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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019 -5-06 Volunteer Appointment Committee r Town of Reading z Meeting Minutes TEIVD OWNCLERK READING, MA. F/ Board - Committee - Commission - Council: 2019 MAY 23 AM 8: 39 6 Volunteer Appointment Committee Date: 2019-05-06 Time: 6:30 PM Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session Purpose: General Business Version: Final Attendees: Members - Present: Vanessa Alvarado, Andy Friedmann Members - Not Present: Others Present: Administrative Assistant Jacquelyn LaVerde Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: The VASC interviewed candidates for various volunteer positions. Pino D'Orazio is an incumbent member of the Historic District Commission seeking reappointment. Mr. D'Orazio noted that he is learning a lot by working on the Commission and enjoying his participation. In his opinion, the biggest issue the Commission has faced is the renovation of 186 Summer Street. The fear was that the developer was trying to stall long enough for the building to fall into such disrepair that It would have to be demolished. But, the Commission was finally provided with the opportunity to view the inside and members were satisfied that the building is fine structurally, and were reassured that the developer is progressing with renovations. Joan Coco is an incumbent member of the Council on Aging seeking reappointment. Ms. Coco was very involved at the Senior Center by participating in activities, and by working as a substitute receptionist. Serving on the Council seemed logical to her. She noted the Center needs a new van, as the old one was decommissioned and Senior Centers in the area are measured by the quality of the trips they offer. Ms. Alvarado asked Ms. Coco about her thoughts on the needs of seniors, and what more the Select Board could do for seniors and for the Council. Ms. Coco answered that there is a vast difference in the needs of older seniors and younger seniors, and that a new facility and funds for a new facility are much needed. David Williams is an incumbent member of the Trails Committee seeking reappointment. Mr. Williams stated that he is proud to be on the Committee and has served on it since its inception. He believes that the Town needs a real leash law on Conservation land. One thing he noted that the Committee could use is more help. There are vacancies for associate members, and skilled volunteers are always needed on projects along the trails. Ms. Alvarado stated that the Select Board could assist by announcing projects and the need for volunteers at their meetings. Gage I 1 William Sullivan is an incumbent member of the Town Forest Committee seeking reappointment. Mr. Sullivan stated that the health of Town Forest could be improved. The Committee engaged the help of a forester to help develop a pilot thinning program to expose younger saplings to sunlight and promote new growth. The Committee plans to present the project to the Select Board, then host public meetings, then submit a bid document and take bids to find out how much it would cost. Ms. Alvarado asked Mr. Sullivan if he had any other concerns. Mr. Sullivan noted that people seem to treat Town Forest as a dog park. Mr. Friedmann agreed that people like to let their dogs loose and that creating a dog park elsewhere in Town might be a solution worth discussing. Nicholas Safina is an incumbent member of the Community Planning & Development Commission seeking reappointment. Mr. Safina pointed out challenges that Reading faces including: lack of desirable facilities for attractive commercial industries such as biotech; establishing a central transportation hub; the potential for a regional DPW garage at Camp Curtis Guild; and mixed zoning. Ms. Alvarado noted that the Generals in charge of the Camp turnover regularly, and the discussion starts over with each one. Mr. Friedmann suggested that appeals from Commission members to State Representatives may help. Katherine Lopez Natale is seeking appointment to the Cultural Council. Mr. Friedmann recused himself from the interview citing a conflict of interest. Ms. Lopez Natale stated that she became interested in the Council after speaking with her friend and current Council Chair, Donna Schenkel. Her interest stems from her background as a French and Spanish teacher. Ms. Alvarado stated that the Council currently only has vacancies for Associate members and asked if Ms. Lopez Natale would still be interested in an Associate position. Ms. Lopez Natale confirmed that she is still interested. Carl Mittnight is seeking appointment to the Historical Commission. Mr. Mittnight was a member of the Commission previously, even serving as Chair at one time. Because there are no current openings on the Historical Commission, Mr. Mittnight expressed interest in the Historic District Commission and welcomes the opportunity to learn. Ms. Alvarado noted some other Boards and Committees that need members, and might be of interest to Mr. Mittnight. Mr. Mittnight felt that Historic District Commission would be the best fit. Nancy Docktor is an incumbent associate member of the Town Forest Committee seeking reappointment. She explained that the Committee is contemplating hosting a future State Town Forest Conference, which would be funded by a grant. Ms. Alvarado asked Ms. Docktor how she feels about dogs being off-leash in the Town Forest. Ms. Docktor noted that it would be wonderful to have a dog park elsewhere in Town. Bylaw changes would be needed in order to implement leash laws. Jack Williams is an incumbent member of the Historical Commission seeking reappointment. Mr. Williams stated that there are two things he would like to see change: extend demolition delay to one year, and require more design review by the Planning Board. Ms. Alvarado asked how extending the demolition delay would help. Mr. Williams explained that a 12- month delay would hurt contractors financially, prompting them to progress more quickly with renovations, and decreasing the risk that a property could be demolished by neglect. He knows that such changes would need to be approved at Town Meeting, but is hopeful the Select Board will support the Commission and prioritize such potential changes. The VASC adjourned at 8:20 pm. Page 1 2