Rochester Planning Board members learned that a number of resumes were submitted for the open Town Planner position. However, the recent resignation of board member Bob Francis dampened the news.

The deadline to submit Town Planner applications closed Nov. 22, the same day the board met. Town Administrator Rich LaCamera has reviewed the resumes and said there were several strong candidates.

Member Ben Bailey volunteered to join the committee that will review the applications.

“We’re moving along. Hopefully we’ll start the New Year off with a Town Planner,” Chair Arnie Johnson said. Since former Town Planner John Charbonneau resigned in August Planning Board members and the board’s secretary have taken on a larger workload. Charbonneau had worked part time for Wareham and Rochester.

Johnson said the position was advertised as part time.

With a number of projects still moving forward, the Little Quittacas solar plant and a proposed natural gas fueling station among them, board members said Francis would be missed.

“He was a walking encyclopedia and will be hard to replace,” said member Susan Teal.

Johnson said he left the board for “personal reasons.”

Though he’s no longer on the board, Johnson noted Francis has volunteered to advise the board’s bylaw subcommittee.

“He is still going to offer us his expertise,” Johnson said.