5584-R1_NewGloucester_2017AnnualReport_Web

222nd Annual Report

New Gloucester Maine

July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017

Town Facilities

TOWN HALL HOURS

Monday

8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm 8:30 am – 12:00 pm & 12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Tuesday - Thursday

Friday

Tel. (207) 926-4126 Fax (207) 926-4136 385 Intervale Road Website: www.newgloucester.com

LIBRARY HOURS

Tuesday - Thursday

9:00 am – 12:00 & 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm 9:00 am – 12:00 & 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Friday

Saturday

9:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tel. (207) 926-4840 379 Intervale Road Email: srhawkins@newgloucesterlibrary.org

FIRE STATION HOURS

Monday – Friday Saturday/Sunday

8:00 am – 4:00 pm

9:00 am – 11:00 am (if Personnel available)

Tel. (207) 926-4142 Fax (207) 926-4424 611 Lewiston Road jladewig@newgloucester.com

PUBLIC WORKS WINTER HOURS

Monday – Thursday

6:30 am – 4:00 pm 6:30 am – 10:30 am

Friday

PUBLIC WORKS SUMMER HOURS

Monday – Thursday

6:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tel. (207) 926-4574 1036 Lewiston Road tshane@newgloucester.com

TRANSFER STATION HOURS

Tuesday & Thursday

9:00 am – 7:00 pm 9:00 am – 2:00 pm 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Friday Saturday

Tel. (207) 926-3145 264 Bald Hill Road transferstation@newgloucester.com

July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 New Gloucester Grant made in 1736 • Settled in 1740 and 1750 Town Government Established in 1744 Town Manager Form of Government Adopted 1949

Table of Contents Dedication ...................................................................................................... 2-3 Town Officers/Departments ........................................................................... 4-6 State Representatives ................................................................................. 7-13 Boards/Committees ................................................................................... 14-18 Town Clerk Report .......................................................................................... 19 Town Manager – Letter of Transmittal ............................................................ 20 Report of Assessing ........................................................................................ 21 Report of Code Enforcement Office ................................................................ 22 Report of Fire/Rescue Department ................................................................. 23 Report of Library ........................................................................................ 24-26 Report of the Parks & Recreation ................................................................... 27 Report of Planning ..................................................................................... 28-29 Report of Public Works ................................................................................... 30 Report of the Transfer Station ......................................................................... 31 Report of Mid-Maine Waste Action Corp ................................................... 32-37 Report of the Cable TV Committee ................................................................. 38 Report of the Cemetery Association .......................................................... 39-40 Report of the Environmental Resources Committee ................................. 41-42 Report of the Royal River Riders .................................................................... 43 Report of the NG Water District ...................................................................... 44 Independent Auditor’s Report..................................................................... 45-56 Treasurer’s Report ..................................................................................... 57-60 Tax Liens and Unpaid Taxes ...................................................................... 61-65 Abatements and Supplements ........................................................................ 66 Interagency Reports .................................................................................. 67-72 Special Town Meeting Minutes 11/2/2016 ................................................. 73-77 Town Meeting Minutes 5/1/2017 ................................................................ 78-98 2016 Sabbathday Lake Water Quality Report .......................................... 99-112

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Joyce I. Hodgman

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Dedication of the Town Report Joyce I. Hodgman March 19, 1936 – May 17, 2017

What do you say about a New Gloucester Icon? Joyce was born on March 19, 1936 a daughter of Foye and Ada Morrison Wescott. She graduated from nearby Mechanic Falls High School. She met and married her soul mate Kenneth Hodgman on February 5, 1954, they have three children Scott, Donna and Kathy. Joyce and Kenneth ran and operated their family business Hodgman’s Frozen Custard in New Gloucester. During this time Joyce became “Momma Custard” guiding many of the communities’ youth into adulthood. Her extended family includes her children, grandchildren, cousins, pets and many “adopted” family members. The business, although very important to Joyce was not her true calling, giving was. Did you know she acted as an unofficial food bank, clothing store, financial advisor, and mentor in the community? If you were in need she was there with a smile, kind words and the physical items you needed (even when you did not realize what you needed). She was a volunteer for the Senior Citizens of Cumberland County where she helped seniors navigate the MaineCare/Medicare process, healthcare issues, transportation problems and life. She did all this before the organizations of today existed. She often spent hours sitting with seniors to better understand their needs. She was a mentor to many in the community wishing to start a small business. She gave information freely about the process to start your business, maintain and expand. She was the Queen Bee of networking, if you needed a connection she could give you several off the top of her head and with a little thought could give you enough names to fill a spreadsheet. Many of the things Joyce did in our community were behind the scenes, she did not need the public recognition and praise. The act of giving was the reward, she truly loved people. She shared this with her family often engaging her daughter Donna in the adventure. Joyce first introduced many New Gloucester residents to art via her ceramics studio which she ran in the current Rosanna’s location. This was a big hit with New Gloucester residents with multiple generations attending classes together. Painting, glazing, storytelling, and New Gloucester history lessons were always heard. Joyce was an active member in the New Gloucester Congregational Church, Fireside Club, AmVets, and was a volunteer at the Androscoggin Hospice House. She will be missed by all who were lucky enough to have been part of her life. The New Gloucester community has truly lost an unsung hero.

