FARMINGTON — After 23 years of serving on the Farmington Planning Board and helping guide the town’s growth, Chairman L. Herbert “Bussie” York has retired.

His last day of presiding over the seven-person board was Monday. His three-year term expires this month.

“It has been a pleasure to see the town mature over the past 25 years,” he said at the start of the meeting when the announcement was made.

He cited as the most notable accomplishments the development of the comprehensive plan and the complementary land use ordinances and he said there has been great support from board members who served over the years.

“This board sets the tone for diversity and has a huge impact on the town,” he said.

Town Manager Richard Davis presented York with a gavel and a plaque in a brief ceremony that honored York’s valuable service to the town.

For the past 50 years, York and his wife, Brenda, have managed the Sandy River Farm, a diversified organic dairy and crop production operation on Farmington Falls Road that has over 1,600 acres of land.