8331_NewGloucester_2021-2022_AnnualReport_Web

227th Annual Report

New Gloucester Maine

July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

Town Facilities

TOWN HALL HOURS

Monday

10:00 am - 7:00 pm 8:00 am - 5:00 pm 7:00 am - 4:00 pm

Tuesday - Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

closed

Tel. (207) 926-4126

Fax (207) 926-4136

385 Intervale Road Website: www.newgloucester.com LIBRARY HOURS

Sunday Monday Tuesday

11:00 am – 4:00 pm 11:00 am – 6:00 pm 12:00 pm – 7:00 pm 11:00 am – 6:00 pm 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

Wednesday Thursday

Tel. (207) 926-4840 379 Intervale Road Email: librarydirector@newgloucester.com FIRE STATION HOURS

Monday – Friday Saturday/Sunday

8:00 am – 4:00 pm 9:00 am – 11:00 am (if Personnel available) Fax (207) 926-4424

Tel. (207) 926-4142

611 Lewiston Road chief@newgloucester.com PUBLIC WORKS HOURS Tel. (207) 926-4574 611A Lewiston Road tshane@newgloucester.com TRANSFER STATION HOURS

Monday – Thursday

6:30 am – 5:00 pm

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, 2021 to June 30, 2022 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

Table of Contents

1

Dedication

2-3

Honorary Recognition

4

Town Officers/Departments

5-7

State Representatives Boards/Committees Town Clerk Report Report of Assessing

8-14

15-20

21 22 23

Report of Code Enforcement Office Report of Fire/Rescue Department

24-31 32-35

Report of Library

Report of Parks & Recreation

36 37 38 39

Report of Planning

Report of Public Works Report of Transfer Station

Report of Maine Waste to Energy Report of Cable TV Committee Report of Cemetery Association Report of Community Fair Committee

40-45

46

47-49

50

Report of Environmental Resources Committee

51-52

Report of Royal River Riders

53 54

Report of New Gloucester Water District

Auditors Reports Treasurer’s Report

55-61 62-65 66-68 69-89

Tax Liens and Unpaid Taxes

2020 Sabbathday Lake Water Quality Report

1

Annual Town Report Dedication BEVERLY T. CADIGAN

The Municipal Officers are pleased to dedicate the 2021-2022 New Gloucester Town Report to Beverly Cadigan. Beverly presents herself as a fine role model for others through a strong sense of civic duty and dedication to our community. Beverly settled in New Gloucester when she purchased her home in 1986, which she calls the ‘house she always dreamed of owning’. With Beverly’s love of New Gloucester’s history, she joined the New Gloucester Historical Society. She has served in many roles, including secretary, vice president, and currently as president. She was also the chairperson for the Society’s Annual Strawberry Festival for many years. An event many citizens look forward to each year. Furthermore, Beverly plays an active role in the annual Declaration of Independence reading held at the history barn. One of the greatest contributions we can make to our community and neighbors is to spend our time serving each other. Beverly has donated her time as a member of the Town Hall and Public Works Building Committees and was Chairman of the Capital Improvement Program Committee for several years. In addition, she was the moderator of several New Gloucester Candidate Forums. Beverly continues to remain active in local government to this day. Beverly was an active supporter of the Libra Foundation’s purchase of the Pineland Facility and testified in their favor at hearings at the State House. She also had the opportunity to serve on the Pineland Farms Board of Directors. As Libra was developing Pineland Farms, the board members traveled to farms in other states and toured facilities in Italy. There are many ways in which we can have a positive impact on the lives of our neighbors. With caring hearts aimed at serving others, Beverly, and her husband Richard “Dick” Cadigan are also regular volunteers at the New Gloucester Food Pantry. Dick, also received the honor of having the town report dedicated to him in 2011. With the help of Phoebe Hardesty and Boy Scout Troop 135, Beverly supervised the installation of a flagpole and garden at the Town Hall. Beverly and Phoebe Hardesty are very faithful about keeping the garden maintained and looking beautiful.

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In small towns like New Gloucester, we look for those in our community who stand up selflessly in service to others. In that vein, the Municipal Officers are pleased to make this dedication to a selfless lady that is always willing to help a neighbor or friend in need. Congratulations Beverly!

Beverly Cadigan speaking at the Historical Society annual reading of the Declaration of Independence

Beverly Cadigan speaking at the Historical Society

Dedication of the Town Hall flagpole

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The New Gloucester Municipal Officers are pleased to Honor the following individuals as part of the 2021-2022 Annual Town Report We are fortunate in New Gloucester to have so many dedicated employees who serve our town, the core of which are the face of our daily operations. New Gloucester is honored to employ 18 full time and 58 part time dedicated members, including per diem, who each bring a special attribute to the town. Our employees who cover a range of different departments, work together to meet the many needs of those who live, work, and enjoy New Gloucester. Amongst this plethora of employees who show continued kindness and loyalty to our Municipality, the Municipal Officers wish to honor two distinct employees who have risen to the top and shown extreme dedication to the town over their 60 combined years of service at the Transfer Station. Supervisor Jeff Pratt - Hired: 1989 • Keith Chase - Hired: 1995 Supervisor Jeff Pratt oversees, a very well organized and exceptionally clean, solid waste operation that serves over 2,000 homes and businesses. Jeff has provided 33 years of service to the citizens of New Gloucester and is often seen in the loader or behind the scenes tending to a variety of key responsibilities that provide such a smooth operation. We thank you for your 33 years of dedication to our Town. Keith Chase has been working at the Transfer station for nearly 27 years, always going above and beyond to help anyone who comes through the station. In between the needs and tasks of his work, you can spot Keith giving out dog treats, or dropping a friendly “hi” to kids, and chatting it up with local residents. We thank you for nearly 27 years of dedication to our Town as well! We are honored to have such amazing staff as part of our New Gloucester community. We can’t thank each of you enough for all you give to the Town, and we wish each and every one of you a great and safe rest of the year.

4

ANNUAL REPORT

TOWN OFFICERS – JULY 2021 to JUNE 2022

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

SELECT BOARD, ASSESSORS, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR

Peter Bragdon Tammy Donovan Stephen Hathorne Paul Larrivee, Jr.

Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022

Dustin Ward

TOWN MANAGER, ROAD COMMISSIONER, TAX COLLECTOR, TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY TREASURER, WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR Christine M. Landes

TREASURER

Lori Anne Wilson

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

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

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ANNUAL REPORT

ASSESSORS’ AGENT

Michael O’Donnell (John O’Donnell and Associates)

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, HEALTH OFFICER, PLUMBING INSPECTOR Rick Haas

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Jon Kiernan (resigned December 2021) Craig Bouchard, Interim (commenced December 2021)

FENCE VIEWER

Douglas P. Bowie

FIRE/RESCUE CHIEF, FOREST FIRE WARDEN

Jon Kiernan (resigned December 2021) Craig Bouchard, Interim (commenced December 2021)

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Craig Bouchard

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ANNUAL REPORT

DEPUTY RESCUE CHIEF

Mary Rich

LIBRARIAN

Lee Shaw (resigned October 2021) Jay Campbell (commenced December 2021)

ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN

Emily Martin

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Theodore Shane

TOWN PLANNER

Paul First, Interim (resigned July 2021) Natalie Thomsen (commenced August 2021)

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ANNUAL REPORT

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 20 Ned Claxton

State Address: Senate Chamber

Home Address: 72 Danbury Drive Auburn, ME 04210 Tel. (207) 576-8082

3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003

Tel. (207) 287-1515 Fax (207) 287-1900 TTY (207) 287-1583 Toll Free (800) 423-6900 Email: Ned.Claxton@legislature.maine.com Website: www.mainesenate.org

STATE REPRESENTATIVE DISTRICT 65 Amy Bradstreet Arata

State Address:

Home Address:

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

PO Box 2

New Gloucester, ME 04260

Tel. (207) 333-1817

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: Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov House Website: www.legislature.maine.gov/house

8

Senator Ned Claxton 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0003 (207)287-1515

130th Legislature Senate of Maine Senate District 20

Dear Neighbor, Thank you for putting your trust in me to represent you in the Maine Senate over the past four years. Though I am not returning to the State House in 2023, I want you to know that representing our community in Augusta has been a profound honor and responsibility, and an experience I will never forget. During my two terms in office, I focused my efforts on the issues I heard about most often from folks in our community. That includes the high cost of health care and prescription medications, property taxes, support for our veterans and seniors, and most recently inflation and the rising cost of energy. While we haven’t completely solved these large and complicated problems, I am proud of the progress we have been able to make by putting politics aside and working across the aisle. To address high property taxes, we restored the municipal revenue sharing program to its full 5 percent, fully funded the state’s share of K-12 public education at 55 percent for the first time ever, and fully reimbursed municipalities for the Homestead Exemption. These steps took a huge burden off our towns and residents. I sponsored a law to protect patients from surprise medical billing, and as chair of the Health and Human Services Committee, I made sure our vital direct care providers got the raise they rightfully deserved. I also sponsored a new law that provides funding for Meals on Wheels programs around our state, a critical lifeline for seniors and disabled Mainers. During the pandemic we were reminded of just how vital these programs are – they deserve full support from the state. We also worked to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing, so lawmakers can have the data they need going forward to take real and meaningful steps to lower costs. In 2022, we sent $850 checks directly to over 850,000 Mainers to help deal with inflation and rising costs. I heard from folks around our community about how helpful the money was for bills, groceries or their medication. We also worked to improve and streamline the Home Energy Assistance Program, which is a major way for folks to get help paying to heat their home. Finally, we provided Maine businesses and nonprofits with a credit of more than $2,000 on their electricity bills. A vast majority of the work I did during my time in Augusta was done in a bipartisan fashion. I have seen firsthand that the two major parties can still work together, and when they do, Maine people benefit. I am incredibly proud to have been a part of this work during these four years and will always be grateful for the opportunity. Sincerely,

Ned Claxton

Fax: (207) 287-1585 * TTY (207) 287-1583 * Message Service 1-800-423-6900 * Website: legislature.maine.gov/senate

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

PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) e will also develop a world-class workforce starting with Pre-K for every 4-year-old in Maine d more post-high school options that result in a valued credential. Attracting talented young ople to move here and make Maine their home will be top priorities of my Administration. aine communities, especially rural communities, are confronting a severe workforce shortage d an aging and declining population. It is time for bold, dynamic ideas that will change Maine the better. That is why I, along with people ranging from small business owners, innovators d entrepreneurs, to economists and every day, hard-working Mainers, developed an economic n designed to make it easier for small businesses to grow, for people to come and stay, and for aine to thrive. welcome your ideas. We are all in this together. We all want Maine to have a beautiful vironment, happy people, and prosperous communities ank you, Phone: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) FAX: (207) 287-1034 PHONE: (207) 287-3531 (Voice) 888-577-6690 (TTY) FAX: (207) 287-1034 www.maine.gov While I am proud of the progress we have made, there is more to do, like addressing the housing crisis, the workforce shortage, and the opioid epidemic and strengthening health care, education, and the economy. I know that by working together to tackle these issues head-on, we can improve the lives and livelihoods of Maine people and make Maine the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you again for the honor to serve you as Governor. Thank you, Janet T. Mills Governor Maine can be proud of our nation-leading progress, but our work is far from done. Through the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, we will continue to address our longstanding workforce shortage, the expansion of broadband, education and job training opportunities, housing, child care, and transportation. Drawing on the hard work and resilience of Maine people, together we will rebuild our economy and rise from this unprecedented challenge a state that is stronger than ever. In 2022, I will be focused on our economy, on our climate, on our kids, on keeping people safe and on the health and welfare of all Maine people. We have persevered, and, while challenges remain, we will get through them together. I am proud of the people of Maine, and I am proud to be your Governor. Thank you, Janet T. Mills Governor 888-577-6690 (TTY) FAX: (207) 287-1034 www.maine.gov Dear Friends: It was the highest honor of my life to take the oath of office to become Maine’s 75th governor. Over the next four years, I will do everything in my power to make Maine the safe, beautiful, prosperous state we all want for our children and grandchildren. That is why on my first day in office I directed the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to implement Medicaid expansion as quickly and efficiently as possible. My Administration will ensure that it is paid for sustainably; that the cost of health insurance is controlled; and that the cost of prescription drugs is reined in. In addition to creating a Director of Opiate Response to marshal the collective power and resources of state government to stem the tide of the opioid epidemic, we will make Narcan widely available, increase access to medication assisted treatment and recovery coaches, and expand drug courts. We also need a healthy environment. My Administration will embrace clean energy; change our modes of transportation; weatherize homes and businesses; and reach a goal of 50 percent of our energy coming from Maine renewable resources. By reducing the impacts of climate change, we will create good- paying jobs, preserve our environment, and protect our state’s farming, fishing, and forestry industries. We will also develop a world-class workforce starting with Pre-K for every 4-year-old in Maine and more post-high school options that result in a valued credential. Attracting talented young people to move here and make Maine their home will be top priorities of my Administration. Maine communities, especially rural communities, are confronting a severe workforce shortage and an aging and declining population. It is time for bold, dynamic ideas that will change Maine for the better. That is why I, along with people ranging from small business owners, innovators and entrepreneurs, to economists and every day, hard-working Mainers, developed an economic plan designed to make it easier for small businesses to grow, for people to come and stay, and for Maine to thrive. I welcome your ideas. We are all in this together. We all want Maine to have a beautiful environment, happy people, and prosperous communities Thank you, ar Friends: was the highest honor of my life to take the oath of office to become Maine’s 75th governor. er the next four years, I will do everything in my power to make Maine the safe, beautiful, osperous state we all want for our children and grandchildren. at is why on my first day in office I directed the Maine Department of Health and Human rvices to implement Medicaid expansion as quickly and efficiently as possible. My ministration will ensure that it is paid for sustainably; that the cost of health insurance is ntrolled; and that the cost of prescription drugs is reined in. In addition to creating a Director Opiate Response to marshal the collective power and resources of state government to stem tide of the opioid epidemic, we will make Narcan widely available, increase access to dication assisted treatment and recovery coaches, and expand drug courts. e also need a healthy environment. My Administration will embrace clean energy; change our des of transportation; weatherize homes and businesses; and reach a goal of 50 percent of our ergy coming from Maine renewable resources. By reducing the impacts of climate change, we l create good- paying jobs, preserve our environment, and protect our state’s farming, fishing, d forestry industries. Dear Maine Resident: In January, I was privileged to take the Oath of Office to begin my second term as your Governor. I am deeply humbled by the trust the people of Maine have placed in me, and I look forward to continuing to work hard over the next four years to improve the lives and livelihoods of Maine people. Over the past four years, we have made real progress. We have expanded health care, leading to the largest decline in the uninsured rate of any state in the nation. We fully funded the State’s share of public education. We delivered two-years of free community college. We fully restored municipal revenue sharing to five percent. We delivered substantial tax relief, nation-leading inflation relief, and emergency energy relief to help Maine people through difficult times. Through the Maine Jobs & Recovery Plan, we are strengthening and diversifying our economy. In 2022, our state’s gross domestic product – a key measure of economic growth – grew at the 9th fastest rate in the United States. People are moving to Maine at a rate higher than any other New England state, and at one of the highest rates in the nation. We have enacted balanced budgets, and we have built up Maine’s “Rainy Day” fund to a record high, preparing our state to continue meeting its commitments in the event of an economic downturn. Dear Friends: For three years it has been my privilege to guide our great state, working with the Legislature to keep Maine people safe and put our economy on a path to recovery. Since the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccines in December 2020, we have worked hard to get as many shots into the arms of Maine people as quickly as possible. In the last year, more than a million Maine people have gotten fully vaccinated from COVID-19. It is thanks to them that our state has one of highest vaccination rates and one of the lowest death rates from COVID-19, despite having a much older population than other states. People are coming to Maine because we are one of the safest states in the nation. Following the recommendations of the Economic Recovery Committee, our economy has not only fully recovered, but has surpassed pre-pandemic projections and unemployment claims have dropped to pre-pandemic levels. And, last year, I was pleased to sign a balanced, bipartisan budget that finally achieves the State’s commitment to 55 percent education funding, fully restores revenue sharing, and expands property tax relief for Maine residents. Janet T. Mills Governor

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net T. Mills

Dear Friends: I am deeply honored to serve the people of Maine in the U.S. Senate, and I welcome this opportunity to share some of the areas I have been working on over the past year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose enormous challenges for our state and our country. When the pandemic began, I co-authored the Paycheck Protection Program that helped small businesses remain afloat and keep their employees paid. In Maine, our small businesses received more than 47,000 forgivable loans totaling $3.2 billion. I also led efforts to provide relief for loggers, lobstermen, and bus companies. In addition, I helped secure $700 million to assist Maine’s overwhelmed hospitals and nursing homes, and a new law I led prevented Medicare payment cuts to help further ease the financial strain on our hospitals. I also urged the CDC to update its recommendations so that our students and teachers could safely return to their classrooms, and I pressed the Administration to end the closure of the U.S.-Canada border. While addressing the pandemic has been a major focus, I’ve also worked hard to ensure Maine’s other needs are met. A group of 10 Senators, of which I was a part, negotiated the landmark bipartisan infrastructure bill that was signed into law in November. I co-authored the section of the bill that will provide Maine with as much as $300 million to expand high-speed internet in rural and underserved areas. Soaring inflation is another crisis, particularly when it comes to the cost of heating oil. I have strongly supported federal programs that help Maine families stay warm. In November, Maine was awarded $35 million to help low-income Mainers pay their energy bills. And the bipartisan infrastructure bill included $3.5 billion to help families make energy efficiency improvements that would permanently lower their heating costs. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I have supported investments in Maine’s communities. This year’s funding bills include $265 million I championed for 106 projects across Maine. These projects would help create jobs, improve workforce training, address the opioid crisis, and increase access to childcare and health care services. In addition, I worked to reverse proposed cuts to our Navy in order to help protect America and keep the skilled workers at Bath Iron Works on the job. The bills also include $475 million for the construction of a new dry dock at Maine’s Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that will allow the Navy to continue to carry out its submarine missions. I will keep working to get these important bills enacted. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and this year I honored that work ethic when I cast my 8,000 th consecutive vote, becoming the only Senator in history to do so without ever having missed a roll call vote. The Lugar Center at Georgetown University once again ranked me as the most bipartisan Senator for the eighth year in a row. In the New Year, I will keep working to solve problems and make life better for the people of Maine and America. May 2022 be a happy, healthy, and successful one for you, your family, and our state. Sincerely, Dear Friends: It is an honor to represent Maine in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful for the trust that Mainers have placed in me and welcome this opportunity to share some key accomplishments for our state. Last year, I secured more than $500 million for 285 projects from Aroostook County to York County that will promote job creation, workforce training, and economic development; expand access to health care; improve public safety, infrastructure, and community resources; and protect our environment. To address the crisis of soaring inflation and high energy prices, I led efforts to provide $2 billion in supplemental funds to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. In the new Congress that begins in 2023, I expect to be the Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee and will continue to champion investments to support Maine’s communities and families. Strengthening our economy and supporting good jobs remain a top priority. Along with the Governor and the rest of the Maine Delegation and the associations representing the lobster industry, I worked to protect our hardworking lobstermen and women by pausing for six years the onerous federal regulations that jeopardize our lobster fishery’s very existence. Another ongoing threat to Maine’s small businesses is the shortage of workers. That’s why I led an effort to push the Administration to nearly double the number of H-2B visas that are critical to our hospitality industry. Additionally, when the Administration proposed to cut the construction of a destroyer to be built by Bath Iron Works, I restored this funding to protect Maine jobs and our national security. When Maine Veterans’ Homes announced last year that it planned to close its facilities in Caribou and Machias, I opposed that decision which would have had such a devastating effect on rural veterans and their families. I am glad that the decision was reversed, and I have secured $3 million to help with upgrades to these facilities. My AUTO for Vets Act also became law, which will help disabled veterans maintain their independence by supporting the purchase of a new adaptive vehicle once a decade. This past year, Congress demonstrated how effective it can be on behalf of the American people when both parties work together. A few of the bipartisan achievements that I was involved in include the Respect for Marriage Act , which will provide certainty to millions of loving couples in same-sex marriages while protecting religious liberties, and the Electoral Count Reform Act , which establishes clear guidelines for our system of certifying and counting electoral votes for President and Vice President. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and I have honored that work ethic by showing up for every vote. During my Senate service, I have cast more than 8,500 consecutive votes, never having missed one. I remain committed to doing all that I can to address your community’s concerns in 2023. If I may be of assistance to you in any way, I encourage you to contact one of my six state offices. Sincerely, Dear Friends: I am deeply honored to serve the people of Maine in the U.S. Senate, and I welcome this opportunity to share some of the areas I have been working on over the past year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose enormous challenges for our state and our country. When the pandemic began, I co-authored the Paycheck Protection Program that helped small businesses remain afloat and keep their employees paid. In Maine, our small businesses received more than 47,000 forgivable loans totaling $3.2 billion. I also led efforts to provide relief for loggers, lobstermen, and bus companies. In addition, I helped secure $700 million to assist Maine’s overwhelmed hospitals and nursing homes, and a new law I led prevented Medicare payment cuts to help further ease the financial strain on our hospitals. I also urged the CDC to update its recommendations so that our students and teachers could safely return to their classrooms, and I pressed the Administration to end the closure of the U.S.-Canada border. While addressing the pandemic has been a major focus, I’ve also worked hard to ensure Maine’s other needs are met. A group of 10 Senators, of which I was a part, negotiated the landmark bipartisan infrastructure bill that was signed into law in November. I co-authored the section of the bill that will provide Maine with as much as $300 million to expand high-speed internet in rural and underserved areas. Soaring inflation is another crisis, particularly when it comes to the cost of heating oil. I have strongly supported federal programs that help Maine families stay warm. In November, Maine was awarded $35 million to help low-income Mainers pay their energy bills. And the bipartisan infrastructure bill included $3.5 billion to help families make energy efficiency improvements that would permanently lower their heating costs. As a senior member of the Appropriations Committee, I have supported investments in Maine’s communities. This year’s funding bills include $265 million I championed for 106 projects across Maine. These projects would help create jobs, improve workforce training, address the opioid crisis, and increase access to childcare and health care services. In addition, I worked to reverse proposed cuts to our Navy in order to help protect America and keep the skilled workers at Bath Iron Works on the job. The bills also include $475 million for the construction of a new dry dock at Maine’s Portsmouth Naval Shipyard that will allow the Navy to continue to carry out its submarine missions. I will keep working to get these important bills enacted. No one works harder than the people of Maine, and this year I honored that work ethic when I cast my 8,000 th consecutive vote, becoming the only Senator in history to do so without ever having missed a roll call vote. The Lugar Center at Georgetown University once again ranked me as the most bipartisan Senator for the eighth year in a row. In the New Year, I will keep working to solve problems and make life better for the people of Maine and America. May 2022 be a happy, healthy, and successful one for you, your family, and our state. Sincerely,

Susan M. Collins United States Senator Susan M. Collins United States Senator Susan M. Collins United States Senator

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Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you well. It is an honor to represent you and your family during these challenging times, and I am thankful for the opportunity to update you on my work in Washington and Maine. The COVID-19 pandemic continues to cause challenges for people in Maine and across the country. Please know that the health and safety of you and your loved ones, as well as the economic recovery of our communities, remains the driving force behind legislation I have pushed for in Congress. In early 2021, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan, historic legislation that makes investments to crush the virus, create millions of jobs, provide direct relief to working families, and help schools remain safely open. Not only did this legislation give 90 percent of American households a stimulus check, but it also helped local and state governments better respond to the pandemic, put food on families’ tables, got more vaccine shots into arms, cut child poverty in half through the expanded Child Tax Credit, and so much more. The American Rescue Plan is one of the most important pieces of legislation Congress will ever pass, and I’m so proud to have supported it from the beginning. You can read more about this piece of legislation here: https://pingree.house.gov/covid. Our economic recovery from the pandemic will be accelerated even more thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which Congress passed in November. This legislation marks the most expansive infrastructure investment since the construction of the interstate highway system. From funding to repair our aging roads, bridges, and ports to high-speed broadband expansion and legacy pollution clean-up, this law is a once-in-a-generation investment in our future. In addition to working on COVID-19 relief legislation, my Congressional colleagues and I are also collaborating on legislation that addresses the climate crisis, supports voting rights, and—through my role on the House Appropriations Committee—supports programs important to Maine. After seven years on the House Appropriations Committee, I took the gavel and lead the subcommittee that oversees discretionary spending for the Department of the Interior, the

