The Town Board shall appoint two alternate members to the Planning Board and one alternate member to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Alternate members shall be appointed for a term of seven years to the Planning Board and five years to the Zoning Board of Appeals, commencing on the first day of January. The term of any alternate member appointed subsequent to the first day of January shall expire on the 31st day of December in the appropriate calendar year to fulfill the term.

The Chairperson of the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals may designate a duly appointed alternate member to substitute for a member when such member is unable to participate on an application or matter before the Board and it does not create a conflict for the alternate. When so designated, the alternate member shall possess all the powers and responsibilities of a member of the Board. Such designation shall be entered into the minutes of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals meeting at which the substitution is made.

An alternate member duly authorized by the Chairperson of the Planning Board or Zoning Board of Appeals to substitute for a Board member, when such member is unable to participate in a meeting, will be compensated in place and instead of the Board member.

Except as provided herein, all provisions of state law relating to Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeals member eligibility, vacancy in office, removal, compatibility of office and service on other boards, shall also apply to alternate members. In addition, any provisions of a local law or ordinance relating to training, continuing education, compensation and attendance of members shall also apply to alternate members.