| Joanne Cole |
The April 7 Select Board meeting saw several policies and projects move forward, along with the warrant for the May 5 town meeting. But the highlight of the evening was the dedication of the 229th Annual Report to Kathleen Potter for exemplifying “the highest standard of civic engagement” and honors for the Semiquincentennial Committee’s hard work to mark the Town’s 250th.
On behalf of the board, Chair Dustin Ward read the citation honoring Potter, which called her “a true pillar of our community” and commended her “unwavering community spirit.” Over the years Potter has served on town committees, as a ballot clerk at elections, at Library book and bake sales – even doing traffic control at community events “in her personal safety vest, thoughtfully given to her by the Fire Department,” said Ward.
The board also honored the Semiquincentennial Committee in the Annual Report and at the Meetinghouse, citing their dedication and hard work over more than two years to bring together the Town’s many 250th celebrations. “Their efforts have strengthened our sense of community, honored our past, and truly celebrated New Gloucester,” the commendation said.
250th Committee Chair Linda Chase and Vice Chair Tom Blake listened as Tammy Donovan read the citation honoring the committee. They in turn later thanked the board and others for helping make the year-long series of events a success.
Town tradition calls for surprising the Annual Report honorees, typically with a pretext that gets them to the Meetinghouse. This year was no exception. Potter, Chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee, says that Parks & Rec Director Sarah Rodriguez asked her to attend Monday’s meeting to provide back-up as the board considered a pivotal step in the Fairgrounds bathroom project.
The ruse worked. Potter was not only surprised, “I was overwhelmed,” she told NGX. “To think of all the people who’ve gone before me and gotten the award is overwhelming.” She also took a moment to acknowledge “the many other volunteers in this community” who deserve recognition.
Fittingly, when a call to Potter for comment didn’t yield a quick callback, NGX knew just where to look, finding her serving lemon brownies she’d baked for GNG Rec’s April 9 Community Cafe. (“Start with the online recipe but add more lemon,” advises Potter.)
As for the 250th Committee, the board lured in Chase and Blake with an agenda item asking them to report on any final steps needed to close out the celebration. Since they were there, Blake and Chase actually did update the board, saying that the 250th’s final undertaking–a commemorative book–is well in the works and the committee has enough funds for its publication.
Then it was time for official photos.
Print copies of the annual report are available at Town Hall; an electronic version can be read at this link.
Honors and photos completed, the board made quick work of its business agenda.
Policies approved. With minor edits, they unanimously approved a Fire Rescue Compensation, Meeting and Training Policy and a revised Recreation Facilities rental policy and updated fee schedule. After hearing from Parks & Recreation Director Sarah Rodriguez, the board asked that a carry in, carry out trash policy be added to the facilities rental policy for the Fairgrounds and other locations.
The updated fee schedule is pegged to different classes of users and establishes varying charges—if any—for Town events, community groups, private users and the like. Rodriguez will compile stats on usage going forward.
Fairgrounds project RFP moves forward. With a clarification or two, an RFP for bathrooms and storage at the Fairgrounds also drew unanimous support from the board. Board members were concerned that the bid package be fully inclusive to bring a complete, functional facility in – no overlooked site work, no missed hand dryers. Rodriguez credited Public Works Director Ted Shane, who also oversees buildings and grounds, for his expertise and help developing comprehensive bid documents.
Rodriguez told the board that she’s eager to get the RFP out to contractors to “see if our estimate is the same as a bid. This is the only way to know that.” She added, “I’m excited to discuss it at town meeting and to listen to the feedback from the residents” and, she hopes, start the process of getting the project “to the finish line.” Award of the contract is contingent on voters approving funding at the May 5 Town Meeting. Under the RFP, bids would then be due May 19.
Town Meeting warrant approved. The board walked through the revised proposed warrant for the May 5 annual town meeting article by article, discussing a few points along the way but ultimately making no changes.
Public Works Director Ted Shane had asked the board to increase the department’s FY26 budget to the amount he and Manager Bill Kerbin originally proposed: $1,027,693. The board had trimmed $10,275 from the request and the Finance Committee cut $35,000. As reasons for putting the full original request to voters Shane cited cost overruns this year and anticipated price increases next year. The board let stand the lower amount.
The board also declined to increase the Planning Department budget to match the Finance Committee’s recommended amount: an additional $20,000 intended to help attract applicants for the full-time Planner position open since August. Tammy Donovan and Colleen Strickler favored the increase, but the other three board members prevailed with a ‘let it play out at Town Meeting’ rationale.
Planning services considered. In December the Town contracted with Greater Portland Council of Governments (GPCOG) for part-time planning services as the search for a permanent planner stretched on. This meeting was the occasion for a status check and possible next steps.
Manager Bill Kerbin reported that the arrangement with GPCOG is working well and he’s heard only positive feedback. He recommended continuing with GPCOG for an additional three months while remaining hopeful that a permanent hire will be landed. If that doesn’t happen , the board might revisit the topic and the nature of the work and role, members agreed.
Updates. In updates, Manager Bill Kerbin said an offer is out for the Fire Chief position; he expects to have an announcement soon. Meanwhile, interviews are under way for the open planner and code enforcement officer positions, Kerbin said, and applications are coming in for the part-time library position.
In a sign of almost-spring, Public Works Director Ted Shane said seasonal road postings will be coming down this week – on tarred roads only, alas. Posted gravel roads await true spring.
Watch the video of the Select Board’s April 7, 2025, meeting at this link. Find contact information for Select Board members and links to meeting agendas, minutes and related documents at this link.
