Brentwood Select Board votes to remove ZBA member after public hearing

The Brentwood Select Board voted unanimously to remove Zoning Board of Adjustment member Jack Garber after a public hearing during its meeting.

The removal followed board discussion, which the Select Board said had already occurred in nonpublic session because of reputational concerns. The board chair said the member had been notified that removal would be discussed on the meeting agenda but had not replied to an email notice.

The board cited recent episodes of alleged unprofessional behavior at a meeting and outside a meeting. The chair said the board discussed those matters in nonpublic and would not repeat details publicly to protect reputational interests. The board also noted that New Hampshire RSA procedures require a public hearing and that the member must be notified in writing of removal.

During the hearing, resident Doug Fenn asked whether the town had certified the notice; the chair replied the town had provided a courtesy notification via the town email address used by committee members. Doug Fenn said: "You made mention that you made contact or reached out to him via [email]? Correct. Any confirmation by the [email] that he did that?" The chair replied that there was no response.

Select Board member Letty moved the removal; the motion carried on a roll-call vote with all members present voting in favor. The board said it will send written notice of removal and will consider certified delivery or police delivery if appropriate. Members urged residents interested in serving on the ZBA to contact the town, noting the board has had difficulty maintaining quorums in the past.

The board listed the removal as official action to allow the ZBA to staff its upcoming schedule.