MassVoter.com← Reading Select BoardReading Select Board · 2025–2026 Board · Regular meeting
February 24, 2026
12 recorded votes, 3 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Agenda
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
Attendance
Present: Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, Karen Rose-Gillis, Carlo Bacci, Karen Gately Herrick
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Close the Public Hearing regarding the Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual AII- Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/ b/ a Post 1917
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the Public Hearing regarding the Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual AII- Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/ b/ a Post 1917. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to close the Public Hearing regarding the Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual AII- Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/ b/ a Post 1917. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Approve the Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/ b/ a Post 1917
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/ b/ a Post 1917. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5- 0.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to approve the Alteration of Premises Application for an Annual All -Alcohol Restaurant Liquor License for PARC Restaurant Group, LLC d/ b/ a Post 1917. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and approved by a vote of 5- 0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Herrick)
Authorize the borrowing of $1, 125, 000 as authorized under Article 15 of the May 8, 2025, Town Meeting, for Phase 2 of the MWRA Lead Service Replacements Project, on the terms and conditions...
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the borrowing of $1, 125, 000 as authorized under Article 15 of the May 8, 2025, Town Meeting, for Phase 2 of the MWRA Lead Service Replacements Project, on the terms and conditions presented today, and to direct the Treasurer and Town Manager to execute any and all agreements necessary to secure said funds. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and aooroved by a vote of 5- 0.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to authorize the borrowing of $1, 125, 000 as authorized under Article 15 of the May 8, 2025, Town Meeting, for Phase 2 of the MWRA Lead Service Replacements Project, on the terms and conditions presented today, and to direct the Treasurer and Town Manager to execute any and all agreements necessary to secure said funds. The motion was seconded by Karen Gately Herrick and aooroved by a vote of 5- 0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Herrick)
Pursuant to G. L. c. 64, s. 42C, to direct the Town Manager to send written notice to the Town Clerk that a Ballot Question shall be added to the 2026 Annual Town Election to consider the Charter...
Karen Rose -Gillis moved, pursuant to G. L. c. 64, s. 42C, to direct the Town Manager to send written notice to the Town Clerk that a Ballot Question shall be added to the 2026 Annual Town Election to consider the Charter Amendments approved at the Special Town Meeting in November 2025, as prepared and before the Board today. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5- 0.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved, pursuant to G. L. c. 64, s. 42C, to direct the Town Manager to send written notice to the Town Clerk that a Ballot Question shall be added to the 2026 Annual Town Election to consider the Charter Amendments approved at the Special Town Meeting in November 2025, as prepared and before the Board today. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5- 0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Pursuant to G.L. c. 438, § 11, to direct the Town Clerk to distribute to each Law. residence of one or more registered voters a copy of the Charter Amendments approved at the Special Town Meeting...
Karen Rose -Gillis moved, pursuant to G.L. c. 438, § 11, to direct the Town Clerk to distribute to each Law. residence of one or more registered voters a copy of the Charter Amendments approved at the Special Town Meeting in November 2025, and which are the subject of the 2026 Annual Town Election Ballot Question. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved, pursuant to G.L. c. 438, § 11, to direct the Town Clerk to distribute to each Law. residence of one or more registered voters a copy of the Charter Amendments approved at the Special Town Meeting in November 2025, and which are the subject of the 2026 Annual Town Election Ballot Question. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Table this agenda item
Karen Gately Herrick moved to table this agenda item. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and failed by a vote of 3- 2, with Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, and Carlo Bacot opposed.
Yes: Herrick, Rose-GillisNo: Bacci, Haley, MurphyThe minutes write the count as 3-2 and say the motion failed, naming the 3 members opposed; the other members present voted yes (2-3).
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved to table this agenda item. The motion was seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis and failed by a vote of 3- 2, with Chris Haley, Melissa Murphy, and Carlo Bacot opposed..” (Motion: Herrick, second: Rose-Gillis)
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)
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)
Enter into executive session under Purpose 2 to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, Town Manager Kraunelis, to invite Ivria Fried, Town...
Karen -Rose Gillis moved to enter into executive session under Purpose 2 to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, Town Manager Kraunelis, to invite Ivria Fried, Town Counsel, into the executive session, and to return to open session after the executive session to continue on with the meeting. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis -Yes, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy -Yes, Carlo Bacci -Yes, Chns Halev- Yes
From the minutes
“Karen -Rose Gillis moved to enter into executive session under Purpose 2 to conduct a strategy session in preparation for contract negotiations with nonunion personnel, Town Manager Kraunelis, to invite Ivria Fried, Town Counsel, into the executive session, and to return to open session after the executive session to continue on with the meeting. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis -Yes, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy -Yes, Carlo Bacci -Yes, Chns Halev- Yes.” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Execute the separation agreement with Matthew Kraunelis
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to execute the separation agreement with Matthew Kraunelis. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0.
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to execute the separation agreement with Matthew Kraunelis. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved by a vote of 5-0..” (Motion: Rose-Gillis, second: Murphy)
Direct Ms. Fried to work with Jayne Wellman to negotiate an Acting Town Manager contract and bring it back to the Board for a vote
Karen Gately Herrick moved that the Board direct Ms. Fried to work with Jayne Wellman to negotiate an Acting Town Manager contract and bring it back to the Board for a vote. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved 5- 0.
From the minutes
“Karen Gately Herrick moved that the Board direct Ms. Fried to work with Jayne Wellman to negotiate an Acting Town Manager contract and bring it back to the Board for a vote. The motion was seconded by Melissa Murphy and approved 5- 0..” (Motion: Herrick, second: Murphy)
Enter into executive session under Purpose 3 to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation against the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, because an open session would have a...
Karen Rose -Gillis moved to enter into executive session under Purpose 3 to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation against the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, because an open session would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Board, as the Chair declares, to invite Ivria Fried, Town Counsel, and Jayne Wellman, into the executive session; and under Purpose 7 to enter executive session to comply with G. L. c. 30A, § 22 by approving and reviewing for release the February 10 and 17, 2026 executive session minutes, to invite only Ms. Fried to attend this portion of the executive session, and to adjourn from executive session and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 5- 0. Roll Call Vote: Karen Rose -Gillis -Yes, Karen Gately Herrick - Yes, Melissa Murphy - Yes, Carlo Bacci Yes, Chris Haley - Yes
From the minutes
“Karen Rose -Gillis moved to enter into executive session under Purpose 3 to discuss strategy with respect to potential litigation against the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority, because an open session would have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the Board, as the Chair declares, to invite Ivria Fried, Town Counsel, and Jayne Wellman, into the executive session; and under Purpose 7 to enter executive session to comply with G. L. c. 30A, § 22 by approving and reviewing for release the February 10 and 17, 2026 executive session minutes, to invite only Ms. Fried to attend this portion of the executive session, and to adjourn from executive session and not to return to open session. The motion was seconded by Carlo Bacci and approved by a vote of 5- 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: Bacci)
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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