Southport selectmen unanimously approved hiring resident Adam Harkins Nov. 10 as the new municipal director of facilities and as public works foreman. Harkins begins his new duties on Nov. 15. Previously, the selectmen served as director of facilities, but will now hand that over to Harkins. 

“I’m glad to be aboard, and this is big for me,” Harkins said following his appointment. Harkins previously served as Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens’ director  of facilities. 

Board Chairman Gerry Gamage will meet with Harkins later this week to discuss salary and benefits. “We’re very excited to have Adam join us. He is experienced in carpentry, painting and in managing facilities and very capable of filling this role,” he said.

In other action, Axiom Technologies, LLC CEO Mark Ouellette updated selectmen about the $1.9 million municipal fiber optic project. Once it is completed, selectmen believe the project will provide access to all residents with “state of the art” high-speed internet capability. 

Ouellette discussed a possible timeline for the project. Construction is expected to begin by early May and end by late November 2022. Ouellette also proposed a method for paying construction costs over a 30-day period. Selectmen also directed him to recommend an insurance provider which satisfies Central Maine Power and Consolidated Communications pole permit requirements. 

With Christmas and New Year’s Day falling on Saturdays, selectmen will allow eligible municipal employees to select an unspecified work day for the paid time off. Selectmen meet next at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 17 in the municipal office.