After extended debate, members pass funding for six new courts while considering fee proposals to offset costs and prioritize resident access
Reading, MA — After nearly four hours of debate spread out over two nights, Town Meeting approved $1.5 million for the construction of six pickleball courts on Range Road off Symonds Way by a roll call vote of 102-43.
Debate continued on the issue on Thursday, May 8, with Town Meeting member Thomas Wise proposing an amendment to the article directing the town to collect fees for use of the courts to offset the project’s total cost. Wise noted that, as Town Meeting cannot impose fees, the amendment was similar to an instructional motion, which gives town officials the “sense of Town Meeting” but is not binding. He also argued that fees or passes were a method that could be used to ensure that Reading residents received priority when booking court space.
Town Meeting member Angela Binda opposed the amendment, comparing it to the parking kiosks downtown, on which the town spent money with the promise that the expense would be covered by the revenue raised. The kiosks, in the Upper Haven parking lot, were shut down by the Select Board before any significant revenue could be collected. “This is smoke and mirrors,” Binda stated. “The Select Board or the Town manager can just say they don’t want to do it. We want to see this money.”
Member Linda Snow Dockser expressed concern that fees could limit accessibility to the courts and questioned if the fees would cease once the courts were paid for. Nancy Docktor also commented that the amendment seemed rushed and suggested that the proposed Community Preservation Act funds could be used to offset costs instead. Member Paula Perry questioned why pickleball was called out to pay, when other court usage was not.
Community Services Director Jenna Wood shared that the town used to have a similar model for tennis courts that helped cover the cost of court lights. She indicated that the same method could be used for the pickleball courts.
Town Meeting member Ed Ross shared that having a funding source put him in a position where he could support the building of the courts. Member Jonathan Barnes agreed, “I support the concept [of pickleball courts], but I am concerned about support at this time without a funding source,” Barnes stated.
After continued debate, the amendment was passed by hand vote.
Once debate continued on the primary motion, Mary Ellen O’Niel stated that she was not in favor of charging residents to pay and questioned if the funding raised by the Reading Pickleball Association was encumbered in any way. Member Taylor Gregory also stated that the proposal “feels like a first pass at an idea” and suggested that more information was needed. “Pickleball courts are a want, not a need,” Gregory added.
Wood noted that discussions regarding pickleball courts had been progressing for over thirteen years, while member John Sasso stated that he did view the courts as a need, considering that the Reading Center for Active Living Committee had identified outdoor recreation options as a need for seniors in the community. Once member James Bonazoli moved the question, the roll call was taken and the motion to build the courts was approved.
Town Meeting moved on to approve Article 15 by a vote of 142-0. This article authorized $1.5 million in interest-free debt for continued lead mitigation in the town’s water system. The vote on Article 16 was also unanimous at 124-0. This updated the town’s bylaw allowing certain properties to be eligible for the National Flood Insurance plan.
Article 17 asked the town to discontinue a drainage easement on a property under development on Annette Lane. Town Manager Matt Kraunelis shared that, if granted, the developer could build the home further away from a protected wetland. He also added that the town is unlikely to have a use for the easement in the future. Town Meeting member Martha Moore argued that removing the easement would allow the home to be moved closer to a different protected wetland and could impose on other property owners. “This article places the interest of one builder ahead of the interest of many Reading residents and the interest in protecting the wetlands,” Moore declared.
Member Kendra Cooper also questioned the impact the removal of the easement would have on properties downstream.
The article failed unanimously.
Town Meeting approved an instructional motion offered by member Eric Gaffin, asking that the town and the schools explore finding a consistent way to fund adaptive and unified programming in town, as the current program is funded through American Rescue Plan Act funds, which will be ending.
Town Meeting, by a vote of 48-64, did not approve an instructional motion from Nancy Docktor to make the Board of Health an elected board. Docktor shared that the board was elected until 1986, and that by doing so again, it could be independent from interference from other boards, keeping it accountable to the voters.
Member Kevin Sexton argued that making the board an elected board would do the opposite of what Docktor suggested it would do, and that having an elected board would politicize the board. Member Vanessa Alvarado supported the motion, suggesting that having an elected board would make the process more public and open to the community.
After the vote on the motion failed, Town Meeting voted to adjourn the Annual Town Meeting sine die by a vote of 67-37 at 10:50 pm.
