(a) The member of the planning and zoning board who has served longer as an alternate board member shall be the first alternate board member. If the first alternate board member leaves the board or is appointed a regular board member, the successor to the first alternate board member shall be that alternate board member with the longer service as an alternate member. The next appointed alternate board member shall be designated as the second alternate board member.

(b) In the absence of a regular planning and zoning board member from an official board meeting, the first alternate board member shall assume all duties of the absent regular board member, including the right to vote on any matter before the board at that meeting. If two or more regular board members are absent from an official board meeting, the second alternate member shall assume all duties of an absent regular member, including the right to vote on any matter before the board at that meeting.

(c) In the absence of the first alternate board member from an official board meeting, the second alternate board member shall act in the place of the absent first alternate, including the right to vote on matters before the board at that meeting if a regular member is absent at that meeting.