Council reviews new set
of manager applications

WINDHAM — Windham’s search for a permanent town manager continues with a new crop of 21 applications for the Town Council to review. 

The council originally expected to appoint a new manager in January, but when the position was advertised in November 2018, it drew only 18 applications. Interim Town Manager Don Gerrish then recommended waiting to bring in a new manager until after the town budget process is completed in June. 

“Having someone come in the middle of the budget is very difficult,” he said. “Let’s wait and give us some time for the council to kind of go through some more processes.” 

The position was recently readvertised and closed on April 23. Gerrish said the town received 21 applications. On Tuesday, April 30, the council met in executive session to review the applicants and decide how best to move forward. 

“If everything goes OK and we have some applicants to interview, we’re hoping to have someone in by the first or second week of June,” he said. Gerrish plans to remain in the interim position through the end of June.

When asked whether he was hopeful about this round of applicants producing a new town manager, he replied, “Well, I’m always hopeful.” 

Gerrish assumed the role of interm town manager after then-Town Manager Tony Plante left in October with a $175,000 severance package amid turmoil on the council about his job performance. Plante’s departure angered many residents, who felt he was forced out. 

NG residents to vote
on 42 warrant articles 

NEW GLOUCESTER — New Gloucester will hold its annual town meeting on Monday, May 7, at 7 p.m. in the Memorial School Gymnasium at 86 Intervale Road. 

Residents will vote on the proposed $3.6 million municipal budget.

There are 42 warrant items on the agenda. Ten are related to operations, while 31 pertain to capital projects and reserves.

One article asks about raising nearly $40,000 from taxation for the purchase of public safety turnout gear. Another asks about the appropriation of $25,000 from the Public Works Capital Reserve Account for the purchase of a pick-up truck. 

The warrant items also ask about the disposition of foreclosed property as well as ordinances pertaining to community living arrangements, live-in health care facilities and property tax assistance. 

A full list of the warrant articles can be found on the New Gloucester town website. 

Windham resident wins
Rotary Ice Out Contest

WINDHAM — David Douglass of Windham, the $500 prize winner of Sebago Lake Rotary Club’s Ice Out Contest, donated half of his prize back to the Rotary.

Douglass and Wayne Roma of East Baldwin both had the winning ice-out prediction of April 18. Their names were put into a hat and Douglass’ was drawn. 

The ice-out date was determined by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. This is the first year the Rotary has held the contest, and it plans to continue it next year. 

David Douglass of Windham, center, receives his Ice Out Contest prize from Peter Gartland of Sebago Lake Rotary. At left is George Bartlett of the Rotary. 

Gerrish has served as Windham’s interim town manager since last October. 

Copy the Story Link