Phil Curtis

The meeting featured an introduction by the new Town Manager of Jackman, who discussed Jackman's commitment to being an integral part of Somerset County, emphasizing collaboration, particularly regarding bolstering rescue and response capabilities for unorganized territories, and ongoing conversations with emergency management and public health. Discussions also covered broadband reliability challenges in Jackman, including the deployment of Starlink for emergency vehicles, and the status of the local healthcare facility, noting the primary care practice's stability and plans to re-establish a critical pilot program for after-hours urgent care using paramedics under delegated telehealth practice. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an update on the MACC broadband funds, detailing an executed contract after years of negotiation, outlining potential uses such as digital skill building, municipal IT modernization for several towns (Anen, Bingham, Forks, West, and Moscow), and emergency communication upgrades along the 2011 corridor. Additionally, the Somerset Humane Society provided an update on their progress toward a new facility, including securing a four-acre land donation adjacent to their current property and engaging an architect for concept design, with projected costs around $2.7 million.

The meeting included the formal opening, including the Pledge of Allegiance. A key agenda item was Resolution 2622 concerning the acceptance of minutes from the January 21, 2026 meeting, which was amended to reflect a vote taken in executive session. The public comment period was held but no members of the public wished to speak. The primary discussion involved a workshop on an application for ATV access to Lake Moxy Road in The Forks. Commissioners debated the safety risks, suitability of the paved road for ATVs, the lack of mandatory licensing or insurance for ATV drivers, and the potential impact on summer traffic, including logging trucks and rafting companies. Counterarguments emphasized the state's allowance for such access and the potential benefits to local tourism, citing examples from Greenville. Proposed solutions included a one-year trial with a reduced speed limit of 35 mph and dusk-to-dawn restrictions. Further discussion touched upon liability resting with the Sheriff's department for incidents on the road, the funding implications of improving existing ATV trails versus opening the road, and the need to study a more direct trail route. Concerns were also raised regarding whether access would be restricted during winter months when official ATV trails are closed.

The primary discussion centered on the application from the Forks Area Trails Club seeking permission to allow ATV access on a portion of the county-owned Lake Moxy Road. Key considerations included safety, impact on property owners, and economic benefits to local businesses. Presenters provided context regarding prior discussions, resident feedback (both in favor and expressing concerns regarding safety and speed limits), and the current lack of standardized enforcement. Concerns were raised about ATVs potentially traveling at high speeds (35 mph and 45 mph on different sections) without required liability insurance, contrasting with state recommendations for ATVs to integrate with the flow of traffic rather than operate as off-road vehicles. Recommendations discussed included lowering the speed limit across the entire road section to 35 mph for all traffic, implementing a strict trial period with heavy monitoring, and exploring mechanisms for increased law enforcement presence during peak season.

The meeting commenced with the formal proceedings, including the nomination and appointment of the Chair and Vice-Chair for the year 2026. Discussion then turned to committee assignments, specifically appointments for union negotiations, where continuity for ongoing negotiations was discussed. Further appointments addressed representatives for the Chief Local Elected Officer (CLEO) for the Central Western Maine Workforce Development Board, the Somerset Economic Development Corporation board, and a property tax hearing officer. A significant portion of the meeting involved workshop discussions regarding opposition to license transfers for the Shaman Dam and Weston Dam, related to potential impacts on water flow and the tax base. The administrator provided updates on filling vacancies on the County Budget Committee across Districts 1, 2, and 4, noting specific caucus dates in January. Financial reports indicated the budget process for FY 2027 had commenced, with initial draft budgets expected in March, and noted that only the Finance Department was currently operating at a deficit, pending the posting of December interest income. Progress on transitioning health insurance providers effective February 1st was also reported.

The meeting involved a presentation on competitive employee benefit solutions for municipalities, focusing on potential savings outside of the Maine Municipal Employee Health Trust (MMEHT) plans. Discussions detailed the benefits and cost comparisons of switching to an external carrier, Sigma, for medical, dental, life insurance, and short-term disability (IP/STD). The presenter highlighted significant potential savings, especially concerning the transition away from the MMEHT PFML pre-funding requirements, noting a realized savings of $75,000 by opting out early. Benefit plan comparisons emphasized that the proposed Sigma plans offer richer benefits, such as significantly lower out-of-pocket maximums (e.g., $1,700 vs. $6,500 on a specific plan) and improved prescription drug co-pay structures. A shift to a February 1st effective date for the new plan was proposed due to MMEHT's renewal timing and notice requirements, which affects the initial rate comparison calculations.