Select Board appoints members to new Economic Development Committee, names select board liaisons

The Plymouth Select Board agreed Aug. 11 to appoint three members of the public to a new Economic Development Committee that will operate as a planning-board subcommittee and to designate two select board representatives. Town staff summarized the previously approved committee structure calling for two planning-board members, two select-board members and three at-large public members. Four letters of interest were received for the three public seats. After discussion, the board reached consensus to appoint William (Bill) Bolton, Walter Frankel and Michael Van Eyck to the three at-large positions; the planning board had already designated Molly McCann and John Crist as its two members. The board designated Select Board members Mary Anne and Jason as the select-board liaisons. The board also agreed to stagger the public terms for future continuity, with Bill Bolton requesting a two-year term if possible; the board accepted that approach. Mary Anne was selected to serve as chair of the subcommittee for the first year, and the committee will use a survey tool to gather members' availability and schedule an initial meeting after appointments are formalized. Staff said the committee will report regularly in the committee reports section of the select board agenda. Discussion: board members said the recommended slate provides a mix of entrepreneurship and community connections, and staff will prepare appointment paperwork for signatures at a future meeting. Decision: consensus appointments were made; formal appointment paperwork will be signed at a future meeting and the committee will begin scheduling meetings to start work on economic development priorities.