Every ten years, a Town officials and volunteers work together to prepare a “vision document that represents the community” – the Master Plan. It’s time to develop a new one. They are seeking four citizen at large to join with representatives from 14 boards and committees.
The Planning Board asked me to share the call for volunteers. Here is the committee charge with details:
Master Plan Committee
The Planning Board is preparing to update the current Master Plan, which was completed in 2008. A Master Plan provides a basis for future decision making in the Town. A long term vision document, a Master Plan, helps guide the Town’s growth and change, preserve its natural and cultural resources and maintain its public facilities and services. To create a vision document that represents the community, the Planning Board is establishing a Steering Committee of various stakeholders representing a diversity of ideas and viewpoints.
Charge of Duties
- The Committee will review the current Master Plan and make a recommendation for revisions, changes, and updates.
- The Master Plan Committee will work with the Town Planner, staff, boards, commissions, consultants, regional agencies, and the citizens of Southborough to formulate revisions, recommendations, and drafts of a new Master Plan to update and replace the 2008 Master Plan.
- The Master Plan Committee will ensure that the new Master Plan will be in conformance with the Massachusetts General Law and represent any other topics and issues specific to the needs of Southborough.
- Over the course of its work, the Master Plan Committee will ensure that the Master Plan remains a tools to guide the Town’s growth and change, preserve its natural and cultural resources and maintain its public facilities and services.
Membership
The Master Plan Committee shall consist of members representing the following:
- Two (2) Planning Board members, appointed by the Planning Board
- Up to Two (2) members of the Board of Selectmen, appointed by the Board of Selectman
- One (1) representative recommended by the Historical Commission
- One (1) representative recommended by the Conservation Commission
- One (1) representative recommended by the Council on Aging
- One (1) representative recommended by the Recreation Commission
- One (1) representative recommended by the Open Space Preservation Commission
- One (1) representative recommended by the Economic Development Committee
- One (1) representative recommended by the SHOPC
- One (1) representative recommended by the School Committee
- One (1) representative recommended by the Zoning Board of Appeals
- One (1) representative recommended by the Technology Committee
- One (1) representative recommended by the ADA
- One (1) representative recommended by the Trails Committee
- Ex-Officio- Town Planner
- Ex-Officio- Recreation Director
- Up to four (4) members at large, appointed by the Planning Board
Term and Organization
- The term of the Committee is January 7, 2019 to June 30, 2020
- The Master Plan Committee shall dissolve after the Planning Board’ adoption of a revised Master Plan.
- The Committee shall elect its own Chair, Vice Chair and Clerk and shall establish a regular meeting schedule. All records of the Committee shall be filed with the Town Clerk and open to public inspection in accordance with applicable Open Meeting Law and Public Record statutes;
- The Committee shall operate in accordance with the State Conflict of Interest Laws;
- Members shall serve without financial compensation.
To apply, click here. If you have questions, you can follow up with Town Planner Karina Quinn at kquinn@southboroughma.com or (508) 485-0710 ext. 3028.
