Charlton Planning Board elects chair, vice chair and secretary at Sept. meeting

The Town of Charlton Planning Board elected Bill Fontaine chair and Patsy vice chair and named Leonidas secretary during routine reorganization at the start of its Sept. 3 meeting.

Board members said they prefer annual rotation for officers to keep leadership moving and agreed the change should take effect at the first meeting in September. The board also discussed whether the secretary role should be substantive or largely honorary while long‑time clerk Jane is not present.

Board members nominated Fontaine and seconded the nomination; members voted in favor. Patsy was nominated and seconded for vice chair and the board approved that nomination by voice vote. Leonidas was nominated and confirmed as secretary; members described the position as largely administrative while the clerk is absent.

During discussion members said they expect a one‑year term for officers, and that the role of secretary will usually involve taking notes and assisting with meeting administration. The board agreed to revisit term language if necessary ahead of next year’s reorganization.

Members also asked staff to confirm how officer terms are recorded in minutes and to place the reorganization on the first meeting of September next year to continue the annual rotation.