HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-06-04 Volunteer Appointment Committee MinutesKEGEIVED
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Meeting Minutes
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Board - Committee - commission - Council:
Volunteer Appointment Committee
Date: 2026-06-04 Time: 4:00 PM
Building: Reading Town Hall Location: Berger Room
Address: 16 Lowell Street Session: Open Session
Purpose: General Business Version: Final
Attendees: Members - Present:
Sal Bramante (remote), Karen Rose -Gillis
Members - Not Present:
Others Present:
Vivek Son] (remote), Heather Clish (remote), Elizabeth Rogers (remote),
Carlo Bacci (remote), Jason Gok (remote), Kevin Sexton, Joy Beaulieu,
William Finch, Tina Ohlson, Salvatore Russo, Cultural Council Chair Steve
Theodoridis (remote)
Minutes Respectfully Submitted By: Jacquelyn LaVerde
Topics of Discussion:
This meeting was held in -person in the Town Hall Berger Conference Room and remotely via Zoom.
The Volunteer Appointment Subcommittee called to order at 4;06 pm.
Vivek Soni is the incumbent Reading representative on me rceaamg
Citizens Advisory Board (CAB), and current Chair. He explained that the CAB gives a voice to the three other
member towns of RMLD, North Reading, Lynnfeld, and Wilmington, to ensure they are treated fairly, feel
respected, and get the right attention. The CAB holds joint meetings with the RMLD Board of Commissioners to
ensure that the advisory board is getting the appropriate information. Mr. Sort has been involved in the energy
and clean technology business for the last 21 years in corporate leadership roles.
Heather Clish is an incumbent member of the Community Planning and Development Commission (CPDC)
and its current Chair. She stated that things are going well on the Commission. Project review has declined
recently, giving the Commission space to look ahead to future planning. She feels the members have a good
diversity of experience and thought, and they are able to solve problems together. There have been some
contentious projects that required a lot of listening and careful attention. She noted that it is a popular board, as
people care about the look, feel, and financial implications of how the town develops.
Liz Rogers is an incumbent member of the Cultural Council. She feels that things are going well with the
funding the Council receives. The Council just had their annual reception last week where grantees shared
information about their organizations. She feels that it is rewarding to hear about all the successes made
possible by the Cultural Council grants and help with networking in the community. She noted the Council could
certainly use more people, and while they are not short staffed, it is good to have depth.
Carlo Bacci is a new applicant to the Recreation Committee. When he was a member of the Select Board, he
served as the liaison to the Committee for six years. He is an avid pickleball player. Recreation Committee is
the only boardicommittee in which he is interested.
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Jason Gbk is a new applicant with several interests including Permanent Building Committee, Historical
Commission, and Cultural Council. He stated that he has never volunteered for a town board or committee, and
he is not sure where he might be helpful, but he would like to help out. He is particularly interested in the
Historical Commission, having seen the pictures throughout Town Hall. He is interested in the Permanent
Building Committee (Permanent Building has a separate Appointment Committee), as he has a child in
elementary school, though he is more interested in Cultural Council or Historical Commission. He feels he
would only be able to commit to one board or committee at this time.
Kevin Sexton is an incumbent member of the Board of Health. He shared that things on the Board are going
great, and the town has a great Health Department. The meetings are remote, and while he does like the
convenience, he also notes the downside of people without internet being unable to access them. He attributes
the state of the Board to the hard work of the Board and staff, and to former board members, especially Emmy
Dove, who led the Board through COVID.
Joy Beaulieu is a new applicant interested in Cultural Council and Bylaw Committee (Bylaw has a separate
Appointment Committee). She had also indicated CPDC on her application but stated that she was no longer
interested in CPDC. She is finishing her volunteer activities at the High School and will have more free time.
Cultural Council is her first choice and she would prefer full membership with the ability to vote. She enjoys
serving as a Town Meeting member, and has enjoyed fundraising for the High School band, though will not be
needed as much, as her son goes off to college in the fall. She learned about the need for members on the
Climate Advisory Committee and stated that she would be interested in helping out on that Committee as well.
Will Finch is an incumbent member of the Trails Committee, having served on it since its inception. Prior to
that, he served on the Northern Area Greenway Committee. The Committee is starting its busy summer season
with boardwalk replacements and other projects. He stated that he appreciates the support of the Select Board,
Town Manager, and Department of Public Works.
Tina Ohlson is an incumbent member of the Board of Registrars. The Board meets when something needs to
get done, such as deciding whether to vote by mail and early voting, if there is a recount, and things of that
nature. She attends the elections in person from open to close to ensure things run smoothly. She is an
attorney by trade and works in criminal defense and family law and is starting to work on wills and estates. She
has no problems or complaints about serving on the Board.
Sal Russo is a new applicant interested in the Historical Commission. He has always been interested in history
and hung around old parts of the North End of Boston growing up. He has lived in Reading since 1971, and he
received a historical plaque for his house that was built circa 1887. He is impressed by the members of the
Historical Commission and what they do.
On a motion by Sal Bramante, seconded by Karen Rose -Gillis, the Volunteer Appointment
Subcommittee voted 2-0 to adjourn at 6:11 pm.
Roll call vote: Sal Bramante — Yes, Karen Rose -Gillis — Yes.
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