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ANNUAL REPORT

TOWN OFFICERS – JULY 2016 to JUNE 2017

*****************************************************************************************

SELECTMEN, ASSESSORS, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR

Linda D. Chase Lenora R. Conger Stephen J. Hathorne Steven M. Libby Laura J. Sturgis

Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017

TOWN MANAGER, ROAD COMMISSIONER, TAX COLLECTOR, TOWN CLERK, TREASURER, WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR Paul R. First (Resigned April 4, 2017) Carrie Castonguay (Commenced May 15, 2017)

DEPUTY TREASURER

LoriAnne Wilson

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, ASSISTANT TREASURER, REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR Sharlene F. Myers

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR, Kimberly A. Getchell

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ANNUAL REPORT

ASSESSORS’ AGENT

Debby Parks Larrivee (Resigned April 3, 2017) Michael O’Donnell (Commenced April 3, 2017)

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, HEALTH OFFICER, PLUMBING INSPECTOR Debra Parks Larrivee

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Timothy K. Joy

FENCE VIEWER

Douglas P. Bowie

FIRE/RESCUE CHIEF, FOREST FIRE WARDEN

James Ladewig

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Roger P. Levasseur

DEPUTY RESCUE CHIEF

Mary Rich

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ANNUAL REPORT

LIBRARIAN

Suzan R. Hawkins

ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN

Carla M. McAllister

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Theodore Shane

TOWN PLANNER

William Johnston

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ANNUAL REPORT

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 20 Eric Brakey

State Address: Senate Chamber

Home Address: 146 Pleasant Street Auburn, ME 04210 Tel. (207) 406-0897

3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003

Tel. (207) 287-1505 Fax (207) 287-1900 TTY (207) 287-1583 Toll Free (800) 423-6900 Email: sen.eric.brakey@gmail.com Website: www.mainesenaterepublicans.org/senatorericbrakey/

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 65 Eleanor M. Espling

State Address:

Home Address: 12 Lewiston Road

House of Representatives Room 332, State House 2 State House Station

New Gloucester, ME 04260

Tel. (207) 891-8280

Augusta, ME 04333-0002 Tel. (207) 287-1440 State House Message Phone: (800) 423-2900 TTY (207) 287-4469 Toll Free (800) 423-2900 E-Mail: Ellie.Espling@legislature.maine.gov House Web Page: http://legislature.maine.gov/house/hsebios/esplem.htm House Website: www.legislature.maine.gov/house Website: http://mehousegop.org

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Senator Eric L. Brakey Chair, Health and Human Services 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003 (207) 406-0897 sen.eric.brakey@gmail.com Senator Eric L. Brakey Chair, Health and Human Services 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003 (207) 406-0897 sen.eric.brakey@gmail.com

128th Legislature Senate of Maine Senate District 20 128th Legislature Senate of Maine Senate District 20

Annual Report to the Town of New Gloucester A Message from Senator Eric Brakey

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

Annual Report to the Town of New Gloucester A Message from Senator Eric Brakey

I would like to thank you for the opportunity to represent New Gloucester in the Maine Senate during the past three years. It has been an honor to work on your behalf to make our state an even better place to live, work and conduct business. On August 2, 2017, Maine lawmakers adjourned, marking the end of the First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature. The Legislature was called back into session by the Governor on October 23rd to address a few issues deemed necessary. It will reconvene for the Second Regular Session in January, 2018. The Legislature took significant action last year by removing the tax increase that was imposed on Maine’s small businesses, doctors and other professionals. I believe that had it been left in place, this tax presented a serious threat to the state’s economy. At the same time, Maine voters indicated that they wanted more state revenue directed toward public education, and I am pleased to report that this Legislature passed one of the largest one-time increases in education spending in state history. Along with the increase in funding were numerous reforms aimed at ensuring more resources went directly to Maine classrooms. Much of the 128th Legislature’s work centered on the education surtax and several other ballot initiatives that were approved in November, 2016. Some of the issues we will be dealing with in the second session are continued work on adult cannabis legalization implementation, Medicaid expansion and the opioid epidemic. While we accomplished much, there is still a lot of work ahead of us next session. Again, thank you for entrusting me to represent you in Augusta. Please feel free to contact me if you need my help in navigating the state bureaucracy. I can be reached in Auburn at 207-406-0897, in Augusta at 287- 1505, or by email at sen.eric.brakey@gmail.com . Dear Friends and Neighbors: I would like to thank you for the opportunity to represe t New Gloucest r in the Maine nate during the past three y ars. It has been an honor to work on your behalf o mak our state an even better place to liv , work an conduct bu iness. On August 2, 2017, Maine lawmakers adjourned, marking the end of the First Regular Session of the 128th Legislature. The Legisl ture was c lled back into session by the Governor on October 23rd to addres a few issues de med necessary. It will reconvene for the S cond Regular Session in January, 2018. The Legislature to k significant acti last year by r moving the tax increase tha was imposed on Maine’s small bus esses, docto s and other professionals. I believe that had it been l ft in place, this ax pres nted a serious threat to the state’s economy. At the same time, Maine voters indicated that they wanted more state revenue directed toward public education, and I am pleased to report that this Legislature passed one of the largest one-tim increases in education spending in state his ory. Along wi h he increase in funding were numerous reforms aimed at n uring more resources wen directly to Maine classrooms. Much of the 128th Legislature’s work centered on the education surtax and several other ballot init ativ s that were approved in November, 2016. Some of the is ues we w ll be dealing with in the second session a continued work on adult cannabis legaliza ion implementation, Medica d expansion and the opioid epidemic. While we accomplished much, there is still a lot of work ahead of us next session. Again, thank you for entrusting me to represent you in Augusta. Please feel free to contact me if you need my help in navigating the state bureaucracy. I can be reached in Auburn at 207-406-0897, in Augusta at 287- 1505, or by email at sen.eric.brakey@gmail.com . Sincerely,

