Planning board debates member voting eligibility after absences; chair returns to role

Board members discussed the effect of missed meetings on voting eligibility for applications under review, and an applicant raised the point that a member who had missed prior meetings might not be qualified to vote. The chair, Bob Pregrath, temporarily relinquished his voting role on a matter and asked Vice Chair Anne Ross Raymond to preside while the board clarified membership and voting rules.

Members said they would check town council guidance and records before making a determination about any individual member’s eligibility to vote on a pending application. The board also noted past practice that members who are absent for certain proceedings may lose the right to vote on a matter and agreed to verify the relevant rule before the continued hearing.