Plymouth creates Economic Development Committee; board will solicit three public members

The Plymouth Select Board approved formation of a town Economic Development Committee as a subcommittee of the select board and directed staff to solicit applications for three public seats.

The committee structure approved by the board calls for two select board representatives, two planning board representatives (to be nominated by the planning board), and three members of the public. The board asked that public seats be filled by registered voters of Plymouth and requested staggered three-year terms for public members so one public seat is up for reappointment each year.

Joseph, who presented the proposal and related draft resolutions, said meetings with state and regional economic-development staff and the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension informed the recommendation to start by listening to local businesses and residents before selecting programs or incentives. He provided the board with sample resources, including a draft resolution and program materials from regional partners.

"Any successful effort at economic development at the municipal level has to take into consideration not just...regional and statewide efforts but also really look inward to the residents of the community and the businesses within that community," Joseph said.

Board members discussed membership balance and whether to require committee members be Plymouth voters; the board decided to prioritize Plymouth registered voters for public seats but to invite developers and regional organizations to meetings as needed. The planning board will be asked to nominate its two representatives; the select board declined to appoint its own representatives at the meeting and will wait until all members are present.

A select board member moved to approve the committee formation as outlined in the draft resolution distributed by staff and to begin soliciting interest for three public seats; the motion passed by voice vote.