Planning commission appoints temporary CZEO and town planner contractor

The Winchester Town Planning Commission voted to appoint Jeremy DeCarly of Tyche Planning and Policy Group as an additional certified zoning enforcement officer and to have him provide interim town planner coverage.

The motion to appoint DeCarly was made during the meeting and approved by voice vote; no formal roll-call tally was recorded. DeCarly told the commission he will attend commission meetings and work in the town planning office one day a week while the town fills the planner position. He said Tyche Planning and Policy Group, formed in 2021, will support him and that the firm includes seven staff, four of whom hold AICP certification.

Commission Chair George Klosz made the motion to appoint DeCarly and the commission then voted in favor. Commissioners discussed giving DeCarly limited signatory authority so he could sign routine items if the regular staff member is unavailable; the commission agreed to appoint him as an additional CZEO for that purpose. DeCarly confirmed he will attend the commission’s twice-monthly meetings and will assist with agenda review and enforcement follow-up during the transition.

The appointment is intended as temporary coverage while the town finalizes long-term staffing. Commissioners thanked the firm for providing experienced, certified planning support and noted the arrangement is meant to backfill office functions and enforcement capacity during the transition.

The commission also approved the minutes from its Jan. 13 meeting by voice vote earlier in the session.