Published December 5, 2019
By MAUREEN DOHERTY
NORTH READING — Volunteers are the lifeblood of a vibrant community and their expertise is vital to the functioning of countless worthwhile endeavors in this town.
Recognizing that time is a finite resource and attrition of volunteers is inevitable, a few times each year the Town Administrator’s office publishes a listing of vacancies or anticipated turnover on town boards and committees to which either the Select Board or the Town Administrator appoint the members.
Appointments are generally made prior to the end of the calendar year. Sometimes, appointments are made during the year to fill the unexpired portion of a term.
Anyone interested in serving on any of the following 16 boards and committees listed below in the coming year is asked to complete the Citizens Activity Record available on the town website at: www.northreadingma.gov. However, due to technical issues with the online form, do not fill out the form online. Instead, print it out and either email the completed form to: townadministrator@northreadingma.gov or fax it to: 978-664-6053.
Submit the form as soon as possible because the Select Board’s only meeting in this month is Monday, Dec. 16. The board’s meeting this past Monday night was canceled due to the snowstorm.
Those who have previously completed an application are asked to resubmit it again unless they have already received a confirmation email stating that their application has been received. This is due to the fact that the technical glitch prevented the T.A.’s office from receiving some applications.
“There was a problem with the software where we were not getting notified of every applications that was coming in. That means I can’t in good faith recommend to the Select Board any appointments or reappointments because we don’t know whether there are candidates out there who applied that we did not receive,” T.A. Michael Gilleberto told the Transcript Monday afternoon. If Monday’s meeting had not been canceled he would have asked the Select Board to pass over that agenda item to give townspeople more time to respond to the request. The time commitment varies involved varies with each committee; some meet weekly, others infrequently only as needed.
Gilleberto added, “This is an issue with a vendor who helps us with our town website; it is not anything internal here at the Town Hall.”
Questions concerning this process may be directed to townadministrator@northreadingma.gov or call the Town Administrator’s office at 978-664-6010.
Select Board appointments:
Board of Appeals – This is a quasi-judicial board that acts on appeals of zoning interpretations and variances from the zoning bylaws. Also acts as special permit granting authority for certain uses allowed under zoning. Meets twice a month.
Commission on Disabilities – This commission advises and assists municipal officials in ensuring compliance with state and federal laws that affect people with disabilities. Meetings are held monthly.
Conservation Commission – This commission is responsible for formulating local environmental protection policies and enforcing the state and local Wetlands Protection Act. This commission meets twice a month.
Forest Committee – This committee is responsible for care and management of town-owned forest lands. Members are involved in forest management policy formulation and in charge of public cutting programs. Meets as needed.
Hillview Commission – This commission is responsible for the management of the Hillview Country Club golf course and function facility. Meets monthly; more often if needed.
Library Trustees – This board is responsible for public library programs and service policy formation. Meets monthly.
Martins Pond Reclamation Study Committee – This committee is responsible for researching and making recommendations to the Select Board regarding the improvement and maintenance of the quality of Martins Pond. It also initiates and maintains programs held at the pond.
Mobile Home Rent Control Board – This regulatory board hears proposals for trailer space rent increases. Cannot include trailer park owner or renter. Meets as needed.
Taxation Aid Committee – This committee is responsible for the administration of the elderly and disabled taxation fund, as well as identifying recipients of such aid. Meets as needed.
Veterans Event Committee – This committee assists the Director of Veterans’ Services in planning events. Meets as needed.
Water Commission – This commission develops rates, regulations and budgetary information concerning the town water supply for use by the Select Board. Meets as needed.
Youth Services Committee – In conjunction with the Director of Youth Services, this committee assesses needs, establishes goals and develops programs to better serve the community’s youth.
Town Administrator appointments:
Council on Aging – Support and advise the Director of Elder Affairs in advocating for older adults within the community. Works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and other area agencies on aging.
Land Utilization Committee – This committee reviews real properties for municipal purposes and recommends actions to the Select Board concerning the acquisition and use of town-owned property. Meets as needed.
Recreation Committee – Responsible for development and delivery of recreation programs, maintenance of facilities and coordination of facility use. User fee funded operation. Meets once a month.
Trustees of Trust Funds – This board manages all trust funds which have been given or bequeathed for the benefit of the town and its inhabitants. Meets as needed.
