The Town of Needham Planning Board discussed Oct. 30 whether to appoint a representative or a designated designee to the town's tree committee and asked staff to consult the Select Board on whether the appointment language in the charter must be changed to permit a designee.

Chair Artie Crocker said he had found a potential replacement for his seat on the tree committee, naming David Hruska, a Rosemary Street resident who has been active on tree and environmental issues. Lee Newman, representing town staff, said the committee was appointed by the Select Board and that the committee's membership composition includes representatives from the Planning Board, Conservation Commission, Select Board and other town groups.

Several board members said they wanted more information and recommended opening the opportunity to other candidates or asking the nominee to appear before the board. Adam Block and other members emphasized that the board's representative should understand planning board procedures, the role of special permits and site plan review, and should act as a representative of the board rather than an individual advocate.

Lee Newman said he would follow up with the Select Board to determine whether the charter can be amended to permit a Planning Board 'designee' and to clarify the Select Board's process for making the appointment. The board agreed to invite the prospective nominee or other candidates to a future meeting for discussion if the Select Board approves a designee or if the board decides to open the appointment process.

No formal vote was taken at the Oct. 30 meeting; board members asked staff to report back after consulting with the Select Board so the Planning Board can consider next steps.