The Rochester Planning Board on July 7 reviewed a revised draft of its bylaws that clarifies which alternates may sit for absent members and removes language referring to a secretary position the board previously voted to eliminate.

The changes matter to the board’s operations because they more precisely define who may act in the place of absent ex‑officio and city council representatives and codify procedural clarifications members requested in April.

Planning staff summarized edits line‑by‑line and told the board that article 2 now specifically states that “only people appointed alternates for ex officio members may sit in when they are absent” and that city council alternates may only sit in for the council representative. Staff also said it removed recurring references to a secretary, matching an earlier board vote to eliminate that role. Staff cited Robert’s Rules of Order to confirm that any member may second a motion for reconsideration even if they were not present at the original vote.

The board chair announced that Allison Burridge has been elevated from alternate to a full voting member. “Allison Burridge has been elevated to a full voting member,” the chair said.

Members agreed the draft requires one more formal agenda item and vote at a future meeting to adopt the changes; staff said it will prepare a formal motion and bring the revised bylaws back for a recorded vote. No bylaws amendment was adopted at the July 7 meeting; the discussion served to finalize edits prior to a formal adoption vote.