Reading Board Clears Chair In Split OML Votes
The Reading Select Board cleared Chair Melissa Murphy and member Christopher Haley of two open meeting law complaints in split votes after first voting 0-5 against hearing them in executive session.
Select Board · Meeting of September 8, 2026
READING — The Reading Select Board cleared Chair Melissa Murphy and member Christopher Haley of two open meeting law complaints in split votes after first voting 0-5 against hearing them in executive session. The board found no violation on an August 18 complaint by resident Angela Binda in a 3-2 vote, with Secretary Karen Gately Herrick and Vice Chair Karen Rose-Gillis dissenting, then cleared Murphy and Haley of a second August 31 complaint 4-1, with Herrick again opposed. Haley called the complaints "a Festivus airing of grievances." Town Counsel told the board that "disclosing an opinion outside of an open meeting amongst a quorum... is a violation." Earlier, the board unanimously confirmed Deputy Chief Christine M.
Amendola as Reading's next police chief, effective May 10, 2027, and adopted a new town facilities naming policy.
In the full story:
- Who Was There
- Organizations And Documents Referenced
- The complete report — 2,789 words
Source: the Select Board meeting of September 8, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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