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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-03 Appointment Committee - Finance Committee MinutesV� rq� "� Town of Reading ^ s Meeting Minutes ' Jl IR Board - Committee - Commission - Council: Appointment Committee -Finance Committee Date: 2024-06-03 Building: Reading Town Hall Address: 16 Lowell Street Purpose: General Business Attendees: Members - Present: Time: 7:30 PM TOEIVE CLERK READING MA. 2024 JUN I I PM 12:05 Location: Select Board Meeting Room Session: Open Session Version: Final Chair Alan Foulds, Ed Ross, Carlo Bacci Members - Not Present: Others Present: Joe Carnahan, Geoffrey Coram, Endri Kume, David Focal (remote), Carla Nazzaro, Amanda Lynn (remote), Heidi Wise (remote) Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde Topics of Discussion: This meeting was held in-person in the Select Board Meeting Room of Town Hall and remotely via Zoom. Chair Alan Foulds called the meeting to order at 7:30 pm. Joe Carnahan: Joe Carnahan is an incumbent on the Finance Committee, having just completed two years on the Committee, and is seeking reappointment. He stated that he has learned a lot by being on the Finance Committee and feels that he is contributing by asking questions and digging into details. He is currently Vice Chair of the Committee, and had to fill in for a meeting as Chair, which he feels was good experience, as he is the Finance Committee representative on the ad hoc CPA Study Committee, to which he was just appointed Chair. Finance Committee Chair Ed Ross asked Mr. Carnahan about his liaison assignments, and what recommendations he would have for improving the Finance Committee. Mr. Carnahan has held liaison assignments with RMLD, though Finance Committee does not contribute much, as RMLD has a separate budget, and to the Select Board, which he noted has been helpful, as questions have come up in Finance Committee discussions, and many of them have already been answered in Select Board discussions. He stated that liaisons to Town Departments feel like a missed opportunity, and the Finance Committee could learn what they are doing throughout the year. Select Board Chair Carlo Bacci asked Mr. Carnahan if he served on any boards or committees prior to the Finance Committee. Mr. Carnahan stated that he served on the Conservation Commission for one year, as a friend serving on that Commission said that it was having trouble achieving a quorum. He stated that he learned a lot on Conservation, but Finance Committee more aligns with his interests in town government, math, and spreadsheets. Page 1 1 Mr. Bacci asked Mr. Carnahan if he was one of the Town Meeting members that former Select Board Chair Jackie McCarthy referred to in her letter to the Select Board regarding her resignation, and whether he asked her to support a particular candidate. Mr. Carnahan explained that Ms. McCarthy contacted him In November to ask him about the process for the Town Manager Screening Committee, as she was concerned about scenarios with ranked vote counts. In February, following the Town Manager Interviews, Mr. Carnahan stated that he called Jackie McCarthy, and Select Board members Karen Herrick and Mark Dockser to express his preference for an outside candidate that had completed projects similar to those on which Reading is embarking. He noted that he had heard that members Chris Haley and Carlo Bacci preferred another candidate, and did not think they would be interested in his comments. Town Moderator Alan Foulds asked Mr. Carnahan if he would be interested in taking a leadership role on the Finance Committee, and if there was anything he would consider doing differently. Mr. Carnahan said yes, but this year might be challenging, as he was just appointed Chair of the ad hoc Community Preservation Act Study Committee. Geoffrey Coram: Geoffrey Coram is an Incumbent on the Finance Committee, having completed his first three-year term after losing a run for School Committee. He stated that he has enjoyed his time on the Finance Committee, that the Committee gets along very well, and has mutual respect for each other. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Coram what liaison assignments he has had, and If he has any recommendations for what the Finance Committee can do differently. Mr. Coram stated that he is the liaison to the School Committee and Public Safety Department, and took the Citizens Police Academy last fall. He suggested that the Finance Committee should get a better understanding of free cash, and the appropriate amount to use to support the operating budget. He also suggested getting a better understanding of the Capital Plan, and how and when what projects go on and off it. Mr. Bacci asked Mr. Coram if he served on any boards or committees prior to the Finance Committee, and whether he would consider running for School Committee again. Mr. Coram stated that he was an interim School Committee