Waldoboro Town Manager Julie Keizer discusses an agreement with the Midcoast Economic Development District with the board of selectmen Tuesday, July 11. (Alexander Violo photo)
Waldoboro Planning and Development Director Emily Reinholt will depart effective Thursday, July 13. For the next year, the Midcoast Economic Development District will provide planning services to the town at a cost of $61,000, a savings of about $4,000.
The Waldoboro Board of Selectmen approved an agreement with MCEDD, of Damariscotta, on Tuesday, July 11.
According to town documents, MCEDD will provide planning services to Waldoboro from July 15 of this year to July 14, 2018, with the agreement subject to annual renewal if both parties agree.
A get-together for Reinholt will take place at the town office at 11 a.m., Thursday, July 13.
“In order to replace (Reinholt), we went out of the box and met with the Midcoast Economic Development District,” Keizer said.
Keizer said MCEDD Planning and Development Director Bill Najpauer formerly worked as Waldoboro’s town planner.
Keizer said a MCEDD representative will hold office hours in Waldoboro three days a week, on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
She said Najpauer will attend meetings of the Waldoboro Planning Board, comprehensive plan committee, and economic development committee.
“I think it’s a wonderful opportunity. I feel like we need to pay attention to planning in this town. Waldoboro is a rare gem and we need to pay attention to development in a way that is respectful to what it is and what it has been,” Keizer said.
Keizer said she looks forward to working with MCEDD.
“I think our town will be enhanced with Bill (Najpauer). We really need to figure out how to be more helpful with residents when it comes to planning,” Keizer said.
Other business
The replacement of waterlines on Pine Street will begin Monday, July 17. Paving is scheduled for September. The contractor for the project is Crooker Construction LLC, of Topsham.
