HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-06-06 Volunteer Appointment Committee Minutes N OFR
Town of'Readin.g
y Meeting Minutes a E'Ce"E!V
f:. L E R
IN . kifi'')NCO READ,
Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2018.JUN 1.9 PM 2: 58
Volunteer.Appointment Committee
Date: 2018-06-06 Time: ,7:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session:
Purpose: Version`
Attendees: Members Present:
Barry Berman, Dan Ensminger
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Administrative Assistant Brendan Sweeney, Select Board member Vanessa .
Alvarado
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Brendan Sweeney
Topics of Discussion:
Barry Berman called :the Select Board to order, and Dan Ensminger tailed the VASC-to
Order, both at 7:01 PM. .
Michael Bourque, incumbent Town Forest Committee member, was the first to be
interviewed,. He spoke of the conflict that had existed between the dog walkers and'
campers, and is optimistic that the...solutions reached will permanently.quell the issue..
Going forward he indicated that the biggest issue will be the sick pine trees, and how to .
effectively replace those with indigenous species so that the forest will flourish. His final
point was to note the interest from.the committee in working with the Technology
department to promote the various forms of wildlife in the forest.
Next to be interviewed was Mary-Ellen Killion of the Recreation Committee: She highlighted
some areas-she'd love the committee to work towards addressing (Birch Meadow:Complex,
pond/ice rink, Barrows and Sturges tennis courts),.and also'noted that.she is-concerned. .,
about dialogue behind certain issues becoming too contentious going forward.
Gretchen Latowsky and.Gina Snyder of the Climate Advisory Committee were the next to be'
interviewed. They spoke to the importance of educating constituentson theplastic bag
ban, which is to be fully implemented in September. Additionally, they talked about how
crucial it is to keep residents educated, and pitched a potential partnership with the schools.
Other potential projects were mentioned, such as a partnership with RMLD in building solar
panels,. initiatives to promote biking downtown,.and partnerships on programs with .
.neighboring communities such as'Wakefield.
New applicant David Neumeyer was interviewed next, and he had listed a slew of
committees as potential areas of interest. Early in the meeting he noted his desire to
actively work outdoors, as it is one.of his passions since he retired from his role in
academia. .During the course of conversation the Trails Committee was proposed as a
potential good fit.
Page I.l.
(At this time Vanessa Alvarado left the.meeting).
Michael Flynn of the Conservation.Commission was thenext to be brought in, and was:
asked by Berman what the ideal skillset of-a member would be. Flynn noted thatwetland
scientists would be the best fit, but that-currently the committee has members from a,
variety of professions. .He did highlight the problem.of communication between the various
boards in town on certain issues (CPDC,-ZBA) and that clarity on which;issue should be
redirected to which committee would be-helpful.
A panel of Human Relations Advisory Committee applicants was brought in next,:composed
of incumbent Joshua Goldlust, and-new-applicants Susan.Gaskell and Kerri Riley. Goldlust
stressed.that the main'prob.lem with the committee in the.past has-been that,they have .
been too reactive in addressing issues, and that they should be-proactive and try to get out
in front of an issue. Berman highlighted how important HRAC is to.the town in starting the
dialogue-for-the difficult conversations. Gold lust believes that a clarified mission for the
committee would help them accomplish this better. Gaskell and Riley highlighted their
backgrounds for the VASC, both either were or are currently Human Resources professionals
interested in giving back to.fhe community.
Pamela Adrian, new applicant to the Community Planning & Development Commission, was
the next interviewed. She emphasized the importance for residents to participate in the
growth and development process in town, and that her Ash Street neighborhood ,was not
currently represented on_the board.. Additionally, she stressed the.importance of positive.
relationships between town officials and 'developers in order to ensure successful
development. Berman liked the idea of bringing neighborhood representation onto the
commission.
The final interview of the night was Stephen Herrick, incumbent member of the Audit
Committee. He explained the role of the committee as looking:at theareas of the town that
are most susceptible to malfeasance and providing guidance to the auditors.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM by unanimous vote.
Page 2