Jerry Douglass

The committee focused on updating and prioritizing questions intended for Selectboard members and Department Heads for an upcoming meeting. Additionally, the committee directed the Chair to request further documentation from the Selectboard Chair to assist with their review process.

The primary discussion centered on the ongoing email changeover project, involving a comparison between Google Suite and Microsoft 365 solutions, focusing on reliability, security, and cost implications. A vendor representative provided details, noting Microsoft's perceived advantages in security and reliability due to greater data center infrastructure. The board discussed staff comfort levels with existing Microsoft products like Word and Excel versus Google's alternatives. A key decision point involves the upgrade to the .gov domain, for which an application was submitted, and the timeline for its approval may influence the migration decision. Discussions also touched upon procedures for email migration, data retention, and setting up email forwarders during the transition period.

Discussions included confirming a quorum and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Updates were provided regarding ongoing work at the Methodist Church, specifically unexpected foundation issues requiring the purchase of new curbing stone and granite blocks. The commission addressed the recent passing of an ordinance allowing for two additional alternate members and plans to advertise the openings after the April town meeting, noting interest from a local resident. Member terms and oath renewal dates were reviewed, with only one member needing to re-swear in 2021. Furthermore, compliance issues concerning an unapproved shed installation at 751 Royalsboro Road were discussed, clarifying that the matter should come directly to the commission. A significant portion of the meeting involved discussing the status of the comprehensive plan assignments, with members expressing frustration over the perceived complexity and volume of work, especially given COVID-19 constraints. The commission decided to defer active engagement on most items, particularly those involving advising property owners on tax credits, concluding that such tasks require external consultants. The status of the Union Church committee formation, pending action from the selectmen, was also noted.

The meeting, identified as a CIP Meeting, included a roll call establishing a quorum. Key discussions centered on the status of meeting minutes, noting that the official legal record is the recording, which is being maintained. A primary focus involved reviewing the anticipated unspent 2020 operating funds returning to the Public Works and Fire Department reserves at year-end. Committee members discussed how these unspent funds, which were not yet officially rolled into the reserves and thus not reflected in current requests, should impact the scoring and ranking of reserve fund applications, particularly for Public Works and Fire Department requests. There was also a brief inquiry into the status of changing the town's budget cycle from a calendar year to a fiscal year.

The discussion centered on resource protection zoning within Durham, focusing on compliance with the Mandatory Shoreland Zoning Act. The presenter reviewed the areas requiring state-mandated shoreland zoning, including zones around the Androscoggin River, Runaround Pond, and specific open wetlands, distinguishing between state-required resource protection and broader local protection measures. Three options for future action were presented: maintaining current protections, rolling back protections to state minimums, or calibrating the current resource protection zoning based on the best available natural resources inventory. The origin of Durham's more restrictive zoning, tracing back to the 2002 comprehensive plan update and subsequent recommendations from the Androscoggin County Council of Governments, was also reviewed.