SPRINGFIELD - After a third resignation in the past two months, the Springfield town board met Monday evening and appointed people to fill the vacancies left on the planning board.

The meeting began with a letter of resignation by Reinhart Burdt, who stepped down from his seat on the planning board, effective Jan. 10. His letter stated he felt his absences "[were] unfair to the other board members and to the town of Springfield."

His term expires at the end of 2003.

With Burdt stepping down, and the expiration of Dr. Willard Harman's term on Dec. 31, 2002, there were four slots to fill on the planning board.

The appointees were: Rick Morris to take the remainder of Jim Willsey's term, Joy White to fill in for the rest of Dan Rosen's term, Harman was reinstated for another term, David Staley was to fill the vacancy left by Burdt and Tom Fassett was nominated for an alternate position.

"You've got to have somebody who has some time," said Tom Armstrong, Springfield town supervisor. "Harman doesn't waste any time. He gets to the point. I think that is what you need."

"I still have to talk to a couple of people," said Harman. "I'm disappointed that Jim Willsey is not on the board. I don't feel I have time to get too involved in the procedural details. I would be happy to give advice on individual applications."

If she accepts the appointment, Joy White's term would expire in 2004. She could not be reached for comment.

"I plan to accept the position," said Staley. "I want to contribute to the community by serving on the board."

Staley said it seemed to be a difficult position, but he feels everyone should contribute to the community.

"I've accepted the position. I feel the planning board's job is to regulate laws the town board has put in place and that is what we need to do," Rick Morris said Wednesday.

After speaking with Fassett on Wednesday, he said he had not yet heard from anyone about the appointment. He was unsure of his plans.

In other news:

• Tom Armstrong discussed filling the position of someone to watch over the public landing. "I tried to get it so that we could watch the boats earlier and later," Tom Armstrong said.

The position used to last from May 15 through Sept. 15. It will now extend from May 1 through Oct. 11.

• Tom Armstrong was appointed by the board to the position of coordinator of the community center.

It was decided during the meeting that Tom Armstrong would receive $200 a month for the position, said town clerk Jeannette Armstrong.