HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-11 Volunteer Appointment Committee MinutesTown of Reading
4 Meeting Minutes
Board - Committee - Commission - Council:
Volunteer Appointment Committee
Date: 2025-06-11 Time: 6:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Karen Rose -Gillis, Melissa Murphy (remote)
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
X
Everett Blodgett, ]on Federico (remote), Pino D'Orazio, Aditya Bengali
(remote), Krissandra Holmes, Chris Cridler (remote), Derek Puff, Caitlin
Salmon (remote)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in -person in the Berger Conference Room of Town Hall and remotely via Zoom.
The meeting was called to order at 6:01 pm.
Interview incumbents and new applicants for Boards and Committees.
Everett Blodgett
Incumbent Historic District Commission (HDC) member Everett Blodgett stated that he enjoys being on the
Commission. He ran a construction business for years and he loves architecture and construction. He is an
avid genealogist and an avid house watcher, so the HOC aligns with his interests. He stated that he is a little
disappointed with the growth in Reading over the last ten years or so, as it has become suburbanized, which
affects the Historic District, and the changes homeowners want to make to their property.
John Federico
John Federico is an incumbent member of the Recreation Committee. He has only attended a few meetings, as
he was just recently appointed, but says he is learning a lot. He has a background in real estate and stated that
he fell that there are other committees he could help on, but he chose Recreation, as he felt he could assist
night away, has a sports background, and has kids, so it is the best fit for him at this time.
Pino o'or io
Pino D'Orazio is the current Chair of the Historical Commission and stated that it has been going well on the
Commission. He noted that several homeowners have come forward expressing interest in getting on the
historic registry. The Commission is working on getting feedback on a demolition delay bylaw. Mr. D'Orazio is
also on the Historic District Commission. As a history major in college, he was drawn to both committees.
Aditya Bengali
Aditya Bengali is a new applicant interested in several boards and committees including Board of Health and
Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC). He has lived in Reading for eight years and was
recently elected to Town Meeting. As a Program Manager for a pharmaceutical company, he is interested in
the Board of Health. He is interested in CPDC, as he feels that he could use his skills as a Program Manager to
benefit the CPDC, and that he could really learn a lot by serving on the Commission. He would like to volunteer
wherever the Town has the most use for him.
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Krissandre Holmes
Krissandra Holmes is an incumbent member of the Board of Registrars. She likes serving on the Board, as it
enables her to keep up on what is happening in town. She is a long-time member of the Reading Republic
Town Committee and has always been interested in politics. She enjoys being a part of what is happening and
would like to continue.
Chris Cddler
Chris Cddler is an incumbent member of the Reading Community Television (RCTV) Board of Directors (BOD).
Mr. Cddler acknowledged that communication between the Select Board and RCN BOD has issues. He has
been a member of the BOD since 2018, and until two weeks ago, only one Select Board member had ever
contacted him regarding RCN. He noted that while the BOD tries to maintain a good relationship with the
Select Board, they need to improve, and he is happy to help find ways to resolve communication issues.
Derek Puff
Derek Puff is a new applicant interested in the Town Forest Committee. He is looking for an opportunity to
donate his time to the Town. He stated that the Town Forest is important to him and serving on the Committee
would be a good way that he could contribute. He has lived in town for 16 years. He knows Town Forest
Committee Chair Jeff Lamson through the Scouts, as a lot of Eagle Scouts projects happen in the Town Forest.
At a VASC meeting last week, Mr. Lamson noted that Mr. Puff was planning to submit an application and spoke
in support of Mr. Puff joining the Committee.
Caftlin Salmon
Caitlin Salmon is an incumbent member of the Board of Cemetery Trustees, having served for the last seven
years. She joined with her dad, who has sadly since passed away, but she enjoys staying on in honor of him.
She is also interested in the Recreation Committee, but she has a very busy schedule and is involved with
several sports and other organizations in Town.
Deliberate and Make Recommendations for Appointments to Volunteer Boards and Committees
Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee members Melissa Murphy and Karen Rose -Gillis discussed and agreed
on most recommendations. The only recommendation they did not agree on was for the RCN Board of
Directors. Ms. Murphy felt that a change was needed in RCN leadership, while Ms. Rose -Gillis felt that
consistency would benefit RCN during upcoming contract negotiations with the Town.
[A full listing of their recommendations is appended to these minutes.]
Approve Prior Meeting Minutes
On a motion by Karen Rose -Gillis, seconded by Melissa Murphy, the Volunteer Appoinbnent
Subcommittee voted 2-0 to approve the meeting minutes of June 3, 2025, June 4, 2025, and June 8,
2025, as presented.
Roll call vote: Melissa Murphy — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes.
The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm.
Roll call vote: Melissa Murphy —Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes.
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