The Windham Town Council met on
Tuesday evening, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall in the Council Chambers
room. The evening began with Linda Morrill, Town Clerk administering the oath
of office to newly elected Town Councilor, Dave Nadeau as well as to Tim
Nangle, who was re-elected to his West District seat. Nadeau fills the At Large
position previously held by Dennis Welch. Both Nadeau and Nangle will carry
three-year terms.
Public comment followed the oath
ceremony. Windham resident, Karen Lougee expressed concerns regarding the
unprecedented growth happening in Windham. She outlined certain points that
included but are not limited to the following:
*Too many homes being built
*Too much growth on schools
*Tax increases due to the growth
*The stresses placed on town staff
as well as on fire, rescue and police departments
*The growth's affect on the
environment and wildlife habitat
*Infrastructure unable to support
the growth.
*Reasonable planning is needed
It is for these reasons she
requested a temporary 180-day moratorium on building residential properties.
Others in attendance spoke on their
concerns about the town’s growth and the management of such. All concurred with
Lougee’s request for a moratorium.
Councilors offered feedback on the
subject of growth and the public’s request for a moratorium. Councilor Nangle
would consider a moratorium but stated that he had concern regarding a
town-wide restriction.
Councilor Jarrod Maxfield stated
that it is best to be proactive rather than reactive in terms of growth and
spoke in favor of bonds to provide funding to expand infrastructure to support
the growth. He also pointed out that newly elected Councilor Nadeau (who has
served as a Town Councilor in previous years) has been speaking about efforts
toward growth management since 2011, as an example of being proactive.
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| Nadeau and Nangle were sworn into office by Linda Morrill |
Councilor Nadeau stated that he
hears from the Windham community that transparency and compromise is what is
needed. He emphasized the need for compromise.
Councilor Robert Muir stated that
the topic and concern surrounding the exceptional growth Windham is
experiencing will be one of the major focuses for the Council this year.
Councilor Rebecca Cumming is not
opposed to discussing the possibility of a moratorium and Councilor Donna
Chapman believes wastewater and sewer infrastructure should be addressed to
support the current growth.
Councilor Clayton Haskell stated
that the ordinances changed when new people arrived in Windham. He does not
believe in moratoriums and will never support them.
Other councilor comments included
but were not limited to the following:
Councilor Maxfield congratulated
Councilor Nadeau for winning the election, pointing out that he received 51% of
the vote. He also stated that 60 percent of the registered voters came out to
the polls on election day. Maxfield also thanked the VFW for inviting him to
partake in the Veterans Day ceremonies.
Councilor Nangle congratulated Tony
Plante for his new role with the Greater Portland Council of Government and also expressed his gratitude to the VWF for inviting him to the ceremony as
well.
Councilor Nadeau thanked the voters for coming out on election day and for those who voted for him.
Upon completion of the public
comment and councilor comment sessions, the Town Council members held their
yearly elections for a new chair, vice chair and parliamentarian. Councilor
Haskell and Councilor Nangle were recommended to replace Councilor Chapman.
Councilor Haskell was voted to be the new chair with four votes for Haskell and
three votes for Nangle.
Councilor Maxfield and Councilor
Cummings were recommended for the Vice Chair positions with Cummings elected
with four votes and Maxfield, three votes.
Councilor Muir was recommended to
fill the parliamentarian position. He was elected with four votes for with
three opposing votes.
For
full details of the meeting and other agenda items discussed, go to the town
website at www.windhammaine.us.
The meetings are also available to view on Facebook Live as well as recorded
and broadcasted on channel 7.
*Councilor
Cumming reached out to the Windham Eagle after the meeting to express her congratulations to David Nadeau on his
election, Tim Nangle on his re-election and to Clayton Haskell on his
appointment to Council Chair.
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