Senator Eric L. Brakey i cerely,

Fax: (207) 287-1527 * TTY (207) 287-1583 * Message Service 1-800-423-6900 * Website: legislature.maine.gov/senate

Senator Eric L. Brakey

Fax: (207) 287-1527 * TTY (207) 287-1583 * Message Service 1-800-423-6900 * Website: legislature.maine.gov/senate

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August 20, 2017

August 20, 2017

Town of New Gloucester 385 Intervale Road New Gloucester, ME 04260

Town of New Gloucester 385 Intervale Road New Gloucester, ME 04260

Dear friends and neighbors; I would like to thank each and every resident of New Gloucester for allowing me to represent you in the Maine State Legislature. I appreciate all of the interest many of you have shown in the important work we do on your behalf at the State House. Once again, I’m serving as the Assistant House Republican Leader, which provides an opportunity to work closely with many other legislators on issues important to them and to the people of Maine. Whether the Legislature in session or not, I’m always willing to help constituents who are working with state agencies to solve problems, and encourage you to contact me at any time with your questions, concerns or suggestions about state government. My legislative office number is (207) 287-1440, and is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please don’t hesitate to share your perspective, after all, it is through your input that I can best represent the people who call New Dear friends and neighbors; I would like to t ank eac and every resident of New Gloucester for llowing me to represent you in the Maine State Legislature. I appreciate all of the interest many of you have shown in the important work we do on your eh lf at the State House. Once again, I’m serving as the Assistant House Republican Leader, which provides an opportunity to work closely with many other legislators on issues important to them and to the people of Maine. Whether the Legislature in session or not, I’m always willing to help constituents who are working with state age cies to solve problems, nd encourage you to contact me at any time with your questions, concerns or suggestions about state government. My legislative office number is (207) 287-1440, and is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please don’t hesitate to share your perspective, after all, it is through your input that I can best represent the people who call New Gloucester home. Warmest regards,

Gloucester home. Warmest regards,

Ellie Espling State Representative

Ellie Espling State Representative

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10

Dear Friends of New Gloucester: Since being sworn into the Senate in 2013, I have made it my mission to address at the federal level the most important issues facing our great state. Working closely with my colleagues in the Maine Congressional Delegation, we’ve been able to successfully secure a number of legislative victories that support our state’s economy, our rich traditions, and the hardworking people I am proud to represent. In an increasingly polarized Congress, my goal as an Independent is to put partisanship aside, build consensus and further common-sense solutions to address the needs of the American people. To this end, I have co-founded the Former Governors Caucus, a group of former state executives who are frustrated with legislative gridlock and eager to find bipartisan solutions. And as always, I aim to bridge the partisan divide by hosting barbeque dinners in Washington with colleagues ranging from Ted Cruz to Elizabeth Warren. If you know a person’s children, then you see them as a mother or father and not a rival vote, and working to further personal dialogue and build relationships can lay the foundation for successful legislation. One of the accomplishments of which I am most proud is the legislative victory that protects our college students and their families from an expensive hike in student loan interest rates. In 2013, as students faced a significant spike in interest rates that would have taken thousands of dollars out of their pockets, I brought together colleagues from across the political spectrum to broker compromise legislation called the Bipartisan Student Loan Certainty Act. Thanks to this bill, students will save $50 billion over the next 10 years by lowering their interest rates, which means that a student in Maine will now save between $3,000 and $6,000 over the life of their loan. Being an Independent in the Senate has allowed me to make calls and vote on policies that are best for Maine, but it has also made it possible to play key roles in finding simple solutions and legislative fixes that make good commonsense to both parties. Of course, much of what we do in the Senate doesn’t happen on the Senate floor, or even in committee. Instead, it involves working across all levels of government to ensure the State of Maine receives attention and support from the federal government. Take, for example, the opioid and heroin epidemic devastating communities across our state. While Congress has passed legislative solutions aimed at expanding access to medical treatment, I’ve also pressed for other changes that can be accomplished more quickly and make a more immediate difference in Maine. For example, I successfully urged the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to increase the number of patients to whom a doctor can provide medication-assisted treatment, and in 2015 brought the Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy to Brewer to meet directly with Mainers and hear their stories. I’ve also engaged law enforcement – including the Drug Enforcement Agency – to crack down on the production of opioids and work to limit their diversion. Together, Senator Collins and I helped pass the Northern Border Security Review Act to combat drug and human trafficking along our border with Canada. While the opioid epidemic is certainly our biggest public health crisis, job loss in Maine is still our number one economic problem and that’s why we need to focus on bringing good paying jobs back to Maine and protecting the ones we still have. As a member of the Armed Services Committee, I teamed up with Senator Collins and Representative Poliquin to successfully secure a provision in the defense bill that can help domestic shoe manufacturers like New Balance. The three of us also worked together with the Department of Commerce to establish an Economic Development Assessment Team, known as an EDAT, to assist Maine’s forest industry in the wake of several mill closures. We have an incredible spirit of innovation and ingenuity in Maine and I believe finding ways to invest in that spirit will reignite Maine’s forest products sector and our economy. Part of our economic path forward must also include expanding access to high-speed broadband, which can help connect our businesses and communities to information and economic opportunities. As a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, I work to keep Maine and our nation safe. Part of that important work means continuing to work for funding for the construction of Navy ships that will be used to protect American interests across the globe. We all know that “Bath Built is Best Built,” which is why I’ve fought to authorize funding for Navy ships built at BIW. The best way to preserve peace is by deterring war through unassailable strength, and to do that we must support our shipbuilders and our brave service members and invest in our military. I strive to meet this solemn responsibly every day as a member of these committees, which is why I hardly ever miss a hearing and take great care in overseeing the agencies sworn to keep us safe. Armed Services Chairman John McCain called me “one of the most serious and hard-working members” of the Committee, and that’s a humbling compliment from a true American hero. As always, please call or write me with thoughts or concerns with matters currently before Congress, or if you need assistance navigating a federal agency. Please call my toll-free line at 1-800-432-1599 or local office: (207) 622-8292, or write me on our website at www.king.senate.gov/contact. It is an honor and a privilege serving the people of Maine in the Senate, and I look forward to working with you in our search for a more perfect Union. Sincerely,

