By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

When Public Works Director Jim Kidder retired last Friday, the door opened for the town to consider another way of doing business.

“It was sad to see Jim go,” Town Manager Robert Peabody told selectmen Tuesday night.

“But, it offered the town an opportunity to review how it operates and see if there are other ways we can better serve the public.”

The town advertised for a new Public Works director, and had five applicants. Three were considered for interviews, but then, one dropped out. The two interviewed included recently-hired Wastewater Superintendent David Madsen. Peabody told selectmen that Madsen’s resume as a contractor was nearly as impressive as his background in wastewater reclamation.

So, Peabody considered the idea of merging the two positions into one, creating a new title, Public Services Director. The director will be in charge of an administrative assistant, as well as three foremen— public works, transfer station and water reclamation. Peabody pointed the change would not cost the town money, but actually could produce a savings down the road.

“I hope it will,” Peabody said. “It will make us more efficient.”

Selectmen agreed, and approved the hiring by a 3–0 vote (Selectmen Lee Eastman and Bob Murphy were absent).

In other business,

Grievance process: If a department head seeks to appeal a decision made by the town manager, who can he or she turn to? The current recourse is to take the matter to court since there is no local grievance avenue to follow.

Selectman Bear Zaidman wondered if another layer of mediation could be created, much like other town employees have at their disposal. Could the board of selectmen be that layer?

Selectwoman Carmen Lone suggested that if the town wanted to develop that step in the grievance process, it should consider hiring an outside mediator to serve in that capacity. She questioned whether selectmen would possess the training and skill set to act as mediators, and pointed out that board makeup changes from year-to-year. Personally, Lone said she would be “uncomfortable” acting in that capacity. “I don’t feel qualified,” she said.

Lone suggested that the town check with the Maine Municipal Association to see if the organization provides mediation services. Peabody will research options, and present his findings during a Nov. 26 workshop, which the board will be reviewing the existing personnel policy.

Consent Agreement: Main Eco Homes and the town reached a consent agreement regarding a violation of the Westwood Shores Subdivision Plan (address, 32 West Cottage Drive) for cutting and disturbing the required 50-foot wooded buffer.

The agreement calls for MEH to pay a $2,500 fine; complete a revegetation plan by June 30, 2020; all trees, plants and shrubs shall be maintained in a healthy condition and allowed to grow to full mature height, and for a period of five years, unhealthy or dead trees planted in accordance to the plan shall be removed and shall be replaced. The code enforcement officer will make annual inspections.

The property was inspected by CEO Rob Baker on July 15, at which time the violations were discovered.

Stepping in: Brenda Day has been appointed as acting code enforcement officer, following the unexpected passing of CEO Rob Baker. The town office was closed Wednesday (yesterday) to allow staff the opportunity to attend funeral services. A moment of silence was held in honor of Baker prior to Tuesday’s selectboard meeting. Baker had indicated his intention to retire Dec. 4. Day has served as the town’s administrative assistant to the CEO, community development director and both the Appeals and Planning Boards.

In a corresponding move, the town is accepting applications for the administrative assistant position. Deadline is Friday, Nov. 22, at 4 p.m., or until a qualified applicant is found.

The town is also looking for a seasonal full-time manager at Salmon Point Campground for the 2020 season and beyond. The application deadline is open until the position is filled. Information for both positions is available on the town’s website (www.bridgtonmaine.org)

On the Job: New Community Development Director Linda LaCroix began her duties last Thursday, Nov. 7. She was in attendance at the selectmen’s meeting Tuesday night.

Finishing up: New police officer Matt Regis will graduate from the Maine Criminal Justice Academy on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

Feedback sought: What did you think about Main Street construction? Town officials along with project engineers from HEB Engineers and Woodard & Curran want to know your thoughts. A public feedback session will be held on Monday, Nov. 18, in the municipal complex lower level meeting room (Iredale Street entrance) from 4:30 to 6 p.m. The goal is to improve construction and public relations for next spring when work resumes. Light refreshments will be served.

On the street construction front, contractors are planning on some additional concrete work likely next week with some warmer temperatures forecasted.

The new light poles will not arrive until February, so it looks like they will be installed in the spring. Officials are looking at ways to protect the light pole bases from being struck during sidewalk plowing. Light poles on the opposite side of the street will be lit.

Because sidewalk cement has just been poured, merchants are asked to use sand, not ice melt products, for the time being.

Areas dug up along Main Street will be tarred as workers finish up construction until resuming in the spring.

• Selectmen authorized a lease purchase agreement with Gorham Savings Leasing Group of a 2020 Western Star plow truck and related accessories in the principal amount of up to $172,143 (at an interest rate of 3.30% for a term of up to five years).

• Kevin Raday was appointed to the Ordinance Review Committee. Raday also serves on the Board of Appeals. ORC vice chairwoman Deb Brusini told selectmen that the group is in need of members (prior to the nomination, there were three members). Raday is “detail” oriented, Brusini added, and would be a welcomed addition to the ORC.

• The town is proposing amendments to the Sewer Ordinance. The public can view those changes by looking at the ordinance on the town’s website. A public hearing will be held.

• On the Bridgton Fire Department front, the fire company conducted two vehicle extrication and specialized equipment trainings with vehicles donated and prepped by Ovide’s Used Cars. A third training is planned during which the vehicles will be used for “live” fire training.

Five members attended training in Limington, which focused on responding to a structure fire with limited staffing, recruitment retention issues, sizing up the scene on arrival, mutual aid and various types of offensive fire attack.

• No parking on public streets from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m., from Nov. 15 to April 14 (per the town’s traffic ordinance). The public is also reminded that no person shall plow, shovel or deposit snow into the traveled public way.

• Liquor licenses were approved for Vivo Italian Kitchen and Noble House Inn. Victualer licenses were approved for Little Mountain Store and Noble House Inn.

• Meetings: Dates of the next board meetings — Nov. 26 and Dec. 10.