MADAWASKA, Maine – The town of Madawaska is close to hiring a new town manager, and may make a decision as soon as next week, according to selectboard chairman Jason Boucher.
Former Town Manager Gary Picard submitted his resignation in early February. He served the town for seven years, and in his resignation letter he cited plans to enter another work-phase of his life.
Picard continued to serve in an advisory capacity until March 5. It was at this point that the town hired former Fort Fairfield Town Manager Dan Foster to serve as interim town manager.
The town hired consultant Don Gerrish with Eaton Peabody to help advertise the position and seek out a new town manager. Gerrish also hosted a community meeting in late March asking residents what they would like to see in a new manager. Most responded that they would like to see a new town manager focus on community revitalization.
Selectmen had a brief meeting on Thursday in which they welcomed newly-elected selectmen, appointed a new chairman and vice-chair, and held an executive session to discuss the town manager hiring process.
Jenney M. Dionne and Michael Williams won the selectboard race with a respective 505 and 230 votes. They replaced outgoing chairman Richard Dionne and selectman Christopher Braley, who resigned earlier this year, shortly after Picard announced his resignation.
The board voted to have Jason Boucher serve as chair, and for Manon Bilodeau-Raymond as vice-chair.
No motions were made following the executive session.
Boucher said on Wednesday that they can not yet elaborate on the number of remaining candidates, adding that the town should be able to share more information soon.
“We remain optimistic about reaching a final decision soon and look forward to making an official announcement in the near future,” Boucher said.
