Recently in Town Planner Category

Finally! There was a disagreement on the Board of Selectmen! This is something we rarely see in this town where the common vote is 5-0! Betsey Patten voiced her concern that the Master Plan Implementation Committee should fall under the guidance of the Planning Board and not the Board of Selectmen as recommended by the Town Planner. She suggested that they meet with the Planning Board and the Town Planner to discuss the matter further Joel Mudgett agreed with Betsey.

The discussion was interrupted by “If I may,’ from Carter Terenzini. He began a lengthy and misleading dialogue of why the jurisdiction of the MPIC should fall under the BoS as town departments such as fire, police, are not under the direction of the planning board. Betsey argued that she did not feel comfortable going forward without meeting with the Planning Board. 

What is not clear is why did the Selectmen go forward with a vote? Why not table the issue to make sure that something as important as the implementation of the Master Plan is clear to all of the Selectmen? If there is disagreement, which in this case is a good thing, arrange for additional time and discussion. We have been waiting for quite some time to begin the process of implementing the Master Plan, but let’s do it right. Let’s do it without making more mistakes than we have in the past. We need for the town to go forward, not get stuck in the proverbial mud.

It wasn’t until the actual meeting minutes were published that the final vote was actually known, as they tend to speak rather softly up there at that table. We would once again, encourage the BoS to speak louder so that the audience in attendance could hear all that is said. Now that the Selectmen meetings are aired on Time Warner Cable, we will be able to control the volume by our remote controls.

To the editor,

At town meeting on March 14th, Article 18 is asking voters to approve $50,000 to hire a Town Planner to help enact planning issues in Moultonborough. The article as written does not mention that the $50,000 is for a half year’s salary. The Selectmen estimated the actual annual salary including benefits to be in the $90,000 to $100,000 range, depending on if the benefits package is a single or family plan. Are we at a point where adding permanent fixed staff to our payroll is fiscally responsible? Or should we be looking for other options? I understand the need for good planning and I’m all for Moultonborough keeping its rural charm and beauty. I had the opportunity this past year to serve on one of the Master Plan Committees and know implementing the Master Plans many recommendations will present challenges for the Planning and Zoning Boards. Because of the downturn in the economy, the number of new projects will most likely be reduced thus allowing those elected to the boards to focus more on administrative matters and planning. Moultonborough is a member of the Lakes Region Planning Commission, we pay a fee for its services as do 30 other towns. One of LRPC’s functions is to offer planning assistance. Some towns share a planner called a “circuit rider” and others contract with the LRPC on an as needed basis. In fact, neighboring Center Harbor has it on their Warrant this year to contract with LRPC for a planner for 8-hours a week rather than add a permanent full-time position to their budget. During these economic times, if the Planning and Zoning Boards need professional input perhaps it would be prudent to contract with LRPC for a part-time planner — number of hours to be determined — rather than staffing a new town position complete with all the benefits. Vote no on Article 18 at Town Meeting, March 14.

Nancy Wright

Moultonborough