NEW GLOUCESTER – Selectmen voted 4-1 Monday to approve a personnel policy that’s been under review for the past 18 months.
Selectman Josh McHenry, who worked on it with Selectman Linda Chase and Town Manager Paul First, said he opposes the section on political activity, which says town employees and candidates for certain town offices cannot use their influence for or against any candidate running for office.
The section also states that the town manager, treasurer, code enforcement officer, clerk, pubic works director, library director, tax collector, fire chief and police officers may seek or accept nomination or election to any office, but if elected, they must resign from employment before taking office.
The town manager is also the treasurer and is hired by the Board of Selectmen. The town clerk, public works director, library director, tax collector and fire chief are hired by the town manager. The town has no police officers.
“My main opposition is that the Board of Selectmen,” he said, should not determine this policy, but voters should weigh in.
“I can’t support the entire package because this is 5 percent of the package,” McHenry said.
The board adopted the personnel policy in 2007, and amended it in 2008.
There are updates that include an anti-harassment policy; internal complaint issues; outside employment; fitness for duty examinations; workplace threats and violence; dress code; employment references or employment verification; confidentiality and use of electronic equipment, plus personnel records.
In other business, the board awarded a contract to Gorham-based Glidden Excavating and Paving Inc. to replace the bridge over Outlet Stream at the northern end of Sabbathday Lake for $107,584.
The board proclaimed Emergency Medical Services week and National Public Works Week from May 17-23. New Gloucester Rescue was honored for 40 years of service.
SAD 15 Superintendent Bruce Beasley updated the board on the 2015-16 budget before Thursday’s districtwide budget meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Gray-New Gloucester High School cafetorium.
If the budget is approved, voters will validate it at a June 9 referendum at polling stations in Gray and New Gloucester.
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