Alna Volunteer Fire Department

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The board addressed the town's mail disruption, explored potential solutions, and received public comments and suggestions. Updates were provided on the John Erskine bridge repairs. The board signed the ASK grant agreement and discussed the RFP draft. A review of the fee schedule for removing invasive knotweed led to the creation of a subcategory under "Timber Harvesting" for the removal of invasive plants, including knotweed, with a set fee. Additionally, the board approved permits to serve alcohol at Sea Lyon Farm for upcoming events. The board also held executive sessions to discuss a personnel matter, resulting in a promotion, and a legal matter, with no decisions made.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several key issues. The board discussed the appointment of a Code Enforcement Officer and Local Plumbing Inspector, as well as accepted the resignation of the previous officer. An update was given on the plow contract following formal notification that Holbrook Excavation Inc. would not be providing plowing services. The status of the sand and salt shed maintenance was reviewed, with updates on completed and future repairs. Safety improvements at the Head Tide Dam were discussed, and a project to extend fencing upstream was approved. The meeting also covered the status of Egypt Road repairs, payments in lieu of taxes from WW&F and Midcoast Conservancy, and updates from the Alna Food Pantry.

The meeting included a review of the draft financial report for 2023, an extension of the Mining/Blasting Moratorium for 180 days, and an amended tax commitment. The board also considered and voted on a new member for the Board of Appeals, reappointing one member and appointing another to fill vacant seats. Additionally, the Wiscasset Ambulance Service Agreement was signed. The board decided to table signing the Wiscasset Transfer Station contract, opting to draft a letter to the Town of Wiscasset to discuss charging Alna based on net versus gross operating budget.

The meeting included public comments regarding the cost of road materials, intersection trimming, an upcoming art show, firewood pledges for community members, and a welcome to an LCTV intern. The board discussed an executive session policy, accepted a Planning Board resignation, and addressed a Planning Board vacancy. They also discussed posting the Head Tide Dam site for day-use only due to recent disturbances and provided an update on the Pinkham Pond remediation plan. The board finalized the fiscal year 2023-24 property tax commitment, including reasons for a mil rate increase.

The meeting addressed several topics, including trash and recycling removal for the Town Office, ARPA funding, landscaping at the Town Office, a photocopier lease and contract, corrective measures for graffiti at Pinkham Pond, and the establishment of a Mining Ordinance Subcommittee. The board agreed to contract with Dave Kelley Disposal for trash removal. They also discussed ARPA funding, with a form made available for community input. A decision was made to postpone spending on landscaping until the following year. The Town Clerk was authorized to enter into a new copier lease with Kyocera. A volunteer was approved to remove graffiti at Pinkham Pond, with an alternative plan for artwork if the removal is unsuccessful. The board also appointed members to the Mining Subcommittee and sought a moderator/facilitator for the committee.