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Planning board approves procedural updates, recommends MassHousing technical assistance
Summary
The board approved procedural and administrative items including a memo to the select board to allow the planning board chair to submit counsel‑request forms (interim measure until a town planner is appointed), approved Form B and the 2026 meeting dates, authorized the New England Environmental Finance Center MOA with one edit, and voted to ask the select board to pursue MassHousing technical assistance for the town's housing trust.
The planning board took several administrative actions and issued recommendations to other town bodies. Members reviewed a new select‑board policy requiring approval before individual members contact town counsel and expressed concern that the rule could prevent timely access to counsel for public hearings. The board voted to send a memo to the select board requesting an interim mechanism that permits the planning board chair (or designee) or staff to complete the counsel request form until a town planner or department head is in place. The motion carried by voice vote.
The board also approved corrected 2026 meeting dates (a single calendar correction), accepted a revised Form B checklist to align with rules and regulations, and approved a memorandum of agreement with the New England Environmental Finance Center (SNP network grant for OSRD) with a requested edit to include conservation representatives; the town administrator was authorized to sign the agreement.
On housing policy the board voted to ask the select board to submit an application for MassHousing Partnership technical assistance to establish or operationalize a municipal housing trust. Members noted their existing affordable housing trust and CPA allocations and said technical assistance could help the town preserve expiring affordable units and build a program tailored to local needs.
