SARATOGA SPRINGS— On Friday, February 7 Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen announced that she has designated Mark Torpey to be the new chairperson of the city’s planning board. The Mayor noted that Torpey’s experience with NYSERDA, which promotes energy efficiency, sustainable development and clean energy technologies, complimented the focus of her campaign for office. Torpey succeeds Clifford Van Wagner, who will remain as a planning board member, where he is in the second year of a seven-year appointment. The Mayor praised Van Wagner’s service as chairman but noted that since “I have so few appointments per year I think it is important to bring in new people and give them an opportunity to serve.”