Mike Gurtler: Bar Harbor's New Code Enforcement Officer
BAR HARBOR—With the impending departure of Bar Harbor’s longtime Code Enforcement Officer (CEO), Angela Chamberlain, to Tremont, it has been announced that Deputy Code Enforcement Officer Mike Gurtler will be promoted to fill the CEO position.
Chamberlain’s last day as CEO is January 1, 2025 and Gurtler’s first day as the new CEO will be January 2, 2025.
According to Town Manager James Smith, Gurtler’s promotion comes after “the recommendation of our Town Planner and department head, Michele Gagnon.”
Gurtler “has been working for the Town of Bar Harbor since November 2020 and is fully certified as a CEO. He has received multiple certifications including legal issues, shoreland zoning, land use and zoning, and residential building code. Over the last four years, Mr. Gurtler has gained practical experience and legal knowledge and has demonstrated his ability to be assertive and diplomat(ic), making him ready for this promotion,” said Gagnon.
“Mike has very big shoes to fill, but we are confident that he is ready to step into his new role and serve the citizens of Bar Harbor exceptionally well as our new Code Enforcement Officer,” Smith said.
Gurtler recognizes that he does, in fact, have big shoes to fill and said, “I am sincerely humbled by this opportunity to serve the town. The weight of the position is not lost on me. Angie is an exceptional CEO and I have benefited from her leadership, friendship and example. But it’s like following Tom Brady.”
Over the course of the last few years, Bar Harbor has been facing numerous issues that fall squarely in the lap of the CEO’s department for implementation and enforcement. Vacation rentals, cruise ship ordinance changes, long-term housing, and transient accommodations top that list, but the daily challenges of permitting, inspecting, and overseeing a busy town department are ever present.
Smith has faith in Gurtler’s ability to run the code enforcement office, saying, “Mike’s qualifications and dedication left no doubt in my mind that he was the right person for the job. At a time when the town is facing numerous ongoing challenges, ensuring a seamless and effective transition in this critical role is essential.
“I am confident that Mike is well-equipped to address these challenges and will lead the code enforcement office forward successfully.”
Gurtler was instrumental in implementing the town’s newest vacation rental ordinance by inspecting almost 700 vacation rental dwellings seeking registration renewals over the course of the last three years.
Gurtler has a plan for his initial days of leading the code enforcement office, “My immediate goal, in January, is to provide a transition that will be as seamless as possible. I will strive to be consistent, patient, helpful, and fair as I work to fulfill the responsibilities of this position. The town staff, as a whole, are a great team and I am blessed to be part of an exceptional group in the planning office.
“Ultimately, I see this as a call to serve, to work for my community and I cannot ignore that. I have no illusions about how challenging this position will be, but I know that with my best effort and with thoughtful purpose, I can meet those challenges head on. I am excited by this opportunity to utilize my skills and experiences in a way that can benefit the Bar Harbor community. I consider myself a lifelong learner and feel like there are opportunities to improve every day,” he said.
Outgoing CEO Chamberlain who just December 10 had to participate in a 6-plus hour Appeals Board hearing and knows all of the ups and downs of the position said, “After working with Mike for the last four years, I am confident in his ability to perform the duties of the code enforcement officer and to do so with impartiality, integrity, and respect. I have no doubt that Mike will make decisions that are in the best interest of the community as Mike is extremely civic-minded and community-oriented. Mike has a wealth of knowledge and relevant experience that will serve him well in his new role and I wish him the best of luck.”
Gurtler had also been the CEO for the towns of Sorrento and Sullivan but said that he has resigned those positions so that he can “fully commit my energies to being Bar Harbor’s CEO. Honoring the trust that will be bestowed upon me after being sworn in is very important.”
LINK TO LEARN MORE
Bar Harbor’s Code Enforcement page.
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This is fantastic news! Congratulations Mike!