Council approves Ormsby and Bowes for town boards; zoning board nominations deferred

The Braintree Town Council approved two mayoral appointments and deferred consideration of several zoning board nominees during its May 27 meeting.

Kelly Ormsby was approved unanimously for appointment to the Commission on Disabilities after telling the council she would bring a parent’s perspective; her 7-year-old son attends Flaherty Elementary and was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and global developmental delay. "Serving on this commission would be really a meaningful way for me to contribute, to ensuring accessibility, equity, and dignity for all residents of our town," Ormsby said at the meeting.

The council also unanimously approved the reappointment of Kathleen (Kathy) Bowes to the Weymouth-Braintree Recreation Conservation District board. Bowes, who spoke about her family’s multigenerational service and her work on Palmetto (Pawn) Meadow, said the board is focused on habitat and path restoration. Councilors who spoke after her remarks thanked her for continuing family civic engagement and praised recent improvements at Palmetto.

A request for same-night action on multiple appointments to the Zoning Board of Appeals drew an objection from Councilor Hume, who said the ZBA is "such a crucial and vital board" that new members deserve careful vetting by Ways and Means. The council did not vote on those nominations and referred the items to the committee on Ways and Means for review under new business.

All recorded appointments during the meeting were approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition.