Longley back on the job

Woolwich selectmen have accepted a proposal from William Longley Jr. to serve as the town's temporary Code Enforcement Officer (CEO) and building inspector.

With the resignation of Kenneth Desmond as the CEO, the town had hired Rick Lang, of Dresden, to fill in as CEO until other arrangements could be made.

The selectmen received a proposal from Longley December 12. In his proposal Longley said, "I was saddened to hear last week that the CEO/Fire Chief had resigned. The board asked at that meeting if I would fill the vacancy of CEO and building inspector, and I stated at that time I would not." Longley was the town's CEO until about two years ago, when he resigned to take a similar position in two other towns, Cumberland and Yarmouth.

"However, after giving careful consideration and substantial discussion with family members, I now may be able to offer assistance, if you still desire my services. I have included some of the items that would be conditions of such."

Longley's proposal includes office hours from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays, and inspections as needed (on either Friday, Saturday, or Sunday as needed.) His pay would be based on 10 hours per week including selectmen's meetings when available, also planning board and appeals board as needed.

His compensation will be $400 per week, with two weeks paid vacation. His duties would include: Answer zoning and codes questions; issue building permits; investigate violations and take action to correct; review previously issued permits since July 2005 to current; and help to correct any outstanding issues or inconstancies.

The proposal also indicated his term of office would be from December 31, 2007 through June 30, 2008, or sooner with a 30 day written notice.

Planning Board member Jason Shaw, and Selectman-elect Lloyd Coombs both recommended the board of selectmen accept Longley's proposal.

Selectman Dale Chadbourne said Lang, who is being paid $25 per hour plus mileage, is doing a good job of new permits; however, the town does have outstanding issues that Longley is aware of and could take care of in half the time, he said.

"We, the planning board, have some things to clean up, and I don't know of anyone better to do the job," Jason Shaw said.

Selectman Todd McPhee said, "He knows the job, inside and out."

The difference of $25 per hour to about $40 an hour was a concern of Selectman Dan Skillin; however, after listening to the discussion he quickly conceded it would be best for the town.

Road Commissioner Jack Shaw said, "My father (Ivan Shaw) used to say, `It's not necessarily the hourly rate, but what gets done that counts."

The selectmen unanimously approved Longley's proposal.

Skillin asked that the town look into sharing the CEO position with other towns in the area, such as Wiscasset and Westport Island.

The selectmen received a request from School Union 47 Administrative Assistant Allison Jacobs to hold the January 29 election at the town office instead of the Woolwich Central School to avoid disturbing the school.

King said the state requires that the town set up one booth for every 200 voters. With 2,300 voters, this means there must be 12 voting booths. "The town office is just not large enough to have the voting here," he said.

The selectmen agreed the voting will take place at the school and not at the town office.

Following the adjournment of the meeting the several members of the public stayed to enjoy cake and a brief social time with King who had just adjourned his last selectmen's meeting.