Angus S. King, Jr., United States Senator

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STATE OF MAINE O FFICE OF THE G OVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001 STATE OF MAINE O FFICE OF THE G OVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001

PAUL R. L E PAGE

GOVERNOR

PAUL R. L E PAGE

Dear Citizens of New Gloucester: Maine has a long tradition of civil participation in both state and local government, and I thank you for being informed and involved citizens. My vision for Maine is prosperity, not poverty. For this reason, one of my top priorities continues to be the reduction and eventual elimination of the income tax. Raising the minimum wage is not the path out of poverty; I want Mainers to earn a career wage. Reducing the income tax is the biggest and most immediate pay raise for all hard-working Mainers. Not only does an income tax cut put more money back in your pockets, but it will also attract businesses that can offer good-paying careers to keep our young people here. It shows the nation that we are serious about wanting people and businesses to come—and stay—in Maine. Unfortunately, voters approved a referendum question to raise the income tax to 10.15% on successful Maine households and small businesses. Enacting the second highest income tax rate in the country shows the nation we are eager to punish people for being successful. It will drive them out of our state and make it even more difficult to attract much-needed doctors, dentists, scientists, engineers and other professionals to Maine. They can live in neighboring New Hampshire, which takes no income tax from their paychecks. Even worse, there is no guarantee the extra revenue from this tax will go to fund education, as proponents promised. As successful people leave Maine, state and municipal government will lose the significant amount they pay in property, sales and incomes taxes. This will put even more upward pressure on local property taxes. Municipalities will have to get more creative to provide local services without increasing property taxes. Reforming the tree growth program, collecting property taxes on land in conservation or preservation programs, charging a payment in lieu of taxes on state land that is taken off the property tax rolls and having non-profit organizations pay a two-percent tax on their net revenues are all ways for municipalities to increase revenues. Such bold measures would take strong leadership and commitment from local officials and residents. If ever I can be of assistance to you or if you have any questions or suggestions, I encourage you to contact my office by calling 287-3531 or by visiting our website at www.maine.gov/governor. Sincerely, Dear Citizens of New Gloucester: aine has a long tradition of civil participation in both state and local government, and I tha k you for being informed and i volv d citizens. My vision for Maine is prosperity, not poverty. For this reason, one of my top priorities continues to be the reduction and eventual elimination of the income tax. Raising the minimum wage is not the path out of p verty; I want Mainers to earn a career wage. Reducing the income tax is the biggest and most immediate pay raise for all hard-working Mainers. Not only does an income tax cut put more money back in your pockets, but it will also attract businesses that can offer good-paying careers to keep our young people here. It shows the nation that we are serious about wanting people and businesses to come—and stay—in Maine. Unfortunately, voters approved a referendum question to raise the income tax to 10.15% on successful Maine househ lds a d small businesses. Enacting the second highest income tax rate in the country shows the nation w are eager to punish people for being successf l. It will drive them out of our state and make it even more difficult to attract much-needed doctors, dentists, scientists, engineers and other professionals to Maine. They can live in neighboring New Hampshire, which takes no income tax from their paychecks. Even worse, there is no guarantee the extra reve ue from this tax will go to fund education, as proponents promised. As successful people leave Maine, state and municipal government will lose the significant amount they pay in property, sales and incomes taxes. This will put even more upward pressure on local property taxes. Municipalities will have to get more creative to provide l cal services without increasing pr perty taxes. Reforming the tree growth program, collecting property taxes on land in conservation or preservation programs, charging a payment in lieu of taxes on state land that is taken off the property tax rolls and having non-profit organizations pay a two-percent tax on their net revenues are all ways for municipalities to increase revenues. Such bold measures would take strong leadership and commitment from local officials and residents. If ever I can be of assistance to you or if you have any questions or suggestions, I encourage you to contact my office by calling 287-3531 or by visiting our website at www.maine.gov/governor. Sincerely,

