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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. Carlo Bacci and Karen Herrick joined the board after the March 3, 2020 town election (John Halsey’s and Andrew Friedmann’s last meeting was February 11, 2020). On March 17, 2020 the board chose Mark Dockser as Chair (4-1; the minutes do not say who voted no), Anne Landry as Vice Chair (5-0) and Carlo Bacci as Secretary (5-0). A recall petition against Vanessa Alvarado led to a recall election on September 1, 2020; she stayed on the board and recused herself from those votes. Meetings were held remotely from spring 2020 into 2021. Covers 35 meetings, March 17 to March 23, 2021.
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
Karen Gately HerrickMember · At-large · at 35 of 35 meetings"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 2Approve this letter of support for RMLD to apply…Motion: Carlo Bacci moved that the board approve this letter of support…Passed 3–0 · Abstained: Landry
March 2, 2021: Approve this letter of support for RMLD to apply for a grant for EV charging station in Reading
Carlo Bacci moved that the board approve this letter of support for RMLD to apply for a grant for EV charging station in Reading. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Bacci - yes; Landry - Abstain; Dockser - yes.
Yes: Bacci, Dockser, HerrickAbstained: LandryVanessa Alvarado left, before this vote, so Vanessa Alvarado is not shown voting.
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved that the board approve this letter of support for RMLD to apply for a grant for EV charging station in Reading. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Bacci - yes; Landry - Abstain; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Bacci, second: Herrick)
Feb 16Appoint Madeline Herrick for an associate membership on HRAC;…Motion: Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Madeline Herrick for an associate membership…Passed 4–0 · see note
February 16, 2021: Appoint Madeline Herrick for an associate membership on HRAC; term expiring June 30, 2021
Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Madeline Herrick for an associate membership on HRAC; term expiring June 30, 2021. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and approved with the following roll call vote: Landry - yes; Bacci - yes; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes.
Yes: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, LandryThe minutes say “Karen Herrick recused herself for the following vote”; the roll call lists the other four members, all yes.
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Madeline Herrick for an associate membership on HRAC; term expiring June 30, 2021. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and approved with the following roll call vote: Landry - yes; Bacci - yes; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Bacci, second: Alvarado)
Jan 19Adopt this resolution as written with the exception of…Motion: Anne Landry moved to adopt this resolution as written with the…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Bacci
January 19, 2021: Adopt this resolution as written with the exception of the spelling change to ` capitol'
Anne Landry moved to adopt this resolution as written with the exception of the spelling change to ` capitol'. Karen Herrick seconded the motion. The board took the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Landry - yes; Bacci - abstain; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes.
Yes: Alvarado, Dockser, Herrick, LandryAbstained: Bacci
From the minutes
“Anne Landry moved to adopt this resolution as written with the exception of the spelling change to ` capitol'. Karen Herrick seconded the motion. The board took the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Landry - yes; Bacci - abstain; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Landry, second: Herrick)
Jan 19Approve the letter to our state delegation regarding the…Motion: Vanessa Alvarado moved that the board approve the letter to our…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Landry
January 19, 2021: Approve the letter to our state delegation regarding the proposed changes to biomass rules
Vanessa Alvarado moved that the board approve the letter to our state delegation regarding the proposed changes to biomass rules. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick. Mark Dockser made a friendly amendment to include the other people the letter will be sent to. Anne Landry noted the new committees for this have not been formed yet so the board discussed who this letter should actually go to since a new session will be beginning and it may be different people on the committee from last session. Vanessa Alvarado suggested they reword the letter to Include some language noting with the understanding that this may be refiled with a new number. The board took the following vote: Bacci - yes; Alvarado - yes; Landry - abstained; Herrick - yes; Dockser - yes.
Yes: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, HerrickAbstained: Landry
From the minutes
“Vanessa Alvarado moved that the board approve the letter to our state delegation regarding the proposed changes to biomass rules. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick. Mark Dockser made a friendly amendment to include the other people the letter will be sent to. Anne Landry noted the new committees for this have not been formed yet so the board discussed who this letter should actually go to since a new session will be beginning and it may be different people on the committee from last session. Vanessa Alvarado suggested they reword the letter to Include some language noting with the understanding that this may be refiled with a new number. The board took the following vote: Bacci - yes; Alvarado - yes; Landry - abstained; Herrick - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Alvarado, second: Herrick)
Jan 19Appoint nine volunteers to the Historic District Commission, Historical…Motion: Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Pino D' Orazio to a full…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
January 19, 2021: Appoint nine volunteers to the Historic District Commission, Historical Commission, HRAC, Recreation Committee, Cultural Council and Council on Aging (one roll call)
Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Pino D' Orazio to a full position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Vanessa Alvarado. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Amelia Freedman to a full position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Vanessa Alvarado. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Virginia Adams to an associate position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Anne Landry. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Priscilla Poehler to an associate position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Karen Herrick. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Pino D' Orazio to a full position on the Historical Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Anne Landry. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Danielle Di Virgilio to a full position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Karen Herrick. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Katelynn King to an associate position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Anne Landry. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Michael Smith to an associate position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Anne Landry, Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Nancy Ziemlak to an associate position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Anne Landry. The motions were approved with the followi
Carlo Bacci moved nine appointments (Pino D’Orazio twice, Amelia Freedman, Virginia Adams, Priscilla Poehler, Danielle Di Virgilio, Katelynn King, Michael Smith, Nancy Ziemlak), each seconded by a different member; “The motions were approved with the following roll call vote” with all five members yes. Shown as one vote.