member, and that he served on the Parent-Teacher organizations for Birch Meadow Elementary, Coolidge Middle School, and Reading Memorial High School when his children were in school. He also stated that he would consider serving where he is best needed, and could see himself running for School Committee If there is a vacancy In the future. He is more Interested in the School side of government than the Town side, but perhaps Finance Committee is the right place to find how things fit into the budget. Mr. Foulds asked if he would consider the Chair at some point. Mr. Coram stated that depending on his personal situation, and who is Interested in the job, he would consider it. Endri Kume: Endri Kume is an incumbent on the Finance Committee. Prior to serving on the Committee, he was the Town Treasurer for five years, and by virtue of office, a member of the Commissioners of Trust Funds. He stated that he has enjoyed his time working with the Finance Committee, and would love to continue contributing at the volunteer level. He has spent his entire career in Finance, and is still in the Finance field. Mr. Bacci asked Mr. Kume if he has served on any other boards and committees. Mr. Kume stated that he served on the Commissioners of Trust Funds as the Town Treasurer. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Kume what liaison assignments he has had, and what he would do differently. Mr. Kume stated that he is the liaison to RMLD and the Department of Public Works. While he has not attended RMLD Board of Commissioners meetings, he has been following them, and would like to be more engaged with them. He also noted that Public Page 12 Works runs smoothly, but he would like to be more engaged if they would like to speak with him about borrowing, as they often have projects that are funded by borrowing. Mr. Foulds asked Mr. Kume If he would be interested in a leadership role in the future. Mr. Kume stated that he would, and that he hopes everyone on the Committee will serve as Chair at some point. David Fodera: David Fodera is a new applicant Interested in joining the Finance Committee. He has been a resident of Reading his entire life, attended Reading Public Schools from elementary school through High School, and played several sports. He attended Salem State University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude. Following college, he started his own financial planning business where he can help personalize financial plans for each of his clients. He stated that through his work he has developed a keen eye for detail and a commitment to financial excellence. He has deep-rooted connections to Reading, and would be happy to offer his expertise to the Town. Mr. Bacci asked Mr. Fodera if he served on any other boards or committees, or if he had interest in any other volunteer boards. Mr. Fodera stated that this is the first time he has applied for any boards or committees. He has a passion for finance, but he would also be Interested in Parks and Recreation, or Audit Committee. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Fodera how he heard about the Finance Committee, what questions he may have, and what feedback or recommendations he might have. Mr. Fodera stated that he understands that the Finance Committee advises Town Meeting on budget and other town matters. While he has a basic understanding of the Committee, he would like to learn more before making any recommendations. Mr. Ross asked Mr. Fodera If he Is a Town Meeting member, to which Mr. Fodera answered that he is not. Mr. Foulds encouraged Mr. Fodera to run for Town Meeting, as that is the best way to learn everything about the Town. He also asked Mr. Fodera if he would consider a leadership role in the future. Mr. Fodera stated that he certainly would, and plans on being committed to the community and being a volunteer. Mr. Fodera asked the Appointment Committee what opportunities the Committee may have to improve the financial efficiency of the Town, and what role technology may play in it. Mr. Ross answered that currently, there are several capital projects coming up, and the Committee held a unique spring Financial Forum to educate people. There is also more that the Committee can do to advise on the operating budget, as Inflation and contracts are real, and can be stresses on the budget. Mr. Ross also noted that a lot of what the Town does is municipal based, so technology is not advanced. But he has a high degree of confidence in Town staff, who are happy to share information. Because there was a new applicant that was unable to attend this evening, the Appointment Committee asked staff to coordinate a remote -only meeting for a later date. At that meeting, the Appointment Committee will conduct the final Interview and discuss and vote on appointments. On a motion by Ed Ross, seconded by Carlo Baccl, the Finance Committee Appointment Committee voted unanimously 3-0-0 to adjourn at 8:14 pm. Page 1 3