Rod Melanson’s promotion to town planner was unanimously confirmed by the Board of Selectmen last week.

Don Russell, chairman of the Board of Selectmen, served on the interview committee that interviewed Melanson, “and I know we’re very fortunate in having an individual such as Rod to be able to step forward and take on that full position, and it will be done in a seamless manor.”

Russell said it was the consensus of the interview committee that Melanson be appointed to the town planner position by Town Manager Rich Roedner. The vote to confirm Melanson’s appointment was 5-0.

Melanson has worked in the town’s planning and development department for 10 years as the Natural Resource/Assistant Planner, and has served as the interim town planner since Roedner left the position to take on the role of town manager.

“It’s been very busy,” Melanson said. “What we’re seeing now too is quite a different landscape with applications and growth again. Commercial development is ramping up again.”

He wasn’t expecting to be a planning director when he started with the town, but is comfortable doing the job and “I see this as a major opportunity and good timing for me to do it, because there’s a lot going on in Topsham and it’s a good place to be doing this job.

Melanson lives in Newcastle with his wife and a sons, ages 7 and 4.

Roedner said because the planning director position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement, it was advertised in-house first. Melanson was the only one to apply, and after the interview, the committee felt that there was no need to expand the search.

Topsham will be filling the assistant planner’s position, Roedner said, “but first we need to evaluate skills/talents needed, and whether there is any restructuring needed.”

dmoore@timesrecord.com

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