Hampton Select Board holds facilitated goal‑setting session, flags staffing and infrastructure needs

Carleigh Beriont, chair of the Hampton Select Board, opened a facilitated goal‑setting session on June 22 that brought board members, the town manager and department heads together to identify short‑term priorities and form work groups to develop objectives.

Rick Alpers, Primex Member Services Manager, led the facilitation and guided the board through a two‑list exercise, asking participants to add items under "Going Well" and "Challenges." Items listed as going well included first responders, teamwork across departments, recreation programs and financial reporting and transparency. Challenges included declining state and federal aid, pressures on the default budget, growth and demographic shifts, flooding risks and low voter awareness and participation.

Board members and Town Manager James Sullivan each offered three goals, which the group placed into three categories—"Future Planning," "Finance & Budget" and "Infrastructure." Small groups were formed for each category and tasked with developing measurable objectives. In group reports the meeting identified several recurring priorities: staffing shortages—especially in the Department of Public Works—road and facilities maintenance needs, improvements to signage including historical markers, and ensuring department heads are familiar with MPIC. Participants also emphasized the need to align the Master Plan, the capital improvement program (CIP) and the annual budget through strategic planning.

Alpers told the board he viewed the goals as achievable "within 12–18 months" and said he would provide a final report to the Select Board. When Chair Beriont asked whether the town could hold similar facilitated sessions more than once a year, Alpers said yes and noted that Primex provides the service at no cost.

The session ran from 1:07 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. and adjourned with the minutes prepared by Julie Glover, HR/Administrative Services Director.