[Massplanners] Planning Board Policy for Submission of Meeting Materials

[Richard McCarthy]

To all,



We have a target of the Thursday before the Tuesday meeting.  I use some
judgement and speak to the Chair ahead of the meeting to gets his
thoughts.  I’m always speaking with applicants trying to figure out if
their ready or not.  It’s important to the Board, as well as, the public.
Often times something might be submitted within the Board submittal window
but I inform applicants don’t expect much feedback when it’s not in by
Thursday before the meeting.  It’s really hard to keep to one hard and fast
rule .



What’s really be the most effective is have check-ins with the Chair on the
status of information between meetings and then ahead of the meeting
discuss where things are.  I also send out an agenda summary explaining
where things are for each project.  For the most part their never surprised
on meeting night where things are.



Best,



Richard J. McCarthy, Jr.

Town Planner

1 Liberty Lane

Norfolk, MA 02056

508-440-2807

Office Hours- Monday through Thursday 9am to 6pm

Closed Fridays



*As a reminder, please do not reply all to this email. If you have any
questions or comments, email me directly. *



*Please be advised that the Secretary of State has determined that e-mail
sent by or received by municipal employees is a public record.*





*From:* MassPlanners <massplanners-bounces at masscptc.org> *On Behalf Of *Daniel
Fortier via MassPlanners
*Sent:* Thursday, January 25, 2024 7:20 AM
*To:* Harry LaCortiglia <hlacortiglia at comcast.net>
*Cc:* Listserv (massplanners at masscptc.org) <massplanners at masscptc.org>
*Subject:* Re: [Massplanners] Planning Board Policy for Submission of
Meeting Materials



The big question is who is providing the information. The applicant, one
week is appropriate. The public can present their comments at the hearing,
that is what it is for. A caveat, the Boards often wanted to hear the
applicants response to the staff report. This might result in presentation
of modified plans during the hearing,  with the recognition that the Board
may choose to continue the hearing to allow closer review of the changes.



Remember, it is a hearing, an opportunity to get comments and exchange
thoughts. Shutting the door on back and forth really minimizes the public
process.





Dan Fortier, AICP

Retired Planner



On Thu, Jan 25, 2024, 5:46 AM Harry LaCortiglia via MassPlanners <
massplanners at masscptc.org> wrote:

That's the firm policy in Georgetown.

One week prior, or it doesn't get discussed at the meeting.

Period.

No one likes to have a 30 page report dropped into their inbox at 5PM, for
a meeting to be held at 7:00.

H. LaCortiglia
Georgetown Planning Board



On 1/24/2024 12:17 PM, John Charbonneau via MassPlanners wrote:

Everyone,



The Planning Board in Rutland recently established a policy that any
materials or documents that are to be considered at an upcoming meeting are
required to be received a minimum of seven (7) days prior to the meeting in
question.  This allows adequate time for the Board, staff, abutters and
representatives on the other side of the project to review the materials
rather than receiving them the day before the meeting or at the meeting
itself, allowing forHearing more productive discussions.  I’m sure most of
you have received emails in the hours prior to a meeting with the
expectation that they will be received and provided to the Board that
evening.



What other town’s Planning Boards have adopted a similar policy?  Thank you
in advance for your assistance!



John



*John Charbonneau*




*Town Planner & Community Development CoordinatorTown of Rutland246 Main
StreetRutland, MA 01543(508) 886-4100 x3001*





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