Plaistow Zoning Board elects Michael Murray chair, Ryan Labrecque vice chair

The Plaistow Zoning Board of Adjustment elected Michael Murray as chair and Ryan Labrecque as vice chair at its April 30, 2026, meeting, with each nomination approved on roll call votes.

Chair Jim Unger opened the meeting at 6:30 p.m. and oversaw nominations under Other Business. Member Ryan Labrecque moved to nominate Michael Murray for chair; Murray accepted the nomination. The motion passed 3–0–1 (Murray abstained from the vote). Unger then moved to nominate Labrecque for vice chair; that motion passed 3–0–1 (Labrecque abstained).

The votes reflected a mix of support and procedural abstentions: the board recorded Murray as abstaining on his own nomination and Labrecque as abstaining on his vice chair vote. After the votes, Unger noted he had completed his term and did not wish to serve again.

During the same “Other Business” discussion the board considered recruitment for alternate members. Chair Unger said the board received an application from Karen LeClaire, who could not attend that evening’s meeting. Planning Technician Shea Ramaker said she would send an email blast to solicit alternates; the board agreed. Member Theresa Kane asked whether alternates serving on multiple boards would need to recuse themselves on overlapping matters; Unger explained the recusal process and that many applications do not originate from the Planning Board.

Ramaker also reminded members of the NH OPD Spring Planning and Zoning training scheduled for May 9 and said older recordings are available online. The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m.

The board’s reorganization takes effect immediately; members said they will follow up by reviewing bylaws and staff procedures for distributing meeting materials and notices.