First ConCom agent hired
By Caitlyn Kelleher JOURNAL REPORTER

Westminster has officially hired their first conservation agent, Bob N. Maki of Gardner.

Maki has most recently worked as the conservation agent in Winchendon and Templeton but has a long range of experience in the field, including a couple of years working for the Army Corps of Engineers, said Conservation Commission Chairwoman Lois Lunewicz.

"We were very impressed by his experience," she said. "We liked his demeanor."

She described him as having a no-nonsense attitude combined with a non-intimidating presentation.

The commission received approval to hire an agent using money collected by the commission under the provisions of the state Wetlands Protection Act. Money collected under this act can go towards funding a position charged with its enforcement and compliance.

Maki will start at the beginning of December, said Lunewicz. He will hold office hours one morning and one afternoon a week as part of his week, which will allow residents and developers to come in an ask any questions they have about a standing order or how to request permission to build in the buffer zone.

"This will be an opportunity for someone to be available," she said.

It is hard for members of the seven-person appointed committee to always be available because of work schedules.

Maki is expected to work 15 to 18 hours a week, but the position is approved for up to 20 hours a week.

Maki will be charged with reviewing wetland delineations, checking on ongoing projects as well as various other tasks.

"He's going to be our eyes and ears out in the community," Lunewicz said.

The interview committee for the commission interviewed four people recommended by the search committee.