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Pino D' Orazio to a full position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Vanessa Alvarado. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Amelia Freedman to a full position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Vanessa Alvarado. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Virginia Adams to an associate position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Anne Landry. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Priscilla Poehler to an associate position on the Historic District Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Karen Herrick. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Pino D' Orazio to a full position on the Historical Commission with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Anne Landry. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Danielle Di Virgilio to a full position on the Human Relations Advisory Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Karen Herrick. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Katelynn King to an associate position on the Recreation Committee with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Anne Landry. Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Michael Smith to an associate position on the Cultural Council with a term expiring June 30, 2022; seconded by Anne Landry, Carlo Bacci moved to appoint Nancy Ziemlak to an associate position on the Council on Aging with a term expiring June 30, 2021; seconded by Anne Landry. The motions were approved with the following roll call vote: Landry - yes; Herrick - yes; Bacci - yes; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Bacci)
Dec 15Dispose of the list of surplus items as presented…Motion: Anne Landry moved that the Board dispose of the list of…Passed 4–0 · see note
December 15, 2020: Dispose of the list of surplus items as presented 2008 CAT 450 E 2009 International Max Force DT 1985 John Deere 750 2010 Bobcat 5385 2007 Ford Escape 2011 Stetco…
Anne Landry moved that the Board dispose of the list of surplus items as presented 2008 CAT 450 E 2009 International Max Force DT 1985 John Deere 750 2010 Bobcat 5385 2007 Ford Escape 2011 Stetco 950 2012 VER- MAC PCMS 1500 2011 Stepp SPH- 2. 0 2006 FORD E250 2007 FORD FOCUS The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Alvarado - yes; Landry - yes; Dockser - yes.
Yes: Alvarado, Dockser, Herrick, LandryThe roll call does not list Carlo Bacci, who was at the meeting, so that member is left out of this vote.
From the minutes
“Anne Landry moved that the Board dispose of the list of surplus items as presented 2008 CAT 450 E 2009 International Max Force DT 1985 John Deere 750 2010 Bobcat 5385 2007 Ford Escape 2011 Stetco 950 2012 VER- MAC PCMS 1500 2011 Stepp SPH- 2. 0 2006 FORD E250 2007 FORD FOCUS The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Alvarado - yes; Landry - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Landry, second: Herrick)
Nov 17Indefinitely postpone the proposal of the town building a…Motion: The new motion read by Vanessa Alvarado: Move to indefinitely postpone…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
November 17, 2020: Indefinitely postpone the proposal of the town building a separate, free-standing cell tower at the Auburn Street water tower site
The new motion read by Vanessa Alvarado: Move to indefinitely postpone the proposal of the town constructing a separate and free standing, cell tower to support the carriers' equipment on the Auburn Street water town site. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci. The motion was approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci - yes; Herrick - yes; Landry - yes; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes.
The reworded motion read by Vanessa Alvarado was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by roll call.
From the minutes
“The new motion read by Vanessa Alvarado: Move to indefinitely postpone the proposal of the town constructing a separate and free standing, cell tower to support the carriers' equipment on the Auburn Street water town site. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci. The motion was approved with the following roll call vote: Bacci - yes; Herrick - yes; Landry - yes; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Alvarado, second: Bacci)
Oct 20Grant an open space discount for FY2021Motion: Carlo Bacci moved that the board grant an open space discount…Failed 0–5 · No: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, Herrick, Landry
October 20, 2020: Grant an open space discount for FY2021
Carlo Bacci moved that the board grant an open space discount for FY2021. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and failed with the following roll call vote: Alvarado - no; Herrick - no; Bacci - no; Landry - no; Dockser - no.
No: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, Herrick, Landry
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved that the board grant an open space discount for FY2021. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and failed with the following roll call vote: Alvarado - no; Herrick - no; Bacci - no; Landry - no; Dockser - no..” (Motion: Bacci, second: Alvarado)
Oct 20Adopt a residential exemption for FY2021Motion: Carlo Bacci moved that the board adopt a residential exemption for…Failed 0–5 · No: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, Herrick, Landry
October 20, 2020: Adopt a residential exemption for FY2021
Carlo Bacci moved that the board adopt a residential exemption for FY2021. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and failed with the following roll call vote: Alvarado - no; Herrick - no; Bacci - no; Landry - no; Dockser - no.
No: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, Herrick, Landry
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved that the board adopt a residential exemption for FY2021. The motion was seconded by Vanessa Alvarado and failed with the following roll call vote: Alvarado - no; Herrick - no; Bacci - no; Landry - no; Dockser - no..” (Motion: Bacci, second: Alvarado)
Sep 8Approve the meeting minutes of August 11th as amendedMotion: Carlo Bacci moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 11th…Passed 4–0 · Abstained: Landry
September 8, 2020: Approve the meeting minutes of August 11th as amended
Carlo Bacci moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 11th as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Bacci - yes; Landry - abstained; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes.
Yes: Alvarado, Bacci, Dockser, HerrickAbstained: Landry
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved to approve the meeting minutes of August 11th as amended. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick and approved with the following roll call vote: Herrick - yes; Bacci - yes; Landry - abstained; Alvarado - yes; Dockser - yes..” (Motion: Bacci, second: Herrick)
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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