9304-R4_NewGloucester_2024-2025_AnnualReport_Web

230th Annual Report

New Gloucester Maine

July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025

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 – 3:00 pm 11:00 am – 7:00 pm 11:00 am – 7:00 pm 11:00 am – 5:00 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)

Tel. (207) 926-4142

Fax (207) 926-4424

611 Lewiston Road chief@newgloucester.com PUBLIC WORKS HOURS

Monday – Thursday

6:30 am – 5:00 pm

Tel. (207) 926-4574 611A Lewiston Road pwdirector@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, 2024 to June 30, 2025 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

Dedications

2-4 5-8

Town Officers/Departments State Representatives Boards and Committees

9-16

17-21

Town Clerk’s Report Report of Assessing

22 23 24

Report of Code Enforcement

Report of Fire Rescue Department

25-26 27-30 31-32 33-34

Report of Public Library

Report of Parks & Recreation Department

Report of Planning Department

Report of Transfer Station

35

Report of Maine Waste to Energy

36-41 42-44

Report of Adhoc Semiquincentennial Committee

Report of Cable TV Committee Report of Cemetery Association

45

46-47 48-49

Report of Environmental Resources Committee

Report of Royal River Riders Report of NG Water District

50 51

Auditors Note – FY24 Auditors Note – FY25 Treasurer’s Report

52-57 58-63 64-67 68-70 71-89 90-112

Tax Liens and Unpaid Taxes

Annual Town Meeting Minutes 5-5-2025 2024 Sabbathday Lake Water Quality Report

1

Annual Town Report Dedication

The Town of New Gloucester Annual Report is dedicated to members of our community whose exceptional spirit, long-standing commitment and countless contributions have strengthened the Town and enriched the lives of its residents. This dedication represents the highest honor the Town can bestow. This honor is held for individuals whose service, generosity, and involvement have made New Gloucester a better place to live. For generations, access to local government has been a cornerstone of civic life in New Gloucester. Long before online streaming and social media, cable television served as a vital connection between Town government and the community, allowing residents to watch meetings, stay informed, and follow local decision-making from their homes. In 1998, the Town first broadcast Select Board meetings using VHS recorders, with tapes carefully stored in the Town vault. This marked the beginning of the New Gloucester Public Access Channel 3. As technology advanced, so did the scope and quality of the service. Recording equipment evolved from VHS recorders to palm recorders and then to professional broadcast cameras, and volunteers expanded coverage to include historical presentations and community events. In 2010, the Town acquired its first video editing computer, later followed by DVD recorders to ease filming and sharing of local programming. In 2022, the last of the town’s standard definition equipment was replaced with current technology. Now, live streaming of meetings and instant access to videos on demand bring residents even closer to their government and community. Through every technological turn, the Town has continually provided access to local government to residents, only thanks to dedicated people behind the scenes. The importance of this public access to government cannot be overstated. For decades, this service has existed only because of individuals who consistently gave their time, skills, and expertise to the Town of New Gloucester. With deep appreciation and gratitude, the Select Board dedicates this Annual Report to Mark Bowie, Richard Erwin, and Patti Mikkelsen , in recognition of their collective and individual contributions to New Gloucester Public Access Television and to ensuring residents’ continued access to local government. We welcome this opportunity to turn the camera toward these three individuals and celebrate the enduring contributions they have made.

2

Mark Bowie , since the early years of public access television, has recorded and broadcast meetings with unwavering reliability. As a volunteer for numerous years, and as an employee since 2017, Mark has spent countless evenings in the Meetinghouse control room ensuring that meetings of all Town boards and committees are available to the public, often working into the late hours of the night. He seems to have never missed a meeting and never declined availability for a last-minute schedule change. Mark consistently provides technical support on the spot. His calm presence, technical knowledge, and steadfast commitment have ensured that New Gloucester residents have always been able to view their local government in action. Richard Erwin has been an essential force behind the scenes since the very beginning. He has dedicated thousands of hours to video editing and to assembling, maintaining, and patching equipment together in his frugal ways, faithfully, performing his duties allowing resident’s access to Government. He has carefully managed video archives and patiently guided the Town through a major technological upgrade, while also helming the Cable TV Committee. Richard’s quiet perseverance and deep technical expertise have been essential to the long-term success and continuity of New Gloucester Public Access Television. Patti Mikkelsen has worked tirelessly behind the scenes in support of local cable television. She has ably steered the town through the blizzard of abbreviations, acronyms and technical terminology that mark this work, and kept meticulous records along the way. Patti’s has also guided the Cable TV Committee and Town through policy, ordinance, and franchise agreement updates. For years she published a regular column in The Lakes Region Weekly that highlighted the people and events that have made New Gloucester special. Patti’s kindness, gentle spirit, and dedicated volunteerism have provided for the transparent promotion of the Town, its people, and organizations. Whether arriving at Memorial School hours before every annual Town Meeting to set up the microphones, cameras, tripods, mixers, and laptops that capture democracy in action; documenting and preserving the many events celebrating New Gloucester’s 250th; or recording, editing, captioning, and uploading the latest meeting of even the smallest town committee, these three individuals exemplify the very best of public service, volunteerism, and community spirit. Their contributions have created a legacy for the Town of New Gloucester and its residents. The Select Board also wishes to extend its sincere thanks to all those who have volunteered on the Cable Television Committee. Each one of you has played a key role over the years in the success of New Gloucester Public Access Television. We truly value your commitment, hard work, and contributions. Congratulations Mark, Richard, and Patti!

