Braintree council approves Herring & Fisheries Commission, appoints three volunteers; one councilor dissents on final nominee

The Town of Braintree Council approved appointments to a newly established Herring & Fisheries Commission on Oct. 21, voting unanimously to appoint Jeff Maderas and Denver Gibbs and approving Matthew R. Sisk by an 8-1 vote.

Mayor Erin Joyce described the commission's purpose as stewardship for the town's rivers and riverwalk and introduced the three nominees. Jeff Maderas, who said he has lived in Braintree for 25 years and led river cleanups, spoke about his interest in local wetlands and river stewardship. Denver Gibbs noted local conservation work and his family ties to the town. Matthew R. Sisk said river restoration has been his "life's work," discussing migratory fish, dam removal and economic ties to fisheries.

Council members praised the volunteerism and vetting process; Councilor Maglio said Ways & Means had a "thorough" review of candidates. Councilor Bridal and others lauded volunteers' early work at the Sunset Lake dam and noted the commission will coordinate with the Department of Marine Fisheries stream-maintenance program.

Councilor Hume announced she would not support Sisk's appointment, citing two reasons including concerns about a prior campaign action she described as unfair to the district's democratic process; Sisk apologized for past mistakes. The motion to appoint Sisk passed 8-1.

Motions referenced the town charter (section 2-10 and 3-3) when placing appointments before the council. Councilors noted the riverwalk work that has already taken place and cited about $9,000,000 spent over 30 years related to river-restoration work and dam removal efforts, as referenced in remarks.

What happens next: appointees will serve on the commission and begin work coordinating with state stream-maintenance guidance and local volunteer efforts; councilors encouraged community engagement and support for river stewardship.