[Massplanners] Appointing authorities

[Barbara Carboni]

Hi Betsy,

Has anyone looked at the Town's charter (assuming there is one)? Sometimes there is specific direction there.

But aside from that, these days, where planners do so much more than work with Planning Boards, including projects on their own initiative, a planner is a de facto department head if not officially.  It makes more sense for the planner to be appointed by, and report to the Town Manager (or Town Administrator).  I think in the old days, the town planner position was connected very closely with the Subdivision Control law, which made reporting to the Planning Board logical.  Now we do so many other things; the position has evolved.  Ask me how many committees I staff!!

Barbara

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From: MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> on behalf of robert leavens via MassPlanners <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Sent: Friday, October 21, 2022 8:21 AM
To: Listserv (massplanners at masscptc.org) <massplanners at masscptc.org>
Subject: [Massplanners] Appointing authorities

A Friday question for a Friday,

Most recently there has been at least one community who is confused about who the appointing authority is for the town planner position.  This is in a community with a town manager form of government.  The position appears not to be a department head, although there is some debate about that designation.

The Planning Board rules and regulations indicate that the Planning Board is the appointing authority.  This Planning Board is an elected board, which makes them a little more independent than a board appointed by the town manager.

I am wondering how many elected planning boards have rules and regulations that allow them to appoint their town planner, with the town manager being in charge of the administration and finance of the planner position.

I'd appreciate some feedback on this and offer my thanks,

Betsy Ware
Independent Planning Consultant

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