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Selectboard keeps full-time Land Use Administrator after members and staff outline workload
Summary
After residents and staff described extensive permitting, enforcement, and Planning Commission work, the Selectboard agreed the Land Use Administrator position should remain full-time for now to stabilize operations and complete bylaw work.
Selectboard discussion on June 4 focused heavily on the staffing and operational needs of the Land Use office. Several speakers described a combination of permitting, enforcement, public hearings, minutes preparation and legal drafting that they said requires sustained, full-time attention.
"It ultimately comes down to customer service," said Ryan Gumbart, the Land Use Administrator, describing improvements since the position became full-time. Board members and residents debated whether Weathersfield's workload supports a permanent full-time position or whether contracting services out would be more economical. Gumbart urged maintaining the full-time position "for at least a year or so to continue to get the office into shape (addressing bylaw issues, etc.)."
Supporters noted the role reduces net legal fees by doing preparatory legwork and helps the Highway Department coordinate with land-use requirements. Opponents favored contracting services or returning decision-writing to the DRB to save costs. The board did not reverse the staffing decision at the meeting; members asked for continued review of workload and potential efficiencies.
