Ryan A Patton

The committee meeting focused on administrative appointments, including the election of co-chairs and the tabling of vice-chair and secretary positions. A presentation was delivered providing an overview of scenic assessment projects and processes. The committee established a work plan encompassing training, mapping, field evaluations, inventories, public input, and reporting. Additionally, next steps were outlined, such as requesting a comprehensive town map from the planner, reviewing the scenic assessment handbook, and coordinating a press release to encourage recruitment. A recurring future meeting schedule was also established.

This comprehensive plan outlines goals and strategies for the Town of New Gloucester, covering a broad range of community development aspects. Key focus areas include population and demographics, housing, agriculture, forestry, economy, recreation, natural and water resources, transportation, public facilities and services, fiscal capacity, historic resources, and current land use. The plan aims to provide a strategic roadmap for the town's future planning and development.

The meeting included discussions on upcoming Parks and Recreation events, the status of the Town Forest, and planning for a seed giveaway event in collaboration with the Friends of the Library. The committee reviewed the Vulnerability Assessment Report, discussed potential bulk plant orders for community members, and reviewed the draft of the committee's mission statement. Additional items included updates on utility price increases and goals related to the fairgrounds and pollinator garden.

The board discussed updates on the new EMS service, including a meeting with the Gray Fire Chief and the distribution of information to residents. They reviewed bid proposals for a dump truck cab and chassis, as well as for a combination dump body, sand spreader, and plow gear, tasking the Public Works Director with providing recommendations. The board also addressed a Beano application for Amvets Post 6 and Auxiliary, and discussed the Liaison Policy for the Parks & Recreation Committee, adjusting membership and voting status. They considered reinstating a full-time position in the Public Works Department but ultimately did not approve it for a Special Town Meeting. Additionally, they discussed the Community Fair, concerns about fireworks, and Public Works trimming vegetation at the Chandler Mill Road intersection. A donation to the Lac-Megantic Relief Fund was approved, and updates were given on the Town Hall parking lot paving and the Woodman Road project.

The meeting addressed corporate account signatures with Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, revisions to the FY12 CIP Request Form, a QuitClaim Deed for Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, the Public Works Department Pavement Management Plan, and equipment replacement schedules for the Public Works Department, Transfer Station, and Fire/Rescue Department. The board also discussed the procedure for approving warrants/payrolls and the Morse Road Cost Opinion.