Reading Select Board

Anne Landry moved to offer one month salary, subject to the availability of funds and approval of Town Meeting. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley. Following discussion, the motion was approved d- 1 with Carlo Bacci, Chris Haley, Mark Dockser, and Anne Landry in favor, and Karen Herrick opposed.

Yes: Bacci, Dockser, Haley, LandryNo: Herrick

Mark Dockser moved to appoint Sharon Angstrom as Town Accountant for a term July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. Motion seconded by Chris Haley and approved 4- 0 by unanimous roll call vote.

Yes: Bacci, Dockser, Haley, LandryKaren Gately Herrick arrived, after this vote, so Karen Gately Herrick is not shown voting.

Moved to make an amendment to raise the amount to $ 500, 000. Mr. Bacci agreed a higher amount is warranted, but not more than $ 250, 000 at this time. Ms. Herrick seconded the motion to amend. Mr. Haley agreed that $250, 000 sounded right to him. Mr. Dockser noted that he would be comfortable with $ 250, 000. Ms. Landry offered a friendly amendment to change $ 500, 000 to $250, 000. Motion to amend approved 5- 0 by unanimous roll call vote.

Mark Dockser moved to amend the amount to $500,000, seconded by Karen Herrick; Anne Landry’s friendly amendment changed it to $250,000. “Motion to amend approved 5- 0 by unanimous roll call vote.”

Ms. Herrick moved to amend to remove the names from the charge. Ms. Landry withdrew her friendly amendment to list the names. The Board voted 3- 2 to amend the number of members to eight, with Mr. Haley, Mr. Bacci, and Ms. Landry in favor, and Mr. Dockser and Ms. Herrick opposed.

Yes: Bacci, Haley, LandryNo: Dockser, Herrick

Dockser made a motion, seconded Board for review and discussion at its meeting tonight, conditioned on his successful completion of CORI/ SORI check and a medical examination, and to authorize Jackie LaVerde to use the Select Board member' s digital signatures to sign said contract as may be needed. The Board approved the motion 5- 0 by a roll call vote The Board and Maltez signed the contract, and gave it to LeLacheur.

Part of this motion is missing from the posted text (“Dockser made a motion, seconded Board for review and discussion …”); the seconder cannot be read. “The Board approved the motion 5- 0 by a roll call vote.”

Mark Dockser made a motion to appoint Fidel Maltez as Town Manager subject to a successful negotiation of an employment agreement and any further background checks deemed necessary. The motioned was seconded by Karen Herrick. Chris pointed out it was a rocky road and he appreciated the efforts of Karen and Anne along with appreciating the unanimous vote.

The roll call uses first names (“Carlo yes Chris yes Mark yes Anne yes Karen yes”); Karen Herrick was the only Karen on the board in 2021.

Mark Dockser made a motion to authorize Chair, Karen Herrick, to begin negotiations with the selected Town Manager through the use of Town Counsel and the assistance of the search consultant, Community Paradigm. The motion was seconded by Karen Herrick. Carlo asked about the typical timeframe. Bernie said it is never typical but usually seven to ten days. He said he hopes for a contract before end of December. Anne asked about Executive Session and when the Board would convene. Bernie agreed and maybe in the next week for a one- hour session. A roll call vote was taken: Carlo yes Chris yes Mark yes Anne yes Karen yes

The roll call uses first names (“Carlo yes Chris yes Mark yes Anne yes Karen yes”); Karen Herrick was the only Karen on the board in 2021.

Dockser moved that the Board authorize the Town Manager to enroll the Town of Reading in two settlements resolving all opioid litigation brought by states and local political subdivisions against McKesson, Cardinal Health, AmensourceBergen, and Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and its parent company Johnson & Johnson, and to execute and submit the Subdivision Settlement Participation Forms by January 2, 2022 to the Attorney General' s office, seconded by Haley. LeLacheur summarized the work done by himself and Town Counsel. The Board has two options - to join a Gass and litigate nationally, or to litigate independently. The Attorney General, Town Counsel and the Town Manager suggest joining in class action lawsuits. Herrick asked about the total expected settlement and that is unknown. Dockser agreed that joining the class makes sense. Herrick asked for a vote and the Board voted 3- 0 to authorize the Town Manager to apply to loin the class action lawsuits on behalf of the Town.

Yes: Dockser, Haley, HerrickAnne Landry (7:25pm) and Carlo Bacci (8:35pm) arrived late; the count (3-0) matches the 3 members present from the start, so they are shown voting yes.

Mark made a motion to approve the Energy Reduction plan as presented with "Board of Selectmen" amended to " Select Board." The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a unanimous vote.

The minutes write “Mark made a motion”; Mark Dockser is the only Mark on the board.

Karen Herrick seconded Mark Dockser' s original motion and was approved by a unanimous vote.

The minutes say “Karen Herrick seconded Mark Dockser’ s original motion and was approved by a unanimous vote,” followed by the full text of the motion.