3

4

ANNUAL REPORT

TOWN OFFICERS – JULY 2024 to JUNE 2025

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

SELECT BOARD, ASSESSORS, OVERSEERS OF THE POOR

Peter Bragdon Tammy Donovan Stephen Hathorne Colleen Strickler

Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025

Dustin Ward

TOWN MANAGER, ROAD COMMISSIONER, TAX COLLECTOR, TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY TREASURER, WELFARE ADMINISTRATOR William H. Kerbin, Jr.

TREASURER

Lori Anne Wilson

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO TOWN MANAGER (DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY TREASURER DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR, DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS) Sharlene F. Myers

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR, REGISTRAR OF VOTERS Teresa Grenier

5

ANNUAL REPORT

DEPUTY TOWN CLERK, DEPUTY TAX COLLECTOR, DEPUTY REGISTRAR OF VOTERS Melissa Foster (commenced August 2024)

ASSESSORS’ AGENT

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

CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, HEALTH OFFICER, PLUMBING INSPECTOR

Rick Haas (resigned March 2025) Eric Cobb (commenced May 2025)

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR

Craig Bouchard (resigned November 2024) Hale Fitzgerald, Interim (November 2024 – May 2025) Ryan Patton (commenced May 2025)

FENCE VIEWER

Douglas P. Bowie

6

ANNUAL REPORT

FIRE/RESCUE CHIEF, FOREST FIRE WARDEN

Craig Bouchard (resigned November 2024) Hale Fitzgerald, Interim (November 2024 – May 2025) Ryan Patton (commenced May 2025)

DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF

Hale Fitzgerald

DEPUTY RESCUE CHIEF

Mary Rich

LIBRARIAN

Emily Martin

ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN

Eleanor Marsh-Meservier

INTERLIBRARY LOAN TECHNICIAN

Tonya Kinzer (resigned March 2025) Alice Wheeler (commenced May 2025)

7

ANNUAL REPORT

PARKS & RECREATION DIRECTOR

Sarah Rodriguez

PARKS & RECREATION COORDINATOR

Kimberly Brusseau

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

Theodore Shane (resigned June 2025) Ben Tinker, Interim (commenced June 2025)

TOWN PLANNER

Kathy Tombarelli (resigned December 2024) Lauren Turner (commenced June 2025)

8

ANNUAL REPORT

STATE REPRESENTATIVE HOUSE DISTRICT 104 Amy Bradstreet Arata Office Address: House Minority Office Room 332, State House 2 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333-0002

Tel. (207) 287-1400 Cell: (207) 333-1817 E-Mail: Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov House Website: www.legislature.maine.gov/house

STATE SENATOR DISTRICT 20

Bruce Bickford Office Address: Senate Chamber 3 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 Tel. (207) 287-1505

Email: bruce.bickford@legislature.maine.gov Website: www.legislature.maine.gov/district20

9

H OUSE OF R EPRESENTATIVES 2 S TATE H OUSE S TATION A UGUSTA , M AINE 04333-0002 (207) 287-1440 TTY: (207) 287-4469

Amy Bradstreet Arata P.O. Box 2, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov

January 2026

Dear Friends & Neighbors, I am honored to continue serving as your state representative for District 104 in the Maine House of Representatives during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature. This session marks my final term serving you in Augusta, and it has been a privilege to represent you since 2019. Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have worked hard to be a strong and effective voice for our community, successfully passing eight bills into law. To stay informed and engaged, I encourage you to visit the legislative homepage at: Legislature.Maine.Gov. There, you can track bills as they move through the process, review summaries roll call votes, and public hearing schedules, as well as watch live streaming video of the House and Senate. You may also observe or even testify at committee hearings, either in person or via Zoom, to ensure your voice is heard. During the Second Session of the 132nd Legislature, I will continue serving on the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee, which plays a critical role in determining funding levels for state agencies and programs and shaping Maine’s budget prioriti es. Thank you for the honor of allowing me to serve as your elected representative. Please feel free to contact me anytime with your concerns, and if you wish to receive my regular e-newsletter, you may send your email address to Amy.Arata@legislature.maine.gov

Again, thank you for providing me the honor of serving you in Augusta! . Respectfully,

Amy B. Arata State Representative

Proudly Serving House District 104 New Gloucester/ Gray (Part)

