BRUNSWICK
Brunswick could soon have a new director of planning and development.
Councilors may confirm the appointment of Matt Panfil to the position at their meeting tonight.
Currently a town planner for Vail, Colorado, Panfil has worked in planning positions in Illinois. He has a master’s degree in urban planning and policy, and certifications through the American Institute of Certified Planners.
Panfil will fill the position left open by the retirement of Anna Breinich at the end of 2017; Assistant Town Planner Jared Woolston has served as the interim director of planning and development since then.
“Following detailed review and thorough discussion, we identified a leading candidate,” Town Manager John Eldridge wrote in a memo to councilors.
Also on tonight’s agenda is consideration of allowing the police department to apply for a grant to establish a K-9 program. If awarded by the Massachusetts-based Stanton
Foundation, grant funds would pay for the purchase of a dog, modification of a cruiser, food and veterinary costs for three years, and reimbursement of overtime expenses for training.
According to a memo from Brunswick Police Cmdr. Tom Garrepy, the department’s previous K-9 program ended in 2003.
“Since then we have had to rely on the resources from outside law enforcement agencies,” Garrepy wrote. “Often times, there have been significant delays in finding an available dog and handler, whereas having a department member on call will produce better results.”
The Stanton Foundation is providing $25,000 grants to support the creation of new K-9 teams in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and New York.
Councilors will also consider ratifying a contract with the Teamsters Local Union #340 for the Brunswick Public Works Department. According to Eldridge, town management has reached an agreement with the union after several years of negotiation.
The proposed contract for July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2019 includes a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment to the pay scales for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018, with retroactive compensation to wages paid beginning July 1 ,2017. There is also a 1 percent cost-of-living adjustment to the pay scales effective July 1, 2018.
The council will conduct a hearing on an alcohol license for Pat’s Pizza, located at 112 Pleasant St., and also consider a license for outdoor seating at the Lemongrass restaurant on Maine Street.
The council meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Town Hall.
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