Braintree council confirms three members to new Herring and Fisheries Commission; two unanimous, third approved 8–1

The Braintree Town Council on Oct. 21 confirmed three appointments to the newly formed Herring and Fisheries Commission, approving Jeff Maderas and Denver Gibbs unanimously and Matthew R. Sisk by an 8–1 vote.

Mayor Erin Joyce described the commission as part of an effort to steward the town’s new riverwalk and surrounding natural resources. She introduced the three appointees—Jeff Maderas, Denver Gibbs and Matthew Sisk—citing volunteer experience, local environmental engagement and ties to community organizations. “It’s a really awesome opportunity to just remember that part of our history,” the mayor said as she recommended the appointments.

The council’s Ways and Means committee had given a favorable recommendation following interviews, and councilors said they had vetted candidates in that session. Councilor Joseph Berica reported a unanimous favorable recommendation from the committee for the three nominees. During the meeting several councilors praised the candidates’ volunteer work and local ties; Councilor Angus noted volunteers were already engaged in maintenance work at the Sunset Lake dam.

The vote counts recorded in the meeting were: Jeff Maderas — approved unanimously; Denver Gibbs — approved unanimously; Matthew R. Sisk — approved, 8 in favor, 1 opposed. Councilor Scott Hume explicitly said he would not support Sisk’s appointment, citing prior conduct in a past municipal campaign.

Appointees described long‑running involvement with river restoration and fisheries. Maderas noted personal cleanup work and outreach efforts; Gibbs said he looked forward to contributing to conservation; Sisk described 20 years of experience on migratory‑fish work and said the commission’s remit includes environmental stewardship and the economic role of migratory fisheries.

Councilors emphasized the commission’s expected activities: coordinating with state programs (including stream maintenance guidance), conducting outreach with schools and community groups, and assisting with stewardship and monitoring work at sites including the riverwalk and Sunset Lake dam. Councilors noted the town has already invested in river restoration in recent years, and one speaker referenced the multi‑year removal of a dam and related expenses as background for ongoing stewardship needs.

Votes: Each appointment was moved and seconded on the record; the council recorded unanimous approval for two nominees and an 8–1 vote for Sisk (Councilor Hume opposed). The town clerk will update commission rosters and the commission is expected to begin organizing volunteer and maintenance activities in coordination with municipal staff and the state Division of Marine Fisheries’s stream maintenance guidance.

Sources: remarks by Mayor Erin Joyce, appointees Jeff Maderas, Denver Gibbs and Matthew Sisk; committee recommendation from Councilor Joseph Berica; and comments by Councilors Joseph Berica, Angela Maglio, Benjamin Flaherty, Scott Hume and Angus during the Oct. 21 Town Council meeting.