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Environmental Protection Agency, US Forest Service, and several agencies related to the arts and humanities. In my new role as Chair, I have fought to secure significant funding for Maine’s tribes, environmental preservation programs, our cultural economy, and our forests. I will keep pushing legislation to support America’s long-term care needs, lower prescription drug costs, expand Medicare benefits, cut taxes for working people, make our workforce competitive with the world, and fight climate change. So, as we reflect on 2021, let us welcome 2022 with a renewed sense of optimism. There is a lot to fight for, and I assure you I will continue to fight for Maine in Congress. I want you to know that my staff and I are doing all we can to support Mainers through this public health crisis and all the challenges that come with it. If you are unsure of the resources available to you, are having difficulty accessing resources, or if you’d just like to share a thought or opinion, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Sincerely,

Chellie Pingree Member of Congress

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ANNUAL REPORT ADHOC RETAIL MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENT AND RETAIL MARIJUANA SOCIAL CLUB ORDINANCE COMMITTEE DISSOLVED AND ASSIGNED TASKS TO LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE NOVEMBER 2021 ADHOC DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION (DEI) COMMITTEE Greta Atchinson No Term Length Joanna Caouette No Term Length Rachel Carll No Term Length Cameron Dufty No Term Length Beth Ellingson No Term Length Adam Lee No Term Length Julie Tajonera (Chair) No Term Length Peter Bragdon, Selectmen Liaison

BOARD OF APPEALS

Norman Chamberlain Jeff Hamilton, Sr.

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2021

Ray Hamilton Donald Libby Kathleen Potter

Code Enforcement Officer/Staff Advisor

BUDGET COMMITTEE

Joe Bean

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023

Jennifer Bragdon (Vice-Chair)

Karen Gilles

Jeff Hamilton, Sr.

Penny Hilton

Jean Libby (Chair) Steven Libby Nick Planson Brian Shedlarski

Peter Bragdon, Selectman Liaison Dustin Ward, Selectman Liaison Town Manager/Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT CIP COMMITTEE

Jennifer Bragdon

Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024

Linda Chase Steven Libby Donald Libby

Budget Committee Representative Planning Board Representative

Jean Libby (Chair)

Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024

Kathleen Potter (Vice-Chair) Tammy Donovan, Selectman Liaison Town Manager/Staff Advisor

CABLE TV COMMITTEE

Richard Erwin (Chair) Sarah Gusky Kemer

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024

Patti Mikkelsen (Vice-Chair) Peter Bragdon, Selectmen Liaison

CANDIDATE / REFERENDUM ISSUES COMMITTEE

Lucinda Brakey Joanne Cole

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2023

Anne Gauthier-Maurice

Penny Hilton Debra Smith

Dustin Ward, Selectmen Liaison Library Director, Staff Advisor

CHARTER COMMISSION

Michael Arata Peter Bragdon Lucinda Brakey

Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Commenced January 2022 Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report

Linda Chase Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Stephen Hathorne Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Penny Hilton Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Donald Libby Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report Steven Libby Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Report John Salisbury Resigned January 2022 Benjamin Tettlebaum Term Expires 30 Days after submittal of Final Repor t Town Manager/Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT COMMUNITY FAIR COMMITTEEE

Peter Bragdon (Chair)

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2023

Jennifer Bragdon (Vice-Chair)

Hannah Deem Jessica Farwell Holly Robinson

Paul Larrivee Jr., Selectman Liaison Parks & Recreation Director, Staff Advisor

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Julie Fralich (Chair) Karen Gilles Lado Ladoka Gina Sawin Brian Shedarski

Resigned October 2021 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024

Peter Bragdon, Selectman Liaison Town Planner/Staff Advisor

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Richard Allen Diane Lamson Laura Fralich Alicia Howes

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2022 Resigned August 2021 Term Expires June 2023

Lauren Jordan (Vice-Chair)

Joanne McKee Doug Smith (Chair)

Paul Larrivee Jr., Selectman Liaison Parks & Recreation Director, Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT FORECLOSURE COMMITTEE

Assessors’ Agent Code Enforcement Officer Deputy Clerk Environmental Resources Committee Chair Fire/Rescue Chief Parks & Recreation Director Parks & Recreation Committee Chair Planning Board Chair Public Works Director Select Board Liaison, Peter Bragdon Select Board Liaison, Stephen Hathorne

Town Manager Town Planner

LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Charles Gauvin

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024

Karen Gilles (Vice Chair)

Thomas Jordan Donald Libby Jean Libby Nick Planson John Salisbury

Planning Board Representative Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023

Brian Shedlarski (Chair)

Paul Larrivee Jr., Selectman Liaison Town Planner/Staff Advisor

LIBRARY TRUSTEES

Robert Cotiaux (Vice-Chair)

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2022

Paul Morin

Cecile Rohrbach (Chair)

Colleen Strickler Timothy Terranova

Dustin Ward, Selectman Liaison Library Director/Staff Advisor Assistance Librarian/Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

Kimberly Brusseau

Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023

Michael Fralich (Vice-Chair)

