other members present are shown voting yes, with a note. Where the minutes give no count or the count cannot be read, we show the result only (20 votes); where a split count names no one, or a count does not match the members present, we show the count only, with a note (24 votes). Officer elections recorded by roll call are shown by name; choices made by a show of hands are shown as a result, with a note. Two members are named Karen (Karen Gately Herrick and Karen Rose-Gillis); the minutes use full names. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Mar 26Approve the replacement and renaming of Section 1.3.3, Process…Motion: nsminger moved that the board approve the replacement and renaming of…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
March 26, 2019: Approve the replacement and renaming of Section 1.3.3, Process for Evaluating the Town Manager, in Article 1 of the Select Board Policies, as amended
Nsminger moved that the board approve the replacement and renaming of on 1. 3. 3, Process for Evaluating Town Manager, in Article 1 of the Select d Policies as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann. The F dly amendments were accepted and the motion carried 5- 0.
The scanned text cuts off the start of the mover’s name (“nsminger moved”); the page shows Mr. Ensminger.
From the minutes
“nsminger moved that the board approve the replacement and renaming of on 1. 3. 3, Process for Evaluating Town Manager, in Article 1 of the Select d Policies as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Friedmann. The F dly amendments were accepted and the motion carried 5- 0..” (Motion: Ensminger, second: Friedmann)
Mar 26The hearing regarding the new pole request at Franklin…Motion: Mr. Ensminger moved that the hearing regarding the new pole request…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 26, 2019: The hearing regarding the new pole request at Franklin and Grove Street will be continued until May 7r^, at 8 PM
Mr. Ensminger moved that the hearing regarding the new pole request at Franklin and Grove Street will be continued until May 7r^, at 8 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 4- 0 vote.
The minutes give the count as 4-0, but 5 members were at the meeting (Andrew Friedmann, Vanessa Alvarado, Barry Berman, John Halsey and Dan Ensminger). Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Mr. Ensminger moved that the hearing regarding the new pole request at Franklin and Grove Street will be continued until May 7r^, at 8 PM. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 4- 0 vote..” (Motion: Ensminger, second: Alvarado)
Mar 12Set the FY2020 water rate at $ 10. 37…Motion: Ms. Alvarado moved to set the FY2020 water rate at $…Passed 3–2 · see note
March 12, 2019: Set the FY2020 water rate at $ 10. 37 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $ 20. 74 effective with the December, 2019 billing; Moved to…
Ms. Alvarado moved to set the FY2020 water rate at $ 10. 37 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $ 20. 74 effective with the December, 2019 billing; Moved to set the FY2020 sewer rate at $ 11. 03 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of$ 22. 06 effective with the December, 2019 billing; Moved to set the Storm Water Rate at $ 60 per unit ( 3210 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the December, 2019 billing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger. Mr. Halsey asked what the total of reserves is being used again and It was noted this motion on the table would use $ 1 million. Mr. Halsey wanted to make his feelings known that he fully believes that they should be using the full $ 1. 1 million that Mr. LeLacheur noted they could use without jeopardizing their capital. To not use it all and help the tax payers is not something he can vote for. The board voted 3- 2 to approve the motion on the floor.
The minutes give the count as 3-2 but do not say who voted no or abstained. Showing the count only.
From the minutes
“Ms. Alvarado moved to set the FY2020 water rate at $ 10. 37 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of $ 20. 74 effective with the December, 2019 billing; Moved to set the FY2020 sewer rate at $ 11. 03 per 100 cubic feet with a minimum quarterly bill of$ 22. 06 effective with the December, 2019 billing; Moved to set the Storm Water Rate at $ 60 per unit ( 3210 square feet) per year to be billed quarterly effective with the December, 2019 billing. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger. Mr. Halsey asked what the total of reserves is being used again and It was noted this motion on the table would use $ 1 million. Mr. Halsey wanted to make his feelings known that he fully believes that they should be using the full $ 1. 1 million that Mr. LeLacheur noted they could use without jeopardizing their capital. To not use it all and help the tax payers is not something he can vote for. The board voted 3- 2 to approve the motion on the floor..” (Motion: Alvarado, second: Ensminger)
Feb 26Approve the minutes of January 22nd, 2019 as amendedMotion: Ms. Alvarado made a motion to approve the minutes of January…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Ensminger
February 26, 2019: Approve the minutes of January 22nd, 2019 as amended
Ms. Alvarado made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22nd, 2019 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 4- 0- 1 vote with Mr. Ensminger abstaining.
