MONTEZUMA -- The Montezuma Town Board sidestepped the issue of appointing a new planning board Tuesday night, postponing the decision until its next meeting March 18.

William S. Saroodis, town supervisor, said that the main reason for the postponement was the absence of Norman Chirco, who was in New York City for town attorney training.

"He advised me to wait until next month," Saroodis said. "He asked me to hold off."

Saroodis said that although there were some gray areas regarding the dissolving of the planning board, he was confident that the town's actions were legal.

"I've checked into it, and we've done everything legal," he told the 40 town residents assembled in the hall. He also indicated that three new applicants had come forward to be considered for the planning board. He indicated that one of the applicants fits the board's interest in appointing someone from the agricultural zone.

"Can't you just add one person?," asked Gwen Ellenwood.

"Yes," Saroodis said. "We've been operating with seven."

The issue goes back to Jan. 15, when the town board followed town councilor Antoinette Smart's motion to go into executive session during its reorganizational meeting. It came out with a unanimous resolution to abolish the planning board and reappoint a new one at its March meeting, astounding the planning board members.

No reason was given for the dissolution at that time, but current planning board members were invited to reapply, submitting a letter or a resume.

Now the issue will be over the legality of that action.

Read the rest of the report in Wednesday's Citizen.