Community members and officials gathered to discuss various topics affecting the town at the recent Selectmen’s Meeting held on October 2, 2023. Here’s a summary of the key points from the meeting:
The meeting commenced at 5:59 p.m. with the declaration of a quorum with one selectperson not present. Andrew Bracey from IEC presented one of the first topics on the agenda. He provided an overview of IEC’s proposal for installing new commercial heat pumps at the Highway Garage. This proposal is tied to a conditionally awarded $50,000 Community Action Grant from the Governor’s Office of Policy and Innovation for the Future. Mr. Bracey clarified that the proposed units didn’t qualify for Efficiency of Maine rebates due to their size. A discussion ensued about the efficiency of these units, especially during transitional seasons, and concerns about the lack of annual maintenance after the first year. It was noted that the generator couldn’t handle the electrical load of the heat pumps; this is where the current oil furnace would serve as a backup heat source.
Playground Project Feedback: Kathie Marquis-Girard shared her thoughts on the Town Park Playground project. She expressed concerns about the ongoing issue of goose droppings, despite the use of a “goose poop machine.” She also suggested considering natural playscapes made of wood and stone instead of the currently proposed plastic, metal, and wood equipment. These playscapes would blend better with the environment and cater to the needs of older children as well. She volunteered to contribute her time and expertise to help plan these playscapes over the winter. A discussion followed regarding the project’s impact on accessibility and visibility. Chairperson Ethna Thompson iterated that this project has been ongoing since 2012, with parents’ involvement in community forums and with seats on the Park Commission. The selectmen voted to keep moving forward with what has already been agreed upon as equipment had already been purchased, but to keep in mind that there are some spaces in the future where the changes proposed make sense for Rangeley. Also, if the town hears from an engineer that the placement of some of the equipment is an accessibility issue, they will address it.
Meeting minutes from September 18, 2023, were unanimously approved. During the public comments section, Mark Beauregard inquired about high-resolution aerial photography. It was confirmed that the images were available but not yet accessible on the website due to their size. Several consent items were unanimously approved, including a liquor license for Furbish Brew House and Eats, an event permit for Trunk-Or-Treat, and acceptance of the Community Action Grant for Highway Garage Heat Pumps. A monthly CD renewal was also approved for another 30 days. Public correspondence was received from multiple individuals with various concerns and feedback.
Chairperson Ethna Thompson read a prepared statement regarding Law Enforcement Coverage. “We are in the infancy stages of having an open and honest conversation about the future of local police coverage and what that may look like. You can be sure it’s a tough conversation to have, but our willingness to do it should in no way be interpreted to mean anyone on this board doesn’t support law enforcement. In fact, it is because of our respect for those in those positions and members of our community and surrounding communities that we need to take a long, hard look at what ultimately will be the best for all of us. We must be willing to consider all avenues of discussion, regionalizing with neighboring plantations, partnering with and consolidating with the County or other available coverage options, whatever those may be. We have attempted to understand why we have had a fully funded department for the last three years, at least with an inability to fill the positions and consider while some of it may be financially driven, it Is by no means the root of the lack of interest or ability to hire and maintain a full staff in that occupation. I point out we increased wages for the reserve officers and haven’t been able to fill even those positions, so while I am not opposed to those conversations in the appropriate Forum, this problem is larger. It’s going to take some time to address properly. At least 12 small towns across the U.S. have disbanded their police departments due to hiring difficulties. We do not want to find ourselves forced into making a decision like that. We need coverage in the area. There is a nationwide shortage, and according to PERF (the Police Executive Research Forum), at the heart of this problem is The Exodus from law enforcement. Officer’s resignations were up 47% last year compared to 2019, and retirements are up 19%. America is in the midst of police officer shortages that many in law enforcement blame on the two-fold morale hit of 2020, the COVID pandemic and criticism of police officers in general. Keeping all of this in mind and our history of often being able to recruit but struggling to retain, we have to be aware it takes a special candidate to come to our small community and want to be a community police officer. They are choosing law enforcement as a profession and do so with the hope of advancement, i.e., canines, detectives, etc. They want to be able to move on, and those just aren’t options in a small-town department. I am challenging us all to take a deep look at what is the best for the community”. There was a brief discussion on the future of local police coverage in the Rangeley Region, and the selectmen affirmed again they are actively exploring options.
Comprehensive Plan Review Committee (CRIC) Bylaws: Wendy Chaisse discussed proposed changes to CRIC bylaws, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the comprehensive plan review process.
The Town Manager provided updates on various operational aspects, including monthly financials and Poland Springs Withdrawal Totals for August 2023. An executive session was scheduled but not held during this meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 19:31, concluding a productive session that addressed important community concerns and set the stage for future discussions and decisions. The town remains committed to addressing its challenges and working towards a brighter future for all residents.
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