10

3 State House Station Augusta, Maine 04333

Bruce Bickford Senator, District 20

THE MAINE SENATE 132nd Legislature

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve as your State Senator. It is truly an honor to represent you and work towards making our state a better place to live, work, and do business. I want to assure you that I will continue to work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Senate District 20. On December 4, 2024, I was sworn in for my first term as a State Senator, marking the first day of the First Regular Session of the 132nd Maine State Legislature. The ceremony was rich in tradition and attended by families and friends. Many of you have reached out to me with concerns about the rising costs of energy, childcare, housing, education, mental health, substance abuse, workforce development, and community safety, among other important issues. As your State Senator, I am committed to advocating for practical and effective solutions to these challenges. The 132 nd Maine Legislature has much work ahead of us regarding our anticipated budget gap and setting our spending priorities for the next biennium. However, I believe there is nothing we cannot accomplish if we work collaboratively. As your State Senator, I will continue to do all I can to advocate for your priorities in Augusta. Again, thank you for electing me to serve you in the State Senate. Please feel free to contact me by calling 207-287-1505 or email Bruce.Bickford@legislature.maine.gov if you have comments, questions or if you would like assistance in navigating our state’s bureaucracy. Sincerely,

Bruce Bickford State Senator

Taxation Committee State House (207) 287-1505 * Fax (207) 287-1527 * Toll Free 1-800-423-6900 * TTY 711 Bruce.Bickford@legislature.maine.gov * legislature.maine.gov/senate

11

12

13

Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you well. It’s an honor to continue serving as your representative in Congress, and I take the responsibility very seriously. Thank you for the opportunity to share an update on the work I've been doing for the people of the Second Congressional District. Fisheries: This spring, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) announced a gauge increase for lobsters caught in the Gulf of Maine beginning in January 2025. Maine fishermen warned that this decision is founded on incomplete and inaccurate data. Additionally, this gauge increase could put Mainers at a competitive disadvantage to Canadian fishermen with looser regulations. That’s why I sent a letter to the ASMFC urging them to delay their decision until they can evaluate data with fishermen, whose proactive stewardship provides invaluable insight. I have also submitted an amendment to this year’s funding bill that would block federal funding from being used to implement and enforce a gauge increase. Because of these efforts, the ASFMC made the decision to delay the implementation of this new requirement. I’ll always stand with Maine lobstermen against unfair, unnecessary regulations that threaten their livelihoods and industry. Veterans: The first meeting I attended as an elected official was with a large group of veterans and the former Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services. We discussed a lot, but one issue rose above the rest: how little was being done for Maine veterans who needed treatment for mental health issues or substance use. At the time, there were no in patient treatment beds in Maine, so veterans had to wait for a bed to open up at an out-of-state facility. Fast forward 10 years, through unending red tape, and I’m delighted to report we just broke ground on a treatment facility at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta. This was the direct result of the tireless advocacy of veterans from across our state — this win is theirs. Postal Service: This spring, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced plans to consolidate and move some processing operations from the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Center in Hampden to Scarborough. This would have caused significant mail delivery delays that disproportionately harm rural communities. That’s why I introduced the Timely Mail Delivery and Postal Services Protection Act, which would have halted this planned consolidation across the country. Following these efforts, the USPS announced they have scrapped their plan entirely. While this is a win for Maine, it is also evidence that we cannot become complacent. That’s why I recently introduced the bipartisan Postmaster General Reform Act , which would establish term limits for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) postmaster general and require nominations to be confirmed by the Senate. Regardless of the year, one of my top priorities is ensuring I’m accessible to you. My staff and I can help navigate federal programs; find resources in Maine; and resolve issues with Medicare, Social Security, the VA, and other federal agencies and programs. We are here to help: ● Caribou Office: 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 230, Caribou, ME 04736. Phone: (207) 492-6009 ● Lewiston Office: 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. Phone: (207) 241-6767 ● Bangor Office: 6 State Street, Suite 101, Bangor, ME 04401. Phone: (207) 249-7400 I wish you a healthy and prosperous year to come. Respectfully, Dear Friends, I hope this letter finds you well. It’s an honor to continue serving as your representative in Congress, and I take the responsibility very seriously. Thank you for the opportunity to share an update on the work I've been doing for the people of the Second Congressional District. Fisheries: This spring, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) announced a gauge increase for lobsters caught in the Gulf of Maine beginning in January 2025. Maine fishermen warned that this decision is founded on incomplete and inaccurate data. Additionally, this gauge increase could put Mainers at a competitive disadvantage to Canadian fishermen with looser regulations. That’s why I sent a letter to the ASMFC urging them to delay their decision until they can evaluate data with fishermen, whose proactive stewardship provides invaluable insight. I have also submitted an amendment to this year’s funding bill that would block federal funding from being used to implement and enforce a gauge increase. Because of these efforts, the ASFMC made the decision to delay the implementation of this new requirement. I’ll always stand with Maine lobstermen against unfair, unnecessary regulations that threaten their livelihoods and industry. Veterans: The first meeting I attended as an elected official was with a large group of veterans and the former Director of the Maine Bureau of Veterans Services. We discussed a lot, but one issue rose above the rest: how little was being done for Maine veterans who needed treatment for mental health issues or substance use. At the time, there were no in patient treatment beds in Maine, so veterans had to wait for a bed to open up at an out-of-state facility. Fast forward 10 years, through unending red tape, and I’m delighted to report we just broke ground on a treatment facility at the Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta. This was the direct result of the tireless advocacy of veterans from across our state — this win is theirs. Postal Service: This spring, the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) announced plans to consolidate and move some processing operations from the Eastern Maine Processing & Distribution Center in Hampden to Scarborough. This would have caused significant mail delivery delays that disproportionately harm rural communities. That’s why I introduced the Timely Mail Delivery and Postal Services Protection Act, which would have halted this planned consolidation across the country. Following these efforts, the USPS announced they have scrapped their plan entirely. While this is a win for Maine, it is also evidence that we cannot become complacent. That’s why I recently introduced the bipartisan Postmaster General Reform Act , which would establish term limits for the United States Postal Service’s (USPS) postmaster general and require nominations to be confirmed by the Senate. Regardless of the year, one of my top priorities is ensuring I’m accessible to you. My staff and I can help navigate federal programs; find resources in Maine; and resolve issues with Medicare, Social Security, the VA, and other federal agencies and programs. We are here to help: ● Caribou Office: 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 230, Caribou, ME 04736. Phone: (207) 492-6009 ● Lewiston Office: 179 Lisbon Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. Phone: (207) 241-6767 ● Bangor Office: 6 State Street, Suite 101, Bangor, ME 04401. Phone: (207) 249-7400 I wish you a healthy and prosperous year to come. Respectfully,

