HAMPDEN, Maine — Much of the discussion during Monday night’s 100-minute Town Council meeting centered on Town Manager Susan Lessard’s dual status as a town and state official.
The talk focused on questions regarding Lessard’s status as Hampden’s town manager and chairwoman of Maine’s Board of Environmental Protection and the inherent requirement that she attend all board meetings, between 15 and 20 per year.
Councilor Kristen Hornbrook said she had received queries from residents regarding Lessard’s absence from the town office and lack of availability when she has to attend board meetings in Augusta and whether Lessard should have to use personal or vacation time for days she’s required to be absent from her office.
Lessard pointed out that she routinely works more than 50 hours per week.
“The thing is, just because I’m at a board meeting, that doesn’t mean town business isn’t getting done,” said Lessard, who said she is always available by phone, even when she’s in Augusta.
Lessard is serving her second term as BEP chairwoman after being reappointed by Gov. Paul LePage in October 2011.
She received the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award in 2002 for developing a process of major landfill expansion projects in Hampden by municipal review. She also received the Maine Engineering Excellence Award in 1998 and the Maine Town and City Manager’s Association Leadership Award in 1999 for development of an alternative landfill capping plan while serving as town manager for Vinalhaven.
Councilors Jeremy Williams and Andre Cushing both said Lessard’s value to the town is increased by her association with the BEP but it wouldn’t hurt to review the town’s policy regarding employees who also serve other agencies in committee.
Councilor Tom Brann said it was counterproductive to review an arrangement already agreed upon between the council and Lessard when the manager’s five-year contract was formalized.
The councilors agreed to include the arrangement and what is expected of town employees who serve with other agencies in the council handbook, which is being completed.
In other business, the council:
• Unanimously approved a $31,600 match from town funds to a $131,000 Maine Department of Transportation grant for construction of a sidewalk extension along Western Avenue to Sidney Street, a crosswalk across the street, and another extension of the sidewalk on the other side of Western to Mayo Road. The total length of the sidewalk extension is 792 feet. The vote was 6-0, with Councilor Shelby Wright absent.
• Approved acceptance of state Urban-Rural Initiative Program funds totaling $78,787.
• Authorized payment of $1,250 for repair of a rotted section of wall at the Edythe Dyer Community Library out of reserve rather than operations budget funds. Using operations money would have depleted that fund’s budget.
• Approved adding language to the town’s outdoor facilities ordinance so ceremonial or special events requiring discharge of firearms, such as Civil War re-enactments, are allowed.
• Approved the enactment of and introduced an ordinance for public approval exempting eligible active-duty U.S. military personnel from paying excise taxes on their primary vehicles.
Lessard’s performance has been exemplary during her loyal (and lengthy) service to Hampden. Relative newcomer Hornbrook, on the other hand, has demonstrated a penchant for headline grabbing, and apparently aspires to “bigger things”.
Couldn’t agree with you more! If anything, town councilors should be extending their thanks and appreciation for Town Manager Lessard’s exemplary commitment to the town of Hampden.
On the other hand, Councilor Hornbrook may aspire, however, she couldn’t be successful at running for dog catcher after her abysmal performance as Councilor.
Now being a public servant is a ‘performance?’
No wonder you are reading the BDN for your news…geesh…
Lesard’s the best Town Manager Hampden’s had over the past 40 years.
Too bad she didn’t apply for the City of Bangor job!
or Newburgh…… Newburgh could use some professionalism & guidance for sure. Town clerk works 50 hours plus per week, she claims, however the town office is only open a couple of days per week. Totally ridiculous as the tax payers keep getting screwed. Will it ever end ??????
Yeah? When has Councilor Hornbrook EVER said she had aspirations to ‘bigger things?’ I’ve only ever heard her say she’s not running for immediate re-election.
Who, by the way, writes the headlines? Does Hornbrook? No. Neff does…perhaps you should inquire as to WHO on the council has a ‘special’ relationship with that guy. Not interested? I figured.
Every time I read an article with Councilor Hornbrook mentioned in it, it appears that she is always agressive, does not work well with others, and is always doing her best to cause problems where there are not any. I feel embarassed for her. The way she appears to be doing her job, is exactlty the same kind of politics thats caused our great country to get in this mess. You have to work WITH each other not against each other. Hornbrook is not creating an environment thats productive for her co workers. I used to live in Hampden until last year. While there are some things that Hornbrook was right to question, she has become a little overzealous in her actions. This is just my opinion.
Clearly, you did NOT see the meeting, any of you…and you are getting your ‘view’ of the meeting from Mr. Neff…pitty no one is inquiring as to WHO on the council has a ‘special’ relationship with him. Perhaps you should actually attend a meeting…or…if you don’t live in Hampden, get a life.
Two questions please. First, were you at the meeting? And second, consider this an inquiry. Who has, as you stated, a special relationship with Mr Neff that is a councilor?
I think it’s pretty clear that you either are Councilor Hornbrook or someone very close to Councilor Hornbrook. Therefore, I will discount anything you have to say related to any story about Hampden or its council. Also, I’m not sure what you’re implying when you mention Mr. Neff’s “special” relationship with a councilor, but I suppose that’s just another insinuation I’ll have to discount.
What Hornbrook did achieve was to waste time talking about a problem that didnt exist, and lost valuable time taking care of town business. Isnt that the very thing she was claiming that Lessard was doing by dividing her time amoungst two positions? If that isnt “the pot calling the kettle black”, then I dont know what is.
Yip. That’s her job. She was ELECTED whereas Ms. Lessard was APPOINTED. Perhaps you should actually READ your Constitution?
Hornbrook who has lived in Hampden since 1998 needed a police escort to leave one council meeting….makes me think I should go to a couple of these inane meetings with some popcorn, 3 D glasses and a concealed can of soda…..
Good idea!!!!!
You should go to the meetings, and get your OWN idea and think for YOURSELF instead of falling in line with Mr. Neff and the other libs on the council.
Just an FYI- I’ve lived in Hampden since 1967 ….so I am already very well versed with the town council et al and surprisingly enough I have my OWN ideas and manage to think for MYSELF quite well, but thanks for your concern.
Good for Councilor Hornbrook!!!
Cuddos to her…FINALLY someone on the Hampden Council who represents the conservative, Constitution-loving Americans who live in that town!!
I, for one, think more honorable, decent, FREE Americans should step up, speak up, and not shut up until the corruption in this nation is ROOTED OUT and then THROWN OUT!