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Council interviews and reappointments: volunteers reviewed for advisory boards and commissions
Summary
Council interviewed and reappointed multiple volunteers on March 10, including reappointments to the Assessment Board of Review, Economic Development Committee and Waterfront Advisory Commission, and approved new appointments to BPAC and the Conservation Commission.
Before the council’s regular agenda, members conducted short interviews with volunteer applicants and then confirmed a slate of reappointments and new appointments.
Interviews and backgrounds
- Ken Monroe (reappointment requested) — Monroe told council he has served several years on the Assessment Board of Review and described his background in residential real estate; Council member recused from Monroe’s reappointment because of a shared Business Networking International affiliation.
- Joshua Saunders (BPAC) — Saunders said he moved to Wakefield about a year ago and bicycles and walks frequently; he told council he hopes to bring the perspective of an everyday cyclist to the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee.
- Kate Sharrock (Conservation Commission) — Sharrock described more than 20 years working in conservation, including international experience and time in the western U.S.; she said she wanted to focus more locally on conservation issues.
- Michael Gage (reappointment, Economic Development Committee) and Susan Marcus (reappointment, Economic Development Committee) — both described ongoing involvement with economic development priorities and said they would continue to recruit greater diversity on the committee.
- Barry Gross (reappointment, Waterfront Advisory Commission) — Gross described local waterfront experience as a boatyard owner and a commercial fisherman and discussed recent waterfront projects and planned Harbor master equipment improvements.
Council action
The council approved the slate of reappointments and appointments during the meeting. Ken Monroe’s reappointment to the Assessment Board of Review was approved with a recorded recusal. The council also reappointed Michael Gage and Susan Marcus to the Economic Development Committee and reappointed Barry Gross to the Waterfront Advisory Commission. Joshua Saunders was appointed to BPAC and Kate Sharrock to the Conservation Commission.
Why it matters: Advisory boards and commissions advise the council on land use, conservation, transportation and economic development issues. The council asked volunteers to help broaden committee perspectives and noted some committees still seek members to improve gender and experience diversity.
Next steps: The town clerk will issue appointment letters and update commission rosters.
