By Wayne E. Rivet

Staff Writer

The search for a Community Development Director is finally over.

After rejecting a couple of candidates, the selectboard unanimously voted 5–0 to confirm Linda L. LaCroix of North Adams, Mass., as the town’s new development director.

LaCroix, 58, was “honored” and greatly “appreciative” for the opportunity as she enters “a different stage of my life.” She told the selectboard that “Bridgton is part of my soul” and that the Community Development Director job presents “an opportunity to do something — be of service.”

“Bridgton has a special place in my heart as my family stayed at the former Stone’s Camp on Highland Lake all throughout my childhood to teenage years,” she wrote in her job application. “I know and love the town, the lake and the people who live there. It would be an honor to hold such an important position to the overall well-being and desirability of Bridgton to those who live and play in, and to those who have yet to experience this treasured Maine sanctuary.”

After listening to discussions regarding upcoming referendum items on the Nov. 5 ballot (comments on Question 2, repeal of the town’s existing Affordable Housing Local Preference Ordinance and Question 3, the citizen’s petition that the town adopt an Adult Use Marijuana Ordinance will appear in next week’s edition), LaCroix appreciated the willingness to discuss and debate matters in an honest and civil way. She said it was an example of the people of Bridgton being “real” and “straight talkers.”

Officials posed a few questions to the nominee. LaCroix feels she would bring the right skill set to the job, as well as a genuine interest to fully involve herself into the community — for example, she would try to knock on every door and meet as many residents as possible.

Selectman Fred Packard pointed to the town’s investments in streetscape and wastewater disposal, priming the community for future commercial development.

LaCroix applauded the drive to improve infrastructure first, with an eye to future possibilities.

Selectman Bear Zaidman asked if LaCroix had grant experience, which she answered “yes.” He followed up with whether she was familiar with the Community Block Grant program. That was one area she would need to look into.

Chairman Lee Eastman approached the sensitive matter regarding the possible exit of Town Manager Bob Peabody — who is a finalist for the same position in Boothbay Harbor (a decision will likely come in another week or so). How did LaCroix feel about working for someone else?

“I work for the town,” LaCroix said, and she would be confident that officials “would find an excellent person to take” Peabody’s place. LaCroix sees herself as part of the town’s “team.”

“I want to work in a place where people have each other’s back no matter who is on the team,” she said. “In the end, it’s all about engagement…and agreeing to collaborate.”

Eastman admitted finding a new director has been a “difficult process” as the town has searched high and low for the “perfect fit.” Eastman applauded LaCroix’s “candor and honesty, which goes a long way” for him. After making that comment, Eastman made a motion to confirm LaCroix’s nomination.

Finally at 7:27 p.m., Bridgton had netted a new planner.

On her application, LaCroix listed an availability date of Oct. 1. The News was unable to confirm her start date or salary before press time.

In other selectmen notes:

Kidder retiring. After 42 years “in the business” and serving as Bridgton’s Public Works Director for 20 years, Jim Kidder is retiring. At the age of 68, Kidder feels it’s a good time to step away — his last day is Friday, Nov. 8.

The town is currently accepting applications for the director’s job, deadline is Nov. 1. Information is available on the town’s website at www.bridgtonmaine.org

Streetscape update. With just another week before the calendar flips to November, Bridgton’s streetscape work continues to move along. The goal is to complete concrete sidewalks and light post installations on one side of the roadway before closing down work until next year. As sidewalks are poured, any business or property that needs a ramp (that didn’t get one to enable access to Main Street) should contact Colin Dinsmore of HEB Engineering. Project updates continue to be posted on the town’s website.

Officials agreed to put the old street lamps up for sale, $150 each if sold as a group or $200 per post. The town has 53 to 54 lights. Half have been removed, while the other group will remain in place until the construction crew resumes work in 2020.

Public Works Director Jim Kidder said the poles are “not in pristine shape,” and will require some rewiring and “globe” replacement — kits can be purchased to address these issues. One big factor is that these poles are quite heavy, and buyers will need to address what will serve as the unit’s base.

Police matters. New patrolman Matt Regis is in his 13th week at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in Vassalboro. He graduates Nov. 29.

Chief Stillman will be attending the “Chief’s Inspection” this Wednesday at the Academy.

Officers completed a non-fatal strangulation training last week as part of a series of Domestic Violence training sessions offered through a partnership with Through These Doors.

Fire short takes. Bridgton Fire has assisted the Town of Farmington Fire Department with staffing for station coverage.

BFD sent two firefighters to a weekend school at the National Fire Academy in Maryland for leadership training.

A new sign for the South Bridgton Fire Station is finished and will be installed soon. BFD assisted the EMA director with installation of a new water pump at the West Bridgton Fire Station.

Junkyard license tabled. Since Paul Gallinari was not in attendance and Code Officer Rob Baker reported that past voiced concerns had yet to be addressed, the selectboard voted to table action on a junkyard/salvage yard license for Powerhouse Salvage.

Tank clarification. Selectman Bear Zaidman called for a future discussion to address the issue of using existing tanks as part of the hookup process to the town’s wastewater system.

Donation accepted. Keith Wallace donated a used electric chairlift (value $950) to the Bridgton Recreation Department to provide handicap accessibility to the ice rink and summer camp.

Resignation (due to time constraints and family obligations) by Patti Schulte as an Ordinance Review Committee member accepted

Polls open on Election Day, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Town Hall on North High Street. Absentee ballots are currently available.

Next meetings: The selectboard meets on Nov. 12 and Nov. 26.