MassVoter.com← ReadingMunicipal votes · 2025–2026 Board
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. Karen Rose-Gillis joined the board after the April 2025 town election (Mark Dockser’s last meeting was April 1, 2025). On April 14, 2025, by roll call, a vote for Melissa Murphy as Chair failed 2-3 and the board chose Chris Haley as Chair (3-2), Melissa Murphy as Vice Chair (5-0) and Karen Rose-Gillis as Secretary (5-0). Covers 30 meetings, April 14 to April 6, 2026.
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
MassVoter can’t read Reading’s meeting calendar automatically yet. See upcoming meetings on the official site →
Members
ChairChris HaleyChair · At-large · at 30 of 30 meetings
Vice-ChairMelissa MurphyVice Chair · At-large · at 28 of 30 meetings
Karen Gately HerrickMember · At-large · at 28 of 30 meetings
Karen Rose-GillisSecretary · At-large · at 30 of 30 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 24Appoint Jayne Wellman to the position of Town Manager…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to appoint Jayne Wellman to the position…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
March 24, 2026: Appoint Jayne Wellman to the position of Town Manager subject to successful contract negotiations
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to appoint Jayne Wellman to the position of Town Manager subject to successful contract negotiations. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 6- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis -Yes, Karen Gately Herrick -Yes, Melissa Murphy -Yes, Carlo Bacci - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes
The minutes give the count as 6-0, but the board has five members, so the count cannot be right.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to appoint Jayne Wellman to the position of Town Manager subject to successful contract negotiations. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 6- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis -Yes, Karen Gately Herrick -Yes, Melissa Murphy -Yes, Carlo Bacci - Yes, Chris Haley - Yes.” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Mar 24Continue to have police presence at Select Board meetings…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board continue to have police…Passed 4–1 · No: Herrick
March 24, 2026: Continue to have police presence at Select Board meetings until after reorganization, where a decision will be made be made by the new Chair
Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board continue to have police presence at Select Board meetings until after reorganization, where a decision will be made be made by the new Chair. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed.
Yes: Bacci, Haley, Murphy, Rose-GillisNo: Herrick
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved that the Board continue to have police presence at Select Board meetings until after reorganization, where a decision will be made be made by the new Chair. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Mar 24Approve the meeting minutes of November 1, 2026, as…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of November…Passed · see note
March 24, 2026: Approve the meeting minutes of November 1, 2026, as presented, February 20, 2026, as presented, and March V, 2026, as presented
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 1, 2026, as presented, February 20, 2026, as presented, and March V, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 6- 0.
The minutes give the count as 6-0, but the board has five members, so the count cannot be right. No roll call is given. Showing the result only.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of November 1, 2026, as presented, February 20, 2026, as presented, and March V, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 6- 0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Mar 10Change the percentages to a minimum of 500/6 and…Motion: Carlo Bacci moved to change the percentages to a minimum of…Passed 3–2 · No: Herrick, Rose-Gillis
March 10, 2026: Change the percentages to a minimum of 500/6 and up to 100%
Carlo Bacci moved to change the percentages to a minimum of 500/6 and up to 100%. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 3. 2, with Karen Rose - Gillis and Karen Gately Herrick opposed.
Yes: Bacci, Haley, MurphyNo: Herrick, Rose-Gillis
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved to change the percentages to a minimum of 500/6 and up to 100%. The motion was seconded by Chris Haley and approved by a vote of 3. 2, with Karen Rose - Gillis and Karen Gately Herrick opposed..” (Motion: Bacci, second: Haley)
Mar 10Authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute a Master…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Acting Town Manager to…Passed · see note
March 10, 2026: Authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute a Master License Agreement between the Town of Reading and the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc., related to parking at the Burbank Ice…
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute a Master License Agreement between the Town of Reading and the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc., related to parking at the Burbank Ice Arena and other Town owned land off Range Road, as presented today. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 6. 0.
The minutes give the count as 6-0, but the board has five members, so the count cannot be right. No roll call is given. Showing the result only.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute a Master License Agreement between the Town of Reading and the Reading Ice Arena Authority, Inc., related to parking at the Burbank Ice Arena and other Town owned land off Range Road, as presented today. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 6. 0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Mar 10Authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute Downtown Phase…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Acting Town Manager to…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2026: Authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute Downtown Phase II Improvements Project and Reading Center for Active Living ( ReCAL) Construction Projects
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute Downtown Phase II Improvements Project and Reading Center for Active Living ( ReCAL) Construction Projects. The motion was seconded by Carlo Baccl and approved by a vote of 4- 0.
Yes: Bacci, Herrick, Murphy, Rose-GillisThe minutes say: “Chris Haley recused himself from discussion and voting on this agenda item.” Chris Haley is not shown voting; the count (4-0) matches the other members present, who are shown voting yes.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the Acting Town Manager to execute Downtown Phase II Improvements Project and Reading Center for Active Living ( ReCAL) Construction Projects. The motion was seconded by Carlo Baccl and approved by a vote of 4- 0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Bacci)
Mar 10Approve the amendment to the Acting Town Manager' s…Motion: Carlo Bacci moved to approve the amendment to the Acting Town…Passed 4–1 · No: Herrick
March 10, 2026: Approve the amendment to the Acting Town Manager' s Contract as shown on the screen
Carlo Bacci moved to approve the amendment to the Acting Town Manager' s Contract as shown on the screen. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis - Yes. Karen Gately Herrick - No, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Carlo Bacot - Yes, Chris Haley -Yes
Yes: Bacci, Haley, Murphy, Rose-GillisNo: Herrick“approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis - Yes. Karen Gately Herrick - No, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Carlo Bacot - Yes, Chris Haley -Yes” (Bacot is Carlo Bacci).
From the minutes
“Carlo Bacci moved to approve the amendment to the Acting Town Manager' s Contract as shown on the screen. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis - Yes. Karen Gately Herrick - No, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Carlo Bacot - Yes, Chris Haley -Yes.” (Motion: Bacci, second: Murphy)
Mar 10Schedule an interview with Jayne Wellman for the position…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to schedule an interview with Jayne Wellman…Passed 4–1 · No: Herrick
March 10, 2026: Schedule an interview with Jayne Wellman for the position of Town Manager at a time convenient for at least a majority of the Select Board and Ms. Wellman
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to schedule an interview with Jayne Wellman for the position of Town Manager at a time convenient for at least a majority of the Select Board and Ms. Wellman. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed.
Yes: Bacci, Haley, Murphy, Rose-GillisNo: Herrick
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to schedule an interview with Jayne Wellman for the position of Town Manager at a time convenient for at least a majority of the Select Board and Ms. Wellman. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 4- 1, with Karen Gately Herrick opposed..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Feb 24Approve the meeting minutes of January 27, 2026, as…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of January…Passed · see note
February 24, 2026: Approve the meeting minutes of January 27, 2026, as presented
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of January 27, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of ".
The count in the posted text is unreadable (“approved by a vote of” followed by a stray mark). Showing the result only. The minutes record the result but no count or names.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of January 27, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of "..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Herrick)
Feb 24Approve the meeting minutes of February 10, 2026, as…Motion: Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of February…Passed · see note
February 24, 2026: Approve the meeting minutes of February 10, 2026, as presented
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 10, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of ".
The count in the posted text is unreadable (“approved by a vote of” followed by a stray mark). Showing the result only. The minutes record the result but no count or names.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the meeting minutes of February 10, 2026, as presented. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of "..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
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.
How to read these pagesWhere the votes come from, how we check them against the official minutes, what isn't included yet, and how to report a mistake.About city pages →