GOVERNOR

Paul R. LePage Governor

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) 888-577-6690 (TTY)

FAX: (207) 287-1034

Paul R. LePage Governor

www.maine.gov

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) 888-577-6690 (TTY)

FAX: (207) 287-1034

www.maine.gov

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ANNUAL REPORT

AD HOC RETAIL MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT AND RETAIL MARIJUANA SOCIAL CLUB ORDINANCE COMMITTEE Peter Bragdon No Term Length Dakota Dahms No Term Length Richard Maguire No Term Length Linda Chase, Selectmen Liaison Paul First, Staff Advisor Resigned April 4, 2017 Carrie Castonguay, Staff Advisor Commenced May 15, 2017

BOARD OF APPEALS

Norman Chamberlain Jeff Hamilton, Sr.

Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018

Ray Hamilton Donald Libby Kathleen Potter

Debra Parks Larrivee, Staff Advisor

BUDGET COMMITTEE

Joe Bean

Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018

George Colby (Chairman)

Jean Couturier Karen Gilles Jeff Hamilton, Sr. Rosemary Kulow John Randall Barbara Thompson Tamilyn Wayboer Tim Joy

Cleo Werner

Linda Chase, Selectman Liaison Lenora Conger, Selectman Liaison Paul First, Staff Advisor Carrie Castonguay, Staff Advisor

Resigned April 4, 2017 Commenced May 15, 2017

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ANNUAL REPORT

CIP COMMITTEE

Beverly Cadigan (Chairman)

Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Planning Board Representative Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2018 Resigned April 4, 2017 Commenced May 15, 2017

George Colby Jean Couturier

Joe Bean

Jean Libby (Vice-Chairman)

Kathleen Potter

Steven Libby, Selectman Liaison Paul First, Staff Advisor Carrie Castonguay, Staff Advisor

CABLE TV COMMITTEE

Richard Erwin (Vice-Chairman) William MacGregor (Chairman)

Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Resigned May 15, 2017 Term Expires June 2018

Patti Mikkelsen

Stephen Hathorne, Selectman Liaison Laura Sturgis, Selectman Liaison

COMMUNITY FAIR COMMITTEE

Amy Arata

Term Expires June 2018 Resigned May 15, 2017 Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017

Michael Bardier (Chairman)

Peter Bragdon Marilyn Brinnick

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Beth Blakeman-Pohl Jean Couturier

Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2017

Julie Fralich Jason Libby

Nichole Stevens (Chairman) Michael Splane (Vice-Chairman) Steven Libby, Selectman Liaison William Johnston, Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Richard Allen

Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Resigned August 15, 2016 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019

Cliff Andrews (Chairman)

Kathleen Cruz

Phoebe Hardesty Anthony Hodgdon Trudy Hodgdon Joanne McKee

Stephen Hathorne, Selectman Liaison

FORECLOSURE COMMITTEE

Assessors’ Agent Code Enforcement Officer Deputy Clerk Environmental Resource Committee Chairman Fire/Rescue Chief Parks & Recreation Chairman Planning Board Chairman Public Works Director

Board of Selectman, Linda Chase Board of Selectman, Steven Libby

Town Manager Town Planner

LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Sam Coggeshall

Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Resigned March 6, 2017 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017 Planning Board Representative Term Expires June 2017

George Colby, (Vice-Chairman)

Jean Couturier

Caitlyn Davison (Chairman)

Jamie Duncan

Karen Gilles Donald Libby Jean Libby

Lawrence Zuckerman

Linda Chase, Selectman Liaison William Johnston, Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT

LIBRARY TRUSTEES

Robert Cotiaux

Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2018 Resigned August 15, 2016 Term Expires June 2016

Allison Kostovick (Vice-Chairman)

Paul Morin

Cecile Rohrbach Susan Simpson

Timothy Terranova (Chairman) Laura Sturgis, Selectman Liaison Suzan Hawkins, Staff Advisor Carla McAllister, Staff Advisor

PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

Kimberly Brusseau Michael Fralich Donald Libby Kathleen Potter Carlton Wilcox

Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2018 Resigned April 3, 2017

Harvey Price, Parks & Recreation Director Laura Sturgis, Selectmen Liaison Linda Chase, Selectman Liaison

PLANNING BOARD

Amy Arata

Term Expires June 2018 Resigned May 15, 2017 Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018 Resigned May 15, 2017 Term Expires June 2017

Joe Bean (Vice-Chairman)

Jean Couturier Erik Hargreaves Mark Leighton

Jean Libby (Chairman)

William Johnston, Staff Advisor

17

ANNUAL REPORT

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Frank Chambers

Term Expires June 2017 Resigned, July 18, 2016 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2018

