Meeting Preparation

A lot of preparation is necessary for most Planning Board Meetings - WHY?

• A need to understand what I will be voting for: 

  • • Project plans that we look at can be very detailed

      • • waiver requests, i.e., forgiveness from specifics in the bylaw, need to be understood,  justified and benign

    • Bylaw language is sometimes difficult to decipher

      • • potential unintended consequences need to be identified

        • there is no trial period for a bylaw - once approved by Town Meeting, a property owner can lock in the bylaw, as is, for 8 years

• Collaboration, Transparency and Problem Solving

  • • It is important to communicate clearly with my Planning Board colleagues during meetings: 

      • • My research may provide additional information for my colleagues 

        • I may be trying to influence their point of view and I welcome and appreciate their considered points of view

        • Solving security concerns on Piper Rd