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Advisory committee debates ULI TAP technical panel versus hiring a consultant; timing and community input are central concerns
Summary
Members weighed bringing a ULI TAP panel in early (Sept. 9) against waiting until after DCAM's Sept. 12 forum and discussed whether a consultant would provide more prescriptive help; a letter from a community member raised concerns about the TAP process.
The advisory committee spent substantial time weighing two distinct paths for outside technical help: inviting a ULI TAP technical-assistance panel or hiring a consultant. Supporters described a TAP as a flexible, unbiased brainstorming exercise that can be tailored to the committee’s needs; one member said ULI TAPs "bring in experts from the real estate construction" field and can help identify what is feasible for the town.
Other members recommended caution. Peter noted a letter received that morning expressing reservations about the TAP approach and suggesting that a consultant might offer more control over panel membership and more prescriptive help. Jane (participating remotely) told the committee she has sat on several TAPs and said a consultant could better prepare due-diligence and a rigorous community engagement plan.
Timing dominated the disagreement. Some members urged holding a TAP session before DCAM’s public forum so the committee and public could be educated about possibilities; others argued the committee should wait until after Sept. 12 to collect initial public input and be "more grounded". "Maybe it would be best to maybe wait until after that," said Mary, arguing that the committee would have more input. Another member suggested the TAP could be phased or iterative and tailored to the committee’s emerging needs.
The group did not adopt a final decision at this meeting. Members agreed to seek DCAM’s materials and to use the committee’s next meeting to decide whether to host a TAP in September, defer it, or hire a consultant to synthesize community input first.
