2022 Master Plan Steering Committee Charter
Master Plan Steering Committee Charter
Charter:
The Topsfield Master Plan Steering Committee is established to build consensus around a comprehensive strategy for Topsfield’s future by engaging public input and directing the process of developing a Comprehensive Master Plan for Topsfield.
Structure:
The Master Plan Steering Committee shall be created by the Select Board, and shall disband once the final Master Plan is approved by the Planning Board. Members shall be appointed by the Select Board and serve until the Master Plan Steering committee is disbanded. Resignations shall be in writing to the Town Clerk. The Master Plan Steering Committee will select a Chair and a Vice Chair/Clerk. All meetings will be officially posted and minutes will be taken.
Authority and Responsibilities:
The Master Plan Steering Committee will collaborate with the Planning Board, Select Board and the consultant selected to prepare the Master Plan in the development of the Comprehensive Master Plan.
Traditional elements of the Master Plan will include:
- Goals and Implementation Plans
- Land Use
- Natural Resources
- Housing,
- Open Space and Recreation
- Historic and Cultural Resources
- Economic Development
- Public Facilities/Services
- Transportation
Additional elements that will be considered include: Fiscal Impact, Sustainability, Climate Change, and Hazard Mitigation.
Other responsibilities include:
- To help identify existing plans and share expertise in the above listed areas,
- To support the effort to ensure broad public and Town participation in the master planning process,
- To share expertise relative to the elements of the plan, and
- To undertake other work related to the Master Plan as requested by the Consultant and the Planning Board.
Composition:
Master Plan Steering Committee shall consist of up to fifteen (15) members, including:
- Two (2) Select Board member, or a designee
- Two (2) Planning Board members, or a designee
- Up to three (3) residents at large
- Up to two (2) Economic Community Development Advisory Committee members
- One (1) business owner
- One (1) Zoning Board of Appeals member
- One (1) Resident with local historical knowledge and/or agriculture
- One (1) Public Safety official with knowledge of Transportation/Circulation/Hazard Mitigation
- One (1) Conservation Commission member or a designee
- One (1) Sustainability Advisory committee member or a designee
- The Town Administrator, or a designee, serving ex-officio