UP CLOSE & PERSONAL In the Field

Welcome to Up Close and Personal – In the Field, a regular column in New Hampshire Town and City dedicated to giving readers a closer look at staff from New Hampshire municipalities and other political subdivisions. In this issue, we hope you enjoy meeting Betsy Bosiak, Planning Board member (and all-around volunteer) in the Town of Epsom.

TC: What are your duties and responsibilities as a Planning Board member?

BB: I serve on the Planning Board where I attend meetings and assist in making decisions on developments and subdivisions, recommend zoning revisions, contribute to the development of the Town’s master plan, and work on the Town’s CIP. In addition, I also serve as the Town’s liaison as the Central New Hampshire Regional Planning Commission (CNHRPC) Representative. The CNHRPC Transportation Advisory Committee (TAC) reviews and provides comment and recommendations on transportation related reports and studies prepared by the Commission staff or its consultants. Every two years the TAC assists with the development of the regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) that identifies regional priorities for inclusion in the New Hampshire State Ten Year Plan. As a TAC member, I serve as a vital connection between the CNHRPC, municipalities, and the public regarding transportation planning issues.

TC: What is your biggest challenge in performing your duties?

BB: One of the largest challenges of this position is to effectively listen. Listening to all perspectives and sides of an idea is imperative when deciding on the most satisfactory solution for all parties. Ultimately the goal is to balance all sides and make the decision that will have the greatest positive impact on both the people and the community and it all starts by listening and collect as much information as you can!

TC: How has NHMA helped you to do your job?

BB: Throughout my volunteering career, I have attended many NHMA hosted trainings and workshops. These events have allowed me to gain a better understanding of the parameters that restrict actions or guide best practices and principals for local governments. In many cases I have taken what I have learned at these trainings and brought them back to implement in various positions with the Town of Epsom.

TC: What is the public perception about your job and how does it differ from the reality of your job?

BB: The public perception of a planning board position is that you sit and listen, and only look at the information that is presented. It is important to stress that additional research and more behind the scenes effort is necessary and completed prior to a decision being made to ensure that the decision being make is the best possible outcome for the community.

TC: Tell us a story about an unusual experience you have had while doing your job.

BB: In both my position on the Planning Board as well as the CNHRPC, I have had numerous experiences where the concept presented in the set of design plans worked, but when you take a harder look at it physically while on site additional things that are not intuitive from the plan set are identified. An example of this is land topography and how rainwater (drainage) runs across the project site. Being on the site and examining the topography can assist in identifying challenges presented in the plans prior to the project going to construction.

TC: Has your public position changed you personally?

BB: Of course, these positions have changed me - these positions have made me a better professional. They have made me realize the true value in taking the time to listen to all of the sides before making a decision that will affect more than just myself.