The Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) conducted its annual election officers at its December 17 session, reelecting Republican Robert Mulholland to a third one-year term as the chairman of the land use agency.

Republican member Frank Corigliano nominated Mr Mulholland for the chairmanship, with the motion seconded by Democratic member Don Mitchell. There were no other nominations. The motion was approved without opposition.

Mr Mulholland then nominated Republican Jim Swift as the panel’s vice chairman. Mr Corigliano seconded the motion. The motion was approved without opposition.

Mr Corigliano then nominated Mr Mitchell to serve as secretary. Mr Mulholland seconded the motion. The motion was approved without opposition.

Mr Mitchell has served as P&Z secretary for the past two years.

The P&Z has eight members, five of whom are regular members, and three of whom are alternate members.

The other regular member is Democrat Corinne Cox, who was elected to her first term in the November elections.

The P&Z’s alternate members are Fred Taylor and Roy Meadows, both of whom are Republicans, and Democrat Barbara Manville.

The P&Z is charged with promoting the orderly and coordinated development of the town and the general welfare and prosperity of its residents.

In its role as the zoning agency, the panel regulates the use and development of land by dividing it into zoning districts. It regulates the principal and accessory uses permitted within those zones.

As the town’s planning agency, the P& Z regulates the subdivision of land. It also formulates the decennial Town Plan of Conservation and Development, a document that lists many planning objectives and goals.

The P&Z also serves as the borough’s planning commission. The borough has its own zoning commission.