Jared Golden Member of Congress

Jared Golden Member of Congress

14

2354 R AYBURN H OUSE O FFICE B UILDING W ASHINGTON , DC 20515

C OMMITTEE ON A PPROPRIATIONS S UBCOMMITTEES : I NTERIOR , E NVIRONMENT , AND R ELATED A GENCIES , R ANKING M EMBER A GRICULTURE , R URAL D EVELOPMENT , AND R ELATED A GENCIES M ILITARY C ONSTRUCTION , V ETERANS A FFAIRS , AND R ELATED A GENCIES

P HONE : 202-225-6116 F AX : 202-225-5590

C HELLIE P INGREE C ONGRESS OF THE U NITED S TATES 1 ST D ISTRICT M AINE

WWW . PINGREE . HOUSE . GOV

Dear Friends, As we welcome the New Year, I want to extend my sincerest well wishes for 2025: to you, your loved ones, and your community. I’d also like to share an update on what my team and I have been working on — and how we intend to continue serving Maine’s First District in the next Congress. One year ago, our state was reeling from a series of unprecedented winter storms. Thanks to the efforts of local, state, and federal officials, we’re starting to rebuild. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration approved more than $10.7 million in federal assistance for Maine households, businesses, and homeowners in the months following the storms. In addition, Maine received a $69 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to support the climate-resilience goals outlined in Maine Won’t Wait . More help is needed, no doubt, and I will continue to advocate for the support our state deserves. For more information about available resources, go to Pingree.house.gov/disasterresources. In 2024, $1.7 billion in federal grant funding came to Maine — encompassing everything from conservation efforts and home-heating assistance to resilient infrastructure and affordable housing. My team was able to secure $1.4 million in refunds for Maine taxpayers, along with $639,000 in Social Security benefits. We also helped thousands of constituents file for work permits, veterans benefits, and passports, and wrote countless letters of support on behalf of our constituents. I’m so proud of what we achieved in 2024, and I’m fully committed to building on those accomplishments in the 119 th Congress. As ever, my team and I are ready to assist however we can. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to my Portland office at (207) 774 -5019, or by visiting pingree.house.gov/contact. We’re also happy to provide information related to Congress’s annual Community Project Funding (CPF) process, which allows nonprofits and local governments to apply for federal funding for specific projects. For more info, go to Pingree.house.gov/communityprojectfunding. I’m deeply honored that voters have chosen me to represent them once again in the U.S. Congress. It is a responsibility I will never take lightly — and a privilege I will always cherish.

Sincerely,

Chellie Pingree Member of Congress

2 P ORTLAND F ISH P IER , S UITE 304 P ORTLAND , ME 04101 P HONE : 207-774-5019 F AX : 207-871-0720

108 M AIN S TREET W ATERVILLE , ME 04901 P HONE : 207-873-5713 F AX : 207-873-5717

15

STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001

STATE OF MAINE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 1 STATE HOUSE STATION AUGUSTA, MAINE 04333-0001

Janet T.Mills GOVERNOR

Janet T.Mills GOVERNOR

Dear Maine Resident:

Dear Maine Resident:

