The year 2008 was a very busy and interesting one for the Town Administrator.  I wrote two planning grant applications and another one for the two household hazardous waste collection days that are conducted each year in Highgate.  As the Town Administrator, I interface with and provide assistance to other Town departments.  In 2008, I spent a great deal of time working on the Ice Arena Project and assisted the Selectboard and Recreation Department in setting up a team of engineering and architectural professionals to analyze the existing arena and make recommendations for future recreational options.  The final report prepared by the team for this endeavor will be available in early 2009.  I also wrote and submitted the HUD grant application for $196,000 to help pay for the Ice Arena project.  

The Town was without its own official website for some time.  To address this deficiency on an interim basis, I established a free google website for my position that contains a good deal of official and interesting information for Highgate residents.  Planning and zoning applications and ordinances are available on it.  Because it is free, it is limited to a small size and cannot be expanded much more.  It is accessible by googling:  http://HGTOWNADMIN.googlepages.com.

I also handle a great deal of varied complaints throughout the year ranging from dog bites to damaged mailboxes.  Everyone should be aware that the Selectboard’s complaint policy requires a complainant to fill out and sign and date an official complaint form in order for action to be taken on the complaint.  A verbal complaint over the phone or in person or an unsigned complaint form is not enough to trigger action.  The complaint forms are available at the website above or at the Town Clerk’s office. 

In general, the Town Administrator is responsible for assisting the Selectboard, serving as the liaison with other town departments and governmental and private agencies, communicating with the public, writing grants, administering the various Town ordinances (a new set of zoning amendments that were reviewed and adopted in 2007 became effective in January 2008), setting up the household hazardous waste collection days, and performing the day-to-day operations of the Town.  In addition, the Town Administrator attends a variety of workshops and seminars to keep the Town up-to-date on the latest relevant changes in state and federal law.  The Town Administrator also serves as the Health Officer and Zoning Administrator.  At times, the duties of all three positions seem to blend together.

I am pleased to continue working as the Town Administrator for Highgate and have enjoyed meeting many of the Town’s friendly residents.  I am available to address any concerns as well as answer any questions citizens may have about municipal operations.  My office telephone number is 868-4922, extension 203.  My email address is djescavage@comcast.net. 

Anyone wishing to volunteer for service on any of the Town boards, commissions, or committees may contact me as indicated above. 

Gratefully,

DavidJescavage, Town Administrator