There are currently three open Planning Board positions, two full member and one associate member, for which we are seeking candidates.

Persons who volunteer for one of the open elected positions would only serve until the Town elections next May. They would be eligible to run in that election for the remainder of that term or for the full 5-year term that comes up for election each year. The Associate member position is appointed by the Select Board for a two-year term and sits on the Board when designated to do so by the Chair for the purpose of acting on special permits in the case of absence, conflict of interest , or inability to act on the part of any member of the Planning Board or in the event of a vacancy on the Board. Prior knowledge or experience, such as in contracting or law, may be helpful but is not required.

Planning Board normally meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 pm at Town Hall, with occasional additional meetings as circumstances dictate, such as to meet deadlines. Board members also conduct visits to inspect sites requiring site plan approval or to assess local conditions.  Board members are encouraged to review relevant documents before meetings when they are available and are given copies of foundational documents such as the local Zoning Bylaw, the State Zoning Act, and the Planning Board Rules and Regulations, among others. Members are free to volunteer for tasks such as drafting decisions, bylaw amendments, and other documents, serving as the Town’s representative to the Central Massachusetts Planning Commission, and serving as an officer of the Planning Board. The total time commitment per month is not large, but would depend on how involved an individual wishes to become.