Three Policemen and One Fireman In, Docktor Out

It hardly seems fair that the ceremony to recognize Reading's newest police officers and its newest fireman had become ancient history by the time the 4 1/2 hour Board of Selectmen's meeting concluded. But that's what happens when one issue grows over the course of three months, then takes 2 1/2 hours of back-n-forth frustration and discussion to get to a vote.

That 4-1 vote removed Nancy Docktor from her position as associate member of the Reading Board of Health for her role in preventing the appointment of Laura Vlasuk as the town's new health agent. Andrew Friedmann, a former member of the Board of Health, voted against removing Docktor.

Long before that vote the Selectmen's Meeting Room was the home of a celebration as first Police Chief Mark Segalla, then Fire Chief Greg Burns officiated at a badge-pinning ceremony for their new members. Segalla introduced three new members to fill a roster depleted by four retirements this year. Andrew Kirwan, Zachary Fontes, and Benjamin Woodward all received their badges from family members. Then it was Burns' turn, first recognizing Bryan Ryan on his promotion to lieutenant, then welcoming Jon Dyer as a new firefighter/EMT.

Segalla and Burns stuck around and updated the board on how Reading compares to other towns as far as staffing and other important areas. The results weren't good, with Reading falling short in necessary staffing according to both chiefs. Reading had 45 police officers in 1975 for 22,609 residents. Today the population has grown to 26,500 but the number of officers has dropped to 41. And with new developments like Walkers Brook, Reading Commons, and Reading Woods, both police and fire departments are being stretched to the limits.

With a probable override coming next spring, chairman John Arena spoke of the need to educate residents on "the true cost of operating the town. You don't really see the deficit of officers but it's there." It's a theme that will be repeated as town officials try and do a better job in explaining why the town needs the override.

Selectmen also heard from Pat Beckman and Ryan McKee, two recent RMHS grads who are organizing a day of music to honor the memory of Jake Czuczwa, who died this past June at the age of 24 after battling addiction. "Jams for Jake" will be held Oct. 29 at Symonds Field behind Burbank Arena. It will last between noon and 7 p.m. and feature approximately 10 bands along with several speakers.

The board also voted to go to a two sticker system for the compost center and parking at the train station. Starting January 1, 2018, residents will have the option to buy a compost sticker or a parking sticker. Currently the best bargain in town could be the $25 residents spend for unlimited parking along with access to the town compost center. That will change in 2018 and the price is going up, even though the board agreed to put off discussing by how much.

The last agenda item involved Docktor and an ugly issue that tested the patience of all in the room. As the night went on, phrases like "fiduciary discretionary appointment" challenged Executive Assistant Caitlin Saunders, who was keeping the minutes during the back-n-forth between Docktor's lawyer and members of the board and Town Manager Bob LeLacheur.

North Reading had loaned Robert Bracey from its health department to help Reading while the town looked for a full-time health agent. Laura Vlasuk was the eventual choice but the Board of Health wouldn't approve of her appointment and things turned ugly. Docktor objected to what she felt were inaccuracies from Vlasuk and said repeatedly "a record is a record."

Board chairman Arena and vice-chair Barry Berman both voiced support of Docktor as a friend but were frustrated by her stance against Vlasuk. "You didn't like who Bob [LeLacheur] hired and you did everything in your power to stop it," said Berman.

Despite the personal support, Berman, Arena, Dan Ensminger and John Halsey all voted to remove her. It was the end to a very long night.

Photos by Bob Holmes