The Harpswell Select Board voted unanimously to hire Matthew James as full-time town planner at its meeting on Thursday, July 11.
James, of Bath, recently left a job as Bowdoinham’s code enforcement officer, a role that included working with that town’s Planning Board. He is a graduate student at the University of Maine, pursuing a master’s degree in quaternary and climate studies.
Harpswell’s current town planner, Mark Eyerman, works on a part-time basis. He will stay on until Oct. 31 to transition his responsibilities and act as James’ mentor. Eyerman announced his retirement in February.
Eyerman, Select Board member Jane Covey, and Town Administrator Kristi Eiane reviewed the applicants for the job. Covey said she was impressed by James’ research and analytical skills, and his ability to answer complex questions thoughtfully and clearly.
Covey said James’ work as a code enforcement officer required both a deep knowledge of town ordinances and the interpersonal skills needed to communicate that knowledge to residents. She said both qualities will be helpful in his new role in Harpswell.
Eyerman told the Select Board he intends to gradually transfer his responsibilities to James this summer, so the new planner doesn’t have 10 or more meetings to attend in his first month.
Covey said the responsibilities Eyerman leaves behind may amount to more than a full-time job, and the town may need to hire more planning staff.
James will start Wednesday, July 17, at a salary of $60,000, with the potential for a raise based on his performance through his first six months.
