Wayne Planning Board elects chair and vice chair amid discussion of select board appointment authority

The Wayne Planning Board elected Anford (first name not recorded in transcript) as chair and reappointed Ed Bergman as vice chair during its Aug. 21 meeting. The annual officer elections proceeded by nomination and voice vote.

Board members also discussed select board proposals affecting membership and appointment procedures. Chip and other board members described a select board proposal to require select board confirmation of promotions from alternate members to full members and to clarify reappointment timing. Board members described the proposal as procedural and encouraged colleagues to raise concerns with the select board if they have them.

Board discussion clarified that the select board already has authority under the planning board ordinance to reappoint or appoint members: “the select board already has that authority,” a board member said. Separate select board proposals would formalize a process for evaluating reappointments and for requiring confirmation for alternate promotions; supporters cited potential benefits such as balancing technical skills on the board.

The board discussed terms and membership. Genie (surname not stated) was confirmed at the meeting as a full member after select board action earlier in the month; however, several members said the precise term length and whether she continues an existing term or begins a new five‑year term needed confirmation with town records. The board agreed to check town appointment records and to communicate with the select board about the proposed process changes.

No formal change to the planning board’s appointment rules was adopted by the planning board at this meeting; members agreed to continue outreach to the select board and to seek clarity about terms and the proposed confirmation process.