Plaistow Selectmen outline hiring priorities, tech and facility fixes in workshop

At a May 4 workshop, the Plaistow Board of Selectmen discussed operational goals and a set of administrative and facilities priorities intended to streamline town functions.

The board agreed to pursue greater transparency by adding agendas and informational packets to the town website and to show documents under discussion on meeting screens so residents can follow along. Members discussed improving the competitive bid process for municipal purchases.

On staffing, the board listed potential hires or recruitment targets including an HR professional (possibly hired prior to the next budget cycle), a police chief, a Public Works water position to be filled by November, a fourth highway employee and an assistant town manager. The board also discussed adopting HR and timekeeping software to reduce staff workload.

Vice Chair Bill Coye suggested meeting with Dean Zanello to present the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and urged Selectmen to review department CIP sheets. The board reviewed Planning Board master-plan completion targets and discussed improved resident communications through an electronic message board, email blasts, a centralized events calendar and meeting listings on the town TV channel.

The board discussed a leaning scoreboard at Dave Nye Memorial Field and agreed on a short-term fix — straightening the sign and refreshing the concrete — with a longer-term replacement to be considered later. Members discussed larger, more visible back-stop sponsor signage and a public display recognizing donors; they expressed consensus to explore repair options rather than demolition. The board placed the facilities item on the next agenda for follow-up. The workshop adjourned at 7:46 p.m.