I have always been guided by the belief that to strengthen our state, we have to invest in our greatest asset: the people of Maine. With the support of the Legislature, my Administration has been investing in what people need to succeed, like job training, child care, health care, education, broadband, and housing. We are seeing results- small businesses are expanding their operations; people are moving here to work and raise their families; and graduates are staying in Maine to pursue rewarding, life-long careers. These are all encouraging signs that are reflected in the strength of our economy. In fact, Maine has one of the best rates of economic growth in the nation. That's good news, but I know that not everyone is feeling the benefits of our strong economy. The cost of living in Maine, as in much of America, is too high. The price of fuel, the cost of supplies, utilities and labor have driven up expenses for families across the country and impacted the budgets of towns, counties and nearly every state, including Maine. I want everyone to benefit from the availability of good jobs, a good public education, and good health care in our state. That is why I have put forward a balanced budget proposal that proposes some savings and certain targeted revenue increases to maintain things we all support, like the state paying 55 percent of the cost of education and 5 percent municipal revenue sharing, to keep all these costs from being passed along to property taxpayers. We have made good progress over the past six years to ensure that every person in Maine can find a good-paying job in a rewarding and stable career; go to the doctor when they feel sick because they have health insurance; and have the peace of mind that their children are safe at home and at school. I look forward to working with communities and citizens across the state to solve problems, manage our finances, and keep our people healthy and safe. I have always been guided by the belief that to strengthen our state, we have to invest in our greatest asset: the people of Maine. With the support of the Legislature, my Administration has been investing in what people need to succeed, like job training, child care, health care, education, broadband, and housing. We are seeing results- small businesses are expanding their operations; people are moving here to work and raise their families; and graduates are staying in Maine to pursue rewarding, life-long careers. These are all encouraging signs that are reflected in the strength of our economy. In fact, Maine has one of the best rates of economic growth in the nation. That's good news, but I know that not everyone is feeling the benefits of our strong economy. The cost of living in Maine, as in much of America, is too high. The price of fuel, the cost of supplies, utilities and labor have driven up expenses for families across the country and impacted the budgets of towns, counties and nearly every state, including Maine. I want everyone to benefit from the availability of good jobs, a good public education, and good health care in our state. That is why I have put forward a balanced budget proposal that proposes some savings and certain targeted revenue increases to maintain things we all support, like the state paying 55 percent of the cost of education and 5 percent municipal revenue sharing, to keep all these costs from being passed along to property taxpayers. We have made good progress over the past six years to ensure that every person in Maine can find a good-paying job in a rewarding and stable career; go to the doctor when they feel sick because they have health insurance; and have the peace of mind that their children are safe at home and at school. I look forward to working with communities and citizens across the state to solve problems, manage our finances, and keep our people healthy and safe.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Governor

Governor

/'-" . /Qi v. i ,. v .,.- PRINTED ON RECYCLED r,wER TTY USERS CALL 711 www.maine.gov

/'-" . /Qi v. i ,. v .,.- PRINTED ON RECYCLED r,wER TTY USERS CALL 711 www.maine.gov

HONE: (207) 287-353I (Vo1cE)

PHONE: (207) 287-353I (Vo1cE)

FAX: (207) 287-1034

FAX: (207) 287-1034

16

ANNUAL REPORT ADHOC MUNICIPAL COMPLEX ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Terry Dewan Julie Fralich

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

Phoebe Hardesty Katie Hutchinson Carolyn Justice

Steven Libby

Peter Bragdon, Select Board Liaison Code Enforcement Officer, Staff Advisor

ADHOC SEMIQUINCENTENNIAL COMMITTEE

Jessica Farwell Kelly Nichols Barbara Seaver

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

Doug Smith Phil Blake Tom Blake

Linda Chase, Chair

Steven Libby

Stephen Hathorne, Select Board Liaison Town Manager, Staff Advisor

BOARD OF APPEALS

Cristie Barone

Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2028

Norman Chamberlain

Kathleen Potter

Code Enforcement Officer, Staff Advisor

17

ANNUAL REPORT

CIP COMMITTEE

Linda Chase Steven Libby

Term Expires June 2027

Finance Committee Representative Planning Board Representative

Douglas McAtee

Eric Purcell

Term Expires June 2026

Colleen Strickler, Select Board Liaison Town Manager, Staff Advisor

CABLE TV COMMITTEE

Hugh Chapman Richard Erwin Patti Mikkelsen William Welte

Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026

Colleen Strickler, Select Board Liaison

CANDIDATE / REFERENDUM ISSUES COMMITTEE

Kathleen Hutchinson

Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025

Diana Thurston

Library Director, Staff Advisor

COMMUNITY FAIR COMMITTEE

Jennifer Bragdon Jessica Farwell Alana Espeaignette

Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027

Ruth York

Peter Bragdon, Select Board Liaison Parks & Recreation Director, Staff Advisor

18

ANNUAL REPORT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Belinda Desmond Connie Justice Anne Maurice Patricia Vampatella

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2027

Dustin Ward, Select Board Liaison Town Planner, Staff Advisor

ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE

Michael Brakey Sarah Kaplinger Lauren Jordan Diane Lamson

Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2026

Nathan Reimensnyder

Doug Smith

Dustin Ward, Select Board Liaison Parks & Recreation Director, Staff Advisor

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Joe Bean Julie Fralich Karen Gilles

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2027

Jeff Hamilton, Sr. Steven Libby Nick Planson Brian Shedlarski

Peter Bragdon, Select Board Liaison Tammy Donovan, Select Board Liaison Town Manager, Staff Advisor

19

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, Stephen Hathorne Select Board Liaison, Colleen Strickler

Town Manager Town Planner

LAND MANAGEMENT PLANNING COMMITTEE

Belinda Desmond Terry DeWan Michael Joyce Connie Justice Donald Libby Nick Planson Brian Shedlarski Elizabeth Splane

Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025

Tammy Donovan, Select Board Liaison Town Planner, Staff Advisor

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Cristie Barone Peg Becksvoort

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027

Carol Gillis Paul Morin

Cecile Rohrbach

Colleen Strickler, Select Board Liaison Library Director, Staff Advisor Assistance Librarian, Staff Advisor