Eleanor Espling Richard Maguire

John Randall (Chairman) Steven Libby, Selectmen Liaison Lenora Conger, Selectmen Liaison Fire/Rescue Chief Public Works Director

PUBLIC WORKS BUILDING COMMITTEE

Jeff Amos

No Term Length No Term Length

Nathaniel Berry IV Beverly Cadigan

No Term Length Resigned March 6, 2017

Joseph Davis

No Term Length No Term Length No Term Length No Term Length

James Fitch (Chairman)

James Hutchinson

Donald Libby

Ted Shane, Public Works Director Steven Libby, Selectmen Liaison Lenora Conger, Selectmen Liaison Will Johnston, Staff Advisor Paul First, Staff Advisor Carrie Castonguay, Staff Advisor

Resigned April 4, 2017 Commenced May 15, 2017

NEW GLOUCESTER DIRECTORS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #15

Amy Arata

Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2019 Term Expires June 2017 Term Expires June 2018 Term Expires June 2019

John Cavanaugh Gary Harriman

Joe Menard

Barbra Thompson

Laura Sturgis, Selectmen Liaison

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ANNUAL REPORT Town Clerk’s Report

Births……………………………………………………….………73 Marriages…………………………………………………………..44 Deaths……………………………………………………………...35

Bean, Benjamin W. Brackley, Dennis S. Carr, Frances A. Cutler, Robert A.

11/19/2016 Lowe Jr., Edward C. 04/12/2017

01/13/2017 Menard, Patricia J. 01/02/2017 Moran, Joseph C. 07/20/2016 Morrison, Lloyd R. 04/30/2017 O’Clair, Victor H. 02/13/2017 Peterson, Cindy L.

08/24/2016 06/19/2017 02/25/2017 09/30/2016 06/21/2017 02/10/2017 05/27/2017 10/15/2016 03/14/2017

Dill, Shirley H.

Dunham, Robert E.

Duplisea, Pauline D. 07/28/2016 Pierce, Carl A.

Emery, Edward J.

06/21/2017 Rice, JoAnn C.

Espeaignette, George G. 12/26/2016 Ruel, Doris L.

Gelberg, Bernice A. Glaser, Donna M. Golob, Eugene C.

04/01/2017 Smith, Tonya M.

02/07/2017 Stevenson, Michael D. 04/01/2017

02/06/2017 Sylvester, Raymond W. 11/01/2016 Hammond, Charlotte E. 04/13/2017 Teague Sr., David S. 05/27/2017 Hodgman, Joyce I. 05/17/2017 Thibeau, Monica R. 12/16/2016 King, Madeline F. 07/28/2016 Vieira, Susan J. 02/04/2017 Laganiere, Roger R. 10/26/2016 Waterhouse, Forrest H. 11/21/2016 Langlois, Donna F. 04/19/2017 Wing, Thomas W. 12/08/2016 Larson, Keith H. 07/14/2016

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ANNUAL REPORT Town Manager – Letter of Transmittal Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017

To the Citizens of the Town of New Gloucester,

I wish to thank you for the opportunity to serve as your new Town Manager. I started in mid-May so my reflections on the fiscal year ending June 30, 2017 are somewhat limited. I have been working hard at becoming acquainted with New Gloucester’s two largest projects; the ongoing work at the Fairgrounds and the proposed Public Works Garage and Sand/Salt Shed. I look forward to continuing the work on these projects as well as working into the future on many other projects and issues on your behalf. The town continues to have a stable financial position with a strong fund balance. I encourage you to read the auditor’s report in the following pages for details of town’s finances. You will be pleased to see that all the town’s departments stayed within their expenditure limitations. Additionally, some revenue lines report being above projections. If you have not yet done so, I would encourage you to apply for the Homestead Exemption. This year the exemption increased to $20,000. What this means for you is that $20,000 is subtracted from your home’s value prior to taxes being assessed. Please bear in mind that this paperwork must be completed and submitted to the assessor prior to April 1 for you to be eligible. While the Homestead Exemption is a benefit to the taxpayer, it is somewhat of a burden to the town. During the state’s budget process, it was decided to reimburse the town only 50 percent of the exemption amount instead of the 62.5 percent as was anticipated. What this means for you as taxpayers is the taxable value of property in New Gloucester has decreased and we are receiving less state reimbursement. Lastly, I want to thank all the town employees and department heads for their dedication and work for NewGloucester. I have found everyone to be an invaluable resource as I become familiar with the town and its’ policies and procedures.

Respectfully submitted,

Carrie Castonguay Town Manager

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ANNUAL REPORT Assessing 2016-2017

TAX RATE: 0.01470 ASSESSMENTS: County Tax

$ 328,766.00

Municipal Appropriation

$4,328,015.00

TIF Financing Plan Amount

$ 235,000.00

Local Educational Appropriation

$4,991,742.00

Overlay

$ 23,967.59

Total Assessments

$9,907,490.59

DEDUCTIONS:

State Municipal Revenue Sharing

$ 190,000.00

Homestead Reimbursement

$ 137,466.32

BETE Reimbursement

$ 57,669.31

Other Revenue

$2,697,701.00

Total Deductions

$3,082,836.63

Net Assessment

$6,824,653.96

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ANNUAL REPORT Code Enforcement

Residential Building Fees

$14,748

Misc. Other Fees

$12,355

Total Permits (112)

Plumbing Permits (Internal & External) $12,420

Total Fees and Permits Collected $39,523

My office hours are generally from 9 -12 p.m. and 1-4 p.m. in the field. Monday nights I am in the office from 5-7 p.m. Appointments are always welcomed; please call (207 926-4126 ext. 3) or email (dparks@newgloucester.com). I will accommodate a time to help you with any questions you may have and issue permits. Visit our webpage www.newgloucester.com for information and forms. You can find permit applications, inspection requirements, and fact sheets for many projects.

