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HomeMy WebLinkAboutVolunteer Advisory Sub Comm 12/22/2022Volunteer Advisory Sub -Committee Meeting Minutes for December 22, 2022 ff�� ��rr�#�f rRr���Ef�C`EIVED Present: less Aptowitz attended the meeting at Town Hall in meeting room 2 A/B. MrriGl�th`a2111-fe 4OFFICE Chair of the Conservation Commission and Ms. Katelyn Gonyer, Environmental and CorMjv gnlPdan r, were also present. Mr. Frank DelVecchio was not able to attend. Jb IL: 0 1 Open the Meeting MANSFIELD • MASSACHIISETTS Meeting was called to order by Jess Aptowitz 5:3013M. • Interview Jonathan Hedlund for the Conservation Commission Mr. Aptowitz introduced Ms. Gonyer and Mr, Healy. Mr. Aptowitz then asked Mr. Hedlund to share a little bit about himself. Mr. Hedlund responded that he moved here five years ago and that he was a professional civil engineer for twelve years and he is very familiar with the conservation process. Mr. Aptowitz then asked him what attracted him to apply and he responded that he wanted to get involved and feels that his knowledge and experience would be an asset to the Conservation Commission. Ms. Gonyer stated that his experience as a civil engineer is helpful and she explained what the Commission is currently working on. Mr. Healey stated that all the easy sites have been built on and now the complicated sites are coming before the Commission. Mr. Healey stated that the Commission tries to be fair and help the applicant. Mr. Aptowitz stated that Conservation and ZBA are two of the Boards that sometimes have to say no and make a decision that is in the best interest of the Town. Ms. Gonyer stated that in her ten years here there have been no appeals, • Interview Melinda Tarsi for the Finance Committee Mr. Aptowitz explained the process and noted that there are three applicants for two openings. He then asked Ms. Tarsi to share a little bit about herself. She responded that she has lived in Mansfield for two years and had served on the Finance Committee for the Town of Halifax for five years and as Chair for three budget cycles. She stated that she is a professor of Public Administration for Bridgewater State University. Mr. Aptowitz asked her what attracted her to apply and Ms. Tarsi responded that when she moved here she wanted to get involved in whatever capacity and she does serve on the Industrial Development Commission and wants to serve on the Finance Committee because on that Committee you see everything about local government and her passion is Finance. Mr. Aptowitz then asked what her strongest attribute was and she responded that her past experience on the Finance Committee as well as Select Board member what is the most pressing issues facing the Finance Committee. Mr. Aptowitz responded that it is always the budget and there is never enough money to go around. He added that things are different now than when he was first on the Board like social media, cyber security insurance and the Town has to pay prevailing wage so projects all cost more. • Interview Eric Correira, Edward Valanzola, Ryan Maxwell, Matthew List and Scott Austin for the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) Ms. Champagne provided an overview of the vacancies. Mr. Aptowitz thanked everyone for coming in and explained the process of tonight's meeting and then the full Select Board on January 4th will consider all applicants and make the appointments. Mr. Aptowitz asked each to tell a little bit about themselves. Mr. Ryan Maxwell stated that he has been a life long resident and works for a civil engineer firm. He also noted that is on the ZBA as an associate member and also serves on the Board of Health and was previously a member on the Conservation Commission. Mr. Matt List responded that he moved to Mansfield in 2009 and was first on the Masterplan Committee and is a current alternate on the ZBA and works for a consultant firm as an economist. Mr. Scott Austin stated that he is a lifelong resident and was on the ZBA back in 2002 and is a retired police officer. Mr. Eric Correira responded that he has lived in Mansfield for fourteen years and has been on the ZBA for eight years and is an attorney. Mr. Edward Valanzola responded that he has been in Mansfield since 1985 and was on the ZBA for several years in the late eighties. He stated that he is an attorney specializing in land use, planning and zoning. Mr. Aptowitz asked each what interested them in applying for the position. Mr. Valanzola stated that he was stepping away from the litigation phase and stated that he enjoys writing and think his skill set can help in writing decisions for the ZBA and help the town. Mr. Correira responded that he sees value in giving back to the community and it is difficult sometimes, but has enjoyed the work, Mr. Austin giving back to the Town. He thought it was important to give people zoning relief to keep people living in Mansfield and also that it is gratifying to serve. Mr. List stated that his initial interest in serving on the ZBA started after serving on the Master Plan Committee. He stated that there are difficult decisions and find the work rewarding and likes the research in reading old Town Meeting minutes to understand the intent of the zoning bylaws. Mr. Maxwell stated that he enjoys being plugged into what is happening in the Town and helping where I can and he believes that his experience as a civil engineer is beneficial to help understand the process. Mr. Aptowitz asked what is their strongest attribution that they bring to the Board. Mr. Austin responded that as a police officer and growing up in the Town he has a lot of knowledge as well as previously serving on the ZBA. Mr. List stated that he tends to dig deep and his research skills have been helpful to bring to j the meetings especially on the complicated issues. Mr. Maxwell stated that he is fair and consistent. Mr. Correira responded that as an attorney he wants to make sure that he is fair and the decision is rational and that all parts have been reviewed and considered. Mr. Valanzola stated that he is able to understand the applicable bylaws and that he has been in front of so many Boards and he said it is important to make sure applicants feel that the Board is listening and open minded and that they were treated with respect. Mr. Aptowitz asked if they had any personal beliefs or interests that could unduly influence their decision and how would they handle it. Mr. Correira stated he would recuse himself if needed and state the reason why. Mr. List responded that he also would recuse himself. Mr. Valanzola responded that he is sensitive to it and if a conflict he would recuse himself. Mr. Maxwell have an office in Mansfield and would recuse Mr. Aptowitz asked if any of the candidates had any questions. Mr. Valan2 Mr. Correira responded that once a month and some months there is no r next steps. • Other items not known 48 hours in advance of the meeting There were no items. • Adjourn The meeting ended at November 9, 2022 at 6:51PM. Signature Prepared by Carrie Champagne Date ?Zle�p-s