Thomas Halstead Rebecca Klotzle

Kathleen Potter (Chair)

Laura Sturgis

Dustin Ward, Selectman Liaison Parks & Recreation Director, Staff Advisor

PLANNING BOARD

Dan Ellingson

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023

Erik Hargreaves (Vice-Chair)

Donald Libby (Chair) Jean Libby (Alternate)

Steven Libby

Cassandra Liberty Douglas McAtee Ben Tettlebaum

Town Planner/Staff Advisor

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

Linda Chase

Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Term Expires June 2024

Karen Gilles (Vice-Chair) Richard Maguire (Chair)

Nick Planson Debra Smith

Nate Wight, Pineland Representative Tammy Donovan, Selectmen Liaison Fire/Rescue Chief, Staff Advisor Public Works Director, Staff Advisor

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ANNUAL REPORT NEW GLOUCESTER DIRECTORS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #15

Misty Coolidge Gary Harriman Nichole Stevens Dorene Libby Laura Sturgis Jason Hart

Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2023 Term Expires June 2024 Resigned January 2022 Term Expires June 2022 Term Expires June 2022

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ANNUAL REPORT Town Clerk’s Report

Births……………………………………………………….………53 Marriages………………………………………………………..106

Deaths……………………………………………………………...54 Allen, Jill M. 03/30/2022 Arnold, Wendi L. 07/09/2021 Bean, Alice M. 01/01/2022 Becker, Gaynelle L. 10/20/2021 Berquist, Alfred M. 12/09/2021 Berry, Naomi R. 03/15/2022 Brown, David W. Jr. 01/31/2022 Cleaves, Cecile M. 06/29/2022 Cook, Jean 02/14/2022 Cormier, Michael A. 10/01/2021 Corriveau, Lawrence I. 01/28/2022 Daley, Leonard T. 07/03/2021 Madsen, Sandra H. Marston, Tammy J. 06/18/2022 McAllister, Dustan P. 09/20/2021 McDougall, Robert M. 11/04/2021 McNerney, Kenneth L. 04/27/2022 Merrill, Elaine F. 05/02/2022 Morin, Normand P. 06/28/2022 Peaco, Neal G. 02/07/2022 Peterson, Ethel G. 08/04/2021 Phillips, Robert L. 08/20/2021 Pierce, Edward A. 08/30/2021 Powers, Loretta 01/08/2022 Rand, Richard K. 04/17/2022 Rideout, Chester L. Jr. 11/06/2021 Russo, Ciro A. III 06/12/2022 Sommer, Danielle C. 02/05/2022 Strom, Michael L. 03/07/2022 Trafford, Maitland D. 02/19/2022 Tripp, Rodger E. Jr. 09/25/2021 Veader, John W. 06/18/2022 Vincent, Jasmine S. 08/01/2021 Waite, Duane A. 01/05/2022 Douglass, Gregory A. 01/05/2022 Farrington, Harriet M. 10/18/2021 Fisher, Walter C. Jr. 08/07/2021 Gagnon, Donna M. 11/12/2021 Howland, Willow M. 07/02/2021 Joler, Aaron M. 02/08/2022 Jordan, Catherine E. 12/03/2021 Jordan, Edward Jr. 02/22/2022 Jordan, Gwendolyn H. 12/26/2021 Lafond, Dennis P. 08/15/2021 Langlois, Diane I. 05/22/2022 Lavigne, Richard N. 08/21/2021 Leonard, Susan E. 01/16/2022 Libby, Matthew S. 01/28/2022 Liptak, Kyle A. 02/09/2022 05/26/2022 Wasson, Kimberly A. 05/06/2022 Waterman, Jeanne E. 02/27/2022 Weir, Kelly L. 10/28/2021 Witkop, Judith A. 12/16/2021 Wotherspoon, Robert J. Sr.10/05/2021

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ANNUAL REPORT Assessing

2021-2022

TAX RATE: 0.01380 ASSESSMENTS: County Tax

$ 391,716.00

Municipal Appropriation

$5,863,597.00

TIF Financing Plan Amount

$ 348,357.00

Local Educational Appropriation

$5,788,593.00

Overlay

$ 39,079.64

Total Assessments

$12,431,342.64

DEDUCTIONS:

State Municipal Revenue Sharing

$ 320,000.00

Homestead Reimbursement

$ 334,285.09

BETE Reimbursement

$ 121,303.73

Other Revenue

$3,225,776.00

Total Deductions

$4,001,364.82

Net Assessment

$8,429,977.82

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ANNUAL REPORT Code Enforcement

Building Permits Electrical Permits Plumbing Permits

110

$64,024.00 $12,163.00 $13,665.00

94 78

Total Fees and Permits Collected 282

$89,852.00

Office hours are Monday 10am – 7pm; Tuesday and Wednesday 8am – 5pm; and Thursday 7am – 4pm. Appointments are strongly recommended; please call (207-926-4126 ext. 3) or email (codeofficer@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. As of January 1, 2022 the Town of New Gloucester requires electrical permits.

