Southwick Zoning Board of Appeals Considers New Peer Review Process for Member Evaluations

During the latest Southwick Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, members engaged in a discussion about a potential new peer review process aimed at evaluating board members. This process, proposed to be effective from April 1, 2024, would allow board members to assess each other and provide feedback, which would then be confidentially compiled and possibly influence reappointments. While the intention is to address any issues with board members constructively, there was concern over the complexity and necessity of such a system. One member expressed skepticism, noting that board members are volunteers and that mandatory evaluations might deter participation.

05:48The board members debated the merits of the peer review system, with some suggesting that it could serve as a method for identifying and addressing issues within the board. However, there was a consensus that such evaluations should not devolve into a cumbersome or punitive process, likened by some to a “high school prom contest.” Instead, it was suggested that any necessary evaluations should be initiated by the chairperson and vice-chairperson in a more informal and direct manner. The board leaned towards recommending that any review of members up for reappointment be handled through executive sessions rather than through the proposed peer review forms.

15:28Additionally, the meeting highlighted ongoing challenges in recruiting new members to the board. The discussion revealed a lack of interest from the community in filling board positions, attributed to the demanding nature of the work and the misconception that board members are compensated. It was suggested that further efforts be made to raise awareness and encourage participation through modern communication channels, such as social media platforms.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.

Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:

is discussed during:
in these locations: