HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-05-30 Volunteer Appointment Committee Minutes N oeq�
Town of Reading
a Meeting Minutes
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R E A D € N ter.; iz?A.
Board Committee - Commission - Council:
Volunteer Appointment Committ4..10 JUN 19 PF 2: 58
Date: 2018-05-30 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
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: . Brendan Sweeney
Topics of Discussion:
Dan Ensminger called the meeting to order at 7`02 PM..
Pino D'Orazio was the first applicant interview, and-he had listed. multiple committees of
interest. He noted that he has lived in Reading since 2012, and works as a contracts lawyer
for the Air Force in Bedford. Specifically, D'Orazio highlighted his interest in history, and
was briefed further about the Historical and Historic District Commissions.and their roles.
Incumbent Historical and Historic District members Priscilla 'Poehler, Virginia Adams, and.
Sharlene Reynolds Santo were the next to be interviewed. When pressed on what beneficial
changes-could be made to help the committees, they-noted tweaks in the development
process (such as. a 12-month demolition delay).would make it easier to work with.
developers' which they highlighted,as their overall.goal. Additionally, Adams noted the
work that.she and the committee as a whole has been doing for the 100th anniversary of
World War 1 commemoration.
Bill Brown of the Boardof Cemetery Trustees interviewed next, and highlighted the
cemetery's need for additional staffing, specifically a director: Additionally, with the
potential -DPW move he brought up the need for a.new cemetery building.
Brian Kimerer., a former member of the Arts Reading group and active volunteer in town, .
Was brought in next to interview..for the Cultural Council. During the course of conversation
Berman brought,up the potential of creating a distinct public space dedicated for the
Cultural Council and its work, and pitched the potential of consolidating multiple town
services in new buildings to address various.areas of concern at once. Kimerer stressed
how important word-.of-mouth is.in attracting the artists.in Reading to the opportunities
available in town.
.Bea Perkins and Marie Hanson, two Tanherville residents and applicants.to the Reading
Housing Authority, were the next to be interviewed. They both spoke tor how well run they
believe the Tannerville complex is, and explained how rent and other costs are calculated
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for tenants. They both emphasized the "family-like" atmosphere that exists in the
community:
Incumbent Cultural Council members Jane Soloway, Megan Fidler-Carey, and Maryann
Kozlowski interviewed next.. They spoke to the.funding process; and how.they receive
money from the state, which is then.distributed to various cultural events in town. The
needs for both increased publicity and a designated physical space were:brought upas . .
concerns. Berman, Ensm'inger, and the incumbent applicants then began.to brainstorm
waya to boost the arts in Reading, such as photo contests, increased promotion, utilization
of the Downtown,.and .potentially working.in a public space for arts.into one of the town
buildings.,
Amelia Freedman; prospective applicant to the, Historical and Historic District Commissions,
was the last to be interviewed. She spoke to her background in history through academia,
and how she is a volunteer on the New England Historical Genealogy Society.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 PM by unanimous vote.
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