During a recent council meeting, discussions centered around the nomination process for the planning board, following a series of late applications that raised procedural concerns. The council acknowledged the receipt of letters of interest from candidates Doug Harman and John Gray, among others, after the official deadline had passed.
The council member leading the discussion admitted to a mistake in handling the application timeline and expressed a desire to move forward with only those applications submitted before the deadline. This decision was made after consultations with other council members and stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of adhering to established protocols.
To facilitate the nomination process, the council will allow each eligible applicant three minutes to introduce themselves and explain their qualifications. Following these introductions, the council will open the floor for nominations, which can be made for any or all applicants without the need for a second. Voting will proceed until a candidate receives four or more affirmative votes. If no candidate achieves this threshold, the position will remain vacant, and the application process will be reopened to all interested parties.
Two candidates, Dan Horman and John Gray, introduced themselves during the meeting. Horman, a long-time resident with extensive experience in real estate and property management, expressed his commitment to addressing community growth and housing issues. Gray, who has deep roots in the area and a history of community involvement, highlighted his business experience and dedication to understanding the needs of local citizens.
The council's approach aims to ensure a transparent and fair selection process while addressing the community's pressing development concerns.