Jodell Benson

The board conducted public hearings to renew a special amusement permit and an on-premises liquor license for Hot Hill Tavern. Key business included the appointment of a new police officer, the appointment of the Police Chief as Harbor Master, and the appointment of a member to the Trust Fund Investment Committee. The board approved the purchase of flashing stop signs for Water Street, authorized expert valuation services regarding Lowe's Home Improvement Store, and accepted grant funding for housing ordinance development and a septic system replacement project at 106 Old County Rd.

This study evaluates the Town of Thomaston's fire operations, existing facilities, and future space requirements to recommend optimal practices and a new facility plan. It identifies severe deficiencies in the current fire station, recommending its replacement with a new public safety building at the Thomaston Green. Key recommendations include constructing a new station, developing a capital improvement program, streamlining the fire apparatus fleet, considering the merger of fire and ambulance departments, and actively seeking federal grants to offset costs, with the goal of serving the town's needs for the next 40 to 75 years.

The board discussed project updates, including the repair and future placement of cemetery signage, the acquisition and placement of avenue posts, and the status of MOCA membership. A budget review was conducted, with suggestions to include a specific line item for grave repair in future budgets and research into grave sales trends to inform potential fee adjustments. Additionally, the board discussed ordinance reviews, requests for grave site probing, and the future potential for implementing green burial spaces.

The board discussed the sexton report regarding seasonal cemetery maintenance, the proposal for potential green burial sites, and a partnership for the Revolutionary War Patriots' tour event. Project updates included the completion of the cemetery sign replacement and the procurement of additional avenue posts. The board reviewed the current budget and discussed progress on the cemetery data entry project, specifically addressing the need to restore online access to cemetery charts and maps. Additionally, the board considered including a list of annual deaths in the town's Annual Report.

The committee meeting agenda covered departmental updates for adult, senior, and youth recreation programs, including the conclusion of basketball seasons, the announcement of softball leagues, walking groups, senior luncheons, wellness classes, and youth little league preparations. Community events such as the egg hunt, a potential battle of the bands, and a proposed pride event were discussed. Additionally, administrative updates included the website launch and budget approval, while new business focused on creating external athletics scholarships, planning the senior angel tree, and field preparation, alongside reports on community fundraising activities.