Alternate members of the Zoning Board of Appeals may be appointed by the Town Board and designated by the Chairman of the Zoning Board of Appeals in accordance with the provisions of this section when a regular member of the Zoning Board of Appeals is unable to participate on an application or matter before the respective board as set forth herein.

The Town Board shall appoint two alternate members to the Zoning Board of Appeals who shall serve for a term of two years. One alternate member shall be designated as the "first alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member," and the other alternate member shall be designated as the "second alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member." No more than two alternate members may serve at any time on the Zoning Board of Appeals. The term of any alternate member shall cease on December 31 in the year after the initial appointment of that member regardless of whether he or she has served a full 24 months.

The Chairperson of the Zoning Board of Appeals may designate the first alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member to substitute for a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals when such member is unable to participate on an application or matter before the Board due to conflict of interest or other ethical consideration which results in a recusal of that Board member from acting on the particular application before the Board. If the first alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member is unable or unwilling to act, the Zoning Board of Appeals shall designate the second alternate Zoning Board of Appeals member to act. When designated, the alternate member shall possess all the powers and responsibilities of such regular member of the Board. Such designation shall be entered into the minutes of the initial Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at which the substitution is made. The appointed alternate member shall participate as a member of the Zoning Board of Appeals with respect to the particular application only until final action has been taken on the particular application.

All provisions of state and local laws relating to Zoning Board of Appeals eligibility, vacancy in office, removal, compatibility of office and service on other boards, as well as any provisions of New York State Town Law or a local law or ordinance relating to training, continuing education, compensation and attendance shall apply to alternate members.