Taylor McGraw, Jim Amaral, Peter Tischbein and alternate Laurie Hiestand have all asked Alna selectmen to consider keeping them on the planning board, Second Selectman Doug Baston said Monday. Longtime member Tom Albee declined and Chair Jeff Spinney did not respond by Friday when selectmen wanted everyone’s answer, Baston said. So selectmen have four current members to consider before newcomers, Baston said.

Wiscasset Newspaper is seeking any comment from Spinney. Bylaws the planning board recently passed called for selectmen to seat the board anew, with staggered terms.

As for the number who want to keep serving, Baston said,  “I’m pleased, because they went through a lot. So I’m delighted, frankly.” The planning board and town officials labored for months as Spinney’s dock-ramp proposal, turned ramp proposal, drew claims it did not meet town rules and could impact Sheepscot River. Spinney and his lawyer countered opponents’ arguments. The board twice rejected the project, 2-2.

Baston said selectmen might follow tradition and elevate an alternate, Hiestand, to a full planning board seat. “I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t do that,” and if everyone else gets reappointed, that would leave a member and two alternates to name, he said. Some interest has already come in, he said. He reiterated from selectmen’s recent statements, selectmen are looking for people with “independent judgment.”

The select board will likely put out a town email seeking applicants, Baston said.