Committee sets implementation processes and schedules public hearing for comprehensive plan

Committee members discussed how the comprehensive plan will move from draft to implementation. They agreed the Board of Selectmen will serve as the driver for implementation but asked that the board present a quarterly report to keep the plan on the calendar and prevent the updates from being shelved.

Members emphasized the need for ordinance updates after plan adoption. A committee member said ordinances should be revised within 18 months to avoid conflicts between the plan and the municipal code; that timing was noted as especially important to avoid legal challenges where plan language and ordinance text diverge.

The committee scheduled a public hearing on the draft comprehensive plan for June 18 at 6 p.m. at the school auditorium (committee members favored school-based location to maximize attendance). Staff were directed to prepare a concise, reader-friendly "highlight" insert (four pages folded) summarizing the plan's key points and maps for distribution; members discussed using a mailed insert to reach seasonal residents and suggested a 2‑week public-comment period after the hearing.

Committee members also recommended budgeting consultant time or staff support to assist with ordinance updates, noting that the amount spent on implementation now will likely be less than the cost of litigation later. Staff will circulate a draft implementation/evaluation section and sample quarterly reporting template for committee review before the next meeting.