NGX sat down with our new town manager for an update on what’s happening at Town Hall. Since there’s so much going on and he’s only been here a short time, we focused on a few areas and hope to do the same every couple of months. This conversation focused on general observations, and communication and transparency. The following is an abbreviated version of our interview in Q&A format, edited for length and readability.
Q: You’ve been here for three months now. Do you have any observations or reflections you’d like to share with our readers?
A: I just met with the town leaders group, that includes Gray and New Gloucester town managers, board chairs as well as the school board chair and superintendent. This group meets quarterly and is a great opportunity to share information and find ways we can collaborate and help each other.
We have very dedicated board and committees. I’m very impressed with the level of public engagement, and the knowledge that members of the board and committees have, and their commitment to work for the best interests of New Gloucester. I’m also very impressed with the knowledge and commitment of the staff to the Town.
We have a lot going on. Unfortunately, we’ve had some personnel changes, but we have the opportunity to bring on some new talent and ideas. Review of applications for the fire chief position will start in April, we’ve received five applications for that. For the planning position, the interview committee will meet next week to review the three applications we have and decide who we want to interview. For deputy clerk, we’ve received two applications. This position is open until filled. We also are interviewing for a buildings and ground position, we have two applications for that.
We’re working with an consultant on how best to proceed with our search for a part time IT station manager to oversee the cable TV operation. This person will focus on the technical side of the operation.
Q: Where is the process of getting equipment ready to run hybrid meetings?
A: I’m working on a remote meeting policy, but it will depend to some degree on the person we hire for this position. It’s kind of a chicken-and-egg thing.
Q: Are you also looking for someone to oversee the new web site? When will we see it come online?
A: The web site will be internally managed by staff. Sharlene and I are overseeing design and development with our contractor. It should be live soon, we’re hoping that we’ll see something in the next month and a half.
Q: Will the new site be more user-friendly? Will it allow for more communication?
A: The web design company has worked with other municipalities, they know what’s needed for transparency and communication.
Q: Will residents be able to sign up for updates from the select board, the planning board, etc.? Will the site be able to accommodate, say, a business directory?
A: It will be an ongoing process, some things will say “under construction,” sort of an on-boarding process so we can focus on public engagement. It will focus on day-to-day operations, on town departments, all of the town policies and ordinances. It will be very user-friendly. We should have a business directory, yes, but it may take some time to get all of these pieces in place.
Q: Your staff is already stretched thin. Does your staff have the capacity to manage the website?
A: It will be a challenge, we may need to seek other assistance with it.
Q: How do residents get something on the select board agenda?
A: Residents can send their request directly to Deputy Clerk Sharlene Myers or myself. The process has changed a bit. A resident can always send a request to a board member if they prefer, the board has input into the agenda.
(Email smyers@newgloucester.com, townmanager@newgloucester.com)
~Debra Smith