Yes: Alvarado, Berman, Friedmann, HalseyAbstained: Ensminger
From the minutes
“Ms. Alvarado made a motion to approve the minutes of January 22nd, 2019 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Berman and approved with a 4- 0- 1 vote with Mr. Ensminger abstaining..” (Motion: Alvarado, second: Berman)
Feb 13Joint vote with the School Committee to appoint Mr.…Motion: The first candidate they will vote on is Mr. Coram. The…Passed 3–2 · No: Ensminger, Halsey
February 13, 2019 (Joint meeting): Joint vote with the School Committee to appoint Mr. Coram to fill the School Committee vacancy
The first candidate they will vote on is Mr. Coram. The votes were as follows: Mr. Boivin - No Mr. Ensminger - No Mr. Robinson - No Ms. Alvarado -Yes Ms. Snow Dockser - Yes Mr. Friedmann - Yes Ms. Webb - Yes Mr. Berman - Yes Ms. Borawski - Yes Mr. Halsey - No Mr. Coram received 6 votes which was enough to be appointed.
Yes: Alvarado, Berman, FriedmannNo: Ensminger, HalseyJoint roll call of the Select Board and the School Committee: “Mr. Boivin - No Mr. Ensminger - No Mr. Robinson - No Ms. Alvarado -Yes Ms. Snow Dockser - Yes Mr. Friedmann - Yes Ms. Webb - Yes Mr. Berman - Yes Ms. Borawski - Yes Mr. Halsey - No.” Mr. Coram received 6 of 10 votes. Only the Select Board members’ votes are shown.
From the minutes
“The first candidate they will vote on is Mr. Coram. The votes were as follows: Mr. Boivin - No Mr. Ensminger - No Mr. Robinson - No Ms. Alvarado -Yes Ms. Snow Dockser - Yes Mr. Friedmann - Yes Ms. Webb - Yes Mr. Berman - Yes Ms. Borawski - Yes Mr. Halsey - No Mr. Coram received 6 votes which was enough to be appointed..”
Jan 8Create a two-member Select Board subcommittee to formalize the…Motion: Mr. Friedmann then put a motion on the floor to approve…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
January 8, 2019: Create a two-member Select Board subcommittee to formalize the Town Manager evaluation process
Mr. Friedmann then put a motion on the floor to approve Mr. Berman' s proposal: To create a subcommittee of the Select Board, ( 2 members) which will have the responsibility of formalizing the process of evaluating the yearly performance of the Town Manager, as stipulated in the contract signed between the Board and the Town Manager, and including this as a revision to Select Board Policy, Subsection titled " Town Manager Goals". The sub- committee will recommend to the full Board a yearly process and timeline ( with dates certain) for creating jointly agreed upon goals between the Board and the Town Manager. The subcommittee will also consider implementing multiyear goals. The subcommittee will recommend a suitable form for Board members to evaluate the town manager' s performance based on core competencies and those goals. Said form should allow members to highlight areas of needed improvement. If a majority of members agree remedial action is required, a separate plan will be developed by the Board and the Town Manager and incorporated into goals for the following year. . In carrying out this task, the sub- committee will work with town staff including the Head of Administrative Services, the Head of Human Resources and the Town Manager. The sub- committee will present its recommendation to the full Board no later than April 1, 2019. The board voted 5- 0 to approve the motion.
The minutes do not name a seconder.
