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Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Appointment Committee -Finance Committee
Date: 2024-06-07 Time: 12:00 PM
Building: Virtual Location: Zoom -
Address: Session: Open Session
Purpose: Interview and Appoint Candidates Version: Final
for Finance Committee
Attendees: Members - Present:
Chair Alan Foulds, Ed Ross, Carlo Bacci
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Boris Nusinov
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held remotely via Zoom.
Chair Alan Foulds called the meeting to order at 12:00 pm
Interview Candidates for Finance Committee:
Boris Nusinov:
Boris Nusinov has been a resident of Reading since 2005. He has worked in corporate
finance since 1995. He currently works for Rockland Trust Bank and leads a team of
portfolio managers who specialize In corporate debt. He is a father of two, one is a
sophomore in college, and his younger is a senior at RMHS and star lacrosse player. He
would like to help out in Town, and with his children getting older, he has more free time.
He feels that given his background in finance and dealing with high -profile companies, he
could be an asset to the Town and the Finance Committee.
Finance Committee Chair Ed Ross asked Mr. Nusinov if he has followed the Finance
Committee meetings or recent Town Meetings. Mr. Nusinov stated that he has reviewed
them sporadically, and will watch Select Board meetings when they are on YouTube. Mr.
Ross asked Mr. Nusinov if he works with municipalities, and whether he was familiar with
bonding. Mr. Nusinov stated that his team does not work with municipalities, as it focuses
on corporate debt. However, his company does work with non -profits who finance through
bonds.
Select Board Chair Carlo Baccl asked Mr. Nusinov if he has volunteered In Town. Mr.
Nusinov stated that he coached his chlldrens' basketball teams from first through eighth
grades, and he volunteers at the Cape Ann Animal Shelter in Gloucester, from where he has
adopted his pets.
Town Moderator Alan Foulds asked Mr. Nusinov If he would consider a leadership role on the
Finance Committee at some point. Mr. Nusinov stated that he would first want to walk
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before he runs, but if duty called, he would consider It. Mr. Foulds asked If he considered
volunteering for any other boards or committees. Mr. Nusinov stated that he had not, as he
feels his skill set would be best suited for the Finance Committee.
Mr. Nusinov asked the Appointment Committee what the three primary factors are that they
look for In members. Mr. Ross explained that having interest or background is helpful, but
he feels that it is more trait -based, such as being inquisitive and being comfortable asking
questions, understanding the thought process that goes into the budget, and having the
ability to participate.
Mr. Foulds also encouraged Mr. Nuslnov to run for Town Meeting, as It Is a great way to get
involved with the Town.
Deliberate and Vote on Appointments to the Finance Committee:
Ed Ross nominated Joe Carnahan, Geoffrey Coram, Endri Kume, David Fodera, and Boris
Nusinov for consideration for appointment to the Finance Committee, seconded by Carlo
Baccl.
The Appointment Committee discussed the experience and qualifications of each candidate.
Mr. Foulds stated that he would vote for the three Incumbents: Joe Carnahan, Geoffrey
Coram, and Endri Kume, with which Mr. Ross agreed. Mr. Bacci stated that his preferred
candidates were incumbents Endri Kume and Geoffrey Coram, and new applicant Boris
Nusinov. Mr. Baccl stated that he had concerns about reappointing Joe Carnahan based on
what has transpired with the Town Manager search and former Select Board Chair Jackie
McCarthy's resignation. Mr. Bacci referenced a quote in a letter sent by Ms. McCarthy to the
Select Board following her resignation that stated, "One [Town Meeting member] texted me
that an OML violation 'would be disastrous If It delegitlmized the outcome' of the vote for a
new Town Manager.". Mr. Baccl then read a text message, that he obtained through a
public records request, which he said was from Mr. Carnahan to Ms. McCarthy, that Ms.
McCarthy quoted in her letter.
Mr. Ross thanked Mr. Bacci for sharing that information, but noted that It would be helpful
to have context, and wanted to be fair to all parties and give them the opportunity to speak
for themselves, with which Mr. Foulds agreed. Mr. Baccl requested a delay In the vote so
that he can provide more facts. Mr. Foulds agreed and noted that it would only be fair to
hear from Mr. Carnahan as well. The Appointment Committee tasked staff with scheduling
a follow-up meeting for the Appointment Committee, and inviting Mr. Carnahan to discuss
this matter.
On a motion by Ed Ross, seconded by Carlo Bacci, the Finance Committee Appointment
Committee voted unanimously 3-0-0 to adjourn at 12:46 pm.
Roll call vote: Ed Ross - Yes, Carlo Baccl - Yes, Alan Foulds - Yes.
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