Town of New Gloucester

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.

The meeting includes discussion and potential action on several items: appointing a member to the Environmental Resources Committee, awarding a bid for Public Works Sand & Gravel RFP, opening bids for the Public Works Paving/Chip Seal RFP, determining steps for the Cemetery Mower RFP and Bid Award, and reviewing a liquor license renewal application. Further discussions will cover the acceptance of a donation for the former YMCA building, allowing the Community Fair Committee to meet at the fairgrounds, assessing town-owned buildings for ADA compliance, and appointing an Election Warden and approving Ballot Clerks for the MSAD #15 Budget Referendum Election. The agenda also includes discussing Select Board goals, scheduling a training session with Counsel, approving FY26 Warrants and Payrolls, and addressing a personnel matter in executive session.

The special board meeting, attended by the Board of Selectmen, CIP Committee, and Budget Committee, primarily addressed the potential acquisition of an ambulance for the new emergency transport service. Discussions covered the possibility of scheduling a Special Town Meeting to secure additional funding for purchasing a demo ambulance. The Fire/Rescue Chief provided updates on his search for a used ambulance, including an offer from Sugarloaf Ambulance involving a unit from the Town of Buxton. The meeting participants also discussed the additional costs, the option of leasing a unit, the impact on citizens and the tax rate, the equipment replacement schedule, the CIP process, and the possibility of a special town meeting. Ultimately, the consensus was to take no action on the item at that time.