20

ANNUAL REPORT

PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE

Chris Brassbridge Linda Chase Julie Fralich Diantha Grant Rebecca Klotzle Kathleen Potter Laura Sturgis

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026

Peter Bragdon, Select Board Liaison Parks & Recreation Director, Staff Advisor

PLANNING BOARD

Dan Ellingson Erik Hargreaves Steven Libby Douglas McAtee Brian Shedlarski Julie Tajonera

Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2025

Ryan Tripp

Town Planner, Staff Advisor

NEW GLOUCESTER DIRECTORS SCHOOL ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT #15

Penny Collins Misty Coolidge Adam Copp Gary Harriman Theresa Lacadie

Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2025 Term Expires June 2027 Term Expires June 2026 Term Expires June 2027

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ANNUAL REPORT Town Clerk’s Report

Births……………………………………………………….………56 Marriages……………………………………..…………………..80 Deaths……………………………………………………………...43

Bray, Pauletta A.

02/26/2025

Paone, Stephen Jeffrey 09/14/2024 Parker, Mindy Lynn 12/20/2024 Picard, Lillian Marion 06/28/2025 Randall, John Lear 11/03/2024 Robinson, Brandon J. 01/11/2025 Roy, Matthew John 10/21/2024 Strout, Ann Ellen 10/19/2024 Sullivan, John H. 11/10/2024 Teague, Maxine Ethel 10/10/2024 Thiry, Margaret Louise 05/20/2025 Thurston, Frederick Raymond 08/10/2024 Trask, Rosalie Diane 04/03/2025 Valente, Tracey Pauline 02/17/2025 Warren, Timothy Allen 09/05/2024 White, Beryl Weymouth 06/15/2025 Williams, Robert Henry 05/06/2025 Wlodarczyk, William Robert 08/04/2024

Carr, Paul R. 07/19/2024 Claxton, Gavin Damani 07/04/2024 Corliss, Cindy Lou 02/05/2025 Crain, Marian Janice 07/25/2024 Doughty, Albert Joseph Jr.05/20/2025 Earl, Beth M. 05/25/2025 Frohlich, Reinhard Karl 07/14/2024 Gauvin, Steven Jon 10/15/2024 Gillespie, Theresa M. 04/12/2025 Haskell, Owen 12/26/2024 Hathorne, Bartelo R. 06/15/2025 Hazlett, Elizabeth B. 12/08/2024 Henson, Eric Glenn 02/27/2025 Hodgkin, Luster Bea 01/07/2025 Kolda, Betty L. 06/01/2025 Lavigne, Brian Craig 09/08/2024 LeBlanc, David Richard 10/29/2024 Liese, William Wolfgang 02/10/2025 Mahany, Vincent Tyler 11/06/2024 Mahue, Sue Elaine 12/07/2024 McKee, Andrew Dixon 06/15/2025 Miklovich, Lorraine Estelle 04/26/2025 Miller, Donald Raymond 09/27/2024 Morais, Dianne Joy 11/07/2024 O’Malley, Monique Therese 12/15/2024

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ANNUAL REPORT ASSESSING 2024-2025

TAX RATE: 0.01489 ASSESSMENTS: County Tax

$ 447,916.00

Municipal Appropriation

$6,959,802.00

TIF Financing Plan Amount

$ 323,731.00

Local Educational Appropriation

$6,525,178.00

Overlay

$

4,755.53

Total Assessments

$14,261,382.53

DEDUCTIONS:

State Municipal Revenue Sharing

$ 800,000.00

Homestead Reimbursement

$ 303,021.64

BETE Reimbursement

$ 80,746.77

Other Revenue

$3,494,751.00

Total Deductions

$4,678,519.41

Net Assessment

$9,582,863.12

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ANNUAL REPORT Code Enforcement

Building Permits Electrical Permits Plumbing Permits

161 147 117

$99,608.00 $21,959.00 $18,655.00

Total Permits and Fees Collected 425 $140,222.00 There were permits issued for 29 New Single-Family Dwellings There were permits issued for 12 ADU’s

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. Town of New Gloucester requires electrical, plumbing and building permits. No work shall commence without a permit, the penalty is a delay in permit review, the possibility of work being removed for inspection and a double fee. Please schedule all inspections 24 hours in advance.

Respectfully submitted, Eric Cobb Code Officer

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ANNUAL REPORT Fire & Rescue Department

