HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-06-11 Appointment Committee - Bylaw Committee Minutesr
Town of Reading
43 Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Appointment Committee -Bylaw Committee
Date: 2024-06-11
Building: Reading Town Hall
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Location: Conference Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: Interview and Appoint Members to Version: Final
Bylaw Committee
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Alan Foulds, Jesse Arnold (remote), Carlo Bacci (remote)
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Liz Sullivan (remote), Jared Belliveau (remote)
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Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in-person in the Town Hall Conference Room and remotely via Zoom.
Chair Alan Foulds called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm.
Interview Candidates for Bylaw Committee
Liz Sullivan
Liz Sullivan is an incumbent member of the Bylaw Committee. Town Moderator, and Chair
of the Appointment Committee, Alan Foulds asked Ms. Sullivan what she felt was the role of
the Bylaw Committee, if she would consider taking the Chair if the opportunity or need
arose, and if she had any known conflicts of interest. Ms. Sullivan stated that she felt the
Bylaw Committee can take on both responsive and proactive roles. While the Committee
should not create needs for bylaws, it should be responsive to input it has received, and
when in the course of reviewing bylaws, can find ways to make them clearer and more
understandable. If the need arose, she would consider assuming the Chair, though she
noted that she is currently the secretary, and current Chair Jesse Arnold is doing an
excellent job, and she is not looking to replace her. Her job has no ties to Town operations,
and she has no conflicts.
Select Board Chair Carlo Bacci asked if she was a Town Meeting member, or involved with
any other boards or committees, and what made her choose the Bylaw Committee. Ms.
Sullivan stated that she is not a Town Meeting member, but her husband is. While she is
Interested In being elected to Town Meeting, she noted that It Is difficult right now, as her
children are still young. She chose the Bylaw Committee because she writes fisheries
regulations for a living and felt she had the skillset to contribute to the Bylaw Committee.
Bylaw Committee Chair Jesse Arnold stated that Ms. Sullivan has been a very valuable
member of the Committee and her attention to detail is amazing. She has also done a
great job as secretary. Ms. Arnold asked Ms. Sullivan what she might like to see the Bylaw
Committee do differently if reappointed. Ms. Sullivan stated that she does not think things
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need to change, as the Committee is doing well with its charge, and it Is a very positive
group that has worked together even with staffing changes. She stated that she would like
to continue with the Committee because she enjoys It.
Jared Belliveau
Jared Belliveau is an Incumbent member of the Bylaw Committee. Mr. Foulds asked Mr.
Belliveau what his opinion is on the role of the Bylaw Committee. Mr. Belliveau stated that
he believes the job of the Committee is generally to look at what is presented by the Select
Board and Town Meeting, and evaluate the language for consistency so that it aligns with
the Bylaw in general. He does not see It as a policy making body, rather matters come to
the Committee bemuse something necessitated the Committee to look at them. Mr. Foulds
asked Mr. Belliveau if he would consider the Chair position, should the need arise. Mr.
Belliveau stated that he believes current Chair Jesse Arnold has done a great job, and he
would defer to members who have served on the Committee longer than he has. But if it is
something the Committee felt was necessary and no one else was able, he would be glad to
take on the responsibility. Mr. Foulds asked Mr. Belliveau if he had any known conflicts of
interest. Mr. Belliveau stated that he does not, nor does anyone in his household, have any
conflicts, or day-to-day dealings with the Town.
Bylaw Committee Chair Jesse Arnold noted that it was Mr. Belliveau who engaged the Bylaw
Committee with working on the snow shoveling bylaw. He had insightful things to say, and
got the whole Committee discussing, which she stated was helpful for everyone on the
Committee. Ms. Arnold asked Mr. Belliveau what ways he felt the Bylaw Committee could
Improve. Mr. Belliveau stated that maybe talking through things a little more, as an
educational piece for everyone on the Committee. He believed all the members ask good
questions and get to the right answer. He stated that it would be helpful for new members
to get a snapshot of what the Committee does and what they are responsible for.
Select Board Chair Carlo Bacci asked Mr. Belliveau If he had been Involved in any other
Boards or Committees, and what drew him to the Bylaw Committee. Mr. Belliveau stated
that other than being a Town Meeting Member, the Bylaw Committee is the only other
committee he has served on in town government. He noted that he had heard about
vacancies, and did not have much time to give, but the Bylaw Committee is aligned with his
academic interests and could accommodate his schedule.
Deliberate and Vote on Appointments to the Bylaw Committee
Bylaw Committee Chair Jesse Arnold stated that she has enjoyed working with Incumbents
Liz Sullivan and Jared Belliveau, and feels that they are valuable members. She appreciates
applicant Daniel Dewar's Interest, and noted that it was unfortunate that there were not
three openings to accommodate him, but her preference would be to keep things on the
Bylaw Committee as they are going.
Carlo Bacci nominated Liz Sullivan, Jared Belliveau, and Daniel Dewar for appointment to
the Bylaw Committee, seconded by Jesse Arnold.
Carlo Bacci voted for Dan Dewar and Jared Belliveau.
Jesse Arnold voted for IJz Sullivan and Jared Belliveau.
Alan Foulds voted for Liz Sullivan and Jared Belliveau.
With three votes, Jared Belliveau was reappointed to a three-year term on the Bylaw
Committee, expiring June 30, 2027.
With two votes, Liz Sullivan was reappointed to a three-year term on the Bylaw Committee,
expiring June 30, 2027.
On a motion by Jesse Arnold, seconded by Carlo Bacci, the Bylaw Committee Appointment
Committee voted unanimously 3-0-0 to adjourn at 6:27 pm.
Roll call vote: Carlo Bacci - Yes, Jesse Arnold - Yes, Alan Foulds - Yes.
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