Board opens with tribute to late chair; members to address officer elections at upcoming reorganization meeting

The board meeting opened with the chair noting the recent death of long‑time Planning Board Chair Charlie Fairman. Members and staff reflected on Fairman’s service since 2015, two years as chair, and his work representing the board to the Historic District Commission and the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission.

Board members discussed the vacancy in the chair position and the timing for reorganization. Staff reminded the board that officer elections and reorganization traditionally occur at the first May meeting; members agreed to address officer elections at the upcoming reorganization meeting and in the May 20 workshop. Staff also reviewed upcoming meeting dates and encouraged members to consider roles on boards and commissions, noting vacancies on the Southern New Hampshire Planning Commission.

The meeting adjourned with an expression of condolences to Fairman’s family and gratitude for his service.