Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mayor Morse announces staffing changes, PFAS testing and $195,000 CDBG award at special council meeting
Summary
Mayor David Morse used the June 15 special meeting to announce the retirement of the longtime city administrator, staffing transitions and hires, EPA-approved PFAS testing at three recreational sites, and a $195,000 CDBG award for Riverwalk South lighting.
Westbrook — In his message at the June 15 special City Council meeting, Mayor David Morse announced several administrative and project updates including staff transitions, environmental testing and grant awards.
Morse said longtime City Administrator Jerre Bryant retired June 5 and Monique Cornett transitioned into the Director of Economic Development role. The City has hired a new Tax Collector, Melissa Littlehale, who is scheduled to begin work Monday, June 22; the city will proceed with hiring a permanent Finance Director. The minutes note Katherine Kelley provided an overview of smoke testing that identified 46 instances where smoke was coming from private property and additional instances on public property.
On environmental testing, Morse said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has approved PFAS testing at three identified recreational sites in Westbrook; the minutes do not name those sites. He also announced the City received $195,000 in Community Development Block Grant funds for the Riverwalk South lighting project, from Ash Street to the Black Bridge. Morse said the City will participate in the Portland Pride Parade on June 20 and noted a Juneteenth proclamation and celebration scheduled June 19 at Riverbank Park hosted by the Intercultural Community Center.
Morse also said the Administration will address inconsistencies in service provided to private ways and that a public safety committee meeting on motorized scooters is scheduled for July 6. Police Chief Sean Lally was present to address noise complaints as summer approaches.
The mayor’s remarks covered routine operational matters and near-term events; several items the mayor mentioned will require follow-up or further public details, including the PFAS testing locations and the timeline for hiring a permanent Finance Director.
