HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-17 Volunteer Appointment Committee MinutesFR
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Town of Reading
Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee
Date: 2013 -12 -17 Time: 6:15 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall
Address: 16 Lowell Street
Purpose: Review Volunteer applications
Attendees: Members - Present:
John Arena, Dan Ensminger
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Bob LeLacheur, Town Manager
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Location: Berger Room
Session: General Session
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Bob LeLacheur
Topics of Discussion:
Meeting called to order by John Arena at 6:15PM
Acting Secretary: Bob LeLacheur
Interview candidates for Reading Housing Authority (RHA):
The VASC interviewed Madeline Hodgdon for a term on the RHA expiring in 2017. Mr. Arena
asked the applicant about her interest in the position, her availability for the meeting
schedule, and if she had any conflicts of interest.
Ms. Hodgdon explained that she has lived at Tannerville for seven years and is therefore
very close to the RHA's location. She mentioned RHA Lyn White very favorably in many
previous interactions, and cited this as a strong reason for her interest. She also is a
volunteer at the Pleasant Street Center. She cited her proximity to the RHA and her desire
to add helpful comments as a motivation for her application.
Mr. Ensminger thanked Ms. Hodgdon for her interest and attendance during such poor
weather. He asked if she was familiar with the RHA monthly meeting schedule, and Ms.
Hodgdon said that she had attended before on Tuesday evenings. She noted she had no
conflicts.
Mr. LeLacheur noted the strong letter of recommendation in the packet for Ms. Hodgdon
from Lyn White, Executive Director of RHA.
Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen Madeline Hodgdon
to a term on the Reading Housing Authority from December 5, 2013 through June
30, 2017, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a 2 -0 -0 vote.
Interview candidates for Council on Aging (COA):
The VASC interviewed Donavin Bentley for a term on the COA expiring in 2016. Mr. Arena
asked the applicant about his interest in the position, availability for the meeting schedule,
and if any conflicts of interest.
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Mr. Bentley said that he works for MA Teachers Retirement and as such has interest in the
age demographic, as well as experience. He said you can learn a lot about a community in
how it treats the older folks living there.
Mr. Ensminger asked the applicant if he had any priorities for the COA, and Mr. Bently
mentioned the generational divide in technology, and that it would be nice for RMHS
students, especially seniors, to help bridge that gap. Mr. LeLacheur noted that this
currently happens via programs run by the Public Library. Mr. Ensminger stated that this
'senior- senior' approach was a terrific idea, and noted the recent addition of a Veteran's
group at RMHS. Mr. Bentley said that relationship works both ways, that each generation
helps out the other one in different ways.
Mr. Arena asked the applicant if he had any conflicts, and time available. Mr. Bentley said
he had a typical 9 -9 M -F job so therefore had evenings available, and no known conflicts.
Mr. Arena thanked the applicant for his interest.
Mr. Ensminger moved to recommend to the Board of Selectmen Donavin Bentley to
a term on the Council on Aginq from December 5, 2013 through June 30, 2016,
seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a 2 -0 -0 vote.
Interview candidates for Recreation Committee:
The VASC interviewed John Bernie Winne for a term on Recreation expiring in 2014. Mr.
Arena and Mr. Ensminger expressed long- standing knowledge of the applicants background
and service to the community. Mr. Arena asked in the applicant was aware of any conflicts
of interest, and Mr. Winne said he was not.
Mr. Ensminger moved to that in view of the applicant's long standing service to the
community that the VASC recommend to the Board of Selectmen John Bernie
Winne to an Associate term on the Recreation Committee from December 5, 2013
through June 30, 2014, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved by a 2 -0 -0 vote.
Mr. Ensminger moved to adiourn at 6:35pm, seconded by Mr. Arena and approved
by a vote of 2 -0 -0.
Respectfully,
Secretary ` U`
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