Milford Planning Board approves 2025 CIP committee slate; board asks for better outreach

The Milford Planning Board voted Tuesday to approve the town’s proposed Capital Improvement Program (CIP) committee membership list for 2025 and urged staff to expand public outreach to raise awareness of volunteer openings on town boards and commissions.

Vice Chair Janet Langdell moved to approve the slate circulated by the community development office; Tim Finan seconded and the board approved the membership by roll call vote. The approved list in the May 6 email from Camille Patterson, director of community development, includes John Andreskowitz, Paul Bartolamucci, Noah Boudreau, Dana Dahl, Justin Demontmanni, Rich Elliott, Karen Mitchell, Catherine Parenti and Mike Thornton.

The nut graf: Board members said the roster is largely composed of returning members and that the committee can proceed, but several members urged the town to advertise openings more actively on the town website and social media so residents who want to serve know how to apply.

During discussion, members said they receive inquiries from residents who did not know committee recruitment was underway and asked staff to use multiple channels — town website, Facebook and the community development office phone line — to publicize openings. Camille Patterson said the office had not re-advertised the CIP because the roster was sufficient, but she welcomed more outreach for other boards that need volunteers, such as the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

Ending: The motion carried by unanimous roll call. The board approved the slate and noted that additional volunteers may be considered for other boards; residents were directed to contact the community development office at (603) 249-0620 for information on openings and the application process.