Selectmen appoint temporary zoning official; planning boards had sought more time to weigh in

The Plaistow Board of Selectmen moved to appoint a temporary zoning officer to fill a vacancy created by the December retirement of the prior officer. The board emphasized the appointment is intended to be short term — roughly up to one year — and performed on an as‑needed, hourly basis while the town completes its staffing decisions.

Dan Kane, a planning‑board member who addressed the board during public comment, asked the Selectmen to table the matter so that land‑use boards could provide input. “I just came tonight ... to see if we could table, for at least 2 weeks the discussion on the zoning officer ... to let the land use boards have some discussion,” Kane said, explaining the planning board planned to take up the issue soon.

Richard Anthony, who identified himself as planning‑board chairman, reiterated that the planning board had not yet had a chance to meet and provide perspective after receiving the memorandum and also urged deference.

During the appointment discussion, the town reviewed the planning‑board bylaw that prevents planning staff from simultaneously serving in enforcement roles. Town staff explained the proposed temporary officer would be paid hourly at her current rate only when performing zoning duties; the role would be independent of planning staff and performed on an as‑needed basis.

A motion was made and seconded to appoint the proposed temporary zoning official for up to one year. The motion carried with three yes votes and one abstention. The record does not contain a full, spelled‑out name for the person appointed in the motion; the board indicated the appointment would ensure someone is available to make determinations on zoning matters while the town completes longer‑term staffing decisions.

Next steps: the temporary appointment will be implemented on an as‑needed basis; town manager and staff will provide the board with any needed clarifications about scope, pay, and scheduling at a future meeting.