Respectfully submitted,

Debra Parks Larrivee

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ANNUAL REPORT Fire & EMS Department

The department experienced another busy year. Rescue calls continue to be the bulk of our responses and we did see a slight decline in structure fires. The department added some new members and sadly said goodbye to two of our Lifetime members. Lloyd Morrison and Ed Lowe, both longtime members and supporters of the department, passed away this year. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to go out to their families. During FY2017, the department responded to the following incidents: Vehicle Accident 62 Fire/ Smoke Alarm 27 Assist Law Enforcement 4 Public Assist 10 Gas Leak /Fuel Spill 7 Rescue/ EMS 409 Mutual Aid 19 Outside Fire 10 Structure Fire 5 Vehicle Fire 2 Pt. Transported 268 Pt. Evaluated 406 Woods Fire 2 Total Incidents 557 Total Personnel Hours 3,051 FY2017 included the total training hours for the department at 2103 hours, with an additional 470 hours devoted to meetings and other department activities. There is an additional 7630 hours volunteered by these dedicated individuals. We have experienced an increase in personnel on the Fire Division of the department. Our membership totals 43 for the department, but we are still in need of members in Rescue. The time and additional training continues to be a challenge to those members. The department continues to conduct an active recruiting program to help strengthen our numbers as we look forward to the future of our department. Again I would like to thank all of you for the support you have shown the department this past year. Through the continued hard work and dedication of our members we will continue to provide exceptional emergency services to the residents and visitors of New Gloucester. Respectfully submitted, James Ladewig Fire & Rescue Chief

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ANNUAL REPORT Library

We wish to thank the town, our patrons, our staff, and our volunteers for their help in continuing to make the library a significant resource. We are honored to be recognized by many as being at the center of our community. The library recognizes the importance of community and strives to ensure that we offer services and events to enrich everyone. As always, the trustees would like to start this report by making special mention of our volunteers. Our volunteers, which include both young adults and adults, donated approximately 520 hours of their time this past year. Having volunteers of all ages helps the library recognize the needs and stay connected with all of the different generations in New Gloucester. The library is a better place for people of all ages because of the time and effort all our volunteers expend. The trustees are pleased to let the town know that theMaineState Library estimates the library provided $237,073 of services to the citizens of New Gloucester on its $93,631 budget. Some of the services included in that figure are: • 5319 Adult books borrowed • 8209 Children’s books borrowed • 203 Audiobooks borrowed from the shelves • 1163 eBooks/Audiobooks downloaded • 2316 Movies borrowed • People who signed up to use the computers/internet (does not include people Another effort to keep costs down is successful because of your donations of books, and movies. This year 891 books and movies that were donated by patrons were placed on the shelves. This added about $22,275 to the library collection without having to ask the town for additional funding. This makes a huge difference in what we are able to offer our patrons because the value of the donations equals nearly double our annual book and audio visual budget of $7050. Another effort to keep costs down was rewarded when the library received a grant from the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation last fiscal year. The leftover funds after the roof repairs have been used to make environmental and safety improvements in the basement. who bring their own devices to use the internet) • $840 the amount of library passes used this year,

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The trustees continue to build an Endowment Fund to ensure the future of the library. Only a portion of the interest from the fund may be used and the idea behind the fund is that, no matter what financial problems occur, there will always be money for the most important part of the library: the materials we provide to our patrons. The library is grateful for all the donations, but the fund balance of $17,831.15 must grow much larger before it can be used for its stated purpose. To that end, the library started the Support the Library Campaign this summer. Look for information at all library events. Our web services continue to be a welcome improvement for our patrons. Patrons enjoy being able to check for books before coming to the library, reserving the books so they are available when they arrive, and renewing their items online. The library has many regular activities each year. These include, weekly story hours, special story hours around holidays, two adult book groups, one young adult book group, a youth advisory group, a summer reading program, the annual pet show, the annual sleepover, a knitting group, a monthly 4H science night and the Christmas Tree Lighting and open house every November. The library also produces one play each summer. The library continues to offer many different types of materials to borrow. In addition to the books, the library has magazines, audiobooks, videos, DVDs, cake pans and puzzles. The library is also a member of the Maine Infonet Download Library, which allows our patrons to download Audio and E-Books at no cost. This service gives our patrons access to over 14,000 additional titles. If you cannot find something you are looking for on our shelves, Sue or Carla can often obtain it from another library through Interlibrary Loan. This past year the library partnered with the Parks and Recreation department to administer the kayaks and canoes program. This program allows people to “check out” kayaks and canoes at the fairgrounds and use them there in the Royal River. This has been a good collaboration, which has brought new people into the library. Thanks to the generosity of the Friends of New Gloucester Public Library, the library offered passes to the Wildlife Park, the Maine State Museum, and Willowbrook. Some passes may be reserved in advance and some the day of planned use. Some passes provide free access while others provide a reduced fee. Additional passes may change each year. Please see Sue and Carla with any questions and for reservations.

