By Alex Malm
Hudson is in search of a town planner, with current Town Planner, Brian Groth, announcing his resignation from the town, effective Nov. 30.
In a letter to Town Administrator, Steve Malizia, Groth said he would be taking a job with the NH Department of Business & Economic Affairs. “I have enjoyed working with you and the rest of the team here,” Groth wrote in his resignation letter. “I hope to continue to be a resource to the community in a different role with the NH Department of Business & Economic Affairs. During the next four weeks I will do everything possible to facilitate the transition.”
With the void, until the town can find a new planner, Malizia asked during the Nov. 14 Board of Selectmen to be able to use the services of the Nashua Regional Planning Commission “to provide temporary assistance as needed until Mr. Groth’s replacement is hired.” Malizia added that he expects it will take a couple of months before a new planner is on board. Depending on the amount of work needing to be done, they could use the services for 30 to 40 hours a month.
Selectmen, Dillon Dumont, said “There will be a lot of work ahead with zoning ordinances and putting together ordinances. Selectmen, Bob Guessferd, who currently serves as the liaison for the Planning Board, said they are involved in an important process of working on the master plan and “it’s important we have coverage,” he said.
The Selectmen ultimately approved using Nashua Regional Planning Commission services until a new town planner is hired.
Malizia during the meeting said, “Typically with a position like this I like to have a committee,” saying that they are able to help determine the best candidates to send to the Board of Selectmen for their consideration. “The purpose of the interview committee is to vet the final candidates for the full Board of Selectmen’s interview and selection,” Malizia wrote in a memo to the Board of Selectmen. He recommended having two Selectmen, the Planning Board Chair, and himself.
Guessferd said since he is the liaison for the Planning Board, he thought it made sense for him to be on the committee. Dumont also asked to be on the committee, both were approved by the rest of the Selectmen.
The next Board of Selectmen meeting is slated to take place on Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.