If 2025 had a theme for New Gloucester Fire Rescue, it would be prog ress. In January, the Department had an interim chief working through budget season, questions surrounding the disposition of our old ambu lance, and an active search for a new fire chief. Throughout the year, hard work and effort from department members and community stakeholders set the stage for continued growth and progress in 2026. 2025 welcomed Ryan Patton as the new Chief of Department. Chief Pat ton comes from Connecticut with a diverse background comprising of ex perience in career firefighting, call company firefighting, and emergency management. Chief Patton has fit in well with our organization, ensuring effective day-to-day operations while pacing change and working on plan ning for the future. We also promoted three lieutenants: Lt. Caleb Cram, Lt. Mike Linteau, and Lt. Nick Hegarty. All three bring leadership and expe rience to the company officer level. New Gloucester Fire Rescue responded to 754 calls for service. This is our busiest year to date and up from 562 calls in 2019. ANNUAL REPORT Fire Rescue Department If 2025 had a theme for New Gloucester Fire Rescue, it would be progress. In January, the Department had an interim chief working through budget season, questions surrounding the disposition of our old ambulance, and an active search for a new fire chief. Throughout the year, hard work and effort from department members and community stakeholders set the stage for continued growth and progress in 2026. 2025 welcomed Ryan Patton as the new Chief of Department. Chief Patton comes from Connecticut with a diverse background comprising of experience in career firefighting, call company firefighting, and emergency management. Chief Patton has fit in well with our organization, ensuring effective day-to-day operations while pacing change and working on planning for the future. We also promoted three lieutenants: Lt. Caleb Cram, Lt. Mike Linteau, and Lt. Nick Hegarty. All three bring leadership and experience to the company officer level. New Gloucester Fire Rescue responded to 754 calls for service. This is our busiest year to date and up from 562 calls in 2019.

EMS and EMS-related calls for service continue to account for our highest percentage of call volume. Nearly 75% of our calls were EMS. We transported 314 patients to local hospitals. Motor vehicle accidents have continued to rise at an alarming rate, up from 75 in 2022 to 107 in 2025. 53% of motor vehicle accidents occurred on Lewiston Road or EMS and EMS-related calls for service continue to account for our high est percentage of call volume. Nearly 75% of our calls were EMS. We transported 314 patients to local hospitals. Motor vehicle accidents have continued to rise at an alarming rate, up from 75 in 2022 to 107 in 2025. 53% of motor vehicle accidents occurred on Lewiston Road or the Maine Turnpike. Ambulance 1 responded to 545 calls and Ambulance 2 (which went in service in August) responded to 33 calls.

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For fire calls, we had five structure fires that were all hands or greater in our community. We also had five vehicle fires and nine outside fires. Additionally, we responded to fourteen mutual aid building fires to work at the scene. New Gloucester Fire Rescue preserved $1,117,345 worth of property due to firefighting efforts in 2025. Engine 2 was our busiest engine, with 164 responses. Engine 3 followed with 131 responses, Utility 1 with 83 responses, Tank 2 with 42 responses, and Tank 1 with 5 responses. In 2025, we provided mutual aid 86 times and received aid 80 times. Of the 80 mutual aid requests, 23 were due to needing a 2nd ambulance. Of those 23 times, only 3 were after Ambulance 2 went in service. Ambulance 2 is not staffed by per diems. If there is a call requesting it, it is staffed by call company staff or administrative personnel (i.e. Fire Chief) on duty. While it is unrealistic to expect every 2nd ambulance call to be handled by the call company, the five months with Ambulance 2 have benefited our Department and our response model. Our Fire Prevention program has continued to grow into a more encom passing model of Community Risk Reduction. Spearheaded by Captain Chris Gill, we continue to have an active presence in our schools and day cares. Additional highlights include a continued partnership with BLING, house numbering, and Stop-The-Bleed classes. Wrapping up another year in review always leaves a space for reflection. One I often think of is the comparison of the fire department to an insur ance policy. Though well intended, it often misses the mark of our mission. While many think of both as an item paid for with the hope of never needing it, the fire department differs in many ways. We are made up of community members. Members who are available nights, weekends, and holidays. Members who work long hours, who miss family meals, who miss games. Our members respond when it is 90 degrees, when it is raining, and when it is snowing. They do not show up after the fact, like insurance, but during the most trying time for many. They insert themselves intimately into the problems of others, many people whom they have never met, to help. While equipment needs, apparatus replacement, and infrastructure up grades attract the biggest conversations, let us not forget the most import ant asset we have: well-trained firefighters and EMS providers. Thank you for your continued support, and we wish everyone a safe 2026.

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ANNUAL REPORT Public Library

The New Gloucester Public Library recognizes the importance of providing exceptional library service and strives to be an essential resource to our community. Mission: The New Gloucester Public Library promotes literacy, lifelong learning, and cultural enrichment by providing quality information resources, services, and programming to all members of the New Gloucester community. Services: Library services include book, audiobook, DVD, puzzle, game, and cake pan borrowing, cloud Library e-book and audiobook borrowing, interlibrary loan requests, technology assistance, in-house laptop/desktop use, printing, copying, scanning, and faxing, free and reduced cost park passes, free internet access, educational and recreational programming for all ages, and outreach with community organizations. Schedule: NGPL is open to the public 33 hours per week: Sunday 11am-3pm, Monday & Tuesday 11am-7pm, Wednesday 11am-5pm, and Thursday 9am-4pm. New Gloucester and Gray residents are eligible for free library cards at both public libraries. This benefit allows residents from both communities to have library access 7 days per week. Thank you, GPL! Use: During FY2025, 8,556 people visited the library. The library created 205 new patron cards. Patrons used 13,454 physical items from the collection and 2,221 digital items. Library patrons requested 365 items to borrow from other libraries. The library website, www.newgloucesterlibrary. org was visited 23,678 times. Collections: The library offers collections for children, teens, and adults in formats including regular print books, large print books, audiobooks, magazines, and DVDs. Patrons have access to online cloud Library e-book and e-audiobook items and the Maine Digital Library databases. In FY2025, the library added 2,053 physical items to the collection. If the library does not have titles you are looking for, please let us know so we can borrow it via ILL or purchase it. In addition to information resources, we also lend puzzles, cake pans, free/discounted passes to parks and museums, and a seed library where you can take or donate seeds. Canoes and kayaks can be borrowed at the library and used on the Royal River; they are provided by the NG Parks and Recreation department.