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The Friends of the New Gloucester Library continues to support the library. The Friends’ projects are funded by the Friends’ Spring and Fall Book Sales. A great amount of time and effort is spent on making these events a success. If you would like information on becoming a Friend of the Library, just stop in and pick up a flyer, or visit us at www.newgloucesterlibrary.org. This year the Friends provided money for 4H supplies, a visits from Tim Caverly and Search and Rescue, funds for the Good Readers Polar Bears (our youth advisory group) to purchase juvenile and young adult books for the library, the passes mentioned before. This past year also saw a special presentation from Sisters in Crime. The Maine mystery writers read from their works and presented a panel on writing. After answering questions from the crowd, they presented the library with a check that was used to purchase additional mystery books. Each year the library hosts the Kindergarten Kick Off program, funded by the Friends. This brings every kindergartener from Memorial School into the library. While at the library, the students learn about the library, participate in an activity, and experience a story time. The students each leave with their very own book and filled with excitement about their visit to the library. The library will continue this program in the future and hopes it will strengthen its connection to Memorial School. The library will continue to offer new and innovative services and events to complement the existing services provided to the residents of New Gloucester. If anyone has ideas or suggestions for services or materials, please let us know. The trustees and staff are always open to suggestions. The trustees would like to thank the staff and the volunteers again for all their hard work. For those residents who have not yet used the library’s services we encourage you to visit, and for those patrons who already use the library, we look forward to seeing you again soon.

Respectfully submitted,

Timothy Terranova Paul Morin, D.C. Allison Kostovick CeCe Rohrbach Rob Cotiaux

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ANNUAL REPORT Parks & Recreation

This was a big year for the Parks and Recreation Department with the opening of the new playground at the fairgrounds. We had 213 volunteer hours putting up the playground and I am so proud of the way the community came together to make this happen. I would like to thank the following people for helping make the project a success: Joseph Marchyshyn, Kathleen Potter, James Yeaton, Joyce and Jeffrey Hamilton Sr., Donald Libby, Thomas Halstead, Linda Chase, Kimberly and Fred Brusseau, Amy Price and Michael Fralich. Our Public Works Department was also very critical in helping get the project completed. We are now onto the next phase of the project which is the pavilion. We are looking to have the structure up in the beginning part of October and then we will be having a community build to put the roof on. But in all honesty none of this would have been possible without the support of the community and the Selectmen. We are continuously looking to grow and enrich our Parks and Recreation Department, so if you have any ideas and/or suggestions that would help us in doing this, please feel free to contact me via email hprice@newgloucester.com. My office is located in the old fire station behind Town Hall. I would love to talk with anyone who has ideas on how to improve our department. Once again I want to say “THANK YOU” to all of the volunteers and the Recreation Committee for the countless hours of dedication to the Town and the Recreation Department. Without you, none of our programs would be possible.

Respectfully submitted, Harvey R Price Jr. Parks and Recreation Director

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ANNUAL REPORT Planning

The Planning Department is responsible for assisting Planning Board applicants and helping the community identify and achieve long-term goals associated with growth, land management, and economic development. The department provides support to the Planning Board, Land Management Planning Committee, Economic Development Committee, and New Gloucester Water District, as well as providing planning assistance on infrastructure projects. In FY 2017, staff continued to focus on planning efforts related to construction of a new public works facility for the Town, Upper Village planning initiatives, planning and implementation efforts at the Fairgrounds, and support relating to a culvert replacement on Morse Road. Planning Board The Planning Board reviewed and approved eleven new site plan applications, and one minor subdivision amendment. Site Plan Reviews: • Auto Repair Shop, Oz Drive • Storage Structure (site plan amendment), Lewiston Road • Residential Garage, Sabbathday Road • Residential Garage, Colebrook Road • Commercial Storage Building, Sabbathday Road (All the above projects located in Residential-Commercial and Groundwater Protection Overlay Districts) • Single-Family Residence, Intervale Road, Upper Village District • New Private Road/Driveway and setback waivers, Sabbathday Road, Limited Residential-Shoreland District • Dormer Addition, Intervale Road, Village and Historic Resource Overlay District • Event Barn/Venue, Intervale Road, Rural Residential District • Residential Addition, Cobbs Bridge Road, Village and Historic Resource Overlay Districts • Gravel Pit Expansion, Outlet Road, Limited Residential Shoreland, Resource Protection and Groundwater Protection Overlay Districts. Subdivision Reviews: • Pre-application Conference for Major Subdivision, Sabbathday Road, Limited Residential-Shoreland, Rural Residential and Groundwater Protection Overlay District. • Plan Amendment, Rosewood Lane, Rural Residential District Thanks to all who served on this Board: Amy Arata, Joe Bean, Jean Couturier, Edward Domas, Eric Hargreaves, Mark Leighton and, especially to Jean Libby, who served on the Planning Board from 1995-2017, serving many of those years as Chairman.

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