MASTER PLAN STEERING COMMITTEE
MEETING MINUTES
December 19, 2011 - 5:30 PM
Conference Room B, 3rd Floor, Town Hall
Members Present: Paul Blazar, John Blood, Dick Braga, Brian Choquette, Charles Corley,
Linda Ghiloni, Terrence Joyce, Tony Marques, Justin Provencher, Arthur Redding,
Chris Yates, Sam Wong
Others Present: Michelle Ciccolo, Jennifer Burke, Kerin Shea, Joan Wordell, Suzanne Ladd, Lorraine Ladd
Members Not Present: Rodney Frias, Don Garcia, Steve Mikula, Lorraine Nelson, Jim Quinn, Dave Stephens, Lynn Valcourt
Introductions
The meeting began with members introducing themselves, identifying which Departments, Boards, or Commissions they were representing & why they were interested in the Master Planning process. Members were instructed to think about who they would elect as Chair. This individual would work closely with Ms. Burke & Ms. Ciccolo, as well as the consultant. The Committee will elect the Chair at its next meeting.
Master Plan – Definitions & Requirements
Ms. Ciccolo and Ms. Burke explained the goals of the Master Plan. The Town’s last Master Plan dates from 1964. (This plan will soon be available on the Town’s website.) But the Town has many comprehensive planning documents that it has worked on over the years, including the Community Development Plan, the Wastewater Treatment Plan & the Open Space Plan.
The Town plans to follow more rigorous guidelines than are currently required of a Master Plan. The Comprehensive Land Use Reform & Partnership Act (CLURPA), is a bill that is expected to pass the Legislature in the next couple of years. This bill will place additional planning requirements on the Town, such as energy planning & the adoption of the Master Plan at Town Meeting. The Town will incorporate these potential future requirements into the planning process in anticipation of CLURPA.
Timeline
An estimated timeline was discussed. The entire process is projected to take two years. The Town hopes to hire the consultant in mid-spring 2012, with most of the data collection taking place throughout the remainder of the year. Draft chapters will begin to be released in early 2013, with the full draft anticipated later that summer. After final public comments & revisions, the final plan should be complete by the end of 2013.
Overview of the RFP Process
The Town will employ a “Request For Proposal” (RFP) process to hire a consultant to implement the planning process. The Town will be able to hire the most qualified consultant, whose price is also competitive. The Committee will also need to elect a sub-committee to review the proposals. The sub-committee will make the final recommendation on a consultant to the Board of Selectmen. The Committee will also elect the sub-committee at its next meeting.
Future Meeting Schedule
The future schedule has not been set. The committee will meet more often in the early stages, most likely on a monthly basis, with meetings tapering off as the plan is being written. A combination of day & evening meetings is anticipated, to accommodate all committee members. Ms. Ciccolo will send out a poll via email to determine the best days & times.
Other Business
The Town plans to follow a comprehensive citizen outreach during the Master Plan process. Ms. Burke will send out the Outreach Plan to all members.
No members had any other questions or issues at this time.
Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.
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