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Select Board declines to reinstate Jack Garber to Brentwood ZBA after apology
Summary
At a public hearing, former Zoning Board of Adjustment member Jack Garber apologized for conduct that led to his removal; a motion to reinstate him failed after board debate.
The Brentwood Select Board held a public hearing on a request by former Zoning Board of Adjustment member Jack Garber to be reinstated to the ZBA and voted against reinstatement.
Garber told the board he was not going to “get into a he said, she said” account of the incidents but apologized to the board and the individuals involved, calling the conduct “out of character.” “I apologize to the select board and I apologize to the individuals who were involved in the temperament that I demonstrated,” Garber said.
Board members described multiple prior incidents. A Select Board member said Garber’s exit from a previous ZBA meeting had been characterized by some as causing a loss of quorum; Garber said the minutes show a quorum remained and that his leaving was “tantamount to abstaining.” One member said the episode left them “concerned” because it interfered with the board’s ability to function.
After questions and discussion, Select Board member John Morgan moved to reinstate Garber; Paul seconded. Members debated whether Garber had already received previous chances—one member said this was the third problematic episode—and whether reinstatement would be appropriate. John Morgan, who moved the motion, and another member voiced support for giving Garber another chance; other members said they were not inclined to reinstate him now.
The board called the question. The motion to reinstate failed. The chair noted Garber could reapply when the committee accepts applications; board members thanked Garber for appearing and accepted his apology.
Why it matters: The ZBA is a five-member board and has had difficulty maintaining a full membership. The board discussed whether ZBA openings should be handled on a rolling basis or posted with a fixed application window; members agreed to post vacancies when they occur and to maintain summer term expirations to align appointments.
What’s next: The chair said the board will repost the opening and notify the current applicant that a standard application process will be followed. Garber was told he may reapply in the future.
