Circuit Rider Program
Responsible Staff:
Purpose
The Circuit Rider Program was designed to allow increased flexibility in our assistance to communities. Communities that are experiencing growth at a more rapid rate than they are accustomed to or communities needing to revise several regulations and long range plans have the option of hiring a NCC staff member as a part time planner for their community. The purpose of the program is to allow planning board members to work with a planner to help organize the plan review process and/or amend regulations and procedures so the board can be more productive and more equipped to handle the increased growth in their community.
Description of Work
The scope of work for a Circuit Rider contract is flexible and depends on the needs of the community. The most utilized service is that of plan review and organization of procedures for the planning board. For this specific work task, a NCC staff member would assist in the review of proposed development plans using the towns review procedures. The NCC staff person would make themselves available at planning board meetings to discuss the details of the proposed projects and provide comments and expert opinions on these plans. The Circuit Rider contract could also be used so the staff member works with the planning board a few days a month on amendments and adoption of several plans and regulations. At times, communities need to overhaul all ordinances and the Master Plan. Under the Circuit Rider contract, the part-time planner would have more time to work on these needed amendments and could be available for planning board meetings or specially assigned work sessions.
Timeframe
It is recommended that no more than four days a month be spent on the Circuit Rider program. If a planner is needed more than four days a month, it is more economically feasible for the town to hire a full time planner. A typical Circuit Rider contract would include attendance at a planning board meeting once a month, one day of office time in the town hall and one day of office time at NCC’s offices where the planner can have uninterrupted plan review or ordinance adjustment time.
Costs
Cost for this service depends entirely on the number of days a planner is needed in a community. The Circuit Rider contract is strictly based on the hourly rate of $50. A typical three day a month work schedule for a Circuit Rider contract would equal approximately $14,000 for one year.