1954-04-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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PLANNING BOARD MEETING Tuesday, April 27, 1951 ' Present: Adams, Grindle, Hathaway, Irwin, Jaquith, Ripley. Meeting opened at 7:45 o'clock. Benjamin Mr. Allen Benjamin present for discussion. Mr. Adams explained to Mr. Benjamin that the Board has talked with several other Planners, and they also lean towards having a permanent employee with emphasis on planning rather than engineering. Mr. Benjamin was asked if he were to work with a permanent man, would engineering help in view of the large amount of clerical work involved. Mr. Benjamin replied that he would prefer a Planner for the following reasons: to project for long range development would require more than one man's time and there would be a lot of work in getting together . pertinent information. A Planner would better know what was needed but the Board should not have to pay a high rate for it; if Mr. Benjamin were to do the whole job it would cost more. No Planner should object to the routine clerical work. An engineer might be competent as an individual but would not have had the education for planning. Just as important to know what not to get as what to get. Whole purpose of planning is to be sure sub- divisions are well laid out and fit into the general plan. Engineers are apt to get bogged down in thinking grades, etc. Mr. Benjamin suggests con- tacting the American Institute of Planners which acts as clearing house; also to advertise in Newsletter, published by American Society of Planning Officials, and to specify as first choice a man with both planning and en- gineering background in municipality. The pay should be attrantive but low enough so that it could be raised occasionally so turnover would not be too great. Having worked in large city is not as valuable as experience in small town. Personality is also important, should be able to work well with town employees. Title should not be long - might use Planning Director, Town Planner, Executive Planner, etc. When Mr. Benjamin was asked if he would consider acting as Consult- ant, replied he would enjoy working with the Board. Would have available -7-8 hours a week but didn't think that much time would be _necessary if the right assistant was procured. Will write a letter giving detailed proposal. Would appreciate being able to interview applicants for permanent employee. Would like to start by end of May. Bill Bill presented by Louise M. Baker, secretarial service April 5, 12, 20, 27, $20.00, postage and onion skin, $3.88. Unanimously voted the bill be paid., Mr. Adams read list of Board of Appeals hearings scheduled for April 29th, none of which were of interest to the Board. Mr. Adams announced a meeting had been held of available members of Selectmen and Planning Board to hear a proposal of Mr. Hussey, representing an insurance company who wished to build an office building on the Bashi.an