<div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default" style="">Hello -</div><div class="gmail_default" style=""><br></div><div class="gmail_default" style="">Just a reminder to submit comments to the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government on this bill by June 24th. See <a href="https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5212" style="">https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5212</a> for more information.</div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:large"><br></div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:large"><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:small">Ralph Willmer, FAICP</div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:small">MA Chapter Legislative & Policy Officer</div><div class="gmail_default" style="font-size:small">Chair, Citizen Planner Training Collaborative</div></div></div><br><div class="gmail_quote gmail_quote_container"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_attr">On Thu, Jun 5, 2025 at 11:37\u202fAM Gary Bechtholdt <<a href="mailto:gbechtholdt@northbridgemass.org">gbechtholdt@northbridgemass.org</a>> wrote:<br></div><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin:0px 0px 0px 0.8ex;border-left:1px solid rgb(204,204,204);padding-left:1ex"><div class="msg-3743982883422192063">
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Richard & others:<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><br>
I concur, perhaps if this legislation was to pass -a Planning Board (and/or Zoning Board, separate or jointly) could annually dedicate a public meeting specific to this training.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">This would accomplish two-things: (1) satisfy the training requirements & (2) provide opportunity for the public to also attend, and learn more about the roles of their local Planning Board and ZBA. If/when
new members were appointed after the annual meeting dedicated to training, those could participate via a separate online training session.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Just a thought,<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">-Gary <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">R. Gary Bechtholdt II, Director <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black;text-transform:uppercase">Northbridge Community Planning & Development</span></b><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">1679 Providence Road Northbridge, MA 01534<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">(508) 234-2447<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black"><a href="https://www.northbridgemass.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(70,120,134)">https://www.northbridgemass.org/</span></a>
<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black"> <u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">Mailing Address:<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">Northbridge Memorial Town Hall<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">7 Main Street<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">Whitinsville, MA 01588<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;color:rgb(21,96,130)">WE MOVED!<u></u><u></u></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:11pt">Our new address is:
<b>1679 PROVIDENCE ROAD NORTHBRIDGE, MA 01534<u></u><u></u></b></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10pt">Building, Conservation, Health Department, Planning, & Zoning Board now located in separate wing of new Fire Station.
<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10pt">Those visiting municipal offices shall
<u>proceed up driveway (stay to far left)</u> parking available front/side of building.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> MassPlanners <<a href="mailto:massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Richard Jordan via MassPlanners<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, June 05, 2025 10:13 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Edgartown Planning Board <<a href="mailto:planningboard@edgartown-ma.us" target="_blank">planningboard@edgartown-ma.us</a>>; Ralph Willmer <<a href="mailto:ralphwillmer.apa@gmail.com" target="_blank">ralphwillmer.apa@gmail.com</a>>; Maren Toohill <<a href="mailto:MToohill@littletonma.org" target="_blank">MToohill@littletonma.org</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Mass Planners <<a href="mailto:massplanners@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners@masscptc.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Massplanners] Upcoming legislative hearing<u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><u></u> <u></u></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:black">At least 2 or 3 times a year, I inform our ZBA and Planning Board members about the availability of upcoming training offered by the Citizen Planner Training Collaborative
(including the all-day session at Holy Cross in Worcester which has been in the March/April timeframe the past 2 years). I make it clear the Town can pay the fee for this training. Most members do not take advantage of the online training, but at least
one has. We have difficulty getting membership on our volunteer ZBA but our Planning Board is fully staffed with elected members.. <u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:black">Perhaps I need to provide written training materials to the Board members since there is reluctance do the online training - such as the 2015 Planning Board Resource Book or
other materials. Any suggestions for such training materials? <u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:black">I think Rep Kassner's email (to this listserv this morning) clarifies the nature of this training - as a one-hour module much like conflict-of-interest training. I think that
would be useful. It is hard to imagine that would prevent someone from volunteering for our ZBA as it can be done at their leisure. In contrast, I think the CPTC courses are in a specific time window such as 5 pm to 7 pm on a Monday night or similar scheduling basis.<u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:black"><u></u> <u></u></span></p>
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<p class="m_-3743982883422192063elementtoproof"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:rgb(23,78,134)">Richard Jordan (Rick)</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-3743982883422192063elementtoproof"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:rgb(23,78,134)">Avon Town Planner</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-3743982883422192063elementtoproof" style="background:white"><u><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:rgb(23,78,134)"><a href="mailto:Email%C2%A0:" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWA3e09d0f4-c190-2531-58db-fd74da860b29" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(23,78,134)">Email :</span></a></span></u><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:rgb(23,78,134)">
<u><a href="mailto:RJordan@avon-ma.gov" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWA9068e3e2-b7e1-868a-5e7b-d2eac4e33d1b" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(23,78,134)">RJordan@avon-ma.gov</span></a></u></span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-3743982883422192063elementtoproof"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:rgb(23,78,134)">65 E. Main Street-Avon, MA 02322</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-3743982883422192063elementtoproof"><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:"Palatino Linotype",serif;color:rgb(23,78,134)">P:
<span style="background:white">774-480-1682</span> at Town Hall</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p class="m_-3743982883422192063elementtoproof"> <img border="0" width="62" height="61" style="width: 0.6458in; height: 0.6354in;" id="m_-3743982883422192063Picture_x0020_1" src="cid:ii_1977ec1c8f14cff311"><u></u><u></u></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black"> MassPlanners <<a href="mailto:massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org</a>>
on behalf of Maren Toohill via MassPlanners <<a href="mailto:massplanners@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners@masscptc.org</a>><br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, June 5, 2025 9:42 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Edgartown Planning Board <<a href="mailto:planningboard@edgartown-ma.us" target="_blank">planningboard@edgartown-ma.us</a>>; Ralph Willmer <<a href="mailto:ralphwillmer.apa@gmail.com" target="_blank">ralphwillmer.apa@gmail.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Mass Planners <<a href="mailto:massplanners@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners@masscptc.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Massplanners] Upcoming legislative hearing<u></u><u></u></span></p>
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<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Very well said; thank you for weighing in!</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Offering my (very biased) opinion. If residents knew that they would be provided with appropriate training, perhaps they would feel empowered to offer their volunteer services to the Town.</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt">Maren</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Maren A. Toohill, AICP</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Town Planner</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">978/540-2425</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><u><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(5,99,193)"><a href="mailto:MToohill@littletonma.org" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWA1d79e83b-b478-c257-500f-a5fd1b570ebf" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(5,99,193)">MToohill@littletonma.org</span></a></span></u><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">Town of Littleton</span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"> </span><u></u><u></u></p>
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<p><b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif">From:</span></b><span style="font-size:11pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"> MassPlanners <<a href="mailto:massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners-bounces@masscptc.org</a>>
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Edgartown Planning Board via MassPlanners<br>
<b>Sent:</b> Thursday, June 5, 2025 9:24 AM<br>
<b>To:</b> Ralph Willmer <<a href="mailto:ralphwillmer.apa@gmail.com" target="_blank">ralphwillmer.apa@gmail.com</a>><br>
<b>Cc:</b> Mass Planners <<a href="mailto:massplanners@masscptc.org" target="_blank">massplanners@masscptc.org</a>><br>
<b>Subject:</b> Re: [Massplanners] Upcoming legislative hearing</span><u></u><u></u></p>
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<p> <u></u><u></u></p>
<p style="margin-bottom:12pt"> <u></u><u></u></p>
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<p style="line-height:12pt;background:rgb(255,156,156)"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:rgb(204,0,0)">Warning \u2013</span></b><span style="font-size:10pt;font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;color:black"> THIS EMAIL WAS SENT BY AN EXTERNAL
SENDER</span><u></u><u></u></p>
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<p>Greetings - <br>
<br>
I for one would be interested to get some feedback from town employees about this. I'm personally of mixed feelings: <br>
<br>
On the one hand: It's hard to get volunteers to step-up, collect signatures, run for office, and stay committeed for a 3 to 5 year period of time. Adding the additional burden of training requirements - even if free - might be the feather to tip the scales
for some. <br>
<br>
On the other hand, I've seen my share of really (putting it nicely) uninformed folks, who don't understand the essential responsibilities of the board. The issue isn't those who are less educated, or even folks with an axe to grind, bur rather... well, you
know the old saying: if all you have in the toolbox is a hammer, all the world looks like a nail. Attorneys will spend half the meeting arguing about the language; builders will spend half the meeting arguing about methods and materials of construction; realtors
will spend half the meeting arguing in favor of 'improved real-estate values' and so on. Having basic education in their responsibilities as a board would be at least a step towards reining this in.<br>
<br>
- Doug.<br>
Westhampton nee Edgartown. <u></u><u></u></p>
<p> <u></u><u></u></p>
<p>On Wed, Jun 4, 2025 at 6:46<span style="font-family:Arial,sans-serif">\u202f</span>AM Ralph Willmer via MassPlanners <<u><span style="color:blue"><a href="mailto:massplanners@masscptc.org" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWAed94b2f5-4673-65c1-6d5b-85a119eaf1bf" target="_blank">massplanners@masscptc.org</a></span></u>>
wrote:<u></u><u></u></p>
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<p>Hello -<u></u><u></u></p>
<p> <u></u><u></u></p>
<p>I wanted to alert everyone that on June 10th, the Municipalities and Regional Government Committee will be holding a hearing at 1 pm (Room B-1 and virtual) on some legislation of interest to planners. Among the bills to be heard is H. 2299 regarding mandatory
training for planning and zoning boards and H. 2300 regarding associate members to planning boards. Written testimony will be accepted until June 24th.<u></u><u></u></p>
<p> <u></u><u></u></p>
<p>You can find details about the hearing and each of the bills at <u><span style="color:blue"><a href="https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5212" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWA039ad7a3-80bb-966f-f6e0-02150c83c261" target="_blank">https://malegislature.gov/Events/Hearings/Detail/5212</a></span></u>.<u></u><u></u></p>
<p> <u></u><u></u></p>
<p>Ralph Willmer, FAICP<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>MA Chapter Legislative & Policy Officer<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>Chair, Citizen Planner Training Collaborative<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>--<br>
MassPlanners mailing list<br>
<u><span style="color:blue"><a href="mailto:MassPlanners@masscptc.org" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWA4d00198f-55cc-4cc2-1cb5-99fd6a1d6921" target="_blank">MassPlanners@masscptc.org</a></span></u><br>
<u><span style="color:blue"><a href="http://masscptc.org/mailman/listinfo/massplanners_masscptc.org" id="m_-3743982883422192063OWAe84e2480-8058-36b9-12f4-3182ec483fad" target="_blank">http://masscptc.org/mailman/listinfo/massplanners_masscptc.org</a></span></u><u></u><u></u></p>
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<p>--<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>The Edgartown Planning Board<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>PO Box 5130<u></u><u></u></p>
<p>Edgartown, MA 01027<br>
413-627-6170<u></u><u></u></p>
<p><b>Attention! This e-mail originates outside of the organization. Do not open attachments or click links unless you are sure this email is from a known sender and you know the content is safe. Call the sender to verify if unsure. Otherwise, delete this e-mail.</b><u></u><u></u></p>
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