Respectfully submitted,

Rick Haas Code Officer

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ANNUAL REPORT Fire & Rescue Department

2022 Fire Rescue Year in Review 2022 was another busy year for the New Gloucester Fire Rescue Depart ment. While we were able to return to many operations as normal follow ing pandemic restrictions we faced in 2021, our call volume continued to rise. 2022 surpassed 2021 as our busiest year on record. Throughout the year, the dedicated men and women of the New Gloucester Fire Rescue Department worked hard to ensure the health and safety of our community members and visitors. Incident Statistics 2022 surpassed our previous high for call volume, 2021, with a total of 681 calls for service. Of these 681 calls for service, 470 were medical in nature (including motor vehicle accidents) and 211 were fire related. The breakdown for calls in 2021 was 667 total calls for service (503 EMS calls and 164 fire calls). Below is a graph showing the breakdown of our last five years, with the last three being our busiest.

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Here are specifics on 2022 incidents:

EMS Calls NGFR responded to 470 EMS related calls in 2022. This number not only includes our 395 patients experiencing a medical emergency, but 75 motor vehicle accidents. Of our 470 EMS calls, we transported 264 patients to the hospital (56% of EMS calls and 39% of our total call volume). NGFR EMS providers take pride in providing excellent patient care on ev ery EMS call. Incidents often call for immediate and sometimes lifesav ing interventions. In 2022, our providers started 160 IV’s, assessed 124 12-lead EKGs, monitored 109 cardiac rhythms, applied 8 cervical collars, assisted 6 patients with ventilations, and also performed a needle decom pression. Our EMS providers administered supplemental oxygen 46 times, fentanyl 23 times, ondansetron (Zofran) 20 times, epinephrine 1:10,000 19 times, nitroglycerin 19 times, DuoNeb 17 times, and aspirin 16 times. Fire Calls NGFR responded to 29 fires in 2022, including eight building fires. The other 21 fires included 11 grass or brush fires, five vehicle fires, three cook ing fires, and two chimney fires. We responded to 52 “false calls.” Many of these were fire alarm activations that end up being accidental. In the fire service, we treat these as real emergencies. Alarm systems are designed to activate when they believe a hazard (smoke, fire, CO, etc.) is present. It is the job of the fire department to determine if there is a hazard or not, mitigate the potential hazard, and secure the building. Other calls we re sponded to include gas leaks, wires down, and overheated equipment. The fire service is much more than responding to building fires. We are an “all hazards” department serving our community in a variety of ways. To quote the late Chief John Eversole of the Chicago Fire Department “Our department takes 1,120 calls every day. Do you know how many of the calls the public expects perfection on? 1,120. Nobody calls the fire department and says, ‘Send me two dumb firemen in a pickup truck.’ In 3 minutes they want five brain-surgeon decathlon champions to come and solve all their problems.” People call 911 on the worst day of their life. We work hard as an organi zation and with our mutual aid partners to provide the best, most profes sional service we can.

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Mutual Aid Mutual Aid continues to trend upward. For 2022, we received mutual aid 65 times while providing it 60 times. By comparison, in 2020, we received aid 28 times and gave aid 27 times. In 2021, the numbers increased to receiving aid 53 times and giving aid 49 times. Of the 65 times we received mutual aid in 2022, 28 were due to our ambulance being on another med ical call. New Gloucester, and many of our surrounding communities, can handle about one emergency at a time. In 2022, we had 108 overlapping calls (16% of our call volume). Some of these calls are storm related and a response can be delayed. Other times, the next available unit is needed immediately. This is when mutual aid is often relied on. New Gloucester and surrounding communities also have automatic aid re sponses for reported building fires, auto extrications, and other serious calls that are manpower intensive. This is a proactive measure that communities take to ensure they have the correct resources on scene to mitigate the emergency. Member Responses Our response model at New Gloucester Fire Rescue is a mix of a career Fire Chief, two per diem firefighter/EMS providers 24/7, and a call com pany. In 2022, the Fire Chief’s position was vacant as the select board and town manager worked to find a candidate to fill the job. The work has continued to be done by Interim Chief Craig Bouchard, supplemented by EMS Chief Mary Rich, Captain Hale Fitzgerald, and Lieutenant Chris Gill. The driving force of our organization continues to be our call company. They are a tremendous resource that is trained in multiple aspects of the job. Examples of call company responses can be anything from building fires and vehicle extrications to lifting assistance and help with CPR. Call company members meet every Monday night to train and perfect their craft. They sacrifice their time to put community above self. If anyone is interested in helping their community in a rewarding way, please reach out to us at 207-926-4142. There are many ways we can provide training and sponsor you to take classes to become trained. Examples of ways to help include interior firefighting, fire/police, exterior firefighting, EMS, driving/ operating apparatus, and auxiliary. Below are the top five call company responders for 2022 • Firefighter/EMT Traedon Schwartz-154 calls • Lieutenant Chris Gill-148 calls • Firefighter/EMT Jared Schwartz-101 calls • Firefighter/EMT Shamus Cole-82 calls • Firefighter Paul Talley-33 calls Thanks to all for their dedication to our community and our department.

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