CHESTERVILLE — Selectmen on Thursday accepted the resignations of Deputy Town Clerk Patricia Gordon and full-time highway worker James Richards. Both submitted letters of resignation dated April 14, effective immediately.
Selectman Ross Clair said there has been a revolving door over the past few months and suggested a “no rehire with walk-out” policy be included in future job descriptions.
“When we hire someone, let’s make sure we stress that,” Clair said.
Resident Kathy Gregory said this is the third or fourth time this has happened. She asked if it was possible to not accept the resignation and terminate the person instead.
Board of Selectmen Vice Chairman Tiffany Estabrook said a bad reference can’t be given in the state of Maine.
“If people call for references, you can say the person isn’t eligible for rehire,” Gregory said.
Selectman Edward Hastings IV said he was not a fan of firing and would prefer to work with the employee for a smooth departure.
Code Enforcement Officer Brenda Medcoff said if someone has to leave for a medical reason, it might be a different situation.
New job descriptions are being written for some positions, and the committee working on them will consider Clair’s recommendation. It was also suggested that all job descriptions be reviewed annually and dated, to ensure employees are given the recent version.
Selectmen tabled appointing a health officer. Hastings said more details of what the town wants from its health officer are needed. In New Sharon the health officer covers General Assistance, but Starks’ doesn’t.
Chesterville’s emergency operations plan has some specific duties for the health officer, but the plan is a few years old, Hastings said.
Following an executive session, the board voted to hold interviews for the town clerk position Wednesday, April 26, at the Town office.
No decision was made regarding treasurer, a position left vacant when selectmen decided last week not to renew Olive Couture’s appointment to that position.
Erin Norton was hired last week as interim treasurer and tax collector through the end of May. She will be paid $16 per hour and work 20 hours a week.
Estabrook said the board wanted to allow time for applications to arrive via mail. Some may have been mailed prior to the April 20 deadline but not yet received.
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