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Technology: The library offers free internet service in the building and parking lot. There are 4 laptops and a desktop computer available for use. Building: In July of 2024, four sets of shelving for the Children’s Room were installed to make room for chapter books. In September, a security system, cameras, and a panic button were installed. In November, ceiling repair in the main room and teen room was done to prepare for painting after water damage. In October-December, the electrical panel was upgraded, lighting in the walkway areas outside were fixed, and an outlet in the gazebo and entry lights were upgraded to LED. January of 2025, the ceilings in the main room, entrance and the teen rooms were painted. Unexpected ILL Issue: Maine Libraries were notified by the Maine InfoNet System and the Maine State Library on Monday, June 3, 2024 that the interlibrary loan system would be deactivated and request/delivery of books statewide would shut down on Tuesday, June 4, 2024. This was a first ever occurrence in state history due to a contested bid by a vendor. Patrons were able to request and place holds on locally owned items, but could not request materials from other libraries until September 3, 2024. Events and Programs: In FY2025 the library offered 338 programs, with a total participation of 3,187 people. Adult programming included: three monthly general interest book clubs, weekly A Stitchin’ Time: fiber arts program, blanket making, monthly beginner felting, monthly craft night, and adult coloring. Computer classes offered through the National Digital Equity Center included Basic Internet Safety, Identify Frauds & Scams, and Getting News & Information Online. The library hosted author talks by Tim Caverly, Tim O’Brien, Amy Safford, Barbara Ross, David Florig, Lew-Ellyn Hughes, Jessie Dowling, Daniel Mays, and Lewis Robinson. As well as a community concert by Boppa Chua! with Marc and Susan Black. Children’s programming included two weekly story times with Ms. Emily, take it/make it craft kits, and seasonal outdoor story walks. In July and August, as part of the 2024 Summer Reading Program “Read, Renew, Repeat,” the library offered a weekly Crafty Kids art program, two visits from Chewonki Traveling Natural History Programs (Bats of the World and Biomimicry), a weekly book based movie matinee, Mad Science of Maine (Up, Up and Away), Marine Mammals of ME (A Seal’s Journey), Mr. Drew and His Animals Too!, and a coloring contest for the NG Community Fair. Children’s authors/illustrators to visit the library were Mary M. Preble, Ryan L Higgins, and Neesha Hudson! Families celebrated the end of summer reading with an Ice Cream party. In October, Library 4-H meetings returned to monthly meetings. Families dressed in costume during the annual library Halloween party with a spook walk, game playing and treats.

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The library held a Winter Carnival for February vacation week, including Lego building, making wonder spinners, and a movie matinee. During April vacation, the library offered Superhero Week themed games, mask making, slime making, and a movie matinee. In June, “Color Our World” Summer Reading 2025 kicked off with a reading party, author/illustrator Chris Van Dusen, Crafty Kids art program, STEM kids’ science program, and Chewonki Traveling Natural History Program (Animals of Maine). Outreach and Community Engagement: In September, the library and the Friends of the Library each had booths at the New Gloucester Community Fair. In October, the library hosted weekly GNG Community Connector sessions to help community members connect with services and assistance in and around the GNG community. In December, the library coordinated with the NG Historical Society and the Friends of the Library for the annual Tiny Timber tree lighting. Ms. Emily began visiting Rise and Shine Childcare monthly to bring story time to local pre-K children. Ellie began attending the monthly Community Cafe, a GNG Recreation event to interact and help bring library information to community members. In April, the library hosted a seed give-away with the Environmental Resource Committee and the Friends of the Library held a gardening/cookbook pop up book sale. The library staff and two community volunteers took classes to become facilitators for the National Digital Equity Center. This program offered free computer classes to community members held at the library. In May, the library attended Memorial School Spring Family Night signing people up for library cards and making crafts with the kids. Staff: Tonya Kinzer, the library’s first Interlibrary Loan Technician, and the first ever third paid staff member, started working on July 1, 2024. Due to the interlibrary loan shut-down statewide, Tonya charged into helping the adult and children’s programming grow. She created an early release crafternoon for students one Wednesday a month, continued to create take it/make it craft kits for families, started a popular monthly teen and adult evening crafting programs, and created a special four-week holiday gift making program. Once the interlibrary loan system returned to service she picked up that workload as well. Alice Wheeler took over the Interlibrary Loan Technician position on May 19, 2025. In addition to all the interlibrary loan requests from patrons, and book clubs, she has continued creating take it/make it kits and working with students for early release crafternoon programs. Alice has rapport with our families and children and assists with story time in Ms. Emily’s absence. She has brought new ideas for programming in FY2026, including a baby story time!

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