Planning board approves $17,500 contract with regional planners to update master plan

The Henniker Planning Board voted to approve a $17,500 contract with the Regional Planning Commission to update the town’s master plan, a measure staff said is needed to comply with state timelines.

Mark (staff) told the board the contract covers a community survey, vision work and an existing-and‑future land‑use map; the transportation chapter will be provided by RPC-funded work at no cost to the town. He said the town expects to pay $15,000 from this year’s funds, about $1,500 from current leftover dollars, and carry up to $2,500 into next year’s budget.

Board members pressed staff on cost and feasibility. One member said privately obtained master plans can cost considerably more; another said volunteers had struggled in previous efforts. Mark replied that the contract is a pared‑down package focused on the statutory minimum and that private-market alternatives would be far costlier.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the expenditure; the motion was seconded and carried by a spoken roll call. The chair announced the motion carried, "5–2," and the minutes record two members identified at the vote as Bill and Heidi opposed.

The board did not authorize additional chapters beyond the contract but said it may add work in future budget cycles if funds permit. The contract will proceed to implementation steps identified by staff; Mark said the RPC is flexible on timeline and will coordinate with the town on survey timing.

The board’s approval concludes the procurement decision; the next procedural step is contract execution and scheduling of the community survey and public outreach described in the RPC scope.