From the minutes
“Mr. Friedmann then put a motion on the floor to approve Mr. Berman' s proposal: To create a subcommittee of the Select Board, ( 2 members) which will have the responsibility of formalizing the process of evaluating the yearly performance of the Town Manager, as stipulated in the contract signed between the Board and the Town Manager, and including this as a revision to Select Board Policy, Subsection titled " Town Manager Goals". The sub- committee will recommend to the full Board a yearly process and timeline ( with dates certain) for creating jointly agreed upon goals between the Board and the Town Manager. The subcommittee will also consider implementing multiyear goals. The subcommittee will recommend a suitable form for Board members to evaluate the town manager' s performance based on core competencies and those goals. Said form should allow members to highlight areas of needed improvement. If a majority of members agree remedial action is required, a separate plan will be developed by the Board and the Town Manager and incorporated into goals for the following year. . In carrying out this task, the sub- committee will work with town staff including the Head of Administrative Services, the Head of Human Resources and the Town Manager. The sub- committee will present its recommendation to the full Board no later than April 1, 2019. The board voted 5- 0 to approve the motion..” (Motion: Friedmann)
Jan 8Approve the meeting minutes of December 5, 2018 as…Motion: Ms. Alvaradr, mnved that the Select Board approve the meetino minutes…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
January 8, 2019: Approve the meeting minutes of December 5, 2018 as amended
Ms. Alvaradr, mnved that the Select Board approve the meetino minutes of December 5th, 2018 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and approved with a 5- 0 vote.
The scanned text reads “Ms. Alvaradr, mnved” (Ms. Alvarado moved).
From the minutes
“Ms. Alvaradr, mnved that the Select Board approve the meetino minutes of December 5th, 2018 as amended. The motion was seconded by Mr. Ensminger and approved with a 5- 0 vote..” (Motion: Alvarado, second: Ensminger)
Dec 11Postpone this discussion until January SthMotion: Mr. Friedmann made a motion to postpone this discussion until January…Passed 3–2 · No: Ensminger, Halsey
December 11, 2018 (Joint meeting): Postpone this discussion until January Sth
Mr. Friedmann made a motion to postpone this discussion until January Sth. Ms. Alvarado seconded the motion and the board voted 3- 2 with Ensminger and Halsey opposing.
Yes: Alvarado, Berman, FriedmannNo: Ensminger, Halsey
From the minutes
“Mr. Friedmann made a motion to postpone this discussion until January Sth. Ms. Alvarado seconded the motion and the board voted 3- 2 with Ensminger and Halsey opposing..” (Motion: Friedmann, second: Alvarado)
Dec 4Amend the motion to add customer service training for…Motion: Mr. Friedmann made a motion to amend the motion to add…Passed 4–1 · No: Halsey
December 4, 2018 (Joint meeting): Amend the motion to add customer service training for all staff
Mr. Friedmann made a motion to amend the motion to add customer service training for all staff. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 4- 1 vote with Halsey opposing.
Yes: Alvarado, Berman, Ensminger, FriedmannNo: Halsey
From the minutes
“Mr. Friedmann made a motion to amend the motion to add customer service training for all staff. The motion was seconded by Ms. Alvarado and approved with a 4- 1 vote with Halsey opposing..” (Motion: Friedmann, second: Alvarado)
Dec 4Approve the 21 Town Manager goals for FY19 as…Motion: Mr. Berman again moved that the board approve the 21 Town…Passed 4–1 · No: Halsey
December 4, 2018 (Joint meeting): Approve the 21 Town Manager goals for FY19 as presented and amended, accomplished as prioritized as time allows
Mr. Berman again moved that the board approve the 21 Town Manager goals for FY19 as presented and amended, accomplished as prioritized as time allows. The motion was approved with a 4- 1 vote with Halsey opposing.
Yes: Alvarado, Berman, Ensminger, FriedmannNo: Halsey
From the minutes
“Mr. Berman again moved that the board approve the 21 Town Manager goals for FY19 as presented and amended, accomplished as prioritized as time allows. The motion was approved with a 4- 1 vote with Halsey opposing..” (Motion: Berman)
From the Reading Select Board’s official minutes, posted in the town’s Public Records Archive (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: Reading Patch candidate profiles, courtesy of the candidates (Melissa Murphy, Karen Gately Herrick, Chris Haley), and The Reading Post candidacy announcements (Karen Rose-Gillis, Sal Bramante). The town’s website has no member photos.
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