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Brentwood board votes to continue receiving town planner's comment letters; members debate role and public access
Summary
The Board of Adjustment voted 2–1 to continue including town planner Glenn Greenwood's comment letters in application packets after members discussed the planner's role, contract hours and whether such notes are public records under RSA 91‑A.
The Brentwood Board of Adjustment voted to continue receiving comment letters from town planner Glenn Greenwood for applications, with a recorded 2–1 majority.
Frank Albert, vice chair, moved that the board continue to include Greenwood’s comment letters in the packet for every application; Wayne Morrow seconded. During discussion members and counsel debated whether the planner’s comments are advisory and how those comments should be treated under state public‑records law.
Town counsel Christopher Perry told the board that planner comment letters provided to the board would be public records and, under RSA 91‑A, applicants could request copies. "If under nothing else, certainly under RSA 91‑A, they would be entitled to a copy of it," Perry said.
Board members described Greenwood as a long‑time town planner who provides a review of applications and an interpretive reading of applicable bylaws. Several speakers said his memo clarifies what an applicant is asking the board to authorize; others voiced concern that applicants might treat the planner’s comment as authoritative rather than advisory.
Members also discussed practical considerations, including Greenwood’s contract hours and whether the planner should prepare comment letters for every case or only when the board requests them. Counsel noted that formally soliciting the planner’s opinion could require public process if the board intends to use the letters to make decisions in particular cases.
The motion to continue receiving Greenwood’s comment letters passed 2–1. The board instructed staff to continue including planner comments in applicant packets; counsel reminded the group that town‑hired planner comments are public records and can be requested by applicants under RSA 91‑A.
Ending: The board voted to maintain the current practice of including planner comment letters alongside application materials; members asked staff and counsel to clarify any contractual or workload issues with the planner before the next contract cycle.
