ZBA schedules rehearing meeting for Hemlock Drive case; alternates to rotate as voting members after clerk’s death

The Wolfeboro Zoning Board of Adjustment set a public meeting for Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. to determine whether to grant a rehearing in the Hemlock Drive subdivision/variance dispute filed by Hayden Wilbur. The rehearing request was filed Dec. 26, 2024 and the board noted the filing met the 30-day statutory filing requirement referenced in state statute language read at the meeting.

Chair Suzanne Ryan said the board’s role at the upcoming meeting will be to decide whether to hold a public rehearing — a procedural public meeting to set a rehearing date rather than a full evidentiary hearing — and that the board had not yet had an opportunity to consult with its attorney on the application. Ryan asked members to forward questions to the board attorney ahead of the meeting. The board opted to attempt to have the attorney available in person or by phone at 5 p.m. on Jan. 16 before the 6 p.m. public meeting, recognizing the Great Hall was needed at 7 p.m. by the budget committee.

The board also addressed internal staffing and quorum issues after announcing the death of the board’s long-serving clerk, Sarah Silk. Ryan proposed and the board agreed that its two alternates, Chuck Sumner and Sabette Stroman, would rotate into voting status to fill meetings while the vacancy is filled by the process set out in the town rules (reference to section 67312 in the meeting discussion). The chair noted the alternates would be used on a rotating basis for upcoming January–March meetings.

A motion to continue consideration of the Wilbur rehearing to Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. was made, seconded and approved by roll-call vote. The board also agreed the rehearing applicant had complied with the statutory timeframe for filing the motion and that the board would decide within the 30-day window required by statute whether to set a date for a rehearing.